(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 385 CHAPTER X BY CHARLES. D. DICKINSON. CHURCH HISTORY OF COLUMBIANA COUNTY—PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH — THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH —THE DISCIPLES CHURCH —THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH— THE BAPTIST CHURCH— LUTHERAN CHURCH— UNITED BRETHREN —MORMONISM —ROMAN CATHOLIC. "The groves were God's first temples, ere man learned To hew tine shaft, and lay the architrave, And spread the roof above them, ere he framed The lofty vault to gather and roil back The sound of anthems in the darkling wood, Amid the cool and silence, he knelt clown, And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks And supplication."      -BRYANT. HISTORY of all church worship in newly settled countries, records that whenever practicable, devine services were held in the leafy temples built by the Great Architect Himself. The lack of means and material with which to construct such grand edifices as we now behold on every hand in this county, caused our pioneer forefathers to meet for public worship in nature's own grand cathedral where they might commune through nature with nature's God. The history of the various churches as fouud on the following pages portrays some of the hardships endured by the pioneer shepherds and their flocks. Instead of reclining on downy beds of ease, riding in sumptuous palace cars, dining on the most delicate and toothsome viands, and pounding velvet pulpit cushions while clad in broadcloth or fine linen, they were thankful for the privilege of resting on rudely constructed cots, eating the homely fare of the backwoodsman, preaching the word of God from a stump in the wilderness or a work bench in some shop, and happy if their homespun clothing was sufficient to protect them against the inclement weather. Walking or riding on horseback from 0ne settlement to another, by day or night, in sunshine or in storm, fording raging torrents or climbing precipitous hillsides, their zeal in work for the Master, sustained by their faith in the religion of the Savior, enabled them to perform what upon reflection almost seems to be miracles in the organization of church 25—A. 386 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. societies and erection of church edifices in the wilderness. Most if not all of the pioneer preachers have gone to their reward and received the merited commendation "well done thou good and faithful servant," but their monuments are still standing in the many spires pointing heavenward throughout our land. Presbyterian Church.—Religious worship was made a public observance in Columbiana Co., very soon after the earliest settlements, and the fact that the First Presbyterian church of Columbiana county was organized in 1800 in St. Clair township, implies that when the settlers began to come in, in 1794, they multiplied apace. True, the privileges enjoyed by the inhabitants in respect to public preaching were not many, nor were they very regular, but early organization of the Presbyterian church in different parts of the county, increased their advantages, as will be seen by the history which follows. Many churches were organized in the county. The Long Run Presbyterian church was organized in 1800. When Revs. Scott, McCurdy, McMillan, Marquis and others who were instrumental in forwarding the great religious revival in western Pennsylvania, visited St. Clair township and where Calcutta now stands, held open-air meetings under trees or in tents and in houses. The first sermon is supposed to have been delivered in 1800 by Rev. Hughes, of Pennsylvania, under a tree which stood in the center of where the two main streets in Calcutta now cross. The next sermon was preached on Wm. Tucker's farm. Thence the place of worship was changed to Long's Run, near Cannon's Mills, and here it is likely the church was organized, since it has always been known as the Long's Run church. The first elders were Samuel Marquis and Eben Miller. After retaining Long's Run as a place of worship for a brief period, the church moved to Tucker's farm, the old preaching-ground. Before this time services had been held in the open air in the summer and in log cabins of the settlers in the winter, but on the return to Tucker's place a round-log church was built, and served as a place for winter worship. The first settled pastor was Rev. Clement L. Vallandigham (father of the Ohio statesman of that name), who was installed in 1806 or 1807, and presided over a church in New Lisbon about the same time. Mr. Vallandigham labored in both churches until 1817, when he devoted himself exclusively to the New Lisbon church. He was noted for his methodical promptness fulfilling all his appointments, and it is said that when the streams were high he swam them with his horse many a time to keep his Sabbath engagements at Calcutta, his home being in New Lisbon. In 1808 the united membership of the churches at Calcutta and New Lisbon was about .45, but in 1817 when Mr. Vallandigham closed his labors at Calcutta, the rolls of the two churches COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 387 showed an aggregate membership of 261. In 1810 Wm. Foulks donated the grounds for the second log-church, very near the site occupied by the present church-building, and there built a log church in same year, 1810. The next settled pastor was Rev. Wm Reid, who, from 1821, preached alternately at Calcutta and New Lisbon, and remained in charge for a period of twenty-eight years. Mr. Reid was a tireless, energetic worker, and at one time the membership of his church in Calcutta outnumbered that of any church' in the Presbytery. Later it was shorn of much of its strength in the erection by its numbers of churches in Madison, East Liverpool, Clarkson and Glasgow. During Mr. Reid's time the log church was replaced by a small brick edifice, and this in 1830, enlarged by the addition of forty feet. Those who served as elders were Nicholas Dawson, George Dawson, erbert White, Geo. Dawson, Jr., Mr. Young, Mr. Foulks, Sr.,br. Sam'l. Quigley, Mr. McCammon and John Montgomery. While Mr. Reid was in the pastorate, dis- sension arose in the church in consequence of conflicting sentiments over the display of sacred pictures at a church exhibition, and as a result, a number of members seceded, and organized an Associate Reform church, of which more anon. And in 1850 when Rev. Robert Hays, the next settled pastor, took charge, there were but thirty members, and fears were expressed lest the church would be forced to dissolve. Mr. Hays took hold with a will, however and to such good purpose that at the close of his ministry of three and a half years, the membership numbered ninety. Following Mr. Hays, the pastors were Revs. David Robinson, Win. Dickson and Robt. McMahon. The brick church edifice now used was built in .1868 and cost $6,000. The Second Presbyterian church organized in Columbiana county, was on November 10, 1821, by Rev. John Core of the Halford Conn., Presbytery. The original members were nine, comprising six families. Moses, Thomas and John Gilson, Henry Estep, Benjamin Anderson and Cornelius Sheehan were among the members. Moses Gilson and Henry Estep were chosen ruling elders. The first divine service, however, held in Knox township was in the summer of 1816. Rev. Robert Semple of the Hartford Conn., Presbytery officiated. On June 2nd, 1812, the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time, by Rev. James Robertson, assisted by Rev. Joshua Beer. This service was held in in the woods, during which a furious storm suddenly burst upon the worshipers, and a falling tree killed Mrs. Jacob Schaffer and her infant child. The text was Zachariah, 9th chapter, 12th verse, "Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope." No records exist of the time of the building of the first meeting house, but it must have been about 1825. The present edifice was erected in 1853. 388 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. The several pastors have been as follows: Revs. Robert Semples, James Robertson, Joshua Beer, James Galbraith, Jehiel Talmage, and others. Rev. Joshua Beer was called to succeed Rev. Talmage. While in the midst of a discourse from Rev. iii 20- "Behold, I stand at the door and knock," he was suddenly attacked with illness from which he died in a few days. The next Presbyterian church organized in Columbiana county was in the year 1821, in Wayne township, which was effected as a branch of the Yellow Creek congregation of Madison township. The early church history was lost, but it was known that Andrew Adams, Thomas Patterson, James Wech and Richard Gilson, were the ruling elders chosen at that organization, but the first Presbyterian Minister to perform stated labor in Wayne township was Rev. James Robertson a graduate of St. Andrew's University, Edinburgh, Scotland, who began in 1818 to preach within the present bounds of the Bethel congregation. He preached two Sabbaths in each month, occupying a tent for public worship in the summer, and dwelling houses in the winter. The tent was put up on a field now owned by Rev. Robert Hays. Rev. Robertson was an earnest, faithful worker, and labored with much success against such an inconvenience as a want of church organization. In 1821 Thomas Patterson donated two acres of land for a grave yard and church site. A double-hewed log house was, by the united effort of the members of the congregation, erected upon the spot now occupied by Bethel church. On October 22, 1823, in response to a petition of the Bethel congregation, the Presbytery of Hartford adopted a resolution as follows: " Resolved, That the congregation of Yellow Creek be divided, and that that part of the congregation where the new meeting-house is built be known by the name of the Bethel congregation, and that Rev. James Robertson be considered the stated pastor of that congregation." The name Bethel was chosen in honor of that name in the Pittsburg Presbytery. Rev. Robertson, who was called, had all along been preaching for the congregation. He organized the church of Bethesda, in Franklin township, and until 1827 preached for that and the Bethel congregation. The joint membership of the two churches was 202 in the year 1825. Rev. Robertson retired from the pastoral charge of Bethel in 1827, and continued in the ministry elsewhere until 1848; retired from active life in that year, and in 1856 died, in the eightieth year of his age. From 1827 to 1835 the church depended upon stated supplies and such as could be best obtained. Revs. John Cook, Thomas Hughes, Nims, Dunlap, Harper, John B. Graham, James Cahoon, and others occupied the pulpit till 1848, Rev. Graham having served as pastor thirteen years. In 1843 Robert Travis and John McDonald were COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 389 added to the eldership, which included also the four elders who were selected at the church organization in 1821. Following Rev. Graham, the preachers at Bethel were Rev. M. E. Johnson, who labored from 1848 to 1849, and Rev. Robert Hays, who was settled in 185o, and for a period of thirty years served uninterruptedly the congregation. Rev. C. S. McCland was installed pastor in 1883, and left in 1889, when Mr. T. I. Gray took his place. In 1852 the present substantial frame edifice was erected, which is now in use. In 1854 the church membership, which in 1850 was but thirty, had risen to nearly 100. The church is exceedingly prosperous. The Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, at New Waterford. —About 1816 a Sunday school was organized in the school house where New Waterford now is, by Richard Dildine and John Roose, who were requested one Sabbath, by several strangers passing by, to announce a religious meeting to be held at a certain date, when they would return and preach to them. And many assembled to hear the strangers, who proved to be missionaries named Kohr and Rudenbaugh, laboring in the interest of the Presbyterian church. Other meetings followed, and not long after, Rev. Thomas Hughs, of Mt. Pleasant, Penn., was engaged to preach to the settlers of this part of the township, the meetings being still held in the school house. In 1823 a small brick meeting house was begun, but was used in an unfinished condition several years. In the spring of 1824, Rev. Robert Dilworth began preaching in this house, using the carpenter's work-bench for a pulpit. The trustees at this time were, Richard Dildine, John Roose and John Heinman, but the formal organization of the church does not appear to have followed until a few years later. On Aug. 20, 1826, Andrew Martin, Robert Martin, David Scott and David Hanna were ordained the first ruling elders. Since that time the elders have been Robert Leonard, Samson Dilworth, Abraham Scott, Nicholas Eckes, John Dildine, Robert Jenkinson, John C. Dildine, Sam'l Silliman, Joseph Martin, Peter Smith and Oliver Phillips. Rev. Dilworth remained in charge of the church until 1850, when he was succeeded by Rev. John B. Miller who was the minister until 1867; then came James S. Park, who presided several years, and in 1871, Rev. Wm. C. Smith took charge and was pastor two years. His successor was Rev. R. S. Morton, who served eighteen months. In 1874 the church was supplied by the Rev. D. H. Laverty. In 1873 the present neat church edifice was erected, the committee being Richard Dildine, Homer Early, Isaac Heck, and Robert Keiffer. It is a brick building and will seat 225 persons. In 1841 a number of persons living in the locality of East Palestine petitioned the old school Presbytery at New Lisbon, and its session with the 390 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Clarkson congregation to organize a church at East Palestine. The Presbytery appointed Rev. William Stratton for this purpose, and March 5, 1842, members of the Hamilton, Curry, Martin, McKean, Hassan and other families, to the number of twenty, were associated in church fellowship, and Joseph Curry, Ralph Martin, Robert J. Robertson and Thomas Hamilton ordained as ruling elders. For many years the Presbytery supplied the congregation with preaching, the ministers being Revs. James Robertson, Thomas McDermott, and A. S. Billingsly. The church has had as pastors Revs. Martin, Smith and Gilmore; since 1873 Rev. D. H. Laverty. The meeting-house was erected about the time the church was organized, and was placed in its present condition in 1875. In 1867 the church became a corporate body and organized a board of trustees, having J. R. Hamilton, president; Joseph Young, secretary; James Boies, treasurer; and Adam Palmer and T. S. Hamilton associate members. The families who came over from the Highlands of Scotland and settled in what is now known as the Scotch settlement, in Madison township in 1802, were members of the Presbyterian church in Scotland, one of them, Alexander McIntosh having been a ruling elder. These families brought with them besides certificates of membership from churches, bibles in the Gaelic and English, as well as the Psalms in metre in both languages, "Confession of Faith" and catechisms. Their first meetings were held in Alexander McIntosh's log cabin, but application was soon made for admission to the Presbytery and for "supply," the request was promptly granted, and a supply was sent from western Pennsylvania. Worship was attended by all the settlers at Alexander McIntosh's house until 1804, but the families living in the western part of the settlement for convenience held religious services in the house of Wm. McIntosh. These houses were used during winter season, but in summer season the people erected tents in the woods where they worshiped when the weather would permit. Among the ministers who preached in the "Settlement" (the first being in 1802) ere Revs. Scott, Patterson, Mercer, Cook, Vallandigham, Dunca , Hughes, Imbrie, White, Snodgrass and Wright. The first sacrament, says one authority, was administered in a tent on John Campbell's place in 1805, Revs. Hughes, Scott and McMillan being present on the occasion. Another authority has it that Rev. Thomas E. Hughes officiated alone at the communion, and that it was held in Alexander McIntosh's barn. The first house of worship was built in Yellow Creek township near the old graveyard. Shortly after the noted old log house known as the " Buck-wheat Straw Church" was