564 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVIII.

TOLAND HALL-PAST AND PRESENT MANUFACTURING INTERESTS-GAIN ELE-

VATORS- BURYING - GROUNDS -THE CENTENNIAL FOURTH- THE LONDON

GAS COMPANY - CHURCHES - THE LONDON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

SOCIETIES-THE WOMAN'S ANTI-LIQUOR CRUSADE-SALES

DAY-INCORPORATION AND GROWTH OF LONDON

THE only public hall in London is the monument of the late Dr. Aquilla Toland. It is located on the east side of the main street, near the I. B. & W. R. R., and forms part of what is known as Toland Block. In the summer of 1866, Dr. Toland contracted with Edwin Bird for an addition to his premises there situated, of one storeroom, and to erect a hall over that and an adjoining room, to be 75x38 feet in the clear, with an eighteen-foot ceiling. The hall was completed and opened December 4, 1866, by a grand concert given by the De Beriot Club of Columbus. The hall, on that evening, was crowded to its utmost capacity: not only all of the seats were occupied, but a large number were compelled to avail themselves of standing positions. There were present over five hundred people. The hall was damaged by the fire in that vicinity September 30, 1867, but was immediately repaired and refitted, and re-opened December 12, 1867, by a musical entertainment given by members of the Maennerchor Association of Columbus. The hall is comfortably seated and tastily frescoed. It has a medium-sized stage. which is supplied with the usual scenery required for ordinary plays and show performances.

PAST AND PRESENT MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

The Old Long Tannery.-In 1856, B. C. Long erected in the northern suburb of the town a large building fronting on Main street, for tanning purposes. It was two and a half stories high. with a front of forty feet, and one hundred feet deep. In the basement was a large number of vats, all of which were so arranged that even the coldest weather in winter was no obstacle to the work hands to pursue that kind of labor which was customary to be done in the summer season in tan-yards out of doors. The first room on the second floor was a large dry room, being large enough to dry several thousand dollars' worth of stock at one time. The room adjoining this was for grinding purposes, and was also very large and convenient, and back of which was a space under cover, to contain over one hundred and fifty cords of bark. The third floor was devoted to drying hair and material for making glue. The proprietor remarked, in 1856, that he was able to turn out $1,000 worth of finished leather per month. The building was erected by William Link, and was then considered the largest business building in the county.

This property finally fell into the possession of and was operated by a German named Zohlche, and was entirely destroyed by fire December 20. 1865.

The Weber Brewery.-The brick building located on Centre street, east of Main. was erected in the summer of 1862, by Peter Weber, for a brewery. It is a large two-story building. with a basement. Operations as a brewery were began in it February 1863, and continued until in 1877. The brewery was destroyed by fire March 2, 1871. but was again rebuilt shortly afterward, and continued in operation until in 1877, since which period it has been idle.

PAGE 565 - BLANK

PAGE 566 - PICTURE OF JAMES BOYD

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 567

The London Woolen Manufacturing Company.-Foremost among the manufacturing interests of London wits the woolen mill of the above named company, the history of which is as follows : On the 1st of January, 1866, a number of gentlemen of energy and capital met at the office of the Probate Judge for the purpose of forming a joint-stock company. A charter was immediately gotten up and filed at Columbus, and within sixty days from that time the erection of a building was under headway. The officers elected January 1. of that year, were C. K. Slagle, President; Stephen Watson, Treasurer; Oliver Slagle, Secretary; Directors-Stephen Watson, Jesse Watson, George W. Lohr, Richard Baskerville and C. K. Slagle. The site of the present grist-mill on South High street was purchased, and thereon was erected, by E. J. Gould and James Self, a brick structure four stories in height, covered with slate. The main building was 40x60 feet; on the first door was the office, salesroom and finishing rooms; the second floor was devoted to weaving and making stocking yarn ; the third floor to carding, and the fourth to spinning. In a side building was the dye-house and engine room. The mill had two sets of forty inch cards, capable of consuming one hundred and twenty-five pounds of wool per day, each, in the rough; two spinning jacks with two hundred and forty spindles each, and capable of spinning wool as fast as it passed through the cards; eleven looms, capable of turning out thirty yards of jeans per day each. The establishment gave employment to about forty hands, and in 1867 consumed over $17,000 worth of wool. The engine was forty horse-power capacity, and was furnished by I. & E. Greenwald, of Cincinnati, and the woolen machinery was purchased of E. C. Cleveland & Co., of Worcester, Mass., at a cost of over $15,000. The total expenditure in the construction and outfit for the establishment was about $50,000. The mill was superintended by Dennis Clark. On the night of December 5, 1871, the building, machinery, goods, books, and, in fact, everything, was destroyed by fire, making a total loss to the company of $50,000, on which there was an insurance of $10,000. On the night of this fire the weather was very cold, the mercury standing below zero. Thus ended an extensive enterprise, which was a source of profit to London and a convenience to farmers and the public generally.

London Agricultural Works.-In 1869-70, Messrs. Barnard. Dougherty & Stone, assisted by subscriptions from some of the enterprising men of London, erected the large two-story brick building located on West High street, just beyond the I. B. & W. R. R. crossing. with a view of establishing machine shops. Mr. Barnard. who was at the head of the establishment, was believed by interested parties to be engaged in a swindling scheme by which they were to suffer, owing to which the enterprise was abandoned. The same year of the completion of the building, it was purchased by James Coultas and A. L. Mesmore, who fitted it up for a planing mill, sash and blind factory, and for the manufacture of the Bowman planter, which found ready sale, and under their management this projected home enterprise began to assume shape and proportions. They displayed tact and energy. and paved the way for a larger establishment, and in 1873 a company, composed of the following named gentlemen. was formed: Harford Toland, Haworth & Sons, J. R. Atchison & James Coultas; Mr. Toland was President of the Company; Mr. Atchison. Secretary, Treasurer and General -Manager. The various agricultural implements manufactured by the company were the Haworth Check Rower. Bowman. Planter, Dickey Drill and Haworth Planter. The various departments of ,he establishment were the machine shop, blacksmith shop, paint and woodworking departments, tarring and knotting department, storage rooms. and the department for setting up work. In December, 1875, there were in process of manufacture 1,500 drills, and 1,000 check rowers. Capacity of workmanship

568 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

was then sufficient to turn out between one hundred and one hundred and fifty drills per week, and other implements in proportion.

The company was incorporated December 10, 1873, and commenced operations in January, 1874. The business was continued until in February, 1879, when the establishment was closed, and the result was anything but profitable to those concerned.

The London Flouring Mill.-After repeated efforts on the part of the citizens to supply a long needed want to the town, and the failure of parties from abroad who came with propositions to the citizens on the subject soliciting assistance for such an enterprise. the first grist-mill of the town was erected at the hands of Frederick Plaicer and Alvin Blue, of Pickaway County, this State. These gentlemen, in the spring of 1874, purchased the ground and ruins of the old woolen mill on South High street, for $3,000 and at once erected thereon a brick building two stories and a half high. The building was supplied by machinery brought from another mill in the vicinity of Canal Winchester; John Smith was the millwright, and James Self the builder of the brick work. The mill was completed and opened for grinding October 12, 1874 under the following circumstances, an account of which appeared is the Democrat of October 14, 1874: " One of the oldest pioneers of Madison County, being a resident of sixty-five years, says: I have watched with much pleasure the progress of Placier & Blue's new mill to the present time. I was in the mill at my post of observation on Monday. the 12th of October, when it was announced The mill is ready to grind." - Then one of the owners of the mill called on the old pioneer to put the first half bushel of grain in the hopper, as he was the oldest man present. I complied with pleasure, and then stepped back to look at the monster start. The steam being put on. the machinery took motion, and the buhrs commenced revolving, and down went the golden meal: I stepped to the stairway, and who should I see there at the spout, but another old pioneer, Col. J. H. --, on duty. waiting for the sack to till, so that he could have the honor of taking away the first sack from the spout; all of which he did with great pride.

The cost of the mill was $12,000; it is now owned and operated by Frederick Plaices, it has a capacity of making from twenty-five to thirty-five barrels of dour per day of twelve hours, and from 3011 to 5110 bushels of meal per week.

The Loudon Woolen Mills.-This important industry is the property of Dennis Clark, located on Water street, between Fourth and Fifth. In the spring of 1872, Mr. Clark erected the buildings, consisting of a main building. two stories in height and 60x30 feet in size, with a one-story dry-house and engine-room attached, 30x40 feet-all of frame. The mill is well equipped with excellent machinery, consisting of one set of spinning-jacks, with 230 spindles, three power looms and finishing machinery. Eight hands are employed. and the annual trade of the mills amounts to about $10,000 on an average. There are manufactured here all kinds of woolen goods. Which are both retailed and wholesaled, the latter trade being confined chiefly to the cities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Steubenville. Mr. Clark is a man of large experience in this line of business, having been engaged in the different mills in and about London since 1850, and at one time owned and operated the old mill that stood about one mile north of London, and later superintended the mills of the London Woolen Manufacturing Company of this place.

The Planing-Mill and Lumber Yard of E. J. Gould & Co.-This mill, yard and wood-working establishment-the largest in Madison County-is located on Main street. between the P., C. & St. L. and I. B. & W. Railroads. The planing-mill was erected in 1867 by Messrs. E. J. Gould and A. L. Brown, and

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 569

the manufacture of doors, sashes and blinds commenced. A number of years prior to this, the lumber yard had been established by William Gould, a brother to Mr. Gould of the firm. Later, the Gould brothers became associated together in the lumber yard in connection with which they carried on a carpenter and builders shop. The main building is two stories and a half high. and in size is about 100x40 feet; and the dry-house is about 30x60 feet, a one story building. Mr. Brown, in the course of several years, sold his interest to Mr. Gould, who, in the spring of 1875, associated with him Gerald Fitzgibbons. The firm does an extensive business, and gives constant employment to nine or ten men.

