708 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

This subdivision was organized in 1837, and at the first election in the fall of that year Hugh W. McElroy was elected Justice of the Peace, and Amariah Thorne, Lewis Long and Hugh W. McElroy, Trustees. There were eleven votes cast at this election, which was held at the house of Amariah Thorne, and where they were continued to be held until the erection of the schoolhouse in Ada, in 1851, since which they have been held is that town. The election records of the township have, many of them, been destroyed, hence it is difficult to give all the early officers. John Latimer was elected Justice of the Peace in 1840--11, and served by re-election many years. This township occupies the extreme northwest corner of Hardin Count`-. and is known as Township 3 south. Range 9 east, and is bounded on the north by Hancock County, east by Washington Township, south by Marion Township and west by Allen County. and is six sections square. containing thirty-six square miles, or 23,040 acres.

STREAMS, SOIL AND TIMBER.

Hog Creek is its principal stream, which courses through the township from east to west, passing through the second tier of sections south from the north boundary line, and flows into Allen County and empties into the Auglaize River. Its principal tributary is Grass Run, which takes its rise on the farm of S. Hetrick, in Section 33, flows northeast and empties into Hog Creek in Section 11. The surface is level, almost uniformly so, having but few and slight undulations. The soil is generally deep, rich and fertile, and composed of loam and clay, and underlaid with limestone strata. The eastern central portion of the township embraces 2,000 acres or more of the Hog Creek Marsh, which, until a few years ago, was a perfect waste, being too wet to admit of any cultivation or even pasturage; but since the great work of lowering the bed of Hog Creek, and a general system of ditching and drainage was adopted, the greater portion of this land has been brought into cultivation, and is the best and most productive land in the township. The productions are wheat, corn, oats, potatoes and hay, the latter being produced in abundance upon the marsh lands.

This country (except the marsh lands, which were covered with large, coarse grass and a low growth of bushes) was originally very heavily timbered, embracing the various species of oak, also walnut, hickory, elm, beech, maple, buckeye, ash and some poplar and sycamore. The timber, for many years, formed the great source of revenue to the people, the oak, walnut, hickory and ash having been especially valuable; the former having yielded thousands of dollars, manufactured into staves and barrels; the hickory into spokes, ax handles and hoop poles, and walnut and ash into logs and lumber, which were shipped to distant markets by hundreds of car loads. Some of the walnut was especially large and fine; one tree, on the farm of Joel Klingler, measured nine feet in diameter.

PIONEERS.

James Marshall Candler, a native of Campbell County, Va., emigrated to Ohio with his parents while a young man, and they first settled in Clinton

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County, Ohio: thence they removed to Madison County, and, in 1829, they removed to Allen County and settled near La Fayette; thence, in 1832, they removed to this township and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 7 where his father died on September 3, 1835, and was buried upon his own place, being the first person interred on what is known as the Candle Cemetery. Mr. Candler was united in marriage with Susanna Rayl, of Allen County. Here Mr. Candler settled, and began his pioneer work. He deadened the first tree, burned the first brush heap, in fact, did the first pioneer work in Liberty Township, as he was the first white settler within its precincts. Mr. Candler resided on. this place about twenty-four years, opened out a good farm and made good improvements, and during this period he cleared for other people; in the neighborhood and vicinity, 116 acres of land, which, including what he has cleared for himself upon his own farms, numbers over two hundred acres, which probably few men, if any, have ever exceeded or equaled. And while Mr. Candler has been one of the most active of the early settlers in secular matters, he has also been an active worker in the Christian Church, having organized many churches iii various localities for that denomination. and has been an ordained minister for twentythree years. In 1873, lie located on the farm where he now lives, on Section 16, where he has since resided. He has ever taken great interest in schools and the education of the rising generation, knowing, from experience in his younger years, the want of school privileges, giving his early attention and aid to the establishing of schools in this neighborhood in its early settlement. He was instrumental in getting up the first subscription school ever taught in Liberty Township. He is the father of the following children: Alvira S., Roxanna A., Nancy M., James M., John W. and William E., who now survive, and Prudence A. and Mary Jane, deceased.

John Latimer came from Columbiana County, Ohio, to Richland County, where he married Jane Bell, a native of Pennsylvania, and, in the spring of 1835, removed to Hardin County and settled on land now owned by John Lynch on Section 8, where he opened out right in the forest, and, it is believed, was the second settler to locate in what is now Liberty Township. and was also the second man to fill the office of Justice of the Peace of this township, and served in this office by re-election many years. He also filled most of the offices of his township. He was a magi of great integrity, kindhearted and generous to a fault, too much so for his own financial good, accommodating his friends and neighbors, who, in some instances, proved unworthy of the confidence he so generously reposed in them. He was a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. He died about 1866, on the place where he first settled, aged fifty-six years, and in his death this community and township lost one of its noblest and. best citizens. His widow still survives. Their children were eleven in number, of whom Sarah Jane, William, John, Almira and Robert B. are now living; the deceased were James, Elizabeth, George, Margery Ann, Nancy and one infant.

George Hacket, the third settler, was a native of Richland County, Ohio, and married Sarah Latimer, and, in the fall of 1835, came to this township and settled on land now owned by Mrs. Stover. In 1840, he erected a grist mill, run by water, on Hog Creek. It was built on land now owned by Mrs. Sperr. This was the first mill for grinding ever erected in Liberty Township and did quite a business and was a great convenience to the community for several years, until he was compelled to remove it by

710 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

complaint of one of his neighbors. on account of the dam backing water upon his land. Soon after Mr. Hackot settled here he was injured by a falling tree, and there being no physicians here at that date, he returned to his native county for treatment, and as soou as restored sufficiently returned here and erected the above-mentioned mill. About 1852, he removed with his family to Iowa, where his wife died; he still survives.

Hugh W. McElroy, a native of Ireland. married Susanna Brooks, of Fayette County, Penn.; then became a settler of Columbiana County, Ohio, and, in the spring of 1836, removed to this township and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 1. This 160 acres of land be had previously entered from the Government, and here he struck the first blow to clear up his land from the mighty forest to make a home and a farm. and here resided till his death. He died October 3, 1854, aged fifty-seven years. His wife survived him many years, and died November 23, 1875, aged seventy-six years. Mr. McElroy was a true pioneer, and was here at the erection of the township and voted at its first election, and was elected the first Justice of the Peace. He was a reliable and worthy citizen and a devoted member of the Disciple Church. He was the father of sixteen children, viz., James J., David. Joseph. William, George, Henry and Mary Jane. now living, and John. Thomas. Elizabeth, Margaret, Hugh D., Jacob and four who died in infancy, all deceased. John McElroy, a brother of Hugh W., was born on the ocean while his parents were. coming to America. He married Sarah Weaver and settled in this townsbip, on the northwest corner of Section 1, in 1836, and resided here till his death. His children were George and John, deceased, and Jacob, Polly, Betsey, James, Hugh. Margaret J. and Sarah Ann, now living. Thomas McElroy, also a brother of the above Hugh W., was born in Fayette Countv, Penn.. in 1806; in 1811, with his parents, he removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, where lie was married to Elizabeth Morrison, and, in 1836, came to Hardin County and entered 160 acres of land jest over the line in Hancock County. Here he opened out in the woods. cleared up a good farm and made improvements until he bad a pleasant home, where he resided till, about 1875, he removed to Ada, where he has since resided. His wife died January 22, 1880. His children were John. Catharine and Elizabeth, deceased, and Hamilton, James, Thomas, Frank, Ann and Sarah, who still survive.

Amariah Thorne came to this township from Trumbull County, in 1836, and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 15. He married Cassander Thorne, a daughter of William Thorne, one of the early settlers of Washington Township. Mr. Thorne remained a resident on the land where he first located until his death, and his remains were interred upon his brother, Noah Thorne s, farm. Mr. Thorne was a true type of the pioneer, and endured his numerous hardships. He was a noted bunter in those days of abundance of game. At his house was held the first election of the township, where they continued to be held until the erection of a schoolhouse at Ada, about 1851. Mr. Thorne bad a large family of children, most of whom are deceased-one son died while serving in the army in the war of the rebellion. Mrs. Thorne still survives, and resides on the old home place with her daughter Tabitha. Noah Thorne, a brother of Amariah Thorne, settled at the same date on land adjoining him on the south. Here he resided several years, during which time his wife died. and soon after he removed back to their native State of Virginia.

Richard M. Johnson, a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., emigrated to Richland County, Ohio, in 1820, with his parents, where they died and

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 711

where he married Rebecca Walkup, and, in the spring of 1836, removed to this county and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 15, where he entered forty acres of land, upon which he erected his cabin and commenced in the woods, and here he still lives, having made a continued residence of forty-seven years. After he located hero, he says he lived six weeks without seeing the face of a white man. He was one of the eleven voters at the first election after the organization of Liberty Township. Mr. Johnson experienced the "true inwardness" of pioneer life. He saw the erection of the first house and the first business interest of the now thriving town of Ada; has seen her spread her incorporate limits and erect her fine houses, until all his land is embraced within its limits and fine dwellings erected to his place and beyond it, a distance of more than half a mile northward from where the first house was built; and has also witnessed the extension of the town to an equal distance in a southward direction. And well may he exclaim. "What a wonderful change!" Mr. Johnson is a man of reserved habits, very unassuming. but of undoubted integrity. He is the father of the following children, viz.: Barbara. Margery, Andrew, Austin, John, Lydia, Mary and Samuel, all of whom are living except Margery.

