Over
	1 Yr	2 Yrs	3 Yrs		4 Yrs		5 Yrs	5 Yrs
Elementary High School	48 18	26 10	11 5		5 2		5 ...	8 4
Total	66	36	16		7		5	12
The following table indicates the teaching experience of the teachers who taught in Champaign county in 1916-17 :
Elementary High School	28 10	24 2	8 4		6 ...		9 ...	38 16
	38	26	12		6		9	54
The academic and professional training of the teachers who taught in the public schools of the county during 1916-17 is shown in the following table :
	University or College				Normal
	Non-Graduates	Graduates			Non-Graduates		Graduates
High School Elementary	7 8	23 1			5 67		... 6
	Normal Training		High School				Common School
	Non-Graduates	Graduates	1 Yr	2 yrs	3 yrs	grad.
High School Elementary	2 1	.... 7	.. 1	.. 5	.. 12	.. 91	.. 7

What a striking difference we see when we contrast the academic and pro-fessional training of the teacher of today with that of the one of a half cen-tury ago. Then the requirements were few ; he had to be able to read and write, add and subtract, and to wield the hickory withe. Today the prospective teacher must be a graduate of a first-class high school and have the required amount of normal training before entering the profession. In the elementary schools there are six teachers who hold state life license ( four professional and two, provisional) ; twenty-seven, three years ; fifteen, two years ; fifty-nine, one year. In the high school work, five teachers hold state life license (five professional and eleven provisional) ; eight, three years; four, two years; four, one year. Of the thirteen special teachers in the schools, five hold three-year licenses, and one a one-year license. 554 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. URBANA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Very little of the history of the early schools of the Urbana schools is recorded and those living when education was taking root have passed away, leaving but few traditions with the oldest citizen. The schools of this city passed through the stages of subscription schools—half subscription, half public schools—until the year 1838, when a state law made the ways and means of education much easier for local authorities. The first building used for school purposes in Urbana was the Pearce log cabin, erected on a knoll about forty rods east of east Lawn avenue on Scioto street. The building was erected originally by Thomas Pearce as a residence in 1804, but when the necessity of a place for holding school became imminent, the structure was transformed into a school house. According to tradition, a subscription school was started near the intersection of Kenton and Water streets in a house rented by a man named Rowen or Rouen, as early as 1810; and in 1812 or 1813 a similar school for older children was opened on Water street near its intersection with Locust street. The instruction was of the most elementary character. Children were taught to read, spell and write and, in some cases, cipher. The text books consisted of a Webster's spelling book, New Testament, and the Western Calculator. The illustrations were for the most part made on smooth clapboards by means of charcoal or keel. Later, a poor grade of yellowish-white or greenish-white paper of foolscap size was employed in copying forms, proverbs and verses. SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOLS. The history of the Urbana public schools would not be complete without a detailed account of the subscription schools which played a most important part in laying the foundation for future educational development. The pioneers from the East had many peculiar ideas concerning education. Many wished their children educated in co-educational schools ; others did not. These circumstances led to the establishment of an academy for boys and one for girls, and later, private schools for both. To provide a suitable place for the girls' academy, a building was erected on the corner of Church and Walnut streets. In order that the girls might be taught and instructed according to the standards of the East, two sisters who were highly educated for the day were secured from Washington, D. C., to instruct the young girls of the village. But for reasons unknown to the present generation the school was CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 555 not a success and passed out of existence with much less notice than attended its coming. While this school was for the time by far the best known school, there were others conducted by local teachers. Among a few of the early pioneer teachers of the subscription schools were Peter Oliver and William Stephens, who taught in a log house on East Scioto street, Henry Drake, Nathaniel Pincard, and John C. Pearson, the latter of whom was clerk of the court for many years. Other teachers included a man of the name of Thompson, who taught a little school on Walnut street, and Lemuel Weaver, who conducted a more or less private school between Water and Reynolds streets. About 1825 two teachers, whose names were Baldwin and Whitney, formed a partnership and conducted a school that was excellent for the time. During the early twenties, an Irishman named Bell taught in a log cabin on Miami street. He was very eccentric, very strict with respect to discipline, and at times very free in using the rod. But with all of his faults, Bell succeeded in laying the foundation for a good school. In the course of time he gave up the teaching profession and was succeeded by a man named Haines, who taught in a frame building on Scioto street. In some unknown manner the latter incurred the ill-will of a few of the leading citizens of the village, and, rather than remain under such circumstances, he fled to Mississippi. Two men, King and Britton, took up the school work after the departure of Bell, and taught school in a log but where the Grace Methodist church stands today. Jonathan Chaplin came into the village about 1828, and, being a man of more than average education, was induced to teach a school. In accordance with the numerous requests, he secured a little house near the creek on West Market street. He was later a teacher in the old academy building. Among other. teachers contemporary with Chaplin, who conducted school in different parts of the village, were James McBeth, Hamilton Davis, a man named Murray, Newton Heylen, Amanda Fish, Mrs. Shaw and A. M. Bolton. OTHER TEACHERS OF AN EARLY DAY. One of the most popular teachers of the early days was Harvey Marsh who conducted a school on West Market street and later in the Mosgrove property of Main street. He followed the teaching profession for only two or three years and then became one of the leading merchants of the village. Contemporary with Marsh in the teaching profession was Edward Taylor, who, although not a success as a teacher, did a great deal toward building up the schools. He taught here only a few years and then moved to Cincinnati. 556 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. John Sample, who was an average scholar and diligent student of botany, came about 1833. It was his intention to write a history of the flora of Champaign county, but the work was given up on account of ill health. Sample taught in the old academy, as also did another man who came about a year after the latter made competition so keen for Sample that he left. This man was W. F. Cowles, a Yankee, and the teacher who first introduced the blackboard into the schools. The year after he came here he advocated a manual-labor school for the boys, in which they were to study half the day and cultivate a plot of ground the other half. The farm selected for the experiment belonged to John W. Hitt, and was located just north of town. The idea, while in a sense a good one, was so far in advance of the times that it never amounted to much. After the departure of Cowles, Ben F. Ogden, a well educated man, became a teacher on the ground floor in the academy. As a student he had few superiors, but as an organizer and a disciplinarian he was a failure. His success lay in his rare magnetic personality and in his influence over his pupils. Among the first female teachers in the village were Mrs. Shaw and Amanda Fish. Other teachers besides those already mentioned were : A man by the name of Irwin who, according to tradition, was the first Latin teacher in Urbana ; Harry Marsh and John Ogden, the latter a teacher in 1842-43. ORGANIZATION OF FREE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. The Legislature approved an act, February 21, 1849, which furnished the basis for the first system of free public schools. Pursuant to this act the electors of school district No. 7, Urbana township, Champaign county, Ohio, convened at the court house on Saturday, April 28, 1849, at 1 o'clock P. M. L. G. Parker, one of the electors, produced the following notice : SCHOOL NOTICE. The qualified electors of School District No. 7 in Urbana township (which district includes the town of Urbana) are hereby requested to assemble at the court house In Urbana, Saturday, the 28th day of April, 1849, at one o'clock P. M., there and then to vote by ballot for or against an act. entitled "For the better organization of the Public Schools in cities And townships," passed by the General Assembly of Ohio at the last session thereof. Urbana. O., April 14th, 1849. (Signed) A. R. Colwell, Joseph Vance, Joseph Saxton, John H. Young, J. H. Patrick, S. V. Baldwin, Samuel H. Robinson, David Gwynne, William F. Seater, J. B. McGown, M. McComsey, E. Sheldon, John McCord (and thirteen other freeholders of said district). Sworn to before N. Rhodes, J. P. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 557 Whereupon the electors chose and appointed L. G. Parker chairman, Jacob Skeen assistant chairman and Ichabod Corwin clerk, who were each sworn to fairly and honestly conduct the election and the polls were then declared open. Whereupon the following persons, each having the qualifications of an elector of said district No. 7, presented themselves and deposited their ballots, to-wit : A. R. Colwell, James R. Coulter, William Hamilton, F. M. Wright, S. P. Castle, D. W. Littlefield, Jacob Skeen, Uriah Goble, W. Carothers, Isaac Johnson, E. Sheldon, Jacob Minturn, W. W. Henderson, James Taylor, M. McComsey, R. R. Cowell, Samuel Funk, H. Shimp, W. H. Baxter, W. Chatfield, W. T. Busser, L. L. Marsh, Thomas Lackey, R. F. Henkle, F. W. Slater, Roland Harvey, John Poffenbarger, Oliver Collins, arneyBarchus, R. McNemar, B$arney McDargh, J. H. Patrick, Frazier Funk, M. C. May, Alexander Stuart, H. B. Stayman, L. G. Parker, Ichabod Corwin, W. W. Helmick, George Collins, James Tucker, William Ward, E. Stuart, D. C. Jameson, Samuel C. Ward, Nelson Rhodes, Joseph McComsey, M. B. Corwin, Daniel Stafford, Samuel V. Baldwin, Joshua Saxton, Charles Flago, A. F. Reed, John H. Young, Smith Updike, Joseph B. Prettyman, Samuel Light, S. Stafford, Robert Given, S. H. Robinson and Josiah G. Talbott. Out of a total of sixty-one votes, sixty were for the adoption of the measure favorable to free public schools, one against. Following this notice came one calling for an election on May 12, 1849, of six directors under the new law. Forty-two electors answered the cschoold chose for the first schdol board the following : S. V. Baldwin, David Gwynne, J. H. Patrick, John H. Young, F. M. Wright and Decatur Talbott. The board held their first meeting May 17, 1849, and were sworn into office by N. Rhodes whereupon they organized pursuant to the law. S. V. Baldwin was elected president ; David Gwynne, treasurer ; Decatur Talbott, secretary. The first official acts of the board were to select Harry Marsh, William Patrick and Thomas F. Magill for school examiners of the district ; and to ascertain the amount of money to which the school was entitled. Upon inquiry of the committee it was found eight hundred dollars would be due the district from all sources on January 1, 1850. A committee appointed to ascertain the amount necessary to the maintenance of the schools for our the ensuing year, reported four thousand dollars as the minimum at which it could be done. The qualified voters were again summoned, this time to authorize the board of directors to borrow four thousand dollars. Fifty-seven freeholders came, and out of the number only three objected to the proposed expenditure. The gravest of the school problems now was the 558 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. lack of buildings. Schools were scattered over the town in unseemly places, and under unhygienic conditions. Since the old academy alone seemed worthy for school purposes, this property was bought from L. G. Barker for one thousand seven hundred and twenty-five dollars in the summer of 1849. In the fall of the same year an addition equal to the original building was erected in the face of a strong opposition and a lengthy petition against the project. Under the sanction of the new law, a superintendent was chosen. The board elected John McKinney at a salary of six hundred dollars, payable quarterly, and the public-school system was started in Urbana, October 2, 1849. The teachers and their respective monthly salaries are given as follows : W. D. Henkle, $30; Marie Payne, $15; Jane Payne, $15 ; Sarah McKinney, $15; Harriet Hoyt, $15 ; A. M. Downs, $15; Mary Hughes, $15 ; Harry Marsh, $41.66. BEGINNING OF THE HIGH SCHOOL. During the early fifties much of the work of the reorganization of the schools took place. The schools were graded, both sexes were admitted to the. same room, higher branches were demanded, and the beginning of a high school made. The first special mention of the term "high school" is found in the records of July I, 1852, when by a resolution, A. C. Deuel and S. V. Baldwin were appointed to procure a female teacher for the high school. Mrs. E. M. Haven of Washington, D. C., was elected on the recommendation of the committee. When the academy became crowded, the high school was moved to the second floor of the market house. Under these new conditions the high school flourished, and when Abijah Baker was principal in 1857 it had an enrollment of thirty pupils. Baker was succeeded by G. W. Hiland in 1860, and the latter, by Thomas D. Crow in 1864. In addition to his high-school duties Crow was acting superintendent. The high-school course of study then included English grammar, United States history, algebra, geography, natural philosophy, French, German and Latin. The enrollment in the high school for that year was fifty-two and in the entire school, six hundred and eighty. Crow was followed by J. M. Cross as principal in 1865. E. D. Whitlock took charge of the high school in 1866; A. C. Crauch in 1869 ; and Clara Conklin in 1870. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 559 CITY SCHOOL BUILDING. In 1863 the school enrollment had grown to such proportions that the old buildings were entirely inadequate for their accommodation. Public sentiment, too, had grown very favorable to free schools; and in consequence taxpayers were enthusiastic in favor 0f providing for proper buildings and maintenance, in spite of the burdens of war times. In 1864 it was voted that notes be issued for the erection in the city of three brick buildings of four rooms each. These buildings were known as the North School, the Southwest School and the Central School. They were built at a cost of twelve thousand five hundred dollars. These buildings were ready for occupancy in the fall of 1865, with the following principals in charge : Mr. Sampson, in the N0rth building Mr. Stonebreaker, in the Central, and Mr. Smith in the Southwest. In 1869 the old academy was condemned as being unsafe for school purposes, and the structure was torn down. To take its place two temporary frame buildings were erected for the high school on the site of the present Central ward building. These quarters were occupied by the high school until 1875. In 1874 a modern brick structure of three stories was built for the high school in the northeast part 0f town in what was then known as the Ryan woods at the cost of sixty thousand dollars. This building was dedicated on October 16, 1874, and school was begun in it the following year. Clara Conklin was principal of the high school at that time. The course of study was made up on the following studies : Algebra, geometry, United States history, general history, trigonometry, natural philosophy, chemistry, Latin, French and composition. The high school proper had an attendance of sixty-three. After the erection of this modern building, the town was well provided with school facilities. Soon, however, provision had to be made for the colored pupils, and the Ross property on -Water street was purchased for sixty-five hundred dollars for this purpose. This school was abandoned in 1894 and the property was sold. The high-school building erected in 1874 was destroyed in December, 1896, by fire. Before the walls had completely cooled, provision was made for accommodating the pupils, and two years .afterward a magnificent new building was opened to the public. A new ward building was finished in 1890 at the Central district, supplanting the one erected in 1864. In 1899, the Southwest district building was abandoned, and a modern school building of eight rooms opened 560 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. on South Main street. In 'g00 the building in the North district was torn down, and in 1901 a new ward school was opened in its place on Russell street. A tabulated list of the cost of the school buildings and sites, and dates of erection follow : Old academy, $1,725, 1849; three ward schools, $12,500, 1864; temporary high-school building on present Central ward lot, $3,000; Water street school, $6,500, 1873 ; high school and grounds, $72,000, 1874; Central ward, $23,000; 1889; South ward, $20,000, 1898; present high school; $20,000, 1898; North ward, $20,000, 1900. SALARIES. In 1849 the position of superintendent paid $600; male teachers in the upper grades, $40; primary teachers, $15. The number of teachers for that year, ten. By 1860, the salary of the superintendent had been increased to $1,000; high-school principal, $600; ward principals, $700; primary teachers, $360; number of teachers, fourteen. In 1880, the superintendent's salary was fixed at $1,800; high-school principal, $1,000 ; ward principals, $700; primary teachers, $400; writing teacher, $750. Number of teachers, eighteen. From the time of the organization of the Urbana schools, the practice of employing male teachers as ward principals is very noticeable. Apparently this has had much to do with the spirit and practical training of the youth. In this connection should be mentioned the names of B. F. Ogden, L. G. Barker, A. Baker, S. P. Price, R. S. Pearce, John W. Crowl, E. B. Kiser and A. C. Deuel. Equally deserving of praise are Mrs. Havens, Miss Chamberlain, Miss Conklin, Miss Keller, Miss Hoit, Miss Furrow, Miss Armstrong, Miss Arnold, pioneers in public-school work. SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. The early and continuous success of the public schools in Urbana is in a large degree due to one man, the late A. C. Deuel. He was born in New York. When a young man he came to Champaign county and became a district school teacher. In 1850 he was elected as the successor of Harry Marsh, at a salary of twenty-five' dollars a month. In June of that same year his salary was increased in consideration of the real value of his service and the advancement of his pupils. In July, 1851, he was elected to succeed John McKinney, and started into a professional career which, in point CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 561 of service, was equalled by few men of his time. In 1864 he quit the work temporarily to assume the duties of provost marshal ; in 1866, through some hasty action of the board, he was dismissed and the same year was re-elected ; in 1868 he was succeeded by J. M. Cross who served one year and then resigned the position to E. C. McClintock, who held it until June, 1870. At that time the board re-employed Mr. Deuel at an advanced salary. Not only did the city schools prosper under his direction, but also the educational work of the county and the country in general was furthered. For thirty-two years he was school examiner and during this long period of service he had a keen eye for the meritorious teacher. He took up the work in normal schools, begun in the forties by Mr. Kirk, and later organized teachers' institutes, teachers' local meetings, and reading circles. He was at one time a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio State University, and had it not been for the lack of proper support on the part of his fellow citizens, the university would now be but a few minutes ride outside the corporate limits of Urbana. As superintendent of the city schools, he was last concerned with the planning of the Central ward building. In this he was disappointed, because the city failed to provide a suitable auditorium. In 1890, Deuel was succeeded by William McK. Vance, who, as high-school principal, had been connected with the school for four years. Vance resigned the position in 1901 and was succeeded by I. N. Keyser, the present incumbent. Like his predecessor, he was high school principal five or six years prior to his election to the superintendency. During the administration of Superintendent Keyser, many improvements have been made in the school system, all of which have tended to place the city schools among the best in the state. Mr. Keyser has always been assisted by a loyal and able corps of assistants, who have striven to co-operate with him in achieving the improvements to be accomplished. TEACHERS IN URBANA SCHOOLS. During the past school year the following persons were employed in the city schools : I. N. Keyser, superintendent ; Letitia P. Fell, penmanship ; High School—K. E. Whinnery, principal ; J. H. Williams, Dona Robertson, Nelson Thomas, Katheryn Schaeffer, J. M. Thorpe, Daise C. Merriman, Mary Collins, art ; Central Ward—J. E. Stevens, Eighth grade ; Ida Neer, Seventh grade ; Minnie Deuel, Sixth grade; Elizabeth Lewis, Fifth grade ; Ethel Seibert, Fourth grade ; Keren Gaumer, Third grade ; Mary (36) 562 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Kidder, Second grade; Melvina Ellis, First grade; South Ward—Edgar G. Weller, principal; Eighth grade; Florence Dovell, Seventh grade; Charlotte Harmstead, Sixth grade ; Letitia Fell, Fifth grade and writing; Mary Woods, Fifth grade; Phyllis Ireland, Fourth grade ; Margaret Bixler, Third grade; Cecile Buroker, Second grade; Lucinda Leedom, First grade; North Ward—T. M. Wiant, principal, Seventh and Eighth grades; Jennie L. Brown, Fifth and Sixth grades ; Florence Frie, Fourth grade; Elizabeth Fuson, Third grade ; Christine Erickson, Second grade; Eloise Everett, First grade. GRADUATES OF THE URBANA HIGH SCHOOL. Below will be found a list of the graduates of the Urbana high school, by years : 1864—Fannie S. McGown-Woodmansee, Elizabeth Collins-Robinson. 1871—William McGown, James M. Colwell, Sarah Warfiock-Houston, Mary F. Russell-Bunnell, Belle Beam-Patrick, Virginia Armstrong-Rockefeller (died October 25, 1892), Ella Deuel-Greismer, Saidie Thompson-Tappan (died June 28, 1899), Maggie Patrick (died October 15, 1878), Lizzie Barchus-Phelps. 1872—James F. Deuel (died December 29, 1898), Ida C. Geiger, Emma F. Kenaga-Hendrickson, Carrie Helmick-Rhodes, Jessie R. Geiger-Patton, Nora S. Brown-Wilson, Orsamus N. Gibbons, Cassius C. Kirkpatrick. 1873—Frances E. Ayres-Griswold, Zilla B. Conklyn-Runyon, Minnie S. Deuel, Mary E. Fisher, Callie E. Johnson-Cramer, Emma D. Mosgrove, Keren Patrick-Ambrose, Mary F. Roach, Alice G. Rock, Mollie M. Stansbury, Ella P. Vance, Benjamin Thompson, Emma M. Thompson-Horn, Ida. Benjamin-Weaver. 1874—Ella E. Conklyn-Dunlap, Augustus H. Gaumer, 'William H. O'Connor, William M. Rock, George S. Valentine (died February 13, 1877), John C. Barnett, Michael A. Bartley, James J. Edmondson, William Mayse, Emma H. Barchus. 1875—Bascom Goodrich (died January 17, 1881), Emma Boal-Weaver, Etta Kenaga (died August 1, 1882), Fannie E. Kenaga-Crow, Emma G. Richards-McDonald, Collie E. Russell-Boal, John C. Thompson, Joseph C. Thompson, Joseph D. Valentine, Carrie Purtlebaugh-Poland, James H. Mathews, Homer Clark, Anna E. Wood-Milburn, Birdie A. West-Jamieson, Hattie G. Myers-Breedlove, Sarah E. Fisher, Mary R. Collins-Kennedy, Jennie A. Clark-Robinson, Cora H. Burnett-Nicholas. 1876—Fannie Bell-Clark, Hannah Faulkner (died July 29, 1895), Alice J. Shyrigh (died October 2, 1879), Osmon D. Helmick (died July 17, 1888), Julia G. Ayres-Wright, Dana S. Hunt-Wydman, Emma E. McComsey (deceased), Hannah G. O'Connor, Addle M. Rose (died January 13, 1887), J. Mills Boal, H. Elmer Thompson, William McK. Vance, -Henry D. Wood, Mary O'Connor. 1877 - t. Miller-Merrill, Frank E. Valentine, Will S. Hurd, John J. Enright, Charles Chowning, Lizzie Hitt-Fuller, Jennie Warnock, Jessie C. Patrick-Hurd, Mary B. Noble-Rock, Mary Morgan, C. Belle Kenaga-Freyhof, Minnie R. Imhoff, Henrietta CarterO'Kane, Ella Bennett-Cranston, Lilly Chowning-Carpenter, Mary C. Dabbs, Kittle C. Dillinger-Taylor (died May 18, 1897), Jennie H. Ellis-Gibbons, Luna M. Heath-Morrison, Clifford M. Russell-Darling, Helen Raymond-Wells, Jessie A. Smith, Josie Stafford-Thomas, George C. Deuel, Charles O. Yeazell (deceased). CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 563 1878—Anna Glenn-Johnson, Rosa Schellhorn-Smith (died June, 1898), Flora Fleming, grie Stokes, John C. Powers, Edith Morris (died August 2, 1891), Anna berg, Clara J. Faulkner, Jessie C. Brown-Mayse, Edna Thompson-Rob- odes-Foster (died July 20, 1885), Arra E. Kimball-Gilbert, Ruth Hunter-Warner, Max F. Colwell-Ross, Ida M. Armstrong-Converse. 1879—Emma Groeschell, Nora Bassett, Floy Russell, William C. Edmonson, George Gaumer, Clarence B. Heiserman, George Mayse, Waldo B. Talbott, Emma Ganson, James L. Funk, Frances Glenn. 1880-Emma K. Armstrong, Lillian Barnett, William E. Berry, Frank Magrew, John T. Ryan, Lee H. Todd, Mattie Dillinger, Mina A. Heath, Flora Ayers, Duncan Ayers, Horace Baldwin, Charles C. Glessner, Harry W. Gunckel, Frank 'E. Reid, Abbie McClellan. 1881—Kerie Hovey, Lizzie McGown, Franc Ford, Harry Happersett, Sherman Thompson, Charles W. Valentine, Mary Clark, Mary Kidder, Edna F. Taylor, Villette C. Ward. 1882—Minnie Chapin, Alice Gaumer, Agnes Deuel, Carrie Ellis, Mary C. Hitt, Lillian Marsh; Nellie Morrison, Frank Stafford, Fanny White, Frank-Russell. 1883—Lillie N. Clark, Odella S.. Houston, Louise Stone, Frank W. Brand, Daisy Schaeffer, Rachel L. Patrick, Robert C. Bryant, Percy S. Foulk, Robert C. Heflebower, A. Heber Kenaga. 1884—Letitia P. Fell, Amelia P. Talbott, Anna J. Weaver, Gus L. Valentine, Laura L. Barnett, Carrie L. Boyd, Minnie E. Craft, Kate L. Happersett, Minnie E. Marsh, Frank H. Downey, John. P. Downey, Harry F. McGill, Edward E. Miller, George W. Lewis, William Swayne Sowles. 1885—Nettie G. Dixon, Mary M. Humphreys, Mottle L. Harris, Minnie C. Lewis. Nellie Mitchell, Nellie Winder, Will B. Roberts, Joe W. Smith, Nellie M. Kenaga, Maggie F. Enright, Carrie Y. Chance, Zora M. Aukernian, Nettie M. B. McKinnon. 1886—Frank B. Patrick, Annetta Blackwood, Olive Heflebower, Eva Kenaga, Jennie L. Patrick, Margaret Stone, Jessie K. Woodcock, Clifford M. Warnock, Minnie Spahr, Edgar S. Heiserman, Blanche Carey, 141:e, Annette Satterthwate. 1887—Mary S. Akers, Edna M. _____ Emily J. Fell, Carrie Hubbell, May F. McReynolds, Sara Mitchell, Josephine Woodcox.           F. MacCracken, Earl W. Maitland, Mary A. Kidder, Alice M. Foulk. 1888—Bertha Hovey, Margaret Leaby, Bessie Service, Edgar G. Banta, Burleigh _______ Pearce, George R. Hedges, Griffith O. Ellis, Minnie J. Voss, Jennie Holt, Leno D. Donaldson, Hannah. D. Bucher, Grace Brown, Lizzie Bartley, Thomas E. White. 1889—Adda .Arrowsmith, Blanch Chance, Nellie L. Ellis, Lucy T. Houston. 1889—Rose C. Quinn, Frances Sullivan, Charles Sullivan, Charles Brand, E. M. Crane, Augustus Messner, Edwin Houston, J. G. Wallace, Bertha Allison, Susie L. Bryant, Clara Bunnell, Anna L. Colwell, Gene Fithian, Lula Greenbank, Alice Happersett, Nellie Lewis. Rose Remington Loomis, Myrtle Marmon, Mary E. Scorah, Louis Scott, Anna L. Service, Melissa Waldron, Charles I. Stouffer, Lucy Van Buskirk. 1890—Eva Keef, Frank Chance, Ed. Holding, Gussie Boyd, Pearl Minturn, May Shumate, Daniel Bryant. 1891—Margaret Bixler, Elita Dunlap, Louie Jennings, Grace Maitland, Rovilla pumper, Clara Mast, Bessie Thatcher, Blanch Thompson, May Phelps, .Louise Vance, Cary Glessner, Fred Behney, Ed. Hullinger, Willie Neal, William Wilson, Robert Pearce, Nell Ellis, Max Loomis, Eva McCarty, Iva Ross, Elizabeth Warnock, Beatrice Van Buskirk, David Bryant, John Outram, William Riggs, James Roberts, Richard Snavely, Nancy Todd. 1892—William Pearce, William Murphy, Edna Kiser, Florence Winder, Leah McDonald, Minnie Happersett, Frances Houston, Bertha Berry, Laura MacCracken, Anna Shyrigh, Adah C. Cheetham, Randolph Walker. 564 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. 1893—John A. Banta, Grace Lee Fisher, Estella Whittaker, Grace May Williams, Burt Aukerman, Daisy Dills, Nellie Holding, Eddie Barlow, Beulah Lee, Frank Butcher, Emma S. Maxwell, John Robert Davis, Joseph G. Russell. 1894—Northrop V. Maxwell, William P. Carey," Charles H. Duncan, Nina Grace Kiser, Bertha G. Owen, Bessie E.. Patrick, Myrtle P. Sidders, Harry M. Saxbe, Charles E. Gaumer, Josephine Kerr, Harry Butcher, Em1895--Maryl, Edna Garrett. 1895--Mary Bertha Heiserman, Nellie Donaldson, Eva Cartmell, Frank W. Todd, Carrie V. Wilson, Miller H. Blose, Mary Curry Cooper, Edna Blanche Humes, B. Marie Poffenbarger, Gertrude V. Powell, Maud Esta Robinson, Anna Kathryn Warnock, Kathryn Wallace, Mary McClellan, Anna Ward, Agnes Bertha Sowers, Louis Taylor Breedlove, Nellie Dickinson, Nellie Louis Stokes, Grace Stamets, Clarence Philander Linville, Emmet Pool, Bessie Mohr, Mary Blanche Kenaga. 1896—Bessie Vance Berry, Edith Bradrick, Grace Cain, Virginia Eichelberger, Kathryn Kingsley, MaudeJr., Benaer, Frank Houston, Jr.,'Bena Maurer, Edna Russell, Jay Kersey Roberts, Wilbur L. Dubois, John Cain, Elmer Fraoaln Boyd, Arthur Russell Boal. 1897—Harry H. Banta, Nellie W. Grove, Joe W. Hitt, Richard A. Kearry Mast, Cora McCray, HI-larry B. Williams, Benjamin H. Andrews, Thomas D. Davis, Will H. Johnson, Aletta Landis, David Loewensohn, Frank Shumate. 