The Lumber Yard and Wood-Working Establishment of J. F. Morgan.The location is on High street, opposite the gist-mill. The business was begun by the Morgan Brothers, W. If. H. and J. F., in 1873. Since 1878, the business has been carried on by the present proprietor. J. F. Morgan. The mill is a two-story frame, supplied with suitable machinery for general wood-working. There are six or more hands employed and all kinds of lumber, doors. blinds and sash dealt in.

The Lenhart Carriage Manufactory, located on Oak between Fourth and High streets, was established by Bush Paine in the tall of 1866. when the present building, a two-story brick and frame, about 140x28 feet, was erected. The factory became the property of the present proprietor, Samuel Lenhart, in the fall of 1868, and the business has since been conducted by him. He has on hand, at all times, a full stock of custom made buggies, carriages and spring wagons, and manufactures and sells the Lockwood wagon-bed. he has employed ten hands.

Mr. Paine first engaged in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, etc., in connection with Samuel Roadhamer, about the beginning of the late war, having succeeded P. S. Fay, who was located on South Main street. This firm remained in that locality but one or two years. when they dissolved, and Mr. Paine removed to the north side of Second street, between Main and Union, and purchased a shop of that kind there carried on by P. C. Palmer, where he established himself, and remained until October 3. 1366', when his entire manufactory was destroyed by fire, and he sustained a loss of 84.000. He then built on Oak street, and was killed by lightning in 1867.

The Carriage Manufactory of B. Judy -In September, 1871, Richard Acton, Tim Riordon and William Staley erected, on the corner of High and Union streets, a large brick building two stories high, and 133 feet deep, and in November following opened and established the above-named manufactory. Mr. John Duddy was taken in as an associate ill the business. In August. 1873, Messrs. Riordon and Staley withdrew from the firm, and several years later the business ceased. In 1877, the building was rented and the business of manufacturing carriages, buggies and wagons. and doing general repairing, continued by the present proprietor. There are employed at these shops on an average, the year through, nine men, and the sales amount to about $6,000.

The London Marble and Granite Works were established in London in the neighborhood of 1853, by Samuel Minter. Mr. Minter died in 1861, and the business was carried on for about one year by the present proprietor, Jacob March. The works were then purchased by Messrs. Hutchinson & Reitzell, who conducted the business together for a period when Mr. Hutchinson became sole proprietor. In June, 1866, Jacob March purchased a half-interest of Mr. Hutchinson, and the two gentlemen operated together for about six months, when Levi March bought out Mr. Hutchinson's interest, and the firm name became the March Brothers. Six months later, Mr. Jacob March became sole proprietor and carried on the business until 1872, when he sold to James Self. About this time. another marble shop was started in town by Aaron Bentezell. Mr.

670 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

March became associated in the business as a partner with Mr. Bentezell. These gentlemen after about one year together dissolved, Mr. March purchasing. About the year 1875 Mr. March purchased the shop of Mr. Self and consolidated the two. The works were destroyed by the fire of 1874, but immediately thereafter rebuilt where now located on West High street, where can be found anything in the marble and granite line, for :monuments or tombstones, and a full supply of limestone and freestone for door or window sills, doorsteps, etc.

Grain Elevators.-Madison County has always produced more grain than was necessary for home consumption, and in the last decade three large grain elevators have been erected along the lines of the two railroads. and are now numbered among the important industries of its " seat of justice." The advantages over the old mode of shipping the surplus of grain are so many and great that the elevator has been brought into popular favor and encouraged shipment. The amount of grain received and shipped necessarily fluctuates, vet it is estimated that several hundred thousand bushels are handled annually. The largest of the three elevators referred to is the one located at the intersection of the I. B. & W., and P. C. & St. L. R. R.. built by James Hamilton, the present proprietor, in the spring of 1876. This was destroyed by fire June 16, 1879, and with it burned two thousand bushels of wheat and four hundred bushels of corn, the total loss over insurance being $4,000. Mr. Hamilton rebuilt at once.

The second in size is the elevator located along the P.. C. & St. L. R. R. near Water street, built in 1878 by Messrs. William Farrar and Thomas Wood, who were proprietors until in October. 1882. when it was purchased by William M. Jones and R. B. Edwards, who are now carrying on the business. The capacity of this elevator is eight thousand bushels per day.

The last is the Cowling elevator, located at the flouring mill, built by R. B. Cowling, in 1876 ; capacity, from three thousand to four thousand bushels per day.

Burying Grounds.-Outlot No. 11, situated in the extreme northeastern part of the original plat of the town, was reserved for burial purposes. and was extensively used for such until the organization of Oak Hill and Kirkwood Cemetery Associations. Many of the pioneers of London were interred here. In 1873, resolutions were passed by the Council advising the State Senator of this district, and the Representative of the county. that a special act was needed authorizing the sale of this place of burial, and the purchase of a new lot outside of the corporate limits of the town. The bill became a law, and on the 19th of December, 1873. the Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the burial of the dead within the corporate limits. Ten lots were purchased by the Council, in Kirkwood Cemetery, for the interment of bodies removed, and early in January, 1874, the removal of the bodies was begun. This burying ground. from its close proximity to the old Methodist Church, probably, has been known as the Methodist Burying-Ground.

About the year 1830, a piece of ground located in the western part of town, along the P., C y& St. L. R. R.. was set apart by James Mitchell, for a Presbyterian graveyard. The organization of the Cemetery Associations above named, and the subsequent action of the Council did away with both of these places of burial.

THE CENTENNIAL "FOURTH."

There was no special observance of the one hundredth anniversary of American Independence at London; nevertheless. a great many people were in town, and the average small boy jubilated in spite of adverse circumstances, and the noise of the festive fire-cracker made music for shattered nerves. The nearest a celebration was a picnic, given at the fair grounds by the congrega-

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 571

tion of St. Patrick's Church. The societies under the auspices of the church marched out in procession in the morning. The attendance at the grounds was large. notwithstanding the rainy weather, and the enjoyment of the occasion was very generally participated in. Smith's Band, of Springfield, was in attendance.

THE LONDON GAS LIGHT COMPANY.

The London Gas Light Company was organized in 1875, with a capital stock of $38,000. The original officers were : Harford Toland, President ; R. G. Jordan. Superintendent. Treasurer and Secretary ; Board of Directors Toland Jones. B. F. Clark, M. Riley, J. M. Dungan. R. B. Cowling and R. G. Jordan. August 6, 1875 the Town Council passed an ordinance by which R. G. Jordan. of Wheeling. W. Va., was granted the right of way and authority to erect gas works. In consideration of the franchise. Mr. Jordan agreed to furnish gas for the period of ten years, to the town at a sum not exceeding $2.75 per 1,000 cubic feet. and to the citizens, for private use, at a sum not exceeding $3.25 per 1,000 cubic feet ; also, to furnish and keep in repair for ten years 100 cast iron lamp-posts. the Council reserving the right to purchase the works. In August 1875, R. G. Jordan purchased ground adjoining the Weber Brewery, of Peter Weber. for $500. On the twenty-third of that month, the first shovelful of earth was thrown out by the Mayor, John F. Locke, and the building was immediately erected and the works completed. London was, for the first time, lighted with gas on the night of December 7, 1875. The Madison House, and several other buildings, were illuminated from cellar to garret. There has been some change in the Board of Directors since the organization, but otherwise the company remains as organized. The capacity of the works is 40,000 cubic feet per day. There are 132 public gas lampposts, and gas mains laid to the extent of four and one-halt miles.

CHURCHES.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of London -In our endeavor to present to the reader a sketch of the Methodist Episcopal Church of London, we have met with obstacles on every hand ; yet. upon careful and protracted research, without the aid of local records. we have been able to obtain a fragmentary sketch.

We only refer to what is historical in saying that Methodist itinerants were among the first in bearing the Gospel to those finding homes in the West. The earliest resident minister of Madison County was Rev. Lewis Foster a Methodist preacher. who settled in what is now Jefferson Township in the fall of 1806, but having been to that vicinity as early as 1805. Several years later. he organized a small society in the same vicinity. In 1807, a small Methodist class was organized at the house of Jonathan Minshall. on Walnut Run, about four miles south of the site upon which London was afterward built. A year or two later another class was 'organized. on Glade Run. and designated as the Lower Glade Church. Shortly after London was laid out-about the year 1813 or 1814-a Methodist class. or small society, was organized in the village, composed-in part, at least-of Robert Warner. Robert Warner. Jr., and wife, William Warner and wife and two daughters. John Warner and wife and William Wingate and wife. It is not known definitely to what circuit any of these classes or societies were attached prior to 1819, yet circumstances strongly point toward their connection with Paint Creek Circuit. The Walnut Run class, however. was first visited by Rev. Benjamin Lakin. in 1807, upon the solicitation of the few members. Mr. Lakin was, at this time, traveling the Chillicothe Circuit, which was some Years prior to the formation of Paint Creek Circuit.

572 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

From 1812 until 1819, the presiding elders and preachers in charge of this circuit were as follows : 1812-Rev. James Quinn, Presiding- Elder, Revs. Isaac Pavey and T. Corkhill, preachers ; 1813-Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder. Rev. Moses Trader, preacher ; 1814-Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Rev. William P. Finley, preacher ; 1815-Rev. James Quinn, Presiding Elder, Rev. Robert W. Finley, preacher ; 1816-Rev. David Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Jacob Hooper and William Westlake, preachers ; 1817-Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Soloman and D. Carr, preachers ; 1818-Rev. Moses Crume, Presiding Elder, Rev. William P. Finley, preacher.

On the 25th day of August, 1817, a deed was made for the lot designated on the town plat of London as No. 112, cornering on Back street and Fifth, containing thirty-two square poles, between Patrick McLene. Director for the town, and William Erwin, Jonathan Minshall, John McDonald, William Warner, Sr., William G. Pinkard, Robert Warner, David Watson, James Greenby and Amos G. Thompson, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and their successors in office. The consideration therein specified was $11. Upon this lot. but just at what time we are unable to state, this denomination erected the hewed log meeting house, still standing, though it has since been weather-boarded and converted into a dwelling. It is believed that the house was built prior to 1820. This was the first church building erected in London, and the only one until 1834-35.