David Sleichter was a P-ative of Pennsylvania, but who became an early settler of Columbiana County; thence, about 1835-36, he removed to this township and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 32. Subsequently he removed to Ada, and in partnership with Calvin Gilbert erected a steam grist mill-the first in Liberty Township-but soon after sold the mill property and entered aspen the grocer- trade, but subsequently removed to :Michigan; thence to Indiana, where be died. His children were George, Catharine, David. Emanuel and Jacob.

Eli Pugh settled on the southwest quarter of Section 28, about 1836-37, where he resided till his death, an honored and respected citizen. His children were as follows: Cornelius, James, Catharine, Henry and Martin V.

Philip Hoon. a native of Ireland, came here from Columbiana County, Ohio, and settled on the east half of Section 28, in the spring of 1838, and here resided till his death. He died April 17, 1858, aged fifty-seven years, and his remains were interred upon his own farm. but were subsequently disinterred and placed in an established cemetery just south of his place. He married Mary Angerstein. His children were Daniel, John, Julia Ann, Harriet, Catharine and Elizabeth.

Jacob Sapp settled on the southeast quarter of Section 21, on what has since been known as the "Dobbins place" and is now embraced in the village of Ida, about 1837. In 1839, he erected a horse mill for grindingthe first in Liberty Township-but remained here only a few years and moved away.

John Wilson, a native of Virginia, married Elizabeth Thorns; acid settled on the southwest quarter of Section l0, about 1837-38. Here lie opened a country store, being the first merchant in this township. At one time he had quite a large stock of goods, but failed to make a financial success, and finally remove; his goods to Kenton. Mr. Wilson dealt largely in stock and in furs, and especially in coon skins, and in consequence of the large amount of the latter which he purchased and sold, he was termed "Coon Skin Wilson." He at one time did quite an extensive business, and was well known over a large extent of country. Of his children were Thomas, Martin and James; the former is deceased.

John Hoon, a brother of Philip Hoon, was born in Somerset County,

712 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Penn., in 1808; in 1816, with his parents,he removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, and, in 1837-38, removed to Liberty Township with his parents, five brothers and four sisters. He entered forty acres of land on Section 28. He paid the Government $50, all the money he had. Then he worked here and there for his neighbors as he could obtain work, and finally cleared up his land, raised grain and sold it for 40 cents per bushel, purchased more land, and before his death owned a good and valuable farm. He lived a life of celibacy and died February 16, 1881, aged seventy-three years.

Issam G. Kindle, a native of Virginia, emigrated with his parents to Perry County, Ohio, where thev died. There Issarn married Anna Plummer, and, in 1836, removed to this county and settled on the southeast quar ter of Section 7, where he resided till his death. He died. a few years since, at an advanced age. He was a man of marked eccentricities, yet of strict integrity; an excellent neighbor anal a worthy citizen. He was four times married and was the father of twenty children. all of whom are now deceased except five, viz., Lucinda, Eliza. Andrew, Thomas and Harman. Robert Kindle. a brother of Issain G., came here at same date. He died many years ago. His wife survived him and died in 1881 or 1882. Of his children were Elizabeth, James, Mary, John and Catharine.

Nicholas High, a native of Germany. married Charlotte Sutter, and. in 1833, emigrated to America and settled in Richland County, Ohio. In 1838, they removed to Hardin County and settled on Section 28, Liberty Township, where his son Nicholas now resides, and here remained till, his death. on October 6, 1846. His widow still survives, and resides on the old homestead with her son. After their arrival. and before their cabin was com. pleted, he was taken sick, and Mrs. High chinked and daubed the cabin and brought it into condition so they could live in it. For some time they hauled and carried their water from the Runner place, a distance of nearly two miles, until they succeeded in getting a well dug. They were a family who knew and experienced full well the deprivations and hardships of pioneer life; but their labors were not in vain. for were duly- rewarded, and now they have a beautiful farm and home. They had the following children: Elizabeth, Jacob, Barbara. Nicholas and Catharine, and two who died in Germany.

Thomas Ryan settled on land now owned by Evan Jackson in Section 35, about 1835. He was crippled and could not farm, but obtained his livelihood by manufacturing measures for measuring grain, and after a few years' residence here he moved away.

Robert Hyndman was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1804; emigrated to America in 1834, and, in the fall of 1838, came to Hardin County and settled on the south half of the northeast quarter of Section 20, where he has ever since resided. He erected a small log cabin; now he has a good farm and good buildings and improvements. Being a man of intelligence, and of unquestioned integrity, his fellow-citizens have repeatedly placed him in service as a township officer. He served as Treasurer twelve years successively. When he first settled here, the Wyandot Indians were in the habit of hunting through the forests, and one morning he heard the sharp crack of a rifle near his barn in the edge of the clearing, and there he found an Indian skinning a deer, who kindly gave him a piece for his breakfast. The Indians were very friendly, and often came to his cabin and ate with him. He remarked one peculiarity in the Indians-they were always hungry; and were great eaters whenever they could have an oppor-

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 713

tunity to gratify their appetites. Mr. Hyndman was accustomed to attend most of the cabinraisings and log-rollings in the settlement for many years, and thus experienced the difficulties and hardships of the early settlers; for then all were glad to see new neighbors come to improve the land of the township. It was then the custom to have plenty of whisky at such gatherings, and it was generally freely used; yet Mr. Hyndman claims to have been a strict temperance man and refrained from the use of all stimulants on all occasions, and this virtue, with his many other good qualities. gave him a high position in the esteem and confidence of his many acquaintances.

Daniel Emerson came from Morgan County, Ohio, and settled on Section 31, Liberty Township, in 1838-39, where he resided till his death. He married Mary Swift, by whom he had several children, but all have died or moved away.

George Dougherty came from Morgan County, and bought a piece of land of the above .mentioned Mr. Emerson, upon which he settled in 1839-40. He married a Miss Matheny. He died upon the place where he first settled. His wife survived him several years, and died while living with her daughter. Their children were Joseph, Mary, Daniel, Jane, George and William, of whom Joseph and George are still residents of the township; all the others are either dead or moved away.

William Ansley, a native of Tennessee, became an early settler of Logan County, and, in 1838-39. removal to this county and settled on Section 34 in this township, where he now resides. He married Catharine McAdams.

John Shuster was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1800; in 1814, he removed with his parents to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Winget, in 1821. In 1839, he removed with his family to Hardin County and settled on Section 9, Liberty Township. He had previously. in 1834 entered his land. In 1841, his house was destroyed by fire; it occurred in the night, and nothing was saved out of the house but two feather beds, the family barely escaping in their night-clothes. He came here and commenced right in the woods' with but $37. His son Daniel went to Logan County and worked at $8 per month to get provisions for the family until they could clear land and raise a crop. His wife died February 4, 1869. For further particulars of the family, see biographical sketch in another part of this work.

William Clappin was born in Yorkshire. England, in 1793, where he married Sarah Powell. In 1826, they emigrated to Quebec. Canada; from there to Upper Sandusky. where they resided four years; thence to Big Island Township, Marion County. and resided seven years; thence, in 1839-40, came to this county and settled on Section 26. About 1870-71, he left his farm and removed to Ada, and resided several years; thence removed to Kenton, where he now resides at the advanced age of ninety years.

Elijah Wilson was born in the State of New York in 1801, but early emigrated to Washington County, Ohio, and, in the fall of 1840, removed to Hardin County and settled sixteen miles northwest of Kenton, where he engaged in farming several years; thence he removed to within eight miles of Kenton, where he kept a tavern; thence he removed to Ada, where he lived till he died at the age of seventy-six years. His wife died, aged sixty-eight years. They were members of the Christian Church. Of their children, George Wilson was born in Washington County in 1821, and came with his

714 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

parents to this county in 1840, where he married and has since resided-a period of fortythree years. He labored hard, principally on the railroad, for thirty-five years. Mr. Wilson says he helped to lay the first Trail ever placed upon a road in Ohio, at Sandusky. He is the father of eight children, of whom only three survive.

The above embrace, we think, most of the earliest settlers who came here prior to 1840. From this date to 1850. a large number came and settled in Liberty Township, many of whom saw and experienced as many hardships as those who came earlier, and truly lived and performed a pioneer life. Of these, we mention John Trassel, Esq., James Mustard, John J. Garlinger, Hammond Gilbert, Eli Newman, George Rusher, Samuel Anspach, Solomon Anspach, David Klingler, Charles Asire, John Long, John Shanks and the Runser families and Horace Gilbert, all of whom have been prominent, active and useful citizens of the township.

RAILROADS, ROADS AND PIKES.

In the first settling of this township, as they opened out roads from settlement to settlement, the flat and wet condition of the surface made the roads, during a large portion of the year, almost impassable. The soil was deep and rich, with a wonderful capacity of retaining water. But as improvements were made. and the lands ditched and drained, so the roads became drier and in better condition for easy and comfortable travel. One railroad, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago, passes through the center of the township from east to west. This was completed about 1853, and is one among the best roads in Ohio. The building of this road gave a great impetus to the improvement and progress of the township, opening out a means of transportation both for imports and exports; since which the progress of the township has been rapid and permanent. During the last few years, much attention has been given to the construction of pikes, several having been completed. In the bed of Hog Creek is an abundance of limestone, and here they have erected stone-crushers, run by steam power, by which the stone is broken up fine, and with which they build the best of macadamized pikes. Of these is the Kenton & Ada pike, which has been continued northward to within one mile of the Hancock County line, and one from Ada westward to the Allen County line, and one on the section line between Sections 30 and 31, following said line eastward to the Washington Township line, and others are in contemplation. These make solid, smooth and durable roads.

SCHOOLS.