built. The first stated supply was the Rev. Cook, who served half the time in 1811 and COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 391 1812. The next was Rev. Robertson, who preached every Sabbath from 1818 to 1821, and following him were Revs. Dilworth and Campbell. The first settled pastor was Rev. Cross, and after him the pastors have been Revs. Moore, Martin, Swan, Blackford, J. D. Owens and J. C. Kreusch. The pulpit is now vacant. The church society was incorporated in 1825, with Andrew Smith, Daniel Smith, William Smith, Jacob VanFossan and Peter Ross, as trustees. The first church was erected in 1827, and this structure, after weathering the storms for fifty winters, was in 1878 replaced by the present handsome edifice, whose graceful spire, rises to the height of ninety feet from the ground. Alexander McIntosh was the only ruling elder for several years. After him the ruling elders were Angus McBane, John McPhearson, Daniel Smith, Andrew McGillivary, Daniel McCoy, Daniel McIntosh, Duncan Fraser, Alexander Chisholm, Alexander McDonald, William Creighton, Andrew Smith, Peter Ross, John Fraser, Daniel McQueen, Daniel Smith, John Falconer and Duncan Smith. The next Presbyterian church, organized in Columbiana county, was about 1830, in Hanover township, by Rev. James Robertson. George Sloan and others had built a church at Hanover in anticipation of an organization, and in that building the organization was effected. The first elders of the church were John Calder, Hugh Jordon and George Sloan, a preacher noted for organizing churches in this county. Rev. Robertson was the first stated pastor and preached until 1846, when he organized a Free Presbyterian church at Hanover and preached for that church. After him, at the Presbyterian church, the pastors were Revs. Robert Dickson, Dalzell Carson, Robert Johnson, Dundas and Miller, Rev. Hare being in charge in 1879. Have had no regular stated minister since 1879. The elders, Henry Swearingen, William Martin and Edward Dutton. The frame church erected in 1830 served until 1841, when it was replaced by the present brick structure. In 1846 the church became divided on the slavery question, and Rev. James Robertson, the pastor, going with the Free Presbyterians, fitted up a house belonging to him as a house of worship, and therein, until 1861, the Free Presbyterians held service under the successive ministration of Revs. Robertson, King and Burgess, and after that year rejoined the present church. In 1832 Rev. Clement Vallandigham sent a petition to the New Lisbon presbytery praying- for a church at Salem. After considerable opposition on the part of the pastors of the churches of Canfield and New Lisbon, authority was given by that body, and on November 3, 1832, twenty who professed a desire to be organized as a Presbyterian church, the Rev. Clement Vallandigham took charge of the meeting, received certificates of regular dismission, chiefly from the church of Canfield and New 392 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Lisbon, and the church was constituted by the admission of the following: Hugh Stewart, Ruel Wright, George Ehrich, Nathanial McCracken, John Martin, James Wilson, John Wilson, William Martin, Hugh Martin, Agnes Stewart, Agnes Wilson, Mary Ehrich, Elizabeth McCracken, Martha T. Martin, Rebecca P. Campbell, Martha Wilson, Ann Jane Martin, Elizabeth Wright and William Martin. Those who have officiated as elders are as follows: James Wilson, Nathanial McCracken and Hugh Stewart were first chosen; since that time, Hugh Martin, Terah Jones, Christian Bowman, Robert Woods, William Wilson, James Wilson, Richard Gardner, Sr. Dr. John M. Kuhn, Reuben McMillen, Israel Travis, Henry M. Osborn, Asa W. Allen, and William C. Hutchinson. The society first worshiped in a wagon-shop, which stood on what is known as the Trescot property on Main street. The first church was built in 1842, which was used eighteen years when it was sold and moved to Race street where it was afterward used as a dwelling. Plank and slab seats were first used as seats and the church was occupied a year unplastered. During the third year of the administration of Rev. Maxwell, 1860, the society began the work of building the present house of worship, and after several trials on the part of the church, the building was completed at a cost of $10,000. The Rev. Vallandigham labored with this church till his death in 1839. Rev. William McComb succeeded Rev. Vallandigham, and ministered to the congregation eleven years, and was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Grimes, who remained five years. He was succeeded by Rev. A. B. Maxwell, who remained thirteen years. In November, 1870, Rev H. B. Fry came to the village as a supply and in 1871 was installed pastor. The next Presbyterian church in Columbiana county was in Middleton township. The society was formed in 1839, and was composed chiefly of persons who had formerly belonged to the congregation of Middle Beaver, and when that body was dissolved came to this locality and established a place of worship, at Clarkson. Among the members were John McCammon, James W. Gaston, Joseph Steel, John G. Gaston, Mathew Lyon, Hugh Gaston, Mathias Shirtz, Wm. Steel, James Provines, Hugh Sebring (and their wives), Morgan Lyon, Elizabeth Knight, Nancy McCammon and Mary Keep. A frame meeting-house was built in 1839, a little south of Clarkson, on a lot of ground given for the purpose and for a cemetery by Thos. Ashton and George Frazle, which was used till 1877 when it was replaced with the present edifice. The building committee being Daniel G. Sander, T. J. Conkle and P. Gaston. Two of the ruling elders of the old congregation continued to discharge the duties for the Clarkson congregation— namely: Hugh Gaston and John McCammon; a third elder was soon chosen, being James COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 393 Gaston. The other elders have been john Sanders, Hiram Hollinger, David Swaney, Edward Crawford, James Armstrong, Stephen Clark, William Ross, Henry Creighton, Wm. B. Sherman, Francis Scott, Wm. M. Crawford and John Hollinger. The Rev. William 0. Stratton was the first pastor, remaining until 1843, and after a lapse of years Rev. Wm. Dalzell served a short time. The other ministers who have been connected as supplies, are as follows: Revs. Wm. D. McCartney, Thos. McDermott, John B. Graham, R. Lewis, Wm. Reed, Robert Armstrong, Geo. Johnson, J. R. Miller, W. Gaston, J. R. Dundas, and J. N. Wilson. In 1845 the First Presbyterian church was organized in East Liverpool with the following members: Nancy McKinnon, Elizabeth Fisher, Sarah Hill, Eliza F. Hill, Wm. Miller, Nancy Riley, Belinda Riley, Nancy Riley, Jr., Anna E. Lewis, Josiah Scott, Jr., Susanna Scott, Sarah Scott and Mary Gibson, and in a few days later others were added. The ruling elders were Michael McKinnon, John Fisher, Sanford C. Hill. The trustees were R. S. Irwin, Andrew Blythe, and M. McKinnon. In addition to the above others who have served as ruling elders are as follows: John McGammon, J. H. Lowe, Thos. Blythe, J. D. Corey, James Logan, T. B. Harrison, John Smith, Henry Agner, N. B. Hickman, John Smith, Jr., J. W. Gaston, Wm. Fisher, Geo. Morton and J. M. Aten. The Rev. Reuben Lewis was the first minister to preach for the church, although only on stated supply; other stated supplies were provided by Rev. T. P. Gordon, John Moore, W. W. Lenertz and Wm. Dickson. The first pastor, Rev. G. W. Riggle, was installed in July, 1867. He was succeeded, Feb. 1877, by Rev. S. H. McKnown, who was followed in Dec. 1877, by T. N. Milligan, Thos. Milligan, D. D., and A. B. Marshall. The first church building was erected in 1848, which was used as a store at the corner of Third and Jackson streets. The new brick edifice on Fourth street was built in 1869. The United Presbyterian Church.—About 1815 a church was organized at Calcutta, in St. Clair township, consisting of about twenty members, but the destruction by fire of the church records removed the positive evidence of data. Public services were held in a grove near the site of the present church building as early as 1812, but by what minister can not be stated. The services continued until 1815, when the church was organized, with Rev. Elijah N. Scroggs installed as the minister. He remained in charge till his death, December 20, 1851, a period of thirty-six years. Mr. Scroggs was remarkable for his faithfulness in keeping his appointments in spite of discouraging obstacles, and in his journeys between the stations in his charge had often to swim rapid streams and contend with such difficulties that would have given many a man a plea of non-fulfillment of his engagements. 394 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. He was a successful pioneer preacher, and organized a number of congregations in Columbiana and adjoining counties. His successor was Rev. Joseph Blakely, who had charge four years. Then Thomas Andrews, who died after about one year's service. In 1864 Rev. John W. Martin was called to the charge of the united congregations of Calcutta and East Liverpool. In 1868, Rev. J. H. Leiper took charge of the congregations of Calcutta and West Beaver, and served both congregations until January I, 1876, after which he devoted his entire time to Calcutta. Those who followed were: The present congregation is the result of the union of the associate congregation of West Union in St. Clair township in 1858. The first house of worship was erected about 1818, and the present one, on the same site, in 1865. The bench of ruling elders was originally composed of John Stewart, John Ansley, and John Smith. Following them were: John Mayes. James Boyd, Andrew Stevenson, James Stewart, Alexander Young, Alexander Connell, Archibald Shaffer, David Asdell, John Eakin, Robert B. Stewart, James W. Martin, Samuel Roseburg, Thomas Laughlin, John W. Moore, Dr. Samuel Quigley, George Hattenbaugh, William Glenn, H. M. Rose, H. J. Abrams, David Simpson, S. G. Gonnell and Matthew Andrew. The Association Presbyterian congregation of West Beaver was organized in 1806, when the congregation was under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery chartiers. In 1808, the Presbytery appointed Rev. Pringle to preach at the West Beaver branch on the last Sabbath in November, and in 1813 Rev Joseph Scroggs was appointed to preach the fourth Sabbath in November, and first Sabbath in September. In 1814, the Presbytery granted a petition for supplies and dispensation of the Lord's supper at West Beaver. Among the supplies were Revs. Imbrie, Joseph Scroggs, Pringle, Blair, Douan, Douglass, E. N. Scroggs and others. The first settled pastor was Rev. Joseph Scroggs, who entered upon his labors August I, 1820, but was not ordained until the following November. He was at the same time ordained pastor of the churches at Calcutta and " Four-Mile." Rev. Scroggs remained till 1838, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Harsha, and in 1846 Rev. T. S. Herron took charge, and preached till 1867, when the introduction of politics into his sermons caused dissension in the congregation and he retired. Rev. J. H. Leiper succeeded him and preached till 1868, and in 1877 came Rev H. H. Brounlee. Until 1821 public worship was chiefly held in a white oak grove on John Guthrie's place. In that year, William Reed and John Benner having donated two acres of land on section 18, a hewed log church building was there erected, and a burying ground was also laid out which is now in use. The church was COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 395 replaced in 1851 by a substantial frame edifice. John Armstrong and Thomas Roseburg were the first elders, and served from 1806 to 1814. Lebanon United Presbyterian Church.— Upon application being made to the Monongahela Presbytery for one of their number to administer the Lord's Supper and organize an Associate Reform congregation in Wayne township, Rev. James Brown was delegated, and August 12, 1831, in a grove in Wayne township, the organization was formed. The session consisted of Rev. James Brown as moderator, and Elders Wm. Miller, John Homer, Isaac Buchanan, John Walker, and John Collins. The first preachers were Rev. James Brown and James Walker. The first called pastor was Rev. John Donaldson. Wm, Binsley was chosen elder in 1838, and in 1842 were added John Young and John McMillan. The other pastors have been Revs. Wm. H. Jamisom, James Golden, I. N. White and H. H. Bromlee. Preaching was held in a grove and in Mrs. Fleming's house until the erection of a small frame house where the present church now stands. What is known as the United Presbyterian church of Salineville, is the result of an amalgamation of the Free Presbyterian and United Presbyterian congregations, both of which, although worshipping together, and being to all intents and purposes one congregation, have separate corporate capacities, the title to the church property being vested in the Free Presbyterian society. The Associate Reform congregation (afterward the United Presbyterian) was organized in 1837, at Strail's mill in Washington town-. ship, when Daniel Martin and Daniel D. McIntosh were chosen elders. Preaching was conducted at private residences until 1846, when a church was built at Strait's mills. Among the early supplies were Revs. Wm. Larrimer, James Wilson and Samuel Clark. Other pastors who served the church were Revs. John Donaldson, W. H. Jamison, James Golden, and James Boyd. In 1866 the congregation, having in 1858 changed its designation to that of the United Presbyterian, discussed the project of building a new church, when there arose some difference o f opinion as to where it should be located, and the result cf th e discussion was that tile church organization was dissolved, on portion thereof joining a congregation at Grant's Hill, and the othe effecting a union with the Free Presbyterians at Salineville, after having separated worship in the church of the latter until 1869, in which year Joseph Boyd preached for them. The United Presbyterian Church of New Lisbon.