Rep	Dent	Lab.	Pro.
First Ward Second Ward Third Ward Fourth Ward Ottawa Totals	364 429 105 210 15 1173	310 282 381 139 18 1130	14 4 3 5 26	1 2 1 4

The October vote on supreme judge was 1,164 Democratic and 1,126 Republican. This would show a Democratic loss of thirty-four in votes, and a Republican increase of forty-seven. In October the Democratic majority in the city was thirty-eight, and in November the Republican majority was forty-three, being a net Republican gain of eighty-one. 482 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. The question of constructing a system of water works was brought before the people, on November 4, 1884, with the following result :

	Yes	No.	Maj
First Ward Second Ward Third Ward Fourth Ward	354 427 251	277 215 214	77 212 37 3
Majority for Water-works,			329

J. D. Cook, the hydraulic engineer, estimates the expenses of waterworks for Lima at $190,000, which includes nineteen and three-fourth miles of pipe, with special castings, valves, hydrants, building, pumps, engines, boilers, reservoir, and $11,500 for incidentals and engineer's salary. PIONEER SKETCHES. Lima, as the county seat, monopolizes, as it were, a great deal of the pioneer history of the county. For this reason every chapter of the general history of the county contains many and lengthy allusions to her old settlers, as well as to pioneers of other divisions of the county, who were also identified with the history of settlement and progress. From the reminiscences of Robert Bowers, the following sketch of Lima in early days is taken: "My father brought me to Lima in the fall of 1834. I was then a boy of twelve years of age, and as green as the forest leaves in June—a rare specimen to transplant on new and untried soil, where there was nothing to develop the mind but the study of forest leaves, the music of the bullfrog and the howl of the wolf. Every boy or girl was their own instructor, and the spelling schools that were held by appointment and imposed upon our fathers by turns, were our highest academical accomplishments, and unfortunately for myself I never even graduated at them. Lima was then a town of very few souls. I cannot say how many, but I knew every man, woman, and child in the settlement, and could count them all without much figuring. We had here at that time the land office, two hotels, two shoe shops, two tailors, five stores, where you could buy whisky and such things as a country store usually keeps, two furniture stores, two tanneries, one wheelwright. one reed factory, one millinery store, three doctors, one hat store, one pottery, two smith shops. No newspaper office, no outlet or inlet either by rail or earth. In the spring we traveled below, in summer we traveled on top. Our roads were trails and section lines. Emi- OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 483 grants were constantly changing the trails, seeking better and dryer land for their footing and wheeling. Yet, under all our disadvantages, we were happy, and always ready to lend a helping hand and render assistance wherever it was needed. The latch-string was always out, and often the last pint of meal was divided regardless where the next would come from." In 1880 the hate John Cunningham repeated his reminiscences of olden times to Mr. Harrison, who was then compiling an atlas of the county. The facts which he gave deal with the minutiae of history, and are, on that account, most valuable. Mr. Cunningham thinks he was among the earliest school teachers in the town, having taught in 1834, in the old log court house. He is of opinion that Dr. Samuel Black, and Miss McCoy, who married John Kelly; Miss Page, now Mrs. William Cunningham, were also about that time teachers. These schools were taught in old buildings, the court house, and other convenient places. There were then no schoolhouses. Miss Emeline S. Holloway, now Mrs. Cunningham, J. W. Thomas, and Miss Rose, were early teachers in Lima. Mr. Cunningham taught four years. The first mill was built by Jacob Hindel and Abel Tompkins in 1834. They built a grist and saw-mill southwest of Lima, on the Ottawa : the grist-mill had two ran of buhrs. William Scott built a saw-mill about the same time in 1834, near town. Alexander Beaty was a blacksnith and bell-maker in town. C. Baker and James Anderson were merchants; James Peltier, a Frenchman, also. The taverns were kept by John Bashore and J. P. Mitchell. The taverns were then two, one on the corner of the square and Market Street, Mitchell; and Bashore on South Main ; both log buildings. Daniel Musser owned the first tannery. H. Watt was the first shoe-maker ; John Keller the first saddler ; Drs. William Cunningham and William McHenry the first physicians. Dr. Cunningham died in 1843. At the time of the election of representative to the Legislature, Allen County was attached to Shelby. Mr. Cunningham's family resides upon the north banks of the Ottawa River, just on the south margin of Lima. Mrs. 0. W. Smith, his daughter, states that the new union school system was adopted in 1856, in Lima, and the western building erected in 1858. In 1856 the school was conducted in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Dr. W. W. Littlefield, superinten- 484 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. dent, until the completion of the high school building. The building cost about $20,000. In 1860, a college course of four years was adopted for graduating scholars. The school was then under the superintendence of Prof. William Shaw. The first class graduated in 1864, and graduated three scholars. The school was ably conducted until 1871, when the new building in the east part of the city was built, costing $46,000. The school since then has been a success, and has now enrolled about 2,000 scholars, mostly in attendance, requiring the services of about twenty-four teachers, at a heavy cost. Mr. Cunningham states that the land office was first at Piqua, next at Wapakonetta, and in 1834 removed to Lima, and Gen. William Blackburn was the receiver. SCHOOLS. In 1834, the late John Cunningham instituted a school in the pioneer court house, which he conducted until 1838. Dr. Samuel Black presided over a school about this time, while Miss McCoy and Miss Page were also engaged in teaching. So that within the first decade of the existence of the village, the cause of secular education was ably espoused. On the organization of the common school system, the subscription schools ceased. The new order of affairs met the warm approval of the people. In 1856 a union school, with Dr. W. W. Littlefield as principal, was opened in the basement of the old Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued there until the completion of the West Side schoolhouse in 1858. In 1871 the East Side schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $46,000. The condition of the schools of Lima, in 1884, is portrayed in the following abstract of reports. The revenues in 1884 were $38, 293.84; expenditures, $19,958.77. There are three school buildings, valued at $110,000. The number of pupils enrolled is 1859, 913 boys, and 946 girls; 106 are belonging to the high school department. Thirty-two teachers are employed, who, with superintendent, received $12,165 as salary during the year. The superintendents of the Lima schools, since the office was established, are named as follows: W. W. Littlefield, 1855-57; Rev. P. G. Stierwalt, 1857-58; Wilhelm, 1858-59; William A. Shaw, 1859-61; Rev. Charles Gibbs, 1861-62; John Hanson, 1862-65; Charles Baker, 1865-66; Dr. George A. Gotwald, three weeks in March, 1866; S. A. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 485 Foose, 1866-67; W. E. Crosby, 1867-69; G. W. Walker, 1869-84; and J. M. Greenslade, the present superintendent. CHURCHES. The first religious societies of Lima were the Methodist Episcopal organized by Rev. Mr. Gurley, and the Presbyterian, by Rev. James Cunningham, and Rev. Thomas Clark, in 1833. In 1834, Rev. William Chaffee organized the Baptist Church. In 1846 the Sanguinist Fathers sent one of their number to Lima to establish the mission of St. Rose, although Rev. Mr. Stallo came to the settlement so early as 1831, and made a short stay there. In 1855 Rev. Paul G. Stierwalt established the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1860 Rev. P. Greding introduced, and in 1863, Rev. George Retting founded the German Evangelical Lutheran Society. In 1862, Rev. Grafton Graham founded the African Methodist Church. David S. Cross and others founded the Church of Christ in 1869; and in 1872 the Protestant Episcopal Society was founded by Rev. Mr. Hall. Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The First Methodist Episcopal class in Lima,. Ohio, was founded in October, 1833, with but a few members, of whom but one remains—Mr. fluid Watt. The society was organized by James B. Findlay, and John Alexander, missionaries on the St. Mary's Mission. The first services were held in the old court house; a log building, still standing on South Main Street, and for a number of years occupied by J. F. Cole and family as a dwelling-house. In 1837, the society having added largely to its members, erected a frame church at the rear end of the lot, at the southwest corner of Union and Market Streets. This building is now used as a dwelling, having been removed to the opposite side of Union Street, near Spring. The Lord continuing to bless our beloved Zion, a larger church was found to be necessary, and in 1852 a more commodious building was erected at the front corner of the church lot. This was used as a place of worship until the year 1871, when the present handsome brick edifice at the northwest corner of Market and Elizabeth Streets, was built, at a cost, including its appurtenances, of about $50,000, and dedicated by Rev. Bishop Foster, March 12, 1876.