The first school existing in Liberty Township was a subscription school, taught in a cabin on Marshall Candler's place by Roxanna Vincent, in 1837-38. Twelve scholars were obtained by the efforts of Mr. Candler. The teacher was paid $3 per scholar for a term of twelve weeks. In the northeast part of the township, the first school was taught by John Cooney, in the house of Hugh W. McElroy. Soon after, a small frame schoolhouse was erected on the southeast corner of John Garlinger's farm, opposite the present house, and Eli Strock was the first teacher. In 1873, this house was succeeded by the present neat and substantial brick house. And thus from settlement to settlement, in the different parts of the township, were established these pioneer schools, which were the germs of the present fine schools of this township. In the spring of 1850, the incorporation of the railroad company was made by the Legislature, and soon after surveys were

PAGE 715 - PICTURE OF J. A. STANSELL MD

PAGE 716 - BLANK

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 717

made, locating the road, and settlers began to locate in the vicinity of Ada, and, in 1851,a frame school building was erected on Main street, on the west side, about two squares north of the railroad. This house served the purposes of a schoolhouse and a place for holding elections for about fifteen years, when the great increase in the number of scholars made it necessary to build a larger and more commodious house. They erected a large, twostory brick house. This in a few years, from the rapid growth of the town, became insufficient to accommodate the children, and an extensive addition was built, attached to the former building, making it as it now exists. Again this became insufficient, and a frame building was erected with two rooms, on the same lot near the brick house. For several years this has been one of the best and most flourishing union schools in the county. The rapid growth of the town, with its enterprising class of citizens and excellent corps of teachers, have given this school a prestige perhaps second to none in the county. These school buildings, as they now stand, have cost about $14,000; and now (1883) their capacity is insufficient to properly accommodate the increased number of scholars, and they premeditate building larger this summer. Ada is also the favored location of one of the largest and best normal schools in the State, a full and extended history of which is given elsewhere in this work. The following is the last report of the Board of Education of Liberty Township:

Total receipts for school purposes. $3,807.97; total expenditures for school purposes, $3,917.17; amount overpaid by the Treasurer, $99.20. Number of schoolhouses, 8; rooms, 8; teachers, 8. Average wages per month paid teachers-male, $37; female, $22. Total valuation of school property, $6, 000.

Ada Union Schools-Total receipts, $8.263.28; total expenditures, $5,814.29; balance on hand. September 1, 1883, .$2,448.99. Number of houses, 9; rooms, 9; teachers. Average wages paid teachers, male, $43; female, $30. Valuation of school property, $50,000. A Superintendent is employed and paid for half-time at $60 per month. Entire enrollment of scholars, 578.

NORTHWESTERN OHIO NORMAL SCHOOL *

The Northwestern Ohio Normal School is located in the village of Ada, Hardin Co., Ohio, on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway, midway between the intersections of the D. & M. and L. E. & W. Railways at Lima and the I. B. &. W. at Forest. The village of Ada is situated in a healthy country on the water-shed dividing the waters flowing into the Gulf from those emptying into the Great Lakes. The country in the immediate vicinity, and for many miles in every direction is very fertile and under a high state of cultivation. The population is composed principally of native-born Americans. The inhabitants are generally moral, opposed to saloons and their concomitants. The village being small, numbering about 2,000 inhabitants, is free from many of the vices so prevalent in our large cities. The facilities for cheap boarding are good, and, all things considered, the advantages for obtaining a practical education are most excellent.

ORIGIN

In the spring of 1866, H. S. Lehr, the present Principal of the institution, came to Ada, then called Johnstown, and male the following proposition to the School Board: That he be paid $60 per month for the first

* By H. S. Lehr.

718 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

year's work, and allowed the use of the school building for select school when not in public use, and that, should he prove successful in procuring foreign scholars, the citizens of the town and vicinity should assist him in erecting buildings suitable for a normal school. In a short time, the limits of the old frame schoolhouses were outgrown and a commodious brick building was erected; wages were increased, commensurate with the prosperity of the school, and the school kept on increasing. when, after teaching four years in the fall of 1870 the foreign students amounted to 120, and the new Schoolhouse was found too small. The propitious time for asking the citizens for the promised help seemed to have arrived. A meeting of the citizens was called, and the following proposition was made for their consideration: That H. S. Lehr would furnish $5,000 toward the erection of a normal school building, if they would furnish a like amount. The proposition was accepted, and in order to raise his portion, Prof. Lehr admitted J. G. Park and B. F. Neisz as partners. The building was commenced at once, and in the fall of 1871 was sufficiently far advanced in construction to admit of dedication, and the school was formally opened August 11, 1871. The enrollment for the first term was 147. The enrollment for the spring term of 1883 will reach 1,000 different students.

First Faculty-H. S. Lehr, A. M.. President; B. F. Neisz, B. S., Vice President; J. G. Park, Secretary; Theo. Presser.

PROGRESS AND VICCISSITUDES OF THE INSTITUTION.

The enrollment of the first term was 147, but the second, or winter, term was much smaller. The first year, the High School scholars of the Union school attended the Normal School. which increased the enrollment and helped the finances. The school did not grow much the second year, for various reasons. First, the building and furnishing of the house involved the faculty to a considerable extent, and therefore they were unable to advertise. Second, some of the citizens failed to pay their subscriptions according to agreement, which gave the contractors an excuse for not completing the building according to contract. The roof being deficient, afforded an opportunity for litigation between the faculty and the Board of Trustees, who represented the citizens' capital in the building. At the end of the second year, a settlement was made between the Faculty and Trustees, and the building was fully repaired and completed by the faculty. Ever since, the growth has been constant, and the ratio of increase has been 10 to 40 per cent on each preceding corresponding term.

About this time, another partner, Lewis Rutledge, was added to the firm. He purchased the half interest of H. S. Lehr. In the spring of 1875, B. F. Neisz sold his interest to J. J. Wood. In the fall of 1875, the normal school known as the Northwestern Normal School located at Fostoria, Ohio, under Supervision of J. Fraise Richard, was bought by this school and moved to Ada. This removed a competitor, and as a consequence the school grew very rapidly. In July, 1876, Frederick Maglott purchased the one. fourth interest owned by J. J. Wood, and made preparations to devote his life to the normal school work.

In a short time, the number of students exceeded the facilities for accommodation. Another building and more apparatus must be supplied by some means. The question, "How shall the monoy be obtained?" presented itself forcibly. The faculty proposed to the citizens of Ada that the town be taxed to the amount of $20,000 for a new building, furniture and apparatus, and that the school furnish tuition free to all the High School

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 719

scholars after passing a certain grade. After much discussion, it was found that a majority of the citizens were in favor of the project, and at a meeting of the citizens a committee was appointed to go to Columbus and secure legislation empowering them to tax themselves for this purpose. The Committee consisted of J. E. Lowery, W. L. Reece, G. H. Zuschgwert and H. S. Lehr.

The Legislature passed a bill enabling the citizens to tag themselves, providing that at a special election, to be held for the purpose of determining, the measure be carried by a threefourths vote in favor of the bill. The vote stood 329 in favor, 23 opposed. The contract for a new house was let at once, and in the fall of 1879 the building was ready for use. The growth of. the institution now was marvelous. In a short time, its enrollment was doubled. The following table shows the annual enrollment:

School year 1871-72, number of pupils, 288; 1872-73, 281; 1873-74, 316; 1874-75, 357; 1875-76, 449; 1876-77, 476; 1877-78, 473; 1878-79, 695: 1879-80, 1,006; 1880-81, 1,402; 1881-82, 1,918.

In July, 1880, G. W. Rutledge sold his interest to N. G. Stringfellow and H. E. Neff. Mr. Stringfellow died February 2, 1883, his widow still owning an eighth interest in the school.

The institution has again outgrown its accommodations, and the faculty has contracted for the erection of a large frame building, to be used for recitations and a reading room. The proprietors are considering the propriety of changing the name and character of the school, making it a university in name and fact.

METHOD OF ORGANIZATION.

The institution is owned by the faculty, and under the immediate control of the same, both as regards its finances and its government. There are eight courses sustained: Teachers', Scientific, Classical, Commercial, Musical Telegraphic, Engineering and Medical. Arrangements are now being made for a Law Department. There have been many graduates in the classical course who have read more Latin and Greek than any college in Ohio requires in its course.

FACILITIES.

The school is well supplied with maps, charts, cabinets and libraries.

There is a well-appointed laboratory, in which students are required to spend not less than two hours per day for at least one term, doing actual chemical work; a dissecting room, where the medical students have subjects for dissection. There is a full supply of philosophical apparatus, a fine museum, and the finest supply of surveying and engineering instruments in any school in Ohio. The commercial department is fitted with offices and college currency, and carries on actual business, such as banking, importing, merchandising, jobbing, stock exchange, railroading, etc. Every department is fully equipped for honest, practical work.

LITERARY SOCIETIES.

At the founding of the school, the students were divided by lot into two divisions, A and B, and formed two literary societies. They have since been re-christened-the A's the Franklin Literary Society, and the B's the Philomathean Literary Society. These societies have always formed one of the important features of the school, by giving a thorough training in literary work, parliamentary law and actual business management; the management of them being left entirely in the hands of the students. It

720 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

calls out their executive and financial abilities. They are often involved in debt-sometimes $1,000 each-and soon pay out. One society at one time cleared $600 within six weeks. The increasing attendance made it necessary to form a third society-the Adelphian-and they now each haves an elegantly furnished hall, with a piano of the best and most elaborate make, extensive and well-selected libraries, having in all over two thousand volumes of the choicest matter. They each have a reading room, well supplied with the best magazines and periodicals published.