— This church may be said to be the outgrowth or the West Beaver congregation of associated Presbyterians. In 1829 that congregation had five members living in New Lisbon, who were occasionally supplied with preaching by the Rev. Wm. Dautlett, the meeting being held in an old log school-house. In April, 1836, Erastus 396 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Eells presented a petition to the "Associate Presbytery of Ohio," asking that body to supply them with preaching, and in response the Revs. David Thompson, James McSell, Edward Sinall, and others occasionally ministered for the next three years. In March, 1839, the Presbytery was petitioned to organize and receive the congregation at New Lisbon as one of the Associate churches. That body honored the request, and delegated the Rev. David Goodwiller to perform the mission. And on April 22, 1839, this was accomplished with the following persons:. Mathew Adams, Mary Adams, Erastus and Janet Eells, Anthony Shafer and wife, Thomas, James and Susan Starr, John Fugate, Mary and Samuel McKinzie, Mary Calhoun, Martha Livingston, and Alexander Patterson. Mathew Adams, Erastus Eells and Wm. Wallace were elected ruling elders. In 1839, May 1, the old brick church on High street was purchased and served as a place of worship for many years. In April, 1840, Rev. J. W. Harsha became the pastor for one-third of his time, the other two-thirds being allotted to West Beaver. He remained two and a half years. From the time of his departure till 1843 the pulpit was supplied by the Presbytery. In 1846, Rev. S. F. Herron was called by the two congregations. His connection with the New Lisbon church continued twenty-two years. In 1869, Rev. T. A. Scott entered upon a three years' pastorate. Then came Revs. W. G. Nevin, A. H. Elder, J. A. Brandon, Wm. Wallace and J. M. Moore, Ph. D. In 1859, a new church edifice was begun on Walnut street and completed in 1860, at a cost of $4,000. On April 15, 1859, the congregation became incorporated with the name of the above title. At an early date the Presbyterians of what is now Wellsville, as early as 1800, enjoyed occasional preaching, and among the first preachers they heard was Rev. George Scott, one of the first Presbyterian ministers known to the region west of the Alleghenies. Rev. Scott and others preached at the house of George Willhelm, on the Virginia side of the river, opposite Wellsville, and at a later date Thomas E. Hughes, Mr. Hale: and other occasional , supplies preached at Wellsville, in the woods and in tents during the summer season and in the winter in the school houses. A brick school house built on Main street in 1839, was used in common by all religious denominations, and in 1833 the first Presbyterian society built a brick house on the river bank, which they occupied until they built a new brick church, in 1852 on the present site; but on Aug. 27, 1869, this building was burned, and on the following day the, erection of the present fine temple was commenced. The church was organized in 1832. The original members were: Mary and Eliza Hughes, John McLain, Sarah A. Jackson, Nancy Murdock, Elizabeth Creaton, Sarah Noble, Jane Anderson, H. J. and COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 397 Elizabeth Hamilton, William and Maria Workman, William McClough, William Travis, Elsie Travis, Polly Weber, T. B. Jones, William and Margaret Hibbits, Pleasant Rough, Jacob McDevitt, John and Mary Allison, Mary Aten, Robert Martin, Mary Hibbits, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hamilton, Margarett Hibbitts, Ann Putnam, Penelope Ray, Isaac Putnam, Matilda Wilhelm, and James Martin. The first elders Alexander McBeth, John Mitchell, and George Johnson. The stated pastors of the church have been, Revs. Thomas E. Hughs, William Orr, Thomas Magil, John M. Lowry, Thomas B. Gordon, William W. Lafferty, Thomas McCurdy, Jr., J. Wickoff, John Maloy, S. M. Davis, D. D., and H. W. Lowery, the present pastor. They own a fine church which cost $18,000, and a parsonage which cost $4,500. The first trustees were William McCollough, H. J. Hamilton, William G. Murdock, Henry Aten, and William Hibbitts. At a meeting of the Presbytery of New Lisbon, April 26, 1864, a committee, consisting of Revs. Robert Hays, S. R. Dundas, D. D., and James Welch, ruling elder of Bethel church, was appointed " to visit Salineville, and, if the way be clear, to organize a Presbyterian church in the village." The committee met May 19, 1864, in a building previously used as a town school house, but then the property of a few Presbyterians, and organized a church. Twenty-six members were accepted, and Joseph F. Williams and Edward Burnside chosen ruling elders. The original members were Joseph F. Williams, Margaret Hunter, Mary Williams, J. B. Williams, Martha Jane Williams, Mary A. Williams, John Smith, Margaret Smith, Hezekiah Sheehan, Mary McCoy, Lucretia Farmer, Lucy A. Farmer, Samuel Faloon, Sarah Connell, Martha Farmer, Caroline Williams, George Edwards, Jane Edwards, Elizabeth J. Boring, Mary Jane Smith, Edward Burnside, Catharine A. Burnside, and Emma Smith. Rev. Robert Hays, of Bethel church, preached occasionally for about one year previous to the church organization, having been originally requested by the Presbyterians of Salineville to preach for them. Rev. Robert Johnson preached also previous to the church organization. Rev. Hays was the church's pastor from 1864 to 1874; when he was succeeded by Rev. S. B. Stevenson, who was followed later by Rev. J. R. Dundas, D. D. An application for the formation of a Presbyterian church in Columbiana was made to the Presbytery of New Lisbon May, 1865, and that body appointed Revs. A. B. Maxwell, William Gaston and Elder Hugh Dobbins a committee to attend to the prayers of the petition. After due deliberation the church was organized May 13, 1865, with thirteen members, and George 0. Frasier, T. J. Barclay and William Geiger as trustees. In July, same year, Rev. William C. Falconer, a licentiate, began his ministry with 398 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. the church, and was ordained to the pastoral office in October. He remained one year, and was followed, January, 1867, by Rev. John Gilmore, who remained one year. In November, 1868, Rev. J. G. Hall became pastor, and remained for more than a year. In December, 1870, Rev. William C. Smith succeeded, and continued until April, 1872. The next pastor was Rev. T. P. Johnson, who remained more than a year, and in the fall of 1874 Rev. A. B. Maxwell became the minister. In May, 1867, John Campbell and Robert Close were elected the first ruling elders; March 31, 1870, William Geiger and George 0. Frasier were chosen, and in January, 1877, J. H. Trotter and 0. N. Gaylord became elders. The first meetings were held in the school hall, but in 1867 the present frame meeting-house was erected by Hiram Bell for the society. On July 19, 1867, under the New Lisbon Presbytery, O.S., the Presbyterian church was organized in Leetonia, with the following members: Jesse Ball, and Catharine his wife; John McMillan, and Catharine his wife; Lydia Stetson, Eleanor Beard, John Reeves, Mary E. Porter, and David Betz and wife. The church was supplied from February 15, 1867, until November 1, 1868, by Rev. John Gilmore. Rev. I. G. Hall was installed as pastor June 15, 1869, and remained until November 1, 1870, when A. B. Maxwell accepted the call from the society and was installed December 17, 1871. Those who followed him were Rev. R. G. Roscamp, and I. Ravennaugh, the present minister. John McMillan and Jesse Ball were the first elders. D. W. Abbott was chosen elder in November, 1869. In the spring of 1871 a church edifice was begun, which was completed during the summer and autumn of that year, and dedicated December 17, 1871, Rev. Hall preaching the dedicatory sermon. Since writing the above have discovered: Bethesda church was organized about 1821, in Franklin township, previous to which time there was preaching by Presbyterian preachers in the township by Rev. Clement Vallandigham, James Robinson and others, chiefly in the barn and residence of Hugh Linn. Rev. Robinson organized the church, and among the original members were the Kings, Andersons, McKaigs, McQuillans, Linns, Morrisons, Mesgers, Donaldsons, Flemings and Camerons. The church edifice was built in 1822, near where the present church stands. The first elders of the church were Patrick McKaig, John Cameron, John, Morrison, and Hugh King. The first pastor was Rev. James Robertson. Those who followed were Revs. Joshua Beer, J. B. Graham, (Robertson for a second term,) Robert Johnson, Robert Dickson, William Dalzell, David Miller, Joseph E. Carson, John R. Dundas, J. B. Miller, B. M. Price. Second Presbyterian Church, of East Liverpool—Was organized March 27, 1890. Rev. Hugh A. Cooper, first minister. COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 399 The Associate Presbyterian Congregation of Clarkson. — Some time about 1854 a small congregation was formed at Clarkson from the Roseburgh, Logan, Wilson, Finney, and other families, who held the Associate Presbyterian. Meetings were held in the old church. Preaching by Rev. S W. Clark, but after a few years they disbanded, and a union was formed with the Free Presbyterian and the United Presbyterian churches of Clarkson. United Presbyterian church at Wellsville.—The first religious services held in Yellow Creek township by members of the Associated Reform church, in connection with the members of the United Presbyterian congregation worshiped, took place in January, 1847, although the absence of records leaves the fixing of dates to the uncertain authority of tradition. Before the organization of the church there were two communions, the first held on Aug. 17, 1847, the second April, 1, 1848. The former was conducted by a session appointed by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Steubenville, and composed of Rev. Joseph Clokey. D. D., as moderator, and Elders D. D. McIntosh, Thomas Warren and John Crawford. On May 12, 1848, the organization at the church was effected, by electing Alex. Rose, Wallace Fogo, and Robert Balston, elders, and on the 29th, the organization was completed by the installation of the elders named. The session which officiated was composed of Rev. John M. Galloway 4s moderator, and elders Thos. Warren, John Crawford and D. D. McIntosh. The congregation bore the name of the First Associate Congregation of Wellsville, until the union of the Associate Reformed and Associate Presbyterian churches in 1858. Since that time it has been known as the First United Presbyterian church of Wellsville. The first pastor was Rev. J. C. Campbell, who began in 1849. Since his time are the following: Revs. Joseph Andrews, J. D. Brown, J. A. Bailey and J. G. Kennedy the present pastor. After the organization in 1848 worship was held in the Methodist Protestant church until 1850, when a church was built, being a plain brick, at a cost of about $1,500.00, but was replaced in 1872 with a handsome edifice at a cost of $16,000. United Presbyterian Church of East Liverpool. — In 1851 or, 1862, under the directions of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Presbytery of Steubenville, and in connection with the denomination continued until the union of the churches forming the United Presbyterian church in 1858, Rev. S. W. Clark preached occasionally to the Presbyterians in East Liverpool before the organization in 1851, and after that date until the union of the churches. For a year or two the congregation worshiped in the school-house and in various churches, but in 1854 built a frame on the corner of Fifth and Market streets, and in 1876 the present house was begun and completed, dedicated and occupied in 1878. 400 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. It occupies a corner on Fifth and Market streets, and cost $16,000. The pastors who served the church after Rev. Martin, were Revs. Thos. Andrews, J. W. Martin, and J. C. Taggart who now has charge. In 1888 a second church was organized of same denomination, in the east end of Liverpool of which Rev. A. K. Knot is and has been pastor since 1888. During Rev Taggart's Pastorate the church has raised for congregational and missionary purposes $30,000. United Presbyterian Church at Clarkson.— About 1854 a small congregation was formed at Clarkson from Roseburgh, Logan, Wilson, Finney and other families, who held the doctrine of the Associate Presbyterians. Meetings were occasionally held in the old church, the preaching being supplied by the Rev. S. W. Clark, of St. Clair township; but after a few years the congregation disbanded. Before the formation of the above congregation, the Free Presbyterians established themselves in the community, receiving membership from the Gastons, Moore and other families, to the number of forty Meetings were held in the church, school-house and Hugh Gaston's barn by the Revs. Bradford, Robinson, Jamison and McElhaney, which were attended with considerable interest. The union of the various Presbyterian bodies of the circuit was followed at Clarkson, by the formation of the United Presbyterian church, and in the spring of 1862 Samuel Roseburgh was chosen to bear a petition to the Presbytery, asking that a congregation might be duly formed by an accredited person at Clarkson. That body appointed S. W. Clark, and on the 5th day of July, 1862, he discharged this mission. Samuel R. Roseburgh, William Glenn, John R. Chain and W. C. Wilson were the first ruling elders. The meeting-house was built in 1863. The pulpit was first supplied by Revs. S. W. Clark, Martin and Melvin, since then Revs. Alexander, McElhaney, and Patterson. United Presbyterian at Leetonia.— This society was first organized in 1869. Rev. George Osmond, from Pennsylvania Presbytery, and Rev. Goodwilley, of the Cleveland Presbytery, officiated. The first pastor was Rev. Hood; the first members were J. M. Morrison, his wife and four daughters, John Cain and wife, A. J. Christy, his wife and daughter. A church was built in 1870 at a cost of $2,000, and at the decline of the society was .sold to the Methodist society. On Oct. 6, 1875, the society was re-organized with seventeen members and Rev. Samuel Collins of Pittsburg, bought the school house on the south of the city for $1,075 and gave it to the new society, with the power to hold it as long as they preserved the organization and the name "United Presbyterian." The first pastor after organization was Rev. J. M. Wallace. He was succeeded by Rev. Sam'l. Alexander. COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 401 United Presbyterian Church, East Palestine, Unity Township.- A class of this faith was formed in the southeast part of the township, about 1855, by the Rev. Geo. Fast, which had among its members persons belonging to the Paxson, Low, Piper, Hartsough, Leonards and other families. In 1857 a small frame church was built west of the village, on a lot given for that purpose by Thos. McCulla. This was used until 1859, when a new house, erected in the village, on a lot of L. A. Paxson, was occupied. The church is connected with other appointments in Middleton and Fairfield in forming a circuit. Among the clergy on this circuit since the church was formed have been the Revs. Fast, Crayton, Waldorf, Turner, Bonewell, Traver, Dilley, Booth, Bowers, Perkins, Stusser, Deihl, Randall, Lower, Law, Begley, Singer, Collins, Winter, and Rev. D. R. Miller, who is in charge at the present, 1891. United Presbyterian Church, East Palestine, Ohio.—Rev. W. W. Curry began his labor in this church on the first Sabbath of January, 1875, and was released April 1878. The pulpit was vacant for two years. On March 16, 1880, a call was made for Rev. S. Collins, D. D. and on the first Sabbath in April, he began his pastoral work. At his own request he was released from his charge in April 1882, to enter upon missionary work at Washington, D. C. Rev. T. W. Winter was then called as stated supply one-half time for the year 1883. A call was made, out for him which he accepted for one-half time. In April, 1887, his resignation was accepted. Rev. D. R. Miller was called May 5, 1889, and still remains pastor in charge. The Methodist Episcopal Church.—In the early days of the settlement of East Liverpool the privileges of religious worship were very few and far between. Occasional journeys to distant churches, or places of meeting, over unbroken roads, or rare opportunities to listen to some circuit rider or itinerant preacher nearer home, comprised the advantages which the early settlers had to pursue their religious education. Ministers from Virginia would occasionally visit the settlement, and once in a while a roving preacher from other parts would tarry over Sunday and hold services in some settler's rude habitation. The earliest preacher was Robert Dobbins, a Methodist circuit rider. Mr. Dobbins preached in Liverpool as early as 1799. It was the custom in the early days for a minister to send a notice that he would preach on a certain Sunday at some certain citizen's house, and the intelligence of this fact would be disseminated through the community as it best could be. From the evidence obtained, the church was organized in Liverpool in 1827, at the house of Claiburn Simms, Jr., by Rev. George Brown who afterward became president of the Reformed Methodist church. There were but eight or ten original members of 26—A. 402 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. this church, among them being Claiburn Simms, Sr., Henry Kountz, Mary A. Simms and Elizabeth Simms. Henry Kountz was one of the first class-leaders. Wm. Smith was also a class- leader about that time. Afterward Jesse Johnson was a class-leader and exhorter, and Isaac Johnson, John Martin and Abram Davidson were also early class-leaders. Their first church building was a log-house. The next was a plain brick which, after standing eight years was demolished and replaced in 1845 by a better one, which was succeeded in 1874 by the fine house of worship now in use, which is commonly called the Tabernacle, and was erected at a cost of $70,000. The congregation owns, besides the church, a handsome brick parsonage. The names of the pastors who have occupied the pulpit since 1854, are Revs. Andrew Huston, F. B. Fast, D. B. Campbell, H. W. Baker, A. Baker, J. M. Carr, E. Williams, M. W. Dallas, A. W. Taylor, W. D. Stevens, W. Smith, M. S. Kendig, W. Brown, G. A. Lowman, George Crook, A. Scott, W. P. Turner, E. Hingley, A. W. Butts, S. Burt. The M. E. Church at New Lisbon.