—Text: Romans I, 20. The present beautiful parsonage, built at the rear of the church lot, 486 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. and fronting on Elizabeth Street, was designed by G. B. F. Cooper, architect, and built by Mr. Davis in the summer of 1882, at a cost of about $6,000, making this the finest church property in the Central Ohio Conference, if not in the State. Church membership, 600. Sabbath- school enrollment, 350. Presiding elders of the church since its organization : Revs. W. H. Rapier, L. B. Gurley, John James, Elner Yoakum, James Kellan, W, J, Wells, Hiram M. Shaffer, E. C. Gavit, Francis Mariott, S. L. Roberts, C. F. Berry, L. NI. Albright and J. Francis Davies. Pastors : Revs. A. Harmount, S. K. Hard, S. Moore, J. M. Holmes, J. K. Wykes, S. H. Alderman, J. M. Moore, W. Winters, O. Kennedy, I. R. Henderson, L. C. Webster, E. A. Berry, Dr. I. Newton, Dr. P. E. Donaldson, J. Francis Davies and Richard Wallace. Secretary, since 1869, H. Parham. Grace Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the latest evidences of the growth of Methodism in this county. A few years ago Trinity Church was considered large and convenient enough to accommodate all the members of this faith in Lima and neighborhood, but the extension of the city, the opening of new industries, and consequent increase of population, have all contributed to render the establishment of a new society and the building of a new church a matter of necessity. Rev. A. Harmount, the first pastor of the Trinity Church in 1852, is now preacher in charge. Liberty Chapel, of the Methodist Church Society, was built in 1881, and dedicated November 27, that year, by Rev. J. Wykes, pastor. John Hedges was trustee. African Methodist Church was organized in 1862, by Rev. G. Graham, with James Robinson and Patrick Howard and their wives. Rev. H. J. Andrews was the first pastor. In 1863 this society purchased the old schoolhouse, which was fitted up as a church, and used until 1875. During this year the old building, known as the Presbyterian Church was purchased by Rev. Reuben Clark (who was then pastor), for $1,600. This building is still in use by the colored Methodists. First Presbyterian Church was founded by Revs. James Cunningham and Thomas Clark, August 21, 1833, with nine female and five male members. Alex. Beatty and John Jameson were the elders. In 1834, OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 487 this society erected a brick house on West Elm Street, which was used until 1845, when a frame house was erected on Elizabeth and Spring Streets. The roster of members of the Presbyterian Church in January 16, 1838, is as follows: Amos Alfred, C. H. Adgate, Ad. Boyd, Andrew Budd, Elias Bowers, Caleb Baldwin, Byrom Baldwin, Griffith Breese, George Breese, Samuel Black, L. A. Ballantine, John Bashore, Alex. Beatty, Samuel and John Cobean, Samuel A. and John Clippinger, Dr. "William Cunningham, John Cunningham, and William Cunningham, Jr., John Carlisle, Matthew Dobbins, William Dowling, L. H. Dutton, D. D. Tompkins, Hamilton Davison, Benjamin Davison, Jacob Flemmin, Eliza French, Margaret Gibber, William Hunter, Manuel Hover, J. Hover, St. Clair Hover, Anson H. Holloway, Anson M. Hadsell, E. Hover, Thomas Kennedy, James McCullough, Matt. H. McCullough, William McKibben, Jacob Miller, Samuel Miller, Clarkson Keve, Mary Poage, Charles H. Rose, John Russell, Hugh Skilling, Leonore Skilling, Moses Smith, James Slater, Charles Stukey—Binkley, Levi Saint, Daniel Shuler, Mariah Van Dotson, John and Joseph Ward, Samuel Watt,—McFarland, V. D. H. Williams, George G. Poage, John Carlisle, Burgess Dickey. In February, 1855, the New School Presbyterians withdrew from the First Church, organized February 19, by a committee of the Dayton Presbytery, and the same year erected a small house of worship on West Street. In November, 1834, the Old School Presbyterians, numbering fifty-four, withdrew from the first church, and formed what was known as the Central Presbyterian Church. In 1869 the New School Presbyterians reunited with the first church, and the name Union Presbyterian Church was adopted. In September, 1872, the Old School Presbyterians returned to the original church. First Presbyterian Church was reorganized September 16, 1872, composed of the Central or New School, and the original society, with Rev. John Kelly, pastor; Matthew Dobbins,* John Cunningham,* R. G. Stockton, J. R. Hughes, S. R, Badeau, M. H. McCullough, J. H. Dague, John B. Haller, William Armstrong* and Abram Boyd, elders. J. H. Dague, clerk. The names marked with a star are deceased. The present elders are D. W. Walker, Rice A. Roberts, S. A. Badeau, J. H. Dague, J. R. Hughes and Abram Boyd. Mr. Dague has served as clerk since reorganization. 488 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. The present church building on Market and West Streets was begun in 1879, and dedicated July 4, 1880. In May, 1879, a committee was was appointed to sell the old church lot and purchase a new lot. In June, Mr. Faurot bought the old building lot, etc., for $5,600; subsequently a sum of $10,000 was raised, and a building committee was appointed viz: J. R. Hughes, Chairman; T. T. Mitchell, T. K. Jacobs, J. H. Dague, George Jameson, clerk. Jacob R. Mowen was contractor. The lot and building, etc.,cost about $22,000. The stained windows were supplied by Wells Bros. of Chicago. The architect was Mr. Grosvenor of Jackson, Mich. The members number 326, the membership of Sunday School is -about 300. Of this school Rev. Mr. Hall is superintendent since 1879. The pastors of the First Presbyterian Church have been-Rev. George Sheldon, 1834; Rev. George G. Poage, 1838; Rev. William McGookin, 1839; Rev. J. M. Crabb, 1840; Rev, John McKenney, 1848; Rev. R. M. Badeau, 1849; Rev. Henry B. Fry, 1856; Rev. Thomas P.Johnson, 1858; Rev. H. B. Fry, 1859; Rev. Mr. Marshall, pro tem. ; Rev. Samuel Ramsey, 1864; Rev. 0. M. Todd, 1866; Rev. William M. Claybaugh, 1868; Rev. John Daniels, 1870; Rev. J. S. Kemper, 1872; Rev. I. M, Hall, 1875. Rev. A. T. Robertson is present pastor of the Main Street Presbyterian Church. Lima Presbytery was represented in the Ohio Presbytery at Cincinnati, October, 1884, by the following named gentlemen: Rev. John A. Meeks, Findlay, Ohio; Rev. William R. Spence, Sidney, Ohio; Rev. John H. Sherrard, Delphos, Ohio; Rev. Benjamin J. Brown, Bluffton, Ohio; Rev. Alexander J. Robertson, Lima, Ohio; Elder Henry Byall, Findlay, Ohio; Elder D. C. Kemp, Ada, Ohio; Elder Hugh Thompson, Sidney, Ohio; Elder T. S. Gilliland, Van Wert, Ohio; Elder D. H. Robinson, Celina, Ohio. Central Presbyterian Church (0. S.) was organized November 8, 1864, by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lima, of whom fifty-seven joined the new church. The elders elected were Abram Boyd, M. H. McCullough, James Chenoweth and William Armstrong, with Mr, McCullough, clerk. Rev. Thomas P. Johnston was first pastor, 186469. Rev. Mr. Kelly succeeded to the pastorate in February, 1870. He also presided over Little Grove Church in Bath Township until suc- 489 - PICTURE OF J. B. CHIPMAN 490 - BLANK OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 491 ceeded by Rev. J. S. Kemper, of Dayton. This society erected a brick house of worship in 1865 on Main, near High Street. In 1872 the Central Society was merged into the old society, Presbyterian Mission Church was founded June 12, 1875, by Revs. Thomas Elcock, John B. Strain and Elder Dobbins. Thomas Dobbins, Joshua Jamieson and J. A. Hover were elected trustees; John Cunningham, J. W. Waters and James Harper, elders. The church building on Pearl Street was erected three years after organization. Baptist Church. —The following history of this society is based on the records of the church, and for this reason, it is taken from Mr. Harrison's historical sketch: "The First Baptist Church of Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, was organized January 25, 1834, with twenty-six members, to wit: James Daniels, Rhoda Daniels, William Chenoweth, Ann Chenoweth, James Johnson, Ellen Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Thomas Hawthorn, Mira Hawthorn, Betsy Terry, Nancy Daniels, Sarah Chalmers, Benjamin M. Daniels, Barzillai Osborn, Elizabeth Osborn, Samuel Lippencott, Elizabeth Lippencott, John Lippencott, Nancy Lippencott, Samuel B. Lippencott, Phebe Lippencott, Phebe Homan, William Chaffee, Abigail Chaffee, Samuel Homan and Sally Homan. Rev. William Chaffee was their first pastor. The church was admitted to membership in the Mad River Association in August, 1834. Services were held in the old court house till the 18th of October, that year,at which time a new house of worship was completed and occupied. A request by the Presbyterian society for the use of the church on certain days, commencing on the first Sabbath in November of that year, was unanimously granted. This building was a frame structure, and still stands on the corner of Union and Spring Streets, used as a dwelling. About 1856 a new location was purchased on the west side of Tanner Street, between Market and High Streets, and the substantial brick edifice now in use was erected thereon, and dedi- cated to the worship of God in June of that year. The present member. ship is 216. The following pastors have been in charge: Revs. William Chaffee, James French, Daniel Thomas, J. Dinkerman, D. Beemis, J. C. Armstrong, G. L. Stevens, J. L. Moore, J. M. Chapman, C, A. Clark, James Sykes, A. G. Kirk, M. W. Holmes. J. B. Cook took charge in June, 1877. Rev. D. B. Cheney is the present pastor (1885)." 