In 1819, London circuit was formed and Rev. Andrew S. McLean appointed preacher in charge. Rev. James B. Finley was this year and the year following Presiding Elder of the district, and Revs. Zachariah Connell and James Smith, preachers, on the circuit in 1820. The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge from 1821 to 1836, were as follows : 1821-Rev. John Strange. Presiding Elder, Revs. D. D. Davisson and William Simmons. preachers : 1822-Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. George Maley and Aaron Woods, preachers ; 1823-Rev. John Collins, Presiding Elder. Revs. James Collard and Richard Brandriff, preachers ; 1824-Rev. J. B. Finley. Presiding Elder, Rev. Robert W. Finley, preacher ; 1825-Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding Elder, Revs. J. L. Donahoo and J. C. Havens, preachers ; 1826-Rev. Russel Bigelow, Presiding Elder, Revs. S. P. Shaw and J. W. Clarke. preachers ; 1827-Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, Revs. S. P. Shaw and F. Buller. preachers : 1828-Rev. J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder. Revs. Thomas Simms and B. Austin. preachers ; 1829 -Rev. J. F. Wright. Presiding Elder. Rev. Benjamin Lawrence. preacher; 1830 -Rev. J. F. Wright. Presiding Elder, Revs. Benjamin Lawrence and William Sutton. preachers ; 1831-Rev. J. F. Wright. Presiding Elder. Revs. William Sutton and J. C. Hardy, preachers ; 1832-Rev. W. H. Raper. Presiding Elder, Revs. J. Smith and J. Hill, preachers ; 1833-Rev. Augustus Eddy, Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow and Henry Whiteman. preachers ; 1834-Rev. W. H. Raper, Presiding Elder. Revs. .Joshua Boncher and G. Moody. preachers ; 1835-Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. Philip -Nation and W. Westlake, preachers ; 1836-Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder, Revs. William 'Morrow and Jacob Martin, preachers.

The Rev. Jacob Young, in his autobiography, in speaking of his appointment as Presiding Elder of the Columbus District in 1835 thus alludes to the London Circuit : We had a prosperous year on London Circuit, under the labors of Philip Nation and William Westlake. Brother Nation was not what was called a great preacher, but a very useful one, and as good a natural singer as I ever knew; he has been successful on all the circuits he ever traveled. His slender constitution soon completed his labors, and he passed to his rest." In 1836, the London Circuit embraced the following preaching points : London, Somerford, Joseph Warner's. William Gear's. Reader'. Brighton. D. Watson's, Phifer's Schoolhouse. Troxel's. La Fayette. Lower Glade, J. Chenoweth's. Judge

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 573

Fitzgerald's, Harrisburg, Leasenbes, Morain's. Yankeetown, Mount Sterling, Don Roe's, or Heath's Mill. Bethel, Wilmouth's Schoolhouse, D. Dye's, or Linson's, and Maxey's. This took in an extensive tract or scope of country as the reader acquainted with its localities must see, but each preacher in charge was expected to preach at each point once in every four weeks.

In the autobiography of Rev. Jacob Young, we find another allusion to the London Circuit, which we deem not out of place here to record. In speaking of the Conference of 1842. Mr. Young says: Bishop Morris appointed me to the London Circuit. Zachariah Connell was my Presiding Elder, and William Sutton was my colleague. The work of the Lord soon began to revive in the town of London and other places. At the first quarterly meeting, Z. Connell received a heavenly baptism. and was like a flaming herald the balance of the year. Brother Sutton was a very reliable man. We had several excellent preachers living on the circuit-Brother Steele. Brother China, Brother Ebenezer Webster and Brother Jacob Martin. though much afflicted and unable to do effective work. his example and counsel was very useful. My coming onto the circuit was of great advantage to me. and I hope I was no disadvantage to it. I formed friendships which will be as lasting as eternity. James Foster. Stephen Moore. Isaac Moore and Joseph Warner and Sally Warner will never he forgotten by me. She was a mother in Israel. and one of the best friends I have met with in the house of my pilgrimage. I delivered my valedictory all round the circuit. and many tears were shed. both by the preacher and the people."

About this time (1842). the members of the London charge erected a one story frame church building on the present site of the brick edifice now standing. and abandoned the old log meeting-house. This building served them as a house of worship until the erection of the present brick in 1859-60. The latter edifice was dedicated Sabbath. February 26, 1860, the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Clark. editor of the Ladies' Repository. of Cincinnati. Ohio. After the services a collection of between $1,500 and $1,600 was taken up. which sum nearly completed the payment of the cost of the building.

The Presiding Elders and preachers in charge of the circuit from 1837 to 1860 were the followings named: Rev. Jacob Young. Presiding Elder, Revs. William Morrow and George Fate. preachers: 1838 -Rev. Jacob Young, Presiding Elder Revs. Benjamin Ellis and E. T. Webster. preachers: 1839-Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder. Revs. E. T. Webster and Noah Haugh. preachers; 1840-Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder. Revs. J. W. Steele and -Noah Haugh. preachers; 1841 -Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. W. Steele and A. M. Lorraine, preachers: 1842-Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder. Revs. Jacob Young and William Sutton. preachers: 1843-Rev. William Simmons. Presidings Elder. Revs. William Sutton and E. B. Warrington. preachers; 1844-Rev. William Simmons. Presiding Elder. Rev.. Martin Wolf and Thomas Heard, preachers; 1845-Rev. William Simmons. Presiding Elder. Revs. Martin Wolf and J. W. Smith. preachers; 1846-Rev. William Simmons. Presiding Elder. Revs. -James Armstrong and S. Haines, preachers: 1847-Rev. D. Kemper. Presiding Elder. Revs. James Armstrong and J. W. Steele. preachers: 1848-Rev. D. Kemper; Presiding Elder, Revs. Samuel Maddox and T. M. Gossard. preachers; 1849-Rev. J. A. Jameson, Presiding Elder. Revs. .Joseph Morris and William Sutton. preachers: 1850-Rev. J. M. Jameson. Presiding Elder. Revs. David Smith and James Laws. preachers: 1851-Rev. Cyrus Brooks, Presiding Elder. Revs. David Smith and James Laws. preachers: 1852-Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder. Revs. John Stewart. J. S. Brown and J. D. Crum, preachers; 1853-Rev. Uriah Heath, Presiding Elder, Revs. John Stewart, T. S. Loyd and J. D. Crum. preachers; 1854-Rev. Uriah Heath. Presiding Elder. Revs. A. B. Lee and J. F. Longman, preachers; 1855-Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder. Revs.

574 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

J. F. Longman and J. T. Miller, preachers: 1856-Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder, Revs. A. Flemmons and Richard Pitzer. preachers: 1857-Rev. Z. Connell, Presiding Elder. Revs. A. Flemmons and S. Tippitt. preachers; 1858-Rev. Z. Connell. Presiding Elder, Revs. S. Tippitt and A. M. Alexander, preachers: 1859-Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder. Revs. Levi Hall and A. M. Alexander. preachers.

In 1860 the London charge was made a station with Rev. H. E. Pilcher appointed pastor: Rev. J. M. Jameson was this year the Presiding Elder of the district. In 1866. Centenary Chapel was built in the rear of and adjoining the brick edifice. mainly for a lecture room and Sabbath school purposes. It is of brick. thirty-five by sixty feet in size, and is of the Roman style of architecture; it is connected with the main building by a corridor. The brick and stone work was clone by James Self, and the carpenter work by E. J. Gould, The Chapel cost about $7,000 and was built and furnished through the liberality of Mrs. Eliza Chrisman. It was dedicated on Christmas morning 1866 by Bishop Clark, of Cincinnati, who delivered one of his ablest sermons to a large audience. The venerable David Watson who assisted in the erection of the old log meeting-house in London. attended the dedicatory service. In 1871, the church was incorporated.

Since 1861, the Presiding Elders and pastors of the church have been as follows: 1861-Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder. Rev. .J. M. Jameson, pastor. 1862-Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. M. Jameson, pastor 1863 -Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder. Rev. Levi Cunningham. pastor. 1864-Rev. G. W. Brush. Presiding Elder. Rev. Levi Cunningham, pastor. 1865-Rev. J. M. Jameson. Presiding Elder. Rev. Levi Cunningham. pastor. 1861 ;Rev. J. M. Jameson, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster. pastor. 1867-Rev C. A. Vananda, Presiding Elder, Rev. H. K. Foster. pastor. 1868-Rev. C. A. Vananda. Presiding, Elder. Rev. H. K. Foster, pastor. 1869-Rev. C. A. Vananda. Presiding Elder; Rev. C. D. Battell, pastor. 1870-Rev. C. A. Vananda. Presiding Elder Rev. C. D. Battell. pastor. 1871 -Rev. J. W. White. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. F. King, pastor. 1872-Rev. J. W. White, Presiding Elder. Rev. T. H. Monroe. pastor. 1873-Rev. J. W. White. Presiding Elder Rev. T. H. Monroe. pastor. 1874-Rev. A. B. Lee. Presiding Elder. Rev. T. H. Monroe, pastor. 1875-Rev. B. N. Spahr. Presiding Elder. Rev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1876-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder, Rev. J. T. Miller, pastor. 1877-Rev. B. N. Spahr, Presiding Elder Rev. J. C. Jackson. pastor. 1878-Rev. B. N. Spahr. Presiding Elder Rev. J. C. Jackson. pastor. 1879-Rev. J. F. King. Presiding Elder Rev. J. C. Jackson, pastor, 1880, 1881 and 1882-Rev. J. F. King, Presiding, Elder. Rev. J. W. Peters, pastor. The present membership of the church is 520. The spread of Methodism in Madison County has been rapid. In 1820, the old log meeting-house was the only church building on London Circuit. which then embraced all of the country north as far as Marysville: and south. Williamsport, Pickaway County. there are now within that scope of country at least fifty church edifices. The London Church and Sabbath school are in a prosperous condition.