—Methodism was first proclaimed west of the village, near the border of Hanover township, about 1812, by a local preacher by the name of James Caldwell, who held services there occasionally, preaching without authority from any convention. He soon had a co- laborer in John Cecil who was a successful missionary, and in due time Methodism was firmly established here, and had taken a foot-hold in New Lisbon. About 1818 the place was recognized as a regular appointment and what was then known as Beaver circuit which embraced several counties in the eastern part of Ohio and a part of Pennsylvania, preaching being sup-: plied about once a month. The ministers about that time were Jacob Hooper and a young man named Dowler. The former was fearless in denouncing all kind of wrong. His zeal to promote the welfare of the church was so great, that when necessity demanded, he would start on foot to fill the appointments in his circuit. The bounds of the circuit remained as comprehensive -as above stated until 184o, when New Lisbon was designated a station in the conference, and has since maintained that relation to Methodist work in Columbiana county. The society was not fully organized in New Lisbon until 1822. The first place of meeting was in a small frame house which stood a little west of John Arter's tannery, and in this house preached Martin Ruter and James B. Findley, at that time eminent ministers. In 1826 a more appropriate place of worship was provided, in the shape of a plain brick edifice, and in this house, in 1827, a Miss Miller, probably the first woman-preacher in New Lisbon, addressed crowded congregations. This house was used until 1838, when the present place of worship was erected. In 1845 the society was re- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 403 organized under the laws of that period and James H. Shields, Jacob Arter, Jacob Harbaugh, Thos. Corbett, Robert S. McCay, Benezett F. Thompson and Simon Spiker were elected trustees. The clergy who ministered to the church from its organization to the present time have been as follows: Jacob Hooper, Rev. Dowler, 1820; Wm. Tipton, Chas. Trescott, Henry Knapp, 1821; Wm. Tipton, Samuel Brookonier, 1822; Dennis Goddard, B. 0. Plympton, in 1823; Ezra Booth, A. G. Richardson, in 1824; Samuel Adams, Robert Hopkins in 1825; John Knox, Wm. Henderson in 1826; Edward Taylor, John Somerville in 1827; B. 0. Plympton, Nathaniel Calender in 1828; George Brown, Rev. Wians in 1829; Alfred Bronson, Wm. Henderson in 1830; John Crawford, Jacob Jenks in 1831; John P. Kent, Wm. Summers in 1832; M. L. Weekly, D. Gordon in 1833; Alcinus Young, J. M. Meacham in 1834; Alcinus Young, P. S. Ruter in 1835; Daniel Sharp, John McLean in 1836; Daniel Sharp, J. T. W. Auld in 1837; Geo. McCaskey, J. Montgomery in 1838; Geo. McCaskey, Joshua Monroe in 1839. The others have been, Moses Tichinel, Lewis Burton, D. R. Hawkins, Charles Thorn, T. Winstanley, Frank Moore, Josiah Moore, J. T. Nessley, A. H. Thomas, Robert Hamilton, Walter Brown, J. D. Turner, J. D. Vail, Isaac Aiken, Ebenezer Bracken, John W. Baker, Joseph Horner, G. W. Cranage, W. K. Brown, J. F. Jones, Samuel Birkett, S. Y. Kennedy, A. R. Chapman, R. M. Freshwater, S. McCleary, W. H. Rider, J. H. Conkle, H. W. Kellogg and D. W. Chandler the present incumbent. Elk Run Township M. E. Church.—A class of Methodists was formed at the house of Samuel Kemble, on section nine, as yearly as 1814, embracing among its members, Samuel Kemble and wife, Samuel Wallanan and wife, George Freed and wife, James Ward, Polly; Job and Mary Paxton. Occasional meetings were. held at the houses of the members, and in the school house in. that locality, but about 1825 a log house was built which was used until 1862, when the church found a new home on the same section, but farther east. The present house is on a lot adjoining the cemetery-ground, which was set aside in the early settlement of the township by Samuel Kemble. The church since 1860 has been one of four charges constituting the Elkton circuit. In 1840 it was connected with New Lisbon and other appointments in the county. After that period and until 1860 it was one of the many appointments in the southern part of the county constituting the Liverpool circuit. The names of the ministers who were on these circuits were as follows: Jacob Hooper, Rev. Dowler, Wm. Tipton, Rev. Tascott, Henry Knapp, Samuel Brookonier, Dennis Goddard, B. 0. Plympton, Ezra Booth, A. G. Richardson, Samuel Adams, Robt. Hopkins, John.. Knox, Wm. Henderson, Edward Taylor, John Sommerville, 404 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Nathaniel Callender, Geo. Brown, Rev. Winans, A. Br0nson, John Crawford, Jacob Jenks, J. P. Kent, W. Summers, M. L. Weekly," A. Young, M. Meacham, P. S. Ruter, Daniel Sharp, John McLean, J. W. Auld, George McCaskey, Joshua Menroe, Henry Wharton, C. Jackson, Rev. Day, J. M. Bray, W. P. Blackburn, J. Montgomery, J. K. Miller, Robert Cunningham, Thos. W. Winstanley, W. C. Henderson, A. J. Dale, John Huston, Warren Long, David Kemble, John R. Roller, Andrew Huston, John Ansley, A. W. Butts, E. Williams, H. W. Baker, M. W. Dallas, A. W. Taylor, M. S. Kendig, Louis Payne, John Wright, G. D. Kinnear, A. J. Lane, J. D. Leggett, W. Bedall, A. J. Culp, A. Dunlap, Cameron, Manville, McKown and Great, the present pastor. The Elkton Methodist Episcopal Church.— In September, 1840, the Rev. Joshua Monroe organized in the village f Elkton, a class of seventeen members, among whom were John Kemble, leader, Daniel Ikard and wife, James Crook and wife, Thomas Crook and wife, James Montgomery) Elizabeth Baker, and Jacob Pitzer. This class, in the course f years, became known as the " Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church of Elk Run," but since 1870 has been known by the above title. The society worshiped in the free church until ' October, 1870, when they built their present church, at a cost of $4,800. This church has had the same ministers as the Kemble church, and for Methodist Episcopal churches of Middleton. The Methodist Episcopal ministers who were natives of Elk Run have been, A. E. Ward, George Crook and Ira Kemble. The Zion Hill Methodist Episcopal Church-- Some time before 1815 a class of Methodists was formed in the Stevens settlement in Middleton township, which embraced, among Qther members, Amos Stevens and family, Augustus Stevens and family, Thomas Saint and wife, George Ashford and wife, John Leslie, Samuel Brisbrine, James Thompson, Joseph Saint, Elijah Leslie, Benjamin and Joshua Todd, Jane Brooks, Margaret Thomas, Aquilla A. M. Baxter, Mrs. Pancake Thomas, and the Huston, McCoy, Huff, Hayes, Addis and Fitzsimons familes. Amos Stevens served as a leader, and in course f time his son Augustus Stevens, entered the ministry. The services were first held in the members' houses, in barns and often in the wo0ds, but in ten or fifteen years a meeting house was built on the land set apart for that purpose by Amos Stevens, which was the place of worship many years, from which fact the appointment was long known as the "Stevens church." In 1865 a new church was built near the site f the old one, and dedicated on Nov. 18, 1865, by Revs. Hartshorn and Lane, as the Mount Zion M. E. church, and has been known by this title since that time. It is a plain frame edifice, and cost $2,500. COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 405 In 1869, the Fairview M. E. church, of Middleton township, was erected on section 31. The society worshiping in this house was organized in Madison township, and, until the date above given, was known as the Williamsport charge, the first place of worship having been in that village. Both churches have the same ministerial supplies. In early times this was furnished by a circuit which embraced nearly the entire county; in 1840 the eastern part of the county was formed into the Liverpool circuit, and embraced these appointments, and since 1860 they have been a part f the Elkton circuit. Since 1820 these circuits have bee/ regularly supplied by the conference to which they had been attached, but it is probable that the Methodist missionaries visited these parts and preached before they were taken up as appointments. It is believed that the following ministers embrace nearly all who proclaimed Methodism in Middleton township: Revs. Jacob H. Dowler, Wm. Tipton, Trescott, Henry Knapp, Samuel Brookonier, Dennis Goddard, B. O. Plympton, Ezra Booth, A. G. Richardson, Samuel Adams, Robert Hopkins, John Knox, Wm. Henderson, Edward Taylor, John Sommerville, N. Callendar, George Brown, Rev. Winans, Alfred Bronson, John Crawford, J. P. Kent, W. Summers, L. M. Weakly, D. Gordon, A. Young, John Meacham, P. S. Ruter, Daniel Sharp, John McLean, J. W. Auld, George McCaskey, J. Montgomery, Joshua Monroe, I. Dallas, Wm. Wharton, Cornelius Jackson, J. M. Bray; W. P. Blackburn, J. K. Miller, Robert Cunningham, T. W. Winstanly, Wm. C. Henderson, A. J. Dale, John Huston, Warren Long, David Campbell, J. R. Roller, Andrew Huston, J. Ansley, A. W. Butts, H. W. Baker, M. W. Dallas, A. W. Taylor, M. S. Kendig, Louis Payne, John Wright, G. D. Kinnear, A. J. Lane, J. D. Leggett, Wm. Bedall, J. M. Bray, A. J. Culp. The Burt M. E. Church, of Middleton Township.—When the Rev. Brookonier was on the circuit, before described, in 1822, the Rev. John Burt, a local Methodist minister, persuaded him to preach at his house, on section one. As a result of his occasional labors at this point, a society was formed, which had among its members the Burts, Eatons and Bartons, who, some years afterward, built a small meeting-house near Mr. Burt's house. In this house, worship was maintained Gill 1867, when the appointment was given up and the interest, transferred to the village of East Palestine. The meeting-house has been demolished. The charge was frequently changed from one circuit to another, but, in the main, has been served by the ministers before named. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Highlandtown, Washington Township. In 1819 a Methodist church was organized at the house of Jacob S. Desellems, near the head waters of little Yellow Creek, in Wayne township. In that class were the following 406 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. members: J. S. Desellems and wife, William Pumphrey and wife, David Scattergood and wife, John Davis and wife, Francis Bussell and wife, Eleanor McMullen, Catherine Johnson, and Mrs. Mary S. Hoey. Jacob S. Desellems was appointed class-leader. Services were conducted in the school house and in the dwellings of the members until 1841 by Revs. N. Callender, John Sharp, B. 0. Plympton, J. P. Kent, Martin Ruyter, John Crum, J. McMahan, John Crawlord, Ira Edda, George McCaskey, C. H. Jackson, W. Tipton, J. Crump, R. Armstrong, J. McLain, A. Young, P. S. Ruyter, W. Henderson and Joshua Monroe. In 1841 a church edifice was erected on Little Yellow Creek, in Washington township, on land owned by David Scattergood: The congregation was in the Hanover circuit, and in the new church the first ministers were Revs, J. K. Mills, Samuel Day, M. L. Weekly, Thomas Winstanley, Simon Elliott, G. A. Lowman, William Brown, T. C. McClure, J. H. White, W. W. Roup, C. Thorn, W. Deveney, John Huston, J. Ansley, L. Petty, John Grant, D. B. Campbell, J. H. Rogers, and Henry Long. The second church was put up in Highlandtown, and its pastors have been Revs. J. Archibald, M. McGarrett, J. Stevens, Z. S. Weller, John Connor, J. Hollingshead, R. Jordan, J. R. Roller, W. Johnson, A. B. Castle, J. C. Russell, J. M. Bray, Jr., C. Thorn, John Houston, A. J. Lane, J. W. McAbre, G. W. Johnson, J. E. Hollister, E. R. Jones. In 1865 the Highlandtown and Salineville Methodist Episcopal churches became an independent circuit. The Primitive Methodist Church, of Washington Township was organized at Salineville in 1869, by Rev. Geo. Parker, at which time 60 persons were received into membership. Previous to this organization, and after that, worship was held in dwellings and school-houses. After the organization in the Presbyterian and united Presbyterian churches, a structure was erected in 1873, and was to be dedicated in 1874; but the unsettled state of the country put off the proposed ceremony, which remains to this date unperformed. The preachers who have served this church have been Revs. James Herbert, Joseph Emerson, Geo. Parker, T. C. Bache, Joseph Reid, W. C. Bache and Rev. Rorie. Through the removal of members, the church membership has declined until it now comprises a limited number. Hart Methodist Church, Salem Township.—About 1824, Garrett Hart, who had lived on section 31, in Salem township, several years, persuaded the people in the neighborhood of the present Hart church who were inclined to Methodism, to organize a class, of which he was chosen the first leader, The members of this class were Garrett Hart and wife, Joseph Headley and wife, Jonathan Dickinson and wife, Samuel Shelton and wife, Jacob Karns and wife, Samuel Karns and wife. In COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 407 1826 a log church was built on the ground occupied by the present church, built in 1866. This church was in the Washington circuit for many years; then in the Beaver, and now in the Salem circuit. It is under the same charge as Washingtonville and Franklin Square. The Franklin Methodist Episcopal Church, of Salem Township. —This church was organized in 1828. Preaching was first held in a log house which was used for a school. The church was built in 1830. The ministers have been the same as those f the Washingtonville and Hart churches. Washingtonville Methodist Episcopal Church, Salem Township. —Watson Ruckman, John Robins, Phillip Hantz, and their wives constituted the first class in the village. Watson Ruckman was chosen leader. The first meeting was held in the house of Phillip Houtz, in 1844, and services for some time were held in barns. Rev. John M. Murray was the first pastor, and later Wm. H. Pierson was installed. The present house f worship was built in 1872. Those succeeding Mr. Pierson have been Rev. A. C. Welch, J. H. White, T. McCleary, G. W. Anderson and W. D. Ewing. Methodist Episcopal Church at Leetonia.— About 1869 John Ritter and wife, Samuel Keene and wife. Mrs. Catharine Stewart and Mrs. Wallace, convened at Mrs. Stewart's house and organized a class, f which Mr. Keene was chosen leader. Public services were soon after held in the public hall, and the minister who officiated from that time were Revs. J. J. Jackson, Henry Long, Mr. Ross, Mr: Coyle, J. A. Chamberlain, Samuel Crouse, Elliott Pearson, A. J. Lane, P. G. Edwards, Slusser, and J. R. Jacob who is in charge at present, 1891. The society some years past purchased the church edifice f the United Presbyterian, but in the year 1887 erected the fine brick building now 0ccupied by the Methodists on the corner of State and Lisbon streets. The Methodist Episcopal church, Williamsport, Madison Township.— This organization was founded as early as 1820, when a class was organized at the house of Wm. Crawford, under the leadership of Joseph Kernan. Services were held at Mr. Crawford's house for several years, and although preaching was at time not easily obtainable, occasional services were enjoyed. The first minister who was regular in charge was Rev. Bronson, under whose ministration the little band of Methodists prospered and grew in strength. This number of about forty members, included people not only from Madison township, but from adjoining townships as well, and in 1838 up to which time worship had been held in Mr. Crawford's house, it was decided to build a house of worship at what is now Williamsport. Rev. J. M. Bray, preached the sermon at the dedication of the new church, and after that those who were pastors in the church were Revs. 408 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Callander, M. L. Wickley, Henderson, Ansley, Hustons John and Andrew, and Sam'l Crouse. In 1871 the congregation built a new church which was erected upon the four corners made by Madison, Middleton, Elk Horn and St. Clair townships, where. it now stands. The first pastor of this church was Rev. A. J. Lane, since whom the pastors have been Revs. Leggett, John Huston, Bedall, J. M. Bray and Culp. The M. E. Church of Salem, Perry Township.