566 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER LVII.

SHARON TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION, WATER, SOIL AND TIMBER-INDIAN OCCUPATION - ROADS- FIRST SETTLERS -AN INDIAN DANCE AND OTHER REMINISCENCES-FIRST ELECTION-INDIAN TRAILS-MILLS -SHELBY. ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND EARLY HISTORY-SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS-CHURCHES-THE PRE- Of SHELBY- INSURANCE DANCE COMPANIES-BUSINESS OF SHELBY-VERNON STATION.

SHARON TOWNSHIP was created out of Blooming Grove, February 9, 1819, and included one-half the territory now within the boundaries of Jackson Township. In the rage for county seats, which reduced Richland County to its present limits. Sharon was reduced to its present size, four by six miles in the western and northern part of the county.

Next to Madison, it contains the largest town in the county, Shelby. The land is all tillable and of fine quality. The eastern portion is well watered by the Black Fork and its tributaries. which traverse its entire length. from south to north ; and Paramour Run. which passes from east to west across the southwest corner.

Near its center, running north and south. the land is elevated, forming the dividing ridge between the head-waters of the Muskingum and those of the Sandusky River. The larger part of the township slopes gently to the north.

The surface is generally level or gently rolling and in its primitive state was covered with a dense growth of hard wood.

Two railroads. the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis and the Mansfield. Coldwater & Lake Michigan pass diagonally across it: crossing each other near its center.

A Well-worn Indian trail passed across the township. its general direction being northeast in the direction of Lower Sandusky (Fremont). The Delaware. Wyandot and Seneca Indians generally used this territory as a hunting ground: and a portion of one of' these tribes had a permanent camp on a branch of the Black Fork about two miles a little west of south of the present town of Shelby. This camp, consisting of ten or a dozen Indians. under the lead of Johnnycake remained here until about the year 1828 when they left never to return. A trail passed through this encampment, from Mansfield to a Delaware camp (probably Wingenund's) on the head-Waters of the Sandusky River near Leesville. So far as known this was the only permanent Indian camp within the limits of the township. though evidence exists. here and there. of temporary camps for hunting purposes. The great wave of the sea of civilization has long since blotted out all external evidences of Indian occupation except here and there the plow yet turns up solve

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curiously shaped stone implement which speaks, m its silent way, of " that exiled race." Probably the first road opened by white men into the wilderness of Sharon, followed this Indian trail from Mansfield. and was cut by Uriah Matson and the Currans, who were among the first settlers in what is now Jackson Township. However, about the same time, or soon after, a road was cut from Beall's trail to Ganges, and from there into the northern part of Sharon, where Shelby was afterward established. It was by these two roads that the first settlers entered the township, about the year 1818.

It appears that the first settlement occurred on the present site of the town of Shelby.

The following, regarding the early settlement, appeared some years ago in the Shelby- News; written, it is understood, by Mr. Rockwell, of that place

" The first settlers within the present limits of Sharon Township were Eli Wilson, Henry Whitney Whitney and Stephen Marvin, who came in the fall of 1818. Mr. Wilson's cabin was erected on the east side of South Gamble street, on the second lot south from the west side of the public square. It is perhaps the highest point of land in Shelby, with a gentle slope toward the Black Fork, that immediately south sweeps around to the east before turning on its north, ward course through Shelby.

"Mr. Marvin erected his cabin on the same day, near the present Marvin mansion at the crossing of the Cleveland, Columbus & Indiana Central Railroad, at Gamble street. Between the two, on the west side of Gamble street, and near the northwest corner of Gamble and Mill streets, Mr. Whitney erected his cabin.

" These three pioneers came from the vicinity of of Norwalk, Conn., and had a long and tedious journey hither.

"The country was then a wilderness-heavily timbered, with thick underbrush beneath which, in springtime, magnificent wild flowers bloomed. giving the forest a delightful appearance.

" At this time - 1818-there were no settlements west of Shelby, and beyond lay the Wyandot Reservation, on which the Indians roamed at will. The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas, Mohicans, and other Indian tribes, inhabited the region to the west of these hardy settlers, and paid them frequent friendly visits.

