CHAPTER XII. HANCOCK COUNTY SOCIETIES. The Fraternal Lodges—The Odd Fellows—Masons—Elks—Tribe of Ben Hur—Daughters of America—Grand Army of the Republic—The W. C. T. U.—The Hancock County Agricultural Society. HANCOCK LODGE NO. 73, I. O. O. F. Hancock Lodge No. 73, I. 0. 0. F., of Findlay was instituted August 15, 1846, with the following charter members : Abraham Younkin, tailor ; Jacob Carr, a lawyer and dentist ; Edson Goit, a lawyer and man of wealth, who built the first large building in town, where now stands Karg Bros. Meat Market ; Abel Parker, a lawyer, father of Circuit Judge Robert Parker and J. H. Barr, a merchant. The institution was conducted by District Deputy Grand Master Henry W. Cronine, of Seneca Lodge, No. 35, of Tiffin, Ohio. He was assisted by Past Grand Richard Williams, Noble Grand George Knapp, Past Grands, R0llo Johnson and Wm. Beard of Seneca Lodge, No. 35, Columbus Lodge No. 9 and Huron Lodge No. 37, respectively. After its institution, on December 4th and 13th, 1847, as appears in the Corporation Record of Hancock County (Vol. 1, Page 6) , the lodge was incorporated under the laws then in force in the State by the holding of a special meeting for the purpose of the adoption and record of suitable resolu tions, in which occurs the following in reference to its name : "Resolved that this society hereafter be kn0wn by the name of Hancock Lodge No. 73 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows." The installation services were held in the 2nd story of Jonathan Parker's carpenter shop, which was located on the rear of the lot where now stands the Patterson Block. After the institution 0f this lodge its existence in the c0mmunity was a matter of much curiosity to those outside its portals. Why did they call themselves Odd Fellows ? What terrlbie and awful ceremonies did they have ? These men were objects of curiosity and perhaps some superstitious souls crossed themselves when an Odd Fellow appeared in the street. In those early days there existed a feeling of distrust of all secret societies, because they were misunderstood and misjudged. So prevalent was this feeling that Col. James Findlay, after whom our beautiful city was named, ran for Governor as the Anti Fraternity and Whig candidate. Nevertheless the order grew rapidly, not 0nly in Hancock County, - 150 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 151 but all over the country, and the practical application of the principles and precepts of Odd Fellowship did more than anything else to dispell this distrust of secret societies. Odd Fellowship contains the best elements and principles for the welfare and happiness of the human race the Supreme Ruler of the Universe ever made known. It is a high conception of the duties of one man toward another and its field is the world. It aims to unite all men, all nations, in the bond of Friendship and Fraternity, recognizing the Fatherhood of God and Brotherhood of Men in its progress towards the betterment of the human race. After about two years it moved to the attic of what is now the Kerr Block then owned by John Van Eman. After five years it again moved, this time to the Henderson Block, where now stands the J. T. Adams Building. The lodge remained here until the Patterson Block was finished in 1866, when it took up its quarters in this building. Each time it moved into better and more convenient quarters as the lodge grew and prospered. While in the Henderson Building it held its First Anniversary Celebration, which was in the year 1857. This was quite an event in its history. It was this year that J. T. Adams, J. K. Clark and John Rutherauff joined the order. The lodge stayed in she Patterson Block until the year 1865, at which time under the supervision of brothers Chas. E. Niles, James T. Adams, Jacob Powel, G. C. Barnd and W. M. Dettwiler, all of whom are now dead, as a building committee, was purchased the north half of its present Temple site, on which it erected a 25x100 foot, three-story, cut stone front building, with business rooms and offices on the first and second floors, and lodge apartments on third floor. This building was the first in Findlay in which plate glass windows were used, and before which a Berea stone sidewalk was laid. And it was at the time by far the finest and most imposing business block in the then village, and remained one of the best until the date of its remodeling below mentioned. In 1901, the lodge purchased the south half of its present building site from J. T. Adams, thus securing a business front of a width of fifty feet on the principal business square of the city, with a depth of two hundred feet. Its lodge suite, on the third floor, has been held sacred under its dedication to the purposes and use of Odd Fellowship, and no other order is allowed to lease or use it. It shares, however, the use of this floor with Findlay Rebekah Lodge No. 237, and Golden Rule Encampment No. 92. Hancock Lodge, it is to be noted, is the only lodge or fraternity in the city of Findlay, which owns the property in which it meets. It has at the time of the issuance of this history a membership of over four hundred. Hancock Lodge has been represented in the Grand Lodge and Grand Encampment of Ohio by the fellowship Elective Grand Officers, viz : Hon. J. F. Burket, late Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio, grand master, 1882-1883; F. B. Zay, grand master, 1888-1889; C. E. Niles, grand treasurer, (died in 0ffice), 1897-1908; L. A. Baldwin, grand patriarch, 18____.18—. Hancock Lodge had the hon0r of entertaining the Grand Lodge of Ohio during its 152 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Session of 1875. It has furnished the representative to Grand L0dge a number of times, A. G. Fuller holding that office at present. All during its history it has included in its membership the leading men of all callings of the community and therefore the teachings of Friendship, Love and Truth instilled into the hearts of its members has been an uplifting influence in all walks in life. During its existence it has paid in weekly benefits $18,000 ; to the widows and orphans fund in round numbers $9,000; for funeral benefits $5,750. The greater part of this has been paid since 1890; from its early days the nursing was done in alphabetical order by the members instead of a hired nurse as today. The greatest amount paid in one year was in 1905, when it paid out $1,704. It has paid to two brothers over $1,000 each. In a number of other cases it has paid out sums approximating $500. Not only are its members well cared for in distress but their families are objects of fraternal care. The lodge is now caring for several widows and has a number of orphans in the Springfield home. There have been so far as can be ascertained 118 deaths in the l0dge. One of its members, Parlee C. Tritch, has had a wonderful lodge record. He has been an active member of this lodge over 56 years and is proud to say he has never been on the sick list in all that time. Brother Tritch wears a Veteran Jewel for having been a member fifty years. This was a gift of the Brothers of Hancock Lodge. The following old time veteran members have been active for over 4o years : Paul Bryan, J. W. Exline, Sr., John N. Kline, John Haley, C. Kraus, John Haley, Samuel Van Atta and Wm. France now living at Bucyrus, Ohio, and E. S. Kimber residing at Kansas City. The lodge is proud of these old time members, who laid the foundation for its present prosperity. Probably the most celebrated event in the history of Odd Fellowship in Ohio was the laying of the Corner Stone of the present Court House in this County. This is the only instance that we can find record of where Odd Fellowship was placed in the front and given entire charge of such a celebration. The service used that day, August 11, 1884, by the Patriarchs Militant, who had charge of the service, was written especially for that occasion. Hancock Lodge has been the Father of nearly every other Lodge of Odd Fellows in the County. From her membership have gone out brothers who have withdrawn to become charter members of these lodges. Always progressive there have been terms when much m0re work was done than during others. The first large class 0f candidates were initiated in 1867 when under H. B. Green as Noble Grand, 27 members were taken in. Under Noble Grand E. B. Howell, in 1868, 19 candidates were received. Under Noble Grand J. F. Burkett, in 1872, 28 candidates were received. Under Noble Grand D. C. Fischer, in 1873, 22 candidates were received. Under Noble Grand C. E. Niles, in 1885, 21 candidates were received. Brother Niles brought into the lodge at least one candidate during every year of his membership. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 153 Under Noble Grand J. S. Humphrey, in 1885, 24 were received. Under Noble Grand R. E. Ellisin, in 1886, 17 members were received. Under Noble Grand U. K. Stringfellow, in 1887, 22 were received. Under Noble Grand J. W. Zellers, in 1888, 23 were received. Under Noble Grand A. J. Burner, in 1889, 22 were received. Under Noble Grand M. T. Burner, in 1890, 19 were received. Under Noble Grand G. W. Yates, in 1891, 22 were received. Under Noble Grand W. C. Nusser, in 1900, 20 were received. Under Noble Grand J. S. Jones, in 1902, 26 were received. Under Noble Grand C. C. Clark, in 1903, 29 were received. Under Noble Grand P. J. Riemund, in 1905, 31 were received. The class under Noble Grand Ed. Reimund, in 1906, of 34, speaks eloquently not only of the progress of the order but the interest manifested in its welfare by the membership, a large number of whom worked hard to get up this class, but of also the kind of timber it accepts out of which to make Odd Fellows. Not only have large classes been taken in at times but a large majority have been young men. Our order has been called an old man's order. While this is not true of the order in general, especially it is not true of Hancock Lodge. However, we are very proud indeed of our old and faithful members, many of whom are even now in their old age its most regular attendants. One brother, now deceased, who was member over fifty years and chaplain over thirty of that time, Rev. R. H. Hollyday, seldom missed a session of the lodge during his entire membership, which continued until the time of his death, October 24, 1905. Odd Fellowship was the first Fraternity to provide women with an organization. The degree of Rebekah was founded in 1851. The Findlay Rebekah Lodge was founded September 22, 1888, with thirty-five charter members and now has over 150 and is one of the most progressive in the State of Ohio. One of its members, Miss Nora Kagey, has been honored with the presidency of the order in this state. Hancock Lodge ranks one 0f the most progressive in the state and is n0ted for its benevolence and public spirit. Its degree team under the leadership of G. E. Dennison is second to none. It has been invited to appear before the Grand Lodge and is called upon for special degree work by many of the lodges in Northern Ohio. FINDLAY LODGE, NO. 227, F. AND A. M. In referring to the early history of Masonry in Findlay, we are met with the usual difficulty, in getting the first facts, in regard to events long past. The records say, that on January 16, 1852, a meeting was held in Odd Fellows Hall, with Abraham Youngkin as Worshipful Master, at which the dispensation for a lodge at Findlay was read in open lodge. There is no copy of the petition for the dispensation, nor of the dispensation itself extant. Presumably the names on the dispensation were the same as those on the charter. The names appearing on the charter are : Abraham Young-kin, Abel F. Parker, Ed. Parker, James M. Coffinberry, George Arnold, Adolphos Morse, 154 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Eli S. Reed, David Patton, and Cloyse B. Wilson. At this first meeting Thomas McKee made application to become a member by demit. Committees were appointed on By-laws, procuring hall, furnishing hall, etc. At the next meeting, January 24th, 1852, David Patton applied for membership by demit ; a full corps of officers were elected, and a petition for degrees was received from John E. Rosette. The first degree was conferred upon John E. Rosette, William L. Henderson and Benjamin F. Sickles, February 26th, Brothers William L. Henderson and Benjamin F. Sickles received the Master Mason's degree March T0, 1853. The sum of the three degrees was $15.00. A charter was issued to the lodge, bearing the date of October 22, 1852, which still adorns the walls of the lodge room. Hon. A. P. Byall was initiated September 23rd, passed October 21st, and raised to the Master's degree, December 23rd, 1852, being the oldest member, receiving the degrees in this lodge now living. The election of officers under the charter, resulted in Abraham Younkin being elected Master; George W. Springer, Senior Warden ; William L. Henderson, Junior Warden, and David Patton, Secretary. The lodge was formally constituted, and its officers installed, by James A. Kellum, proxy for the Most Worshipful Grand Master, November 29th, 1852. The lodge held its meetings under the dispensation and also under the charter until the summer of 1855, in a frame building, standing on the lot at the northwest corner of Main and Sandusky Streets, then owned by Jonathan Parker, and now the site of J. S. Patterson and Son's dry goods store. Mr. Parker occupied the first floor as a carpenter and cabinet shop. It seems that the Odd Fellows also occupied the same room and a contract is on record of the agreement between these two societies and Jonathan Parker to plaster and finish off the room and pay a rental of twenty dollars a year for same. In the summer of 1855, a room was secured in "Old White Corner," the building in which the Buckeye Bank is now located. During the year 1863, in the heat of the Civil War, the lodge again moved its quarters, this time to a room in the third story of what was then called the "Joint Stock Hotel building," but now the Glass Block. In 1878 it was moved to the third story of the George W. Kimmell block on the east side of Main Street now owned by William Moss, and in 1893 to the fourth floor of the Rawson block, not far distant, and from there, in 1908, to the fifth floor of the Adams block, corner of Main and Crawford Streets. The lodge, in its fifty-seven years of its existence, has been presided over by thirty-two Masters, eighteen of whom are still on its rolls. Benjamin F. Kimmons has served the lodge as treasurer thirty-three years in succession, and David L. Grable has served the Lodge faithfully and diligently for the past twenty-two years, as secretary, and it is to him that the author is under obligation for the items of this sketch. The lodge is at present in a flourishing condition, with a membership of 278. The present officers of the lodge are as follows (1909) : Alex. D. Robertson, Worshipful Master. William D. E. Snyder, Senior Warden. George W. Vernor, Junior Warden. Benjamin F. Kimmons, Treasurer. David L. Grable, Secretary. George R. Williams, Senior Deacon. Samuel I. Good, Junior Deacon. J. Sterling Downey, Jat B. Holman, Stewards. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 155 William M. Tait, John C. Firmin, John A. Sutton, Trustees. John A. Gore, Tyler. Pastmasters and years they served. Abraham Youngkin, 1852, 1853, 1856. George Springer, 1854. Cloyse B. Wilson, 1855. D. M. Stoughton, 1857, 1860, 1861. John B. May, 1858, 1859. W. W. Siddall, 1862, 1863. Horace D. Ballard, 1864, 1865, 1866. William Anderson, 1867, 1868. Daniel B. Beardsley, 1869, 1870, 1871, 1888, 1889. Milton B. Patterson, 1872, 1873. Jacob M. Huber, 1874, 1875. Benj. F. Kimmons, 1876. Francis W. Firmin, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1883, 1887. John Parker, 1880, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894. Anthony P. Schack, 1881. Samuel B. Huffman, 1882. David L. Grable, 1884, 1885, 1886. William A. Lear, 1895. John C. Firmin, 1896. William S. Parker, 1897. John W. Chamberlain, 1898. William M. Tait, 1899. William M. Martin, 1900. Daniel Schneider, 1901. Rufus E. Taylor, 1902. John A. Sutton, 1903. George F. Byall, 1904. John M. Firmin, 1905. Matthew Martinson, 1906. Warren B. Keator, 1907. John A. Gore, 1908. Alex. D. Robertson, 1909. FINDLAY CHAPTER, ROYAL ARCH MASONS. Fifty-five years ago, or in 1854, a chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened at Findlay, under a dispensation issued by Companion Cooper K. Watson, Deputy Grand High Priest, on March 22nd, 1854, James A. Kellum being appointed High Priest ; Abraham Youngkin, King, and William L. Henderson, Scribe. Petitions were received at this meeting from Samuel Huber, D. M. Stoughton, E. M. May and Elijah Snyder. On motion said cases were declared emergent, and the committee were ordered to report forthwith. Reports were made, the ballot was passed and each was declared elected to the several degrees of the Chapter. At this time ,here seemed to be great interest taken in the Chapter, as the records show that there was a series of meetings held of a protracted nature, as for instance, from day to day, or daily for some time. Six Companions received the Royal Arch degree under the dispensation. A Royal Arch Chapter was opened May 9th, 1854, and the same was not closed until October 9th of the same year, being "called off," "dispensed with," and adjourned in the interim. A charter was issued October 16th, 1854. Shortly after this