—In 1821 a class of nine persons was formed in the village, consisting of Thos.. Kelly and wife, John Flistcroft, Edward Rynear and wife, Thos. Webb and wife, David Hum and James W. Leach, Thomas Kelly being leader. The services were held mostly at Thomas Kelly's house. In 1821 Samuel Brockonier was appointed on the Beaver circuit, and during that year preached at Salem, in a small rude building. He was succeeded by Rev. Wm. Swayze, Ira Eddy, W. C. Henderson and Isaac Wians, all on the Beaver circuit. The circuit was afterwards changed to New Lisbon, then to Hanover, Lima and Salem respectively. Among those who preached during the time were J. P. Kent, James H. White, Thos. McGrath, Hiram Miller, J. M. Bray, Hosea McCall, Henry Ambler and James Montgomery. In 1852, petition being made to the conference, Salem was made a separate station, with Rev. J. W. Nessley as first pastor. He has been succeeded by Sarni. Crouse, Aaron Thomas, Wm. Lynch, C. H. Jackson, W. D. Stevens, J. A. Swaney, Dr. J. N. Beard, J. J. Moffatt, Dr. Wm. Cox, Wm. Lynch, Thos. M. Boyle, John Grant, W. A. Davidson, J. C. Sullivan, J. M. Carr, D. D., John Brown, Ezra Hingeley and E. A. Simons, D. D. In 1823 they built their first log house for worship, which was succeeded by a larger one in 1837, which they used till 1859, when they disposed of this to the church of the Disciples, and built their present brick edifice on Broadway, at a cost of $10,000. The society has over 400 members and a very large Sunday school. The Zion Methodist Church (colored), of Perry township, was organized in 1859 by the Rev. Thos. James. He was succeeded in the ministry by Revs. Joseph Armstrong, B. B. Mathews, Nelson Williams, John Halliday, John Cox, Mr. Hamilt0n, Mr. Farman, Mr. Terry, Solomon Whiton and Charles Dockett. The African M. E. Church, at Salem, was organized in 1867 by Father Gross, who was its first pastor. The society purchased their church in the same year they organized, and has had the following ministers: Rev. W. Pettigrew, Joseph Bell, B. F. Zee, Cornelius Asbury, George Sampson, T. A. Thompson, and John E. Russell. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Unity, Unity Township — Sometime about 1830, Rev. Prasser began holding Methodist meetings at the house of Joseph Taylor, and soon afterward, a COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 409 class of members having been formed, regular meetings were maintained in the school house. This number embraced among others, Joseph Taylor, Jehu Stough, Metchor Mellinger, Elias Eyster and William Lewis. A small meeting house was erected soon after at the village of Unity for the use of the society, which flourished for a time and then became so much weakened by removals and other causes, that the conference suspended the appointment. A few members remained in the place, and, about .1860, the Rev. D. Hess, who preached to them at that time, was induced to hold a series of meetings, which resulted in so many conversions and accessions to the church, that the place again became a regular appointment. So encouraging was the future, that a meeting house was built nearly opposite the site occupied by the old one. The church passed under the control of a society, which received corporate power from the state, Nov. 12, 1862. Among the preachers here are remembered, Revs. Wharton, Roller, Blackburn, Moore, Hess, Hauston, Kinnear, Borbridge, Ingram, Castle, Ruyter, Hamilton, Cunningham and 0. W. Holmes. the Methodist Episcopal Church at New Waterford, Unity Township was organized May 16, 1858, in Joseph Taylor's barn, by Rev. G. D. Kinnear. Twenty persons associated themselves as members, and W. B. Campbell was chosen class leader. In March, 1859, a plain frame meeting house was dedicated as a place of worship for the society by the presiding elder of the district. Rev. D. P. Mitchell was placed in charge of the trustees. The ministers have been as follows: Revs. Hess, Keagle, Mccarty, A. J. Rich, James Borbridge, Jackson, Hays, Moore, Darby, Hodgson, Ward, and Edwards. The Methodist Episcopal Church at East Palestine, Unity Township.—Methodism was introduced into this locality by the members of the old Burt church of Middleton township, and in 1865 occasional meetings were held in the United Presbyterian church at East Palestine. In a few years the interests of the Burt church were transferred to the village, and the present society formed. A commodious frame meeting house was built at East Palestine, which is yet the home of the society. The pastors have been Revs. Houston, Moore, Jackson, Gogley, Kessler, Ingham and Holmes. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Hanover, Hanover Township —Was organized in 1834, and Joseph Hillerman was chosen leader. The original members were Joseph Hillerman and wife, Hannah Ball, Charlotte Arter, James Kynett, and Mrs. Verner, but the church grew, and in a short time had a membership of sixty. The church, which is in the Hanover circuit, was attached originally t0 the New Lisbon circuit. The first church building was erected in 1837, and, after being used a year for school as 410 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. well as church purposes, received an addition of a second story, preaching having previously been held in the Disciples church. The budding was utterly demolished June 30, 1876, by a violent wind storm, which caused much other damage in the town. Another church was erected immediately. The preachers were Revs Kent, McGrath, Montgomery, Weekly, Petty, Crouse, Gilmore, Stevens, Brown, Jordon, McClure, Elliott, Rogers, McGregor, Kagle, Sleetz, Wright, McClure, King, and Williams. The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Garden, Hanover Township, was organized in 1840. Among the early members were Lewis Rider, wife and three daughters, David Scattergood, wife, three sons and two daughters, Nathan Baker, wife and two daughters, Edward Jones and wife, James Garside, wife, three sons and two daughters, William and Hannah Nichols, Peter and Amy Ward. Worship was held in the village school-house until 1841, when a frame church was erected and dedicated by Rev. Joseph Montgomery, who with Rev. M. S. Weekly, preached in the church for some time thereafter as they traveled the circuit. Robert Dennis donated the land for the church, was one of the first trustees, and was the first class leader. Joshua Monroe was the first presiding elder. The preachers were the same as at Hanover. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Gillford, Hanover Township, was organized in 1840. Previous to this time the Methodists of Gillford had worshiped at New Lisbon. In 1846 J. P. Conly donated a lot upon which the church was built; Mr. Conly preached occasionally and once and in while services were held bycircuit preachers, but the congregation never was large, and never had a stated preacher. It is in the Hanover circuit. The Methodist Episcopal Church Columbiana, Fairfield Township.--Among the settlers 0f the northern part of Fairfield township who were Methodists, were the McGregors, Hune, Voglesong, Wright, Maury, Fitzpatrick and others to the number of a score. Preaching was supplied but once a month by the clergy on the old Beaver circuit, a full list of whom is given with the New Lisbon church. In 1834 a small meeting-house was built on the Petersburg road, which was intended primarily for the Methodists, but was free to all other denominations when n0t 0ccupied by the former. It was dedicated by Father Swazey, one of the pioneer Methodist ministers. This house was used till 1859, whe the present church edifice was erected on the lower part of Main street. In 1873 a parsonage was erected on a lot next south. The ministers of the church since Columbiana was detached from the appointments in the southern part of the county have been as follows: J. Ansley, G. Pollock, George Crook, J. D. Turner, G. D. Kinnear, D. Hess, L. S. Keagle, M. S. Kending, J. McCarty, W. Long, L. Payne, J. Burbridge, E. M. COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 411 Wood, A. J. Rich, J. H. Conlee, R. Cunningham, L. A. Tillman, J. J. Jackson, D. Momeyer, William J. McConnell, T. 5. Hodgson, William Darby, J. J. Hayes, J. Z. Moore, A. E. Ward, C. H. Edwards, Appleton McClure, Ream, McKenry and H. A. Cobbledick who is the present minister being appointed in September, 1889. East Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church, Fairfield Township.— Methodist meetings were held in East Fairfield as early as 1835, but no organization was attempted until a few years later. Among those who were instrumental in forming the society were G. N. Brown, Wm. Ensign and Wm. Henderson. About 1842 a small house of worship was built and used until the present edifice was erected in 1876. The old house was sold to citizens and converted into a public hall. The church has been served by the same ministers as the church of Columbiana. The Bethel Methodist Episcopal church of Fairfield township, erected a log meeting house in 1840 on section twenty-nine, on the farm of Elias Holloway, which was occupied by a large and very flourishing congregation of more than 100 members, among whom where the Freeds, Zepernick, Ney, Crofts, Crook, Ward, Rogers, Henry, Wallhan and many other families. The organization of Methodist societies in the surrounding village, and the removal of members so weakened the society that it was allowed to disband before 1860. Pleasant Grove Methodist Episcopal church, Wayne Township.— In 1837, Joseph Paxton, a blacksmith of Elk Run township, began to preach occasionally at the house of Thomas Cross, in Wayne township, to a company of people who worshiped as members of the United Brethren church. Paxton, Biddle and others preached at Cross house, about two years, and then changed to the house of Peter Cross, where the society was reorganized as a Methodist Episcopal congregation. A log house was erected on the latter's farm where services were held until 1848, when the present church building was erected. For several years last past the congregation has had considerable difficulty in obtaining preachers (the Hanover) in a circuit. The first Methodist Episcopal preaching however in Wayne township was held in 1825, at the home of Gideon Garver. There was preaching there every fortnight until 1840, when the members of the congregation generally joined the Pleasant Grove congregation. The Methodist Episcopal. Church of Wellsville, Yellow Creek Township, was founded upon a class which was organized about 1800, by Rev. John Callahan, who was sent out by a Baltimore conference and had preached to the Methodists before the date of its origin. The organization' took place in the house of William Wells, and among the original members were William and Ann Wells, Robert and Jane Dobbins, Samuel and Eliza Flowers 412 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. William and Margaret Richardson. This class is supposed to be the first one ever organized in Ohio. Among the early preachers were the Revs. Essex, Stoneman, Askins, Ried, Charles, Church, Watts, Baker, and Seisel. The earliest class-leaders were William Wells and Robert Dobbins. Preaching was for some years held in Mr. Wells' residence, and in a shingle-roof log house built by James Clark. Later on, the circuit preachers who tarried in Wellsville were Revs. William Knox, Joseph Hall and John Desellems. The active progress of church matters was irregular and feeble until 1826, when Rev. B. 0. Plympton responded to a call, and early in that year held services in the potter's shop of Joseph Wells, where a class of ten persons was organized, among them being George and Sarah Gibbons, and George Kearns and wife. This shop was used as a place of worship until 1827, when, in common with other denominations, the Methodists occupied a brick school house erected by the town that year. In 1833 Mr. Wells donated to the society a lot and upon it in that year, a plain but substantial edifice was erected. The second church was erected in 1877, and was said to be the largest church building in Wellsville. It was dedicated October 25, 1877, Rev. Dr. Barrows, president of the Pittsburgh Female College, preaching the dedicatory sermon. In 1884 the church was enlarged and remodeled, at a cost of $3,000. The pastors who have served the church since 1833 are as follows: Rev.. Alcinus Young, Mr. Mahon, Marcellus Ruyler, David Sharp, John White, J. J. Swazee, Lewis Burton, John Spencer, Thomas. McGrath, N. Callender, Cornelius Jacks0n, M. P. Jamison, J.. Gibson, F. McCleary, G. A. Lowman, E. T. Fletcher, A. L. Petty A. J. Eusly, Edward Burkett, Samuel Babcock, Stephen Minor, James Henderson, J. M. Carr, H. Hollingshead, J. Conkle, Lewis. Payne, J. W. Toland, H. Miller, D. D., W. H. Rider, G. F. Oliver, and J. M. Carr, D. D., the present pastor. In 1840 there was a Methodist class organized in Knox township, which held meeting in a church edifice near Homeworth, but no reliable information of its early history is obtainable. The Methodist Episcopal Church of East Rochester, West Township.—This society was organized about 1851. Their early meetings were held in an old school-house on section 8. Among the early members were, John DeFord, John Hunter, David Bashaw and Benjamin Haldeman. John DeFord was class-leader. The society continued about ten years and became extinct. In 1875, the new church edifice was built, and the society reorganized with Rev. C. B. Henthorn as pastor. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Damascus, Butler Township.- Meetings had been held several years before the organization, of the church at the house of Lewis Jobes. Rev. Wells preached occasionally, and at other times the society was served by min- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 413 isters from Salem. ,About 1855 meetings were held in the school-house at Damascus, and a class organized with Phillip Barger and wife, Nancy Little, Elizabeth Little, John Kerr and wife, Clement Kerr and wife, and James Kerr and wife as members. Rev. Eaton who was the first pastor, was succeeded by the following: Revs. Kinnea, Storer, Williams, Jackson, McCarthy, Brown, Bray, Lang, Crook, and Anderson. Methodist Society at Calcutta, St. Clair Township.—Was organized in 1869 and for the support of preaching, Mr. George Thompson agreed to provide $50 yearly for the space 0f five years. Rev. Alexander Scott was the first minister and continued to preach at Calcutta during his pastorate at East Liverpool. George Thompson upon his death in 1869, bequeathed $400 to the town toward the erection of a public hall, conditioned that it should be devoted, free of charge, to the use of any religious denomination, of whatsoever sect, desiring to worship therein. Previous to the erection of the town hall, in 1872, the Methodists worshipped in the Calcutta school-house. But upon the completion of the hall they began to hold services there, and have continued since to occupy it. Rev. W. B. Watkins, presiding elder, preached the first sermon in the hall during the ministry of Rev. Wm. P. Turner, who was stationed at East Liverpool. After Rev, Hingely's term expired the church was made a mission point. The M. E. Church at Salineville, Washington Township. Was organized previous to 1840, but the loss of the records leaves the matter to conjecture. In that year and afterward the Methodists of Salineville enjoyed preaching in a school-house on a hill north of the town. Rev. Hosea McCall was among the preachers who ministered to them. In 1850 the church built a frame house of worship upon a site in the rear of the brick edifice, which was erected in 1870 at a cost of $10,500, including lot. In the old church building the preachers were Revs. Archibald, Thorne, Rogers, Stevens, Petty, Grant and Hollingshead. In the new structure the pastors have been Rev. Huston, Lane, Johnson, Hollister, and E. R. Jones. The Protestant Methodist Church at New Lisbon, Center Township.