500 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY five hundred dollars, and the former two hundred dollars. These machines were used until 1865. In November of that year, a steamer—a third-class Silsby engine—was purchased, costing $4,000. About 1872, a new hose cart was bought. About 1860 a hook and ladder company was formed. In 1862, at a tournament held in Cleveland, this company won a silver trumpet, valued at $100; and the next year, another at Sandusky, of the same value ; the latter being afterward presented to M. T. Gaston, as a token of gratitude for his services. This company won the prize in six tournaments. GAS AND ELECTRICITY The citizens of Oberlin have been having gas for some fifty years and electricity for perhaps half that period. Both the illuminating agents have been furnished by the Oberlin Gas and Electric Company since 1912. The enterprise is the property of the Light and Development Company of St. Louis, and is patronized by about 1,100 users of gas and 400 of electricity. Paul M. Loewe is the local manager. In the fall of 1858 Mr. W. Stephenson undertook to provide the town with gas, and many of the citizens took stock in the enterprise. After laying some of the pipes, he failed ; and the next year Samuel Plumb assumed the undertaking, the citizens who had subscribed stock throwing it up to secure its success. FIRST NEWSPAPERS, COLLEGE PUBLICATIONS The press of Oberlin originated in the Evangelist, established by the college in 1838, as medium of communication between the young institution, with its eager and determined spirit, and the reading public of the great outside world. It was founded in November, of that year, five years after the college was opened, and was at first a quarto published every two weeks, edited by an association of college professors. In 1844 Professor Henry Cowles became its editor, and continued in charge until its suspension in 1862. James M. Fitch, the college printer, issued the Peacemaker and the People's Press, of a general character, in the '40s, and from 1845 to 1849 published the Oberlin Quarterly Review, devoted to the discussion of theological questions, and conducted editorially by President Mahan, Rev. William Cochran, Professor Finney, and other able members of the college faculty. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 501 BIBLIOTHECA SACRA COMPANY Bibliotheca Sacra Company of which Prof. G. F. Wright is the proprietor publishes Bibliotheca Sacra, the oldest theological quarterly in America, now in its eighty-sixth year, and was founded by Dr. Edward Robinson, and three numbers were issued in New York City. In 1844 it was removed to Andover, Massachusetts, where the publication of the present series began, under the editorship of Professors Bela B. Edwards and Edwards A. Park, with the special co-operation of Doctor Robinson and Prof. Moses Stuart. In 1851 the American Biblical Repository (which was begun in Andover in 1831 by Doctor Robinson and later removed to New York City) was united with Bibliotheca Sacra. Prof. Edwards A. Park continued as its principal editor until the close of its fortieth volume (1883). Since that time Prof. G. Frederick Wright has been its leading editor, and with representative associate editors has continued the Quarterly in the line of its original projectors. Asso. ciated with him in the editorship at various times since have been Edwards A. Park, W. L. Barbour, E. C. Bissell, F. B. Denio, C. F. Liming, D. W. Simon, Archibald Duff, Judson Smith, W. G. Ballantine, Samuel Ives Curtiss, I. E. Dwinell, Frank H. Foster, James Lindsay, A. A. Berle, William E. Barton, Henry A. Stimson, Herbert W. Magoun, Azariah S. Root, Melvin G. Kyle, W. H. Griffith Thomas, and George E. Hall ; while for five years Z. Swift Holbrook was joint editor. The Quarterly has about 200 pages in each number, and ranks among the highest for its scholarly character, and is taken in the leading libraries in all the theological centers of the world. Among its recent contributors are G. Ch. Aalders, A. Noordtzij, and A. Troelstra, of the Netherlands; J. Dahse and E. F. König, of Germany ; E. S. Buchanan, J. S. Griffiths, J. Lindsay, G. Margoliouth, H. M. Wiener, of Great Britain; and W. H. G. Thomas, of Toronto (lately of Oxford), who will be recog nized as among the most prominent rising scholars of Europe. In addition to Bibliotheca Sacra, the theological quarterly, the company publishes the following books by Professor Wright : "Scientific Confirmations of Old Testament History," "The Ice Age in North America and Its Bearings Upon the Antiquity of Man," "See Ohio First ; a Guide to the Best Routes to the Most Interesting Scenes in the Buckeye State." Books by Harold M. Wiener, M. A., LL. B.: "Essays in Pentateuchal Criticism," "Pentateuchal Studies," "The Origin of the Pentateuch." Also : "The Deciding Voice of the Monuments in Biblical Criticism," by Melvin G. Kyle, D. D., LL. D.; "Miracle and Science," by 502 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Francis J. Lamb ; "The Person of Christ," Edward II. Merrell ; "English Literary Miscellany," by Theodore W. Hunt. THE LORAIN COUNTY NEWS The first newspaper of a general character that proved to be permanent was the Lorain County News, the first number of which was issued on the 7th of March, 1860, by V. A. Shankland and J. F. Harmon, at that time publishers of the Oberlin Evangelist. It was a six column folio, price $1 per annum. During the first year of its existence the News was edited by A. B. Nettleton, who laid down the pen to assume the sword in defense of the Union. He was succeeded by J. B. T. Marsh, then a college student. At the commencement of the war, in 1861, Mr. Harmon sold his interest in the publishing business to his partner, and enlisted in the army where he served three years. Mr. Shankland continued to publish the paper alone until March 5, 1862 (the close of the second year), when Prof. H. E. Peck purchased an interest therein, and the business was continued by V. A. Shankland & Co., with Prof. Peck and Mr. Marsh as editors. In the summer of 1863 both the editors withdrew from the News, Mr. Marsh enlisting in the army. In July, 1863, William Kincaid, then a senior in college, assumed the position of editor, and served in that capacity for one year. He was succeeded by L. L. Rice, who edited the paper until October, 1865. In 1864, Mr. Harmon returned from the army and again became joint owner of the paper, and in November of the-same year he purchased Mr. Shankland's interest and became sole proprietor. In October, 1865, he sold the entire establishment to J. B. T. Marsh, who conducted the paper as editor and proprietor until July 31, 1867, when he sold it to Elbert W. Clark, who employed Prof. C. H. Churchill as editor. Under this management the News was published for about two years, when Mr. Clark sold the office to E. P. Brown, at that time publisher of the Bellevue Gazette, who conducted the paper as editor and publisher until February, 1870, when he sold it to Richard Butler, who on February 9, 1871, sold the establishment to Justus N. Brown, a graduate of the Oberlin Theological Seminary. After conducting the paper about three months as sole proprietor, Mr. Brown still occupies the post of editor. In May, 1873, Mr. Wildman sold his interest to J. H. Lang, but continued to retain the position of foreman. About the first of December, 1873, Brown & Lang sold the office to George B. Pratt and J. H. Battle, Mr. Pratt being one of the proprietors of the Oberlin Times, formerly the New Era, and at that date the Times and News were consolidated, retaining the name of HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 503 the latter, which was changed to The Oberlin Weekly News, the title it now bears. Although the News started its new career under apparently favorable auspices, its field for expansion was small and its changes in proprietorship continued to be rapid. In fact, during the first twenty years of its existence it had a new owner on an average of about once a year. It is at present conducted by W. H. Phillips. THE TRIBUNE The Tribune, a weekly republican newspaper, was founded by J. L. Kinney, in November, 1894. It was then a four-page sheet printed on a 10 by 15 press, in the Comings Block. The paper was enlarged in 1895 and three years afterward the plant was burned. The weekly was soon reissued in an enlarged form, and in 1907 the business was incorporated under the name of the Tribune Printing & Publishing Company. The company named is controlled by C. M. Kinney and J. L. Kinney, the latter the founder of the paper. CURRENT COLLEGE PUBLICATIONS Besides the Bibliotheca Sacra, already mentioned, the most important collegiate publications are the Oberlin Review, founded in 1874 ; the Oberlin Alumni Magazine, a monthly established. in 1904, and the Oberlin Monthly, the organ of the students, which has been published since 1908. OBERLIN BOARD OF COMMERCE The Oberlin Board of Commerce has done much to improve civic and material conditions in Oberlin during the twenty-one years of its life. The first meeting of the citizens to form such an organization was held on February 8, 1895, and a week after a constitution and by-laws were adopted, with 0. F. Carter as president ; M. G. Dick, first vice president, A. Fauber, second vice president, and II. J. Clark, treasurer. F. L. Fuller was appointed secretary. The board has a present membership of one hundred, and its officers are : W. H. Phillips, president ; E. A. Stevens, first vice president ; Dr. W. F. Thatcher, second vice president ; J. L. Edwards, secretary, and J. B. Vincent, treasurer. THE OBERLIN BANKING COMPANY The only financial institution of Oberlin which is not young—and that is only about twenty-seven years of age—is that conducted by the Oberlin Banking Company. It was opened to the public in May, 1889, 504 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY with A. H. Johnson, as president ; C. E. Berry, vice president, and F. L. Fuller, as cashier. A. H. Johnson remained at the head of its affairs for a year, when he was succeeded by E. P. Johnson, who served as president for twenty-three years. He was followed by the present incumbent, H. C. Wangerine. Mr. Berry served one year as vice president of the bank and his successors in that position have been F. B. Rice, A. Strauss and G. W. Morris. There have never been but two cashiers—F. L. Fuller, already mentioned, who served during the first four years of the bank, and A. M. Groveland, who still holds the position. The capital stock of the Oberlin Banking Company is $50,000; surplus and undivided profits, $25,000, and the deposits over $580,000. THE SAVINGS BANK COMPANY The Savings Bank Company was organized in January, 1904, largely through the efforts of Captain J. F. Randolph. Its first president was George C. Prince; vice president, William B. Bedortha, and cashier, H. L. Basse. Mr. Prince was succeeded by M. M. Squire as president; Captain Randolph became vice president in 1905, and Mr. Basse is yet serving as cashier. The capital stock amounts to $32,500; surplus and undivided profits, over $33,000, and deposits about $350,000; resources aggregate nearly $420,000. THE PEOPLES BANKING COMPANY The Peoples Banking Company was organized in April, 1906, with the following officers : J. T. Henderson, president ; H. F. Smith, first vice president ; C. W. Morrison, second vice president, and H. G. Waite, cashier. There has been no change in the foregoing offices, except in the cashiership, which is now held by I. L. Porter. The financial condition of the Peoples Banking Company in the spring of 1915 is indicated by the following items published in one of its reports : Capital stock, $25,000 ; surplus and undivided profits, $12,256 ; deposits, $246,000 ; total resources, $283,000. THE CHADWICK FRAUDS IN OBERLIN The remarkable frauds perpetrated by the New York adventuress, Mrs. Cassie L. Chadwick, upon leading financiers and capitalists throughout the country, found a victim in the Citizen's National Bank of Oberlin, through its president, C. T. Beckwith, and its cashier, A. B. Spear. That institution, an outgrowth of the First National Bank of HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 505 Oberlin, founded in 1863, was considered one of the most conservative banks in Ohio, and it was therefore a stunning blow when it failed to open its doors on Monday, November 28, 1904. Although President Beckwith assured the depositors, when it became known that the bank had become involved in the Chadwick toils, that the sum borrowed .by the woman was amply covered by the securities held by the bank, the directors seemed pessimistic from the first. The facts gradually leaked out that Mr. Beckwith had lent the Chadwick woman various sums covering a period of two years, amounting to about $100,000, and that after his personal funds had gone he and Cashier Spear had made her loans from the bank, for which they had received two notes for $500,000 and about $250,000 in approved securities signed by "some great millionaire." Three of the bank directors had first heard of the loans in July, 1904, they having received the information from the late W. B. Bedortha upon his death bed. When Mrs. Chadwick was sued by Banker Newton, of Boston, for $190,000, which she had fraudulently borrowed of him, there was a commotion in Oberlin, as the information had generally spread that the Citizens National was also involved. There was quite a run upon the bank on Saturday, November 26th, and, as stated, its doors were closed on the following Monday. The directors of the bank at once sent for the state bank examiner, L. L. Miller, of Canton, who assumed the receivership. He was joined by a Government bank examiner and their joint examination of the books revealed that the president and cashier had made loans from the funds of the bank to the. amount of about four times its capital stock. The arrest of these officials was followed by that of Mrs. Chadwick, in New York City, as the notes purported to be signed by Carnegie had been pronounced forgeries by the steel king. The adventuress was arrested on the night of December 7, 