"At one time, while these families were enjoying the hospitalities of Giles Swan, a still earlier pioneer, residing within the bounds of what is now Jackson Township, before they had been enabled to clear away enough of the forest on which to erect their respective cabins, a band of ten or twelve Indians came to the residence of Mr. Swan, several of whom were well known to him. One was named •" Jacob," and another of them "Williams," the latter being quite intelligent, speaking English quite well.

"The Indians had been well supplied with fire-water;' as were also all those early settlers. After the usual greetings were exchanged, and the bottle passed, both whites and Indians drinking therefrom, and getting a little warmed up, it was proposed that the Indians give all exhibition of the war dance. At first, they objected, alleging a want of preparation, paint, feathers, etc., but finally consented. A fire was kindled in the open space before the cabin. One old Indian took a seat oil a log, and being furnished with a clapboard, which lie placed on his knees, he commenced a song in the Indian language, keeping time on the clapboard with his knife and hatchet. while the others ranged themselves around the fire commenced the war dance. yelling like demons, gesticulating furiously, and leaping around in the most grotesque and violent manner.

"The subject of the Indian song as he informed the settlers, was the ancient exploits of his tribe in war, and their triumphs over their enemies. It was, in fact, an epic poem in the Indian vernacular. and. although no doubt far below our standard in point of merit yet it is

570 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

said this rude song had some striking and beautiful passages.

"After the Indians had concluded their dance. they proposed that the whites should dance in their fashion, and they would join. Accordingly the whites formed 'on the floor' to dance the ' French four.' Two Indians danced. one with Miss Moyer, the mother of the late Mrs. Stephen Margin. and the other with Mrs. Swan. The Indians unexpectedly proved to be very graceful dancers. After each dance. the bottle was freely passed around, and the dance was kept up until the wee sma' hours of morning. The music was furnished by the white women, who sang the tunes.

" This incident occurred at a cabin near the cross-roads, two miles east of Shelby, and is here given as an illustration of early times in the history of our pioneers, and was vouched for as entirely correct by some of those who were witnesses to it.

" The forest abounded in game of all kinds, especially deer and turkeys. The Indians were constantly passing and repassing, on the 'trail' leading from an Indian town on the lower Black Fork to Lower Sandusky, and on smaller trails from the cabins of settlers, to the road leading from Ganges to Mansfield. They traded with the early settlers for venison and furs, taking blacksmith work and 'necessaries' in exchange therefor.

" The Indians also engaged in other amusements with the whites, such as running footraces with them, locking fingers and pulling to see which could hold out the longest. The whites could usually outrun the Indians for a short distance, but the latter could hold out the longest, while the whites invariably proved the strongest in their fingers. No murders were committed by the Indians in this vicinity.

" When John Gamble came, he erected a horse-mill on the corner where the Kerr & Marvin Block now stands. Levi Bargaheiser, the late Jay Smiley and others soon followed."

Though the early settlers of Sharon as well as the larger part of Richland County came mostly from Western Pennsylvania yet a small sprinkling " were New England people. The Reserve " in Northern Ohio at that time owned by the State of Connecticut, was the means of bringing large numbers of Connecticut "Yankees." with their peculiar ways and indomitable push and energy. passion for money-getting and enterprise, to Ohio. These people dud not all settle on Connecticut lands, but pushed on into the northern townships of Richland County. and the northern part of Sharon received a small portion of them. The Whitneys, Marvins, Swans, Wilsons, Smileys and probably the Rockwells, Hunters and others, were all from New England, and were among the earliest settlers. These people were intelligent generally well educated. and formed a valuable ingredient in the first settlement of the township.

Among the early settlers were Christopher Wetz, John Rice, Joseph Cox and John Kerr. the latter of whom erected the first blacksmith-shop in the township in 1826, and later erected two of the first mills.