29 492 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Second Baptist (colored) is comparatively a modern organization, with a very limited membership. Church of St. Rose (Catholic) may be said to have been founded in 1846, when the fathers of that illustrious society, denominated Sanguinists, first celebrated mass in this county. Service was held in the house of Mr. O'Connell, many people coming a distance of fifteen miles through the wilderness to participate in the sacrifice. Father Sheehan, then priest of Tiffin, Ohio, visited the scattered families in and around Lima subsequently. During the building of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and other roads, there was a large addition to the Catholic population. From 1850 to 1855 those Catholic settlers were attended by Father Sullivan, of Tiffin, and Father Matthias Krieusch, of Westminster, alternately. Father Krieusch, observing the increase of this pioneer congregation, suggested the necessity of a house of worship, but met with much discouragement and disappointment. In 1854 many of the Catholics moved westward, which was a serious blow to the church at Lima. The priest, however, was not discouraged; he entered with greater energy into the work of church building, and with the subscriptions, which he collected from Catholic and Protestant alike, erected the first church edifice in 1857, a brick building, 34x40, on Ottawa Road. Many objected to the proportions of the building, and were not slow to assert that never would the congregation be sufficiently large to fill the church. However, within a short time, facts proved the judgment of Father Krieusch in this matter, to be correct. Rev. Michael Prendergast came to Lima, December 5, 1858. Father Patrick Henneberry, known as Father Patrick, succeeded Rev. M. Prendergast immediately after the coming of the latter, and rendered great services to religion by his sermons on the duty of total abstinence. From 1855 to 1861 Lima was attended by priests of the Order of Sanguinists. Rev. A. J. Murphy was appointed first resident pastor October 19, 1861. His name is familiar to all the early settlers of Lima and neighborhood, for the services which he rendered. He purchased all the property of the church at Lima, and paid for it, a difficult matter at that time. He built an addition to the church of 1857, and also built the first Catholic schoolhouse at Lima. In 1863 he was called to other fields of duty by Bishop Rappe, amid the regrets of all the people. In 1863 Rev. James O'Rielly took charge of the parish. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 493 Even in his time it was evident that a larger church building should be erected. He selected a site for the present church, collected a building fund, and had every preparation made to enter on erecting a church after his own plans, when he was called to Cleveland. In 1864 Rev. A. R. Sedley was appointed priest. During his administration the present church building was erected at a cost of $30,000, including the bell (which is one of the heaviest used in the diocese), the high altar, and the organ, He moved the old school building to its present site, built a large addition to it, and reorganized the school, with the Sisters of St. Francis teachers. He was called to a more important field of labor, commensurate with his executive ability, in July, 1876. It is impossible to detail the labors and sacrifices made by those zealous priests in the cause of humanity. The people of Lima are witnesses of their works. In July, 1876, Rev. F. J. Henry was appointed priest of the parish. At that time the congregation was bound by a heavy debt. Through the liberality of the people, and the administrative ability of the pastor, this debt was cleared off in 1882, and the title to one of the finest ecclesiastical properties in the diocese was handed over to the councilmen of the parish. Father Henry also erected the Sisters' residence in 1880-81, and completed this building at a cost of about $6,000. In 1883 a frame schoolhouse was erected at a cost of about $1,500, the old school building was raised, while about $2,000 has been expended on the church building, pews, side altars, etc. The congregation numbers about 1,000 members. The number of children attending school is 400. There are five sisters employed to preside over the girls' and junior boys' school, while Mr. McLaughlin presides over the senior boys' school. The laymen closely allied with the founding and progress of the church at Lima are worthy of special mention, viz., James Purtell, Nicholas Gunkel (who donated the site for the first church), William Kennifick, John O'Connor, William and Daniel Finn, Thomas Fitzgerald, James Langan, Anthony Myer, Michael Doyle, Simon Lawler, Peter O'Neil, L. Ferkel, Philip Klaus, Ed and John Dunne, Thomas Callaghan, Thomas Duffield, John P. Sullivan, John Morris, Henry O'Brien and H. O'Brien, Jr., Frank and Michael Dugan, Thomas Kavil, George Feltz, and others. Evangelical Lutheran Church (Zion) was organized May 2, 1855, by Paul G. Stierwalt, and a small frame school building purchased a little 494 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. later which was the society's church until 1865, when the present building was erected. According to the old records Hiram Stotts and John Meilley were elders, and Samuel Hook and Mathias Ridenour deacons in 1855. The number who signed the agreement was 150. Among the pioneer members the following names occur: Michael Roider, 1845; Catherine Helsel and Eliza Beery were admitted by confirmation in 1847; Jacob Roider in 1848 and Mary Roider in 1854. Among the original members were George W. Overmyer, M. C. Overmyer, George Roush and wife, Daniel Heindel and wife, Sophia Kimmer, Henry Roush and wife, Joseph Roush and wife, Henry Boose and wife (1856), Barbara Boop, Henry Reel and wife (1858), Jacob Roider (1848), Mary Roider (1854). Rev. C. H. Eckhart is pastor. United Brethren Church, on Union and Spring Streets, erected in 1882, was dedicated December 31, of that year, by Bishop J. Weaver. Rev. D. N. Howe was pastor. Church of Christ was organized December 2, 1869, by Elder W. S. Moore, with the following namedoriginal members: D. S. Cross, Francis M. Hall, Esther Hall, A. E. Dixon, A. P. Dixon, E. J. Maguire, Kaziah Lurney, W. H. Harper, S. K. Cross, H. W. Lewis, M. E. Lewis, Byron Hall, N. N. Dixon, T. A. Udall, Jennie Barber, Lydia Maguire. The pastors since 1871 were Elder G. M. Kemp, Elder W. J. Lhamon and Elder H. Cogswell, the present pastor. The secretaries who have served the society are R. Spencer, D. Murray and W. C. Boggs. There are 150 members. The property is valued at $6,000, including the brick house of worship constructed by J. R. Mowen and D. J. Shuler from plans by W. C. Boggs. Protestant Episcopal Church was formally organized in 1872 by Rev. Mr. Hall, of Piqua, with William B. Gorton, Frances L. Gorton and Mary Gorton, original members. The pastors who have had charge of the mission since Mr. Hall's time are Revs. Waynesburgh, C. S. Bates, Kemp, Chittenden, Avis, Taylor and the present rector, Rev. J. B. Pitman. A house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1879 at a cost of $6,000. The present membership of the society is twenty. The trustees are W. B. Gorton and Robert Mehaffey; vestrymen are Gorton, Vogle, Myers, Gray, W. Mehaffey, Robert Mehaffey and William Lowe; wardens are Messrs. Gorton and Vogle. Up to 1883 when Rev. Mr. Pit- OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 495 man was appointed pastor, the church cannot be said to have had a permanent organization. German Evangelical Reformed Lutheran Church was founded September 5, 1863, by Rev. George Betting, Karl Amelung and J. J. Houtzer were elected elders; Christian Rothe and August Gebhard, deacons; William Schnug, H. Betz and M. Herold, trustees. The pastors who succeeded Mr. Retting, were Rev. William Fenneman, C. Pluess, C. F. Waldecker and J. H. Stepler, Rev. P. C. Beeman is now pastor of this church. Three years after organization the house of worship on West Wayne Street, was erected, and nine years later the parsonage was built. St. Paul's Lutheran Church was founded at Lima, a few years ago. Rev. J. G. Neiffer is pastor of the church. Reformed English Church is one of the old church organizations of Lima. Rev. W. A. Long is the present pastor. During his pastorate, December 16, 1863, their house of worship was dedicated. The Universalists, Disciples, Quakers (or Friends), Free-Will Baptists, Mennonites, Dunkards, Unitarians, Swedenborgians, Protestant Methodists, Southern Methodists, Congregationalists, Spiritualists, and a few Latter-Day Saints are found here in this city of Lima, but without religious organization, and even a pair of heathen Chinese. POSTOFFICE. The postoffice at Lima was established February 1, 1832, with Lewis Srouf, postmaster. At that time the business amounted to little over $500 per annum. To-day the receipts amount to about $60,000. In April, 1832, John Ward was appointed; in June, Henry Lippencott; in April, 1833, Charles Baker, who served until November 8, 1837, when William Cunningham was commissioned; in April, 1839, John W. Thomas; in July, 1841, John B. Wamsley; in May, 1843, Samuel A. Baxter; in December, 1844, B. A. Satterthwait; in April, 1851, John Keller; in June, 1853, Samuel Sanford; in September, 1856, Orrin Curtiss; in March, 1861, John R. Beatty; in October, 1861, Cornelius Parmenter - re-appointed in March, 1865; was succeeded by William H. Harper in March, 1867. In April, 1869, Mr. Parmenter was again commissioned postmaster, re-appointed in March, 1873, and served until November 8, 496 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. 