1904, at her apartments in the Hotel Breslin, New York City, for aiding and abetting President Beckwith and Cashier Spear in the misappropriation of bank funds of the Citizens National Bank. The bank officials had been arrested three .days before. As the specific transactions upon which the indictments were brought were carried out in Cleveland, the grand jury sat in that city. Five indictments were found against Mrs. Chadwick and four each against Messrs. Beckwith and Spear. In the following February the United States Grand Jury found other indictments against Mrs. Chadwick and Messrs. Beckwith and Spear for frauds in connection with the bank funds. Eventually, Mrs. Chadwick amid Cashier Spear were punished, as they deserved, but Mr. Beckwith died on February 5, 1905, while the suits against him were pend- 506 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY ing. Prior to the bank complications he had stood high in the community and much sympathy was felt for him, especially as he seemed crushed under his disgrace ; and, as his end proved, he was not equal to the trial of sustaining such a burden. CARNEGIE TO THE RESCUE Many Oberlin College students had deposited their small savings and funds in the wrecked bank, but Mr. Carnegie, who was such an innocent party to the Chadwick frauds as they affected the Citizens Bank, came to their rescue, and advanced them the moneys called for by their bank books. He also made good the threatened loss of the Young Men's Christian Association, and the deposits which had been made by aged people, Civil war veterans and invalids. Not long afterward, he also made his provisional donation of $125,000 to the College Library. By these means the community was relieved of much anxiety, actual suffering was averted and the bad effects of the bank failure were counteracted as much as possible. VILLAGE ITEMS OF THE EARLY DAYS In 1833 Brewster Pelton put up a log house, which served as a hotel, a few rods east of the historic elm. In 1834 he built in front of it a comfortable frame building, which was burned in 1866 and the Park House erected in its place. The first blacksmith shop in Oberlin was owned by Bela Hall and stood on the site of E. M. Leonard's present dwelling house. At that time the creek ran just south of his shop, though it has since changed its course after crossing Main Street. In December, 1834, Anson Penfield started a blacksmith shop and edge-tool factory near the College Mill on South Main Street. His grindstone was placed in the basement of the mill, which furnished the power. In 1838 he was killed, while alone, using the grindstone, by being caught by the belt and carried around the wheel. His brother, Isaac Penfield, carried on his shop after his death, afterward associating with himself James McWade. At the same time Hiram Pease had a wagon shop on the corner now occupied by I. Penfield and son. He afterwards sold to Penfield and Avery. The first store in Oberlin was opened in 1834, by Theodore S. Ingersoll. This store continued but a short time—perhaps two years. The first steam mill was built by Oberlin College, in the fall of 1833, south of Plum Creek, on South Main street, near where the residence HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 507 of James McWade now stands. It was at first only a sawmill. The engine was constructed in Cleveland, and was brought on in October, 1833, and the sawmill was soon in operation. The next year a small flouring mill was erected, to be driven by the same engine ; also machines for cutting lath and shingles. These machines furnished labor for several students, and the whole establishment was owned by the college. This seemed at first necessary, but was found on the whole inexpedient, and it was afterward sold and became the property of individuals. Several new houses were erected during this year, on Main Street and around the square. At a colonial meeting the question was raised what color the houses should be painted ; and it was finally voted, some strongly protesting, that as red was the cheapest and most durable color, the houses ought to be painted this color. But with the exception of the Oberlin shop, and two or three houses, one of them Mr. Shipherd's, this note was not carried out, and with these only for -a few years. The principal settlements in Oberlin were first made on the east side of Main Street, opposite the College Square, and south on the same street. Mr. Shipherd's house was north of the square, the back part of the house now owned by Mr. Hulburd ; and he afterward built the house now occupied by Mr. Jewell. Mr. Pringle Hamilton's house, a mile south of the village, was built in 1834, and was then far in the woods. East College and East Lorain streets began to be settled next in order. There were buildings there in 1834. In 1835, there were two houses built on Professor Street, Professor Finney's and President Mahan's, and that street was not opened north of Lorain and south of College Street. The house of Chauncey T. Canier, the college farmer, the one now owned by President Fairchild, was built in 1838 or '39, but was then in the lot. North Professor was not opened till sometime later, and West College was simply a pocket, having no outlet. The west street was laid out, giving a. passage across to Lorain, and it was called West Street because it was supposed it was the last street that would be needed toward the west. Pleasant street, between Lorain and College, was opened very early, but its extension north and south has been quite recent. West Lorain was opened at the beginning, but was not built up much till one got west out of town, and made its connections with Henrietta, Brownhelm, etc. Thus, all there was of the town for a great many years, was found on four streets. The town did not extend much south of the creek, the tendency to build in that direction coming with the advent of the railroad. The first steam mill, owned by Oberlin College, was sold to Isaac 508 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Chamberlain. Mr. Chamberlain sold the mill to Henry Wilcox, who ran it for some time. It was owned by Beebe & Horton when it was burned in 1846 or '47. In 1841, a sawmill was built on the east side of Water Street by Ellis, Wilder & Reed. It was run a short time before it was given up. L. M. Hall built a flouring mill a short distance north of it, using the old boiler to furnish steam for the engine. Before there was any mill, Mr. Hall ran a team to bring flour from Ashland. About the year 1846, Lewis Holtslander built a grist mill on the west side of Water Street, and south of Hall's mill, P. P. Stewart putting in the engine. This was only run a year or two, and is now owned by Hervey Leonard. In 1862-3 Mr. Jenkins built a sawmill on the south side of Mill Street, which Samuel Plumb bought in 1863, and sold in the fall of the same year to Reuben Haynes and H. 0. Swift. After the death of Mr. Haynes, Reuben Stone bought his interest. The building on South Main Street afterward occupied by L. S. Colburn as a planing mill, was built in 1838 by three students, James A. Preston and William H. Evarts, who became missionaries to Jamaica, and Cephas Foster, who settled in Galena. President J. H. Fairchild, then a senior in college, took the job of making the window frames for fifty cents apiece, and made them, twenty in number, in five days. The building was erected to aid students depending on manual labor for support. Seth B. Ellis, who owned the shop alone, or with others, for twenty-five years, purchased the first planer and matching machine for it, and the first shingle machine. About the year 1848, a carding and cloth-dressing machine was put in-, and for many years there was quite an extensive business in this line. In 1834, before there was any postoffice in town, Harvey Gibbs used to carry the mail between Oberlin and South Amherst, in a leather bag which would hold about half a peek. He was the first postmaster, the postoffice being in the first building north of the site of the town hall. In 1841 T. Dwight Eells was appointed postmaster. Mr. Eells was succeeded by Mr. Munson, who kept the office until 1849, and filled it again from 1853 until 1861, when G. F. H. Stevens was appointed. J. F. Harmon was appointed in 1865, and was succeeded by postmaster Will. Allen, `iii 1874. John Steele is the present incumbent. Professor Dascomb practiced somewhat as a physician for a short time. In 1835 or 1836, Dr. Alexander Steele was invited and came to Oberlin, and had all the practice. Dr. Otis Boise was afterward associated with Doctor Steele for a few years. In 1846, Dr. Homer Johnson came from Birmingham, where he had been practicing medicine for about ten years, to Oberlin, where he was associated with Doctor Steele, HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 509 till 1859. They had a large practice, as well in the surrounding country as in the village. Doctor Steele died in April, 1872. The colored people, who now form about one-sixth of the whole population of the place, did not come in much at an early day. Some of the first families were those of Mr. Farris, Mrs. Crabbe, and Mr. Smith. Sabrain Cox came from the West, in 1839, as a student, and finally married and settled down, and has ever since been one of the most substantial colored citizens. Campton, Copeland and the Pattersons came from North Carolina. Anson Jones also came from North Carolina, and was one of the characters of Oberlin. When a slave, he hired his time. and by working at his trade as a blacksmith, bought himself and family at a cost of $8,000, and then came to Oberlin and put his four sons through college. He worked away at his anvil till he was over eighty years old. He took a good deal of interest in politics, and took the National Intelligencer and the Charleston Mercury. An act to incorporate the Town of Oberlin was passed by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, February 17, 1846. The first mayor elected was Lewis Holstander. By an ordinance passed by the town council, in 1853, the name of the town, the limits of which were defined, was to be the "Incorporated Village of Oberlin." In 1861, the limits of the corporation were enlarged, and again in 1870 and 1871. The running of the railroad through Oberlin was an important event in the history of the town. The trains began to run in the fall of 1852, and the road was then called "The Toledo, Norwalk and Cleveland Railroad," and ran through Grafton instead of Elyria. Before this, students had gone on the railroad to Wellington, and had come from there by stage. Before the road was built, students from the East commonly- waited for the lake to open in the spring. This coming of the railroad to Oberlin gave both the town and the school a new start. It was soon after the inauguration of the scholarship endowment, by which the school had been so largely increased, and furnished augmented facilities to the crowds of students in reaching it. At the spring election of 1868, a large majority of the qualified electors of Russia Township voted for the building of a town hall, and soon after the State Legislature passed a special act constituting the township trustees and the town council a joint board to build such town hall. Acting in accordance with this, the board made an assessment, and afterward issued bonds, and contracted for the construction of the proposed building, which was completed in 1870, at a cost of $18,000 or $20,000. CHAPTER XXIV VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON HOW WELLINGTON WAS NAMED-UNEVENTFUL TWENTY YEARS-THE ACADEMY-PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS-INCORPORATION OF WELLINGTON VILLAGE-PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS-WELLINGTON WATERWORKS-THE HERRICK LIBRARY-WELLINGTON CHURCHES-THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH -THE WELLINGTON CHURCH OF CHRIST-THE BAPTIST CHURCH-THE CATHOLIC MISSION-THE WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE-THE FIRST WELLINGTON BANK-BIG ROBBERY--OLD-TIME DAIRY INTERESTS-HOME OF THE HORRS-WELLINGTON AS IT IS. Wellington had a history of about thirty-seven years before it was incorporated as a village in 1855. The first settlers in the township commenced to arrive in 1818, and for a number of years located near its center, where quite a settlement had been formed even before the railroad came in 1845. HOW WELLINGTON WAS NAMED The township was organized in 1821 and its name naturally was adopted by the Center. How the name Wellington was selected by the few householders who were then on the ground is thus told : "In selecting a name for the township, the honor was put up and struck off to the highest bidder ; the bid being an offer to chop out roadway, the highest offer to chop (linear measurement) to win. Charles Sweet bid eighty rods, and the naming of the township was accorded to him. He named it Charlemont, which was not acceptable to the rest. They offered to do Sweet's job for him, he surrendering his right to name. He consented, and Wellington was the name agreed upon to the satisfaction of all concerned—some favoring that name through admiration of the Iron Duke, others through a desire to honor their compatriot, William T. Welling, one of the first five who came. So that all were gratified." UNEVENTFUL TWENTY YEARS In 1829 there were twenty-one householders in School District No. 1, the Center District, most of whom lived at or near the present site of - 510 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 511 the village. Small additions were made to the population of the place until the old Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad was revived in 1845 and, mainly through the insistence of Dr. D. Z. Johns, Wellington was made a station. The line actually entered the township in the summer of 1849 and soon afterward reached the town. From that time its substantial future was an assurance. THE ACADEMY Both the Congregationalists and Methodists had been organized for nearly thirty years, the Masons had founded a lodge and several primitive schools had been in operation for some time before the railroad came. In 1849, the year that it entered