First Presbyterian Church of London.*-On the 26th day of September, 1829, a sermon was preached in London by the Rev. D. C. Allen, missionary, with reference to the formation ora Presbyterian Church. After service, a meeting for this purpose was held at the house of Mr. Charles Berry. A church session was present. consisting of Samuel Reed, an Elder from Upper Liberty Church. David Mitchell and David Chapman. Elders from Lower Liberty Church. in Union County. and Rev. D. C. Allen. an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church. The session being constituted with prayer, twenty per

* This historical sketch in main, was embodied in a paper prepared and read before the congregation of tile church by B. F. Clark. in October 1876.

PAGE 575 - PICTURE OF ANDREW CARY

PAGE 576 - BLANK

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 577

sons were received on examination as members of the Visible Church of Christ on Earth. Two persons were then nominated for election as Ruling Elders and articles of faith and covenant were read for the consideration of all concerned. An appointment was made for the ensuing Sabbath, and the meeting adjourned. On Sabbath, September 27, the session met in the morning and received one other candidate. The names of all the candidates having been called, they presented themselves, gave their assent to the articles of faith and covenant and by prayers were set apart aud constituted a church of the Lord Jesus Christ. John Rayburn and William McCoy, the persons nominated for Ruling Elders. were duly elected and ordained as officers in this church, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered to about thirty persons. This was the first Presbyterian communion service held in London for several years. Formerly an organization of twenty-five or thirty members had been formed, but having been long destitute of Presbyterian preaching it had become almost extinct. When Rev. D. C. Allen carne on the field, in 1829. there were no Elders living in the congregation, and no church records could be found. The names of the persons composing the church as re-organized by him, twenty-one in, number. are as follows: William McCoy. Ann P. McCoy, John Davidson. Mrs. Sallie Davidson. John Rayburn. Mrs. Rebecca Rayburn, James Rankin. Mrs. Margaret Rankin, Charles Berry. Mrs. Elizabeth Berry. Mrs. Elizabeth Stockton, Mrs. Mary Withrow aud Mrs. Mary Temaus received by certificate and examination. John Byers. Mrs. Matilda Byers. William T. Davidson. Mrs. Rachel B. Davidson. John H. Kennedy, Mrs. Hannah Hill, Mrs. Elizabeth Houston. Miss Maria P. Rankin and Mrs. Hume received by profession of faith and examination.

"May this little vine be owned and blessed as one of the Lord's own planting." (Signed) D. C. ALLEN, Missionary.

The minutes of the organization of the church were approved at a meeting of the Presbytery of Columbus. in Circleville. Ohio, April 7, 1830. May 23, 1831, after public worship. a meeting of the congregation was held according to previous appointment at which time Charles Berry and William T. Davidson were elected Ruling Elders. aud were ordained on the 5th day of June, 1831: June 30, 1832. Samuel Haller and William Creath were ordained as Ruliug Elders of the church. March 13, 1833, the congregation of the Presbyterian Church was regularly convened in the court house, in London. for the purpose of electing a pastor. The Rev. Benjamin Dolbear was present by invitation of the session. preached. aud presided, as Moderator of the tweeting. The Rev. D. C. Allen, who had been serving the church as missionary supply from the time of its organization was unanimously chosen as their pastor. At the same time and place. William T. Davidson, James Raukin and James Rayburn were elected Trustees. aud William McCormack Treasurer of the congregation. Rev. D. C. Allen was iustalled pastor of the church April 13,1833. The church was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio on the 28th day of February 1834.

The first church building, a frame structure, on the corner of Fifth aud Oak streets. was erected iu the years 1834-35. The first bell was purchased for the chnrch in the year 1849; J. I. Robinson, Samuel P. Davidson and J. M. Rayburn were appointed the committee to solicit subscriptions for the purchase of the same. April 1, 1837 eighty members were reported to the Presbytery on the roll of the church. April 16, 1837, the Rev. D. C. Allen resigned his charge as pastor of the church. February 4, 1838, James Raybnrn, William McCormack and J. H. Kennedy were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church. May 13, 1838,. nine members were dismissed for the purpose of forming a Church in Jefferson, Ohio. This organization, after maintaining an existe:rce for several years. with John Byers and Dr. David Wilson as

578 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Ruling Elders, at length become so much reduced by death and removals, that the few remaining members returned again to the church in London. John Byers and Mrs. Sarah Byers being received by letter October 16, 1858. April 2. 1839, Rev. J. Hoge, D.D.. by invitation, preached a sermon and moderated a meeting regularly convened for electing a pastor. The Rev. E. Van Derman was called as pastor, and installed on the 3d day of April. 1839. His pastorate was very brief. The Master called him to a higher service and an eternal reward in November, 1839. After the death of Rev. E. Van Derman, the church was without a pastor for about one year. November 20, 1840 at a meeting of the congregation, presided over by Dr. J. Hoge, the Rev. R. C. McComb was called as pastor of the church, and was ordained and installed as pastor November 21, 1840. This pastorate continued until April. 1854. September 25, 1851. R. C. Amos and Joseph Rayburn were elected and ordained as Ruling Elders of the church.

In July, 1855, Rev. C. W. Finley. a licentiate of the Presbytery of Redstone. having been employed by the Presbytery of Columbus as a missionary. within its bounds. began his labors at London. Midway. Mt. Sterling, Genoa and Grove City, preaching also at several private houses in the community. making London his headquarters. During the year 1857, he was assisted in his labors by Rev. Mr. Irwin. for the period of six months. October 16, 1858, at a congregational meeting, regularly convened, and moderated by Rev. James Dunlap. the Presbyterian Church of London called Rev. C. W. Finley as their pastor for the whole of his time. He was installed pastor of the church January 7, 1859. Rev. James Hoge. D. D., Rev. E. Woods and Elder R. Paul being present at the service by appointment of the Presbytery. March 9. 1858. P. W. Taylor and Maxwell Murray were elected and ordained Ruling Elders of the church.

The old church building on the corner of Fifth and Oak streets, having become too small to accommodate the congregation. and having fallen out of repair by use and lapse of time it was decided by the congregation that they would erect a new building rather than repair the old one. During the year 1859, the present building. a one-story brick with large tower in center front, was erected. The pastor. Rev. C. W. Finley, donated the lot on which it stands, Maj. Richard Cowling. besides contributing liberally toward the construction, had the clock placed in the tower at his own expense. and by his last will and testament left a legacy of $5,000 for the benefit of the church. In September 1859, the congregation authorized the sale of the old church building, the proceeds to be applied to the erection of the new church. April 14, 1860. B. F. Clark was elected and ordained a Ruling Elder of the church. November 9, 1861. John Lohr and William M. Kinney were elected, and December 1. 1861, were ordained Ruling Elders in the church. June 20, 1862. thirteen members were dismissed for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church in Midway, Ohio. The devoted and abundant labors of Rev. C. W. Finley were ended April 12, 1877, when after a lingering illness. the Master came to him with the gracious summons: "Enter thou into the joy of the Lord."

During the pastorate of nineteen years. the church experienced a healthful and steady growth in numbers and usefulness. In January and February, 1866. it was visited by a season of special religious interest. and forty-four were added to the roll of membership on profession of their faith in Christ. Again, in 1875 forty-five were added on profession of faith. The number of members received on examination from April 1855, to July 1877, was 271. The number of members received on certificate from April 1855 to July 1877, was 131, making a total of 402. The number on the roll July 21, 1877 was 211. The loss by deaths and removals during the twenty-two years was 191. The number now on the roll December 1882, is about 205. Rev. J. G. Pat-

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 579

terson succeeded the Rev. C. W. Finley to the pastorate of the church, being called June 14,1877, and installed October 17 of that year. Rev. J. A. Ewalt, the present pastor, was installed April 11, 1882. Present members of the session are B. F. Clark, John Lohr, William T. Davidson, William M. Kinney. The Board of Trustees is G. W. Wilson, W. D. Williams and James Hamilton.

St. Patrick's Catholic Church, of London.-In the absence of records, we are unable to give the date that the first Catholic services were held in London, and the names of the first members participating. The building of the Columbus & Xenia R. R. through London took place during the years 1848-49, and about this time several Catholic families located in this vicinity. Early in the year 1852. among the families residing in the town and neighborhood were John Dwyer and family. Philip Lackey and family, Thomas Singleton and family, Michael McCarty and family, Edward Donahue and family, Daniel Graham and family, John Fogerty and family, Thomas Kennally and family, Patrick Mastoson and family and James McCarty and family. At this time, mass was celebrated once a month, at private houses, principal among which was the house of Michael McCarty. The priest administering to this people was the Rev. Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia. After the building of the Phifer House, on the corner of Main and High streets, mass was celebrated in the Phifer House Hall until 1856. when a lot was purchased on Center street. near Main, and a one-story frame church erected thereon, which was dedicated in the fall of that year. This was used as a house of worship by St. Patrick's congregation until the completion of their new edifice.

From the celebration of the first mass in London by Father Blake, until the church here was supplied with a resident priest, in 1864, the following-named priests, and in the order given, administered to the spiritual wants of St. Patrick's congregation : Revs. Father Thomas Blake, Father Maurice Howard of Springfield, Father D. J. Cogan and Father J. N. Thisse, both of Springfield. On Christmas Day, 1864. Rev. Father John Conway became the first resident priest of the London parish, and to this gentleman's untiring energy and perseverance is the church indebted for their beautiful and commodious edifice. The around upon which the building stands, situated on the corner of Second and Union streets. was purchased of James Dwyer. The building was commenced in the summer of 1865. It is of gothic style of architecture, one. hundred feet in length by fifty feet in width, with a thirty-eight foot ceiling ; at the west end is a gallery. for the choir and organ, extending the whole width of' the building ; the tower is one hundred and ten feet in height, slated at the top ; the windows are twelve feet in height. filled with a beautiful and costly article of stained glass. The cost of the building, with organ and bell, was $22,000. The plan for the building was drawn by Pickett & Son, of Cincinnati. The brick and stone work was done by Winn & Robinson, slating by Gephart, of Dayton. plastering by William Gulick, of Columbus. and the painting by Joseph Corns. The church is the largest in the county, and will seat about 1,000 persons.