1877, when George P. Waldorf, the present incumbent of the office, took charge. Mr. Woldorf was commissioned April 11, 1877. The office became a Presidential gift March 11, 1865, and was raised to the second class, July 11, 1879. In March, 1880, the present office was opened. PRESS. The newspaper press of the city is represented by the Gazette, a Republican weekly journal, edited by C. Parmenter; the Democrat, a Democratic journal, edited by Mr. Timmonds; the Republican, a morning newspaper, and the Weekly Republican, are published by Messrs. Long, , Winder and Porter, members of the Republican Printing Company; the Times, an evening journal, and the Weekly Times, edited by 0. B. Selfridge, Jr. These papers are compiled with care. (See History of Press). MASONIC HISTORY. Charity Lodge of Lima was organized under dispensation January 1, 1851, with the following charter officers and members : Orrin Curtiss, W. M. ; D. H. Anderson, S. W.; Samuel A. Baxter, J. W.; Ezekiel Hover, treasurer ; John H. Meily, recorder; Thomas K: Jacobs, S. D.; Zenas Bates, J. D.; E. S. Linn, T.; L. W. Turner, Michael Leatherman, L. Eversole, S. W. Besse, Andrew Shindler, James Chenoweth. October 28, 1851, the lodge was chartered as Lima Lodge, No. 205, S. C. Preston of Delphos Lodge instituting. Phineas Edgecomb and S. W. Washburn took their places as officers. R. Dove was elected secretary in 1853. The Worshipful Masters and Recorders of Lima Lodge, since 1854, are named in the following roll: 1854, Daniel Swalley, L. H, Anderson; 1855, Orrin Curtiss, R. Metheany; 1856, Benjamin F. Metcalf, Jason R. Hanna; 1857, A. N. Smith, Milton Scott; 1858,D. H. Anderson, E. G. Hamilton; 1859, Lyman C. Hurd, John Melhorn; 1860, A. N. Smith, C. Metheany; 1861, George W. Overmyer, C. A. Metheany; 1862, George W. Overmyer, Shelby Taylor; 1863-64, D. C. P. Tirrill, J. M. Haller; 1865, George W. Overmyer, J. M. Haller; 1866, George W. Overmyer, S. J. Brand; 1867, George W.Overmyer, R. Metheany; 1868-69, C. A. Metheany, L. M. Meily; 1870-71, D. S. Fisher, George W. Overmyer; 1872-73, Garrett Wykoff, George W. Overmyer; 1874, Corbin I. Neff, George W. Overmyer; 1875, Corbin I. Neff, G. W. Walker; 1876, Garrett Wykoff, G. W. Walker; OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 497 1877-78, George W. James, Shelby Taylor; 1879-80, E. H. Johns, Shelby Taylor; 1881, William M. Bates, Shelby Taylor; 1882, William M. Bates, A. C. Reichelderfer; 1883-84, James McBeth, A. C. Reichelderfer. The elections of November, 1884, resulted in the choice of the following officers :-George W. Myers, W. M.; W. J. Hill, senior warden; George P. Connors, junior warden; John Roush, treasurer; A. C. Reichelderfer, secretary; Frank Polser, senior deacon; W. H. Pockmire junior deacon; G. Wykoff, tyler. Samuel Havil was elected trustee for the term of three years. 68 members. Lima Chapter No. 49, was organized under dispensation, May 7, 1852, and chartered October 21, 1852, with the following members: Orrin Curtiss, D. H. Anderson, S. W. Washburn, Thomas Milligan, Eli Bond, Daniel Swalley, D. C. Le Rue, Charles S. Rose and Alden Bessee. Orrin Curtiss was H. P. ; D. H. Anderson, N. B. Howard, secretary. The officers served until 1855, when Thomas Milligan was elected H. P.; Orrin. Curtiss, secretary. In 1856 Thomas Milligan was re-elected P., and Jason Hanna, secretary; In 1857, Eli Bond, H. P., and Richard Metheany, secretary, were elected. Eli Bond, H. P., and T. T. Mitchell, secretary, were elected in December, 1858. In 1859, Eli Bond was re-elected, and George W. Overmyer elected secretary. The officers for 1860 were Eli Bond, H. P., and C. Halladay, secretary. In 1861, Eli Bond, was H. P. and C. Halladay, secretary. Milton Scott, H. P. and James Mackenzie, secretary, served in 1862. Those officers were re-elected for 1863. D. C. P. Terrill and Theodore Mayo were elected H, P. and secretary, respectively, for 1861, and re-elected for 1865. The H. P. for 1866 was D. C. P. Terrill. and secretary; George W. Overmyer. They were reelected for 1867. In 1865, George W. Overmyer served as H. P. and W. G. Nichols. secretary. In 1869 Mr. Overmyer was H. P. and S. A. Baxter, secretary. They also served in 1870 and again in 1871. D. C. P. Terrill was elected H. P. for 1872. and S. A. Baxter secretary. In 1873 C. Halladay served as H. P. and George W. Overmyer as secretary; and also in 1874. The H. P. was re-elected for 1875 with G. W. Walker. secretary, George W. Overmyer, H. P., and G. W. Walker, secretary, served in 1876. E. H. Johns and Shelby Taylor filled the offices. respectively. in 1877 and 1878. Garrett Wykoff was elected H. P. and S. Taylor secretary for 1879. and re-elected for 1880. 498 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. In 1881, W. K. Boone and Shelby Taylor filled the respective offices. In 1882, Garrett Wykoff and A. C. Reichelderfer served as H. P. and secretary, and were re-elected for 1883. George W. Walker was elected H. P. for 1884, with Mr. Reichelderfer, secretary. There are eighty_ eight members belonging to this chapter. Lima Council, No. 20, was organized under Charter, October 13,1854, with Eli Bond, William L. Hartley, D. H. Anderson, Thomas Milligan, S. F. Heffner, George Arnold, A. Youngkin, Alden Bessee, W. C. Gallagher. Eli Bond was G. M, and D. H. Anderson, D. G. M. June 7,1854, a temporary organization was effected under dispensation. The T. I. G. M. since organization are named as follows : Eli Bond, 1854-59 ; Milton Scott 1859-61; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1861-63 ; C. Halladay, 1863-71; C. I. Neff, 1870-72 ; D. S. Fisher, 1872-74 ; E. H. Johns, 1875-77 ; G. W. Walker, 1877-80 ; Garrett Wykoff, 1880-81 ; E. H. Johns, 1881-84. The secretaries since organization were N. B. Howard, C. N. Lamison, George W. Overmyer, N. B. Howard, Theo. Mayo, J. M. Haller, D. S. Fisher, S. W. Baxter, George W. Overmyer, G. W. Walker, Shelby Taylor, A. C. Reichelderfer, 1882-85. The membership is eighty-nine with hall in Masonic Chapel. Shawnee Commandery, No. 14, was organized under dispensation, November 14, 1855, with Eli Bond, G. C.; Lyman C. Hurd, G.; David Swalley, C. G. The charter was granted October 16, 1857. The Eminent Commanders since organization are named as follows : Eli Bond, 1855-60 ; A. N. Smith, 1860-63 ; Milton Scott, 1863-67 ; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1867-72 ; George W. Overmyer, 1872-74 ; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1874-77; Calvin Halladay, 1877-80; G. W. Walker, 1880; W. K. Boone, 1881-82 ; L. Reichelderfer, 1882-84. Recorders : S. J. Brand, C. Halladay, S. Lisle, Theo. Mayo, Orrin Curtiss, George W. Overmyer, James Irvine, Samuel A. Baxter, Jr., G. W. Walker, Shelby Taylor, A. C. Reichelderfer, 1880-84. The officers for 1885, are Ern. Commander, L. Reichelderfer ; Generalissimo, G. Wykoff ; Capt. General, W. K. Boone ; Prelate, G. W. Overmyer ; Sen. Warden, E. H. Johns ; Jun. Warden, W. H. Standish ; Treasurer, John Roush ; Recorder, A. C. Reichelderfer ; Sword Bearer, W. E. Gray ; Standard Bearer, W. L. Scott ; Warder, S. S. Yoder. The commandery comprises 183 members. Calvin Halladay, is G. J. W. of the G. C. of Ohio, elected in 1884. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 499 The Masons built the third story of the present city building, but sold to the city. The city built the present postoffice building in 1872, on the old Masonic lot, the Masons added the third story, which is now fitted up as a lodge room. The frescoing was done by Italians. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. Lima Lodge, No. 91, K. of P., was chartered December 15, 1879, with the following charter members : E. F. Hanna, J. E. Richie, J. C. Musser, John Haller, J. A. Gardner, G. W. Hull, D. L. Arter, H. G. Hadsell, M. L. Becker, G. E. Monoyer, John Hauenstein. The Chancellor Commanders of this lodge are named in the records of Agamemnon Division. The keeper of seals and records is Ed. Holman. Present statistics show a membership of 103. The Grand Chancellor, Walter B. Richie, was elected in December, 1882. He was elected in May, 1884, Supreme Representative. Uniform Rank, K. of P., No. 11, Agamemnon Division U. R., was organized August 15, 1881, with twenty-seven charter members, viz.: Walter B. Richie, Sir Knight Com.; E. F. Hanna, S. K. T. L. C. ; J. F. Hauenstein, S. K. H.; D. C. Cunningham, Sir K. R.; I. B. Detwiler, Sir K. T.; P. H. Brooks, Sir K. G.; W. C. French, Sir K. S. Officers, John Hoffman. J. M. Haller, E. A. Hanna, W. H. Hall, E. C. Mackenzie; C. D. Crites, A. G. Lutz, R. E. Haines, W. W. Andrews, D. J. Cable, I. R. Longsworth, H. Blosser, W. S. Neuenschwender, G. S. Vicary, J. B. Lipsett, James Neise, R. H. Gamble, John Thomas, E. M. Gooding, O. F. Demmer. Walter B. Ritchie has served as Sir Knight Commander since organization. D. C. Cunningham and O. F. Kemmer have served as Recorders. The present membership is thirty-five. The progress made by the Knights of Pythias, particularly in this portion of Ohio, is phenomenal. ODD FELLOWS. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was introduced into the county at Delphos, in 1851. Two years later a lodge was established at Lima, with a small membership. Allen Lodge. No. 223, was instituted in April, 1853. Lima Lodge, No. 581, was chartered July 6, 1874, with nineteen members. This was followed by the organization of Lima Encampment, No. 62, and of Orion Temple, No. 22. 