Aside from the society libraries, the school has a large library of textbooks, works on teaching, miscellaneous works, and a large collection of rare and very valuable public documents. for which we are indebted to Gen. J. S. Robinson, of Kenton, Ohio.

GRADUATES.

The following are the graduates of the institution, with the occupation. so far as known:

S. P. Grey, merchant, Columbia, Tenn.

A. D. Snively, farmer, Xenia, Ohio.

C. W. Butler, Superintendent, Defiance, Ohio.

R. C. Eastman, attorney. Lima, Ohio.

Mollie Hickernell, nee Schoonover, Teacher, N. W. O.N. S.

Sallie Lislie, nee Lindsey.

Sue Pooley, nee Fogle, deceased.

Metta Pifer, nee Ferrall.

E. L. Sinclair.

Anna Stayner, deceased.

J. W. Zellar, Superintendent, Findlay, Ohio.

U. R. Neisz.

J. M. Reid, Principal Normal School, Morill, Kan.

O. P. Wilson, farmer, Ada, Ohio.

Lottie Butler, nee Bloom.

Mollie Deleal, nee McNerney.

Emma Johnson.

Ollie Loveland nee Dobbins.

A. C. Pierson, teacher, Hiram College.

G. W. Rutledge, editor Republican, Kenton, Ohio.

O. M. Bowman, teacher, Kansas.

E. L. Miller, editor, Kenton, Ohio.

A. M. Tidd, attorney, Marion, Ohio.

B. W. Waltermire, attorney, Forest, Ohio.

S. F. Wilson.

Eliza Davenport.

J. J. Houser, Superintendent, Belle Centre, Ohio.

Fannie Galbraith, teacher, Salt Lake City, U. T.

A. R. Huffman, deceased.

Fred Maglott, member faculty, N. W. O. N. S.

Eves Maglott, nee Sisson, teacher, N. W. O. N. S.

S. A. Court, attorney, Marion, Ohio.

M. Jay Ewing, teacher, N. W. O. N. S.

G. W. Hall.

Mattie Gibson.

U. G. Stringfellow, deceased.

E. D. Bosworth.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - 721

W. D. Stratton.

D. G. Wylie, senior, Yale College

Mary Dulebohn, nee Young.

Eva Drawn, teacher, Weston, Ohio

Frank Hufford. Superintendent, Ada, Ohio

Rose D. B. Holleywell, teacher, Kenton, O

Chloe B. Jones, teacher, Los Angelos, CAL.

H. E. Lacey, attorney. Athelston, Kan.

Charles Melhorn, attorney, Kenton, Oh

C. B. Hickernell, teacher, N. W.. O. N. S.

R. L. Miller, Superintendent, Colorado Springs, Colo.

J. W. Caldwell, attorney, Toledo, Ohio

J. Cook. Superintendent, Genoa, Ohio

G. F. Getty, attorney.

L. E. Griffin, attorney, Hicksville, Ohio

Retta Murray.

D. E. Niver, Superintendent, Nevada. Ohio

S. J. Shetler, doctor, Justus, Ohio.

F. D. Ward, Superintendwit. Le Roy. Ohio

Mattie White.

Lillie Woodruff.

Cora Welsh, nee Houfstater

G. C. Dulebobn.

C. S. Barron, minister

A. E. Ewers.

J. H. Fimple.

Anson Shuster, teacher

R. L. Starr, attorney.West Unity, Ohio.

D. W. Steiner, doctor.

Ewing Stamm, teacher. Dunkirk, Ohio

T. B. Black, attorney.

N. H. Colwell, civil engineer, Kenton, Ohio

Allen Cook.

Alex Comrie, teacher, Ada, Ohio

George Conley, Superintendent, Shiloh, Ohio.

O. E. DeWitt. teacher, Shiloh, Ohio

A. M. Ebersole.

M. F. Egerman. teacher, Ada, Ohio

W. B. Jackson, teacher.

C. D. Kelley, salesman, Kenton, Ohio

Laura Krebs, teacher, Waynesfield, Ohio.

Emma Morehead.

Flora Miller nee Teegarden.

A. J. Meyres, insurance agent. Bucyrus. Ohio.

H. E. Neff, member faculty. N. W. O. N. S.

Ida Sisson.

B. F. Stratton.

U. K. Stringfellow, teacher, Benton Ridge. Ohio.

R. J. Babbitt.

H. E. Blacksten, doctor.

J. L. Hampton, teacher. N. W. O. N. S.

F. V. Irish, teacher, N. W. O. N. S.

C. F. Zimmerman, Superintendent, Forest, Ohio.

722 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

H. C. Campbell, Superintendent, Green Springs, Ohio.

W. J. Cookson, druggist, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Nona Gilbert, teacher, Ada. Ohio.

J. F. Garvin.

Mary E. Holtz.

Mary McElroy.

J. H. Peachey.

A. S. Rudy, doctor.

T. J. Robinson, teacher.

B. H. Turner, stock dealer, Col. Grove, Ohio.

H. P. Wagner, book dealer, Ada, Ohio.

W. H. Wagner.

S. P. Fisher, N. W. O. N. S.

Florence Harford, teacher, Michigan.

C. N. Haskins, teacher Deaf and Mute Institute, Columbus. Ohio.

Thomas O'Farrell.

A. E. Winter.

C. H. Apt.

B. T. Buchanan.

C. R. Carlo, Superintendent, La Fayette, Ohio.

T. H. Cecil.

I. J. Conklin, teacher. Morill Normal School. Regina

Regina M. Dixon, teacher, N. W. O. N. S.

P. H. Daub.

Ralph Diehl.

Lydia Easton.

J. F. Kimerline, Superintendent, New Washington, Ohio.

J. McAdams.

J. E. McAdams.

Emma McElroy.

J. F. Miller, editor, Franklin. Ohio.

W. T. Mooney.

S. P. Morgan.

Etta Nelson.

S. S. Palmer.

R. E. Sawyer.

Gertrude Scott.

Nannie Smith.

Mary C. Thomas.

R. S.. Torbert.

W. H. Troup.

C. H. Workman, teacher, N. W. O. N. S.

D. E. Shaw.

J. M. De Ford.

The class of 1883 will have thirty-five members. Present Proprietors: H. S. Lehr, A. M., President; J. G. Park, A. M., Vice President; Fred Maglott, A. M., H. E. Neff, B. S., Mrs. Rachel Stringfellow.

PRESENT CORPS OF INSTRUCTORS.

H. S. Lehr, A. M., Theory and Practice of Teaching, School Government, General History and Political Economy.

J. G. Park, A. M., English Grammar and Analysis, Logic, Greek and Surveying and Engineering.

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Frederick Maglott, A. M., Geography, Arithmetic, German, Latin and Greek.

Mrs. Eva Maglott, A. M., Mathematics, Latin, Letter-Writing and Composition,

M. Jay Ewing, M. S., the Natural Sciences.

L. M. Sniff, A. M., Mathematics and Botany.

Mrs. L. M. Sniff, Preceptress of Female Department.

C. B. Hickernell, A. M., Latin, Greek and Parliamentary Law.

Mrs. Mollie Hickernell, A. M., Rhetoric, English Literature, Latin and French.

C. H. Workman, Rhetoric and English Literature.

I. C. Guinther. German.

S. P. Fisher, Latin and Greek.

F. V. Irish, A. B., Arithmetic, Grammar, Orthography, Word Analysis and Latin.

Mrs. Regina M. Dixon, B. S , Assistant Teacher of Mathematics. W. D. Woodard, Bookkeeping and Commercial Law.

J. H. Baldwin, Plain and Ornamental Penmanship.

Gertrude Fryett, Painting and Drawing.

J. C. Holland, Architecture.

C. E. Rowley, Elocution and Voice Culture.

Mrs. C. E. Rowley, Piano and Organ.

J. J. Jelley, Vocal Music. Harmony, Organ and Director of Chorus.

F. R. Webb, Piano and Organ.

B. S. Young, Orchestra.

May Deming, Special Teacher of Elocution.

P. W. Ream, Telegraphy.

The Lecturers will be the best in the field. The following able instructors have been employed to teach during the summer months: Hon. J. J. Burns, Chillicothe, Ohio; Superintendent G. W. Walker, Lima, Ohio; Superintendent J. W. Zeller, Findlay, Ohio; Superintendent C. W. Butler, Plymouth, Ohio; Superintendent D. E. Niver, Nevada, Ohio.

CHURCHES.