the township, the first school of high grade in Wellington was opened by Miss Mary Ann Adams. The building was erected by Gideon Adams, her father. The school was designed for an academy, and Miss Adams was well qualified to conduct such an enterprise as she had been for some time at the head of the female department of Oberlin College. The academy secured a liberal patronage, and continued for a number of years after the village was incorporated and the public schools were organized and graded. PROGRESS OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS The buildings east of Main Street were erected in 1867-68 at a cost of $30,000. Since then the school property has been much improved, 512 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY although the accommodations are somewhat inadequate to meet the requirements of the expanding and progressive community, and it is promised that a new building will soon be erected. The number of pupils now enrolled in the union school is 520, of whom 155 are in the high school. W. S. Eversole was the first superintendent of the Wellington System ; was succeeded in September, 1870, by W. R. Wean, who served until 1879 ; Mr. Wean was followed by R. H. Kinnison, who retired in 1914, his successor being A. E. Robinson, the present incumbent. A new course of study has been adopted which includes domestic science and manual training. The equipment for these new courses is complete and up-to-date. Playground apparatus is also being built for the school grounds and the games of the children are being supervised along modern lines. Shower baths and other improvements are also under way which will make the Wellington school a credit to the village. INCORPORATION OF WELLINGTON VILLAGE The corporate limits embrace about 1,200 acres of land, being original lots Nos. 21, 22, 27 and 28. The organization of the municipality was effected August 6, 1855. The first corporate election was held the 3d of December, 1855. John M. Swift was chosen mayor. The first regular election was held the following April, 1856, resulting in the election of Edward S. Tripp, who served two years. The population of the village at the census of 1860, was 1,029 ; in 1.870, it was $1,281; and at this writing (January, 1916), the population is estimated to be about $2.500. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS Among the village improvements which have brought much credit to the citizens of Wellington, within the past thirty years, are the building of a large and handsome town hall in 1885, the founding of the Wellington Public Library and the establishment of the waterworks. The town hall was erected in 1885 and has a large amusement hall and auditorium. Wellington is quite a Chautauqua center and numerous interesting gatherings have been held in the town hall by members of the circle. WELLINGTON WATERWORKS About the year 1895 the question of waterworks for the Village of Wellington began to be agitated. Various locations were suggested and HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 513 considered which for sanitary and other reasons were rejected. The principal discussion centered on a pond near the west line of the corporation which had been constructed to supply ice for domestic purposes and near which a two-story brick building had been erected for an electric light plant and for manufacturing purposes and which by installing the necessary machinery could be also made to serve as a pumping station. The water supply however came from such source as to make it unsuitable for any thing further than extinguishing fires and for mechanical uses and for this reason the proposition met with a very vigorous opposition from those who saw in it only a temporary expedient which in a little time must be abandoned both for insufficiency of supply and because it was so situated that it would be inconvenient if not impossible to install a filtering plant necessary to render it suitable for domestic uses. For purposes of history it may be mentioned that there was another site proposed for a reservoir on the headwaters of the Wellington Creek, about 61/2 miles south where there was opportunity to secure the drainage from about 500 acres of land which was entirely free from all sources of contamination and from which there was a fall of 170 feet to the center of the village. It was claimed that this site would furnish a gravity system with sufficient pressure from a 12-inch main to throw water over our highest buildings and needing nothing in the. way of a pumping station; only possibly a stand pipe and the usual distribution through our streets and very much reducing the expense of oversight and up-keep over that of the local reservoir which when secured would furnish a very unsanitary quality of water, not at all what was needed. On these two propositions the citizens were divided into two hostile factions and were for many weeks surveying, examining reports of engineers, corresponding with towns in which the gravity system was in use, hearing objections to the same and arguments in favor of a local plant. and finally the people were so confused that when the question was submitted to a vote it resulted in favor of the home plant, and Wellington lost its opportunity of obtaining a system of waterworks at a slightly increased cost, but giving a sanitary water supply and at almost a nominal expense for management. Our present system with additions and improvements has cost about $50,000.00, and was completed in 1898. Three additional reservoirs have been constructed and at this date (1915) the town has outgrown them all and has found it necessary to bond the town for $35,000 to secure funds with which to buy a site, construct a reservoir, filtering plant and pumping station, which is at this writing (December, 1915) nearly completed and will probably be ready for service early in the spring of 1916. Vol. I-33 514 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY This promises to be all that could be desired both in capacity and quality. The reservoir is estimated to have a capacity of from 50,000,000 to 75,000,000 gallons and when filled is believed to be sufficient to supply the town for three years even if there should be no rains in that time. THE HERRICK LIBRARY E. F. Webster, president of the Herrick Public Library, kindly furnishes the following: "Wellington's first library was a joint stock affair, and was established between 1840 and 1850; exact date unknown. The number of volumes was comparatively small—only a few hundred but excellent in quality. During the Civil war our little library was sold and went into private libraries. "Wellington was, after the time named, without a library of any sort, until 1873, when the need of a library was so keenly felt, that twelve of our prominent citizens resolved to establish one. By agreement a campaign of one day was organized. The campaign for subscribers for stock began at 7 :00 A. M. and ended at 6:00 P. M. The campaign was conducted by six teams of two members each and it was agreed that the team that turned in the fewest number of. subscribers was to meet the expense of a banquet for the twelve. The campaign was a success. It was a stormy day and there were twelve tired men at night, but a library was assured. The banquet celebrating the day 's work was a joyful occasion. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 515 "A constitution and by-laws were adopted, proper committees appointed, rooms secured, about 1,200 books purchased and the library was in full swing. No one but stockholders were permitted to draw books without paying for the privilege. In 1886, by unanimous consent of the stockholders, an act of Legislature was secured authorizing the trustees of the township to receive from the stockholders, the library, and from that time it was a free township library. However, funds available were entirely insufficient to properly maintain the library, and the rooms too small to properly accommodate it. Comparatively few books could he purchased for want of funds, and the public interest waned. "In 1902 Hon. Myron T. Herrick, a former townsman, purchased the hotel property on the public square and caused to be erected on the hotel site our present beautiful and spacious library building, that will accommodate from 10,000 to 12,000 volumes. In January, 1904, Governor-elect Herrick, with a party of friends from Cleveland, came to Wellington on a bitter cold day and through a furious storm, and in a public meeting held in our Opera House, formally delivered to our township trustees a deed of the new library building, known as the 'Herrick Library.' "What books we had were transferred to the elegant and spacious building so generously given us by Governor Herrick. Our books only filled a small. portion of the shelves and the necessity for funds to suitably match the building was keenly felt. It was found that funds authorized by law for a 'township library' were entirely inadequate to meet our pressing wants. Through the efforts of our representative, Hon. J. T. Haskell, the law was so amended as to afford ample funds. "The efforts of our book committee have been to secure a selection of books worthy of their beautiful home and that should meet the demands of a critical reading public. The general opinion is that they have succeeded. Our classification now matches, fairly well that of the American Library Association Model Catalogue for 8,000 volumes. " The number of books (including an order now in) is slightly over 10,000 volumes. Since we have had our new building, with the largely increased number of books in the library, the interest of our people in the library has steadily increased. The circulation is now about 25,000 volumes annually. "It may be of interest to note, th.at our library building stands on the site of the hotel in which were enacted the stirring scenes connected with the celebrated Oberlin-Wellington Rescue Case. It will be remembered that a number of the prominent citizens of Oberlin and Wellington were arrested on account of participation in that case, and as they refused bail, they were sent to the Cleveland jail. Their trial attracted 516 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY the attention of the entire country. The writer of this sketch, was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War and in Arkansas, near the Texas line, he found men who could neither read nor write, who were quite familiar with the celebrated case. it was one of the events that caused the southern slave holders to 'see the handwriting on the wall.' "The officers of the library in the fall of 1915 were as follows: E. F. Webster, W. B. Vischer and E. A. Van Cleef, trustees, Mr. Webster being the president of the board, Mr. Vischer, secretary and Mr. Van Cleef in charge of building; Eugene E. Cushing is treasurer, and Miss Edith Robinson, librarian." WELLINGTON CHURCHES The church history of Wellington lacks only a few years of covering a century, the Congregationalists and the Methodists, the pioneers of the local field, still flourishing. The Disciples was next in order and the Baptists and Catholics of comparatively recent organization. THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH On the 20th day of April, A. D. 1824, the Rev. Lot B. Sullivan and Rev. Alfred Betts, being commissioned by presbytery, organized a church, which they styled the Church of Wellington. The names of the members were Joseph Kingsbury and wife; Huldah Adams ; David Webster and Harmon Kingsbury, from Otis, Massachusetts ; Nancy Hamlin, Sarah Wilcox and Sarah Battle, from Tyringham, Massachusetts: and Lydia- Sullivan, from Lyme, Ohio. Letters of dismissal and recommendation were granted to Mrs. Sullivan December 20, to Joseph Hunnon and Martha Kingsbury June 13, 1825, leaving the church composed of seven members—two men and five women. In October, 1825, there was an accession of four members, one of whom, Mrs. Orpha Webster, still survives—April 1, 1879. The first place of meeting was a log schoolhouse at the center, where the brick block on the northeast corner now stands. On the 29th of November, A. D. 1828, Rev. Joel Talcott was settled as pastor over the church. He was the first settled as pastor and remained as such until September 4, 1837. It was during his ministry that the above exhibit of growth mainly occurred. During the nine years of his pastorate there were 152 accessions to the church, in which connection it should be borne in mind that the number of inhabitants in the township was but small from whom to recruit its ranks. On the 5th of October, 1838, the church and society extended a call to Rev. H. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 517 W. Fairfield to become its pastor, the pulpit having been filled, during the interval since Mr. Talcott resigned, by temporary supplies from Oberlin, mainly by Prof. Henry Cowles. On the 1st of April, 1839, Mr. Fairfield requested the church to release him from his engagement, which was not acceded to, but Mr. Fairfield's name, as minister, does not appear but a few times thereafter. In 1841 Horace A. Taylor, of unenviable subsequent notoriety, preached, residing in Oberlin. Rev. D. W. Lathrop came in April, 1843, and was settled in September of that year. During his ministry, certain radical differences among the membership, upon doctrines and church polity which had been for a number of years growing to a head, culminated in what seemed a hopeless estrangement and division. The inception of the difficulty was probably first in the difference of views respecting Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. The church was organized by agreeing to adopt the Congregational mode of discipline, but yet was connected with the Presbytery, in accordance with the very general usage among the churches of that day in the new communities. On the 14th of December, 1842, Philo Herrick offered the following preamble and resolution in church meeting : "Whereas, we are a Congregational church and believe in true Congregational principles ; resolved, therefore that we take the first opportunity to ask leave of presbytery to withdraw and unite with Lorain association, and that we appoint delegates for that purpose, and that a committee he chosen to recommend the best course.to be pursued in the premises." This resolution was adopted, and on the 2d day of January following, a most vigorous protest was spread upon the church records, signed by eighteen members, all leading and influential men in the church. On the 27th of March, 1843, thirty-nine members withdrew in a body, and organized a new church, called the Independent Church. This body took advanced ground on the subject of slavery, and were followed by others from the First Church, until some fifty-seven members had withdrawn. They built a meeting house of their own, settled and sustained pastors, and kept up a stated preaching, and all the institutions of the church. In 1846 Rev. Ansel R. Clark became the pastor of the First Congregational Church, and was continued from that time to 1858. In that year, through the efforts of Rev. H. E. Peck and others, a union of the two churches was effected. Rev. Mr. Bartlett was chosen the first pastor of the re-united church. He was followed by Rev. Fayette Shipherd. On the 1st of April, A. D. 1865, Rev. L. B. Stone was 518 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY settled as its pastor, and remained with the church as such until April, 1877. The first meeting house was erected in the year 1839. A series of revival meetings was being held the winter following. A Mr. Ingersoll (father of Robert Ingersoll), from Ashtabula, was preaching, when the house was discovered to be on fire. As the congregation began to raise the alarm of fire, the preacher cried out, "Never mind the fire that water will quench, the fires of hell are what you need to fear," which admonition had but little effect upon the moving congregation that seemed intent upon escaping the fire the most imminent. The house was burned to the ground, and the loss seemed irreparable. The cost of the house was about $3,000. The next season the church and society entered upon the work of rebuilding, and put up and finished a new one, upon the same site, and upon the same plan as that destroyed, at about the same cost. In May, 1877, the Rev. James A. Daly came to this church and was engaged as its pastor in August of that year. Under his ministrations a new impetus was given to the church and society. The old wood structure of almost forty years' standing was seen to be insufficient for its congregation. The work of building a new one on a new site was entered upon. The first blow was struck in March, A. D. 1878. The edifice was completed, and the church dedicated April 3, 1879. Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, of Elmira, New York, delivered the dedication sermon. The cost of the structure, exclusive of the site, was nearly $25,000, the whole of which was provided for before dedication. The erection of this beautiful church was the result of Mr. Daly's efforts. Rev. J. A. Daly served from June 6, 1877, to September 30, 1883 ; Prof. A. H. Currier supplied about eight months in 1883 and 1884 ; Rev. S. D. Gammel, from February 21, 1884, to December 1, 1889; Prof. Currier supplied from December 1, 1889, to April 1, 1890 ; Rev. W. E. Barton, from April 1, 1890, to 1893 ; Professor Currier supplied for a brief interval ; Rev. Arthur F. Skeele, from 1893 to 1898 ; Rev. Harry D. Sheldon, from December, 1898, to October, 1903 ; Rev. J. C. Cromer, May 1, 1904, to March 14, 1910 ; Rev. Charles E. Keller, September 1, 1910, to July, 1912; Rev. W. J. McRoberts, January, 1913, to November, 1913 ; Rev. Vernon Emory, the present incumbent since December, 1913. The church has a membership of about 260. In the intervals in the above dates the pulpit was supplied by Professor Currier or some member of the Oberlin faculty. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 519 THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH By Dr. J. TV. Houghton Almost from the beginning of the settlement of Wellington the itinerant Methodist circuit rider made his periodical visits. The first settlers came in 1818 and the first society was organized in 1826, probably by the Rev. John Hazzard, the members being John Clifford and wife who lived in the red house on the hill east of Wellington Creek ; Daniel Clifford and wife who lived west and south of the village ; a daughter of John Clifford who later became Mrs. Knox ; Theodosia Clifford ; Lyman Howk ; Josiah Bradley and wife, who lived on the hill west by the Charlemont Creek ; Asa Hamilton and wife who lived north of the village and Charles Sweet. The earliest services were held in the residence of John Clifford mentioned above and later in the log schoolhouse situated on the northeast corner of the square where the new building is now (1915) being erected by E. E. Watters. In 1826-27 Rev. Ansell Brainerd and H. O. Sheldon were the first regular preachers and the society began building a meeting house, at that time the only one on the Western Reserve, but as it was four years in building owing to some controversy about the location, Elyria completed her church first. The movement to build began in 1826 and it was not finally completed until 1830. Seeing it was built of logs, 30x12 feet and 8 feet high it may be concluded that they were doing things in a very leisurely manner in those times, since it was not unusual in those days for a, half dozen men to do the big end of erecting a log house of nearly equal dimensions in about as many days. It had a floor of puncheon and roof of clapboards. Rev. E. C. Gavitt who wrote an account of this building says: "It had four windows, two on each side and covered with oiled paper and was finished with less than one pound of nails which I bought in Cleveland and were principally used in finishing the door and pulpit. The principal expenditure in the erection of this house was the time spent in the controversy about the place where the church should be located." It was built on the creek west of the village on land not owned by the church and one of the pioneers told the writer an interesting story of how a man stole a meeting house. It seems that the party who owned the land needing a house moved in and made a dwelling of it. This building had served the society until about the year 1835 when the old brick church was completed on the lot where the present church stands. The trustees of the original church were : Stanton Sholes ; Mor- 520 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY gan Jordan ; Aaron Root ; John Hazzard ; James Vanarsdale ; Asa Hamilton ; Cornelius Vanderburg; Thomas Cole; Charles Abbey. 1827-1828 Adam Poe and John Hazzard served this charge. In 1828 Rev. Russell Bigelow was appointed presiding elder. It is said "He was then at the height of his power and fame ; just thirty-five years of age." Bishop Thomson said of him, "As a preacher I have yet to hear his equal." A prominent chief justice once remarked concerning him, "It is one of the greatest regrets of my life that I did not know him better ; had I never known him I should have loved him for the effects of his apostolic labors and his holy example. We were a wild people when he was among us, and we never appreciated him." His district extended from the Cuyahoga River west to the state line, and south to Delaware. This ruined his health and he died soon after. In 1828-1829 Shadrach Ruach and Leonard B. Gurley, the latter for his first year, were on the circuit. 1829-1830. Cyrus Carpenter and H. Colclazer were the preachers on this charge. 1830-1831. Cyrus Carpenter was returned to this charge with E. C. Gavitt as junior colleague. 1831-1832.. Rev. William Runnells was placed in charge with George Elliot, assistant. 1832-1833. This year William B. Christie was placed in charge of the district. "At this time he was 29 years of age ; and was the one Methodist preacher who has ever ranked with Bigelow as a matchless popular preacher." He too, wore out his life in the toils of his great district. He was never well afterward and died eight years after his release from this frontier field. Rev. William Runnells was returned and John Kinnear began his itinerancy as junior colleague. 1833-1834. Rev. A. Billings and James Brewster were the pastors for this year. The quarterly meeting for this year was held in Wellington, in April, 1834. The original Wellington Hotel was at that time being built and the whole second floor was yet in one room ; to this the people climbed by a plank and here they held their meeting. Christie stood upon the workbench to preach a great sermon, remembered for life by all who heard it. 1834-1835. This year John H. Powers was appointed presiding elder, a man noted for great ability in argument and held a several days' discussion with a Reverend Doolittle of the Universalist Church which was published in book form. It made very interesting reading. John Morey and James Kellam were the regular preachers. The society still met in the old log house west of the village. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 521 1835-1836. John H. Morey and John H. Ferris traveled the work this year, having twenty-four appointments which each served once each month. From a letter written by J. H. Kellam, January 30, 1879, we learn that the old log church was still standing in 1835. The old brick church was begun under the pastorate of Reverend Morey and the letter says they were worshipping in an unfinished church, with slab seats. This church stood thirty-two years. 1836-1837. Pastors : John T. Kellam and Cyrus Sawyer, and returned for the following year, 1837-1838. 1838-1839. Presiding elder for four years, L. B. Gurley ; preachers, James Brewster and Hugh L. Parish. 1839-1840. John Mitchell and Philip Wareham. Mitchell was noted for being not only a good preacher but a very witty Irishman and a good story teller. 1840-1841. Previous to this time this territory was included in what was known as the Ohio Conference and was composed of the states of Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and part of Pennsylvania. This year the North Ohio Conference was organized embracing the territory afterward divided to make the North Ohio and the Central Ohio Conferences. John Mitchell was returned with Myron T. Ward, assistant. 1841-1842. Matthew L. Starr and Joseph Jones. 1842-1843. M. L. Starr and John L. Ferris, presiding elder, Adam Poe. 1843-1844. Presiding elder, Thomas Thomson ; preachers, Wesley J. Wells and C. C. Graves, who died and his place was filled by S. Close. 1844-1845. W. J. Wells and Joseph Santley. 1845-1846. Wesley Brock and William Goodfellow. Goodfellow S0011 went to South America as a missionary and his place was filled by Henry Chapman. Brock was an able preacher and Goodfellow a fine scholar and educator. 1846-1847. Wesley Brock and Henry Chapman. 1847-1848. Adam Poe, presiding elder ; William Thatcher and Hugh L. Parrish, preachers. 1848-1849. W. Thatcher and J. M. Morrow. 1849-1850. William Runnells and Heaman Safford. 1850-1851. William Runnells and Henry Chapman. 1851-1852. Henry Whiteman, presiding elder ; preachers, Thomas Thomson and Joseph Matlock. 1852-1853. Hiram Humphrey and Lafayette F. Ward, pastors. The former was educated for the law and was one of the closest and most logical reasoners and for years was the one in annual conferences to whom questions of law were submitted. The whole orthodox theo- 522 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY logical system of doctrine was as familiar as his letters and he was the most systematic and logical preacher of our acquaintance. 1853-1854. Hiram Humphrey and Samuel Fairchild. 1854-1855. Hiram Humphrey was appointed presiding elder ; preachers, Chester L. Foote and W. C. Huestiss. 1855-1856. C. L. Foote and N. B. Wilson. 1856-1857. Charles Hartley and Frank Robinson. The former was a man of culture and scholarship, of a poetic temperament and wrote some very creditable verse. 1857-1859. Abraham K. Owen and Charles Thomas for two years. In the fall of 1858 Thomas Barkdull was made presiding elder and served four years. Considered one of our most able preachers. 1859-1860. Heman Safford and T. L. Waite. 1860-1861. Heman Safford and Daniel Stratton. 1861-1862. Gleason A. Reeder and A. C. Hurd. 1862-1863.. William B. Disbro came to the presiding eldership for four years ; Lafayette F. Ward and W. M. Spafford, preachers. 1863-1864. L. F. Ward and Henry M. Close. 1864-1866. Uri Richards and S. D. Seymour, for two years. The last a very plain man in appearance but a very entertaining preacher. Without apologies, preliminaries or introductions he put himself into his sermon from the very first sentence and from that time on the audience was never allowed to lose interest. 1866-1867. Dr. Alfred Wheeler was appointed to the district and Wellington made a station with George W. Pepper, pastor. He was a very magnetic speaker, an orator of the first class and during the winter had a remarkable revival resulting in over sixty accessions to the church. He was appointed chaplain in the army leaving in the spring, and his year was finished by Prof. F. S. Hoyt of Delaware. The old brick church had become in need of repairs, was too small for the congregation and after consideration it was decided to build. Miss Armenia Herrick was the first and moving spirit and offered to give $500.00 toward a new building. A meeting was called to consider the matter and at that meeting a subscription was made of $9,000 which during the week was increased to $13,000. Plans were made by J. L. Hilliker and the work begun in the spring of 1867. The building committee was Dr. J. W. Houghton, John H. Woolley, William Gunn, E. W. Houghton and William Howk, Esq. The work was not contracted, but conducted by the building committee ; and the collection of subscriptions, the oversight of the work with all the details of the management, fell almost wholly upon the chairman of the committee. The cost exceeded HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 523 $18,000.00. The basement was completed and dedicated on Christmas Day, 1867, Dr. Alfred Wheeler preaching the sermon. The audience room was completed and dedicated in July, 1868, by Bishop Kingsley. The debt was all provided for at the dedication but long time was given, some subscribers failed to pay and the cost, debt and interest finally reached the sum of $23,000.00 Under the leadership of Rev. Andrew J. Pollock the debt was finally paid in 1878. 