When the township was organized, in 1819, all the residents met at the house of Mrs. Rockwell, which stood on the farm now owned by It. M. Barber. Fourteen persons were present and after the petition was duly signed they appointed Mr. Henry Taylor to present it to the Commissioners at Mansfield. The petition was granted and the new township named Sharon, after some town in Connecticut. At the election held in April 1823. fourteen voters were present, viz.: (ales H. Swan, John B. Taylor, Joseph Curran. Eli Wilson, Almon Hayes, Harvey Camp, Henry Whitney, Mathew Curran, James Smith, Adam Swan, James Kerr, James Rockwell, Levi Bargaheiser and De Lanson Rockwell, most of whom resided within the present limits of Jackson Township. From these fourteen persons, seventeen officers were chosen. Two Democratic, or, as then called.

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Republican. votes were polled. and twelve Federalist.

The elections were originally Meld for Sharon as they are now for Jackson at Taylor's Corners. Henry Taylor's house was the place of public meetings elections and militia trainings. In an early day long before the town of Shelby was thought of. the trail before mentioned was cut from Mansfield along the Indian trail, which followed up the Rocky Fork, and diverging near Spring Mill, crossed to the head-waters of the Black Fork, up which it followed to where Shelby is now located. and continuing on north, connected with Beall's trail at Plymouth. About 1815 or a little later. a road was also cut by the early settlers, diverging from Beall's trail near Shenandoah. passing through Trucksville, to the present site of Shelby. This road probably followed an Indian trail part of the way. This Indian trail was a branch of the main trail (the "trunk line,"), which followed the general course of the Black Fork for a short distance, and was the great highway of the Indians between their villages on the Sandusky River and Plains to Fort Pitt (Pittsburgh). This branch trail left the main trail near the northern line of Franklin Township, and taking a course a little south of west. passed through the present site of Shelby and on to the Delaware town on the head-waters of the Sandusky River, near Leesville. The crossing of these two roads at Shelby probably had an influence in determining its location. Along this trail came the early settlers of the northern part of Jackson and Franklin Townships, and also the Margins, Wilsons and Whitneys, who settled in the northern part of Sharon. Other settlers from Western Pennsylvania came along the road from Mansfield, hence at the point on the Black Fork where Shelby now stands, these Western emigrants met, and here a settlement sprang up.

John Gamble came from New York State, and erected the first mill in the township, on the corner now occupied by Kerr & Marvin's drug store. Dr. Bushnell. of Mansfield, says he was often called to attend the pioneers in the vicinity of Shelby, in their sickness, and long before any town was laid out the place was known as "Gamble's Mill." The mill was built of logs and run by horse-power. Those who brought grists to this mill usually ground it themselves. They would hitch their horses or oxen to the sweep, grind their grist, and bolt it by hand. Gamble purchased the land upon which he erected his mill and cabin, of Eli Wilson, who had entered it. The Gambles were intelligent people and good citizens. Hugh Gamble, a brother of John, is yet living near Shelby, at an advanced age. He was a member of the Legislature, and a man of strength and influence. Among the earliest settlers gathered about Gamble's Mill, were Mr. Raymond, Leonard \lay, Rev. Hubbard Du Bois, and a family by the name of Gump.

Gen. Wilson erected the first saw-mill on the Black Fork, about the time Gamble erected his grist-mill. This saw-mill was in operation many years.

John Kerr came to Sharon in 1826, settling on Section 29, where, in 1829, he erected a grist-mill, and afterward in 1833, a saw-mill. David Kerr was the first miller in the gristmill. It was destroyed by fire in 1875.

Joseph Coltman, who settled in Sharon at an early day, and came from Martinsburg, Va., was something of a mill builder.

He first erected a horse-mill in the southeastern part of the township, and afterward two water-mills; one of which was located on what is now the Post farm. These mills were in operation a number of years.

In 1839, John A. Duncan erected a grist-mill on the Black Fork, at Shelby. It was propelled by water at first, but steam was afterward added. It ran only about ten or twelve years. The same building is now used as a carriage factory by Sheffler & Barkdall.