Presbyterian Church of Ada.-This is the oldest church organization in this part of the county, and is, in one sense, a mother to many of the other churches, they being formed and organized within the walls of her church edifice. This society was organized August 21, 1841, in Huntersville, by Rev. Thomas B. Clark, with the following constituent members: Isaac Mathews, Nancy Mathews, James M. Nelson, Susanna Nelson and James Hamilton, who were received upon certificates from the Kenton Church, and Thomas Irwin, John McClure, Robert Hyndman and Jackson Mathews by examination, with Isaac Mathews and James M. Nelson chosen Elders. The society continued to hold its services at Huntersville for about fourteen years, when it was removed to the town of Ada-then called Johntown--where its services were a held in the schoolhouse, but was still known as the Huntersville Church. On April 11, 1860, at a meeting of the Find. lay Presbytery, held at Mount Blanchard, it was changed to the Johnstown Church, and was thus known and recognized until, on April 22, 1868, its name was changed to the Ada Church, by which name it has since been known. On January 7, 1861, the following persons were chosen as a Building Committee, to take charge of the work of erecting a church edifice, viz., James M. Nelson, Robert Hyndman, Thomas Irwin, John H. Mustard and

724 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

S. M. Johnson, and the contract of building the house was let to John H. Mustard. The work was immediately commenced, the frame erected and the house inclosed-, but on account of the war of the rebellion, then in progress, and from other causes, the house was not entirely completed till 1864, when it was finished and ready for use. The dedication of the house, it is believed, took place in the spring of 1867, Rev. T. P. Johnson, of Lima, preaching the dedicatory sermon. The following ministers have served the church as its pastors since its organization: Revs. Thomas B. Clark, John Ustick. James E. Marquis, R. All. Badeau, William M. Reed, J. A. Mocks, Mr. Edgar, John Kelly, C. K. Lehman and Z. B. Campbell, who is the present pastor, and is serving in his third vear as such. The Elders have been Isaac Mathews, James M. Nelson, Robert Hyndman, Elihu Mathews, John W. Nelson, John Dobbins, Alexander Sanderson. Alvin S. Nelson, Dr. I. C. McGinnis and D. G. Kemp. In February, 1883, the church was duly made an incorporate body, according to the laws of Ohio. The present membership is 150. Present Trustees, D. G. Kemp, I. C. McGinnis, A. C. Dobbins. George Epley and P. W. Roam. A union Sabbath school was early established in the schoolhouse, and was carried on for some time by non-church members. After the building of the above mentioned church, its meetings were removed from the schoolhouse to the church, and became a large and interesting Sabbath school. After the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ada. they established a Sabbath school, after which the union school continued for a short time and was disbanded. Then this church organized a Sabbath school of their own, which has since continued, and is now a very flourishing and interesting school, with an average attendance of about a hundred and fifty, with D. G. Kemp as Superintendent.

The Christian Church of Ada.- This society was organized in the fall of 1866. Elder Dana Call held a meeting in the old schoolhouse and organized a society of seventeen persons, viz., H. S. Lehr, George Sutton, William Kingsburry, Samuel Dickinson, Elizabeth Sutton, Harry Sutton, Charles Sutton, Queen Sutton, Robert Morrison. Rosetta Morrison, Marshall Carman, Deborah Carman, Lydia Scott, Lucinda Cochran, Malinda Dickens, Evan Jackson and Delilah Jackson, wits H. S. Lehr and George Sutton chosen Elders, and William Kingsbury and Samuel Dickinson as Deacons. About one year after the organization, the old schoolhouse was sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church and the society was left without a place for holding meetings: but subsequently the Presbyterian society kindly offered the use of their church, which was duly accepted, but after a short time, everything not working harmoniously, the society was again without a place of meeting. The use of the town hall was then obtained at a nominal rent, where the society worshiped until, in the fall of 1877, the church had erected their present frame house, into which they moved and have since worshiped. The lot upon which the church is built was purchased by A. Ream in the fall of 1868. The house was not built till 1877, and cost about $1,800. To Elder Orrin Gates belongs the honor of forming the present organization and of working up an interest by which the present house of worship was erected. Elder O. A. Burgess dedicated the house in the fall of 1877. The ministers who have served the church as its pastors are as follows: Elders O. Gates, Maxwell Thurman and Z. O. Shepherd, various other ministers having been employed to hold revival meetings. The present membership is about one hundred. Present officers are: Elders, H. S. Lehr and :I. J. Ewing; Deacons, N. R. Park, J. G. Park and George

PAGE 725 - BLANK

PAGE 726 - WILLIAM HEMPY

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Sousely; Clerk. Alva Gardner; Treasurer. N. R. Park; Trustees, T. J. Wise, Evan Jackson, -Mr. Phillips. L. B. Sniff and H. S. Lehr.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Ada.-At quite an early day a class was organized at the Sleichter Schoolhouse, where they held meetings for several years, but about 1853, the town of Ada having been laid out and a little village started, Rev. Jacob Fechtley held a meeting at the old schoolhouse of said village, and organized a class embracing some of the members of the former class, and others, as follows: Eli Pugh, Eli Newman and wife, daughter and son, Judge Simon's wife, George McElroy and wife, Jane Lynch and probably a few others. Services were then held in the schoolhouse until the erection of the Presbyterian Church, when they kindly shared the house with them, and services were held there until the erection of their church edifice in 1867-68. At the fourth quarterly conference of the church, held May 18, 1861, the following persons were elected as Trustees: S. S. Smick, N. Ahlpfeld, Horace Gilbert, Dr. R. Davenport. John Davenport, J. O. Phillippi, T. .J. Carson, Samuel Arbuthnot and Samuel Stringfellow, who were to purchase a lot and take charge of the erection of said house. The building, a large frame. was erected and so far completed as to be used for holding services, and the same was duly dedicated by a sermon by Rev. Granville Moody, of Cincinnati. The following ministers have been pastors from time to time of this charge: Joseph Wykes, 1862; Joseph Wykes and Silas Maltby in 1863; William J. Peck and Hamilton J. Bigley in 1864; William J. Peck and Thomas J. Mather in 1865; James S. DeLisle, 1866-67; Benjamin L. Rowand, 1868-69; John W. Hill, 1870-72; Isaac N. Smith, 1873-75: Philip A. Drown, 1876; Dwight R. Cook, 1878: William Fitzgerald. 1879; Dwight R. Cook, 1880-81, and A. C. Cook, 1882-83. Class Leaders as follows: Hammond Gilbert, Samuel Arbuthnot, Joseph Myers, C. E. Livenspire, E. W. Gilbert, W. L. Reece, J. T. Cunningham, R. R. Bryan, Rufus S. Stockwell, John M. Gilbert, John Davenport. R. G. Hubble, William N. Bryan, Thomas Boyd, Thomas J. Cary, Daniel Helms, A. A. Thomas, T. S. Russell and B. Mowan. Present membership, 218. Present Stewards: James T. Cunningham, William L. Reece, John Davenport, Joseph Myers, Thomas Boyd, Daniel Helms and Samuel Cary. Trustees: John Davenport, W. L. Reece, P. K. Sale, W. N. Bryan, E. W. Gilbert, J. L. Dally, C. B. Hickernell, L. Richeson and J. T. Cunningham.

First Regular Baptist Church of Ada-This society was organized in the Presbyterian Church October 2, 1866. by Rev. Chapman, of Lima, Ohio, consisting of the following eleven constituent members, viz.: Mary A. Gilbert, E. L. Sanford, Cyrena Judd, William League, N. B. Holder, D. S. Judd, Rachel Sanford, Clara C. McClenahan, Elizabeth Perry, Ann Glass and John Gilbert, with John Gilbert chosen as Deacon. Prior to the above organization, by the request of several persons of the Baptist faith in Ada and vicinity, Rev. E. D. Thomas was sent here by the Home Missionary Society to hold a series of meetings, with the view of organizing a church if the interest in the cause should manifest itself so as to justify such an organization. The result of said meetings was the above-mentioned organization. In 1867, they erected their present frame church edifice at a cost of about $2,500. The house was duty dedicated to service May 10, 1868, by a sermon by Rev. Chapman, of Lima. Rev. E. D. Thomas remained as pastor until his death. He was succeeded by Rev. J. D. Albert; then Rev. R. R. Williams accepted the call of the church, and proved a very earnest and faithful minister of the Gospel, and under his earnest labors

728 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

the church increased in members and usefulness, and through his faithful labors much good was done in this community. He was succeded by Rev. Crandall; then Rev. Spencer came to the charge, who was succeeded by Rev. William Leet, and he by Rev. J. D. Allerton; then Rev. M. L. Bowers served the church for a time, after whom Rev. J. D. Allerton returned, who was the last minister in charge. The society is at present without a pastor; but it is to be hoped that they will not long remain without a shepherd, but that the Spirit of Grace may arouse their zeal to activity and their faith be shown by their good works. The present Deacons are John Gilbert. S. M. Drury and Mr. Wood.

Catholic Church, Ada.* - After Kenton, Ada was generally considered the most prominent station for the priest of Hardin County. This village being situated in the extreme northwestern corner of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, just three miles east and south of the boundaries of the diocese of Cleveland, priests from the latter diocese frequently attended the same. Thus, twenty-five years ago, Father Sullivan, from Tiffin, afterward Father Murphy, from Lima. both priests from the Diocese of Cleveland. visited the Catholics of Ada. When in June, 1866, Rev. Nicholas Raymond Young, the first Catholic priest resident in this county, had arrived in Kenton, this station fell to his charge. Father Young frequently visited the people of Ada on Sundays and conducted divine service in the second story of a frame building situated on the northwest corner of Buckeye and Johnson streets, owned by Bartholomew Bastable, afterward destroyed by fire. Rev. Augustine M. Quatman succeeded Father Young toward the close of 1869, but not remaining in Kenton very long, be attended Ada only on two or three occasions. The nest Catholic pastor of the Hardin County stations was Rev. Nicholas J. V. Fas, who arrived in Kenton in June, 1870. Father Fas, finding the increasing work throughout the county rather difficult for one priest, negotiated with the Bishops of both dioceses, and the charge of Ada was again given to the priest of Lima, who at that time was Rev. Alexander R. Sidley. This priest attended Ada for about three years, celebrating mass in different private houses, but finally in a small room above E. E. Bauman's grocery, on the southeast corner of Buckeye and Main streets. By order of His Grace, the Most Rev. John Baptist Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati, we took charge of Ada in the beginning of 1874. We found in the little room a board for an altar, a small confessional, a table and several benches. On June 24 of the same year, we gave first holy communion to ten young persons. The congregation of Ada has remained in our charge ever since, with but one short interruption, which was in the year 1881, when from May 12 until December 31, Rev. Honoratus Bourion, A. M., of Bellfontaine, had charge of the Hardin County stations outside of the Kenton congregation. Our assistants, the Revs. Joseph M. Quatman, Alfred D. Dexter, Andrew Ebert, William B. Miggeel and F. X. Lasance, in their turn, aided us, in attending to the spiritual wants of the people. The first Catholic land owner in this vicinity was F. C. Baker, who entered a large farm, at present adjoining the Corporation of Ada, as far back as 1837, but, owing to the great distance from a Catholic Church, he soon returned to Columbus. His son, Anthony C. Baker, is at present living on this farm. The oldest actual settlers belonging to the Catholic faith, as far as we are able to ascertain, were Messrs. Michael Flynn and James Morrow, who arrived in 1856. Both own beautiful farms at present, the former four miles west of Ada, in Allen County,

* By Rev. A. S. Siebenfoercher.