boom there must have been a depression, or something to mar the harmony of the Chapter, for in October, 1856, only eleven members were returned, and the grand dues were only $8.50. The Chapter continued its meetings until March, 1861, when owing to the excitement preceding the Civil War, no more meetings were held until March, 1866, when work was again resumed. With the restoration of peace, there occurred another boom, and they then held what our Methodist brethren would call a protracted effort. Meetings were held every day and night ; receiving petitions, balloting upon them the same evening and at special meetings, in a free and easy sort of way, that would have been brought up standing by the Grand Officers in this year of grace. On March 15th, 1866, H. D. Ballard, B. F. 156 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Kimmons and L. M. Watt were made exalted Royal Arch Masons in the afternoon, and in the same evening D. B. Beardsley, J. M. Ruber and R. F. Bonham received the same degree. B. F. Kimmons is the only surviving member of that day's work, and so far as can be ascertained, only two of those who had received the degree prior to that time are living, and neither of them are members today During the fifty-five years of the existence of this Chapter, it has had thirty presiding officers, of whom seventeen are still on its rolls. One of these presiding eight years in all. Since 1866, the Chapter has been meeting regularly, and at present is in a prosperous condition, having a membership in September, 1909, of two hundred and six. FINDLAY COUNCIL. Findlay Council of Royal and Select Masters was organized July 8th, under a dispensation issued June 19th, 1867, to Companions William E. Snyder, James Wilson, B. F. Kimmons, H. D. Ballard, D. B. Beardsley, J. M. Huber, William Anderson, M. B. Patterson and Isaac Bonham Companions Kimmons and Snyder are still members of the order, while Anderson lives in California. The others have long since passed within the veil, H. D. Ballard being the first to go, having died in July, 1872, thirty-eight years ago. Companion James Wilson was the first presiding officer. Companion J. P. Woods, who previously practiced medicine in Williamstown, and afterwards became Professor in the Cleveland Medical College, was the first initiate. On October 12th, 1867, the Council received its charter and was installed under it November 13, 1867. In its forty-two years of life, Findlay Council has had sixteen Masters, one serving nine years in succession. Only three have passed away, the remaining thirteen retain their membership in this Council. There has been a total of 171 members belonging to this council since its formation forty-two years ago, and 120 of them are yet on the rolls and in good standing. At this writing, September, 1909, there are 128 members. COMMANDERY A dispensation for a Commandery of Knight Templars, at Findlay, was issued bearing date April 18, 1889. The first work under this dispensation was the conferring of the Red Cross on Theodore Totten, present postmaster, Robert A. McGeary, William R. McKee and William S. Parker. The first Knight Templar created was Sir James Wilson. Six Sir Knights were made under this dispensation. Application for a charter failed. January 22nd, 1890, a new dispensation was granted to Sir Knights at Findlay, to form and open a Commandery, to be known as Findlay Commandery U. D. August 21, 1890, a charter was issued to this body and it was numbered 49. It has a steady growth, and now has one hundred and eighty members in good standing. Nineteen Sir Knights have been chosen as commanders of this body, all of whom are living (and except one demitted) and members of this Commandery. FINDLAY CHAPTER, NO. 23, ORDER OF THE EASTERN STAR. This was organized under a dispensation January 26, 1894, and was chartered at the succeeding meeting of the Grand Chapter, October 10, 1894. It had a healthy, uniform growth and now numbers 127 members. HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 157 THE FINDLAY LODGE OF B. P. O. E. The Findlay Lodge of B. P. 0. Elks No. 75 was instituted in 1888. It started with a few good men, leading citizens 0f the town, but its growth at first was none too rapid. As time passed, however, new members were taken in and a vast debt was canceled and today it is one of the best lodges for the size of the city in this part of the country. The list of the first officers of the lodge is as follows : Exalted Ruler, J. C. Tritch ; Esteemed Leading Knight, W. C. Neibling; Loyal Knight, Edward M. Camfield ; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, Geo. L. Cusac ; Secretary, S. B. Lippman ; Treasurer, A. C. Hick ; Tyler, A. B. Crozier ; Chaplain, H. E. Hickox ; Trustees, V. H. Coons, George Brake, J. H. Boger. The majority of these original officers are still living and are among the most substantial and honored men of the community. There is at present a membership of over 400. The regular meetings of the lodge are held Thursday nights in their elegantly furnished quarters on the 3rd floor of the Jones Block. The personnel of the membership compares favorably with that of any other like organization in the city and all are endeavoring to exemplify the cardinal principles of the order, to-wit : "The faults of our brothers we write upon the sands, their virtues on the tablets of love and memory." TRIBE OF BEN HUR. Ben Hur Court No. 7, Tribe of Ben Hur, was organized in the city of Findlay by D. W. Gerard, now the Supreme Chief, and Dr. H. V. Beardsley, Past Supreme Chief, on the night of February 8th, 1895, with thirty charter members. Professor J. F. Smith, now superintendent of our city schools, was first Chief (presiding officer). Andrew Jackson Fisher was the first Scribe. Since the organization of this court it has made a steady growth and now leads all other fraternal societies in point of number, in the city, having a membership of 0ver four hundred and seventy-eight. The Tribe of Ben Hur is a social and insurance society, issuing protection in the way of life insurance to its members in amounts ranging from $250 to $3,000. Since its organization to the present time it has paid t0 the families of its members in this city, over $40,000. The officers at this time are : Past Chief, I. N. Latchaw ; Chief, N. W. Bright ; Judge, Mrs. E. E. Wilson ; Teacher, Mrs. H. V. Beardsley ; Captain, J. F. Reynolds ; Guide, Mrs. N. J. Miller ; Keper of Inner Gate, Frank Bryan ; Keeper of Outer Gate, W. S. Mays ; Scribe, F. M. Barnhart ; Keeper of Tribute, N. J. Miller ; Resident Managing Deputy, Dr. H. V. Beardsley. They hold meetings every Tuesday night in Ben Hur Hall on North Main Street. DAUGHTERS OF AMERICA. The Daughters of America is a purely patriotic benevolent organization of native born Americans, existing for the protection of Americans and American institutions and the promulgation of a spirit of patriotism throughout the length and breadth of our country. Love of country and the protection of its institutions is the platform on which it stands. Its objects are to maintain 158 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY and promote the interests of Americans and shield them from the depressing effects of foreign competition. To assist Americans in obtaining employment. To encourage Americans in Business. To establish a sick and Funeral Fund. To maintain the public school system in the United States of America and to prevent sectarian interference therewith and uphold the reading of the Holy Bible therein. T0 oppose sectarian interference with State and National affairs. To assist in advancing the objects of the Jr. O. U. A. M. Golden Rod Council No. 34. Daughters of America was instituted at Findlay, Ohio, in 1895, with twenty-nine charter members, as follows : L. E. Kennedy, Nelia B. Kennedy, C. R. Cameron, Donella Greenly, C. M. Ball, Mrs. J. S. Ball, Mrs. R. W. Bennet, A. T. Spitler, Mary Spitler, Clara Crall, Eliza Fellabaum, O. S. Ball, Lizzie Gibson, L. Walters, Sallie Keefer, J. C. Folk, S. S. Folk, Eva Ball, Bertha M. Ball, Mrs. H. M. Feefer, Lou Doll, S. A. Gressley, Julia A. Moyer, Lissa Loyd, J. A. Loyd, Katie O. Carpenter, Viola Stump, Julia Saltsgaver, A. M. Wilbur. The following are the present officers : J. O. C., Louisa Merick ; A. J. P. C., Dora Yerger ; C., Kate Carpenter ; A. C., Kate Arnold ; V. C., Anna Teal ; A. V. C., Anna Barnhart ; R. S., Ida Fletcher ; F. S., Mary Aksam ; Treas., Eliza Deihlman ; Com., Margurite Binley ; Ward., Mabel Werts ; I. S., Mayme Shelden ; O. S., L. E. Kennedy ; Trustees, D. S. Davis, Mrs. Margaret E. Fassett, L. E. Kennedy ; Pianist, Lillian Pease ; Deputy, Ida Fletcher ; Rep., Dora Yerger ; Capt., Irene Thomas. THE GRAND. ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. The First Post. The first Grand Army Post in Hancock County, and among the first in northwestern Ohio, was organized in Findlay in 1866. It began with a membership 0f about fifty. The records of that post have been lost and no exact dates can be given. From the memory of some of those who were charter members we learn that among its members were : James A. Bope, Fred Worsley, M. B. Walker, Edwin Parker, Thomas Scott, William Vance, Samuel C. Moore, Samuel Huber, Jacob Huber, C. P. Vail, Albert Parker, E. T. Dunn, John C. Martin, Theodore Totten, James Wilson, William Didway, Lafayette Kring, E. P. Sterner, Jacob Gassman, J. H. Goodwin, Martin L. Duttwiler, Frank Biggs, William Biggs, John Adams, Christ Galloway, William Hallowell, William DeHaven and William O'Harra. Its commanders were the following persons in the 0rder named ; James A. Bope, William Vance, E. T. Dunn, M. B. Walker. This post surrendered its charter soon after the spring election in 1871. STOKER POST. In the early spring of 1881 a number of old soldiers concluded to organize a Grand Army Post and avoid the rocks upon which the former post had been wrecked. On the 7th day of April, 1881, a meeting of the Union soldiers of the Civil War was called and they assembled in what was the Armory—rear of the second story of the Wheeler building, on the ground now occupied by the Jones Block, corner of Main HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 159 and Crawford streets. The following ex-soldiers signed the roll as charter members : William Mungen, J. M. Huber, J. A. Kimmell, C. P. Vail, Thomas B. Scott, J. A. Coons, J. W. Whitehurst, M. L. Duttwiler, R. F. Pollock, H. H. Metzler, M. L. Tisdale, Elisha Edwards, R. Timmerman, E. Parker, Joseph Gutzweiler, J. W. Davidson, S. Howard, C. E. Galloway, Rufus Fellers, L. H. Perry, David Joy, J. W. Davis, William Biggs, John Adams, T. C. Wertz, J. C. Cummins, J. M. Cherry, John Peet and William Didway. The post was instituted by Colonel Lowenthal, S. M. O., of Toledo, Thursday evening, April 7th, 1881. On motion of Capt. John Adams the organization was named Stoker Post in honor of Cyrus and David Stoker, brothers, and late members of Company F, Twenty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who were both killed in the battle of Stone River in January, 1862. After some remarks by the comrades the following officers were elected: Post Commander, Martin L. Detweiller ; Senior Vice Commander, R. F. Pollock ; Junior Vice Commander, H. H. Metzler ; Adjutant, J. M. Beelman ; Quartermaster, C. E. Galloway ; Surgeon. J. A. Kimmell ; Chaplain, William Mungen ; Officer of the Day, L. H. Perry ; Officer of the Guard, William Biggs : Sergeant Major, T. C. Wertz; Quartermaster Sergeant, Rufus Fellers ; Aid-de-camp, John Adams; Assistant Inspector, William Didway. The following is a list of commanders from the organization to the present time : M. L. Dutweiler, April 7, '81 to Jan. 9, '82 ; M. L. Dutweiler, Jan. 9, '82 to Jan. Jo, '83: H. H. Metzler, Jan. 10, '83 to Jan. 9, '84; James Wilson, Jan. 9, '84 to Jan. 14, '85; James Wilson, Jan. 14, '85 to Jan. 13, '86; George L. Arnold, Jan. 13, '98 to Jan. 12, '87 ; U. H. Grable, Jan. 12, '87 to Jan. 11, '88; James A. Bope, Jan.'', '88 to Jan. 5, '89; J. A. Thomas, Jan. 5, '89 to Jan. 8, '90; W. J. Morrison, Jan. 8, '90 to Jan. 9, '91 ; W. J. Morrison, Jan. 9, '91 to Jan. 6, '92 ; N. M. Adams, Jan. 6, '90 to Jan. 4, '93 ; Theodore Totten, Jan. 4, '93 to Jan. 3, '94 ; J. T. Bolton, Jan. 3, '94 to Jan. 9, '95 ; Solomon Funk, Jan. 9, '95 to Jan. 1, '96 ; B. L. Byal, Jan. 1, '96 to Jan. 6, '97 ; C. C. Clark, Jan. 6, '97 to Jan. 12, '98; M. D. Hewitt, Jan. 12, '98 to Jan. 11, '99 ; W. H. Werner, Jan. 11, '99 to Jan. 3, 1900; W. G. Bond, Jan. 3, 1900 to Jan. 2, '01; J. P. Woods, Jan. 2, '01 to Jan. 1, '02 ; M. L. Tisdale, Jan. 1, '02 to Jan. 7, '03; E. T. Dunn, Jan. 7, '03 to Jan. 14, '04; E. T. Dunn, Jan. 14, '04 to Jan. 11, '05 ; T. T. Dunn, Jan. 11, '05 to Jan. 10, '06 ; E. T. Dunn, Jan. '06 to Jan. 2, '07 ; E. T. Dunn, Jan. 2, '07 to Jan. '08 ; I. B. Arnold, Jan. '08 to Jan. '09 ; E. T. Dunn, Jan. '09 to Jan. '10. The membership at this date (Aug 6, '09), is two hundred and nine. The Post is well attended and is in flourishing condition. The most notable event in the history of the Post was the securing and holding of the department encampment in 1900. A detailed account of this may be found on the Post records. It was by far the best arranged, best equipped, best managed and most satisfactory department encampment held in Ohio to that date. THE W. C. T. U. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is the outgrowth of the "Women's Crusade," a remarkable uprising of the 160 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY women against the liquor traffic, which began in Hillsboro, Ohio, Dec. 23, 1873, and spread throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. The methods of the movement were the holding of prayer-meetings in the churches, from which went forth "Praying Bands" to the saloons, where they read the Bible, sang hymns and prayed. In Hancock County Mrs. S. A. Strother lead the band of women who met in the old Methodist Church and marched down the street singing hymns and even entering the saloons, kneeling in prayer on the sawdust covered floors. In some instances the saloon-keepers agreed to close their places of business and poured out their stock of liquor. The organization resulting from the Crusade was first known as the Ladies' Temperance League of Hancock County. The first president of the League was Mrs. M. C. Whitely ; the first chairman, Mrs. S. A. Strother ; first corresponding secretary, Mrs. Chas. E. Niles ; recording secretary, Mrs. Squire Carlin ; treasurer, Mrs. Caroline Gage. Mrs. Jones, wife of the Methodist minister, was the first president of the Findlay League. The first local "Women's Christian Temperance Union" was founded in Fredonia, N. Y., in Dec. 1873. The first State Union was founded in Ohio in 1874. Since that time the 0rganization has spread until today the White Ribbon encircles the globe in fifty-two countries and its influence has been widely felt in legislatures and in elections in which prohibitory laws have been voted upon. Notably the grand victory of the Temperance forces at the polls on November 16, 1908, in which the county gave the grand majority of nearly 2,000 votes in favor of decency and public morality, was due in large measure to the ceaseless and untiring lab0rs 0f the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In 1898 the Women's Christian Temperance Union published a paper which was called "The Union," this contained much interesting temperance news, and was ably edited. At that time Mrs. S. A. Strother was President of the Hancock County Union and was instrumental in bringing many noted speakers to Findlay, among whom were Francis Murphy, of pledge-signing fame, Miss Francis Willard, Miss Yeomans, Mrs. Mary Woodbridge's Mattie McClellan Brown, Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, Mrs. Tathrop, Mary Hunt, author of Scientific Temperance Instruction in the Schools. Gov. St. John, John G. Wooley, John B. Gough, and others. The meetings were then held in the old Court House on Sunday afternoons and were largely attended by both men and women, among the early members were the following: Mrs. M. C. Whitley, Mrs. Sarah Strother, Mrs. Charles Niles, Mrs. M. Y. Detwiler, Mrs. M. B. Porch, Mrs. Cordelia Spathe, Mrs. S. H. Darst, Mrs. Phil Morrison, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. J. W. Danelson, Mrs. Julia Rockwell, Mrs. Delilah Robinson, Mrs. Mary Robinson, Mrs. William Vance, Miss Mary Reddick, Mrs. J0hn Meeks, Mrs. E. Barnd, Mrs. R. Sheets, Mrs. G. G. Mosher and Miss Jenie Sours. A loyal Temperance Legion had been organized by Mrs. Julia Rockwell and held their meetings in the old White Corner. Among the things done by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was the obtaining of a ten o'clock closing ordinance, a curfew law, a law against obscene pictures HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 161 on bill boards, etc. The establishment of a reading room, etc. About fifteen years ago a Rescue Home, called The Door of Hope, was established on West Front St. This was closed not long after through lack of interest and lack of funds. In those early years the Woman's Christian Temperance Union was not the popular organization that it is today, but the noble women labored in their efforts to uplift and better humanity, undeterred by the slights and insults which they not infrequently received. There are forty-four distinct departments of work connected with the organization, which is thoroughly systematized, the same