1898—Dennis McGree, Frederick Harenburg, Nellie Frye, Carrie Colwell, Ethel Seibert, Bertha Humes, Nellie Carty, Grace May Bechtolt, Frank C. GaWilliamna May Hall, Phoebe Williamn, J. Carr Robinson, Wilbarn Taylor, Richard Maxwell, Earl W. Fulmer, Cleland Butcher, Bessie Mears-Cooper, Elsie Phelps. 1899—Mattie P. Arrowsmith, Mary Jeanette Baldwin, Ethel Evelyn Boal, Hadessah E. Comerford, Paunchie Lita Lewis, Agnes Linville, Helen Maitland, Ada McCray, Charles F. O'Brien, John D. O'Gara, Virdia Fern Pool, Mildred PenelEthelwyn Satterthwaitenyan, Ethelwyn-Satterthwaite, Goodwin Seigle.  1900—Emma Banta, Ross Binkard, Cicero Woodmearce Lucy Blose, Anna B. PVearce, Elizabeth Brand, Elizabeth Church, Maybelle Cool, Nellie Everhart, Bruce B. Gaumer, Oliver King, Marie Jamieson, Nelson McClellan, Clara Luella McCray, Lyda B. Ramby, Esta Sandy, Eva B. Stamets, Bertha O. Kiser, Joe Blagg. 1901—Walter Bechtolt, Marybelle Blackwood, Cloud Blake, Marjory F. Boal-Holding, Edgar L. Boyd, Harry Frey Busey,Dunlap, AlbertColwell, Anna Dunlap, Albert Holding, Mark Chapeze Houston, Duncan McCroskey, Wilkie B. Rice, Elizabeth Saxbe, Elam G. Scott, Vance E. Taylor, Besse N. Whitehead. 1902—Nellie C. Bailey, Raymond Guthridge, Rosa Richwine, Ruth Baldwin, Frank Hagenbuch, Ben Seibert, Charles L. Banta, Jennie Hubbard, Mary KLeonard, Burtrad Berg, Mary Leonard,.Burt Talbott, Cyril H. Blake, Corinne Lewis, Lillian Weiser, Ella L. Brand, Frances McCray. Edgar Weller, Nellie Carson, Frank Murphey, Blanche West, Roy Cramer, Martha Muzzy Feather, Hrowltt L. Williams, D. C. COrowl, Ida E. Neer, Lolette A. Williams, Ethel Ewing, Bessie Nutt, Ella M. Wood, Robert E. Given, Besse Poffenberger. 1903—Lulu Arrowsmith, Donald Baker, HowardCaldwell, Artie Cain, Maud Caldwell,. Alice Carson, Ollie Crane, Amy Duncan, R. L. Eichelberger, Emma Haer; H. L. Hayden, A. B. Hegele, Trunkrn Kimball, B. F. Leonard. Roy Linville. Clara Weisner, Mary Miller, D. H. Moore, Laura O'Kane, Pauline O'Kane, Florence Robson, Edna Stouffer, Leota Woodson. 1904—A. E. Bentley, Mary Busey-Bedell, Louela Blake, H. A. Cowgill, L. E. Dagger, B. E. Ewing, Josephine Gaumer, M. E. Gehman, W. C. Gehman, Muriel Hatton-Moore, M. B. Hitt, Adella Deutz, C. H. Kesler, John Learning, Maude Miller, B. F. Miller, Harriet Nutt, Carl Pool, Mary Runyan, E. Russell, Sarah Seibert, Mellie Smith, Anne Valentine, Flora Weller. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 565 1905—Almeda Arrowsmith, Mabel Briney, Willis Holland Hodges, Marie L. Grove, Harold Warnock Houston, Helen Van Horne Houston, Margaret Houston, Hazel Claire Johnson, Opal Murphy-Martin, Harry Harbour Pool, Sarah Rhodes, Edna C. Rice,. Florence Seibert, Helen Rose Steward, Stella K. Wright. 1906—Robert Alexander, Charles Busey, Donald Caldwell, Golden Dagger Deweese Fuller, Hilton, Griswold, 011ie Green, Clyde Jenkins, Harold Kesler, George Middleton, Chalmer Murphy. Cressa Burley, Gertrude Cain, Lulu Cameron, Elizabeth Elwell, Edna Ireland, Hazel Lee, Marcella Maxwell and Edith Turner. 1907—John Barlow. Charles Bennett, Charles Bossinger, Mary Gain, Hazel Cameron, Florence Frie, Minerva Greene, Elfleda McConnell, Dorothy Miller, Ethel Moore, Nellie Morris, Lillian Pence. Raymond Powers, Ruth Sloan, Grace Talbot, Josephine Valentine. 1908—Mary E. Branson, Elizabeth Colwell, Roland French, Christine Hearn, Rudolph Kizer, Paul Organ, Ethel Bunnell-Kamp, Emery Dibert, Maud Grove-Edwards, Edna Hull, Hazel Murphy. Minnie Standish, Gertrude Breedlove, Ray Conrad, Robert Fuller, Robert Hegele, Gertrude McDonald, Antoinette Smith. 1909—Lowell C. Bodey, Garnett W. Brand, Leslie C. Bunnell, Harold Dunlap, W. Foster French. W. Ross Neese, Frank Nichols, Joseph Saxbe, Joseph W. Schrubb, John H. Warye, J. Ansel Woodburn, Alice Conine, Ellen Galster, Lela C. Kerns-Kizer, A. Lucile Kizer, Francis Milne. Marie Powers, Pauline Pratt-Houston, Mary Seibert, May Rice, Helen Conyers-Neese. 1910—Tracy Abrams, Ralph L. Barlow, Don H. Cone, Doris E. Coover, Chauncey D. Craig, Lucile Crowl, Gordon K. Harmstead, Thomas H. Hearn, D. Carra Houser. Louis Long, Rachel Lynn, Ivan Murphy, Dorthy Morris, Goldie Houser, Nellie Runkle, Marjorie Organ, Raymond Shook, Margaret J. Rupert, George Waite. Jr. 1911—Rex Biggert, Teresa J. Culley, Lester D. Condit, Max R. Kiser, Louise E. Mosgrove (deceased), Earl S. Pence, Mamie E. ,Snarr, Louise Standish, Theodore Bedell, Marion A. Carter, Ralph W. Gehman, Aleita Loudenback, Leanna McDonald-Hubbard, Harry Powers, James Sidders, Mark Swisher, Sarah R. Tritt-Rankin, Harry Carnahan, Charlotte Harmstead, Kathryn Marvin, Ruth Pearson, Earl Rice, Raymond Smith. Elise Todd, Esta Caldwell. 1912—Elizabeth Dodge, Phila Linville, Henry Hamlin, Fred Luking, Rachel Lynn, Ruth Stinson-Hinson, Pearl Crawford, Chauncey Glenn, Mabel Arrowsmith, Theodore Freyhof, Naomi Cladwell, Winifred Ramsey. Ola Turner-Heatherman, Rolla Dagger, Frank Culley. Margaret Green-Lott, Helen Pratt, Lake Vesper, Fuller Butler, Forest Berry, Marvin Johnson, Brownie Milne, Paul Smith, Ida Fuson, Lucy Blose, Chauncey Organ, George Frie, Christine Johnson-Organ, Irma Talbot-Bidler, Mary Steinberger, Richard Heatherman, Florence Dovel, Paul Hamilton, Lois Fate, Lola Groves, Thomas Wierman, Raymond Gullet, Viola Edwards, Garnet Shockey-Blackburn. 1913—Ruth Arrowsmith, Marguerite Blose, Christine Brown, Lucile Brubaker, Elizabeth Bunnell-Runyon, Jeanette Cone, Dale Northrup-Wagner, Ruth Norton, Clara Pickering, Lindsey Pratt, Dora Turner, Eras Woodburn, Ray Ball, Clarence Berry, Herman Davis, Paul Dye, Ralph Lowry, Ray McCarthy, Ralph McKitrick, Dean McGill, Lawrence Norton, Emerson Stanley, Vivian Crawford, Francis McCafferty, Ethel Clay, Frances Heap-Bjelke, Eva Holmes, Edith Michael. 1914—Doris Berry. Josephine Black, Elizabeth Brubaker, Helen Cheney-Slater, Margaret Everts. Phyllis Gifford, Mable Huston, Phyllis Ireland, Grace Kenaga, Gladys Kite, Marian Livingston, Annabelle Luking, Myrtle Parlette, Sarah Phillips, Anna Quinn (deceased), Christine Rawlings, Mary Swisher, Margaret Valentine, Imogene Todd, Evelyn Williams, Violet Yordy, Robert Alexander, Roby Burley, Lester Neer, Victor Darnell, Elmer Erickson, Howard Crowden, Wendell Graham, McDonald Lichti, Marion 566 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Racer, Harold Stadler, Lyman Wiant, Cecil Bedell, Karl Durnell, Ralph Phelps, Melwood Stanhope, Ivan Shultz, Helen Snarr, William Sidders, Harold Hawkins, Lucile Russell, Hazel Reck. 1915—Dorothy Shyrigh, John Thackery, Harriet Day, Seymore Long (deceased), Cecil Shook, Christine Erickson, W. Marvin Vance, Veryl Earnhart, Mabel Meisner, Howard Thornburg, Fay Biggert, William Fee, Marjorie Henz, Howard Saxbe, Ruth Cheney, Clara Mitchell, Bernice Jobe, Paul Grove, Thelma Reck, Raphael Shaffer, Robert Harrison, Otho Lingrell, Blanch Moses, Winifred Wanzer, Mildred Shanley, Carl Lortz, Dixie Braley, Floyd Essman, Flora McDonald, Lewis Hurd, Mabel Millner, Kenneth Crawford, James McElwain, Marjorie Nagel, Hugh Eleyet, Dorothy Holding. 1916—Beulah Brubaker, Lola Burley, Corinne Cone, Arthur Curl, John Enright, Ruth Essman, Robert French, Florence Gingery, Ruth Guthrie, Willis Guyton, Lelah Houser, Dorrel Houser, Paul Kite, Harry Legge, John Powers, Racer, Helen Nolte, Leo Rice, Lester Roach, Lawrence Curl, Cecil Shockey, Forest Stanhope, Rachel Steinberger, Russell Thornburg, Corrine Valentine, Wilbur Zimmerman, Leona Jernegan. 1917—Eloise Fromme, Mary Louise O'Conner, Mary Shanley, Mary Earsom, Doris Henz, Helen Curry, Gladys Raff, Ruth Wagner, Louise Smith, Ina Dye, Helen Boisen, Eloise Rawlings, Ethel Adams, Neola Wiant, Adelaide Carter, Etoyle Wagner, Eunice Glenn, Pauline Eleyet, Ruth Swisher, Carrie Erickson, Verra Tudor, William Pickering, Joseph Shambaugh, William Dunlap, Donald Sherlock, Merz Condit, Robert Hearn, Earl Gardner, Amos Shambaugh, Alice Butler, Belshazzar Owen, Grace Parks, Helen Parke, Louise Smith. MOORE'S BUSINESS COLLEGE. Moore's Business College and School of Shorthand, located at Urbana, was established on December 4, 1899, and has developed into one of the most completely equipped commercial and shorthand institutions in this section of the country. J. W. Moore, the founder and president of the institution, is today looked upon as one of the leading business educators of the state. His business and shorthand courses are thorough and modern, and in keeping with the requirements of modern-day methods. Beginning with only five students, the college has steadily grown until it now occupies six times as much space in the Weaver building as when it was founded. The enrollment of the school at the present time is not up to the standard, due primarily to the influence of the war, which has a tendency to keep young men from enrolling. HISTORY OF URBANA UNIVERSITY. A very complete and interesting history of Urbana University from the time of its inception in 1849 to 1870, was written by Ex-President Thomas F. Moses for the University Courant, in 1894. The historian. has taken the liberty to quote freely from this source and it is to be regretted that space cannot be given to the entire account as written by Doctor Moses. The his- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 567 tory from 1870 to the present time has been prepared from the records of the school, with the assistance of Dr. Carroll H. May, the present head of the institution. In the year 1849 the Rev. J. P. Stuart, while on a missionary tour in the interest of the New Church, made a call upon John H. James, of Urbana, a prominent member of that church, and while together they discussed the subject of higher education and the importance of religious instruction under the influence of the church. As a result of this interview, the following letter was written : Urbana, Ohio, March 26, 1849 To the REV. J. P. STUART. Dear Sir—I will give ten acres of ground for the site of a New Church University, to be selected from my lands about the town of Urbana, and so chosen that the selection shall always be regarded as a proper one both with reference to the ground itself and its proxmity to town. I regard the land I offer as worth one thousand dollars. I stipulate the sum of two thousand dollars shall be contributed by others within one year, mid that some building suitable for a school shall be erected within three years. And I express the wish that the building shall be substantial, plain, and of handsome proportions, without ambituous display. (Signed) JOHN H. JAMES. This letter to Colonel James, together with the subscription of one thousand dollars on the part of D. and T. M. Gwynne, of Urbana, occasioned the call of a meeting of the members of the New Church, interested in the subject of education, for the purpose of devising ways and means for the establishment of an institution of learning to be under the auspices of the New Church. At this meeting, held at Urbana, November 15, 1849, John Murdock was chosen president and J. P. Stuart, secretary. The following persons were present and took part in the deliberation of the meeting : J. H. James, R. S. Canby, Rev. George Field, Rev. Sabin Hough, Rev. J. P. Stuart, Dr. William M. Murdock, John Murdock, David Gwynne, Thomas M. Gwynne, M. G. Williams, Amos A. Richards, David Pruden, and Evan Gwynne. At this meeting an association was organized which accepted the proffered gifts, and authorized an application to the Legislature of Ohio for an act of incorporation. As the result of this application a charter was obtained, bearing the date of March 7, 1850, very liberal in its character, giving the institution authority to establish whatever schools, seminaries or colleges which may be deemed necessary or desirable, and for the conferring of the usual academic degrees. The incorporators named in the charter were as follows : Milo G. Williams, John H. Williams, Benjamin F. Barrett, E. 568 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Hinman, William E. White, David Gwynne, George Field, Sabin Hough, Samuel T. Worcester, John Murdock, Richard S. Canby. By the terms of the charter the corporation is governed by twelve trustees, the persons named above constituting the first board of trustees. The trustees are also required to be members of the New Church, or attached to the principles thereof. The name of University was assumed at the start, and the board at once decided that the university should embrace the entire course of school training from the lowest to the highest. CO-EDUCATION FROM THE BEGINNING. Although no mention is made of it in the charter, the plan of co-education was adopted at the outset, after careful deliberation. From this it will be seen that the Urbana University was one of the earliest institutions to admit both sexes to equal and unrestricted participation in the acquirement of a liberal education, Oberlin having been the pioneer in this direction some seventeen years before. In one of the early catalogues, published in 1860, it is stated that the union of boys and girls in the same school may be viewed with distrust by those who have no chance to witness its working. With the experience they now have, the trustees and faculty unite in opinion as to its benefit. They have found no evils resulting from it, and the benefits have been so obvious, on the formation both of manner and character—and this with girls no less than boys—that the present arrangement will not willingly be dispensed with." Among the graduates of the. first and several following classes appear the names of several young women. Such were the preliminary steps which led to the foundation of the university, which as yet possessed only its charter and organization, and a plat of ground. No funds were available to erect suitable buildings or to equip them when erected—no means on hand with which to engage a single instructor. These were not the days of the millionaire benefactors of institutions of learning, and large contributions to the cause of education were comparatively unknown. In the minds of its projectors the most urgent need of the university at this stage of its affairs was a suitable person to take charge of its educational interests, and the opinion was unanimous that Mr. Milo G. Williams possessed in an eminent degree the necessary qualifications. He was accordingly invited to accept the position. Mr. Williams was at that time conducting an academy in Dayton, Ohio, and his reputation as a teacher was already well established throughout the state. Prior to his going to Dayton he had CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 569 been successfully engaged in teaching in Cincinnati. The plan of establishing a New Church university at Urbana being submitted to him, and also the proposition that he should come and assume charge of the same, Mr. Williams took the matter into prayerful consideration. The records made in his private journal at this time fully testify to the weight and responsibility which he attached to the undertaking, and the serious thought which he gave the question 'of his acceptance of the position offered. In answer to the question, early submitted to him, of the practicability of the undertaking and the suitability of the location at Urbana, he