The corner stone of the edifice was laid September 17, 1865. Bishop Sylvester H. Rosecrans delivered a discourse explanatory of the Catholic faith and replete with good advice. immediately after which he administered confirmation to about fifty persons. A small tin-box containing the date of the ceremonies, the names of the Bishop, the pastor. and other facts relating to the church was deposited in the corner-stone.

The edifice was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Purcell on Sunday, November 18, 1866. Many visitors came from neighboring cities, and at 11 o'clock a grand procession was formed at the old church, headed by a Columbus hand. and proceeded to the new church. It was impossible for one-half

580 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

the crowd to get within the walls of the building. The Archbishop delivered a short discourse out doors. after which the crowd was admitted inside as fast as the money could be taken at the door, as this was the means in which the donations were received. The building had not yet been seated. but it was supposed that fifteen hundred persons were admitted. The music on the occasion was furnished by the choir of St. Patrick's Church of Columbus. The following church dignitaries were in attendance from abroad: Archbishop John B. Purcell, of Cincinnati; Rev. Father Edward Fitzgerald. of Columbus: Rev Father Joseph Retcker, D. D., Mt. St. Mary's Seminary. Cincinnati: Rev. Father Thomas Blake. of Xenia. and Rev. Father J. N. Thisse, of Springfield. The interior of the edifice is neatly finished. There are three altars, the main one being dedicated by Archbishop Purcell. October 27. 1872. The Scriptural paintings are fine works of art. the fourteen representing the way of the cross were purchased by Father Conway in Paris.

The resident pastors of the church, with their assistants in the order named, have been as follows : 11e\. Father John Conway. from Christmas. 1864. until June. 1877: Assistants-Rev. Fathers .J. Maroney and Rowel amp. During Father Conway's absence from the church while in Europe. the priests of St. Patrick's Church were Rev. Fathers P. H. Cusack. J. J. Kennedy and B. M. Mueller. Rev. lather Michael flares. from June 1877, until August, 1878. Rev. Father James Burns, from August, 1878 until January. 1881 ; Assistants -Fathers Michael Hayes and Charles McCallion respectively. Rev. Father C. M. Berding, the present incumbent. became pastor in October, 1881. His assistant is Rev. Father James O'Kieffe. who entered upon his duties ;n October, 1882. The congregation numbers about two hundred and if-1v families.

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church of London.-At a meeting held at the residence of Jonathan Farrar on the 28th of June, 1858. opened by prayer by the Rev. Chandler Robbins. of Springfield. the above-named society was organized and styled Christ's Protestant Episcopal Church of Loudon." and subsequently was incorporated under that name. The officers elected at that meeting were : Richard Cowling, Jonathan Farrar, Edwin Cowling, Jesse W. Dungan, Dr. N. S. Darling, B. T. Custer, Edwin Bird, James Baker and D. M. Creighton. comprising the Vestry; Jonathan Farrar. Senior Warden: Edwin Cowling, Junior Warden ; and D. M. Creighton. Treasurer of the church. On motion, a committee of two was appointed to extend an invitation to the Rev. Chandler Robbins to become the first rector of the church. which invitation was accepted. The first communicant members of the church were Mrs. M. Dooris and two daughters. Maggie and Sarah. Dr. H. J. Sharp and wife. Mrs. A. C. Watson. Mrs. E. J. Gould. Mrs. S. J. Hubbard and daughter Maggie. Mrs. George Mitchell. Mfrs. Noah Thomas, Mrs. John Chambers. Mrs. W. H. Carter. Mary Green and Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bolds. For the first two years of Christ's Church. services were held once a mouth in the old Presbyterian Church building, under the rectorship of Mr. Robbins. From that period until the year 1866-67. the pulpit was unoccupied. For a portion of this year, occasional services were conducted in the court house by Rev. W. T. Helm. of Xenia. Before the close of the year. Mr. Helm was succeeded by Rev. H. C. H. Dudley. of the same city. Mr. Dudley remained rector of the church for about two years, when he was succeeded by Rev. Dr. Kellogg, who served the people about six months only, being compelled by failing health to sever his connection with the church. His successor was Rev. J. H. Ely. The next rector of the church was Rev. William Bower, under whose rectorship the church prepared to build in the spring of 1878. A lot was purchased of Eugene Freeman for 4300. located near the corner of Fourth and Union streets, upon which was erected, at a cost of 42,300, a beautiful frame edifice. which was consecrated to the service of God by Bishop

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 581

Jaggar, of the diocese of Southern Ohio, on the afternoon of Saturday, November 16. 1878. In the spring of 1878, Rev. John Rose, of Boston. became rector of the church. Other rectors have been Revs. Mr. Morrell and J. W. Gillman. The church is now (1882) without a rector. Membership, seventeen.

In connection with the church there has been carried on a successful Sunday school for several years, which is now in a prosperous condition, under the superintendency of Dr. H. J. Sharp. The number of scholars in attendance is twenty-five.

The First Universalist Church of London.-On the 12th of July, 1858, the following-named persons assembled for the purpose of organizing themselves into a Universalist Church society : William Jones. J. F. Willis, Lathrop Willis, B. F. Montgomery, J. W. Curd. W. S. Shepherd. J. W. Low, J. Peetrey, Jedyer Willis, Josephine Jones, Louis Shepherd, M. J. Curd, Mary Low. C. Chandler. Frances Curtis. Minerva Acton, Josephine McCormack, Lorain Byers, Minerva Sothoron. Hannah Powell, Josephine Powell, Adelaide McCormack. Margaret McClintock and Edward McClimans. On the 12th of the following month, another meeting was held and presided over by Jedyer Willis, at which the organization of the society was completed. Jedyer Willis, J. F. Willis. J. W. Curd. William Jones and Jacob Peetrey were appointed Trustees of the church; Jedyer Willis, Treasurer, and Jacob Peetrey, Clerk. It should have been stated, however, that prior to the regular organization of the church as given above, occasional preaching was had by this class at London by ministers supplying neighboring pulpits, one of whom was Rev. H. R. Nye, pastor of the Universalist society at Columbus. Mr. Nye was active in the interests of the church, and the organization here was in a measure due to his efforts. He continued in the pastorate of the church at Columbus until the spring of 1859 and served the London congregation regularly during that time. Mr. Nye's successor to the Columbus charge was Rev. Thomas Gormon. who remained the pastor of the church until 1861, and likewise preached regularly at London.

Unfortunately the early records of the society were destroyed by fire some years ago. and a complete succession of the different ministers who have served the Charge cannot be given. Revs. G. L.. Demorist of Cincinnati, A. W. Bruce, pastor of the society at Columbus. from 1865 until 1868. and E. L. R. Reexford. subsequently pastor of the same society, have preached for this society. The first resident pastor of the society was Rev. R. T. Polk, whose ministry began in the spring of 1867. His resignation was tendered in June 1869. The next regular pastor was Rev. T. P. Abell, who assumed such relation in the spring of 1875: since the tall of 1880, the pastor and pastoress of the church have been Rev. J. W. Crosley and wife, who preach on alternate Sundays; until 1864. the services of this denomination were held in the court house, and for a period in the Presbyterian Church. In 1864, a brick house for worship was erected by the society oil Second street, between Main and Union, which was completed and dedicated September 27. 1866; sermon by Rev. George Messenger. In 1875, the church building was enlarged and improved, and was reopened and dedicated on Sabbath, June 20, of that year, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. Dr. McCalister, President of Buchtel College. There were present on the occasion the following clergymen: Rev. Dr. Manly of Auburn, N. Y.; Rev. M. Tomlinson and Rev. T. P. Abell, the regular pastor. The present membership of the church is about eighteen.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of London.-In the summer of 1877. after repeated efforts to organize a Lutheran Church in London, under the auspices of the first joint Synod of Ohio, the members of the Lutheran Church who had been engaged in the previous efforts resolved to turn their attention to the General Council. and to beseech assistance from this quarter. Accord-

582 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

ingly, word was sent to Rev. G. W. Mechling, then President of the district synod of Ohio, stating the condition of things and asking whether it could be done. The matter was referred to the Rev. H. Peters of the missionary synod of Columbus. The result was this field was soon visited by Mr. Peters, who found favorable prospects for organizing a charge; regular services were held from this time on until the meeting of the District Synod of Ohio in the fall. A statement of affairs at the synod attracted the attention of Rev. A. Poorman. of Farmersville; arrangements were made for him to visit the field. which he did, and soon thereafter a joint meeting of the people of London and Lilly Chapel was held in London on the 7th of November, 1877, at which the following action was taken. It was resolved, that a call be extended to Rev. Mr. Poorman, and $500 be promised him for his support; at the same meeting the following resolution was adopted:

"Resolved, That we now resolve ourselves into an Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, to be known as

A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws ti r !lie government of the congregation.