1867-1868. Rev. E. H. Bush was pastor for one year while this work was going on and reported to conference 165 members ; 29 probationers, a church property worth $20,000.00, and flourishing Sabbath School of 29 teachers and officers and 193 scholars. 1868-1871. Rev. Alexander Nelson came to the district for four years and F. M. Searles to the station for three years. The Ladies Missionary and Aid Society of the church was organized ; Mrs. E. 0. Foote being the first president. 1871-1873. Pastor, E. Y. Warner, two years. Rev. W. C. Pierce appointed to the district for four years. 1873-1874. Dr. J. W. Mendenhall who on account of failing health remained but one year. In his pastorate a new pipe organ was purchased at a cost of $1,100.00, which did good service and was in fair condition when sold in 1907. 1874-1876. George Mather who served two years. A revival during his pastorate resulted in lasting benefits to the church. 1876-1878. Doctor Mather was appointed to the district for four years. Andrew J. Pollock succeeded to the station for two years and during his pastorate the church debt which had been hanging over the society since 1868 was paid, the Ladies Aid Society having contributed largely toward interest and principle. The Aid Society now turned attention toward the purchase of a parsonage and paid nearly $1,000 before Reverend Pollock 's administration expired. 1878-1881. Newell S. Albright served the church for three years; having an extensive revival which brought many young people into the church. The Sabbath School having outgrown the capacity of the basement a liberal offer for furnishing funds for building an addition in the rear by W. R. Santley was accepted. A subscription of $10,000 in notes was secured which finally paid out in full, the efforts of the pastor contributing largely to the result. Jacob Snyder, the architect of Akron made the plans and Nichols and Hall took the contract. The original designs were so modified that the cost reached $18,000 nearly, and the entire ccst was supposed to be provided before dedication. The church 524 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY was re-dedicated by Dr. John H. Vincent, May 7, 1882. Rev. F. M. Searles succeeded to the district for the next four years. 1881-1883. Rev. W. G. Ward served the station for two years. He saw the work of remodelling, just described, carried to completion. During his administration the membership reached the highest point in its history, 336. 1883-1884. Dr. M. F. Warner served as pastor, a thorough scholar and a fine teacher. At the opening of this pastorate the society made a change in its parsonage property, selling the place on South Main Street and purchasing a house and lot in the rear of the church on Courtland Avenue. 1884-1886. Dr. F. S. Hoyt succeeded to the district and Newell S. Albright to the pastorate. Owing to the serious ill health of the pastor the pulpit was supplied for a time and then Dr. N. S. Sage was appointed to fill out the last year. 1886-1890. Rev. W. C. Dawson served as pastor the ensuing four years. A revival brought eighty accessions to the church in his first year. 1890-1892. Rev. J. F. Brant served the charge two years. 1892-1896. Rev. E. T. Hagerman was made pastor. The remainder of the church debt was paid. In May, 1895, a jubilee social was held in the church and after remarks of a historic character by several of the brethren the notes were burned in the presence of the congregation by J. H. Woolley, the oldest church member. The doxology was sung and for the first time in nearly twenty years the church was free from debt. During the conference year 1895-1896 extensive repairs were made to the auditorium, re-lathing, plastering, painting, frescoing, at a cost of nearly $900.00. It was re-opened for public worship May 26, 1896, by Bishop I. W. Joyce. 1896-1902. Rev. Robert L. Waggoner was appointed pastor of this charge by Bishop Fowler at the annual conference held in Wellington that year and served six years, the longest pastorate in the history of this station. He was a fine speaker, an excellent preacher, and an unusually fine teacher. Four years he taught a weekly night class for Bible and religious study of great interest and profit. He also organized and conducted a "Junior Republic" which was a valuable school of discipline and culture for the boys of the town. 1902-1907. Rev. Thomas W. Grose was appointed in charge of this station and remained five years. In his first year the basement of the church was repaired and re-finished and electric lights installed throughout the entire church. In his last year a new and larger organ was purchased, organ loft HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 525 rebuilt at an entire cost of $3,901.59. It is a large and powerful instrument, of great variety and beauty of tone, a credit to the church and the town. It is furnished with a water motor as it is much too large to be worked by hand. Rev. Grose is endowed with a fine voice of excellent carrying quality ; a fluent and magnetic speaker and a winning personality. 1907-1911. Rev. Howard K. Hillberry served the church very acceptably four consecutive years, and greatly endeared himself to the people both in and out of the church by his genial, friendly spirit and his unusual social qualities. He inaugurated the Boy Scout movement which was of great advantage to the boys of the town. 1911-1914. Dr. W. G. Huddleston served this station the next three years. A fine scholar, a good preacher and a man of excellent spirit and address. 1914-1915. Rev. 0. J. Coby, a good preacher, a very superior pastor and one of the very best teachers in all our experience. THE WELLINGTON CHURCH OF CHRIST This church was organized October 5, 1853. The charter members were Darwin Dyer, Eliza Dyer, D. H. Moulton. Adaline Moulton, Friemaii Moulton, 14. C. Moulton, E. A. Bishop, Susan Hix, M. Powers, L. H. Moulton, Hattie Powers. Rev. W. A. Lillie was the minister who organized the church acting as an evangelist. He was next a pastor of the church. He was somewhat famous as the man who baptized Gen. J. A. Garfield. The names of the men who have served the church as pastor are as follows though the records are imperfect and there will be some omissions: John Errett, II. W. Ernest, J. M. Atwater, S. R. Willard, Leonard Brown, John Elwell, W. B. Thompson, J. B. Knowles, Frank R. Moore, E. E. Dusbach, S. S. Wurts, A. S. Dabney, S. S. McGill, W. S. Hayden, Jr., Ira Durfee, W. T. Barnes, G. H. Carl, J. C. B. Stirus, H. F. Reed, J. C. Carter, C. R. Newton, W. L. Neal and Alanson Wilcox, the last named being the present pastor. Until 1859 the church had no building of their own but met in Tripp's Hall. In 1859 an edifice was erected on the corner of West Main and Union streets. The dedicatory address was delivered by Hon. Jas. A. Garfield. This building was used substantially without alteration until 190:3. In 1902 the work of remodeling was begun and on the first Sunday of 1903 the altered building was rededicated with an address by Judge A. R. Webber, of Elyria. About 1890 a neat parsonage was 526 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY erected on Union Street adjoining the church. There are at present about ninety members. THE BAPTIST CHURCH The Baptist Church of Wellington was founded March 31, 1885, and was organized by its first pastor, Rev. J. H. Smith. After him, there served in succession, Rev. C. C. Erwin, Rev. A. G. Wall, Rev. A. P. Boyd, Rev. E. Chesney, Rev. F. G. Stanley, Rev. V. D. Willard, Rev. W. P. Napier and Rev. E. C. Myers. The church has a membership of over 120 and worships in an edifice which was dedicated in December, 1894. THE CATHOLIC MISSION The Catholics have had a small mission at Wellington for some years, their spiritual wants being met through the ministry of Rev. S. W. Wilson, pastor of the Church of the Sacred Heart, Oberlin. THE WELLINGTON ENTERPRISE Wellington was without a newspaper for about a decade following the suspension of the Journal, which was published in 1852-54. In the summer of 1865, James A. Guthrie, of Delaware, Ohio, moved to the village and commenced the publication of the Wellington Enterprise, which evidently was endowed with enduring qualities. Its first issue was dated September 25, 1865. It was then a folio, about 25x38 inches. On March 1, 1866, Mr. Guthrie sold the paper to John C. Artz (still a. resident of Wellington), who reduced the size to seven columns and the price from $2 to $1.50. On the 18th of September, 1867, the paper was enlarged. Mr. Artz remained its editor and proprietor until October 1, 1876, when he sold the office to Dr. J. W. Houghton and D. A. Smith. Doctor Houghton and his wife, Mary H., became its editors, and Mr. Smith, a practical printer, took charge of the mechanical department. In December, 1877, Doctor Houghton purchased Mr. Smith's interest, and continued as proprietor of the Enterprise until 1902, when he disposed of the paper to H. O. Fifield, a well known veteran both of the Civil war and of journalism. He is still its editor and proprietor. THE FIRST WELLINGTON BANK The First National Bank of Wellington was organized in 1864, with S. S. Warner, president, and R. A. Harr, cashier. Both continued in HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 527 their respective offices until their deaths ; Mr. Warner dying in 1908, and Mr. Horr in 1894. On May 22, 1894, the Home Savings Bank of Wellington was organized with William Vischer, president. The two banks were consolidated January 22, 1912, under the name First National Bank of Wellington : J. T. Haskell, president.; H. B. Couch, vice president and C. T. Jameison, cashier. The banking room was enlarged to twice its former size, the interior entirely rebuilt and refurnished with all modern appliances and furniture making it one of the best in Lorain County. After Mr. Horr's death and until 1898 William Cushion was cashier when, by reason of ill health he resigned. C. T. Jameison was elected cashier June 5, 1898, and still holds that position. The capital stock of the bank was originally $50,000, afterward increased to $100,000 ; later reduced to $50,000, and again January 1, 1914, increased to $85,000 at which figure it now stands. On account of the difficulty of doing business in compliance with the restrictions of the National Bank laws regarding loans the charter was surrendered and the bank reorganized under the state laws of Ohio, January 2, 1914, under the title, the First Wellington Bank. BIG ROBBERY The second year of its existence the safe of the National Bank of Wellington was burglarized and robbed of $60,000 in government bonds 528 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY and currency. A large reward was offered for the apprehension of the robbers. The police of the cities, stimulated by the reward offered, became vigilant ; finally trace was found„ so that one of the robbers was caught in New York, one in Charleston, South Carolina, whither an agent of the bank followed and apprehended him, armed with a requisition from the governor of Ohio upon the governor of South Carolina, which was the first made, and recognized after the war upon that state. Nearly $40,000 of the stolen bonds were recovered. MASONS AND ODD FELLOWS Both the Masons and the Odd Fellows have long been organized at Wellington. Wellington Lodge No. 127, F. & A. M. was organized October 17, 1844, and received its charter from the Grand Lodge of Ohio on the 28th of October, 1845. J. L. Wadsworth was the first worthy master. The present head of the lodge, which numbers nearly 140, is E: R. Lehman. On May 25, 1855, was organized Lorain Lodge No. 281, I. O. O. F., with R. H. Holcomb as noble grand. A. H. Pierce is the present head of the lodge. OLD-TIME DAIRY INTERESTS Soon after the completion of the Cleveland and Columbus Railroad the business of buying and shipping cheese at Wellington was opened by R. A. Horr, then residing in Huntington. Mr. Horr built up a large order trade. Others soon went into the business, which grew rapidly. The first cheese warehouse or shipping house was opened by B. G. Carpenter. Others were speedily established until, in 1878, there was a number of different houses and firms engaged in the business of manufacturing, buying and selling cheese and butter. Among the principal ones in that year were Messrs. Horr, Warner & Company ; Baldwin, Laundon & Company ; George W. Crosier & Company, Palmer & Lewis. The first-named firm that year sent Mr. Horr to Europe, where lie formed business arrangements whereby this firm have since been making largc shipments of butter and cheese to Liverpool and Glasgow. The amount of cheese shipped from Wellington in 1878 was 6,465,674 pounds; butter, 1,001,661 pounds. The total valuation of these products for that year at a fair average estimate was not less than $800,000. The first cheese factory, erected in Lorain County, was built by C. W. Horr, of the firm of Horr, Warner & Company, in 1866. It was HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 529 located in a tine dairy section in Huntington Township, and from the start proved a successful undertaking. In the year 1878, from that beginning there were over forty cheese and butter factories owned by Wellington dealers, the products of which were all delivered at Wellington for market. This interest also built up a large business in the manufacture and sale of dairy implements and utensils. HOME OF THE HORRS Wellington was the home of Roswell P. Horr and his twin brother, Roland A. Horr, the former congressman from the Saginaw District, Michigan, and the latter, at one time, a member of the Ohio State Senate. Both were men of sterling worth and ability. They closely resembled each other in a wonderful manner. When Roswell was a member of the National House of Representatives his brother visited him one day after the morning session had begun. Roswell