says : "I expressed my belief that the time had arrived when the New Church should adopt more efficient measures for the diffusion of the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, and that there were no better means for accomplishing the end proposed than the proper education and training of the young in the doctrines and life of the church, thus making them fair exponents of the truths of the New Church: As to the locality, there were no valid objections to it, but there were many good reasons in its favor. Urbana is the county seat and in one of the best agricultural districts in the state. Champaign is one of the oldest counties and noted for the grand character of the early settlers, and the inhabitants are a churchgoing people." HIGHLY QUALIFIED FOR POSITION. Mr. Williams decided to accept the task of taking charge of the educational work of the university in spite of the fact that the responsibility would be greater and the compensation less than those of his present work. His decision was a fortunate one for the interests of the university. He possessed the qualities of infinite patience and perfect self-control combined with an extensive knowledge of human nature ; he had early learned the lesson that the art of governing others consists in the ability to govern oneself, at all times and under all circumstances. Moreover, he was a born teacher, a member of that noble race of pedagogues now nearly extinct, for whom the modern methods of teacher-making no longer find a place. In early life Mr. Williams had studied law, and afterwards, not being willing, as he expressed it, to make a living out of other people's quarrels, he pursued an extensive course in medicine. His training in the latter afterwards proved of great value to him when called upon to give instruction in the various branches of natural science, in which he became a highly successful teacher. Moreover his predilections were strongly in favor of the new field of work and the possibilities it seemed to offer for carrying out some long cherished ideas. He had long considered the desirability of combining literary and scientific 570 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. education with an inculcation of the doctrines of the New Church, believing, that education is worse than useless unless it elevates and purifies the affections and leads to a pure life. Such should be the aim of all systems of education. It was deemed best that Mr. Williams should close his academy at Dayton at once and begin the educational work at Urbana as a. preliminary to the organization of classes in the college. Accordingly he removed his family to Urbana in the summer of 1850 and engaged suitable rooms in the town for his school, as but little progress had yet been made in the construction of the university buildings. These rooms were located in the Glenn building, on the southwest corner of the public square, and were convenient and readily accessible to pupils from all parts of the town. The following year the school was removed to the northeast corner of Scioto and Locust streets. With Williams came a number of families from Dayton and Cincinnati who desired to have their children continue to receive the benefit of Professor Williams's instruction. On the opening day, early in September, 185o, the room was overcrowded with applicants for admission. It was found necessary to employ an assistant teacher at once, and Charlotte Hoadley was engaged to take charge of the girls' department. She was afterwards succeeded by Caroline Carthcart. The school was continued in the Glenn building until the fall of 1853, when it was removed to the college building, and the classes merged into those of the university. There was a board of trustees, five in number, selected at large from the prominent men of the community, among these being Joshua Saxton. CONSTRUCTION OF COLLEGE BUILDING. In the meantime, funds had been generously donated for the proposed building. An architect had already submitted plans for a building which seemed to have met Colonel James's requirements that "the building should be substantial, plain, and of handsome proportions, without ambitious 'display." A deep interest in the enterprise was taken by the citizens of Urbana, as manifested by their liberal donations to the building committee. Those who did not feel able to give money contributed materials for construction. Merchants contributed of their goods and workmen of their labor. Among the subscriptions appear stoves, dry goods, hardware, queensware, lumber, printing, and carpenter work. June 19, 1851, the cornerstone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. All New Church brethren will recognize the appro- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 571 priateness of this day, the 19th of June, for the foundation of a New Church University. This building, now known as "Bailey Hall," was .completed and ready for occupation in the fall of 1853. While the work of the construction of the college building was yet in progress, a special committee selected by the board of trustees, was maturing a plan of educational work for the future university. This was presented at the next annual meeting in July, 1852, and unanimously approved. The scheme thus adopted challenges admiration both from its simplicity and comprehensiveness. It comprised three general departments of instruction, namely : Philosophy, science, and language, in the order named. The department of philosophy was to include philosophy as taught in the doctrines of the "True Christian Religion" involving mental and moral philosophy, logic, rhetoric, elocution, and also the science of .correspondence. The department of science to include pure and mixed mathematics and the natural sciences, and the department of language to include ancient and modern languages. One professor was to be appointed as the head of each of these departments as soon as means should be available for his support, and other professors and instructors were to be added in each department as soon as it would be found expedient and necessary. The chair of science was at once filled by the appointment of Prof. Milo G. Williams, and the chair of language, after being declined by Rev. Chauncey Giles and Rev. S. F. Dike, was finally accepted by the Rev. Joseph Jenks. EARLY ATTENDANCE. The first annual catalogue shows an attendance of ninety-eight students and pupils of both sexes, and the first annual commencement was duly celebrated on the 19th day of June, 1854, the exercises consisted of orations, essays and declamations remarked by the pupils of the preparatory grades, no college classes being formed until the following year. On this occasion also the formal installment of Prof. Charles, W. Cathcart as professor of mathematics took place. At the succeeding commencement in 1855, Professor Jenks having resigned, J. F. Leonhard Tafel, Ph. D., was installed in the department of language, and the chair of philosophy was for the first time filled by the installation of Rev. James Park Stuart, thus completing the orig- inal plan of instruction. Doctor Tafel was of German birth and education, having received the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tubigen at the age of twenty-three. He was thoroughly conversant with the classic, oriental and modern languages, and published a number of text books 572 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. in the latter. As an educator he was an innovator, introducing a new system of teaching both modern and ancient languages by the natural method. In his inaugural oration delivered in Latin, Professor Tafel described the usual methods in vogue of teaching the ancient and modern languages and briefly described the main features of the new method showing wherein it principally differs from the old. The Rev. James Park Stuart, now made the head of the department, had received the appointment at the opening of the university, but was prevented by other engagements from accepting it. It was he who first proposed the plan of establishing a college at Urbana, and he was indefatigable in his efforts to place it upon a firm foundation. A man of broad culture, a profound scholar, thoroughly imbued with the philosophical spirit and possessor of an exhaustive knowledge of the philosophy of the church, Mr. Stuart was eminently qualified for the duties he now assumed. He remained with the college until its, temporary suspension at the outbreak of the rebellion, and afterward engaged in ministerial and editorial work, being editor of the New Church Messenger after its removal to New York. Mr. Stuart wielded a ready pen and his contributions to the magazines and periodicals of the church were frequent and able. In 1856 the faculty was further augmented by the appointment of Henry Thayer Niles, A. M., as professor of Greek and rhetoric. Mr. Niles at his installation delivered an oration upon the study of the classics which was described as "a forcible and original address," in which he drew a comparison between the relative merits of the higher mathematics and the classics for the purposes of mental stimulus and discipline, giving the preference to the latter on the ground of their adaptability to every grade and caliber of mind, and therefore sufficient per se for all. Mr. Niles retained his professorship for three years, and afterwards served many years upon the board of trustees. At the following commencement John C. Ager received the appointment of tutor of Latin and Greek. Ager had been educated in the university, having received his degree with the class of 1858. Two years later Ager was appointed professor of English literature and philosophy, holding the position until the suspension of the college at the outbreak of the Civil War. From the opening of the University until the year 1860, the preparatory school and the school for girls was presided over by Caroline Wenerell, who was a graduate of the University. The department of music was ably conducted by Prof. John Canby, through whose efforts a building was erected in the town for a music hall. This hall afterward became the house of wor- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 573 ship of the New Church society, and when the beautiful stone structure, now occupied by the society, was built upon the same site, the old hall was removed to the rear of the church lot, raised, and a lower story built beneath it for the primary department of the college. The original hall was again dedicated, under the name of Lyceum Hall, to purposes of music, and was occupied for many years by the Urbana Choral Society. FIRST GRADUATING EXERCISES. In the year 1857 were held the first graduating exercises of the university, when three young men and one young woman received their first degrees. The exercises described in the journals of the day were highly interesting and largely attended. By a happy coincidence the centennial anniversary of the church was being celebrated in Cincinnati, and many of those in attendance seized the opportunity to be present on so important an occasion in the life of the young university. Many representative men in the church from all parts of the country were present, among others the Rev. Dr. Thomas Worcester. Altogether it was a notable delegation. The annual oration was delivered by John Westall and the charge to the graduates by the Rev. Chauncey Giles. A bountiful collation served by the ladies of Urbana on the college campus was not the least enjoyable feature of the occasion. The succeeding year there was an increased attendance of pupils, and at the annual commencement there was a graduating class of nine. In the third year one hundred and twenty-eight pupils were enrolled. In the year 1858 the Rev. Chauncey Giles was elected president of the university, holding the office nominally until 1870. Mr. Giles continued his ministerial work in Cincinnati, and was never charged with any teaching of classes. Up to the date of Mr. Giles' appointment, Prof. Milo G. Williams had filled the office of dean of the faculty and president of the board of trustees, having declined to accept the title of president of the college, which had been tendered to him, modestly contending that he did not consider himself endowed with the qualifications which should be possessed by a college president. Professor Williams remained more or less actively connected with the college as an instructor in various departments of natural science' until the year 1870. During this period, in addition to his class room duties, he made valuable contributions to science, more especially in the departments of botany, conchology and meteorology. The plants growing in the vicinity were thoroughly studied and a large herbarium was formed of the specimens collected and placed in the college museum. His collection of the fresh water 574 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. mollusca of the Ohio river and its tributaries contains representatives of nearly all of the known species. For fifty years he made daily observations of the temperature, direction and force of the winds, humidity of the atmosphere and barometric pressure. Many of these observations were published by the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, and constitute some of the earliest contributions to the science of meterology, anticipating the present work of the signal service bureau. At the time of Mr. Williams' death, which occurred at Urbana in the year 1880, the chief signal officer, General Meyer, showed his high appreciation of Mr. Williams's services to meteorology in a letter expressing the great value and importance of these services. Up to the time of his death Mr. Williams remained a trustee of the college and took an active interest in its affairs. DARK DAYS WERE APPROACHING. The seven years following the opening of the college had been marked with prosperity, but the dark days were approaching which were to threaten the life of the institution and bring disaster throughout the land. On the outbreak of the Civil War so many of the students left, either to take part in the struggle, or because of financial distress, that it was found necessary temporarily to close the institution. The preparatory department was reopened the following year under the charge of Rev. Charles Hardon and Reverend Bartels, and was continued two years, when it was suspended. In the year 1866, the preparatory schools were again reopened under the direction of Prof. Alonzo Phelps, who with several assistants, remained in charge until 1868, when he was succeeded by Julius Herrick. In 1869 the board of trustees were successful in making satisfactory arrangements for the reorganization of the college. The assistant teachers and instructors who served at different times during this period were Rachel Farnham, principal of the girls' department, and Eleanor Eckstein. Miss Farnham was succeeded by Hannah G. Phinney. During the administration of Herrick, Bradford Farnham, James Dike and Theodora W. Howells were employed as instructors. BASIS OF ENDOWMENT FUND. In a letter addressed to the board of trustees under date of March I i, 1852, David Wilson, of Cincinnati, signified his intention