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the latter close to Ada. Daniel Breen came about 1858. Thomas Bastable, who died in 1874, and his brother Bartholomew, arrived in 1861; Daniel Hanley in 1863; Bartholomew O'Leary one year later. Jacob Forbing, at present one of the committeemen of the Kenton Church, formerly a resident of Ada, had donated a lot on the southeast corner of Ballard and Johnson streets, for the purpose of erecting thereon a Catholic house of worship. With Mr. Forbing's consent, however, we sold that lot in 1874, and bought two lots on the corner of Simon and Hoosier streets, which were considered better located for the purpose. The foundation of the Ada Church was begun on the 10th of September, 1874, and on the 8th of December of the same year the church, a frame structure, 30x50, was completed, with altar, pews, organ and bell, just as we see it at present. By permission of the Archbishop, Rev. A. M. Quatman, from the cathedral, dedicated the church on that day the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For the special patron of the church was chosen "Mary Immaculate," under the title of our "Lady of Lourdes." Quite a number of non-Catholics contributed freely toward the new church ; we collected from them about $600, toward which Nathan Ahlefeld alone gave $200, and Henry Zugschwert $100. More than $600 were collected by Father Joseph Quatman and ourselves outside of Ada, mostly in Cincinnati. At present the church is free from debt. The total cost of lots, church building. furniture, etc., came to $3,227.50. The only time the Archbishop visited Ada was July 10, 1871. Fathers James A. Burns, Henry J. Moeller D. D., A. M. Quatman, .J. W. Quatman, A. H. Dexter and ourselves, also Messrs. Bernard Matthews and John McGuigin accompanied the aged prelate from Kenton. On that occasion seventeen persons received the sacrament of confirmation, and Rev. Dr. Moeller, then pastor at Bellefontaine, at present Secretary to Right Rev. William Henry Elder, D. D., coadjutor Bishop of this archdiocese, delivered a very interesting lecture on the sacrament of the Eucharist. From the 15th to the 19th of May, 1878, Father Augustine, of the Passionist Order, preached the first, and indeed, a most fruitful mission to the people of Ada. His rare, eloquence will long be remembered. June 28, 1880, Bishop Elder visited Ada and confirmed twelve persons, being assisted by Rev. A. D. Dexter and A. S. Siebenfoercher. From April 8 to 11, Father Robert C. P. gave the second mission at Ada, the success being in every particular similar to that of the mission five years previous. In early times, the priests who visited Ada would stop with different families, but later on, generally at Mr. Forbings or at Mr. Hanley's, until after the building of the church, the kindly tendered hospitality of Mr. O'Leary, who lived nearest to the church, was accepted.

The number of Catholic families belonging to the Ada congregation at present is about thirty. The first election of a regular church committee took place January 19, 1878, and resulted in the choice of Anthony C. Baker and Francis Owens for two years, and Thomas Fielding and Peter Sweeny for one year. Services are held at Ada twice each month on Sundays and frequently on week days. Recitation of catechism takes place every Sunday afternoon, under the direction of Mr. D. Hanley. The Catholics of Ada have long been known for their singular attachment to the attending priests, nor has this true Catholic spirit in the least diminished. During the building of the church and on all occasions the greatest possible harmony existed between the priest and people. The thought about the past history of the church at Ada is that of great pleasure and satisfaction, but the crowning work of all is that much has been accomplished for the good of the people and the glory of God.

730 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church.-This society was organized August 28, 1876, at the house of Samuel Anspach, Esq., in Ada, by Rev. J. L. Smith, Missionary President of the District Synod of Ohio, who gave them a constitution, and the organization was then completed by Rev. J. G. Neiffer, of Lima, Ohio, consisting of the following constituent members, viz.: Samuel Anspach, Mrs. Samuel Anspach, J. H. Umbaugh, Mrs. J. H. Umbaugh, S. M. Anspach, Mrs. S. M. Anspach, J. W. Umbaugh, Mrs. J. H. Umbaugh, L. M. McCreery, A. Cronebaugh, Mrs. A. Cronebaugh and Mrs. A. Oberlin. The erection of a church edifice was immediately commenced, the corner stone of which was laid in the summer of 1877, and the house was completed and dedicated to service August 25, 1878, by Rev. J. Weber, of Adamsville, Ohio. assisted by Revs. T. W. Corbet, of La Payette, Ohio, and J. G. Neiffer, of Lima, Ohio. The church is a fine brick structure, 32x48 feet, with tower and vestibule, costing about $3,500. Rev. J. G. Neiffer preached for the society every two weeks during the greater part of the year of 1877. Rev. F. P. Cook, of Mount Pleasant, N. C., having received a call from the congregation, which he accepted, became its pastor in January, 1878, and was formally installed at the dedicatory services of the church the following August. Rev. T. W. Corbet. of La Fayette. preaching the installation sermon. Rev. Cook has since remained the pastor in charge. The first Deacons of the church were J. W. Umbaugh. Samuel Anspach, S. M. Anspach anal J. H. Smith; present officers, Deacons, John Tressel, J. W. Umbaugh, Augustus Cronebaugh and D. M. Anspach; Trustees, Samuel Anspach, J. W. Umbaugh. John Tressel, S. M. Anspach and Samuel Kuhn; present membership, fifty. A Sabbath school was organized soon after the church was dedicated, and now has ad average attendance of about fifty to sixty, with J. NV. Umbaugh as Superintendent.

Wesleyan Methodist Church at Ada. - This religious body was organized in August, 1878., with the following members, to wit: Rev. S. Rice, Miss Mary G. Rice. Rev. C. E. Rowley, Mrs. Rebecca Mathews W. R,. Mathews, Mrs. Mary Mathews, Eliza Jane Hodge, Richard Williams, Mrs. R. Williams and Mrs. Rebecca Hively. with Mrs. Rebecca Mathews as Class Leader. They held services in the public hall on Main street until the erection of their church edifice. which was dedicated to service on Sunday, November 23, 1879, the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Rev. T. K. Doty. of Cleveland. Ohio. The church building, completed and furnished, cost $2,700. William Lenty, of Ligonier, Ind., donated to the building of this house of worship $2,150. The first ministers appointed as pastors of this society were Revs. S. Rice and C. E. Rowley. A Sabbath school was organized September 19, 1880, with special reference to the students. Attendance, seventy-two, and arranged in seven classes. The present membership of the church is thirty, with Rev. C. E. Rowley as pastor, L. J. Geesaman, Leader; and H. Livingston and L. J. Geesaman as the Board of Trustees.

Summit Christian Church.-This society was organized, it is believed, in 1859, in the Summit Schoolhouse, by Rev. H. P. Darst, consisting of the following persons: Andrew Kridler, Mary Kridler, Christina Garlinger, Susanna McElroy, William Summerville, Cassander Summerville, Cassander Thorne, William Hodge, Catharine Hedge, Andrew Gross and wife and Mrs. Starritt. They have continued to hold services in the schoolhouse up to the present time. They, however, anticipate building a house for worship this summer. The following ministers have served this society as its pastors: Rev. H. P. Darst, until his death, who was succeeded by

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 731

Rev. John Bushong; then Rev. Shaw; next Rev. Edmunds. followed by Rev. James Wilson; then Rev. Enoch Harvey. succeeded by Rev. Marshall Candler, then came Rev. Elijah Grubb, followed by Rev. Nelson Hard; then Rhoda Franks, followed by Dr. J. T. Robinson, and he succeeded by Rev. Marshall Candler, who is the present pastor in charge. This society was quite large and prosperous for several years, but many have died and others moved away, until it is now reduced to about nine members, with Henry McElroy as Deacon. A Sabbath school has been held for many years during the summer season, and has been well attended. Last summer the attendance averaged forty, with Mr. Atkins as its Superintendent.