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Heath Brothers' mill, yet running, was erected about 1844, by McMillen & Lowery propelled by steam, and always did a large business and excellent work. Its capacity is two to three hundred bushels of wheat per day.

The "Junction Mill," one of the largest in Northern Ohio, was erected about 1870, and is located at the junction of the two railroads, about one-half mile north of the fawn. The mill was erected by Morse, Anderson & Co. It is now conducted by Messrs. Fish & Storer, and has a capacity of more than one thousand bushels of wheat per day. The quality of flour produced by this mill, is not probably excelled by any in the country, and the twill is continually run to its fullest capacity.

Hon. S. S. Bloom thus writes regarding the early history of Shelby and of the public schools:

The town of Shelby was laid out by John Gamble, in June 1834, as appears from the original plat on file. The lots laid out by him were all south of Main street--number one being that on which the Mickey Block now stands. Afterward. Henry Whitney laid out that part of the town north of Main and south of Mill streets. About twenty years later, Mr. Eli Wilson laid out "East Shelby " in part to which additions were made until it reached its present proportions.

"Mr. Whitney, who was a blacksmith had his shop in front of his residence or cabin on the lot now occupied by the residence of Dr. William R. Brisker.

"A post office was established in 1828 and John Gamble was the first Postmaster It was called at first Gamble's Mills. At what particular time the name was changed to Shelby the writer does not know, but not far from the year 1840. The town was called Shelby in honor of Gov. Shelby of Kentucky who had rendered valuable services in the Indian wars preceding the first settlement of the whites. It was suggested by Mr. Charles C. Post. Who then resided within the village.

"The first building in Shelby, after it was laid out, was erected by a Dr. Byers, on Lot No. 1, where the Mickey Block now stands. It was a hewed-log cabin, about 16x24 feet, and was used by him as a doctor's office. The next was a schoolhouse, mentioned elsewhere, on the opposite side of the street, north; while the next was on the east side of Gamble street, where the 'Union Block,' now stank. erected by John A. Duncan, and was occupied as it tavern. Thus were the west side : 'Four Corners' first occupied. 'Four Corners,' was the name by which the embryo village was known for miles around.

"A part of this old building; is still standing just east of the Union Block.

"During the three years succeeding the first settlement, the influx of new settlers continued so that a school was needed. The schoolhouse accordingly erected in 1821, over the run as it was then called and somewhere near the present residence of Mr. F. Dennis, in Texas. It was a log-cabin schoolhouse, as were all the buildings then erected. Miss Debby Moyer the grandmother of Hiram Marvin, now residing in Shelby, was the teacher. The terms fixed were 9 shillings per week and board herself. During the second term of the school, the cabin was burned and a new site was selected on the northwest corner of Main and Gamble streets, opposite the Mickey Block. The building erected here like its predecessor, was a log cabin and not a pretentious one either but it served the purpose until 1831, when it too became the victim of fire. The third and lest one of the log-cabin series was on the spot where now stands the barn of Mrs. Benjamin Arten. During those years, the Black Fork Settlement had taken the name of Gamble's Mills, after the name of the post office established in the mean time.

"Soon after Shelby was laid out in 1834, it became apparent that a more commodious schoolhouse was necessary than that located

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upon the 'west road.' Accordingly, in 1835, Jay Smiley, Esq., granted a free lease of ground on the corner of North and Gamble streets, on the spot where the residence of J. J. Smiley now stands, for a schoolhouse, and a frame building was erected thereon. The building is still standing, having been sold within the past few years to Mr. John Schmidt, who now resides in it, on the east side of West street. Into this building, when completed, were moved the desks and five-legged benches formerly in the old one.

"The desks were arranged around the walls on the inside in true primitive style. In this new schoolhouse first appeared a tin-plate stove, instead of the more primitive fire-place. That particular stove was cast at the 'Mary Ann Furnace,' wherever that was.