of donating nine thousand dollars to the university, "the interest of said sum to be used toward the payment of a professor in said university to be appointed by its CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 575 board of trustees and under their control." This was the first considerable donation to the endowment of the university and may be considered as forming the basis of the present general fund, former contributions having been for the purpose of constructing buildings, the purchase of apparatus, and other necessary equipments. The interest of this donation is now, by a vote of the trustees, applied to the support of the classical professorship which is known as the "Wilson Professorship of Latin and Greek." A further donation of one thousand dollars was also made by Mr. Wilson for a scholarship, "the interest of which is to be applied for the support of some indigent and worthy person in the institution, and this money is to be appropriated at the discretion of the board of trustees of the university." This fund is known as the Wilson Sustaining Fund. From the year 1849 to 1856 the college had received some five thousand dollars as the proceeds of various subscriptions, but the amount had not sufficed to keep the institution clear of debt. At a meeting of the board of trustees held in December, 1865, an additional five thousand dollars was subscribed by the members of the board of trustees, "to pay off the entire indebtedness of the university." The following summary of the financial condition of the university and its educational work is taken from the report of Milo G. Williams to the general convention of the New Church, in the year 1865 : "The university domain consists of twenty-seven acres of land, the value of which is fifty-five hundred dollars. The cost of the buildings already erected on the ground is ten thousand four hundred and forty-five dollars ; the furniture in the boarding house and college building, eleven thousand one hundred and fifty-three dollars. The value of the property belonging to the university is over thirty thousand dollars and the institution is free from debt. There have been three hundred and forty-seven students of all grades connected with the university, two hundred and thirty males and one hundred and seventeen females. Of these, thirty-three have been engaged in teaching; and of the males who were old enough, sixty-four have been in the service of our country since the commencement of the rebellion." In April, 1869, the board of trustees decided to nominate .a competent person as president, who should reside in Urbana and give his personal attention to the interests of the university. The result of this action was the unanimous election in 1870, of Rev. Frank Sewell, as president of the university. At a meeting of the board of trustees in June, 1871, a resolution was adopted closing the primary school and suspending the privilege to girls to attend the college until a suitable building could be provided for them. This year marked the reopening of the college proper. 576 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. It was an occasion of great rejoicing for the trustees, faculty and students of Urbana University, when the announcement was published, July 22, 1878, that fifty thousand dollars had been added to the endowment fund. Now the college began a new era. In September, 1878, the girls' school was opened, a suitable building having been proided by remodeling the old frame house of worship. Doctor Moses served as the director of the school for several years, as also did Rev. O. L. Barler. Mrs. A. P. McNemar was principal for two years, and was succeeded by Ira B. Burt, who served in this capacity for several years. The names of Adelaide Smith, Janet Gilcrist and Alice Werner appear on the records as teachers in the school. At the annual meeting of the board of trustees, June 30, 1886, Professor Sewell tendered his resignation as president of the university, after an administration of sixteen years. He was succeeded by Dr. Thomas F. Moses, who remained at the head of the institution until 1895, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Whitehead. Reverend Whitehead served until 1899. John H. Williams became the head of the college under the name of principal and continued in this capacity until 1905. He was followed by Rev. L. P. Mercer, who served one year, and during whose administration the endowment fund was increased to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. From 1906 to 1907 Rev. Russell Eaton was the head of the university, holding the title of chairman of the faculty. From 1907 to 1917 the man in charge of the school system was designated as the head master of Urbana University Schools. From 1907 to 1908, Rev. Frank Gustafson was the head master ; 1908 to 1912, Paul H. Seymour ; 1912 to 1917, Rev. Russell Eaton. For the school year 1917-18, Dr. Carroll H. May has general supervision of the Academy and Junior College with the title of principal. The members of the faculty for the school year, 1917-18 are : Carroll H. May, Ph. D. (Harvard), Latin and Greek; Rev. Louis A. Dole, A. M. (Yale), history, economics and philosophy ; Rev. Warren Goddard, B. S. (Rhode Island State College), physics, chemistry and religious instruction; Hugh S. Fullerton, A. M. (Princeton), English and Spanish; A. F. Williston, M. S. (Brown), mathematics and biology ; Luella S. Goode, A. M. (Ohio State), French and German; Jane L. Carter, matron of boys' dormitory; Alice C. Sturges, preceptress and matron of girls' dormitory. THE HISTORY OF CURRY INSTITUTE. Almost a score and ten years ago an institution was begun in Ohio which has borne fruit in the dissemination and imparting of the blessings CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 577 of culture and industrial efficiency to the colored people, for the Curry Institute, as it is known to-day, dates its existence from January, 1889. Only twenty-six years had elapsed since the great Emancipator had issued his epoch-making proclamation, when E. W. B. Curry, that devoted man whose heart has ever been close to the betterment of his people, rented a little shed, which was twelve by fourteen feet, in Delaware, Ohio. There he started the school under the name of "The Place of Knowledge for Old and Young." In these lowly quarters the school was conducted for one year; however, in the second year it was carried on in the dining room of the Curry home. This deserving undertaking seemed to demand larger quarters, hence in the fall of 1890 Highwarder Hall was secured and there the school was carried on for three years amid great hardships. The faith of the founder in the high and altruistic worth of his undertaking sustained the institution through all of its struggles in those dark years. In fact one season when the rent alone was one hundred dollars, aside from fuel and running expenses, the enrollment on the average was only two students. Nothing daunted by the dark outlook, improvements in the course were carried on ; and in 1890 industrial classes were opened under the charge of Mother Curry and Mrs. Abe Wilson. Sewing classes were given for the girls who came on Saturday afternoons, with tuition free. Imbued with the spirit of the wonderful mission of the school, its beginner, in the fact of grave financial difficulties, further extended the facilities of the school in the fall of 1894. At that time a brick dwelling was rented and the school was opened for day and night sessions. The first student to enroll from out of the city was Elias Thomas, of Cincinnati. SCHOOL GAINS REPUTATION. These years of hardship and privation soon began to receive their reward, for soon the school had gained a reputation and the question of a permanent location had to be settled. Students were coming from five states of the Union and from Canada. It was evident that at last the colored people were convinced that in this school was the opportunity for them to better themselves industrially, spiritually and culturally. At last, Mr. Curry and his devoted helpers had convinced the world that such a school had a mission to perform in the uplifting of humanity. Accordingly several places were visited in view of location. The citizens of Mechanicsburg offered very flattering inducements which were finally accepted. In September, 1895, the school. (37) 578 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. was moved to that place and opened there in the fall, with an enrollment of nineteen pupils and three teachers, the latter being W. N. Kinney, W. A. Kelley and E. W. B. Curry. Looking forward to a permanent organization, the promoters of the school selected a board of visitors, composed of Peter Colwell, Thomas Martin, Reverend Merritt, I. Morgan, John Moxley, F. Stewart and E. W. B. Curry. It can scarcely be imagined how elated were the sponsors of the school when it was found the first year at Mechanicsburg was a most successful one. For reasons best known to those intimately connected with the school, it was moved to Urbana. The change was made during the third week in September, 1897. School was begun immediately in the Douglas property on Reynolds and Kenton streets, where the enrollment for the first term was two students, and the average attendance for the first year, six. As it was before, the need of larger and better quarters soon became urgent. Luckily, the city school board was erecting a building in the northern part of town for high school purposes, and upon its completion the building on Water and Reynolds streets was left vacant. This building, by the way, had been utilized several years before as a colored school. This was the opportunity for the school to occupy a regular school plant. Accordingly, Professor Curry rented the building and moved the school to that place in January, 1898. In April, 1898, the property was purchased. Even though the school at this time had only four students, yet so rapid was the growth of the institution that in three years the building was crowded. This necessitated the construction of more rooms. Accordingly, seven apartments were added to meet the demand. DREAMS BEING REALIZED. At last Professor Curry could begin to see that his dreams of the past for the success of the school were being realized. In the next four years the growth of the institution was remarkable, and on April 28, 1906, it -applied to the state for a charter of incorporation. The signers of this application were W. W. Wilson, D. S. Perry, E. E. Cheney, Edwin Hagenbuch and E. W. B. Curry. Afterward the incorporators met and formed the following organization : W. W. Wilson, president ; D. S. Perry, vice-president ; E. E. Cheney, secretary ; Edwin Hagenbuch, treasurer. The trustees consisted of the incorporators, and in addition George W. Hayes, of Cincinnati, and W. B. Conrad, of Richmond, Indiana. The present board of directors consists of W. W. Wilson, chairman; Harold W. Houston, treasurer; CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 579 Edward W. Holding, secretary ; E. W. B. Curry, president of the institute ; George W. Hayes and W. B. Conrad. The normal and the institute provide for courses in the following upon the application of a class unit : English, literary, normal, Bible school, commercial, music, manual training, blacksmithing, shoemaking, cement pouring, agriculture, domestic science, dressmaking, millinery and printing. The equipment is excellent and modern. Central Hall, which is a handsome brick building, has three stories including the basement, and contains fourteen rooms. More than this, the institution owns a farm of about twenty acres on the Springfield road adjoining town. A glimpse into the future reveals to us a more magnificent, a grander and more complete Curry Institute on this site, which is known as Institute Heights. What infinite satisfaction it must be to Professor Curry thus to see how wonderfully and completely his dreams of the past have been realized. It is not the aim of the institute to move along now "in the even tenor of its way" after it has achieved its present reputation and renown, but it aspires to greater and more lofty heights of service to humanity. It is its intention to become a northern Tuskegee. Its aim is to teach the student to become industrious, useful and self-reliant. It is its purpose to demonstrate the value of the negro to the country and to humanity through a process of Christian, industrial, moral and industrial education. A survey of the roll of its graduates will show that these are not empty words. During the history of the school, more than two thousand students have been helped. These have come from all parts of the United States and from Canada. A large number have completed the courses and these with many others have been and are doing excellent service for humanity. It is undoubtedly to the credit o f Curry Normal and Industrial Institute that up to this date not one of its graduates has been brought into court for a violation of criminal statutes, or has had to serve a term in prison. PROF. E. W. B. CURRY. Most fitting is it in this connection to give .a sketch of the life of the man who by his constancy to purpose, his belief in the right, his intense desre to render a service for his people and for humanity, has made this institution what it is, Prof. E..W. B. Curry. Among the most useful citizens of Champaign county, Professor Curry stands in the first rank. He is a member of the negro race and was born of parents who knew the cruelties of slavery. He was born in Delaware, Ohio, 580 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. in March, 1871. When he was a boy of eleven years, he became a member of the Baptist church, of which his father was pastor. He received his education in the Delaware high school, Michael College and Ohio Wesleyan University. Undoubtedly it was during this formative period when he became imbued with the spirit of his mission to his people. Aside from the regular course in the university he was a student of law, ,reading under Hon. F. M. Marriot and Judge Wickham. Upon completing a course in theology, he was set apart for the ministry. In connection with his educational work, he has been pastor of some of the most progressive colored churches in the state, such as the Zion Baptist Church, of Dayton, and the Second Baptist Church, of Urbana. His services are given to any church regardless of denomination, and this has given him the opportunity to speak to congregations of all branches interested in the colored people. Professor Curry is the founder and President of the Curry Normal and Industrial Institute of Urbana, Ohio. Through his tireless endeavor for his people, he has become one of the best known men of his race throughout the United States and Canada. Every hour of his busy life is given to his people in some good cause for their advancement. He enjoys the *reputation of being one of the most scholarly and eloquent orators of either race in America today. For twenty years he' has been upon .the speakers' list of the Anti-Saloon League, and has shared the honor of the platform with the greatest statesmen of his time. As an evangelist, he is styled the "Billy Sunday" of