—Sometime about 1828, the Protestant Methodist Church was constituted by those opposed to episcopacy; but who had, prior to that period given their alleigiance to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The movement, instituted at Baltimore, rapidly grew into favor, and societies were soon formed in various parts of the Union. In New Lisbon, Henry Springer and others espoused this cause, and in November, 1831, the Rev. Reeves began preaching in the place. He was followed by Revs. Dighton, Gunthrie, Miller and other missionaries, whose labors induced the formation of a small society, The meetings were first held in a small 414 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. brick house on Chestnut street. About 1837, a more commodious and appropriate church edifice was erected on the northwest corner of the public square, which became well known as the " White House.' In this the society flourished ten or twelve years, then lost its influence and strength to such an extent, that in 1848 it was .practically extinct. In 1841 a conference of the denomination was held with the church, and was largely attended, about 200 ministers being present. In the fat of 1837, the church was taken up as a regular appointment, and was served by the Revs. Joel Dolby and Hugh Kelley. Those who followed were Revs. Browning, Reeves, Ragan, White, Flowers, Dorsey, Hubbard, Lacock, Hughes, Cushing, Beatty and Clancy. Protestant Methodist Church, East Liverpool, Liverpool Township. —This church was organized in May, 1855, by Rev. E. A, Brindley of Wellsville. The original members were eleven, and until 1857, services were held in Bradshaw's hall, on Broadway. In that year the church purchased the Sons of Temperance hall, which then occupied Fifth street. There they worshipped until May, 1879, when their new church was completed on the same site at a cost of $10,000. The church was originally attached to the Muskingum conference, but in 1871 was transferred to the Pittsburg conference. The church has had the following pastors: Revs. Brinley, Hastings, Burns, Case, Hodgkinson, Hull, Palmer, Lucas, G. G. Westfall, W. G. Wilson, C. M. Conway, C. A. Sturm and W. H. Gladden, the present pastor. He has had 250 members join his church in seventeen months. The Protestant Methodist Church at Wellsville, Yellow Creek Township. —Was organized in 1829, in the house of Joseph Wells, by Rev. Geo. Brown, with the following members: Joseph and Hezekiah Wells, Christopher and Sarah Murray, Nicholas Murray, Wm. Seuter, George and Sarah Gibbons. In 1833 the congregation having previously worshipped in the town school house, a building was erected and enlarged in 1878. The pastors who served the church while it was in the circuit were Revs. Wm. Reeves (whose wife occupied the pulpit once each month during her husband's ministry), Rufus Richardson, Edward Paulton and Jeremiah Browning. Then the church became a mission point, and the subsequent pastors were: Revs. W. W. Arnot, Washington Maynrd, Thos. Cullen, Joseph Ray, W. Hastings, Charles Callahan, Wm, Case, — Sears, John Hodgkinson, J. B. Wilkins, W. Baldwin, David Freeman, E. S. Hoagland, M. L. Jennings, J. G. Tyree, S. S. Fisher, W. 0. Scott and J. A. Barnes. Protestant Episcopal Chinch at Liverpool, Liverpool Township.— This church was organized in 1834, with about fifteen members, and in the same year a frame church building was erected on Fourth street. The first rector was Rev. Thomas Mitchell, whose suc- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 415 cessors have been Revs. Adderly, Goodwin, Christian, Butler, Rodgers, Coleman, McKay, Gilbert, Philip McKim, and others. In 1879, the church members erected a fine brick edifice, which cost $6,000. The Protestant Episcopal Church at New Lisbon, Center Township. — The services of this church were held in New Lisbon as early as 1847, but no organization was effected until April 13,1863, when thirty persons were formed into a society. On May 5, 1863, F. A. Blocksom was elected senior warden. Rev. A. T. McMurphy became rector and remained until 1866, and in 1871 Rev. G. S. Vallandigham became rector and served till his death, in March, 1873. Since that time they have been supplied by neighboring rectors and laymen. Church of our Savior, (Episcopal) Perry Township. —In 1857, Miss Anna M. Reed, of Huntington, Pa., while visiting her brother in Salem, assisted by Miss Mary B. Reed, canvassed the town and found a number of persons willing to join them. Lay services were held at the house of Capt. Stephen Whitneys for several Sundays; afterward a room was rented in the south end of Broadway block, where the first regular service in Salem was held, Rev,. A. T. McMurphy officiating. The Right Rev. C. P. McIlvain, bishop of the diocese, preached in the town hall, April 3, 1858, when the rite of confirmation was administered to seven persons. The first vestry was elected March 3, 1859. A call was extended to the Rev. Hollis, who accepted, and, after his retirement, Rev. Morrell. A call was extended, December 2, 1862, to Rev. A. T. McMurphy, who accepted, and served until December 1, 1868, For many years the parish has remained vacant. The Church of the Ascension (Episcopal) Wellsville, Yellow Creek Township—Was organized in 1863, in the Methodist Protestant church. After that, church was held in a public hall on Main street. The first rector of the church was Rev. John Lee. His successors were Revs. Gilbert, Hubbell, McMurphy, Coleman, Long, and McKim. The hall was used till 1870, when the present church edifice was built at a cost of $6,200, and the parsonage at $1,700. An excursion was given in June, 1870, in which 1,600 people participated, and $2,500 was cleared for the benefit of the church. Wesleyan Methodist Church of Fairfield Township.— After 1840, a number of members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Fairfield withdrew, and formed themselves into a society with the above name. Meeting was first held at the house of John and Adam Hunn, who were among the chief members of the society, but in 1847 a small house of worship was built near the cemetery, in the northern part of section 14, which was used until 1873. That year the new church was built in the locality called Hunntown, which was consecrated by the Rev. Adam Crook, 416 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY April 10, 1873. At the same time a conference of the denomination was held there. The membership is but small. Among those who preached are: Revs. Selby, Trago, Savage, Beckwith, Lawhead, Palmer, Noble, and Childs. The Disciples Church of Hanover, Hanover Township, traces back to 1820; when the Christian church was organized at Hanover, Gainor and Enos Ellis being the chief movers in the matter. Preachers came over from Kentucky upon the organization of the church, among them being Revs. Sechrist, Hughs, and others. The first house of worship was a log cabin just south of Hanover village. About 1825 dissension began to show in the church, owing to the rise and growth of the Disciple doctrine, and this dissension which continued until 1830, ended with a victory for the Disciples, who, absorbing nearly the entire congregation, reorganized the church according to their faith, leaving the Christians to pass from view. Joseph Rhoads and Catharine Keith were prominent in the organization. An addition to the church was at once built, and that place of worship served until 1859, when the present church edifice was completed. Among those who have preached for the Disciples since 1830 may be named Revs. Whittaker, Wesley, Laphear, Vanvoris, Henry, Hartzell, Lacy, Bosworth, Elder, Stroh, H. B. Cox, Jones, Ehrhardt, Charles Strahn and C. W. Huffer. The Disciples church at Kensington was organized in February, 1881, and since then Rev. C. W. Huffer has been its pastor. Disciples Church of East Fairfield, Fairfield Township: About 1825 a society was organized at east Fairfield which entertained of the "Primitive Christians," and worshiped according to the form of that body several years. It had among its members persons belonging to the Croger, Fisher, Ferrall, Cunningham, Morlan, Wallahan, and other families. They built a meeting house on a lot which now forms a part of the cemetery. In this church Revs. Jones, Seachrist, and other Christian ministers preached, and about 1827 Rev. Joseph Gaston became the pastor. In February, 1828, Revs. Scott and Mitchell, of the Disciple church, held a series of meetings which produced many conversions acrd caused the society to adopt the tenets of the Disciples, all but six of the members voting to make the change. Rev. Gaston continued as minister. Among those who have since ministered to the church have been besides Rev. Gaston the following: Revs. Saunders, Campbell, Lamphear, Baxter, Way, Moss, Hillick, Hayden and Callahan. The old meeting house was used until 1851, when the present neat brick edifice was built. Disciples Church, New Lisbon, Center Township.— In the month of August, 1827, the Mahoning Baptist association met in the village. Among other matters which engaged the attenti0n of COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 417 the body, it was proposed to select an evangelist to labor among the fifteen or twenty churches composing the association. This was deemed necessary on account of the languishing condition of many of the congregations. Among the preachers present were Alexander Campbell, then a Baptist, Adamson Bendy, Sidney Rigdon, who afterward became the right-hand man of Joe Smith, the founder of Mormonism; John Secrest, Joseph Gaston and Walter Scott, who was a teacher in the academy of Steubenville. He was a graduate of the university of Edinburg, a natural 0rator, and one who had abandoned the religious views in which he had been brought up. On this man, though he was not a member of the association, but occupying a place by .courtesy, fell the choice of the ministers present to go forth and arouse the churches to a sense of their duty. This unexpected choice caused the subject of it to look upon it as providential, and, regarding the call of the association as a call from heaven, he accepted and entered at once upon his work. His first resolve was that he would not preach any of the doctrines of the Baptist,. but would make the apostles his model, and thus reproduce the ancient gospel. Full of this purpose he came to New Lisbon in November, the same year, and in the Baptist meeting-house, began a series of meetings. The novelty of his mode of preaching and his rare eloquence soon gained him large audiences. The entire village was aroused and excited. His theme was the confession made by the apostle Peter, in the words, "Thou art the Christ, the son and the living God." (Matt. XVI, 16) and the* promise made by Christ. He followed Peter through his discourse after the descent of the Holy Spirit. None of his hearers had listened to such preaching before, and those who accepted the Bible as true, felt that they could not gainsay it, for he presented-no view or theory of his own, but uttered the very words of the inspired apostle. And when the preacher asked if there was anyone present who believed what he taught, all were ready to take God at his word by instant obedience. The preacher- and audience were surprised to see William Amend press his way through the throng to where the preacher stood, and say, " I do," and expressed his willingness to be baptized at once. The preacher was at a loss for a moment how to understand the meaning of this stranger's course, but on making inquiry he found the man was of more than ordinary intelligence and highly esteemed. He yielded to his wishes, and publicly baptized him according to the apostolic command for the remission of sins. This event, beyond all question, established the fact that Mr. Amend was the first man of whom we have any knowledge who, in modern time., so clearly and fully complied with all the gospel conditions of pardon as required by the apostle. The course he adopted, from that time forward, was required 27-A. 418 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. from all converts, and formed one of the most marked features of the reformation, and that order was restored here. Soon after, the baptism of Mr. Amend, quite a number of others followed his example, among them his sister Mrs. Conover, Mrs. Elizabeth Lodge, Mrs. Watson, and many others. The Baptist church, almost to a man, embraced the views presented by Elder Scott, and, dropping the name Baptist, was known as the Disciples of Christ and the meeting house passed into the hands of that body. Here they were ministered to occasionally by Elder Scott and others, mainly from the western Reserve, and their number was greatly increased. About 1838 Benjamin Pritchard became one of the elders, and served 30 years. In 1841 they erected a new house on the same site of the old. Before the building of this house most of the preachers were traveling evangelists. For a season the church enjoyed the regular labors of Revs. M. Lanphear and Wm. Beaumont. Since the erection of this house the pastors have been Revs. Errett, Jones, King, Galley, Baxter and Martin. A list of those who have preached here occassionally is remembered as follows: Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, Wm. and A. S. Hayden, John Henry, Cyrus and Marcus Bosworth, Eli Regal, Jonas Hartzell, E. Hubbard, John Shafer, A. Allerton, John Applegate,. C. E. Van Vooshis, J. H. Jones, D. S. Burnet, James and Joseph Gaston, Geo. Lucy, Warrick Martin, Robert Forrester, W. S. Gray, A. B. Green, C. L. Loos, S. E. Pearre, Robert Graham, Frank Green, R. P. Davis and Alanson Wilcox. "Nothing has ever occurred in the history of this town of such importance to the world as the sermons delivered by Walter Scott in that unpretending frame building on the hill north of us." "Not a single congregation 0f this body was in existenc when he first began his plea in 1827; now there are three or four hundred congregati0ns in this state. The echoes of Scott's preaching have gone round the world; myriads of hearts have been gladdened. The teaching of other religious bodies has been modified by the truth which he and his fellow laborers so ably and earnestly presented. Their platform of union is—the Bible and that only. The Disciples Church at Salem and Perry Townships.—Robert Phillips was converted under the preaching of Rev. Scott, a Baptist minister at Salem, in 1825, but afterwards became dissatisfied with the articles of faith of that denomination. In 1828, a new organization, called the Church of the Disciples, was perfected, composed of Robert Phillips and wife, A. Shinn and wife, William Schooley and family. Arthur Hayden and William Schooley were chosen elders. Meetings were held in Mr. Phillip's house for some time, and in 1831 a church was built on the northeast corner of the northwest quarter of section 20, Mr. COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 419 Phillips giving the land. This church was used until 1859, when a new one was erected on the same ground. The first pastor was Rev. Van Voorhis, who was succeeded by the Revs. Whitaker, Laphin, Hubbard, Hayden, Reeves, Newcomb, Miller, Teegarden, McBride, Griffin, Higgins, White, Baxter, Hillock, Schaffer and Reeves. The church of this denomination in the village of Salem was organized by members 0f this church March 15, 1859. The Disciples Church at Fredericktown, St. Clair Township, was organized in 1827, by Elder Walter Scott. Previous to that date desultory preaching had been enjoyed for some time by the people of that faith in St. Clair township. The residences of a few inhabitants were utilized as houses or worship until the year above named, when the organization took place in the scho0l house located in district No, 1, St. Clair township, where they held worship until 1829. The members of the church at that organization were John Jackson, Jacob Wollam, David Figley and their wives, Mary Gaston and Rebecca Meek. The first church building was erected in Fredericktown in 1829, and in 1853 a new edifice was built upon a site about one and a half miles south of Fredericktown, and occupied that spot until 1827, when it was removed to Fredericktown. Among the pastors of this church since its organization are the following: Jackman, Belton, Applegate, Lucy and Davis. Disciples Church, of Knox Township, was never a regular organization. The early meetings commenced with the settlements of the families of this faith in the township about 1830. In 1866, the society, numbering about fourteen members, purchased the school-house on section 0, and removed it to land of Daniel Borton, on section 9, where the society has since worshiped. No pastor is employed, the services being conducted by the members alternately. The Disciples Church at New Garden, Hanover Township, was organized in 1842, as a branch of the church at Hanover, although the members of the congregation worshiped in the town school- house and Methodist church previous to 1841, and in that year built a frame church south