passing the doorkeeper said "Good morning"—greeting the doorkeeper by name. In a few moments the brother appeared repeating the same words. The doorkeeper was perplexed. A little later the brothers appeared side by side and started to enter. The doorkeeper stopped them. It was against the rules to allow any one but members on the floor. "Only one of you can go in." "Which one?" asked one of the men. "D—n if I know," replied the doorkeeper, and so both passed. Roswell Horr was a student of men and things. He said one reason why he thought women were trivial was because they never talked sense to them. He always treated women with the greatest respect, real respect, not gallantry, and said he learned much from them. He was devoted to his wife and daughters, and had no use for men who were trifling and unfaithful. At one time in the boarding house where he lived in Washington was a handsome congressman who annoyed his wife by flirting. At one time he was attentive to a foolish young woman. The latter occupied a place at the table with the congressman and his family, and the wife was very unhappy. This condition finally was noticed by Mr. Horr. When he was leaving the dining room he passed the table, touched the congressman on the shoulder and when the two were in the hall said: "Now look here, ! Stop this thing right here. We won't stand for it. If you do not, I'll lick you. You act like a lovesick schoolboy, instead of a congressman and a father." That ended it. After Mr. Horr left Congress he was a special writer on the New York Tribune. He covered the political situation, particularly the tariff. One of his famous sayings was that "the Southerners should raise more hogs and less hell." Vol. I-34 530 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY WELLINGTON AS IT IS The past twenty-five or thirty years have shown a marked change in the cheese business, its manufacture having been largely transferred to such states farther west as Wisconsin and Iowa. But Wellington is still the scene of several brisk industries. The oldest is conducted by the Wellington Machine Company. The J. H. Shelly Flouring Mill Company also operates a good plant: The Sterling Works manufacture gas generators and other automobile parts and near the Sterling plant is a factory which turns out quantities of boxes and wooden crates. In a word, it is quite evident that this village of 2,000 people or more, with its fine town hall, municipal waterworks and electric light plant, wide and well-kept streets, handsome residences and business houses, with its churches and societies, its social and educational institutions, is a fair abiding place for either individual or family. CHAPTER XXV VILLAGE OF AMHERST VILLAGE FOUNDED-FIRST QUARRIES OPENED-GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION- THE CLEVELAND STONE COMPANY-THE OHIO QUARRIES COMPA Y-T HE UNION SCHOOL-SUPERINTENDENTS-THE TOWN HALL -PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS-THE PUBLIC LIBRARY-THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE-WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS-GOOD STREETS AND SIDEWALKS-OTHER SIGNS OF PROGRESS-THE CHURCHES-METHODISM SOUTH AMHERST CHURCHES-AMHERST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH--ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH-ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH -ST. JOSEPH'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH-SALEM CHURCH (EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION)-EPISCOPAL MISSION-LODGES-INDUSTRIES AND BANKS—NEWSPAPERS. Although Amherst Township and the village itself were among the first localities in Lorain County to be settled, that section has been more widely advertised because of the quarrying and distribution of sandstone than because of all their other good and interesting points combined. So that although quite a number of settlers had located previous to the '20s, including the well known Judge Josiah Harris, and the Corners (North Amherst) was quite a mill town twenty years thereafter, those who are wise as local historians claim that the settlement was not really founded until the first quarries were opened in the late '40s. VILLAGE FOUNDED Early in the history of Amherst Township, the nucleus for a village was formed upon the north ridge, about a mile northwest of the center of the township. This settlement,—the embryo Village of North Amherst,—was known for many years as "the corner." Judge Josiah Harris had quite a tract of land here, and he laid out a portion of it in lots, and founded the Village of Amherstville. Through the decades, beginning with the years 1830, 1840 and 1850, the growth of the village was slow, but it received an impetus from the building of the Lake Shore - 531 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 533 Railroad, then called the Cleveland and Toledo Railroad, and gradually increased in size, and built up in business importance until 1870, when the stone quarries began to be worked upon a scale of enterprise much further advanced than ever before, and then for several years the population increased quite rapidly. About this time Milo Harris purchased the interest of the other heirs of his father's estate, laid out an addition to the village, changed its name from Amherstville to North Amherst, and in 1873 the people secured a charter of incorporation from the Legislature. The charter was granted in April, and the corporation was organized by the election of the following officers : A. A. Crosse, mayor ; J. W. Gilbert, clerk ; Joseph Trost, treasurer ; John B. Robertson, marshal ; George Fuller, William Brown and John Nathan, councilmen for one year ; F. O. Barney, J. H. Clouse, and James Manning, councilmen for two years. FIRST QUARRIES OPENED Henry Warner, who opened the Brownhelm quarry in 1847, is believed to have shipped the first stone from the Amherst section. The blocks were hauled on wagons to Vermillion, and thence shipped to their destination in Canada, having been purchased by John Worthington, then a contractor. Mr. Warner gave for this quarry $600, worked it six years and then sold it for $6,000. He was a native of Middlesex County; Connecticut, and had a. varied experience before he became one of the pioneer quarrymen of Lorain County. Grindstones were taken out of the John Elliott quarry, lots of fifty-nine and sixty in Amherst, in 1848, by Sylvester Silsby. There were no lathes then in use, and the work of shaping the stones was done entirely with the chisel. This quarry was worked for fifteen years by William James, who finally bought it of Elliott. Parks and E. C. Foster were the next owners, and they sold to George E. Hall, of Cleveland, who, in turn, sold to Worthington & Sons. Block stone was furnished from this quarry for the building of the abutments of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad bridge at Ashtabula, when the road was established. It was taken out by Ackley & Smith. Henry Warner was associated with Mr. Clark in the ownership of the middle quarry, now owned by the Clough Company, in 1854. Baxter Clough bought into this quarry, and soon became the sole owner. Warner afterwards became owner of what became the Haldeman quarry. 534 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION " The growth of the business," says Rev. R. G. Armstrong in his booklet entitled "Amherst's Story," "was rapid. In the '70s there were many different companies operating quarries in the township. There were the Ohio Stone Company, the Nichol and Miller Company, the Wilson and Hughes Stone Company, Worthington and Sons, the Turkey Rock Quarry, Haldeman & Son, the Clough Stone Company, and the Amherst Stone Company. There seems to have been the practice of getting out stone only as called for, no large supply being kept on hand to fill immediate orders. The winter would often shut down the quarries entirely. "Prices for stone then ranged from sixty cents down to thirty-five cents for block stone, while grindstones were sold at seven, eight, or nine dollars, though once in a while an order was filled at five dollars. "Stone was shipped then to England, all over the United States, and up into Canada. Many men were employed in the quarries, Worthington and Sons having seventy in their employ in 1878, this force just preparing the quarries for the start of the season's work. "The Clough Stone Company was the owner of a railroad which many will remember. It was a little, narrow-gauge road that ran from their quarry to Oak Point, where the company had a wharf. The stone was loaded on to flat cars and allowed to run down to the water, the grade being sufficient to allow the cars to go under their own weight. HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 535 There the stone was lifted off by derricks and loaded on to the boats. which carried the stone to various points on the lake. The old piles of the wharf may still be seen at Oak Point. "At first this railroad used mules for the motive power to draw the ears back from the water's edge to the quarry. But business increased, mules were too slow, and a small engine was secured. This engine continued in operation until the Lake Shore Railroad made its rates so low that it was cheaper to ship by rail than by water. Then the whole narrow-gauge outfit was sold to a Michigan lumber concern, where the little engine continued its usefulness by pulling logs instead of stone. “This company had its own boat, named for one of the Cloughs, I believe. This boat did active service for several years until, loaded with stone, it sailed away into a storm and was never heard of again. THE CLEVELAND STONE COMPANY " These numerous quarries were eventually united under one control. In 1886 the final incorporation of the Cleveland Stone Company was made. At that time it had acquired by purchase all the good quarries in the Amherst district except the Haldeman, now No. 6 quarry, which was acquired soon after. It was through the personal efforts of Mr. George H. Worthington that this company was organized. While touring in Europe with some wealthy friends Mr. Worthington interested them in the stone industry to the extent that they were ready to put up the money necessary to buy out any whom Mr. Worthington did not wish to include in the company. This enabled Mr. Worthington to secure all the options for cash. The next move was to select those who were to make up the company. All were ready to take stock in the new company in exchange for their property. "On July 26, 1886, the Cleveland Stone Company came into existence as a corporation with the following officers: President, William McDermott ; vice president, J. M. Worthington ; secretary and treasurer, George H. Worthington ; superintendents, James Nicholl, M. McDermott and F. M. Stearns. Two years later John Huntington purchased the interest in the company of William McDermott. Then J. M. Worthington was elected President and John Huntington was elected Vice President. These with the balance of the officers previously elected held office for several years thereafter. "In 1895 George H. Worthington resigned as Secretary and Treasurer of the Company, and withdrew from active participation in it. In January, 1898, J. M. Worthington died, and in May of the same year, James Nicholl, who succeeded Mr. Worthington, resigned, and George 536 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY H. Worthington was called back into the Company and unanimously elected President, in which office he has continued ever since." THE OHIO QUARRIES COMPANY The Cleveland Stone Company and the Ohio Quarries Company control the quarrying of sandstone in Amherst Township. The latter was organized in 1903 by the late John R. Walsh, of Chicago. He bought property in the district and first opened the Buckeye Quarry, which is said to be one of the deepest sandstone quarries in the world, stone having been taken out at a depth of 212 feet. The quarry is 1,330 feet long and varies from 150 to 300 feet in width. The lands of the Ohio Quarries Company comprises the old Collins, Quigley and Belden farms, located about three miles south of what was known as North Amherst. In a dozen years the business of the corporation has grown to such proportions that its industries employ about 400 men, and annual shipments are made of some 6,000 carloads of sandstone. THE UNION SCHOOL But years before Amherst became a village the township schools were instructing the young people of Amherstville, as the settlement was called. The old Quigley schoolhouse—also a Quaker meetinghouse—in which taught Judge Harrison, J. A. and William H. Root, was among those famous centers of learning of the pioneer days. Then the first town hall was used until 1849. It was next moved to Church Street and, after a time, refitted as a schoolhouse and continued thus until 1856. In that year the village was formed into a Union School District, with Josiah Harris, Alvah T. Johnson, Dr. A. A. Crosse, Dr. A. C. Moore, Daniel Axtell and M. Wilton, as directors. Not long afterward, under their management, a two-story brick schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $3,200. The brick was made from the clay dug on the ground and baked there. In 1874 the building was nearly doubled in size, so that it would accommodate 500 pupils—then ample for the requirements of the new village, which had been incorporated in 1873. With the enlargement of the building both grades and teachers were added, the superintendent being G. R. Thompson. He had four assistants, including a teacher of German. In 1884 E. E. Rayman became superintendent and during his administration founded the high school and systematized the other departments of the local system. The first brick Union School was burned on July 4, 1892, was replaced by a stone HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 537 structure, which was destroyed by fire in March, 1907, and that was followed by another stone building which is doing service as the Central School. Superintendent Crandall succeeded Mr. Rayman in 1905, and was at the head of the system for seven years, when John R. Patterson assumed charge of it. SUPERINTENDENTS The Amherst superintendents, as far as their names have been obtainable, have been as follows: J. H. Borown, Henry Brown, S. P. Morrel, G. R. Thompson, J. C. Yarick, E. E. Rayman, Mrs. James Gawn, W. E. Thompson, J. C. Yarick, E. E. Rayman, Mrs. James Gawn, W. E. Schibley, W. C. Morrison, W. E. Crandall (seven years), J. C. Bey and J. R. Patterson. Under Superintendent Patterson about 580 pupils are enrolled in the Amherst public schools, of whom about 160 are high school scholars. Besides their head, there are eight teachers in the high school department, eleven in the grades, and special instructors in music and drawing. The high school has departments in manual training, domestic science and commercial theory and practice. Superintendent Patterson announces that owing to the crowded condition of the grades and high school, it will be necessary to open three grade schools outside the present building during the coming year ; which shows that Amherst is growing. THE TOWN HALL For thirty years Amherst has had a town hall which is a symbol of corporate substance and general progress. Soon after the incorporation of the village it became evident to certain citizens that a central meeting place was a general requirement; but in 1876, when the matter of providing a town hall was submitted to the voters a majority of them could not be mustered in favor of the proposition. The enterprise was kept alive, but the bugbear of higher taxes so retarded its progress that it was not until 1884 that the ordinance was passed which provided for a new town hall to be built jointly by the township and the corporation. Thus the structure was erected on the ground set aside for the public square by Judge Harris and given over to the control of the corporation by his heirs. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS About 2,200 people now depend upon the civic body known as the Village of Amherst for a well-ordered government, for such sanitary 538 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY agencies as pure water and good drainage, for protection against fire and lawlessness, and for those public improvements which tend to provide clean and attractive streets. These have all been provided in measure befitting the size of the village and the means at its disposal, while various other utilities of a public nature have been brought into the lives of its people through individual corporations. In the latter class are the telephone, which first appeared as a wonderful adjunct to the Free Press office of Amherst in 1878 ; and is now represented by the Amherst Home Telephone Company and 500 such wonders within the township ; the electric line of the Cleveland, Columbus & Southwestern Railroad, which added its service to the steam railways in 1896 ; electric lighting, first a municipal affair, but for several years provided by a private corporation, and the furnishing of natural gas for heating by the Logan Gas Company. THE PUBLIC LIBRARY Years ago a need was felt for a central reading room where young people could spend their evenings reading. Several such rooms were provided at various times, often by the temperance organizations of the HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 539 early days. But the time came when public spirit asserted itself for a better building. Through the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, combined with the generosity of the citizens of the township, the money was raised for a library building and equipment which would be adequate for the needs of the town for years to come. This building stands on the corner of Spring and Elyria streets. The books are well selected, the reading room cozy, and the librarian, Miss Neiding, attentive and capable. In the basement of the building is an assembly hall, used for such functions as appeal to the best of juvenile longings, to Young Men's Christian Associations and Sunday schools. It provides a pleasant place for general meetings, outside of the larger and more public accommodations furnished by the town hall. THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE As stated by Rev. R. G. Armstrong in his " Amherst's Story," issued as a memorial of the Old Home Week held in the fall of 1914, and from which much of the material used in this article is condensed : "Much of the modern progressiveness of Amherst is due to the activity of the 540 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY Chamber of Commerce, composed of merchants, farmers, mechanics, doctors, and whoever cares to join in the work of pushing Amherst to the top notch of civic attainments. The business men felt the need of some such organization, for there were many things which might be brought about if only there were an organization to push things. So a general call went out for a meeting to talk things over. This first meeting was held February 13, 1900. At this meeting the first steps were taken towards a definite organization. Committees were appointed and arrangements made for another meeting. At the next meeting a definite organization was perfected and further committees appointed for some of the detail work which any organization needs to go through to be on a working basis. "The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to push forward the best interests of Amherst. This has been done in a notable manner. Thousands of dollars' worth of improvements have been carried through successfully through the instigation of the Chamber of Commerce, working in co-operation with the Council of the village. Most of the decided improvements of the town in the past few years have found their birth in the Chamber of Commerce and have there been fostered to fruition. WATER AND SEWAGE SYSTEMS "The business men and the citizens saw the need for a water supply and a sewer system. This was one of the first things that the Chamber of Commerce took under consideration. It was not long before an adequate sewer system had found a place in the community. And negotiations were soon under way for the water system. At first it was planned to have the electric light and the water system plants combined, but this plan was given up, and arrangements made with Elyria whereby Amherst could get water through her plant north of town on the shores of the lake. This plan has proven eminently satisfactory. Amherst is getting today purer water than any other town in Ohio with the exception of Elyria, both having this advantage. The water is tested as ninety-nine per cent pure. And as long as Lake Erie holds out Amherst is sure of her water supply. The old well is fast disappearing. The `old oaken bucket' only exists in the song. Every up-to-date home in Amherst enjoys the satisfaction of a modern bath. There is nothing that the big city offers which Amherst cannot duplicate in modern conveniences today. "A first class disposal plant is located a short distance from town on the banks of Beaver Creek. Here the sewerage is taken care of by the hest of scientific methods. So perfect is the system that Beaver HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 541 Creek suffers no contamination whatever from the water from the disposal plant. This has made Amherst a far healthier place in which to live and has added much to the physical valuation of the community. "The dangerous hills, Johnson and Milan, have been made safe and easy of travel by much grading. Tons of dirt and stone have been hauled in to fill these hills up and to make the road from South Amherst. and from the West Side to the Center safer and more convenient. The Old Spring, which used to be on a level with the road, is now far below the level, and one looks on to the roof, or what would be the roof if there were one at the present time, of the old brewery as he journeys over to the West Side. Many a team has been hauled up that long hill. Many a driver has wished that it never existed. Today the valley has been filled up and the hill has been made low. Soon there will be no hill at all, only the reminiscences of it. GOOD STREETS AND SIDEWALKS "The pavements are another evidence of the modern spirit of progressiveness. The older inhabitants of Amherst did not have sidewalks to walk on. The present generation have a pavement as smooth as the best of sidewalks. The principal streets are all well paved and plans are under way for the completion of the job by paving the remaining streets of Amherst. The pavement is the best that can be had. A solid concrete foundation is covered with a layer of asphalt, making a pavement which will last for many years. With well curbed streets, beautiful lawns, fine shade trees and the new pavement, Amherst forms today as attractive a town as can be found. "Elyria Road has received its share of attention, too. A fine macadam road-bed was put in this past fall, the expense being shared by the people interested, by the Council and by the Chamber. Many of the farmers contributed their services for this piece of work. Now a fine road offers easy access to the town for the people of Middle Ridge. "Public pride is ever asserting itself again and again in the community. The streets are kept clean. Homes are made beautiful by well kept lawns and fine gardens. The spirit of the community is against anything which would mar the name and fame of the town. The thought in the mind of all is to make an Amherst which will truly be a good place in which to live. OTHER SIGNS OF PROGRESS "The spirit of modern progressiveness is going to manifest itself in many more ways before many years have passed. Amherst will have 542 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY a Public Park with a playground for the children, a ball ground, tennis courts, wading pond and all the rest some day. The spirit for modern improvements is in the air and nothing can stop their coming. The old town of the Shupes, the Ormsbys and the Harrises has grown to a man's estate. The old wooden stores have been replaced by modern brick and stone buildings of real beauty. The old hand pump has given way to a modern chemical engine. Soon a fire auto truck will be added to the equipment of the town. The old fire cisterns have been filled up, at least .some of them. The modern hydrant with high pressure has taken their place. Even the horse is fast becoming an anachronism, giving way to the automobile for business and pleasure in this up-to-the-minute town. There is probably more gasoline consumed in summer by the automobiles which go through Amherst and which belong in Amherst than there is water consumed by the horses, to say nothing of the hay which they eat." THE CHURCHES Amherst, with a large German Protestant element, is a strong church town, and organizations within its present limits have existed since 1819. In that year the Baptists organized, in a small way, at the Corners. The little band dissolved after a few years of valiant struggles ; was revived in South Amherst under Rev. Julius Bement, of LaGrange, and in 1853 reappeared as the North Amherst Baptist Church. In the meantime the Methodists had formed a church, in which the Baptists worshipped for some time. The Baptist Church prospered finally, but eventually disbanded mainly because of the removal of most of the old members to other parts of the country. Mormonism obtained some converts at Amherst in 1830, and a few residents even followed the movement west, but the local historians prefer to look upon that feature of its life as an incident which has never had a permanent influence upon the community. METHODISM The Methodists formed a class early in the '30s, although a house of worship and a stable society were not realized until 1836. The following report of the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church was recently prepared by a committee consisting of Messrs. A. K. Jenne, F. E. Kaser and E. C. Schuler : "About the year 1835 Captain George S. Sholes met with an accident while horseback riding ; his horse became frightened and ran away, throwing him off ; his foot was caught in the 544 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY stirrup and he was dragged on the ground. While in this predicament he registered an oath in a prayerful manner that should God spare his life he would build a church. As a matter of fact Captain Sholes had been non-religious and rather rough in his manner of life and speech. Our Heavenly Father evidently heard this vow, as Captain Sholes was immediately relieved from his serious predicament, and in 1836 he proceeded in the formation of a Methodist society in our village, then called `the Four Corners,' and the erection of a Methodist church on the land upon which the present Redington block now stands at the corner of Church and Elyria Streets. The favor Captain Sholes received at God's hand made a very deep impression upon him, as he became very religious and temperate in his habits, which was considered very sacrificial in those days on account of the intemperate sentiment, which was very strong. Thus, when the church building was ready for raising he found it difficult to get help enough without a demijohn of liquor on the job, but was finally successful. One night during this work, Captain Sholes' temperate sentiment having spread in the community, an empty jug was hung on the highest point of the church building. When Captain Sholes came next morning he saw it at once and quickly discerned the intent and moral back of the act. He hastily and quietly picked up a small stone, threw it and squarely hit the jug, breaking it into many pieces, to his great delight, as he had not considered himself an expert in throwing and hitting a mark heretofore. "Worship was carried on in this frame building by the society until about 1874, when the same was considered too small and not properly located on the plot, and therefore was sold to the Lutheran Society and moved to their site on the corner of what are now West and School streets. Here it was burned while being remodeled, and before services were held in it by the Lutheran Society. "About 1875 the Methodist Society completed their new and second church building on the original site but facing Elyria street, where they worshipped until 1900, when