" Time in this, as in many other things, made constant warfare on things of the past, and soon the old-fashioned slab seats and desks gave way to the more modern desks and seats combined. Finally, a blackboard, a ten-days wonder in its time, came into vogue, and for a long time it was thought a wonderful feat to walk up to that, work a ' sum ' and demonstrate the same upon it.

" From that still comparatively early date to the year 1850, but. little improvement was noticeable in the schools. About that time, the question of taxation of property in support of public schools was agitated. The Legislature, during the years 1851-52-53, passed the Ohio free-school law, considered by many eminent educators the best in the Union. dating from May 3, 1853.

" After the building of the. Mansfield, Sandusky & Newark railroad through Shelby in 1846, East Shelby began to contest for supremacy over the west side, a new schoolhouse became necessary, and was accordingly erected in 1849 on the site now occupied by the Christian Church, near the corner of Broadway and Depot streets

"In 1855, the town had grown to such an extent that two new schoolhouses were made necessary, and the buildings now used for primary and secondary school purposes were erected at a cost of about $1,400 each, and the older schoolhouses were disposed of for other purposes.

"Another ten years rolled around, and in 1864, a central or high-school building became a necessity. Gen. Eli Wilson offered to sell the site for that purpose, on which, since that date, has been erected the new brick edifice.

"Following the erection of this, came grading of the schools, Excelsior having been early written upon the banner of Shelby educators. Though imperfect at first, this finally culminated in the present admirable system adopted in 1869, the Board being then composed of Hiram Marvin,S. S. Bloom and George W. Billow, who passed the following resolution

"' Any scholar completing the course of study prescribed shall be entitled to a certificate of graduation,' since which time, a number of Shelby pupils have secured the honor of graduates of the Shelby High School.

" The enumeration of youth in Shelby between the ages of five and twenty-one years, rose from 304 in 1857, to 523 in 1864. In 1874, it had increased to 615.

"At present, there are ten teachers and one superintendent, and about five hundred pupils in daily- attendance in the schools of Shelby. At an election held March 22, 1880, the Board of Education was increased in number from three to six members.

"The final improvement in the system of Shelby schools was the erection of the large brick edifice which now stands out in bold relief among the many handsome buildings which grace the streets of Shelby.

"On June 26,1872, while Messrs. E. S. Close, Hiram Marvin and N. H. Loose composed the Board of Education, a proposition was submitted a second time, after having once before

574 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

(Picture of Shelby High School)

failed of adoption, to erect a union school building, at a cost not to exceed $25,.000.

"Preparations were immediately made. and the work on the building commenced about October 1, 1874, and it was finally completed about January 1, 1876.

"The building is 82 feet 8 inches long, 67 feet deep and the walls are 42 feet 8 inches high, above the ground. A recess at each side, the same width as the hall in the center, permits light and ventilation at three sides of every room. It has two gable ends to the front and one at each side, giving it quite an imposing appearance, its size being considered.

"The roof is of Vermont slate, surmounted by a fine belfry.

"The building has four large schoolrooms below, 15 feet in height. and on the second floor, west side, is the grand assembly-room, 17 feet high in the clear, occupying the whole west side of the building, capable of seating about 600 persons.

On the east side of the high-school room, superior to many college rooms, also occupying nearly the whole east side, a recitation-room, and Superintendent's room, only, taken from it.

"The building is plainly, but substantially built. The base 8 feet in the clear is built of cut stone, on which rests the substantial brick wall, nearly 35 feet high. It is warmed by two furnaces, placed in the basement where are also several nicely paved play-rooms. Each schoolroom is well ventilated. and heated by several registers in each, while abundant light flows in at three sides of each room from numerous windows. Each also has a wash and cloak room attached. The rooms are seated with improved seats, blackboards all around each room, of the most substantial kind.

"The contract was originally let to Messrs. Woodward & Son for $22,999, but a few extras run it up to $24,173.69. The furnaces, seats, bell, etc., brought up the cost to $26,082.16.