Ames Chapel, Methodist Episcopal Church.---This society was organized at the house of William Vincent. in the east part of Allen County, about 1846 or 1848, consisting of the following persons: William Vincent and wife, Eli Newman and wife, Hammond Gilbert, William Bell and wife, and probably a few others, whose names have passed from recollection. They continued to hold services at the above-mentioned house until the erection of the Wood Schoolhouse in 1851, when the society was moved to it. where services were hell more or less regularly until about 1871, when, from various causes, the organization was abandoned, and for about four years no meetings were held. But about 1875, Rev. Samuel Hagerman held a meeting in the schoolhouse, when a re-organization was effected, with the following members: John Peltier and wife, Jeremiah Nixon, Jane E. Nixon, Jonathan Shaw, Nancy Shaw, Nancy Derry, Franklin Turner, Minerva J. Shaw, with John Peltier as leader. They continued to hold services in the schoolhouse until the erection of the present frame church in the summer of 1877, at a cost of about $1,200. The house was dedicated in January, 1878, by Rev. William S. Paul, the Presiding Elder. The following ministers have serve- as pastors since its organization: Revs. Alexander Harmount, Harrison Maltby, Mr. Krebbs, N. B. C. Love, James S. DeLisle, John Brice, John K. Ford, Lorenzo D. Rodgers, Mr. Peoples, Benjamin B. Powell, Mr. Crozier, Isaac N. Kalb, Richard Biggs, Charles Ashton, Mr. Plant, Benjamin L. Rowan and John W. Hill, all of whom served prior to the abandonment of the society. Since the re-organization, in 1875, the following have served, viz., Revs. Taylor, I. Jagger, A. J. Frisbee, Dwight R. Cook, Jesse Carr, and J. W. Hill, the present pastor in charge, who has served three years. Present membership, thirty-three; Class Leader, Jeremiah Nixon; Stewards, Jonathan Shaw and Levi L. Larne; Trustees, Jonathan Shaw, Jeremiah Nixon and Thomas Jones. A Sabbath school was early organized and conducted through the summer seasons for many years, but during the past two years it has been held through the entire year, with an average attendance of about thirty, with Levi L. Larne as Superintendent. The building of the church was superintended by the following Board of Trustees: Jeremiah Nixon, Jonathan Shaw, Isaac B. Turner, M. W. Nichols and James R. Harshey.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Paid's Reformed Church.- On March 1, 1851, the following persons met at the house of George Rusher as representatives of the faith and doctrines of the two above denomination, respectively, for the purpose of organizing a church, via. : Of the first-mentioned church, George Rusher, Samuel Anspach and Solomon Anspach; of the last-mentioned church, David A. Klingler, Charles Asire and Christian King. At said meeting, the following were elected as a Building Committee and Board of Trustees, viz., George Rusher, Samuel Anspach and Charles Asire, with George Rusher as Clerk. They soon

732 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

commenced the work of getting out the material for the erection of a log house for church purposes, which was completed in the fall of 1852. The house was built, 26x34 feet-a log house-and was duly dedicated to service November 14, 1852, by a sermon by Rev. A. Doner, Lutheran minister, from the text, eighth chapter, 36th and 37th verses, of the Gospel of St. Mark. This was the first church edifice ever erected in Liberty Township. At the first communion service, hold by Rev. A. Donor, April 3, 1853. there were the following members: Lutheran- George Rusher, Samuel Anspach, Esther Anspach, Jonathan Anspach, Elizabeth Anspach, Solomon Anspach, Hannah King and Esther Long; of the Reformed--David A. Klingler, Sarah Klingler, Charles Asire. Susanna Asire, Christian King. John Long and Margaret Anspach. They continued to worship together under the ministerial efforts of Rev. A. Doner for about eighteen months until his death. From this time on to 1874, they held services together. preaching being bad every two weeks during most of the time, alternately by the Lutheran and Reformed ministers. At the above date-1874-it became necessary to erect a new house of worship, as the old one had become dilapidated and unfit for use, and as the matter came up before the, congregation, some differences of opinion arose, and it was finally decided that each denomination should build a house of their own, which they did. two houses being erected, after which each denomination worshiped in their own house. The Lutherans elected the following as a building committee and Board of Trustees. viz. George Rusher, Gottlieb Adam and Solomon Anspach. with George Rusher as Treasurer, who also acted as Clerk. They decided to locate the house at the cross-roads, about one-half mile south of the old church. Daring 1874-75, a good. substantial frame house was erected and the same dedicated June 6, 1875, by Rev. T. W. Corbet, assisted by Brother Prof. D. Worley. The house cost. all completed. about $1,700, and soon after the dedication the indebtedness was all paid and the house made clear of incumbrance. The present membership is sixty-one, with the following officers: Deacons, George H. Rusher and William Lones; Elders, George Rusher and Gottlieb Adam; Trustees. George Rusher, Gottlieb Adam and Solomon Anspach; pastor in charge. Rev. F. P. Cook. They have-held a Sabbath school during the summer seasons for several years, and now have an average attendance of about forty, with George Rusher as Superintendent. and Gottlieb Adam, Assistant.

St. Paul's Reformed Church.--At the above date, 1874, when the two denominations ceased to worship together, this congregation elected the following persons as Trustees and a building committee, and at once commenced to erect a house for church purposes, viz.: S. Hertick, S. G. Fought, David Klingler and John Klingler. A good brick house, 36x50 feet was erected and the same dedicated in January, 1875, by the Rev. Prof. Good, of Tiffin, Ohio, assisted by the pastor in charge, Rev. James P. Hale. The church has been quite prosperous, and now has a membership of about seventy, with Rev. J. J. M. Gruber as pastor, and S. Hetrick, S. G. Fought and J. A. Klingler as Elders, and R. C. Klingler, David Klingler and Amos Klingler as Deacons. A Sabbath school was organized soon after the new house was built, and has been very flourishing, having now an average attendance of about eighty, with Noah Hetrick as Superintendent and David Klingler as Assistant.

CEMETERIES.

The Candler Cemetery was probably the earliest established burial place in the township. It is located on the old Candler farm, in the south

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 733

west corner of Section 7, and was dedicated as a burial place by the reception of the body of fir. Candler, the father of James Marshall Candler, who died September 3, 1835, since which it has received a large number of the dead of this neighborhood. The McElroy Cemetery, located near the southwest corner of Section 1, was very early donated for a burial place by Hugh W. McElroy, and received the body of Heziah McBride, wife of John McBride, who died August 13, 1839, since which there have been interred here many of the pioneers and others of this neighborhood. Several of the early settlers were buried upon their own farms, and some have been interred in adjoining townships. But the. principal cemetery of the township, and which is in the care of the Trustees, is located about two miles south of Ada on the northeast corner of Section 33. This is pleasantly situated, and will now become the principal place of interment for Liberty Township. The St. Paul Cemetery is located on the northeast quarter of Section 30. It was donated to the St. Paul Lutheran and the St. Paul Reformed Churches by David A. Klingler, and contained two acres. Subsequently one-half acre was sold to the Reformed Church, upon which they erected their house of worship, so that it now contains one acre and a half. It is well fenced and is in the care of six Trustees, three of whom are appointed by the St. Paul Lutheran Church, and the other three by the St. Paul Reformed Church. They are as follows: Of the first-named church, George Rushor, George H. Rusher and William Lones; of the second-named church. John W. Klingler, Samuel Fought and Jonas Long, with John W. Klingler as Treasurer and George H. Rusher as Secretary. The first person interred here was Adam Anspach, a son of Solomon and Margaret Anspach.

MILLS.

The first settlers for several years hacl to go through the almost unbroken forests into Log an County to obtain their grinding. This was very tedious and laborious, and often took from four to five days to make the round trip. The first relief from this was when Jacob Sapp came and settled where the south part of Ada now stands, who brought with him a small pair of buhrs. and then, with his ax, drawing-knife and auger, erected a small horsemill, which cracked the first corn in this region. This was in 1838-39. In 1840, George Hacket erected a grist mill about two miles north of Ada, on Hog Creek, run by water-power. This he ran but a short time, when be was compelled, through a complaint of his neighbor that water was backed on to his land,to tear away his dam and relinquish all further business with his mill. In 1843, John Tressel, Esq., erected a water grist mill on Hog Creek. This did a good business until the project of draining the marsh was commenced, when his dam had to be torn out and his mill was useless. The next to be erected was a steam grist mill at Ada, which was built in 1858 by David Sleichter and Calvin Gilbert, which,in 1859, was purchased by Christian Young, who ran it seven years, when he took in his two brothers, Henry and William, and under the firm name of Young & Brothers carried on a prosperous business till about 1872, when William Edwards purchased the property. In 1873, he was succeeded by Rinehart & Lowry, and then by John Carey, who continued to run it till about 1879, when it went out of use. About 1874, Joseph Ream & Son erected the present steam mill in the west part of the town. They soon after made an assignment to C. W. Gilbert, who made sale of the property to Smith & Richards; then Smith became sole proprietor and conducted the business till his death, after which the property was sold at administrator's sale to Park Bros., who were

734 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

succeeded in the ownership of the property by Lyle & Hall, who are now running the mill and are doing a good business. Several saw mills have from time to time been temporarily located in various parts of the township. There are two in the country at the present time which are doing quite a business--one in the north part of the township on Section 10, and one in the southern part on Section 28; the latter is the property of Nicholas High, who has been doing quite an extensive business there for several years. Other mills have existed in Ada, which will be written of in the history of that town.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

There is but one town-Ada-formerly known as Johnstown. This town was laid out into lots, streets and alleys by William Mitchell as proprietor, July 30, 1853. The original plat consisted of seventy-five lots, all on the north side of the railroad, and was named Johnstown. On May 24, 1861, upon petition of thirty-eight residents of the town, it was, by the act of the Commisioners, Samuel Wood, E. C. McLane and Peter Marsh, made and constituted an incorporated village, and subsequently its name was changed to Ada in correspondence with the name of the post office, which was established soon after the building of the railroad by the name of Ada. The following are the various additions which have since been made to the town, viz.: B. Mowan, made May 18, 1863; S. M. Johnson, December 30, 1864; E. B. Heistand, March 27, 1867; L. F. Stumm, J July 22, 1867; A. Ream, December 19, 1866; Ahlefeld & Aruthnot, September 30, 1867; William Edwards, December 10, 1867; S. M. Johnson, 2d and 3d, eastern and southern, December 30, 1869; P. Ahlefeld, February 3, 1871; Thomas Irwin, February 29, 1872; S. S. Smick. January 20, 1872; A. Ream, second addition, March 16, 1872; John Dobbins, subdivision. April 19, 18(2; James M. Diefenderfer, October 28, 1872. By an act of the County Conmissioners, on November 9, 1872, the corporate limits of the village were extended, after which were made the fullowing additions: A. Ream, third addition, January 4, 1875; E. B. Heistand, December 16, 1875; John Dobbins, February 18, 1878; H. S. Lehr, April 20,1878; Hugh Dobbins, March 10, 1879; Hugh Dobbins, second addition, April 10, 1879; H. S. Lehr, July 14, 1879; John F. Rice, July 8, 1879; Ream & Gilbert, November 24, 1879; G. W. Rutledge, April 12, 1880; DI. Bryan, April 25, 1881; P. Ahlefeld, August. 30, 1881; F. Maglotts, February 4, 1882; and Genevra & Hayden, June 16, 1882.