of the center of the village. At the organization there were fully fifty members, of whom Thomas Robinson, Anthony Taylor, and John Montgomery were chosen trustees. The congregation worshiped in the frame church until 1856, when the membership having materially declined in number, the separate organization was abandoned and a return made to the church at Hanover, where the members of the New Garden congregation thereafter attended. In 1874 the growth of membership had assumed a healthful tone, and a reorganization of the church being effected with about 100 members, a new church building was erected in 1875, which is now in use. Dur- 420 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. ing the early days of the church's history dependance for preaching was made upon occasional supplies as they could be procured. Since the reorganization the preachers have been James Wilson, T. J. Newcomb, Callahan, Harier and Samuel Teegarden. The congregation has recently, though removals, been much reduced in number, and depends, as before upon supplies. The Disciples Church at Wellsville was organized about 1838. There was preaching before that time by Elder Mahlon Martin about two miles north of Wellsville, in the dwellings of a few inhabitants. Among the original members at the organization in 1838, were George and Naomi Martin, Mahlon Martin and wife, John McDonald, Alexander Campbell and wife, Thomas Orin and wife and Samuel Allaback and wife. In 1841 a log church was built, and about this time preaching was provided by Wm. Beaumont, Mr. Rondebush, Eli Ragal and Mahlon Martin. In. 1845 the society transferred its location to Wellsville and the same year built a brick church, which in 1874 was replaced by the present one. In addition to the preachers already named; the church has been served by Elders Benton, Lucy, Dyer, Hillock, White, Baxter, Cone, Van Horn, N. P. Hayden, Rev. P. H. Jones, who is now the pastor, and has officiated as such for eleven consecutive years. The Disciples Church of Washington Township was organized Feb. 4, 1856 in the Free Presbyterian meeting-house by thirty- six members' formerly attached to Berea congregation. Benj. Johnson, John B. Milner and N. Weirbaugh were the elders. Thos. Jessop and Nimrod Burson, the deacons, and Wm. Burson, clerk. The names of the thirty-six original members are as follows: Rebecca Bennett, Irene Bennett, Mary and Nimrod Burson, Wm. Burson, Susan Call, John Fickes, Jr., John Godard, Isabell and Maria. Godard, Mary Clark, Benj. and Clarissa Grocey, Thos. and Margaret Jessop, Benj. and Cynthia Johnson, Elizabeth McMillan, Mary A. McDaniel, Wm. Sr., Wm. Jr. and John B. Milner, Wm., Sarah, George and Anna J. Potts, John Randolph, Elizabeth and Francis Randolph, Sophia Sheckler, John Simpson and Sarah Simpson, Nicholas and Julia A. Wierbaugh, Matilda McMillan and John Burson. Nov. 4, 1856, the congregation first occupied the edifice formerly known as the Friends meeting-house which they purchased for $1,000. The first minister was Wesley. Lamphear, who was succeeded by Beaumont, Teegarden, McBride, Kemp, Way, King, Gardner, Picket, Henry, White, Terry, Allen, Walters and Hayden. The members of the Disciples church at New Alexander built their first church edifice in 1870, although the church was organized prior to that time. Their early meetings were held informally and no records were kept. Disciples Church at Columbiana. — A temporary organization COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 421 of persons of this faith to the number of seven was effected December 29,1876, by the Rev. J. F. Callahan, an evangelist. Meetings were held in the town hall, and in 1878, the following officers were elected: Elders, O. Klingingsmith and David Hoffman. Deacons, P. M. Wansettler, Geo. Beck and J. M. Williams. In August, 1878, a hall on Main street was fitted up for the use of the society, where they worshipped a short time, but the removal of many of its members and other causes, compelled the church at that place to disband, and now it is extinct. The Bible Christian Church of Elk Run Township.— In 1822 the services of this denomination were first held in Fairfield township; but without promoting the establishment of a permanent society. Four years later Rev. John Adams, at that time a resident of Elk Run township, began to preach in the house of Joseph Paxton at what is known as the Chamberlain Mills and soon succeeded in associating a respectable number in church fellowship, among those who are remembered being Morgan Wellington and wife, Jesse Crowe and wife, John Ward and wife, John Barnes and wife, Thos. Hawkins and wife, Nancy Morris, Polly Job, Rebecca Eaton, Elizabeth McCoy and John Paxton. The latter became a preacher, and occasionally ministered to the society for six years. In 1828 the society built its first meeting-house on what is called Church Hill, on December 9th. It was a log building, and had a loose floor, without stove or fireplace. The room was warmed by charcoal set aglow in Joseph Paxton's iron kettle, around which the members sat on slab seats. In 1835, a frame house was built on the same site by George Hawkins, which was used until 1872, when the present edifice was erected for the society by John Hawkins. It is a plain building and cost $2,750. In addition to the ministers named, Robert Hawkins of Pennsylvania preached about twice a year, and soon regular preaching was supplied by the following: Revs. John Seacrist, James Hughes, Lewis Corner, Jas. McVey, Wm. Teegarden, Thos. Whiteacre, the Mitchells, Andrew Hager, D. V. Hyde, Edward Cameron and Albert Dunlap. The Bible Christian Society of West Township.--This This society is practically a branch of the Bible Christian church, with slight difference in the name to distinguish it from the mother church. This church society Was organized in 1876, and holds its meetings in the old school-house near Rochester, that building having been fitted up for the purpose. Disciples Church, New Alexander.—This society erected their first building in 1870, although the church was organized prior to that time. The early meetings were held informally and no record was kept. Bible Christian Church of Middleton, Fairfield Township. This society was organized in 1861, by Rev. D. V. Hyde, with 422 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. about twenty members. The meetings were first held in private houses, but during the ensuing year, a plain frame meetinghouse was built in the village, which is yet the home of the society. The first trustees were, Gilbert Williamson, Thos. Case, and J. F. Richey. The church has enjoyed the ministerial labors of Revs. Hauger, Hurd, Winget, McCowan, Nelson, Cameron, Hyde, Andrew Hinger, Weaver, C. L. Winget, Geo. Grant and Mr. Carter, who now has charge (1891). The Baptist Church of Middleton Township.— To the Baptists belongs the redit of first establishing the form of public worship in Middleton township, and also providing the first church build. ing. In the month of August, 1804, two missionaries visited the feeble settlement and organized The Anchor Valley Baptist Church, with fourteen members, eight of whom were Owen Bowen, Joel Rogers, Abraham Rogers Christopher Warman, Henry Kirkendall, Elizabeth Bowman, Melea Rogers and John Cross, Others soon joined, but for many years the society was poor and bad but a struggling existence. The meetings were first held in the houses of members, but in 1806 a meeting-house was erected of round logs, which was roofed with clapboards. It had neither door nor windows, and the seats consisted of split timbers placed crosswise on four legs. In time a better house took its place, and still later the ̊resent frame meeting-house was erected. The s0ciety has generally been peaceful and prosperous, and at present numbers over fifty, who have been under the pastoral directions of the Rev. John Owens, since May, 1878. The others who have served the church are: Revs. Henry Frazier, Thomas Rigdon, Andrew Clark, Jehu Brown, Wm. P. West, Jonathan Davis, G. Huston, Reese Davis, David Williams and A. G. Kirk. Salem Baptist Church, Perry Township.-- The first record to be found of a Baptist church in Perry township is a deed from John Stranghan and Mary, his wife, dated November 10, 1809, conveying lots 55 and 56 on the corner of what is now Depot and Dry streets, in Salem, for the sum of $1,400 to David Gaskell, Sr., Joseph Willets and Joseph White, of Columbiana county, as trustees of the regular Baptist church. As near as can be ascertained the early members were David Gaskell, Sr. and wife, Jacob Gaskell, Mr. Ogle, James Wright and wife, John Spencer and wife, Clarissa McConnor, and Mary Stranghan. Soon after the lots were purchased, a small log church was built on the southeast corner of the property, where the present building stands. In 1820 a small brick house was built on Depot street, about the middle of the lots. On November 22, 1823, an organization was effected which embraced forty members. A church constitution was obtained November 6, 1824. Revs. John Brown and Thomas Miller were requested to preach once a month. The COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 423 church belonged to the Palmyra association. Thomas Miller was the first regular pastor and was succeded by the Revs. John Cleveland Brown, David Rigdon; Rogers, Freeman, Williams, Blake, Matthias, Suman, Phillips, Stone, Morris, Green, Ask, Moore, Hendleton, Rigler and R. K. Eccles, who is the present. pastor. The frame building now called the "Broad-Gauged Church," was erected in 1836. The church continued its meetings for several years, and in 1867, at a meeting held February 2, of that year, it was resolved that all books, papers and property be turned over the Baptist church to be organized February 12, 1867. Forty-two members joined the Baptist Church of Salem, and the old church became extinct. Second Baptist Church of Salem. — This church was constituted Nov. 8, 1840, from members 0f the first Baptist church of Salem, who thought best to separate therefrom by reason of differences of belief on the slavery and temperance questions. On Dec. 12, 1840, the trustees purchased a house and lot belonging to the Methodist church, situated on Green street. This property was purchased for $180. The society at once, called the Rev. Morris to be their pastor, which call was accepted. The pastors who succeeded Mr. Morris and who were regularly called were Revs. S. R. Willard, Francis Green and A. G. Kirk. In 1841 the church was received into the Portage association. Rev. A. G. Kirk was ordained in the church January 31, 1846. In January, the same year, efforts, which proved to be futile, were made to unite with the first Baptist church. The Baptist Church of Salem. — The first and second Baptist churches of Salem having by unanimous consent, disbanded, and agreed to turn over real estate, personal property and records of their respective churches, a new organization called the "Baptist Church of Salem," was constituted Feby. 12, 1867, under the advice and cooperation of the two societies. Forty-two members from the first and seventeen from the second church were regularly constituted as the Baptist church, under the pastoral charge of Rev. T. P. Childs, who had been instrumental in bringing about the Union. The pastors who succeeded him were: Revs. B. F. Bowen, T. G. Lamb, John Hawker, P. J. Ward and A. S. Moore. In 1869, members of the church erected an edifice on the corner of Lisbon and Main streets at a cost of $10,000. Calvanistic Baptist Church of New Lisbon.— The records of this body have been destroyed, and but meagre accounts of its history can be obtained. It was organized sometime about 1812, by a minister named Azariah Hanks, who was also the first preacher. Its early members were John Gaskill, Obadiah and John Campbell, William Paul, Benj Prichard, Joseph Powell, Lewis Kinney, 424 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Stacy Pettit, Ira Dibble, Susan Whitacre and Eliza Lepper, and in most instances the wives f the male members. In 1815 a frame meeting house was built on the corner of High and Jefferson streets. The house was used by this society and the Disciples, the latter society afterward occupying the rooms until 1841. The Rev. Hanks was followed by Revs. Rigdon, Brown, Clark and Emmon. German Baptist Church, of Knox Township. The meetings of this society were held in log houses, informally and without any organization, as early as 1810. The families of Peter Summers, Joshua Niswander, Samuel and Henry Thomas, and a few from Stark county, comprised the original society. The meetings, were continued until 1860, at which time a house of worship was erected on section 27. Lewis Glass was the first preacher. In 1878 the structure was enlarged, being now the largest church edifice of the township. Lutheran Church, Unity Township.—It is stated on authority of some of the old citizens of the township, that religious meetings were held as early as the latter part of 1802 at, the house of Adam Rupert; that Rev. Stough was the preacher; and that acting on the suggestion of Mr. Stough, the people of the northern part of the township united to build what has since been known as the Salem or Union church to be used by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations then existing or about to be formed. Accordingly in 1803 or 1804 a log meeting house was built on the southwest corner. of what was known as Forney, section, No. 10. This church was displaced in 1823, with a tw0 story brick church, with high pulpit, gallery, etc. In 1861, it was taken down and part f the material was used in building the present house. It is under the joint control of the societies below named. The Salem Lutheran congregation had besides the Rupert family among its original members, persons belonging to the Farney,. Myers, Wollenkopf and Metz families. It enjoyed the labors of Rev. J. Stough, as pastor until after the first brick church was built, when Rev. Shaefer became pastor. Since that time the principal clergy have been the Revs. Hoffman Haelsche, El- linger, Schlutterman, Siegler, Nouffer, Kramer, Schillinger and Humbeger. The Salem Reformed Congregation, was formed at a somewhat later period than the foregoing, but the exact date cannot be determined. Rev. Peter Mahnnesmith was the first pastor. His successors have been Revs. Henry Sonnendecker, J. F. Englebach, F. Wahl, James Reinhard, John Neille and John Meckley. Trinity Reformed Church (German), Hanover Township.—About 1810, Rev. John Stauzh, a German Lutheran minister, wandered with his wife and two children over the Alleghenies, toward the far west, coming upon a German Lutheran settle- COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 425 ment in the townships of Center and Hanover. He was engaged to preach for them, and services were at once inaugurated, thereafter continuing in the log cabins of the members of the faith. In 1813 Rev. Stauzh, organized St. Martin's German Lutheran church. Shortly after a log church was erected near the present site. Rev. Stauzh preached several years without receiving any compensation, and when at last his congregation concluded to pay him for his preaching, they contributed about $30 worth of grain and estimated that it would pay him for a year's service. With the occasional help from others he preached for the society until 1847. The brick church was built in 1847, and in 1876 was replaced with the present frame structure. The preachers since 1847 have been Revs. Warner, King, Allbright, Willyard and Hale. Grace Reformed Church of Columbiana —The early days of the Reformed church have scarcely found a place in local annals. A few scattered fragments of its history can be gathered from the meager records. It appears that about 1813 a Reformed missionary from the east by the name of Mahnesmith, visited the northeastern section of the state, preaching in Mahoning and this county. At Columbiana he held catechetical services in a primitive hotel which stood on the ground now 0ccupied by the "Park House." He continued his labors in Columbiana until about 1830. On August 13, 1814, the "School and Meeting House Society of Columbiana" was organized, the object being to build a house on the ground granted to the society by Joshua Dixon, with the condition that any one should have the right to worship according to the dictates f his own conscience. 