principle and methods generally prevailing from the local to the World's Union, a department of Peace and Inter-national Arbitration, co-operates with all the other peace societies of the world. There is also a department of Mercy, which opposes vivisection and inculcates kindness to all sentient beings. The requisites for admission to the Union are payment of annual clues and signing of the pledge. HANCOCK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. On the 30th day of August, 1851, a number of farmers and friends of agriculture congregated at the Court House and after discussing the project of organizing a society, adjourned until the first Saturday in October, at which time an organization was effected. The first fair was held on October 15, 1852, on rented grounds north of the river, on what was known as the Brunner brickyard. On February 9, 1859, eight acres of land in East Findlay lying in the northeast corner of Blanchard Street and Blanchard Road, was purchased of J. H. Williamson for the consideration of $800. The first fair on the new ground was held Oct. 5, 6, and 7, 1859. May 20, 1868, the old fair ground was sold to Samuel Hoxter for $1,750 and a new site purchased of Timothy Russell and John Powell for $3,000. This new location was situated on South Main Street about one mile south of Sandusky Street and comprised of 29.40 acres. The first fair was held on the newly purchased grounds Oct. I, 2 and 3, 1868. On the 11th day of June, 1890, the county commissioners sold the beautiful grove on South Main Street to 0. A. Ballard. A. H. Balsley, Geo. Cusac, F. H. Clessner, Adam Fulhart and Lemuel McManness for $26;500. These beautiful grounds, comprising a portion of the east half of the southeast quarter and part of the west half of the southeast quarter of Sec. 24, Township one North, Range I0 east, was one of the most beautiful in the State and on these grounds the Agricultural Society had many fairs successful, both financially and socially. But $26,500 was a tempting morsel to the county and the same was accordingly sold. July 6, 1891, the county commissioners purchased the north part of the northeast quarter of Sec. 36, Township I north, Range 10 east, of J. G. Hull for $10,500. This tract is situated about one mile farther south than the old grounds and consists of a large farm of 70 acres having sold 6.3o acres August 31, 1891 to Theodore Gibson for $925.57. After the new fair grounds were paid for, the balance of the sale money was used in improving the grounds and not only was the amount, $15,925.57, used in improvements, but 162 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY one-fourth of a mill of a blanket tax was levied over the entire county in 1893 to help replenish the funds of the agricultural society ; besides the county commissioners set aside various amounts at divers times from the dog fund to help along the good cause. From the time of taking possession of the new grounds in 1891 the society have held a fair annually with general good success in their exhibitions of live stock, grains, fruits and vegetables, implements and buggies and carriages, poultry, and produce of the farm and garden in general, together with articles of domestic manufacture and merchandise. A good race track was constructed and the speeding was a source of enjoyment to many of our citizens. Large crowds met from all parts of the county and exchanged business views and social courtesies, thus affording an opportunity to our farmers to not only become better acquainted with each other but to improve their knowledge of the ancient and hon orable vocation of farming and stock-raising, and while it afforded them and their families a day of outing and annual picnic, as it were, they were vastly profited and pleasantly entertained. The last exhibit—that of 1909—was considered the best on the present grounds, both in attendance and display of articles, and the board will be able to pay all their premiums with a balance remaining in the treasury, notwithstanding more money was expended in premiums than was ever before paid out in any previous fair held in Hancock County. The present officers of the Association are : President, Marion Bell ; vice-president, Theodore Powell ; treasurer, J. M. Reed ; secretary, R. V. Kennedy. The bounding success of this year's fair was owing to the indomitable energy of the above mentioned gentlemen, and especially to the incessant care and labor of the secretary, Mr. Kennedy. CHAPTER XIII. CHURCH. HISTORY The Pioneer Preacher—Hardships Endured—Small Salaries—Progress of the Various Denominations in Hancock County—Churches of Findlay and Hancock County. When the first circuit rider lifted up his voice in this region, exhorting all to "flee from the wrath to come," this region was still a wilderness. The sweet and sacred story of the cross was told and re-told beneath the sturdy oaks of the forest, and the four-footed denizens of the wild paused and listened to the first hymns that soared heavenward from the lips of the little band of worshippers. The scented groves of that day were truly "God's first temples." One of the first, if not the first minister to enter the forest of Ohio was Charles Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary, a calm, simple-hearted and intrepid man. He was sent into Ohio after the defeat of Braddock to preach the gospel, as well as to win the Indians over to the cause of the English; and he zealously did both. He was, assisted in his labors by the celebrated Heckenwelder, and afterward by David Zeisberger, another devoted servant of God, and the three founded the town of Gnadenhutten, which was afterward destroyed by a lot of fanatical white settlers and its Indian converts massacred. It was not until after the close of the Revolutionary War that the tide of pioneer preaching reached the real valley of the Ohio. It swept northward from Kentucky, headed by the good, old itinerant, who rode from settlement to settlement with Bible and saddlebags, preaching wherever he could find a congregation. He did as much to civilize the wilderness as those who wielded the axe and built towns where naught but the unbroken forest had been. Strong and powerful men were the backwoods preachers and their mentality was equal to their physical strength. They knew no fear, but set up the altar of the Most High God in the most remote localities, undaunted by adverse circumstances and surrounded by dangers seen and unseen. For the ministry of the church of the wilderness assumed the position and responsibility of their calling under the confident belief that each man of them was specially called and sent forth by the Holy Spirit of peace and power as the ambassador of Christ. The office of the backwoods preacher was no sinecure. His field of labor was the world. His salary rarely exceeded seventy dollars per year. Nothing more was allowed a man with a wife than without one, for it was understood by those of the old church that a preacher had - 163 - 164 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY no business with a wife and that he was a great deal better without. They came to the wilderness to face perils, want, weariness, unkindness, cold and hunger. The bare earth in winter and summer was three-fourths of the time their bed, a saddle their pillow and the sky their coverlet. They studied the hymnbook nearly as devotedly and constantly as the Bible, and with these two they had an arsenal from which they could bring forth weapons adapted to every emergency. When some obstreperous sinner disturbed their meetings they strode down from the backwoods pulpit and ejected the offender by main force, after which the sermon was resumed as if nothing had happened. These pioneer men of God not only knew the Bible, but they knew other books as well. Young and Milton were their intimate companions. Miltonic descriptions of perdition abounded in their discourses, and the judgment, with all the solemn array of the Last Assize was vividly depicted by them. Their rather topographical descriptions of the good and bad worlds were received with favor by their audiences. The earnest and strenuous lives of the settlers, beset with necessities and filled with the struggle to supply them, demanded strong religious nourishment, and these simple-hearted, firmly believing crusaders of the wilderness were just the men to give it to them. Between these heroic men of different denominations there was for some time much antagonism. Thy were too earnest to make light of even the least jot or tittle of their respective creeds, and their earnestness resulted in much pugnacious rivalry. They were great controversialists and there was a resounding din about Baptism and Pedo-Baptism, Free Grace and