fire which originated in the Plato Building across the street burned the church, destroying it completely. The society clung together and worshipped in various places about town, such as the Adams block, now the German Bank Building, and the Spring Street Public School House, now the Episcopal Church. The society immediately proceeded to procure another site on account of the old site's being too public for quiet religious worship. The society purchased the Seeley property on the corner of Elyria and Spring streets, where the present beautiful edifice was erected in 1902. The old site was immediately sold to Horace G. Redington. "The first church trustees to whom Captain Sholes gave the church HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 545 and property in trust for the society were : Isaac Smith, Abner Murray, Charles Phinney, Abraham Rice and Peter Rice. All these have passed into that Beautiful Land long ago. The present society consists of about one hundred members and is prosperous in every department and stands strongly for the moral and spiritual uplift of the community." Rev. Mr. Smith is the present pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South Amherst, as it is commonly known today, is the older part of the town. Many of the earliest settlers located on the south ridge road. Hence, some of the earliest churches sprang up in that part of town. SOUTH AMHERST CHURCHES The following account of the churches at South Amherst comes from the pen of Mrs. H. W. Powers : "The old town of Amherst was settled by hardy pioneers from Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York locating their homes on the old stage route running from Buffalo, New York, on to the westward, and on farms within a three-mile radius. A post-office and the tavern as a stage post were necessary adjuncts, and schools and churches were soon established as an outcome of the spirit of the people. The Congregational Society was organized December 2, 1834, and for a period of a few years meetings were held in the village school house. At an annual meeting, probably three or four years after the organization of the Society, it was voted to erect a house for divine worship, and a committee was appointed to secure a lease of land from Alexander H. Redington. This was done, and years later the lease was secured by a warranty deed. In the winter of 1838-39 the First Congregational Church of Amherst was erected. It was originally built with front raised in orchestra effect, facing the main auditorium. But in 1879 in considering plans for enlarging the seating capacity, it was voted to `remove the orchestra and make room for more slips.' The pews were fitted with doors, as was the custom in 'ye olden time,' and though the doors have long been removed, subsequent coats of paint have not removed the marks of hinges from the seats which are still in use. So far as available records show the church has had no resident pastor, but the pulpit has been supplied by ministers from adjoining towns or under the management of Oberlin Theological Seminary. Among those who came as supply from the Oberlin Theological Seminary were men who have risen to high places in the ranks of the ministry. And when under the Oberlin management a seminary student was not available their Vol. I-35 546 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY responsibility has extended to the sending of Oberlin's best. In looking over the records we find the names of such men as Prof. Henry Fairchild, Dr. Betts, Prof. Henry Cowles, Prof. John Morgan, Father Eells and other Oberlin lights. And in more recent times Rev. John Faris Berry, for many years associated with Oberlin Theological Seminary, was pastor of the Amherst church for a considerable time. Dean Bosworth, Prof. Fiske and Prof. Hutchins have come to the little church at Amherst in the capacity of a supply. Rev. Philip Harding, for a number of years pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Amherst, also had charge of the church during the last two years of his residence in the town, holding services in the afternoon. In the spring of 1912 the church was transferred from the Cleveland to the Medina Association. "Of parallel interest is the history of the M. E. church of the village, which was erected in 1842, on an eminence overlooking Beaver Creek, the land having been purchased from Benjamin Redfern, This and the church at the village or 'Corners' have always been under the same pastorate. With few changes except by way of repairs the church has remained as originally built till in the early years of the present century. The pastor at that time, Rev. Smith Kirk, personally superintended the work of renovating and rearranging the pews. But the building was small and inadequate and early in the year 1914, under the leadership of the pastor, Rev. E. A. Robb, the task of remodeling and enlarging the church was undertaken. The pastor toiled with the builders, and in July of the same year the building was completed and dedicated with great rejoicings. As it now stands it is a model country church with a cheerful and well furnished auditorium and a basement equipped with modern conveniences. "With the development of the quarries the growth of the town was noticeably influenced by a wave of Swiss immigration. And in time as 'these people became established citizens, they too felt the need of a church home. To satisfy their desire and the longing of numbers of German families to attend services conducted in their own language, St. John's Evangelical Church was erected in the year 1901 in the southwestern part of the village. The land on which it was built was donated for that purpose by Mr. George Ludwig. As with the other two churches, the pulpit of St. John's has been supplied by out of town ministers. Thus far the work has been carried on in association with the St. Peter's Evangelical Church of Amherst, in the corporation. Rev. Mr. Lindenmeyer, beloved by all his parishioners, was the active worker who brought this church into existence. He served the people very faithfully HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 547 while pastor in Amherst. Now Rev. Mr. Egli succeeds him, carrying the work on with success. “The three churches of the town, as existing today, are each characterized by some individuality. St. John's is essentially a German Church. The strength of the Methodist Church is largely due to the active support of the English people, who comprise a substantial part of the community, and who in coming to this country have naturally drifted into that church as their church at home. And the Congregational Church represents the remnant and survival of the old conditions and although not a flourishing church, it is maintained by a faithful few. With the development of the quarries what was once a pastoral community has been changed into an industrial one. The influx of population in recent years has been of all nationalities and almost entirely of the Catholic faith, so that the established churches have not realized any prosperity by the increased population of the town. Under the existing conditions, to the credit of the town and the people in the established churches, be it said that although without one resident pastor, three Protestant churches are maintained, in which regular services are held." THE AMHERST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH No accurate history of the Congregational Church at the center is obtainable. Some of the supposed facts relating to the founding of the church are here set down. The church came into being soon after the Methodists had organized. The latter gave the use of their building for some time to the new organization which had been brought into existence through the efforts of Rev. Mr. Brown, of Brownhelm, Doctor Betts, Father Eells, and Rev. Mr. Goddell, of Birmingham. The original members were John Chapin, Mrs. Chapin, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Moffatt, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman Nye, Nathan King, Miss Bassett, Almond Chapin, Homer Tyrell and wife, a Mr. Smith, Calvin Harris and wife, and Miss Harriet Chapin. The church split at one time on the rock of abolitionism and formed two organizations. One part drew off to the South Ridge and there erected a church of their own. The other part remained in Amherst and subsequently built their church. The church at the village was built in 1840, after many a hard struggle. The lot was the gift of Josiah Harris, who had given so much for public enterprise in the village. There were two factions within the church. One wished to be independent and the other wished to be united with the Congregational Association. The former were success- 548 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY ful but the church finally went over into the Congregational denomination after a few years of independent existence. For a number of years the church was supplied by professors from Oberlin College and Seminary. Then came some strong pastors who built up the church in splendid shape. Rev. Mr. Haskel deserves special mention for the service he rendered the church in tho '70s. He will be remembered by many who enjoyed his ministry. As one went into the church in the older days one saw the typical church of the time, box pews with doors, high pulpit with a flight of stairs leading up to it and a fine black walnut rail for a support. The choir gallery and organ loft were back of the pulpit. At one time, we are told, the minister used to stand in the middle of the church and keep turning around as he spoke. There was no pulpit. He stood where all could see him and where he could be at an equal distance from all. In the cry for modern things the old furnishings of the church have been taken out.- There are many who would give a great deal to be able to replace the old pews and the pulpit just as they were. But that day has past. We of the younger generation have failed to appreciate the really beautiful, quiet dignity of the plain old churches of our forefathers. The old church still stands. Many changes have been made to it, however. A basement has been put under the church. New pews have been installed. The old organ is gone. The old gallery is shut off. The method of church work has changed, too. Now the church is recognizing that God -gave men bodies as well as souls and that the body demands as good care as possible because it is the temple of the soul. Hence the church has built a splendid gymnasium on the lot which used to be occupied by the horse sheds. Here classes are held for all ages, both boys and girls, and men and women. The rules for membership are entirely unsectarian. Catholic and Protestant alike enjoy the privileges of the gymnasium on an equal basis. The Congregational Church has enjoyed a rapid growth in the past year or so due largely to the increase in population in the town, which has brought many good Scotch Presbyterians into the church. The membership has doubled in the past two years, being now about 125. The Sunday school has a membership of about 140 or 150. Among the pastors of the past have been many able men. Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, father of Hon. Frank Hitchcock, was pastor here for some time. The founder of the Anti-Saloon League, Rev. Mr. Russell. was ordained in this church. Rev. Mr. Haskell served the church in an interim in his valuable service on the mission fields of Bulgaria and HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY - 549 Turkey. Rev. Philip Harding held the position of pastor for many years. All the famous old-time professors of the earlier days of Oberlin have spoken from the pulpit of this congregational Church. President Fairchild numbered many friends here. The present pastor of this church is Robert G. Armstrong, an Oberlin graduate in college and seminary. ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH Rev. A. Egli furnishes the following account of St. Peter's Evangelical Church : "During the summer of 1856 a number of German residents of North Amherst and vicinity met in the present house of worship of the Congregational Church for the purpose of organizing a German Evangelical congregation. After an organization had been effected at this meeting, it was decided to purchase the lot upon which the present edifice stands and thereon erect a church. While this was in progress and for some time before the members had organized, meetings were held either at the home of Mr. Christian Brandau or in a hall, which was located on the second floor of the house now owned by Mr. Wm. Braun, of which the first floor then served as a store-room. Later on the congregation assembled either in the Congregational or the M. E. Church, where the services were conducted by the Revs. Allert and Steinert of Cleveland. " On the 13th day of October, 1857, the church was ready for occupation and on that day was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Fischer, of Sandusky. Immediately after the dedication the congregation received as its first pastor the Rev. Mr. Laffler, who after a pastorate of about two years was succeeded by Rev. Kammerer. During his service of about six years the present bell was purchased. He was succeeded in turn by the Revs. Brasch, Werner, Hoese, Zwicker and Koestlin, each of whom served in the capacity of pastor of the congregation about two years. In 1875, during the pastorate of Rev. Koestlin, eighteen years after the church had been erected, it was found necessary to enlarge it, which was done at an expense of $1,600.00. In 1877 Rev. J. Vontobel received and accepted a call, and through his influence the congregation, which had thus far been independent of any denominational body, became a member of the ' German Evangelical Synod of North America. That this connection has proven beneficial to the congregation is generally admitted. In 1883 Rev. W. A. Walter became pastor of the church. Through his efforts it was decided to build a new church, but as he accepted a call to Zanesville, O., in that year, his plans were carried out under his successor, Rev. F. M. Haefele. The church was dedicated