'without being questioned by any other member. The house built by this society was of hewed logs and stood on the lot now occupied by Grace church. In 1821 a movement was commenced by the Lutheran and Reformed congregation to build a new Union church. When the congregation was organized is not on record. In 1822 they built a brick church which occupied the present site of Grace church. About this time Rev. Henry Sonnendecker became pastor f the Reformed congregation. He continued to preach for many years. Then followed by the following: Revs. Palsgrove, Warner, Roemer, and James Rinehart. In 1867 the Reformed people bought out the interest of the congregation in the church built in 1822, and during the year of 1868, erected a handsome brick edifice, which is now in use by .the congregation. Mr. Rinehart closed his pastorate in 1870, and his successors have been Revs. Hilbish, Kendig, Spangler, I. H. Bomberger, Lerch and Parley Zartman whose term will expire in May. The German Meeting-House at New Lisbon.—In 1883 an effort was made by the Lutheran and German Reform congregations. 426 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. which were organized here in an early day. They had great difficulty in securing means to prosecute the building to successful completion. Some funds used were collected from friends in Philadelphia and other localities. Through the efforts of John Brinker and others the church was erected, and yet stands. It was the first church in the place that was not erected on the " Gospel Knob," as High street was then called. None of the original members live, and the records being destroyed, not much can be said. Among those who attended worship in this house and in the old court-house, before the church was built, may be named: Brinker, Simonds, Crowl, Blecher, Warman, Hill, Spiker, Walter, Bowman, Frederick. Springer, Mason, Stock, Arter, Small, Cublins, Reese, Clapsaddle, Nace, Shultz, Hilman, Lepper, Adam, Rudisill and Miller. Among the pastors were: Revs. John Stough, Mahnesmith, Sonnendecker, Harter, Swissler and a number of others whose names appear in the sketches of congregations in the northern part of the county. About 1860 regular services were discontinued, but later on a small Lutheran congregation has again been endeavoring to establish regular service, and preaching has been supplied by Rev. Sylvanus Schillinger. The Reformed Lutherans then organized with the following members: Conrad Warman, Henry and Jacob Wonnan, Henry and Andrew Brinker, with their families, and Mrs. Fred Whelan. The first pastor was Rev. Peter Mahnesmith, who was succeeded by Revs. Keller, Sonnendecker, Foeght and Henry Hess. Prior to 1840 services were held in the brick church, but in that year a frame building was erected at a cost of $1,500. This church has been under the pastoral care of Revs. Warner, King, Albright and Hale. The St. John' s German Lutheran Church, Leetonia.—This society was organized in 1870 with ten members under the care of Rev. S. Bechler. A church was built the same year at a cost of $2,125, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. J. J. Fast of Canton. 'The ministers have been Revs. M. F. Lanfer and Henry Faigle. Evangelical Lutheran Church, North Georgetown, Knox Township.— This church traces its origin to the old society of the same faith in Butler township, organized in 1813. In 1830 the church on the hill east of Georgetown was erected, and was occupied in common by those who are now the German Reformed and the Evangelical Lutheran societies. A discussion which arose concerning the form of service to be employed — English or German — resulted in the withdrawal of those who preferred the former. They organized the Evangelical Lutheran church, under the direction of David, George, Andrew, and John Whiteleather, Peter Zimmerman, Rev. Harrington, and others. This was in COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 427 1861. Rev. Harrington held charge for several years, and was succeeded by Rev. Seachrist. Rev. Gottlieb Ziegler was pastor of the German branch of this church from 1847 to 1880, when he died. Rev. H. Voegele supplied the congregation from October, 1880, until April, 1881. On the first of May, the same year, Rev. A. Miller took charge, and both branches were united, having English and German services alternately, under the title of Emmanuel's Evangelical Lutheran church, and for which a new brick building was erected in 1882. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Unity Township. — During the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Haelsche, a disaffection occurred in the Salem congregation, which caused the withdrawal of about sixty persons, and the formation, in 1839, of the above church. It was determined to build a church on section 2. Among those foremost in promoting this object were Jacob Hffman, Martin Koch, G. Baumgardner, F. Wagner, C. Faas, I. Schiller, J. Wagner, C. Eli, J. Greiner and John Sensenbaugh. It is a frame building, erected that year, and repaired in 1873. Rev. Haelsche became pastor. He was followed by the Revs. Miller and Sigelin, during whose connection the interests of the Lutheran churches were united, and St. Paul's became a part of the old parish, and since that time this church has had the same pastors as the Salem congregation. Formerly the services have been held entirely in German, but since Rev. Kramer's connection, English services have alternated with the German. Alt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran, Center Township.— In 1844, on section 8, in Center township, the above congregation erected a church, which in 1877 was remodeled. A year or two before the church was built, a Lutheran congregation f twenty-five members had been organized in that locality, which held its first meetings in the school-house. Rev. J. H. Hffman was the first pastor, preaching here until 1846, since which time they have had the following pastors: Revs. Wm. Thompson, Wagner, Harrington, Delo, Kirkland, Stough and Swick. Since April 1, 1879, the pulpit has been vacant. John's Evangelical Lutheran of Liverpool — Is the outgrowth of two German religious organizations (the Reformed Protestant and Evangelical Lutheran), whose members enjoyed occasional worship on East Liverpool as early as 1854. They employed preachers in common, and met in school-houses and dwellings, as convenience served. Rev. Lenakemper preached for them until 1858, and then for several years they had no meetings. About 1864 there was a. revival in the interest of meetings under the ministration of Rev. Henry Reit, who remained two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Geiser. During his pastorate the organization joined in the erection of the brick edifice on Third street, known as the German Lutheran church. 428 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. Following Rev. Geiser, the pastors have been Revs. Steinbach, Fritsch, Becker, Born, Keugler, and John Fritsch for a second term. St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran, Leetonia, Salem township.— In the fall of 1872, Rev. J. W. Stough called a meeting f the Lutheran element, which assembled in the Ridge school-house to discuss the propriety of petitioning the Synod to establish a church at Leetonia, to be called the "St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church," and to compromise a part of the " Mineral Charge." The petition was drawn and granted, composed of fourteen members. In 1873 a church was erected and dedicated October 12, 1873. The first pastor was Rev. J. W. Stough, who was succeeded by I. J. Delo, J. W. Swick, D. R. Hanna, Samuel Swarn, A. B. Miller and N. W. Lilly, the present parson. Evangelical Lutheran Church at Salem, Perry Township. — A number of persons in Salem and vicinity, who were interested in the doctrine of the Lutheran Church, met in September, 1877, under the charge of Rev. Wm. R. Roller. Services were held on the Sabbath until January 6, 1878, when the church was organized with twenty members, Mr. Roller being the pastor. Services were held in the Episcopal church edifice. Lutheran Church, Salem Township. Many of the inhabitants of the southeastern part of the township were Lutherans and Reformed Lutherans, and in 1812 united in the erection of a log building for a church and school purposes. It was erected on land of Nicholas Berger, on section 34. This church was occupied thirteen years, when a larger one of brick was erected, which was remodeled in 1867. The first members f the church were A. Arter, Henry Halverstadt and wife, Jacob Schweitzer, and family, F. Whelan, and Mrs. A. Brinker. The first pastor was Rev. John W. Stough, who was succeeded by Revs. Jacob Shafer, and J. W. Hffman. The latter was pastor in 1840, when the dissatisfaction existing between the two denominati0ns separated them, the Lutherans keeping the house. The pastors from that time have been Revs. Thompson, Wagner, Harrington, Delo, Kirtland, Stough, Shick, Voegle, Miller. After Miller the church was without any stated pastor for some time. Then came Revs. A schilles, Baechler, Schillenger and Birch, the present minister, who took charge in 1885. United Brethren, Hazelville, Middleton Township. In the summer of 1850, Samuel Thomas, Jared Marlee and Jacob Scott, acting as the board of trustees for a a society previously formed, erected a small meeting house on section five, which has been known as the Hazelville church. The persons worshiping there at that time were the Grey, Sands, Thomas, Martee and Sc0tt families, and had for their first minister Rev. William Ferrall. Those who followed him were Revs. Fast, Crayton, Waldorf, COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 429 Turner, Bonewill, Fraver, Dilley, Booth, Bowers, Perkins, Slusser, Deihl, Randal, Lower, Faulks, Low, Begley, Singar, Kettering, Davidson, Phillips, Carl, Dennis and Day. Union Bridge Chapel, United Brethren, Middleton Township.-- The United Brethren living in the central part f the township formed a class in 1865, and preaching was supplied in connection with Hazelville charge, the meetings being held in the sch0ol house. In 1871 a neat frame church was erected on section 15, dedicated same year by Rev. B. F. Booth. They have the same pastors as Hazelville and Fairfield churches. United Brethren at Palestine, Unity Township.—A class of this faith was formed in the southeast part f the township in 1855, by Rev. George Fast, which had among its members Paxson, Low, Piper, Hartsaugh, Leonard, and their families. In 1857, a small frame church was built in Palestine, this was used until 1879, when a new one was erected. The church is connected with the appointments of Middleton and Fairfield in forming a circuit. Among the clergy who were on this circuit since the church was formed were Revs. Fast, Crayton, Waldorf, Turner,' Bonewell, Traver, Dilly, Booth, Bowers, Perkins, Slusser, Deihl, Randall, Lower, Faulks, Law, Begley, Singer and Sanders. Mormonism.— Prior to 1878, one Andrew Rattra, a Mormon elder and a resident of East Liverpool, gathered a. chosen band within his fold, and held weekly services in a meeting-house which he had fashioned out of his stable, on Seventh street. He discontinued his services in 1878, in Liverpool, continuing his labors elsewhere, however, traveling about the country and teaching the Mormon doctrine. St. Phillip's (Catholic) Church, Dungannon, Hanover Township. — When Andrew McAllister settled in Franklin township in 1814, he lost no time in effecting the establishment f a Catholic church, and by 1816, several others f the Catholic faith moving into the settleinent, intelligence was conveyed to Canton, Ohio, to Bishop Fenwick, a priest who journeyed at once to McAllister's house, and held mass. Mass was continued at McAllister's house until 1827, when a church was built near the site f the Catholic graveyard, and called St. Paul's church. About 1830 or 1832 Rev. James Conlon was a preacher on the circuit comprising Steubenville, Wellsville and other places, began to preach at St. Paul's church. The first stated pastor was Rev. McCready. In 1847, a majority of the members living Dungannon, it was resolved to change the church to that point, a large brick edifice was erected at a cost of $15,000. Philip Ehrhardt donating the lot, the name was changed to St. Phillip's. Among those who have labored there were the Revs. Father Henry, Kennedy, Monahon, O'Connor, Crash, Moes, Peters, Flume, Ludwig, Vattman, Spearing, Voght, Rohen and Hennesy the present pastor (1891.) 430 - HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY. First Catholic Church of East Liverpool, was a brick structure erected in 1838. The building was destroyed by fire directly after its completion. After that they worshiped in dwellings until 1852, when the present church on Fifth street was built. The church has the services of the Revs. P. J. McGuir, (who for eight years supplied Wellsville and Liverpool) then located in Liverpool, where his entire time was given to the Liverpool church; since then has been Revs. Culland and Carroll, the present pastor. St. John's Catholic Church, Summitville, Franklin Township. Catholic worship was held in Franklin township as early as 1838, in a church built on the McAllister place, and known as the McAllister church. Later the Catholics worshiped at Summitville, when the old church was taken down and a new one built. In 1845, a log house — built for a store in Summitville — was purchased by the church, and there the St. John's church established, a mission point where preachers of the north held 0ccasional service. In 1848 their present church edifice' was erected at a cost 0f $0,000, and a priest was stationed at that point. The first pastor was Rev. James Condon, after him Revs. Kennedy, Stoker, Pendegast, Welsh, Tighe, McGuire, Kelley, Murphy, Berry, and Eyler the present pastor, 1891. Catholic Church at Wellsville, Yellow Creek Township.—For many years, dating back to 1840, the Catholics of Wellsville enjoyed occasional worship in private dwellings. In 1850 services began to be held monthly, by a priest sent from Summitville, until 1876, when P. J. McGuire filled the pulpit, holding services on the Sabbath. The first mass held in Wellsville was conducted in the house of Patrick Butler, about 1838, by Rev. James Conlon, Mr. Butler's house served as a place of worship until 1853, after which, until 1866, the house of Mrs. Oliver Thearman. Besides Rev Conlon, preaching Was provided in the early days by Revs. Stoker, Kennedy, Tighe, and others. Those since have been Revs. Brown, Carroll, Nunen, Murphy, Drohn, and J. C. Des mond, who is the present pastor, 1891. Leetonia Catholic Church, Salem Township.— This church was organized by the diocese of Cleveland— Bishop, Rt. Rev. Rich ard Gilmour, D. D.— under the patronage of St. Barbara, at Leetonia, in 1866. The first services were at private houses where mass was held. The first priest was Rev. George Peters, who was succeeded by the following: Revs. Ludewick, Moudrie, Mulchachey, Lindesmith, Fitzgerald, O'Leary, Desmond and Murphy, the present pastor, 1891. In 1868 the corner stone was laid for the new church, and was dedicated the following Christmas. St. Patrick's (Catholic) Church, Salineville.— Previous to 1872, COLUMBIANA COUNTY - 431 the Catholics of Salineville held occasional worship in houses of the members f that faith, preaching being supplied by a priest stationed at Summitville. In the year named, under the direction of Rev. P. J. McGuire, a brick church was erected. Since that time Salineville and Summitville have been a joint charge. Those who have given their service to this church, besides McGuire, are Revs. Kelly, Murphy, McGrath, Desmond, McShane, and O'Brien, the present pastor (1891.) Catholic Church of Salem — Was first attended by Father Lindesmith, then of, Leetonia. The first resident priest was Rev. Treiber, who was succeeded by Revs. Fineucten and Sinner, the present rector 0890 The Catholic Church of East Palestine — Has always been attended from Salem. New Lisbon Catholic Church—Is, and has always been, attended from Dungannon. Leetonia was formerly attended from Alliance. For the above facts in regard to the Catholic church in Columbiana county, the writer is indebted to Rev. Father Murphy', of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church of Leetonia, Ohio.