the colored people. Professor Curry was the national executive of the Good Samaritans, one of the leading colored secret societies of the country, for eight years. He is included in that coterie of brilliant and eminent men who compose the American Academy of Political and Social Science. Only a few of his race have been honored with membership to that body. In literary work, he has given to the world two books : "Story of the Curry Institute" and "Selected Addresses." His contributions to magazines for both races have been in great demand. He is now working on "A History of the Negro in America." He is the editor and published of The Informer, a monthly periodical established by him in 1896 and which has today a wide circulation throughout the United States. The Baptist state convention of Ohio, representing over thirty thousand negro churchmen, was promoted by Professor Curry and held its first meeting at the Curry Institute, Mechanicsburg, Ohio, in 1896. Professor Curry was married to Emma Stewart, of Ross county, Ohio, in 1896. Mrs. Curry is a very amiable woman, and she assumes a very active CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 581 part in the work of the religious, educational and social uplift of her people. She is a real companion to her brilliant and talented husband, and is deeply interested in his mission. Six children have been born into this family, of whom only three are living. For many years back the name of Curry has been, and for all the years to come will be, associated with those of Frederick Douglas and Booker T. Washington, as God-sent leaders of the emancipated race. With these eminerit negroes he has seen that the salvation of the colored race lies in their becoming industrially more efficient. He has unselfishly dedicated himself to the preaching of this gospel to them. The citizens of Urbana, regardless of race, are proud of this man and of the rich contribution he is making to the redemption of his people. CHAPTER XXV. LITERARY CLUBS AND THINGS THESPIAN. People are naturally gregarious and the people of Urbana are no exception to the rule. The trend of modern society is distinctly towards co-operation and co-ordination of interests in every line of activity, whether it be along industrial, religious, educational or social lines. We are so interdependent now that a correlation of interests is necessary. In the early days of the county's history the man of the family built his own house, made his own furniture and tools, was frequently his own dentist, physician and lawyer, and was in a large measure dependent upon no one-—that is, on no one but his wife. The wife spun the yarn and wove the materials for the clothing of the family and performed a thousand and one other duties that are now in charge of others. To a remarkable degree each family was a unit to itself, making its own houses, furniture, and clothing and providing its own food. Things are far different in 1917, a hundred years later. The farmer has everything manufactured for him and his wife can buy everything needful for her household. No more will linsey-woolsey, tow-linen and jeans, dyed with walnut hulls, suffice. Even the gentle art of bread-making is fast becoming a lost art. Along with the change in the method of living has gone the splendid old-fashioned isolation which surrounded the pioneer home. The quilting parties of our grandmothers and the log-rollings of our grandfathers have been replaced by social and fraternal organizations which bear little resemblance to their predecessors. The husking-bees and singing schools of the young people have been replaced by the corn-shredder and the phonograph. Club life such as that of the women of today was unknown. Such a thing as a group of women meeting every week to discuss Browning, Holmes or Shakespeare was unthinkable by our grandmothers, nor did they foregather and spend the afternoon in playing cards. Such an organization as a woman's club was non-existent in Urbana twenty-five years ago. Even as yet Urbana is not obsessed by the superfluity of clubs which vex some communities. This does not mean, however, that the Urbanians are not abreast of the times in matters of civic improvement and education, and general culture, for a glance at conditions will prove CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 583 that they are wideawake. In fact the people are, as it were, one great club whose sole object is ever to hold near their hearts the betterment of the community. Formerly there were five clubs in Champaign county : The Woman's Literary Club, the Holmes Literary Club and the St. Cecelia Reading Circle, all of Urbana ; the Woman's Tourist Club, of Mechanicsburg ; and the Olla Podrida Literary Club of Woodstock. Of these the Woman's Tourist Club and the Olla Podrida Literary Club are the only ones now active. A most laudable work has been and is being carried on by the existing clubs. So has it been with the clubs not now extant. The members of the current clubs do not busy themselves entirely with mulling over literary masterpieces of the past; but, like good versatile Americans, they keep their eyes open for opportunities here and there to awaken the public conscience to a needed change in the life of the community. THINGS THESPIAN. Closely connected with the foregoing aesthetic phase of the social life of the community, has been its activity in dramatics ; and in this Urbana has sufficient basis for claiming distinction. If old Thespis could be transported to Urbana from the Elysian Fields, the perusal of the names of the galaxy of his followers whom Urbana has produced would undoubtedly quicken his ethereal pulses; for many more than a score of Urbana folk have chosen to become his disciples. It is impossible, however, to ascertain just why Urbanians have had this stageward bent. For years and years dramatic societies have flourished in Urbana. Along with these, of course, has come the opportunity for many young people to test their immunity from stage fright in amateur theatricals. From such a beginning many have gone forth and have convinced the American public that they really have talents worth while. There have been comedians who have made two smiles flourish where a frown formerly grew; vocalists who have delighted vast critical audiences ; composers whose works are known from coast to coast; acrobats, tumblers and clowns. Moreover this attitude of Urbana has been evinced in the provisions made for their entertainment; for, in all, the city has had five opera houses. Again, Urbanians have considered themselves worthy of the best artists they could procure. To be sure, the moving picture shows have made serious inroads upon the legitimate stage in Urbana, but the future of the dramatic instinct of its people seems to be secure, for the love of things Thespian still lingers here. 584 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. THE WOMAN'S LITERARY CLUB. The Woman's Literary Club of Urbana was organized in 1893 for the purpose of promoting the interest of its members in music, literature, art and civic affairs. The original members of the club consisted of the following:- Mrs. Frank Houston, Mrs. C. T. Jamieson, Mrs. Henry Houston, Mrs. James Anderson, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Lee Todd, Mrs. H. M. Hubbell, Mrs. William Foster, Mrs. C. D. Slifer, Mrs. J. C. McCracken, Mrs. M. H. Crane, Eudora Baldwin, Mrs. W. M. Rock, Mrs. W. B: Griswold, Mrs. J. R. Downer, Mrs. J. M. Russell, Mrs. T. T. Brand, Mrs. J. B. Hitt, Mrs. J. M. Colwell, Mrs. Samuel Warnock, Mrs. J. M. Lewis, Mrs. William A. Cool, Mrs. George Eichelberger, Mrs. J. M. Lewis, Mrs. William A. Cool, Mrs. Edwin Hagenbuch, Mrs. F. S. Ross, Mrs. Emma Weaver, Mrs. William Conrey, Mrs. R. C. Horr, Mrs. E. Thayer, Fanny Stadler, Julia Humphreys, May Humphreys, Clifford Warnock and Nellie Kenaga. The associate members at the time of organization included the following : Mrs. C. F. Colwell, Mrs. Emma Eichelberger, Mrs. George Humphreys, Mrs. Joseph Fisher and Louise Leedom. The original officers of the club were as follows : Flora Ayres, president; Mrs. Jennie Bassett, vice-president; Minnie Deuel, secretary ; Fanny Stadler, treasurer. The presidents of the club from the time of organization until 1917 are as follows : Flora Alta Ayres, 1893-95; Lena M. Cool, 1895- 97; Minnie S. Deuel, 1897-99; Eva A. Williams, 1899-1901; Mary N. Rock, 1901-03; Mary Allen Keyser, 1903-05; Caroline McM. Conyers, 1905-06; Mary B. Wilson, 1906-08; Lulie W. O'Brine, 1908-10; Mary Allen Keyser, 1910-12; Effie M. Crane, 1912-14; Marietta S. Wilson, 1914-16; Eva Eglin Given, 1916-17. The active membership for 1917 consists of the following: Mrs. L. C. Barlow, Florence Barlow, Lillian Barnett, Cloud Blake, Mrs. Olive Blose, Mrs. J. F. Brand, Mrs. H. B. Conyers, Mrs. W. L. Clark, Mrs. Effie Crane, Minnie Deuel, Mrs. E. NI. Earsom, Mrs. Elizabeth Fuller, Mrs. W. S. Given, Mrs. W. B. Griswold, Mrs. C. E. Gaumer, Mrs. Frances Hefflebower, Mrs. R. C. Horr, Mrs. Nancy Houston, Mrs. Sarah Houston, Mrs. H. M. Hubbell, Mrs. C. E. Inskeep, Mrs. C. F. Johnson, Mrs. Isaac Johnson, Mrs. I. N. Keyser, Mrs. W. J. Knight, Mrs. David H. Moore, Margaret Moore, Mrs. H. S. Morgan, Ellen McDonald, Lilley Nutt, Bess Nutt, Mrs. David O'Brine, Mrs. W. M. Rock, Mrs. Lydia Ross, Mrs. Max Ross, Agnes Sayre, Ruth Sloan, Mrs. Fred Saumenig, Mrs. C. M. Wanzer, Mrs. J. H. Williams, Mrs. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 585 W. W. Wilson, Mrs. W. R. Wilson, Mrs. Frank Wilson, and Mrs. Frank Zimmer. The associate members consist of the following : Mrs. Ida Humphreys, Mrs. H. K. Humes, Mrs. J. C. Kenaga, Marie Kenaga, Mrs. Sarah J. Knight, Mrs. W. E. Marsh, Mrs. Nannie Mosgrove, Mrs. Joseph Murphy, Mrs. Smith M. Pence, Mrs. James M. Russell, Mrs. Sherman Thompson and Mrs. A. F. Vance. The club has been very active in all kinds of civic work and has done a great deal toward the improvement of Urbana with respect to a cleaner city, inciting public interest with respect to city improvements, such as a sewer system and better lighting facilities, also baby-welfare work and registration. The officers who have charge of the direction of the club's interests for the current year, and who are striving with an earnest zeal to carry out the club's motto, "Stand by Your Work and Be Wise," are the following : Eva Eglin Given, president; Elizabeth Fuller, vice-president; Muriel Hatton Moore, recording secretary ; Ruth Sloan, corresponding secretary ; Lillian Barnett, treasurer; Mary Allen Keyser, critic; Cornelia Barlow, librarian. THE WOMAN'S TOURIST CLUB, MECHANICSBURG!. The Woman's Tourist Club was organized at Mechanicsburg in September, 1894, and federated in November of that year. What are known as the first-year members included the following : Mrs. Estella Alley, Mrs. Laura Burnham, Mrs. Mattie Burnham, Mrs. Clara Baxter, Mrs. Elnora Clark, Mrs. Anna Dotson, Mrs. Juliet Hunt, Mrs. Della Kimball, Mrs. Mollie Kennedy, Mrs. Fanny Mitchell, Mrs: Mary Murray, Mrs. Eliza Morgan, Mrs. Eunice Martin, Mrs. Kate Mulford, Mrs. Anna Nincehelser, Mrs. Amanda Shepherd, Mrs. Jane Wing, Mrs. Lizzie Williams, Mrs. Alice Bronson Weed, Mrs. Josephine Ward, Willa Alexander, Ida Bunker, Inez Buffington, Lizzie J. Disman, Addie Hyde, Margery Huddleson, Mary Kidder, Florence Little, Alice May Morgan, Hattie Mickle, Elizabeth Newcomb, Amelia Owen, May Wing, and Fannie Williams. The membership of the club: was first limited to twenty-five active members and ten social members ; but the limit has been raised until at present it is fifty and fifteen, respectively. The first organization consisted of the following : Mrs. Kate Mulford, president ; Mrs. Laura Burnham, vice-president ; Mrs. Anna Nincehelser, recording secretary ; May Wing, corresponding secretary ; Mattie Mickle, treasurer. The officers of the club for the year 1916-17, are as follows : Helen Longbrake, president ; Mrs. Rhoda Slater, vice-president ; Mrs. Nan Long, recording secretary; Mrs. Elsie Rogers, corresponding secretary; Dolly 586 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. Longbrake, treasurer; Mrs. Lida McClintock, librarian; Nellie Brown, auditor; Mrs. Marie Wood, delegate. The presidents of the club since its organization are as follow : Mrs. Kate Mulford, 1894-95; Mrs. Mattie Burnham, 1895-96; Ida Bunker, 1896- 1897; Mrs. Sarah Guy, 1897-98; Mrs. Lizzie Streator, 1898-99; Mrs. Florence Wing, 1899-1900; Mrs. Alta Martin, 1900-01 ; Mrs. Della Kimball, 1901-02; Mrs. Dora Cheney, 1902-03; Mrs. Nettie Hopkins, 1903-04; Mrs. Anna Sceva, 1904-05; Mrs. Sallie Neer, 1905-06; Mrs. Anna Clemans, 1906- 1907; Mrs. Enid Foster, 1907-08; Mrs. Agnes Demand, 1908-09; Mrs. Carrie Culbertson, 1909-10; Mrs. Marie Wood, 1910-11; Mrs. Ada Baker, 1911-12; Mrs. Hannah Underwood, 1912-13; Mrs. Orpha Mahoy, 1913-14; Mrs. May Johnson, 1914-15; Mrs. Elizabeth Burnham, 1915-16; Helen Longbrake, 1916-17. Death has overshadowed the club but few times and has taken from the organization the following members : Jennie May Wing, 1897; Nellie Phellis, 1899; Mrs. Lizzie D. Streator, 1900; Amelia Owen, 1902; Mrs. Lizzie C. Baker, 1902; Elizabeth Newcomb, 1909; Mrs. Floy Mumma, 1913; Maggie Neer, 1914; Mrs. Sallie Neer, 1915. The object of the club as stated in the constitution is an earnest desire to develop fellowship among women, and promote the best practical methods for self-goernment. The studies of the club have been broad and varied and have included the study of the histories of the most important countries of Europe and South America, and a study of such authors as Scott, Shakespeare, George Eliot, Hugo, Stevenson, and Hawthorne. For the year 1916-1917, the subject is "The Romance of American Cities." One of the features of this year's work are the four lectures which are being given by persons of recognized ability in their respective fields. THE OLLA PODRIDA LITERARY CLUB, WOODSTOCK. The Olla Podrida Club was organized at Woodstock in 1899 for the purposes of general cultural studies in literature, art and civic affairs. The idea of such a .club originated in the minds of Mrs. Fred T. Crawford and Mrs. D. R. Kimball and, with the assistance of Mrs. Streator, the club was formally organized in the year mentioned. The officers of the club for 1917-18 follow : Lena Standish, president; Susan McCarthy, vice-president; Adah McMahill, secretary; Adah Madden, treasurer; Jennie Reed, critic; Edna MacMullen, librarian. The membership of the club at the present time numbers thirty-two. The club takes its name from the Spanish CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 587 olla podrida, a dish consisting of pieces of meat and vegetables stewed together; hence, any heterogeneous mixture of miscellany, and true to its name does not confine its line of research and discussion to any definite subject. HOLMES LITERARY CLUB, URBANA. The members of the Holmes Literary Club named in honor of the poet Oliver Wendell Holmes, was organized in Urbana in 1893, and was federated in 1895. The club became a part of the national federation in 1897. The club met every two weeks at the home of its members for the purpose of literary study. The club was one of the city's most helpful agencies