The Rev. Mr. Peters took charge of the congregation (Poorman having declined), and in the spring moved to London with his family. He remained pastor of the church three years. and was succeeded by the Rev. W. H. Brown. the present incumbent. whose labors commenced with this people April 1. 1882. Services were first held in Butt' Block, then in the hall in a building vu Main street, known as Byers' Building. While in this hall the entire furniture of the society was destroyed by fire. From this location they removed to the Cartzdafner Building, where they worshiped until the building of their present neatone-story brick edifice, situated on the corner of Walnut and Second streets. The cornerstone of this edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies in the summer of 1881. The building was put under roof that fall, and completed the following fall at a cost of about $2,300. The church was dedicated Junk, 11, 1882, by an address from Rev. G. W. Mechlin, of Lancaster, President of the Lutheran Synod.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church or London-The organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of London dates from 1860. About this year Rev. Edward Davis came to the village and organized a class at the residence of Edward Mumford. which consisted of a membership of three. namely: Martha Betts. Wealthy Roberts and Mary J. Nickens. These names were presented to the Ohio Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and from this time regular services of this body have been held in London. The Rev. Mr. Davis served the people as pastor for about three years, during which time the class progressed and many additions were made to it. From the organization of the society until 1872, preaching was conducted in private residences and in Smith's Hall. The ministers officiating as pastors of the church during this period and in the order named, are as follows Revs. Edward Davis, Mr. White. Edward Wright. Mr. Holcomb, Mr. Walker. Jesse Divine, Mr. Robinson and Mr. Whitfield. In 1872, under the pastorate of Mr. Whitfield. the society purchased the church property formerly occupied by the Catholic congregation, for $1.800. Services have since been conducted in this building until in August, 1882, when on the 19th of that month the roof, having become old and decayed, fell in, which rendered the building unfit for occupancy. This building has since been torn down, and there is now in process of construction, on the same site, a neat, one-story brick structure. 32x50 feet, with an 18 foot ceiling. The building is to have a large tower in the center front which is to be sixty feet in height, and is to be supplied with a bell weighing 675 pounds.

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 583

The Rev. William Whitfield was succeeded by Rev. Burton Lewis; and he by Rev. Edward Taylor. Mr. Taylor's successor was Rev. Moses Wilson. who was followed by Rev. Watson Artis. the present pastor of the church. The membership is now one hundred. The local preachers of the church are Edward Mumford and Hilman Hurd, the former being a class-leader. Thomas Pleasant. Robert Verine. William Lowry and Edward Mumford are Stewards. The Board of Trustees is Edward Mumford. S. B. Norris. Thomas Pleasant. Robert Verine. Addison Tarry, Noah Hodge and Elias Lowry.

A Sabbath school is conducted by the church, which was organized a few years subsequent to the formation of the society. Connected with the churcH are the Missionary Society and a Church Aid Society, the object of the former being to provide menus for the support of superannuated ministers and bishop of the conference. and both home and foreign missions ; and the object of the latter being to provide means for church educational purposes and for the general support and advancement of the people in morals and religion.

The First Baptist Church of London (colored).-This church was organized on the fourth Lord's Day of February. 1866, by Elder George Dardis with the following-named members : John Cain,' Samuel Johnston. Hurry Townsend, Levi Taylor, Samuel and William Lewis, Alfred Henrys. Henry White. Lemuel Lewis. David Cain, Isaac Jenkins. George H. Hill. Precilla Carter. Julia Rammah, Laura Cain. Eliza Taylor, Nancy Wintersmith, Alice Mack, Josephine Roberts, Mary Butler, Francis Whales, Lucy Lewis, Julia Andrews, Jennie Robinson, R. Meredith, A. D. Meredith. Elizabeth Wright, and Henry A. Johnson. A frame house was purchased by these members, together with lot, of Michael Carroll, situated on Fourth street. for 81.000 and the same was occupied by the society as a place of worship until the building of their present brick structure. In the spring of 1876. preparations tar the new building were begun. and July 16 the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, conducted by Silver Urn Lodge, No. 29. of Free and Accepted Masons. Visiting lodges of the same order from neighboring places were in attendance. and music for the occasion was furnished by the Columbus Barrack's Band. In the morning, services were held in the court house. Rev. James Poindexter, of Columbus. preaching ; and in the afternoon the same minister delivered an address in the Presbyterian Church. after which the procession formed, and marched to the church, where the ceremonies were performed in an impressive manner. The building, a one-story brick. located on Fourth street near Water. was completed in 1881 costing about $2,500. The present pastor of the church is Elder William Balay. Membership, fifty two.

A prosperous Sabbath school has been conducted by the members of the society ever since its organization. This numbers at present about ninety scholars, officered as follows : Superintendent. Mrs. C. D. Rayburn ; Assistant Superintendent. Miss Lizzie Fisher : Secretary, James H. Cain ; Treasurer. Mrs. D. J. Milton : Librarian, Charles Hunt.

THE LONDON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.

In January, 1880, the above-named association was organized by about a dozen of the young ladies of London. who proposed to raise the necessary amount of money to provide books for the library and to meet other expenses necessary to the opening of and carrying on of the institution, by subscription. Membership tickets were sold at $1 each, entitling the holder to the use of' books for one year. Several years prior to this. a similar association, known as the Underwood Library Association, was organized, but existed, we believe. only in name, and for the support of which $300 had been raised but not used. A meeting of the old association was held and the $300 was appropriated to the new association (some arrangement of consolidation of the two associations

584 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

having been made). The first officers were : Miss Lizzie Maxey. President; Miss Jennie Burnley, Vice President; Miss Mattie L. Henry. Corresponding Secretary; Miss Helen Crabb. Recording Secretary; Miss Emma Richmon, Assistant Secretary; Miss Minnie Wilson. Treasurer: Miss Mary Warner. Librarian; Miss Sarah Wood. Assistant Librarian. The library was opened in Buff Block. February 22, 1880. and has since been maintained. It comprises nearly 500 volumes. consisting of biography. fiction history. juveniles. poetry and miscellany.

During the past twenty-five years. several library associations and reading rooms and lyceums have been organized in London. but none became permanent institutions. Among them may be mentioned the Young Men's Library Association. organized September 25. 1856. under the following officers: President. R. A. Harrison Vice President, Dr. Toland Jones: Secretary, D. Warner; Treasurer. James McLain. In the fall of 1857, this became a lyceum, and the meetings from November 26 were held with open doors and free for all.

Another London library association and reading room was organized at tie Presbyterian Church oil the 7th of January 1868 with R. M. Hanson in the Chair, and Otway Watson. Secretary. The permanent officers were: R. A. Harrison, President; J. H. Curd. Vice President; Otway Watson. Treasurer: M. M. Thomas. Secretary; It. M. Hanson. Corresponding Secretary. A room over Davidson & Smith's drug store, on Main street. was secured as the quarters of the association. The room was opened to the public about the middle of March of that year. and the first lecture of a course inaugurated was delivered at Toland Hall, February 24, 1868. The library then contained nearly three hundred volumes, one hundred and three of which were donated by Rev. C. W. Finley, and eighty-four by Hon. R. A. Harrison.

On the 7th of February. 1874. a London lyceum club was organized, with a membership of ten young men. with the following officers: W. H. McKinnon, President; E. J. Myers. Vice President: A. C. Watson. Corresponding Secretary; H. Hubbard, Treasurer: A. C. Watson. L. S. Dungan and M. M. Thomas, Executive Committee. The first lecture of the course was delivered by John B. Gough. in the Methodist Episcopal Church. March 13, 1874.

SOCIETIES.

Chandler Lodge. No. 138 F & A. M., was chartered May 8, 1846. At the great fire which occurred in London February 2, 1854. the charter of the lodge, its records. and all effects were destroyed, hence we are unable to give the names of the charter members and the first officers. It was at the time of the fire in a prosperous condition. A re-issue of the charter was granted October 18. 1554. and the first officers installed thereafter were: John Dungan. W. M.; F. L. Downing, S. W.; A. R. Phifer. J. W.; J. F.-Freeman, Secretary; A. Toland, Treasurer: D. Haskell, D.: L. M. Dunn. J. D.; J. Q. Lotspeich, Tiler. At the time the fire occurred. the lodge met in a hall in a building which stood on the present site of the one in which is the Chandler book store on Main street. Meetings later were heft in the building on the northeast corner of High and Main streets. From here they removed to Toland Block about the year 1856. In 1867, the hall they were occupying was enlarged and beautifully finished and furnished. until now it will compare favorably with almost any lodge-room in the State. The present membership of the lodge, 104. Present officers: O. P. Crabb. W. M.; R. H. McCloud. S. W.; J. Swetland. J. W.; M. W. Dungan. Treasurer: I. G. Peetrey, Secretary; Jacob March, S. D.; J. C. Bridgeman. J. D.: Samuel Creamer, Tiler.

Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter. was chartered October 18, 1856, on petition of the following-named companions: John Melvin. O. P. Crabb. David Haskell. Thomas J. Stetson. Toland Jones. Israel Fisler, Jeriah

PAGE 585 - BLANK

PAGE 586 - PICTURE OF RUSSEL B. CONVERSE.

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 587

Swetland, Robert Alkire, William McClintick and B. H. Moore. The first officers of the chapter were David Haskell, H. P.; John Melvin, K.; O. P. Crabb, S.; William McClintick, C. of H.; B. H. Moore, P. S.; J. Swetland, R. A. C.; Robert Alkire, G. M. Third V.; Israel Fisler, G. M. Second V.; Toland Jones, G. M. First V. The present membership of the chapter is ninety; present officers: O. P. Crabb, H. P.; D. Haskell. K.; J. Swetland, S.; Daniel T. Fox, C. of H.; R. H. McCloud, R. A. C.; J. B. Sprague, P. S.; I. G. Peetrey, Secretary; M. W. Dungan. G. M. Third V.; A. P. Hewitt, G. M. Second V.; Job J. Clark, G. 31. First V.; S. Creamer, Guard.