500 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Allen Lodge, No. 223, was chartered January 20, 1853, and instituted in April, that year. The charter members were Charles Blinne, Eli Bond, J. J. Knox. D. S. Taylor, Lemuel Eversole, William Gibbs and A. R. Kincade. The number of members in 1884 was 104. William Kincade, a son of one of the charter members, is now Noble Grand with William Truesdale, Secretary, and A. W. Mawk, permanent Secretary. J. L. Keve, who became a member of this lodge in 1859, holds the office of Outside Guardian. Lima Lodge, No. .581, was chartered May 6, 1874, and instituted July 6, 1874. The charter members were R. H. Chandler, H. A. Moore, J. P. Wilson, D. C. Richmond, J. T. Moore, William Miller, Jacob Moser, G. F. Marmon, L. Reichelderfer, S. Y. Cottingham, R. T. Hughes, Samuel Bevy, J. A. Gardner, J. C. McGinnis, W. B. Howe, S. H. Treat, Chauncey Cole, William Akerman and J. P. Eiebanks. The number of members in 1884 was 108. There are twenty names on the roll of Past Grande. Lima Encampment, No. 62, was chartered April 4, 1854, with Eli Bond, P. R. Graul, William Single, D. Binkley, C. Halladay, W. J. Anderson and Robert Herrin. Patriarchial Circle, Orion Temple, No. 22, was chartered December 4, 1882, with the following members: Jacob Crites, George W. James, D. C. Richmond, D. E. Fritz, F. Ashton, H. Neise, E. W. Mosier, D. C. Cunningham, Ed. S. Mowen, W. Lohmar, S. S. Yoder, J. G. Hissong, H. Tegeder, P. Walthers, J. Moser, H. A. Brodek, A. G. Lutz, S. W. Keve, S. A. Smith, S. F. Doan, W. D. Johnson and Wilbur Fisk. OTHER SOCIETIES. Lima Lodge, No. 64, A. 0. U. W., claimed among its first members, Ed. Hull, W. Mise, John Remagen, Phil. Gable, G. W. Engle, G. Day, F. Gift, M. Rittenhour, John Blocher and H. H. Shafer, who were elected officers in January, 1883. The officers of Lima Lodge, No. 64, A. 0. U. W., were installed by W. H. Neise, D. D. G. M. W., in January, 1885, as follows: P. W., G. Day; M. W. H., M. Rittenhour; foreman, John Remagen; overseer, Owen Francis; recorder, J. C. Blocher; financier, F. M. Gift; receiver, G. Day; guide, IV. H. Neise; inside watchman, W. Osborn. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 501 Allen County Agricultural Society was permanently organized in 1862, and a county fair held in September of that year. The officers of the society, elected in October, 1884, are President, J. B. Roberts; of vice-president, Samuel Collins; secretary, S. Sanford; treasurer, William Watkins. Directors for two years, S. Greer, Reuben White, J. L. B. Leatherman, William Watkins, J. W. Kemp. Directors for one year, L. H, Post, S. Sanford, I. Fraunfelter, J. D. Irwin, J. E. Crider, Amos Hefner and Daniel Harpster. Mart Armstrong Post, No. 202, G. A. R., was organized April 18, 1882, with the following charter members: John W. Peltier, Thomas H. Jones, 0. N. Francis, James Nicholas, W. H. Pockmire, T. W. Dobbins, J. W. Crum, N. E. Shaw, R. W. Thrift, Z. T. Witmer, Gideon Ditto, George W. James, Joel B. Crabb, Jerome V. Stewart, W. L. Mechling, Matthias Atmur, D. D. Nicholas, E. H. Johns, Byron Bowers and Thomas H. Jones. The post now comprises fifty-seven members. It was named in honor of Capt. Armstrong, who fell at Shiloh, April 6, 1862. The officers were 0. Francis, Commander; Gideon Ditto, S. V. C.; W. L. Mechling, J. V. C.; George W. James, Adjutant ; James Nicholas, Q. NI.; R. W. Thrift, Surgeon; T. W. Dobbins, Chaplain; J. W. Crum, 0. D. ; N. E. Shaw, 0. G.; E. H. Johns, S. M.; M. Atmur, Q. M. Sergeant. The Melanchton Light Guards, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Infantry, was organized by Capt. L. M. Meily, in 1877, with William Anderson, first lieutenant ; William Owens, second lieutenant. In 1878 Capt. Meily was appointed adjutant general of Ohio, when George W. James was commissioned captain. He served until 1884. Frank M. Bell was commissioned captain, December 24, 1884, a few years after the command was consolidated with the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. 0. L. Mowen was commissioned first lieutenant, June 2, 1884 ; William S. Johnson commissioned second lieutenant, August 15, 1883 ; John Hover first sergeant ; Elvira Bowers, second sergeant ; John Bailey, third sergeant ; Harry Bell, fourth sergeant ; each of whom enlisted in July, 1880. B. H. H. Hover, Ed. Rutledge, Charles Kiplinger, Dolp. Bowers, all of whom enlisted in July, 1880. George Harper enlisted in 1883. B. Armstrong, C. Harper, W. Snook, C. Richmond, musicians, enlisted in June, 1884. The privates of this command are A. Ashton, A. W. Clutter, C. Coban, F. Carter, E. Dugray, H. Downey, H. Ande, C. Eyster, B. C. 502 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Faurot, Jr., John Geir, George John, W. H. Jones, B. M. Mann, William Mowen, A. Morris, William Morris, S. Maurer, C. C. McComb, George Overmyer, William Pugh, J. W. Rollins, C. Shriner, C. Stoner, Milton Shroyer, L. Stever, W. South, A. Brooks, Peter McCowan. The men named above took part in the summer maneuvers, at Camp Woodland Hills, Ohio, in August, 1884. Members of the command who did not participate in the encampment were M. D. Anderson, John Bond, Thomas Deizell, Carson Delzell, P. Geoble, Lorin Hays. C. M. Johnson, A. Keptner, S. McComb, S. S. Sanford, F. J. Smith, C. Ward, William Welsh, 'James Walsh. Total force, fifty-eight. The Kirk Cadets. —This military company was formally organized in the fall of 1879, by Capt. J. B. Kirk, himself a soldier for over four years, in the war of 1861-65. Before the close of the year 1879, the roster contained forty names. When some little proficiency in drill was attained, and a little discipline had been secured, an organization was attempted by electing Will Mowen captain, and Stuart Pillars first lieutenant, J. B. Kirk retaining the position of instructor. This was at the beginning of 1880. Some time afterward J. B. Kirk was elected captain and Mowen and Pillars lieutenants. John Ralston and Frank Lewis being appointed first and second sergeants, a movement looking toward the equipment of the company resulted in their being uniformed in white duck pants and jackets, with caps of the same material, the uniform being adorned with U. S. staff buttons, and equipped with wooden guns stained black, and, to make them still more formidable and warlike, guards of tin and hammers made of shoe buttoners were affrxed ; thus prepared for emergencies, they received and accepted an invitation to attend the camp of the Eleventh Regiment Ohio National Guards at Wapakonetta, as guests of Company G—Capt. Layton. As their ages increased, their love for their Quaker guns diminished, and in 1881 they purchased twenty-three breech-loading rifles at a cost of $172.50. The boyish suits having shrunken, and the boys having visibly lengthened, new suits were needed, and twenty-seven suits of " cadet gray" trimmed in black, were procured at a cost of $361. 70. This sum was raised by the liberality of our citizens, and by the receipts of a play. In the fall of 1883 they visited the encampment of the Second Regiment Ohio National Guards, at Upper OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 503 Sandusky, Ohio, as the guests of Company C, of Lima, Ohio. The membership of the company has varied, being as high as forty-five and as low as twenty-live, which is about the present number of members. This company has had its triumphs and reverses ; the only losses sustained of importance were the death of Milton Shroyer, and the theft of the armory furniture, some vagabond having stolen chairs, table and books, and other little matters, from their armory in the summer of 1884. Out of over sixty members whose names have been on the roll since 1879, but one has died, as far as heard from. In the year of 1883, Hon. C. S. Brice, of Lima, presented the company with a beautiful silk flag, with the monogram of the company in gilt, in the center of the field, a suitable gift from a generous hearted man, and one highly prized by the cadets. Lima Art Club.—This club was organized November 13, 1883, with the following named members: Miss Florence Carpenter, W. G. and Mrs. Nichols, George P. and Mrs. Waldorf, Mrs. W. L. Porter, Rev. J. B. Pitman and wife, Miss Flora Thrift, Mrs. A. A. Llewellyn, Mrs. B. C. Faurot, Rev. I. G. Hall, Mrs. James Irvine, Mrs. George Meyers, Miss Ella Timberlake, Miss Ella Early, Fred Stephens, Miss Nettie Boone, Mrs. F. E. Mead, Mrs. Mary McJunkin, Mrs. S. A. Baxter, Miss Lush Miller, Miss Cora Satterthwait, James Woods, Mrs. George Baxter and Mrs. Anna Sandford. Mrs. Pitman was first president, and Mrs. 0. E. Latham, secretary. Miss Tilly Badeau is now president of the club. In December, 1883, an exhibit of works of art was held. The second annual exposition was opened November 19, 1884, in Room 10, Opera House Block. This was a success in every particular. The local press, in noticing the close of the exhibition, says: "One noticeable feature of the loan just closed is the progress that has been made in the last year by the ladies in the line of painting and fancy work. One year ago there was but little fancy work exhibited, and that was in its infancy. It comprised one of the best features of the loan, and shows a decided improvement in this art. Painting has steadily increased, and new features in the art are being added, as fast as they appear." What has been done the first year may be taken as an index of all that this association is capable of accomplishing. Lima Choral Society. —The officers of this association, elected in 504 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. January, 1885, are E. F. Davis, president; R. Peate, vice-president; W. G. Boggs, secretary; Miss E. Gibson, treasurer; Charles Thomas, G. B. Dunsby and John Osborn, trustees. The history of this society may be summed up in the following notice from the Columbus Times, of January 3, dealing with the Eistedfodd, held at Columbus, Ohio, in December, 1884. "After the close of our report last