"It was dedicated with imposing ceremonies, January 17, 1876 and was occupied the next day. One of the speakers upon that occasion said that now the foundation had been laid for substantial progress in schools for the next quarter of a century, and splendid results might be expected. The buildings, he claimed, exemplified the character of the community plain, practical, substantial, built more for use than ornament-honestly erected, no rings tolerated, the people getting just what they had contracted for.

"Mr. H. M: Dick volunteered to act as architect and superintendent of construction free of charge, and to him is the village no little indebted for the substantial manner in which it was erected, as well as to Messrs. Hiram Marvin, Thomas Marvin and Rev. N. H. Loose, who then composed the Board."

The first "meeting-house" in Shelby and Sharon Townships was the old log Methodist; located on Jay Smiley's laud within the present limits of Shelby ; and the first preacher was the well-known Harry O. Sheldon. Russell Bigelow was also one of the earliest preachers here. These two men went about all over this section of the State establishing churches and preaching to the pioneers whenever and wherever they could get two, three or more together.

A few of the original members of this class were A. V. Courtright, James Courtright, Mr.

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Tabor, Tobias DuBoyce, Treat Orton, Charles Post, Jay Smiley, Isaac Hanley, M. Chapin, Joseph Curran and some others.

Mr. Smiley donated ground and was influential in erecting the church. This building was erected about 1820, and answered the purpose until 1842, when the present frame building was erected, on the corner of Gamble and North streets. The present Pastor is Dr. A. Nelson, and the membership about two hundred.

A Sunday school was organized about 1834, by Charles Post, who was the first Superintendent. This school has been continued ever since, and at present the attendance is about one hundred and fifty. Dr. J. M. Ballard is Superintendent.

Up to 1854, this class belonged to what was known as the "Plymouth Circuit;" after that, it became part of "Shelby Circuit," consisting of Shelby, Pleasant Grove and Mount Pleasant. In 1863, it became a station.

The Presbyterian Church of Shelby is located on South Broadway. It had its origin at Taylor's Corners in Jackson Township, and was among the first organizations in that part of the county. The first meetings of this society were held about the year 1822 or 1823, at the cabin of Mr. Smith. Five persons beside Mr. Smith attended this meeting; these were Mr. Camp, John Kerr, John M. McClintock, Mr. Cummins and Aaron Rambo. These petitioned the Presbytery for an organization, which was granted. This little society heard preaching occasionally at the cabins of its members, but was not regularly organized until 1831. At that date, they met in the Methodist log church at Shelby, and were organized by Rev. G. Wolf. About this time, or a little later, they erected a log church on John Kerr s farm, but for some reason did not occupy it, and in 1834 erected a frame church near the site of the present building. They were unable to finish this church immediately, and held their meetings and organized their Sunday school some time before the building was inclosed. In 1835 Moses Louthan, Calvin Clark (yet living) and Jesse Kerr (who died about a year ago), were added to the church.

Their ministers, after Wolf, were Rev. William Mathews, in 1834; Nathaniel Cobb, 1836 ; Robert Lee, 1837. From 1838 to 1841, they were only occasionally supplied. Luther Dodd came to them in 1841; dividing his time for six years between this and the church at Rome, and giving his entire time to this church for three years more. Mr. Dodd went away in 1851, after which the pulpit was supplied occasionally by John M. Ferris, Luke Dorland and William McMillen, a licentiate, until 1856, when the Rev., J. A. Marquis was regularly called, remaining two years. Following Mr. Marquis, came R. R. Moore, in 1858 remaining until 1864. In 1865, Rev. J. K. Kost took charge, and was followed in 1859 by W. W. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was followed in 1877 by the present minister Rev. J. W. Thompson.

The Sunday school was organized in 1834. Calvin Clark was the first Superintendent. This school has been continued until the present time, and now has a membership of one hundred and twenty, while the church membership is about one hundred and ten.

The third religious society in Sharon Township, and the first outside of the town of Shelby, was the Evangelical Lutheran, at present located on Section 11, two and a half miles west of Shelby.