London Council, No. 411, Royal and Select Masters, was organized under a charter from the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Ohio, on petition of the following named : Harford Toland, John C. Sothoron, Levi March, Oliver P. Crabb, William H. Chandler, Sr., John C. Coblentz, Jacob March, George H. Rowland, S. Creamer and M. M. Hutchinson, bearing date October 13, 1866. The first officers were Harford Toland, T. I. G. M.; John C. Sothoron, D. I. G. M.; Levi March, P. C. W.; O. P. Crabb, C. of G.; William H. Chandler, Sr., Treasurer; John C. Coblentz, Receiver; Jacob March, Sentinel. The present membership is thirty-nine, with the following officers : J. Swetland, T. I. G. M.; O. P. Crabb, D. I. G. M.; Jacob March, P. C. W.; J. B. Sprague, C. of G.; P. Speasmaker, Treasurer; I. G. Peetrey, Receiver; S. Creamer, Sentinel.

Silver Urn Lodge. No29, F. & A. M. (Colored), was chartered June 23, 1869. The charter members were James Cain, Edward Mumford, George White, Robert Cain, John L. Cain, A. Thomas and Thomas Pleasant. and the offices following were filled by them in the respective order given: W. M., S. W., .J. W.. Treasurer, Secretary. S. D., J. D., Tiler. The present membership is nineteen, officered as followers: G. M. Phonosdall, W. M.: William Steward, S. W.; William Lowry, J. W.; Green Roberts, Treasurer; Z. Burns. Secretary: Elias Lowry, S. D.; A. Thomas, J. D.; B. Artis, Tiler. The lodge has for a number of years held its meetings in Speasmaker's Hall on Main street.

Madison Lodge, No. 70, I. O. O. F This Lodge was instituted September l 8, 1846 by special deputy John Brough. with the following charter members: A. A. Hume, John Jones, Thomas Fellows, John A. Skinner, H. Carter, W. H. Holmes, Y D. Morgan, J. Cheney. David Armstrong and James McLain. On the day of institution the following first officers were elected and installed: John A. Skinner, N. G.; David Armstrong, V. G.; A. A. Hume. Recording Secretary; -John .Jones. Private Secretary; James McLain. Treasurer. The lodge first net in a hall in a building that stood where Cartzdafner's store now is, on Main street, and there continued to meet until burned out by the great fire of 1854. They then met in a hall over Speasmaker's hardware store, and in 1870 removed to their present quarters. in the hall of Knights of Pythias. in Union Block, on Main street. The membership is now 122. The present officers are A. J. Blue. N. G.; Charles Jones, V. G.; E. T. Bethard, Recording Secretary; L. H. Miller. Private Secretary; S. H. Cartzdafner, Treasurer. The lodge is in a prosperous condition. The stock and funds on hand amount to over $3,500.

Encampment of Patriarchs. No. 126, I. O. O. F. -A. charter was granted May 4, 1870, to B. F. Clark, A. L. Brown, M. L. Bryan, John Jones, a Creamer, S. H. Cartzdafner, G. W. Darety and ----- and their successors duly and legally elected to be held at London. The institution of the Encampment took place June 22, 1870, and was officered as follows : John Jones. C. P.: B. F. Clark, H. P.: A. L. Brown, S. W.; G. W. Darety. J. W.: M. L. Bryant, S.; S. H. Cartzdafner. Treasurer. It has now a membership of forty-four with the following-named officers : E. T. Bethard. C. P.; Charles Junes. H. P.; C. L. Turner. S. W.: C. F. Holt. .1. W.: William Wandby, S.: John Jones, Tiler.

588 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Mystic Lodge No. 36, Knights of Pythias, was instituted November 2, 1871, by Grand Chancellor Haines, of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The following is a list of the charter members, the officers of the first term being indicated by the appropriate initials following their names. It will be observed that this organization was under the old ritual and the old official titles are used : J. Swetland, V. P.; A. L. Brown, W. C.; William H. Carter, W. V. C.; L. S. Dungan, W. R. and C. S.; Frank Shaw, W. F. S.; Job J. Clark, W. B.; C. O. Kennedy, W. G.; O. J. Greenleaf, W. I. S.; Alfred Taylor, W. O. S. Other members were Rev. C.. W. Finley, William Turner, William F. Davidson and James McLaughlin. The order occupied the old Odd Fellows Hall in the third story of Mr. Phil Speasmaker's building on Main street until March 14, 1872, when quarters were taken in the Guilchel Hall on Main street in connection with the Improved Order of Redmen, then just instituted. The meetings were here continued until May 8, 1873, when they moved into rooms fitted up by them in Boyd's new block. known as Union Block." on the corner of Main and High streets, which hall they continue to occupy at present. The following is a list of all the Past Chancellors made by this lodge in the order of their seniority J. Swetland, Frank Shaw, Job J. Clark, L S. Dungan. A. L. Brown. W. R. Carter, O. J. Greenleaf. J. R. Atchison. D. S. Bird. John D. Maddux, James Freeman, Carl Stewart, John B. Garrard. W. F. Davidson. William Bierbough, E. S. Vent. P. H. Acton. W. W. Oberdier, James M. McDonald, John C. Hagy, B. F. Johnson, L. H. Headley,

During the existence of the lodge. they have made 113 Knights of which the following named are now deceased : B. F. Bierbough, W. H. Carter, J. G. Dungan, C. W. Finley, R. G. Garrard, A. P. King, A. L. McDonald, D. E. McMillen, L. Nufel, T. P. Sanford.

Officers in December. 1882-William Bierbough. P. C.; A. Swetland. C. C.: A. Sager. V. C.; James M. McDonald, P. S. Maddux, K. R. S.: J. B. Garrard, M. F.; E. S. Vent, M. and E.; J. C. Hagy, M. at A.; J. M. Davidson, I. G.; D. Bend, O. G.: D. S. Bird, D. D. G. C.

Central Lodge, No. 1342, Knights of Honor, was granted a charter September 29, 1879. by the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Honor. Those making applications for the same were J. C. Bridgeman. D S. Bird. William H. Carter. J. J. Clark, F. A. Candler. John Duddy, J. N. Davidson. W. F. Evans. Leonard Eastman, Walter C. Henry, Charles Jones, W. R, Lotspeich, M. M. Melvin, Frank R. Neff, W. R. Park, William Richardson. Dr. A. J. Strain. .J. F. Smith and Erwin F. Willis. The lodge was instituted January 23. 1879. by J. B. King, D. D. G. D.; and the first officers were: J. J. Clark. D. G D.: Noah Thomas. P. D.; William R. Lotspeich, D. Charles Jones, V. D.: F. M. Candler, Assistant V. P.; Erwin F. Willis, R.: J. W. MacKinnon, F. R.: Nelson Baker, Treasurer: J. C. Bridgeman, Chaplain: Frank Neff, Guide: M. M. Melvin. Guard: Dennis Bird, Sentinel: Dr A. J. Strain. Medical Examiner: Trustees. J. C. Bridgeman, Noah Thomas and Frank R. Neff. The meetings of the lodge are held at the hall of the Knights of Pythias. Present membership. twenty-two. Officers: J .J Clark. D G. D ; F. R. Neff D. B. Judy, V. D.. W. H. Ellsworth. Assistant V. D.; W. R. Lotspeich, R ; .J. W. MacKinnon, Financial R. John Duddy, Treasurer; J. C. Bridgeman, Chaplain: M. Candler, Guide: J J. Clark, Guard: J. N. Davidson. Sentinel: Trustees. C. Jones. N. Baker and Dr. A. J. Strain.

London Council, No. 79, American Legion of Honor. was chartered May 19, 1880, and the council organized .January 28. The charter members were Preston Adair, M. A Blaugher. J. J. Clark. O. P. Crabb, P. C. Cowling, J. S. Crain, N. W. Dungan, O. J. Greenleaf, J. T. Houston, William Jones, John Kinney, J. M. Lohr, J. E. Lotspeich, W. R. Lotspeich, J. W. MacKinnon, J. D. Maddux, Jacob March, I. G. Peetrey, James Rayburn, E. J. Robinson, Philip Speasmaker, T. S. Strickland, Jeriah Swetland, M. M. Thomas. T. D. Turner, E.

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 589

R. Watts, Erwin F. Willis. The first officers were: J. Swetland, Commander; Thomas D. Turner, V. Com.; Erwin F. Willis, P. Com.; J. W. MacKinnon. Orator; J. E. Lotspeich, Secretary; J. D. Maddux, Collector; I G. Peetrey, Treasurer; E. R. Watts, Chaplain; .Jacob March, Guide: James Rayburn, W.; M. A. Blaugher, Sentinel; J. T. Houston, Med. Ex.; Trustees, P Adair. 0. P. Crabb, J. T. Houston. The council meets in the Knights of Pythias Hall. The present membership is thirty-five. Officers: 1. G. Peetrey, Commander; Jacob March, V. Com.; J. W. MacKinnon, Orator: J. E. Lotipeich,. Secretary; E. J. Robison, Collector; E. R. Watts. Treasurer; W. R. Lotspeich. Chaplain, E. S. Vent, G.; J. W. Dixon, W.; D. S. Bird. Sentinel.

Lyon Post, No. 121 Grand Army of the Red Men was constituted August 9, 1881, by the Department of Ohio Grand Army of the Republic at Toledo. with the following charter members: Toland Jones. William A. Neil. R R. Cowling, T. Haley, James C. Peck. Jacob March. George W. Wilson. I. G. Peetrey, M. W. Dungan, J. M. Taylor, H. H. Johnson, H. H. Harper, Charles E. Skeels, George E. Ross, D. A. Moore, L. H. Miller, T. W. Miller. A. H. Underwood. The following officers were duly elected and installed: George W. Wilson, Commander; Isaac G. Peetrey, S. V. Coin.; M. W. Dungan. J. V. Coin.; T. Haley. Adjt.; Jacob March, Q. M.; T. W. Miller. Chaplain; membership. thirty.

Juniatta Tribe. No. 62, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted at London February 7, 1872, by Grand Sachem George B. Means. with eighty charter members. The first officers were Jeriah Swetland, Sachem; O. P. Crabb, Senior Sagamore; George H. Rowland, Junior Sagamore; Quinn Clark, Chief of Records: Isaac G. Peetrey, Keeper of Wampum; Rev. C. W. Finley. Prophet. This order is now defunct.