for culture and civic improvements during its existence. The average membership was about forty. The club had an active existence until about 1899 or 1900, when for various reasons, it became inactive. ST. CECILIA READING CIRCLE, URBANA. St. Cecilia Reading Circle, a Catholic literary society in Urbana, was organized in 1895, with nearly sixty members. The club enjoyed an active existence for a period of fifteen years, during which time much good was accomplished among its members. Meetings were held each week for four years and the subject discussed were broad and elevating. The last officers of the society included Ellen Murphy, president; Mrs. Thomas Harrington, vice-president ; Catherine Christopher, secretary ; Agnes Tookey, treasurer. THINGS THESPIAN. Many years ago, more than can be recalled by anyone in Urbana, followers of Thespis were disporting themselves before the footlights in the village hall. There is no accounting for many things which happen ; no one can tell what a day may bring forth ; certainly it would be fruitless to try to explain why so many of the young people of Urbana have wanted to tread the stage. Whatever may be the explanation, the fact remains that more than a score of Urbanians have chosen to display their talents before the American public. There have been comedians, pure and simple.; of acrobats, tumblers and circus performers, there have been more than a score; singers have gone forth to win applause; musicians with more than ordinary ability have composed songs that have delighted tens of thousands; local brass bands 588 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. have been called to perform in all parts of the United States ; our young men and women have played in all kinds of theatrical shows—some. high class, some mediocre and some otherwise. In all this galaxy of footlight performers there are a few who stand out above all others for their particular talents in special fields. Undoubtedly the one Urbanian who has won more than any other in the Thespian world is Billy "Single" Clifford. Shakespeare had the power to delineate more traits of character and sound the depths of deeper passions than any man who has ever lived. In his plays may be found more than one thousand different characters and there is not an emotion, not a passion, that is not given expression by one of these hundreds of characters. Truly "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women, merely players." One of these players was born and reared in Urbana and is known throughout the length and breadth of the nation as one who can truly say "let me play the fool; with mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come." If the average Urbanian were asked to name the one man of the city who has. done more to spread sunshine over the country and cause two smiles to spread where only one spread before, there would be but one answer—Billy Clifford. Let him who will explain why a man with a decently Christian name trades it off for a second-hand patronymic ; it is one of the inscrutable mysteries. Be that as it may there was born in Urbana, January 24, 1869, William Clifford Shyrigh, so called by his parents, Levi and Sarah Shyrigh, but the people of the United States at large know him as Billy Clifford or Billy "Single" Clifford, the middle appellation being acquired later in life. Someone has said that as a twig is bent so grows the tree and by analogy Billy Clifford while still a twig was a show boy and as the twig grew to treehood the show boy grew to be a showman. On the site of the present theatre bearing his name, Billy Clifford staged his first show while a boy still in his teens—and more than thirty years ago. He must have been a lineal descendant of old Thespis and if the buskined sock ever fit a youth of Urbana it fit this juvenile follower of Aristophanes. It was but a step from the stage in the old barn to his first entry into real theatrical life. And he has stepped in his buskins like him who wore the seven league boots—big steps and ever advancing steps. He started out in professional life with the Miles Orton circus, but the experience the sixteen-year-old boy acquired during three seasons with this com- CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 589 pany brought him the opportunity to associate himself with George Fuller Golden, one of America's foremost and most famous monologue artists. During the three years he was with Miles Orton he served in the triple capacity of snare drummer, ticket seller and finally, and terpsichorally, he had a song-and-dance turn. While with Orton, Clifford became interested in the acrobatic work of George Marsh, one of his fellow townsmen bearing the enigmatical title of "Moats". This Moats possessed an unusually supple pair of legs and Clifford conceived the idea that he and Moats might make a good team. After a thorough course in the beating of the bass drum Moats was ready to join Clifford and the two drummers joined in a singing and dancing act which was sufficiently attractive from the box-office standpoint to keep them in steady employment. It may be added that this Moats became in the course of time the principal clown of the Ringling Brothers circus. He was killed in a railway accident in the summer of 1916. Billy Clifford and George Fuller Golden joined their talents in one act in 1891 and for years they played at the leading vaudeville houses throughout the United States. Theirs was a simple skit, but so skillfully and artistically was it staged and acted by these two gifted comedians that Irish song-and-dance though it was, it never failed to win hearty applause. To this song-and-dance they added an old-fashioned clog dance while their finale consisted of a dashing boxing exhibition of three rounds. This fistic encounter usually terminated in favor of Billy, who, being the smaller, was able to dance around his heavier and slower opponent. Following his connection with Golden, Clifford and Maude Huth were featured together with some of the leading vaudeville companies of the country. Later he was with Al G. Fields for several years, during the course of which he played in some of the leading play houses of Europe. For the past few years he has had a company of his own on the road. During the season of 1916-17 he produced "Linger Longer Lucy," one of his own compositions. OLD UNION HALL. To begin with the beginning of Urbana's interest in things Thespian is to turn back the pages of local history more than sixty years. When our grandfathers and grandmothers of today were "keeping company", as they liked to call it in those ante-bellum days, they had no "movies" to attend. The town in those days—it was before it had come to attain the dignity of a city—had a play house known as Union Hall. This hall was the first 590 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. real theatrical room of the town and it was not thought a hardship to climb three flights of stairs to reach it. This hall was located in the third story of the Glenn block in the southwestern corner of Monument Square, then called the public square. The first manager of, this first opera house, if it may be called by such a name, was Charles Lauppe. Here the people of the fifties and sixties gathered to see Tom Thumb, Mrs. Tom Thumb and her sister, Minnie Warren ; Commodore Nutt, Sol Smith Russell, Peak & Berger's Bell Ringers, Fanny Denham Rouse, Harry Hawk, Caroline Hayes, Newcomb's Minstrels, Jeppe & Fanny Delano, and Skiff & Gaylord's Minstrels. While these are some of the larger attractions on which our grandfathers and grandmothers gazed with admiring eyes, there were scores of minor troups which included Urbana in their one-night stands. It is recalled that in those days before the war the best companies were brought to the town and furthermore that they were well patronized. During the latter part of the sixties the theatrical center of the town was changed from the third story of the old Glenn block to the second story of the old market house. This latter building stood on the corner now occupied by the city building and was a large, rambling brick building of uncertain age and with acoustic properties not calculated to arouse the better nature. of the audience. The upper story of this building was converted into a large hall, fitted out with a stage, wings, dressing rooms and other necessary theatrical impedimenta, and the hall itself fitted out with the best seats obtainable. Jack Dixon, who was connected with the fire department for several years, was the manager of the opera house which opened in the market house. Here appeared such plays as Edwin Forrest, Madam Janushek, Henrietta Chanfrau, John A. Owens, Furbish's Theatre, Duprez & Benedict's Minstrels, Mr. and Mrs. Torn Thumb and Jeppe and Fannie Delano. The next theatrical house of the city was opened by Dr. P. R. Bennett, and was known for years as Bennett's Opera House. This third opera house was dedicated by Annie Louise Carey and the Webber Quartette. Before the footlights in this opera house the people of Urbana saw such people as Henry Ward Beecher, Denman Thompson, Thomas Keene, Anna Dickerson, Kate Klaxton, Annie. Ward Tiffany, Frank Frayne, Robert McWade, Madame Janaushek, and the famous Gilmore Band. Dr. P. R. Bennett, still a resident of Urbana, when the climate is good, was the manager of the opera house which bore his name. For a part of the time this opera house was in use Doctor Bennett was assisted in its management CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 591 by George E. Pence. The Bennett Opera House stood near the corner of North Main and Ward streets, on the site now occupied by an undertaking establishment and by Little's cigar store. It burned several years ago. This theatre remained the headquarters of things Thespian until the present "City of Urbana" was erected in 1891. When this latter building was designed it was planned to make it a revenue-producer by providing a suitable hall which could be rented for theatrical performances or for public meetings of any kind. Accordingly, the second story was fitted out with all of the equipment essential to a well-ordered opera house and thus came into existence "'what was known as the Market Square Theatre. Robert Allison and C. O. Taylor became the first managers of the new play house when it was opened in 1891 and later H. H. Williams too kcharge of it. Still later Frank McAdams became the manager and was so employed when the Clifford Theatre was opened in 1905. MANY WHO COURTED FAME. With the completion of the Clifford Theatre in 1905 Urbana has its first opera house built for theatrical purposes only. The story back of the building of this fine play house has been told in the review of its owner's life. It is sufficient to add that the building is as fine a structure of its kind as may be found in the state in cities the size of Urbana. It was erected at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars and now contains in addition to the various rooms used for theatrical purposes only, the headquarters of Company D, Third Regiment, Ohio National Guard. The militia company occupied both the second and third floors. The Gaumer Publishing Company occupied the ,first floor of the front of the building for several years, but moved across the street to its new quarters in the summer of 1917. To enumerate the many sons and daughters of Urbana who have courted fame at the tip of the rabbit's foot would be to list a long number of former Urbanians. Some have won their way to the front by the dexterity of their arms, some by the suppleness of their legs, some by their unusual vocal chords, some by their hands, others by their feet, and a few by virtue of their brains. There are artists and artists. Some walk the plush carpet of the stage and others tread the sawdust of the circus arena; others decorate store windows with their presence and still others serve as ticket agents with some circus. 592 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. For additional proof of Champaign county's place on the world's stage the reader is directed to the succeeding recital of a galaxy of stars—some scintillating and some not. No effort is made to evaluate these stars or to calculate their brilliancy, but only to set forth in a general way their orbit. Billy Clifford has been mentioned. He ranks as a star of the first magnitude in Urbana. His brother,. Eddie Clifford, is an actor and possessed of a fine baritone voice which insures him regular employment with high-class minstrels. He is. now with Coburn's Minstrels. Years ago when Bennett's Opera House was in its prime a little youngster acted as usher and today Frank LaRue is one of the country's noted character actors and has played in such plays as "By Right of Sword." Then there was Charles Ogden, who was once with James S. Cherry and later with the J.. W. Carver Company. He forsook the bright lights of the stage for the steadier glow of the lights in a mail car and became a mail clerk. He is now a postoffice inspector in .Pennsylvania. Harry McDargh left Urbana the day the "Lights o' London" left the city, attracted by the promise of a job as scene shifter. And this same boy became in the course of years a fine stage carpenter—a real artist in his line. At the time McDargh left Urbana he took with him James Connell, who worked with him on the stage until he lost his life in Cincinnati. Frank Powers was a stage carpenter from Urbana for many years and later became stage manager and advertising agent of a theatre at Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Actresses and singers of Urbanian nativity include Daisy Dills, at one time with Richard Mansfield ; Eva Grove Kennedy and her two talented daughters, Helen and Iris; Dorothy Conrey, who has a beautiful soprano voice, combines singing and acting and has played with such companies as the Ben Greet Players; Mary Conrey Thurman, who is a concert singer with a mellow coloratura soprano voice. The Bailey sisters, who have displayed their histrionic talent in all parts of the United States ; Ruth Counklin and Glenndora Wolf are members of Billy Clifford's company at the present time. Margaret Dills played the "mother" in "Ben Hur" and was associated with Richard Mansfield at one time ; the Gish sisters, while not natives of Urbana, lived on East Reynolds street for a number of years and may properly be classified as Urbanians. A FURTHER CALL OF THE ROLL. Actors. and acrobats have come from every corner of Urbana and Champaign county. Elmer Fritz, Walter Wolfe and the Reed brothers CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 593 are known in the minstrel world, while Denton Crow!, as an impersonater of Sam Jones, and Ernest Wilson, son of Capt. Miles Wilson, as a vaudeville artist, have brought fame to the place they call home; Wilson was good enough to make two successful trips to Europe, something which can not be said of all Urbana's artists ; Leon Roth is with the Sun circus ; Ed and Molly Leon were famous trapeze performers with John Robinson's circus, Mrs. Leon continuing in the work until she fell at Memphis, Tennessee, and injured herself so that she became an invalid. Their