The earliest meetings of this society were held in the cabin of Mr. Hocksmith, about the year 1830. In May, 1832, the church was organized by Rev. F. J. Ruth, who is yet living and preaching. During the same year, the society erected a log church, which stood until 1856, when the present frame building was erected at a cost of $2,000.

Mr. Ruth continued to preach for this congregation nineteen years, and was followed by Revs. D. Sprecher, D. Summers, A. R. Brown,

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J. F. Shearer, D. I. Foust,.and D. Summers, the present Pastor, in the order named.

'The principal original members were Mr. Hocksmith, John Snyder, Jonas Rex, John Dull, Daniel Garnhart and Daniel Bloom.

The present membership is about one hundred and twenty-five.

A Sunday school was organized about 1845, which is still continued, and is healthy and active. S. F. Eckes is the present Superintendent.

The first Evangelical Lutheran Church of Shelby was established nearly thirty years after the Myer's church, and both are, at present, under the pastoral care of Rev. D. Summers.

This church is located on the east side of North Broadway, and was organized; January 31, 1860, by Rev. A. R. Brown. The first members of this organization were S. S. Bloom, John Hershiser, Sr., Abraham Bushey, Cornelius Fox, John Souder, Jacob Fletcher, Samuel Hershiser, Henry Bistline, John Hershiser, Jr., Elizabeth Bistline, Sarah Hershiser, Susan B. Martin, and Christina Bombaugh.

These members were mostly withdrawn from the society at Loudon. They organized and held services in the German Reformed Church, at Shelby, until 1867, when they erected the present building at a cost of $6.000.

The Pastors have been A. R. Brown, D. Summers, J. F. Shearer, D. I. Foust, and D. Summers for a second time. The present membership of this church is 112.

The Sunday- school was organized about 1863, and now has an average attendance of seventy-five or eighty members. S. S. Bloom has generally been Superintendent.

A Universalist Church was erected in Shelby in 1847. The principal members were Lemuel M. Raymond, Edwin Raymond, H. B. Gailord, Stephen Marvin, Levi Bargaheiser and A. B. Minnerly. The ministers were Rev. George R. Brown and Rev. Smead. This organization was kept up about twenty years.

The present United Brethren Church of Shelby, located on Washington street, was erected about 1857, and organized some years before by, the Revs. Berry and Barlow.

The first members were Chas. Longe, Samuel Light, Geo. Longnecker, Amos Crall, David Crall and wife, Isaac Urich, Elijah Jones and others.

The ministers who followed those above mentioned were Gideon Hoover, D. W. Downey. William Mathews, Rev. Long, Rev. Bender, O. H. Ramsey, Thomas Downey and Rev. O. H. Brake, the present minister.

The membership of this church is, at present about one hundred.

The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church, and now contains about ninety- members.

The Church of Christ (Disciple) of Shelby is located on Broadway; and was organized in September, 1858, by Elder Benjamin Lockhart. Before this, however, meetings had been held in the house of " Father Alleman."

The present church building was erected about the time the organization was effected at a cost of about $1,600.

The first members of this society were Dr. C. McMillen and wife, and Jacob Cline and wife. These four individuals soon succeeded in getting thirty-one names, with which the organization was effected.

The ministers after Lockhart were Elder Stannard, Israel Belton, Henry Reeves, J. S. Hughes, C. W. Loose, E. A. Bosworth, John W. Lowe, J. S. Lowe, S. E. Spencer, L. R. Gault and the present minister, A. Burns. The present membership is 105.

The year following the erection of the church. a Sunday school was organized. Dr. C. McMillen was the first Superintendent. It yet continues in a prosperous and healthy condition. with a membership of about seventy-five. William Paul is present Superintendent.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Catholic Church located on Section 20, about two miles west of

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Vernon Station, is one of the oldest in the county. It was organized as early as 1823 by Father Henni, at present Archbishop of Milwaukee, Wis.