evening, the contest on Dr. Parry's choral march was called, the contestants being the Ambrose Choral Society of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Welsh Society, the latter numbering fifty voices, taking the $100 prize. The Ambrose Choral Society, seventy-five strong, were unfortunate in getting off the key near the start, and labored through the piece most painfully. The Lima Choral Society took the $40 prize on the glee, ' Morning Breezes,' by Givilin Givent, their competitors being the W. P. Glee Club, of Cincinnati. The $5 prize for the best rendition of Handel's soprano solo, `I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,' was divided by Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, of Lima, and Mrs. Frank M. Young, of Cleveland, Mrs. John Casell, of Columbus, being the third competitor. Mrs. Wheeler's conception of the music was very fine. Mrs. Young's voice is of beautiful quality, as sonorous as a bell, yet flute-like in its softness. This lady was formerly of this city. The evening concert was given in the presence of fully 2,000 people, and was one of the grandest ever given in Columbus. The prize of $6 for Handel's duet for female voices, '0 Lovely Peace,' was won by Mrs. A. F. Wheeler and Mrs. J. L. Hampton, of the Lima Society, their opponents being the Misses Mollie Roberts and Lillie Ellis, of Cincinnati, and the Misses Mary Servis and Sallie Edwards, of the same place. The big prize of $300, on Handel's chorus, ' When His Loud Voice,' was won in fine style by the Lima Society, led by Prof. William Miles; the Cambro-American of Columbus and Welsh, of Cincinnati, competing. Prizes No. 2, $125, and No. 5, $40, were taken by the society. Prizes No. 10, 11 and 13 were divided among Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, Mrs. E. F. Davis and Prof. Miles. Lima also brought home the gold medal for its successful leader." Lima Library and Reading Room Association was formally organized March 28, 1855, with M. K. Hard, president, and I. S. Pillars, secretary. The Young Men's Lyceum, of Lima, was organized September 18, 1876, with E. F. Hannah, president and J. M. Osborn, secretary. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 505 Eugene C. Mackenzie, J. M. Osborn, R. H. Treat, Charles Owens, F. McHenry, J. H. McKibben, acted as presidents of the Lyceum up to 1879. The Prudential Order of America, Buckeye Lodge No. 16, elected S. S. Yoder, Past R., J. N. Haller, E. R., D. C. Cunningham, recorder. Local Relief Society. —For many years a custom has existed throughout the old cities of the Union to call upon the wealthy, in the fall, to aid the less fortunate. This year the custom had to be observed with more marked liberality than hitherto, owing as much to the great increase in the population as to the commercial depression, which introduced itself with the cold season. In November, 1884, the subject of taking care of the poor of the city was broached by Rev. Mr. Pitman, and the ladies at once proceeded to organize a relief committee to look after such as needed assistance. A meeting was held at the Opera House, and an organization effected, of which Mrs. C. C. Brice is president, Mrs. B. C. Faurot, vice-president, Mrs. Theo Mayo, treasurer, and Miss Vinnie Harper, secretary. Ward committees were appointed, and the good work was entered upon without delay. The several benevolent and religious societies, always ready to relieve their members, extended the range of their benevolence, and thus much suffering was obviated entirely, or reduced to a minimum. The Principal Buildings of Lima are the County Court House, the history of which is given in the organic chapter of the general history, the Faurot Opera House, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, Church of St. Rose and the City Hall. The leading business blocks comprise the following named buildings: Anderson, Ashton, Badeau, Baxter, Bell, Bowdle, Brotherton, Collins, Crall, Crouse, Duffield, Fall, Faurot, Heffner, Irish, Jacobs, Keil, Kendall, Langan, Masonic, Meily, Metheany,Music, Odd Fellows, Parmenter, Porter, Purtscher, Sanford, Sants, Shuler, Thompson, Union, Watt. New buildings for stores and offices are already begun or projected. The residences of the city are many and beautiful. Along the streets devoted to the homes of the people, cottage and mansion and grounds all display the taste of their owners, and convey at once a full idea of what fifty years of progress have accomplished here. Faurot's Opera House Building. —In 1879 the idea of erecting a great commercial building and opera house suggested itself to B. C. Faurot of 506 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Lima. Plans by Oscar Cobb of Chicago were prepared, and on May 2, 1881, the work of the building was begun. Excavations were made on the northwest corner of Main and High Streets by John Vanatta, under Mr. Faurot's superintendence. The frontage on Main Street is 75 feet, 6 inches, and on High Street 203 feet 8? inches, from which the opera House proper runs north 105 feet. Two largo stores, 90 feet deep, front on Main Street, the bank office occupies the corner of Main and High Streets, while the first floor on High Street is devoted to stores and offnces, among the latter being the business office and composing room of the Daily Republican. The Opera House. —This magnificent room of parquette, circles, balconies, Parisian boxes and stage is considered one of the most perfect in arrangement devoted to music or the drama in this country. The auditorium is 65x73 1/2 feet, 56 feet high to apex of dome, and capable of the admission or exit of 1,400 persons in two minutes; this number being the limit of its seating capacity. The seats are what is known as the Haverly Patent Reversible, with hat-racks and foot-rests. These chairs are upholstered in imitation of Russian leather. The style adopted in finishing the auditorium is composite, being Renaissance and Eastlake, or what is known as American Renaissance. The frescoes were executed by T. N. Atwood assisted by 0. W. Mitchell, William Bucher, W. D: Gansden, Ed. L. Raymond, Fred. Lemm, E. C. Tillottson and George Stowe. The stage is 40x65 feet, 56 feet below the roof, with orchestra 6x36 feet. Speaking tubes connect the orchestra, fly-gallery, traps, ticket-offices, while the gas apparatus (fourteen sets of pipes) is controlled from the prompter's side. Sun burners, footlights, ground lights, pilot and main border lights may all be managed at a signal. This important division of the work was performed by A. C. Hickey of Chicago, The drop curtain, painted by E. T. Harvey, represents the Domitian Chariot Race in the Maximus at Rome, A. M. 3112. This subject was chosen by Mr. Faurot, and like his great enterprise, reflects his wealth of taste. The seventeen sets of scenery are so arranged as to meet the requirements of the stage in all its phases, and the combination scenes are no less complete in arrangements. All together point out the projector and proprietor as one who engaged in a great enterprise and carried it through to completion, perfect in every part, giving to Lima OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 507 not only a metropolitan building, but also an Opera House which takes a leading place among the great homes of music and drama on this continent. The Music Hall in the third story of the Opera House is 80x100 feet, twenty-four feet high, with a seating capacity of over 1,000. The entrance, dressing rooms, cloak rooms, supper rooms and kitchen in connection with this hall are perfect in arrangement and furnishing. On the south end is the platform, while a well arranged swing-gallery extends along the west, north and east sides, with graded seats. The richness of the Morno frescoes, executed by the Italian Pedretti of Cincinnati, is admired by every one. REVIEW OF COMMERCE AND MANUFACTURES. The manufacturing industries of Lima and the great railroad shops located there, contribute millions of dollars annually to the wealth of the city and, in fact, of the entire county. A realization of the true value of these mills and factories and work-shops can only come when a cloud of commercial depression sweeps over the country, and then only when it drives the leaders of enterprise before it to ruin, or to the refuge which closing-down affords. Fortunately for. Lima, it has escaped the more dreadfuh phases of depression in manufacturing circles, and merely experienced the remote rumblings of the storm which swept over less favored districts. Here capital has labored earnestly and well to build up industries, not to enrich the already rich, but rather to provide means for the working man to earn a competence, and to build up the city. Lima Paper-Mills Company was organized in 1870 with B. C. Faurot, G. G. Hackedorn, T. T. Mitchell, Holland and -- Johnson, members. This industry was conducted by the company for some years, and a very large trade in straw-board paper established. Mr. Faurot purchased the entire control of the factory, and has brought this important business down to the present time, giving employment to over 100 hands. The buildings and machinery are especially adapted to this great industry. So perfect in detail is everything connected with the mills, that even gas for local use is manufactured, and steam pumps, hose and cisterns ready in case of fire. Henry Neff has been foreman of the mills since 1870. 30 508 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Lima Wheel Company.