Predestination, Falling from Grace, and the Perseverance of the saints; but at no time did the pioneer preachers forget the holiness of their mission. The true worth of the pioneer preacher cannot be computed. He did a great work among the early settlements through all this region. He builded up little congregations which in time grew into strong, light-spreading churches. He visited the sick, comforted the mourner, prayed with the dying, and often read the burial service to the howl of the predatory wolf. He appeared as an angel of light to the little family around the pioneer hearth. And when his sacred work was ended he "folded the drapery of his couch around him" and, secure in the great reward which was to be his, bowed to the will of God and passed from the stage of action. While now nearly every denomination and sect have representatives in Hancock County, in the early days, they were principally Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist and Lutheran. Now all of the different denominations, both in town and country, have comfortable and in most instances even beautiful houses of worship, far different from the hewed log meeting houses of former days. Even the churches in the small towns and country have their accessory and auxiliary societies and are fully up to the times in all that pertains to the conduct of a well regulated society. As early as 1832, the Methodists began to hold regular meetings in the county, and this denomination is still in the ascendancy as to numbers and influence. The first church in Hancock County was organized at the home of John Dukes in Blanchard Township, and a church built in 1831, which is still known as "The Duke's Church." The first preacher in HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 165 Hancock County was James Gilruth, who came to Findlay in 1822. Next in order was the Presbyterian Church, the first preacher of which was the Rev. Barr, who came in 1829, and organized a bible society, with Wilson Vance, Edwin S. Jones and John C. Wickham as directors. The Lutheran Church was the third to permanently locate in this county, beginning regular services in 1839, but not having permanent organization until 1846. St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church was organized in 1851, and built a small frame church on the corner of West Hardin and Cory Streets, although occasional services had been held here since 1840. Late in 1866 the building, together with the parish school building adjoining, burned down, and, as the membership had increased largely, more ground was needed. Louis Adams, then one of our most substantial citizens, kindly donated the present site on \Vest Main Cross Street, together with half the cost of the sweet sounding bell now in the tower of the church building. The present building was completed in 1867, though it has been much improved and enlarged since then. The parochial schools are located just west of the church and consist of a very permanent building of six rooms and a large hall occupying the entire third story. where entertainments are often given. These schools are presided over by a competent corps of Sister teachers. The Roman Catholic church in Findlay is the only one in Hancock County. The German Evangelical Lutheran Church, was organized in 1858, and built their church edifice on West Front Street, which they first occupied about 1863. They have a very flourishing society of our best German citizens, which has been largely increased by the stren uous effort of the present pastor, the Rev. William G. Dressler. The United Brethren Church of Findlay was organized in 1853. They erected a small brick building on West Crawford Street, in 1855, but have been prosperous, and at present occupy a modern edifice on West Hardin Street. The First Baptist Church was organized in 1857, but did not build a church until about 1888-9 ; there were no services held for several years ; they now have a comfortable building on East Lima Street. The Trinity Episcopal Church was organized in 1881, and at once built a handsome though moderate structure on West Hardin Street opposite the United Brethren Church. The Church of Christ, better known as Disciples, organized in 1884 and built a very commodious structure on corner of North Main and Filmore Streets. They have a large membership and are very lively workers in the cause in which they place their faith. The Evangelical Association was organized in 1870, with Rev. E. B. Crouse in charge, and a brick building erected on East Sandusky Street. Later a split occurring in the general church, extended to Findlay, and caused the building of another church on West Sandusky Street. The dispute seemed to be between two of the most prominent elders of the society and extended down to the membership. The Church of God have had organizations in the county since 1848, but they did not grow very strong numerically until quite a late date. getting their main impetus from the location of their college here in 1881, which greatly increased the interest in that organization. The First Church of God on West Front Street is a strong organization, and they have a very 166 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY commodious as well as handsome building. The College church meets in the chapel of the college and is usually presided over by the president of the college or some of the faculty. The Third M. E. Church, in the Reck Addition, was dedicated on July 22nd, 1889. FIRST M. E. CHURCH. In 1829 Adam Poe, a presiding elder from the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky, came one Saturday evening, to the little village called Ft. Findlay and announced that he would preach the next morning in the school house. The villagers came to hear him. Other missionaries came from Upper Sandusky and in three years a separate mission was established, with seventeen members, seven of whom were named Baker. By 1836 Fort Findlay had become the center of Findlay circuit with Rev. H. Whitman, preacher in charge, and Rev. G. W. Breckenridge, assistant. A church was built on East Main Cross Street, at a cost of $700.00, and later, a parsonage on the same lot. In 1850, at its own request, the society was made a station, and Rev. W. S. Lunt appointed pastor. During this year a new brick structure was built on the north end of the lot now occupied by the present structure, but on account of a deficiency in the foundation, the walls cracked and it was considered unsafe. The membership increased so rapidly that in ten years an agitation began for the erection of an adequate building. In spite of mercenary hindrances, because of the war, $1,500.00 was subscribed, and in 1866, under Rev. J. W. Wykes, pastor, the corner stone of the third building was laid. Funds increased marvelously till at its c0mpletion, while Rev. Isaac Newton was pastor, Findlay boasted of a very fine building valued at $33,000.00, a great part of the debt of which was paid during the pastorate of Rev. P. Y. Pope. The church now entered upon a time of great prosperity. After the extension of the time limit from two to three years, four pastors remained the full three years each. When Rev. A. J. Fish was pastor, came the natural gas boom which increased the population of the town from five to eighteen thousand. A great number of Methodist families came to Findlay at this period, the outcome of which was the establishment and building of the Howard M. E. Church on Cherry Street at a cost of about $8,000.00. Also a lot was purchased by the First M. E. Church on West Sandusky Street, and a commodious parsonage was built. In 1900 a fire occurred in the First M. E. Church building, rendering it untenable and the congregation decided to take it down and rebuild. Under the administration of the Rev. C. R. Havighurst, who remained with the congregation for a period of eight years—the longest in the history of the church—the new and beautiful edifice was built and dedicated December 7, 1902, at a cost of about $75,000.00. The structure is of Craig sandstone, and is one of the most attractive and impressive church buildings in the conference. Under the suggestion and management of the present pastor, Rev. G. B. Wiltsie, the first Sunday in June, 1909, was devoted to the celebration of the eightieth anniversary of Methodism in Findlay. All the former pastors living were invited, many of whom gladly returned and noted with interest the splendid prosperity of the church, both financially and spiritually. Prior to 1850 the church was served by missionaries and circuit preachers, since then the following have been pastors : HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 169 W. S. Lunt, J. A. Kellum, G. Gray, J. S. Holmes, T. Parker, L. B. Gurley, G. Lease, J. S. Kalb, J. Wykes, Isaac