It will be seen by the extensions and many additions of Ada, that it has had a very rapid growth. At the time the railroad was being built, the company needed large amounts of timber and lumber, and S. M. Johnson was prevailed upon to locate at this place and erect a saw mill. This was the first business and the beginning and foundation of the town. Very soon after, a company store was started here, of which the head and principal was William Mitchell. He was succeeded by Horace Gilbert, William Wilson, Mr. Greene and William League, who constituted the first and earliest merchants. The saw mill employed several men, who, with their families, made a demand for houses. These were the nucleus from which has sprung the present large and flourishing town. The next most important business carried -on here was the hoop pole and stave trade; many thousands of car loads of hoop poles, staves and barrels were shipped from this station, Mr. League being the principal dealer and manufacturer of barrels, and employed many men. Joseph Crawford is said to have been the first blacksmith, and Mr. Horgan (colored) the second. The first phy-

PAGE 735 - PICTURE OF GEORGE C. BORDERS

PAGE 736 - BLANK

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 737

sicians were Dr. Ward and Dr. Kyle. The town had only a moderate growth up to about 1860, but in the meantime the country around was becoming thickly settled and improved, which gave a support and impetus to a more rapid growth. In the spring of 1862, N. B. Holder located here and opened the first drug store of the place. Business of all kinds rapidly increased and stores were multiplied and a steady growth of the town was maintained until 1870, the Normal School building was erected, and from this time forward to say the town grew rapidly does not express the true condition-it really "jumped " from a thriving. village to a prosperous town of almost. 2,000 inhabitants. We have thus briefly traced the history of the town, which has now been in existence scarcely thirty years, and will now sum up the present business interests numerically, which will show to generations in the future its volume of business in 1883; they are as follows: Four dry goods and general stores, seven groceries, one produce dealer, two hardware stores, three stove and tin stores, three drug stores, three boot and shoe stores, one book store, three clothing houses, two furniture stores, four millinery and fancy goods stores, one saddle and harness shop, three restaurants, three saloons, two billiard parlors, two banks. two livery stables, one grist mill, five blacksmiths, one scroll saw and planing mill, one saw mill, two carriage and wagon manufactories, three hotels, three barber shops, one artist and photographer, two bakeries, two jewelers, one gents' furnishing goods, two warehouses and grain elevators, four meat markets, one bed spring factory, one tile factory, one architect, eight physicians. three dentists, t«-o attorneys at law, and one newspaper (weekly) established in 1872 by B. L. Thompson as a neutral paper, and knows, as the Ada Record. In 1877, J. E. Fisher became business editor, and its name was changed to The Commercial. In September, 1878, Mr. Fisher retired. In November, 1877, the Literary Casket was established by Miller Rutledge. In September, 1878, Mr. Rutledge sold his interest to B. L. Thompson. and the firm-now Miller &, Thompson - purchased the Commercial of Mr. Fisher and consolidated the two into one paper, under the name of the Ada Record. In December, 1879, Mr. Miller purchased the interest of Mr. Thompson, and, in August, 1881, Mr. Welsh became sole proprietor of the paper, and has since conducted its publication, and has now a circulation of about 1, 000.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Ada Lodge, No. 1882, Knights of Honor.-This society was instituted November 21, 1879, by J. B. King, D. G. D., with the following charter members: S. Watt, J. H. Ballard, J. N. Church, A. Shaw, J. H. Smick, M. V. Gilbert, H. Schindewolf, E. N. How, J. N. Bodge, W. H. Christopher, W. N. Bryan, O. N. Judd, G. G. Westhoven, A. F. Nye, A. M. Dary, J. V. McGregor, L. L. Dobbins, A. Welsh, O. M. Bowman, L. H. Wells, F. H. Moses and T. C. Christopher, with the following officers: S. Watt, Jr., P. D.; J. H. Ballard, D.; J. N. Church, V. D.; J. M. Bodge, A. D.; M. V. Gilbert, Chaplain; A. Welsh, R.; A. Shaw, F. R.: H. Shindewolf, Treasurer; A. M. Davy, G.; L. H. Wells, Guide; G. G Westhoven, Sent.; and W. H. Christopher, M. D.; present membership, thirty-eight; present officers: F. H. Moses, P. D.; H. Schindewolf, D.; L. L. Dobbins, V. D.; William Eifert, A. E.; G. G. Westhoven, R.; A. B. Charles, F. R.; S. Watt, Treasurer; C. H. Thomas, Guide; W. N. Bryan, Chaplain: Winfield Houser, G.; D Lehman, Sentinel; S. Watt, Jr., G. Sent. of O.; and L. W. Campbell, M. D.; Trustees, M. V. Gilbert, F. H. Moses and A. Welsh.

738 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Ada Lodge, A., F. & A. a2.. No. 344, was instituted August 21. 1863, with the following charter members: Orrin Curtis, N. Ahlefeld, R. B. Reid, William L. Reece, Calvin E. Stumm, Hollis J. Gilbert, John C. Stumm, Samuel Arbuthnot, E. B. Heistand, Baltzer Mowan, J W. Walters and John Scott, with the elective officers: Orrin Curtis, W. AT.; Nathan Ahlefeld, S. W.; R. B. Reid, J. W.; William L. Reece, Secretary; Samuel Arbuthnot, Treasurer; Calvin E. Stumm, S. D.; Hollis J. Gilbert, J. D. and Baltzer Mowan, T. Present membership. seventy; present officers. Alexander Carman, W. M.; J. S. Rice, S. W.; M. F. Eggerman, J. W.; Alexander Comrey, S. D.; W. H. Barker, J. D.: C. Young, Treasurer; Benjamin Guyton, Secretary; and J. L. Smith. T. Meetings, first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Ada Chapter, R. A. M., No. 138, was instituted July 13, 1874, with the following charter members: J. H. Smiek, R. B. Reid, B. I. Murray, James E. Lowry, George S. Thomas. Christian Young, George H. Zugschwert, P. Ahlefeld, W. B. Grafton, P. W. Stumm, C. E. Stumm and F. C. Gastinger, with the following officers: John H. Smick, H. P.; R. B. Reid, K.: Christian Young, S.; Philip W. Stumm, C. O. H.. George S. Thomas, P. S.; .James E. Lowry, R. A. Capt.: C. E. Stumm, G. M. 3d V.; W. B. Grafton, G. M. 2d V.; Frank C. Ganstinger, G. M. 1st V.: Peter Ahlefeld. Treasurer; G. H. Zugschwert, Secretary: and Benjamin I. Murray, G. Present membership, twenty-nine; present officers: Alexander Carman, H. P.; Christian Young, K.; J. F. Rice, S.; R. \V. Rutledge, C. O. H.: J. M. Bentley, P. S.; S. H. Hagerman. R. A. C : E. W. Gilbert, G. M. 3d V.: A. Barlow, G. M. 2d V.; J. L. Smith, G. M. 1st V.; Peter Ahlefeld, Secretary; William Guyton, Treasurer; and W. H. Mustard. G.; Trustees. M. Preston, George Seib and C. W. Gilbert. Meetings are held at Masonic Hall the first and Fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Ada Lodge, No. 427, I.O.O.F. - This society was instituted July 6, 1869, by James Turner, of Dayton, G. M. with the following charter members: Joshua Shuster, A. B. Huff, M. A. Wilson, E. E. Williams. W. B. S. Henkle, John Rowland, James Gardner, D. P. Selleck and D. Binns, with the following officers, viz.: D. P. Selleck. N. G.; S. H. Collins, V. G.; J. Shuster, R. Secretary; E. E. Williams, P. Secretary; Daniel Butler, Treasurer. Present membership, seventy-four, with the following officers: J. H. Quint, N. G.; D. J. Hull, V. G.; R. S. Shanks, R. Secretary; J. N. Church, P. Secretary; A. S. Shaw. Treasurer. Trustees, C. Hammer, C. Stramm, J. Friedly, J. V. Wise and S. Watt.

Ada Encampment, No. 226, I. O. O. F. - was instituted June 26, 1882, by John N. VanDeman, Grand Patriarch, Charter members: W. H. Morrow, J. N. Church, F. H. Moses, J. H. Quint, J. M. Davis, L. Richeson, G. F. Marmon, A. Shaw, George C. Tressel. D. J. Hull, R. S. Shanks, R. Davenport, O. F. Clemmer, H. Schindewolf and Samuel Watt; officers: G. F. Marmon, C. P.; J. H. Quint. H. P.; F. H. Moses, S. W.; W. H. Morrow, S.; J. N. Church, Treasurer; L. Richeson, S. W.; present membership, thirty-three; present officers, F. H. Moses, C. P.; L. Richeson, H. P.; R. S. Shanks, S. W.; W. H. Morrow, S.; J. N. Church, Treasurer; and Jacob Clark, S. W.