— This important industry was founded in 1877 and opened in October, of that year, by M. B. Mahurin and W. Rodeheaver. The branch factory at Coldwater was subsequently opened. There are ten saws, planers, bending machines and a large stock of spoke machines. The capacity is about 150 sets of wheels per day. This company's enterprise afforded employment to 100 hands. In January, 1885, J. B. and F. M. Woolsey, of Sandusky, leased the works. The Ottawa Mills were built in 1856-57 by Mitchell & Mahan, subsequently operated by Musser & Co. until 1868-69, when the late W. B. Gorton purchased the mills, and conducted them up to January 1, 1885, when his death occurred. Since that time his sons-in-law—Eugene Mackenzie and G. W. Myers, have conducted the industry. The capacity is 125 barrels per day, almost exclusively custom work. There are six hands employed. The machinery is valued at $14,000. The buildings are good and the location valuable. Lima Agricultural Works were erected at the corner of Jackson and Market Streets in 1869, and operated under this name until 1874, when the Lima Machine Company was incorporated. Lima Machine Company was incorporated in 1874 with the following named members: John Carnes, J. M. Coe, Fred Agerter, G. W. Diemen and Ira P. Carnes. At this time the buildings of the Agricultural Works were extended, and the present main building erected—a brick structure 200x40 feet, two stories high. There have been several buildings erected since that time, every one of which is complete in equipment, and in charge of competent mechanics. The trade of the company extends throughout the United States. Lima Mill Furnishing Company, established in 1881 as the Keller Purifier Company, was organized in May, 1882, under the present name. The Keller Purifiers & Bolting Chests form the special products of the company's works, leaving the extensive manufacture of mill-machinery and furniture holding the place of general products. The machinery is driven by steam-power supplied from the adjoining works of the Irvine Wheel Company. L. B. Kohnle is superintendent. The works stand on a five acre tract, and like the Irvine Wheel Company are complete in equipment and location. James Irvine, so prominently associated with the manufacturing industries of Lima, is president of the company. OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 509 The Lima Car Company, is partly the outcome of local enterprise. In 1881, a proposition to erect car works here was made, provided, $10,000 cash and fifteen acres of land were granted, The conditions were fulfiled, and the Lima Car Company, consisting of Dr. S. A. Baxter, C. S. Brice, Emanuel Schultz, H. C. Schuberth and W. H. Manning, entered upon the work of construction. The buildings were completed in January, 1882; the machinery was placed the following month, and in March, 1882, the work of car-building commenced. Before the close of the year, about 1,000 cars were built under the superintendency of George B. F. Cooper, and steady employment offered to 500 mechanics and laborers. In the fall of 1882, the buildings were extended and the number of employees increased. In June, 1884, the works closed down, awaiting desirable orders. The capacity is about twelve freight cars per day, and labor so economized that cars may be manufactured 10 per cent less than ordinary cost. The annual meeting was held January 20, 1885, in Hackedorn, Wheeler & Marble's office, when the following named directors were elected: C. S. Brice, James Irvine, S. A. Baxter, B. N. Beaver, Dayton; P. H. Griffin, Detroit; S. S. Wheeler and W. E. Hackedorn. The following officers were elected: James Irvine, president; W. E. Hackedorn, vice-president; G. L. Marble, secretary and treasurer. The following gentlemen from abroad were in attendance: B. N. Beaver and W. H. Manning, Dayton; W. J. Hill, Miamisburg; Dr. S. B. Collins, LaPorte, Indiana; Thomas F. Griffin and P. H. Griffin, Detroit. There was no definite action taken in regard to starting the works, but there was a general feeling that the works would be started as soon as practicable. Lima Iron Fence Company, was organized in June, 1882, with H. Kibby, president; T. T. Mitchell, vice-president; F. W. Holmes, secretary; Kibby, Mitchell and Dr. Ashton, executive committee; and B. G. DeVoe, superintendent. The fence manufactured is the DeVoe and Ramsay patent, at once neat and durable. The original building is 50x200, to which other buildings were added in 1882-83. The leading products are iron fence, cresting, verandas, cellar and window guards, stair and counter railings, and hitching posts. The iron used is all malleable iron. The directors elected in January, are H. Kibby, J. R. Ashton, Robert Mehaffey, E. Ashton, T. T. Mitchell and James Irvine. 510 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. In January, 1885, John Carnes and C. S. Garretson retired from the Lima Iron Fence Company. The business of the company will be conducted under the same firm name by W. L. Porter, D. E. Fritz, F. X. White and Frank W. Holmes. Globe Machine Works.—Early in 1882, a company was organized with B. C. Faurot, president; J. N. Harrington, secretary and treasurer, and E. W. Cooke, superintendent. The capital was placed at $50.000. Shortly after organization, a forty-foot square building was erected, and the manufacture of stationary and portable engines began. The works stand on the corner of Main and Elm. Sash and Door Factory of Mauk & Dunan, was established in 18'70. This industry has grown from a very small beginning to be one of the leading manufacturing houses of Lima. Doors, sash, blinds, brackets and moldings, are the leading products. Excelsior Bagging Works Company was incorporated in 1879, with R. W. Thrift,G. W. Walker, John Melhorn, H. G. Hadsell and E. B. Halliday members. The capital was placed at $30,000. The original building was known as the flax-mill; increased to a building covering 10,000 square feet, and comprising the best machinery for the manufacture of coarse sacking for baling cotton. This industry employed about sixty hands. Lima Bagging Company was incorporated in August, 1882, with Dr. S. A. Baxter, James Irvine and C. S. Brice, members. The capital was $100,000. This company purchased the bagging works, and increased their capacity. Enterprise Cracker Works Company was organized in the spring of 1882, by H. B. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr. The works were opened May 3, 1882, with P. S. McMahon, superintendent. The machinery is very complete, and the men employed good mechanics. This was incorporated in 1884, with H. B. Hackedorn, president. The Longsworth Handle Factory, on the north end of Jackson Street, has a daily capacity of about 8,000 handles. Broom, shovel, hoe, fork and rake handles are shipped from this factory all over the country. Lima and East Tennessee Marble Company. —This enterprise is the property of Allen County men, though the works are in Tennessee. At OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 511 the annual meeting of this company, held January 9, 1885, the following directors were elected: R. Mehaffey, L. Reichelderfer, D. D. Nicholas, W. W. Williams, S. D. Chambers, G. W. Myers. The following officers were also elected: President. R. Mehaffey; Vice-President, S. D. Chambers; Secretary, G. W. Myers; Treasurer, L. Reichelderfer; Superintendent, D. D. Nicholas. Ohio Egg Case Company was incorporated in November, 1884. The board of directors: M. Seiberling, of Upper Sandusky; William Harris, of Union City; M. Thomas, Dr. S. A. Baxter, 0. L. Parmenter, L. Reichelderfer, and James Irvine. The board organized by the election of the following officers: President, M. Seiberling; Vice-President, M. Thomas; Secretary, G. L. Marble. 0. L. Parmenter was elected Manager, and L. Reichelderfer, Treasurer. The capital stock is placed at $10,000. Lima Egg Case Company. On the 24th of April, 1883, a patent was granted Orville L. Parmenter, of Cincinnati, on an egg and fruit carrier, and to-day they are being manufactured in Lima, the only manufactory of this special article in the United States. There was at that time another at Chicago; but the articles manufactured were different from the " Par-mentor case." The firm was composed of B. C. Faurot, J. N. Harrington, with 0. L. Parmenter, as superintendent. Their rooms, which are large, airy and commodious, are located in the second story of the Globe Machine Works, and every inch of space utilized to its best advantage. The company manufactured its own straw-board, at the Lima paper-mills, and will use about three tons of that article per diem, when in full running order. The article manufactured is a very simple contrivance, being a tray for packing eggs and fruits for shipment. The straw board is received at the manufactory in bundles and sheets, and run through a number of machines, that cut and slot them ready to be fitted together. This establishment gives employment to a large number of hands. The Coss Manufacturing Company, was established at Lima in 1882. The Coss Bros. made propositions to the Lima people to locate here, provided certain aid was given them in the way of land and cash donations. This was promptly done by enterprising citizens, and the firm erected several substantial brick buildings. The machinery was placed in position, and in February, 1883, active work commenced. The works closed down in August, 1883, for a short time. Since that the establishment has been operated continuously. 