THE WOMAN S ANTI-LIQUOR CRUSADE.

The initial steps of the movement in London toward organizing a raid against the liquor dealers were taken at a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal Church January 18, 1874, which received an impetus at a meeting held in the Presbyterian Church on the following evening. The result was the preparation of the following petition

We the undersigned citizens of London, Ohio. and vicinity, desiring the good of our community, and interested in the welfare of our friends and children. knowing the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage to be injurious to all concerned-the buyer and seller-pledging ourselves to its discontinuance hereafter, do kindly but earnestly ask yon to unite with us in this purpose. Accompanying this petition are pledges which our representatives will present, setting forth our desires. We assure you that it is with the kindest feeling we petition you."

This pledge was circulated throughout the town, and in less than one week was signed by over one thousand citizens. of every class and condition. On the 19th of the month. committees of ladies, selected from among the best citizens, waited upon the proprietors of the several drug stores in London. and presented. for their signature, a pledge to the effect that they would sell no intoxicating liquors, save for purely medicinal or mechanical purposes. This was readily signed by all the druggists. Two days later, committees of ladies, two of each, waited upon every person in the town who was engaged in the liquor traffic, with a pledge that they would discontinue the business at once and forever. But one of the twenty dealers, we believe, signed the pledge, though a good feeling prevailed between the committee-women and the saloonists. On the 28th of the same month, a deputation of ladies, to the number of between thirty and forty, called at several places where liquor was sold, and engaged in singing and praying for a short time. The exercises were uninterrupted by any unbecoming conduct on the part of the liquor dealers or other dersons.

590 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Prayer-meetings were :field at the Presbyterian Church from 9 to 10 o'clock each morning, which were attended by all classes of citizens, many of the business men closing their business houses for the purpose. Prayer-meetings were also held each evening at the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches alternating, which were largely attended. Every day ladies assembled at the Presbyterian Church and proceeded from thence to the several saloons, where, after soliciting the proprietor to sign their pledge, and his refusal to do so, they would engage in singing and praying. Sometimes the ladies were refused admission to the house, so they gathered on the pavement in front and conducted their services. During the week closing February 7, two saloonists succumbed to the pressure and gave up. By the close of the following week, the novelty was somewhat worn away and the excitement considerably diminished. Still, there was manifested on the part of those engaged in the warfare a settled determination to continue the contest until the enemy was routed. The ladies still continued their daily administration, of son, and prayer before the principal saloons, but their numbers were somewhat lessened. During this period, another means of bringing about the desired end was inaugurated. A subscription paper had been circulated asking material aid to be used, in prosecuting persons unlawfully engaged in the traffic and for defraying expenses incident to the temperance movement. For this purpose over $20,000 was subscribed, the sums given by any one person, ranging from $10 to $2,000. February 11, the London Temperance Association, composed of all who had subscribed to the temperance fund. was formed, and the Executive Committee instructed to draw on the fund for expenses in carrying out the laws. Next, the ladies divided their forces into small squads and took their stations in front of the saloons at 7 o'clock in the morning and continued until about 10 o'clock in the evening, relief parties being regularly sent out. On the 17th, the tabernacle first made its appearance on the streets ; this consisted of a large box-shaped contrivance with comfortable seats for half a dozen persons, inclosed with oil-cloth curtains and mounted on small wooden wheels for the purpose of being easily transferred from one point to another. February 13, the Town Council passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale of beer and ale within the corporate limits of London. This. of course, was done under the pressure of the temperance excitement. On the following Tuesday evening, another saloonist rolled his casks out and emptied their contents groundward.

Friday, February 20, 1874, was pretty generally observed as a day of fast, the business houses were about all closed. and many of the citizens attended the services at the several churches. During the fourth and fifth weeks, the ladies were, for the first time. molested and indecently treated. On one occasion. eggs and other missiles were hurled at them; on another. beer slops were thrown on them, and the third witnessed the removal of one. of the tabernacles from its position of attack, whereby one man was knocked down and another injured. About this time, another saloonist gave way, selling out and sending off his liquors, left the town. :after the difficulty attending the use of the tabernacle, those vehicles were discarded, but the policy of sending out daily skirmishers was still kept up.

The 5th and 7th of March were days of great triumph to the crusaders, for on these days surrendered two men engaged in the liquor traffic, one of which seeming to be so great a conquest that nearly all of the bells in town were rung, causing great excitement and much joy. After the bells had ceased ringing, a number of the more enthusiastic temperance advocates met at the Presbyterian Church and sang songs of thanksgiving and praise. On )larch 6, the Woman's Temperance Alliance of Madison County was organized at the Presbyterian Church for the purpose of furthering the cause of temperance. The daily and evening meetings were continued, but by the middle of March

HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY. - 591

the campaign was considered about at an end, though there still remained a few obstinate scattered forces to subdue. Thereafter, operations were chiefly confined to Battle Run " and the forts in the neighborhood of the railroad.

At the spring elections, an entire crusade ticket was elected. The fourteenth week of the movement still saw the ladies making one visit a day to each of the obstinate rum-sellers, and both the morning and evening meetings were in progress, but several weeks later street singing and praying was gradually ended.

While the movement did not perhaps result as successfully as some of the most enthusiastic supporters of the cause had anticipated, it certainly was the means of accomplishing great good by materially lessening the evil arising from the sale of liquor for a period of time.

SALES DAY.

The first Tuesday in each month may appropriately be termed a gala day at London. for it is then that the regular monthly public live stock sales, which have been held here. almost without exception on that day for about twenty-seven years. occur. Countrymen in general having business matters in town requiring attention. generally aim to make sales day the time for meeting for their adjustment; and so. from all sections may be seen Madison's farmers crowding into her capital on said day. Business houses of all kinds, and restaurants especially included, are thronged from morning until night, the streets swarm with people. the pavements are lined with horses and all sorts of vehicles wedged in among each other as tightly as sardines in a box; the middle portions of the streets are before noon a moving medley of men, horses, vehicles and cattle: while the cries of street fakirs and stock autioneers joined to the general hubbub and confusion make perfect pandemonium of the day. Buyers and noted stock men from all parts of the country here assemble, and the mingling together of the people, renewing old acquaintances and forming new ones, make the occasion one of festivity. The noise and confusion are at their height by 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and it is not until night draws near that anything like quiet re-visits the town. Droves of cattle standing in alternate herds for blocks, awaiting their turn to be driven to the public square by the court house, where thousands of dollars change hands almost in a twinkle. The public square is the center of the live-stock trade.

Frequently can be observed several auctioneers, each crying the sale of a separate drove of cattle, while other droves yet to be offered can be seen square after square in each of the four directions. These auctioneers seem to be sui generis. tramping around the circle which incloses the cattle which he is selling. Now he shouts at the top of his voice, and anon button-holes some substantial farmer, whispering confidentially in his ear the extent of the present opportunity for a great bargain.

The sales are not confined alone to cattle, but include stock in general; however, the cattle sales are the most numerous and important. The horse market, too, forms an important feature of the sales. and likewise extends over several squares.

INCORPORATION AND GROWTH OF LONDON.

London was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, bearing date February 10, 1831, to take effect and be in force from and after April first of that year. For many years the officers elected by the people consisted of a President, Recorder. and five Trustees.

For quite a period after the town was laid out, its growth was decidedly slow, and after it had attained the growth of thirty years or thereabouts, it seemed to remain almost entirely in stats quo. It is said that an Irishman who

592 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

visited London about that time, after sauntering leisurely through its few streets, and hearing not the sound of a hammer, or the buzz of a single notable industry, is said, in the very depth of disgust to have exclaimed : "Be dad, this is the first town I ever saw that was entirely finished !" Neither was the village at an early period very attractive. A venerable doctor of Southwestern Ohio. on his first visit here, gave offense to some of the residents, by recommending that they get their gardens lathed and plastered, to keep out the frogs. This visit of the doctor's, then a traveling circuit preacher in the itinerancy of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was made in the spring of the year, just after a protracted rainy season.

After remaining for a number of years in a state of torpidity, London began to arouse itself, and grow until the spirit of enterprise, eventually, made it what it is to-day, one of the most substantial, bustling, wealthy, and enterprising rural communities in the country. Its broad streets, substantial business buildings and beautiful residences give it an air of solidity possessed by few towns of its size in the State.

The first impetus given the town in way of improvement was the construction of the Jefferson, South Charleston & Xenia Turnpike; next came the building of the Columbus & Xenia, now the Little Miami Division of the P., C. & St. L. Railroad, in 1848-49, and that of the Columbus & Springfield road, now the I. B. & W. Railroad, each of which gave an additional impetus. The growth of London may be said to have been gradual, but constant and healthy. If any one year exceeded another in the line of improvement, that of 1869 might with safety be singled out as a year in which a greater sum of money was expended for private building purposes. That year, about $70,000 was expended in building. and, among the buildings erected, the most important was Buff Block, on the corner of High and Main streets, by Robert Boyd, Lohr Clark, and Mrs. Eliza Chrisman, at a cost of about $40,000.

Probably in this connection it would not be out of place to mention the names of Dr. Aquilla Toland and Maj. Richard Cowling, than whom none were more closely identified with the growth. progress and interests of the town. All of the public improvements of the day found in these men warm friends and advocates. Among the gifts of Maj. Cowling to public enterprises in London were the donation of the original tract of land of Oak Hill Cemetery, and by will setting apart a large tract of land adjoining, as an extension of the grounds for perpetual use; the building of the soldiers' monument on the grounds ; the donation of the old homestead on West Main street, together with about four and a half acres of land to the town as a public park. The Madison, formerly Cowling House, was also built by him.

The population of London, as given by the census of the periods below named, is as follows: 1840, 297: 1850. 512; 1860, 1,111; 1870, 2,066; 1880, 3,067.