Newton, O. Kennedy, Wm. Jones, I. R. Henderson, P. P. Pope, J. F. Davies, E. D. Whitlock, W. A. Yingling, S. L. Beiler, A. J. Fish, L. E. Prentiss, C. R. Havighurst, J. M. Avann, W. G. Waters, H. C. C. Jamisen, C. O. Crist, G. B. Wiltsie The present number of communicants of this church is about 775, and the enrollment of the Sabbath school is about 900. HOWARD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF FINDLAY. The development of Findlay in "Boom days" led to the building of the Howard Church. Methodism had been established in Findlay for half a century when the growth both of the city and of the First Methodist Church made a new church seem advisable. Under the pastorate of Dr. A. J. Fish at the First Church the first steps were taken by securing two lots in Cherry Street near Clinton, which were held while money was raised for the building The corner stone was laid in December, 1887, and the building was soon enclosed. The church was dedicated July 16, 1888, by Dr. J. W. Hamilton of Boston, now a bishop in the Methodist Church. The following pastors have served the church : Dr. H. C. Jameson, '88; Dr. N. B. C. Love, '89, '90, '91; Dr. C. W. Taneyhill, '92, '93; Rev. S. L. Boyers, '94, '95; Rev. J. W. Holland, '96; Rev. M. C. Howley, '97, '98, '99 ; Rev. Peter Biggs, 1900, '0r, '02 ; Rev. J. Baumgardner, '03 to '07; Dr. Merrick E. Ketchem, '09, present pastor. During the pastorate of Rev. S. L. Boyers the debt on the building was paid off. During the pastorate of Rev. J. Baumgardner a parsonage was secured adjoining the church. The church had a steady growth and at the present time (1909) has 350 members with a Sunday School of about 300 enrollment. The Epworth League has some 75 members. The membership is loyal and earnest in service and the church is accomplishing splendid results. THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, FINDLAY. The First Church of Christ at Findlay was organized December 14, 1884, by W. J. Lhamon then of Kenton. Previous to this U. M. Browder, M. Riddle, Alanson Wilcox, W. J. Lham0n and perhaps others preached occasional sermons. W. J. Lhamon held a meeting of several days in December, 1884, which resulted in the organization of the church. The Nineteenth District of the Ohio Christian Missionary Society helped to bear the expenses of the meeting. The following were the charter members of the new church : A. A. Dillinger, Katharine Brogee, Henry C. Lanning, Agness Shank, Hannah Ross, Mary E. McFarland, Lizzie Pendleton, Elizabeth Henry, Rhoda Lanning, Mary A. Shank, Lavina Hartman, Fannie Dillinger, Ella Shank, May Shank, Orpha L. Humason, Margaret Thomas, Cordeli Shank, Kate M. Kagy, Sophia Kibler, Susan Powell, Lavina Shank, John C. Shank, John S. McFarland, Metta Phifer, Hannah Corwin, Sophrona Bacher, Adaline D'Brant, Henry Shank, Jr. The first meetings were held in the -German Reform Church on East Main Cross Street. In 1887 a substantial brick veneer building was erected at the corner of North Main and Fillmore Streets. It seats four hundred. A frame structure for Sunday use has since been added. The house was dedicated in October, 1887, by F. M. Rains, secretary of 170 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY the Foreign Christian Missionary Society. At the organization the following persons were made a committee of management till officers could be chosen : Henry C. Lanning, Henry Shank, Jr., A. A. Dillinger, Kate M. Kagy, Hannah Ross, and Orpha Humason. The first two or three years the church had no resident pastor but was ministered to occasionally by W. J. Lhamon of Kenton, Dr. S. M. Cook, then of Bays, and others. J. T. H. Stewart was the first settled minister. The house was built during his ministry. The church has had twelve resident pastors, J. T. H. Stewart, 1887 to July 29, 1888; A. B. Moore, August 5, 1888 to July 1, 1889 ; T. A. Cooper, July 14, 1889 to July 5, 1891 ; B. J. Sawyer, October 6, 1891 to February 2, 1892 ; P. J. Rice, June I, 1892 to December 24, 1893 ; Eugene Brooks, January 1, 1894 to September 1, 1896 ; G. W. Weimer, October 6, 1896 to October 1, 1897; J. W. Adams, November 1, 1897 to November I, 1898; A. M. Growden, January 1, 1899 to April 15, 1903 ; J. F. Stone. July 12, 1903 to July 12, 1904; C. H. Bass, October I, 1904 to October 1, 1907 ; and the present incumbent, John Mullen, whose ministry began November 10, 1907. The church has made splendid progress. Hundreds have been added to the membership but owing to the unsettled condition of 0ur city's population in the past there have been heavy losses by removal. The present membership is four hundred and fifty. The Sunday School enrolls about four hundred. The Y. P. S. C. E. has sixty members and the Christian Women's Board 0f Missions Auxiliary nearly fifty. The church supports a missionary, D. O. Cunnigham, in India. One hundred and sixty-four members have been received into the church the past twenty months. E. C. Taylor is chairman of the official board. Dr. E. C. Miller is superintendent of the Sunday School. The Official Board is composed of Dr. E. C. Miller, T. M. Sherman, G. N. Abbott, John Mullen, Elders ; E. C. Taylor, P. S. Latchaw, H. C. Miley, J. W. Irwin, W. E. Deitzel, J. Z. Chase, G. R. Miller, F. L. Powell, Deacons. UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST. The Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which is the oldest denomination of purely American origin, began its existence about 1768, when Rev. Martin Boehm was preaching to a large congregation assembled in Isaac Long's barn in Lancaster County, Pa. He preached with great power, and Rev. William Otterbein being in the congregation, greatly delighted, stepped forward at the conclusion of the sermon, and embracing B0ehm, exclaimed : "Wir sind brueder,"—"We are brethren," which gave rise to the name of the denomination. The work grew, converts were organized into classes, finally the church was organized forming this new denomination with its first formal Conference in Rev. William Otterbein's parsonage, in Baltimore, in 1789. Its government is much like the g0vernment 0f the United States of America. Its ecclesiastical bodies are General, Annual and Quarterly Conferences. As to the history of the local church of The United Brethren in Christ, the records accessible are very meager. Prior to 1854, religious services were occasionally held by United Brethren people, in a little brick schoolhouse on West Front Street. The HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 171 following trustees, Henry Hartman, Nimrod Bright, Joel Pendleton, Jesse Wheeler and J. T. Crites, raised funds by subscription, and early in 1854, Lot 78, corner 0f West and Crawford Streets, was purchased and a brick church was completed in 1855, under the direction of Rev. Chester Briggs, pastor. This property was sold in 1887, and a lot was purchased on the corner of West Hardin and South Cory Streets; where the present church edifice was erected and first occupied in 1889 under the pastoral care of Rev. G. L. Bender with the following Board of Trustees : D. R. Stoker, R. C. Bennett, L. C. Clark, G. A. Carpenter and Isaac Hershey. The following ministers served the church beginning with the year 1854: Reverends Chester Briggs, Michael Long, William Mathers, Case, Dunn, Percy Moore, John French, Alvin Rose, Reuben French, William Glancy, T. J. Harbaugh, T. D. Ingle, James Long, M. Shestler, A. W. Holden, G. P. Macklin, E. A. Starkey, J. Kirk, Isaac Crouse, S. H. Radebaugh, 1885-87; G. L. Bender, 1887-90; E. B. Maurer, 1890-91; P. N. Gardner, 1891- 92 ; J. H. Arnold, 1892-96; C. N. Crabbs, 1896-99; C. B. Fletcher, 1899-01; A. M. Smith, 1901-04; J. W. Lilly, 1904-05; A. W. Ballinger, H. H. Rangeler, 1905-06; O. F. Laughbaum, 1906-09. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FINDLAY. This church was organized December 2 1 , 1830, the following being the charter members: William Taylor, Margaret Taylor, Phoebe Henderson, Asa Lake, Mrs. Chloe Lake, Ebenezer Wilson, William Cowan, Sarah Cowan, Mary Gibson, Wilson Vance and Sarah Vance. A part of the minutes of the first meeting are worthy of a place in this sketch. The following resolutions were then offered and unanimously adopted : First, In order to obtain and enjoy Christian fellowship and communion and to enjoy the means of grace, and to have the Word and ordinances of the Gospel administered in a regular and orderly manner for our spiritual nourishment and gowth in grace and for the general promotion and advancement of the cause of the Redeemer. Secondly, Resolved : That we unite as a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in c0nnection with the Presbyterian Church of the General Assembly, mutually engaging to be subject to one another in the Lord, to walk together according to the Gospel, and to study the things that make for peace and the things whereby we may edify one another. At the same meeting William Cowan and Ebenezer Wilson were elected Ruling Elders. This was the first Presbyterian Church organized in this part of Ohio. The first home of worship was erected in 1836 at the corner of East Crawford and Mechanic Streets and used for twenty-one years. The next building was erected in 1857 at the corner of South Main and East Hardin Streets (now a part of the Donnell Block) and was dedicated December 27th of the same year. The corner stone of our present church home was laid September 25, 1900, and the completed edifice was dedicated to the service of God, September 29, 1901. The following is a list of pastors and the term of office : Rev. Peter Monfort, 1830-1833 ; Rev. Thomas Clark, 1833-1834 ; Rev. 172 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY Peter Monfort, 1834-1835 ; Rev. George Van Eman, 1835-1841; Rev. Simon Peck, 1841-1842; Rev. R. H. Holliday, 1842-1854; Rev. John A. Meeks, 1855-1865; Rev. J. M. Cross, 1865-1869; Rev. A. B. Fields, 18691872 ; Rev. Eban Muse, 1872-1875; Rev. R. R. Sutherland, 1876-1881; Rev. John C. Watt, 1881-1885; Rev. Joshua R. Mitchell, 1885-1898; Rev. J0hn Montgomery, 1899- 1906 ; Rev. Lester S. Boyce, 1907_____. The following is a list of the elders and date of election : William Cowan, December, 1830; Ebenezer Wilson, December, 1830; Samuel Moorhead, November, 1835 John Ewing, November, 1835; William Taylor, August, 1837; Frederick Henderson, August, 1837; John Burns, August, 1837; Paul Sours, November, 1844; Milton Gray, October, 1865; Emanuel Miller, October, 1865; Phillip D. Bigelow, 1866; Joseph S. Patterson, 1866; W. A. Ward, December, 1868; Presley N. Lyle, April, 1870; Isaac Davis, April, 1870; Henry Byal, April, 1870; Jesse Guise, April, 1870; George L. Arnold, January, 1886; John Shuck, January, 1886 ; Robert M. Abbott, December, 1888; John Q. Codding, December, 1888; David B. Cratty, December, 1888; Charles H. Lambie, November, 1897 ; Silas E. Hurin, November, 1897; William H. Loy, June, 1905; Jeston Warner, June, 1905. Present Organization : Pastor, Rev. Lester S. Boyce, The Manse, 203 East Sandusky St. Elders : Joseph S. Patterson, George L. Arnold, John Schuck, John Q. Codding, Clerk, David B. Cratty, Silas E. Hurin, William L. Loy, Jeston D. Warner. Board of Trustees: George L. Arnold, Charles W. Patterson, Leonard C. Glessner, William S. Bish, Harmon McEowen, Ephraim H. Adams. Financial Secretary, Harmon McEowen. Congregational Clerk, Ross Wetherald. Treasurer, William H. L0y. Choir Leader, Harrold A. Wakefield. Organist, Edna V. Bigelow. Sexton, Jonathan J. Miller, 115 West Lincoln St. Church membership, 510. Sunday School enrollment, 327. FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, FINDLAY. This congregation is the result of Home Missionary effort by the den0mination at large. The first steps toward the Organization of a United Presbyterian Church in this place were taken by Rev. J. C. R0e, of Kenton, 0. The organization was effected March 31, 1890. Of the charter members only one remains in the present membership of the church, Miss Elizabeth Allis0n. In all a large number of members have been received. Losses by death and removal leave the present roll of members at about one hundred. The congregation possesses valuable church property located on the corner of West Sandusky and West Streets. The lecture room, fully equipped with class rooms for Sabbath school work, was erected soon after the congregation was 0rganized. The auditorium, a beautiful structure made of cement blocks, was completed in 1908. The property includes a commodious and modern parsonage, occupied as the pastor's residence. The parsonage stands on the same lot with the church building. The property is located in an attractive part of the city and is free of debt. The congregation embraces the full complement of sub- HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY - 173 sidiary organizations and carries on many activities. Special attention is given to Sabbath School work, and every effort is put forth to maintain a school of the highest efficiency. The following ministers have served the congregation in the capacity of stated supply : J. P. Sharp, '90-'93; J. F. McKnight, '95-'97; George Whiteside, '97-'01 ; J. J. Thompson, '02-'04; J. R. Greene, '04-'08; F. E. Dean, in charge of the congregation since July I, 1908. The following ruling elders compose the session of the church : J. A. McCall, Robert W. Stewart, W. A. Crawford, B. E. Fox, D. M. McLane. The congregation worshipped for a time in the old Congregational Church. And a few of the Congregationalists, when their work was abandoned, came into the United Presbyterian Church, and the latter church now enjoys the use of the pipe organ belonging to the Congregationalists. At the present writing the number of communicants on the membership list is 77, and the enrollment of the Sabbath School is 95. Rev. T. E. Dean is serving as the present pastor. CANNONSBURG UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. This congregation was organized as an Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1850. It became a United Presbyterian Church in 1858, when the union between the Associate and the Associate Reformed Churches took place. During its earlier history this congregation was numerically strong and prosperous; but like many other country churches its membership has been greatly depleted by death and removal. On its roll it has counted many of the staunchest citizens of the community. Many of these worthy families have found homes elsewhere; but the few who still remain are loyal to the church; and it bids fair to be an influence for good for many years to come. The following ministers have served the congregation as pastors : J. R. Bonner, '50-'59; James Rodgers, '62-'68; J. C. Bingham, '69- '71 ; Wait Wright, '76-'81; J. E. Kerr, '82-84; R. H. Boyd, '84-'87; J. D. Palmer, 1900-01. F. E. Dean, a pastor in Findlay, has had charge of the congregation since July I, 1908. The members of session are Archie Hanna, Albert Hanna, Harvey Williamson and William Williamson. CHAPTER XIV. ALLEN, AMANDA AND BLANCHARD TOWNSHIPS. ALLEN TOWNSHIP. This township, containing 15,36o acres, holds a central position in the northern line of townships and was the last to be organized in the county. It was formed of territory taken from the townships of Cass and Portage, and was named in honor of Ethan Allen of Revolutionary fame. It is bounded north by Wood County, east by Cass Township, south by Findlay, and west by Portage Township. The Bellefontaine and Perrysburg State Road runs directly through the center of the township, north and south, this being the oldest road in the county. On the 3rd day of June, 185o, the Commissioners of the county, "Ordered that a new township be erected of the following territory, and called Allen Township : said territory of Allen to be composed of Sections 5, 6, 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 31, 32, of Township 2 (Cass) north, Range I I east, and Sections I, 2, II, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35 and 36 in Township 2 (Portage) north, Range east. It was also "ordered that there be legal notice posted up in the new township of Allen, for the election of the following named officers for said township, to-wit : three trustees, one clerk, one treasurer and one assessor." The timber in this township was of the valuable hard wood varieties, such as poplar, walnut, ash, oak, sugar, beech and sugar maple. Poplar was very plentiful in the south part of the township, and was so valuable a timber for building purposes that after the building of frame houses was begun, it soon became exhausted. The soil in the south part of the township is in part what might be called a sandy clay. In parts, however, it is almost all clay, whilst elsewhere it is entirely sand. On the north side of the township, between the ridge and Wood County line, it is a black loam, composed mostly of vegetable matter. But all parts of the township are easily tilled and are very productive. The middle branch of the Portage River passes through this township, and is the most considerable stream in this part of the county, and which has water the year around. It passes out of the township near the northwest corner. There are no other runs or creeks in the township, yet the surface of the land is sufficiently undulating to furnish all the necessary outlets for drainage. John Gardner made the first entry of land, in this township, on the 25th day of August, 1826, it being the west half of the northeast - 174 -