512 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. Irvine Wheel Company was established in 1871 by James Irvine & Co., and conducted by Mr. Irvine until 1880; when the present company was organized. The manufacture of spokes, hubs, wheel material and plow beams formed the leading features of this establishment. The company had a very extensive trade. Geo. A. Heffner was superintendent of the shops. In 1884 the Western Wood Fibre Company purchased the mill. Enterprise Stave Works at the junction of the railroads in South Lima, is devoted to the manufacture of pork barrel staves, tierce and general barrel staves, with a capacity of about 5,000,000 staves annually. To Dr. Baxter and James Muir, the establishment of this industry is due. It gives employment to about seventy men. Dr. Baxter is sole owner of the works. Craig Feed Mill on East Market Street, is devoted to the manufacture of bran and mill feed. Added to a good local trade, this mill claims a large shipping business. The Lima Handle Factory was founded by 0. D. Gray, on Spring Street, with a capacity of 1,800 handles per day, giving employment to twenty men. Sash and Door Factory of W. Atmur & Son, was established in March, 1882. The building and machinery are specially designed for the company's work. The Schultheis Tannery was established in pioneer times as mentioned in the history of first industries. The buildings were purchased by W. Schultheis in 1863 from John Schultheis, who purchased them from Mr. Hoover. Mr. Schultheis has conducted the works since 1863, giving employment to about sixteen men annually, together with salesmen. The trade extends throughout the State. There are 5,000 hides manufactured annually. The leather and finding store at the corner of Main and Public Square was established in 1879. Bimel & Son's Carriage Works.—In 1872 Jackson & Davidson established a carriage factory on Tanner and Market Streets; which was continued until 1881. when L. Bimel & Son of St. Mary's, Ohio, purchased the concern. Since that time this industry has increased rapidly. A large force of skilled mechanics is employed. Corn Canning Factory.—In November, 1881, H. B. Kelley, of OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 513 Lebanon, Ohio, visited Lima to purchase dried corn. He met Mr. Faurot, to whom he explained his business. This conversation resulted in his leasing from Mr. Faurot and others 800 acres of land in West Lima, and in the fall of 1882 erected a building on the Faurot tract, with a floor area of 20,000 square feet; and placed machinery therein capable of turning out 35,000 cans of corn daily. This industry gave employment to about 100 hands. The works are now operated by Fisher & Co., of Cincinnati, as a fruit canning factory. Packing House, meat market and grain elevator of King & Day, just north of the P. Ft. W. & C. R. R., on Main Street, is an important industry. As a combined trading and manufacturing house, it is the pioneer of its kind in this city. Porter's Oil Works and manufacturers' agency, may be classed among the industries, since the large trade which he commands, the great quantity of material handled, and the opportunities offered to local manufacturers as well as buyers, give to his establishment a place generally held by the manufacturer. Lima Elevator, owned by T. S. Gilliland, is a building 80x30 feet, located near the packing house of Day & King. Over 5,000 bushels of grain are handled daily. The egg packing establishment has a capacity of 200 barrels per day. Zimmerman's Brewery was established in 1878, by Michael Zimmerman, and buildings were erected just beyond the Lima Paper Mills, the same year. This was the pioneer brewery of Michael Wolf, who established it in 1848. Joseph Wolf and Henry Betts succeeded Mr. Wolf, Sr. The interest in this building was purchased by Fred Rost, in 1866; who conducted it until 1878. The capacity is about the same as West Street Brewery. West Street Brewery was founded by Lewis Thomas about 1856. Mr. Thomas conducted the brewery from that time to March, 1875, when Charles Duval purchased the building for $2,800. The old brewery was operated by horse-power. In 1875, Mr. Duval introduced steam power, and refurnished the establishment. The capacity is about 5,000 barrels annually. The value of the property is about $12,000. This industry employs about five men. East End Milling Company was organized in August, 1882, for the 514 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. purpose of rebuilding the East & Lewis Flouring-Mills, destroyed by fire about that time. The incorporators were David East, H. W. Lewis, James Irvine, B. C. Faurot, S. W. Moore, George Fetter, S. A. Baxter, I. McJunkin, John O'Connor, W. H. Harper, R. E. Jones, and George W. Overmyer. This corporation never materialized. The ruins of the old mill stand, and the intentions of enterprise in this matter are unknown. George Fetter and Henry Boos now own the property. Lima Gas Works Company was organized in 1871, by W. B. Gorton, Dr. S. A. Baxter, C. S. Brice, C. Parmenter, Judge C. M. Hughes and others, in response to an almost Unanimous vote of the citizens in favor of the establishment of gas light. On January 3, 1872, the city was first lighted. The total investment approximates $225,000. Since reorganization, the company has been controlled by C. S. Brice and Dr. S. A. Baxter, Jr. The officers of the company are: C. S. Brice, president; S. A. Baxter, general manager; A. C. Baxter, Jr., secretary; W. H. Gibson, superintendent; C. M. Hughes, Jr., treasurer; with C. S. Brice, S. A. Baxter, W. E. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr., a board of directors. The grounds have 216 feet front on Jackson Street and the D. & M. R. R. Next to the railroad is tbe immense coal shed 216 feet long by 36 wide. Next to this is the retort house, 68x34, and east of it is the main building containing condenser room, 6x34; purifying room, 34x34; lime room, 6x18; meteor room, 16x16; and the center seal room, 34x34. In addition there are the office and governor house, 36x20, and valve house, 8x10. The buildings are put up in the most substantial manner, and are all fire-proof, being built of brick, stone and iron, and roofed with slate. The new gas holder is 60 feet in diameter and 18 feet deep, having a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet. The old holder, which is still used as an adjunct to the new one, is 42x18, with a holding capacity of 20,000 cubic feet. The retort house contains a stack of four benches of five retorts each,'giving a gas making capacity of 200,000 feet per day. There are seventeen miles of gas mains laid down. The iron work of all kinds, including the gas holder, was put up in a most efficient manner by the Kerr Murrey Manufacturing Company, of Ft. Wayne. The fire brick work was done by Taylor & Anderson, of Cincinnati; brick work by Fornhoff & Son, and Lewis Boysell ; carpenter work, by James OTTAWA TOWNSHIP - 515 McKinney; slate roof, by John Hutton; excavation, by John Vannatta and William Mumaugh; steam and water fittings, by Lou Hunter. The Dayton & Michigan Railroad shops were established at Lima in 1858, on a $15,000 bonus, and work was begun therein by sixty men under Theodore Mayo, in 1859. In 1865, twenty years ago, John Black was appointed master mechanic. In 1880 the car shops were enlarged, and in 1881 the machine shops were extended. The number of employees was increased to about 325 hands. The machinery is perfect, and the buildings first-class. The area devoted to this industry is eight acres. The county contributed $100,000 in aid of this railroad. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad shops won from the county about $85,000 bonus, $25,000 bonus to the car works, and $90,000 toward the construction of the road itself. The Lake Erie & Western shops are situated between the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad depot and the Lima Car Shops. The machine shop is 90x60 feet ; the carpenter shop is the same size, while the houses occupied by blacksmiths and painters, as well as engine room and roundhouse, are all commodious. RAILROADS. The history of the various roads entering Lima is given in the general history of the county, p. 397. The first schedule train over the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad entered Lima at 1: 30 P. M., May 1, 1883. W. H. Much, of Huntington, Ind., purchased the first ticket from F. McCoy, the first agent here. The roundhouse of this road is opposite the depot. Lima Street Railroad Company.—This company was organized in June, 1878, with George Jameson president and Frederick Agerter secretary. The company's lines run from the Fort Wayne depot west on Wayne to Main, south on Main to Market, and west on Market to the stables beyond the city limits. In winter, sleighs take the place of street cars. The fare is 5 cents, and the trips from 7 A. M. to 10 P. M., regular. BANKS. The Allen County Bank was organized in 1867 with $300,000 capital; and continued until the establishment of the Lima National Bank. First National Bank was founded in 1872. Directors, C. S. Brice, 516 - HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY. J. W. King, S. A. Baxter, L. Reichelderfer, J. M. Coe and W. L. Porter. President, S. A. Baxter; Vice-President, C. S. Brice; Cashier, C. AI Hughes, Jr. Merchants' National Bank was organized November 17, 1880, with R. Mehaffey, President; J. H. Dague, Vice-President, and R. W. Thrift, Jr., Cashier. The capital stock is $50,000. Surplus fund, $5,300. A general banking business is well conducted while the collection department is prompt. Directors, R. Mehaffey, J. H. Dague, W. H. Standish, R. W. Thrift, I. G. Hall, C. S. Brice and S. D. Crites. The City Bank was organized in 1874. Lima National Bank. —This banking house, to which reference is made in other pages, is one of the leading financial institutions of the State. The officers elected in January, 1885, are: Directors, W. H. Harper, B. C. Faurot, J. Wise, George Fetter, James McBeth, S. W. Moore and I. T. Moore; President, B. C. Faurot; Vice-President, S. W. Moore; Cashier, F. L. Langan.