son, Eddie, was singing with burlesque companies when a small boy ; their daughter, Maud, became a clever slack-wire artist and all-around acrobat. One of the most famous- acrobats Urbana has ever produced is Charles Pence, a grandson of George Fithian, an early judge of the county, one of the first settlers and a leader in the early life of the village. Pence is now living in Urbana, having retired from circus life on account of advancing years. In his prime he was one of the finest slack-wire artists and tumblers in the United States and had the honor of being as high-salaried a performer of this kind as the United States produced. Circus life attracted George Marsh, who started out with Billy Clifford, but graduated into the circus as a white-faced clown. He had a few more tricks up his sleeve than the ordinary clown possessed and is said to have "pulled off" more unique stunts than any other clown who followed. John Robinson's circus. He was with this circus for years and was chief clown at the time he was accidentally killed in Virginia. The flare of the trumpet and the rattle of the drum have drawn several young men from Urbana. It has taken Elmer Parlette, Lon Williams, William Vance, Francis Williams, George Brinkley, Calvin Parlette and one entire band—a colored organization—all having done duty in circus bands in days gone by. Several of these boys were with Buffalo Bill's circus. Francis Williams was for years a band leader and frequently arranged his own orchestrations. Of composers, the city has produced at least one with a national reputation. Raymond Hubbell is really a high-class composer and is well deserving of the wide recognition accorded his compositions. His first worthy contribution to the musical world was his work as joint author of the opera "Runaways", closely followed by "Fantanna". This was more than twenty years ago and since that time his musical successes have followed one another with a frequency which bespeaks a fertile brain. His latest offering is "Poor Butterfly". J. Murray Allison has written a number (38) 594 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO of plays, as has Frank Reed, the latter for years on the dramatic staff of the New York Herald. Allison later became a manager of shows. Jean Broadwell has composed several marches and waltzes for the piano, some of which have been arranged for bands and orchestra productions. The many Urbanians who have been mentioned thus far have been actors or performers of some kind. Connected with the management of shows have been a number of other natives of the city. J. Murray Allison has already been mentioned as a show manager. Elmer Fritz, now manager of the local Lyric Theatre, was formerly on the stage, but retired in order-to take the management of the local playhouse. Al Dolson became prominent as a manager of shows and so pronounced was his ability along this line that he was given important shows to handle and even took them across the ocean. Will Goddard is another local boy who went to New York and became identified with the management of shows. Charles McCoy was one of the best ticket sellers that ever traveled with the Sells Brothers circus. Cassius Holliday did advance work for repertoire companies for years. Del Barnhouse, as an electrician, and John McGuire, as property man, are two more local boys who have been attracted by the glare of the footlights. W. M. Mayse, Jr., was treasurer of Joe Oppenheimer's attractions for several years before becoming a clerk in the United States sub-treasury at Chicago. Crogan Bailey and his two daughters traveled together for years in a show of their own. He is one of the few men of the city who have made some money in Things Thespian. Practically every person mentioned thus far has been identified with Urbana, but there are other parts of the county that have made contributions to the aesthetic side of our life. St. Paris gave Al Thatcher to the minstrel world ; Mechanicsburg contributed Odell Williams and William Owen, both comedians of more than average ability. Williams died several years ago and is buried in Mechanicsburg. Bob Summerville, now a resident of Dayton, was once on the stage and in remembered. as having had a prominent part in "The Union Spy". M'GOWN'S COLLECTION OF AUTOGRAPHS. The theatrical life of Urabna has a unique figure in the person of William McGown. He has been associated with Things Thespian since he was a young man, and today is better informed on theatrical topics than any man in Champaign county. He is not only fully conversant with the contributions the county has made to the stage and circus and other forms of CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 595 public entertainment and amusement, but he also has engaged in the cultivation of two hobbies which are exceptionally interesting. In his home in Urbana McGown has fifteen thousand autographs, each one of which has been given to him by the author thereof. This pile of autographs, laid one on top of another, makes a stack more than five feet high and he has been offered a goodly sum for the collection. He has in this collection an autograph of the famous Barnum, dated January 1, 1888. Mr. McGown has a collection of over three thousand theatrical photographs, all of which have been taken by himself. The historian has traveled in several states, and been in hundreds of homes in search of historical material, but seldom does one find as interesting a collection as has been gathered together by Mr. McGown. Mr. McGown has been a correspondent for the New York Dramatic Mirror, New York Dramatic News, New York Clipper, and New York Herald for thirty-eight years. While most of his contributions to the papers have been in prose form, yet he falls into verse occasionally. His verse is frequently found in local papers and usually has a homely setting which gives it a peculiar piquancy which makes it interesting reading. Taken by and large Mr. McGown is an institution in Urbana. He has no competitor, no rival, in his line of business. THE COMING OF THE "MOVIE". And what shall be said of Urbana and dramatic art and allied interests as they appear in 1917 ? The moving-picture industry has revolutionized things in the dramatic world, and where the legitimate theatre is going to finally land is a question which is worrying thousands of actors, actresses, playwrights, promoters, theatre owners, and many others, but not the great American public. We of today pay out five or ten cents, enjoy a two-dollar show for this insignificant sum and let the owner of the theatre do all the worrying. There is no question that the moving picture has come to stay, although it is equally true that the legitimate drama will not perish. The first moving-picture house to open in Urbana reeled off its mysteries to an admiring houseful in 1905. This first "movie" in Urbana was in the east half of the room now occupied by William E. Brown as a clothing store. Since that day the city has not been without moving pictures and in 1917 there are two local "movie" theatres in operation besides the one installed in the Clifford Theatre. Early in 1917 there were two others, but competition has fixed the limit at three. The two now in operation, known 596 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. as the Lyric, on South Main street, and the Ideal on North Main street, operate six nights in the week and two afternoons in the week. There are, no shows of any kind on Sunday. The legitimate theatre in the city still finds adequate expression through the various travelling companies which visit the city. During the season. 1916-17 such plays as "Twin Beds", "Gypsy Love", "My Home-Town Girl'', and "Linger Longer, Lucy" were presented. There are local-talent companies which appear for their friends only ; the schools have plays well-drilled and well acted by boys and girls ; while those so disposed have sporadic minstrel shows. It may be said that the love of the drama still lingers in Urbana. The boys and girls (now gray-haired) who smiled at Tom Thumb in 1850 may be seen walking into the Clifford on Saturday night and laughing at Charlie Chaplin. Truly the world doth move—it's a long way from Tom Thumb to Charlie Chaplin. CHAPTER XXVI. MUSIC AND ART IN CHAMPAIGN COUNTY. The immortal Shakespeare has said that "The man that hath no music in his soul and is not moved by the concord of sweet sounds is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils." No one has ever denied the power of music to soften the minds of men ; even the humble mouse is peculiarly affected by music. While music is universally recognized as being such a potent factor in our civilization, the same is no less true of the work of the painter and sculptor. A beautiful picture or a handsome piece of statutory has an esthetic value which is difficult to estimate, and for the reason that we as a people are not as familiar with this form of art as we are with music. There are thousands of people who can sing a song, to one who can paint a picture or sculp a statute. Thus it follows that music has made a more universal appeal than painting or sculpture, and consequently has had a wider effect on our lives. Champaign county has never produced any world-famous musicians, but it has produced two or three artists who have achieved a national reputation ; one, at least, with an international reputation. Probably the most widely-known composer of music the county has ever produced is Raymond Hubbell, whose "Poor. Butterfly" has been sung by millions of people over the United States. He is still a young man and the success which has attended his efforts thus far lead his friends to believe that he may one clay be ranked high among the musical composers of the country. MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS. While the county has not been prolific of composers, it has had a large number of performers on musical instruments. During the century and more of the county's existence there have been probably a hundred different musical organizations in the county. There have been choral societies of all kinds, vocalists of more than local reputation ; while of bands and orchestras, the number runs up into the scores. Unfortunately, it is not possible to trace the career of these numerous organizations, particularly those out- 598 - CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO. side of the county seat. Many- of the .smaller towns in the county have had their vocal and instrumental organizations in bygone years, but little is known of them. The local papers tell of a Kingston Silver Cornet Band during the sixties, and other fugitive references indicate that St. Paris, Mechanicsburg, North Lewisburg and Woodstock have had bands at one time or another during the past hundred years. Urbana has had some kind of a band for probably seventy-five years and at times has had more than one. During the eighties it had a colored band which traveled with a circus one year. The leader of the present band for many years has been Richard S. Pearce, Jr., an accomplished performer himself. Billy Clifford began his career as a drummer and to this day he can handle a snare drum with the best in the country. His brother has been pronounced the best baritone singer the county has ever produced, and has been featured with some of the best theatrical companies. PAINTING AND SCULPTURE. As before stated, music, because of its inherent qualities, enjoys a wider appeal than painting and sculpture. But it is in the field of painting and sculpture that Champaign county has produced its greatest artists. Critics have agreed that John Quincy Adams Ward was one of the greatest sculptors America has ever produced. His brother, Edgar A. Ward, was an artist who achieved distinction by his painting. But the county's greatest painter has been Robert Eichelberger, whose death at the age of twenty-nine, was acclaimed as a distinct loss to art. Some of his later landscapes and seascapes were pronounced by competent authorities as being as fine as had ever been produced in America. Another local painter who has risen to a prominent place among the artists of the country is Warren S. Cushman, who is now living at Zanesfield, Ohio. In addition to these men there are a number of others who have painted with more or less distinction, but whose work never received wide recognition. In the following pages is set forth the history of some of the musical organizations of the county, all of which were connected with the county seat. Then follows brief sketches of some of the more noted of the county's painters and sculptors. The list does not claim to be complete, but it does represent those who have risen to a place where their work has been recognized outside the limits of the county. CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, OHIO - 599 URBANA CHORAL SOCIETY. The Urbana Choral Society was probably the first definite musical organization in the city, although the historian has not succeeded in finding the date of its beginning. For several years after it was organized by the pastor of the New church, Rev. Frank Sewell, who was also its conductor, this society sang so well that it established firmly the reputation Urbana bears for extraordinary musical talent. While the society was active it sang an oratorio once a year, and often reproduced the very best vocal music for the appreciative audiences of Urbana. Moreover, noted soloists, such as Osgood and Amy Sherwin, often appeared in conjunction with the society, and thrilled Urbana music lovers with their genius. The reputation of the society was more than local, for during several seasons it appeared in the Cincinnati May Festival. This choral society had a most active career until Mr. Sewell left Urbana in 1886. Lacking his steady hand, the society struggled along for a few years and then passed out of existence. A few years ago an effort was made to revive the society. For a few weeks rehearsals were held and a concert was given under the able direction of R. S. Pearce, Jr., but it seemed that the interest in such an organization had reached a point where it was impossible to keep it together. Consequently, the organization was allowed to take its place along with other defunct musical organizations of the city. SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CHOIR. Probably the second vocal musical organization in the city to attain more than local fame, was the Second Methodist Episcopal church choir. This band of singers was in its prime some fifty or sixty years ago, when they became famous in central Ohio where they entered vocal contests in the county seats. The personnel of the organization was as follows : Robert Sanders, W. R. Ross, W. A. Sampson, Daniel Price, basses ; Charles Stone, William Davies, I. B. Happersett, tenors ; Miss Fannie Sampson, Mrs. Agnes Lee Stone, Mrs. Julia Geiger Stone, Mrs. Annie Ross Davies, sopranos ; Mrs. Martha Sampson Happersett, Mrs. Belle Brand Ross, Mrs. Lee, and others, altos ; Mrs. Mallie :Whitlock, organist ; Doctor Lee, director. THE ARIONS GLEE CLUB. This organization had its beginning about 1880. The young men who composed the organization were at first wont to go serenading the young