The first members of this organization were Matthias Ulmcheider, Joseph Kurtzman, Joseph Wensinger, Heinrich Dollinger; John Ritshlin, Theobald Singer, Carl Sutter, Mr. Heitsman, Mr. Richerd, Sebastian Schetbley, Gottleib Schuble; John Brodmann, Joseph Miller, Morris Keller, Mr. Ebner, Mr. Hinsky, Frederick Christen, Nicholas Bieglin and John Bomgardner.

Forty acres of land, where the church stands, was entered, and the three first above named selected as Trustees, to whom this land was deeded.

A log church was erected in 1836 ; before its erection, meetings were occasionally held at the log cabins of the members.

In 1852, the present substantial and commodious brick church was erected, costing about $2,600. This building would have cost much more than this, had not much of the material and labor been gratuitously furnished. It is about 45x75 feet in size.

A beautiful cemetery is attached and also a fine brick parsonage, costing about $2,000. The inside of the church is nicely finished ; the four altars costing about $1,2 00, and the organ $1,200. The church was erected during the ministry of the Rev. Peter Creusch. The ministers have been too numerous to receive mention here. Father Henni was followed by Father Tchenhens, C. S. R., a celebrated missionary. The present Pastor is Rev. D. Zinsmayer, who entered upon his duties in 1877. The church is very strong numerically and financially, being located in what is known as the "German Settlement" a settlement of thrifty, well-to-do farmers, living many of them in substantial brick houses, with well-cultivated and very rich farms. The land is generally level and soil deep.

About one hundred families are at present connected with the church, seven of whom are Irish, three French and the remainder Germans.

In 1838. a school was established by Father Tchenhens, the first teacher being Jacob Ales. At present the school is conducted by three Sisters as teachers, from the Franciscan Convent of Tiffin, Ohio, with an attendance of eighty pupils.

The Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, of Shelby, was organized in 1864, by Rev. H. D. Best. The preliminary meetings of this society were held in the dwelling of W. E. Klees. The church was erected by Father Kuhn, and cost about $800. Father Kuhn was succeeded by Fathers Abel, Pitts, Gerardin, Euler, Zinzmayer, Schmitz and Murphy. The present Pastor is F. J. Oberly. Fifty-six families constitute the present membership. The school was organized in 1877 by the present Pastor. There is now an average attendance of forty-three children.

The Reformed Church of Shelby is located on Church street. In 1851, Rev. Joseph B. Thompson was Pastor of the Reformed congregations in the vicinity of Shelby. He held evening services once in four weeks in the M. E. Church. January 19, 1852, the first meeting to take measures for the erection of a church was held in the Exchange Hotel. William Hawk being chosen President, and Jacob Kuhn Secretary. William Hawk and John Strock were chosen Trustees and they, with J. H. Hershiser and John Bauchman, were constituted the Building Committee.

The organization was effected with thirty-seven members; Moses Crum and Samuel Nazor being elected Eiders. and Jacob Kuhn Deacon. The day after the corner-stone was laid, Rev. J. B. Thompson resigned, and Rev. J. C. Klar supplied the congregation from June to the end of the year 1852. Rev. Adam Stump occasionally preached during the vacancy.

578 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

The church was dedicated in 1853, Rev. E. V. Gerhart and DI. Stern officiating.

The following were subsequent Pastors of the church: Rev. H. Willard, from April 1, 1854, to April 1, 1857; Rev. H. Hess, until 1859; Rev. F. C. Edmonds, nine months. A vacancy of one year and three months occurred, Rev. D. W. Kelly became Pastor April 1, 1861. continuing two years. During this time the bell was procured. A vacancy of four months followed. Rev. N. H. Loose took charge August 1, 1863, and continued fourteen years, ending August 1, 1877. During his ministry, about $1,500 were expended in improving the building. The interior was frescoed and painted, a new pulpit erected, organ procured, etc. and 151 members added to the church. Mr. Loose also served at the same time the Reformed congregations at London and Ganges, to which there were added, respectively, fifty and forty-three members. He also officiated at 174 funerals, solemnized 188 marriages, and preached 2,000 sermons.

Rev. M. Good followed Mr. Loose, beginning August 19, 1877, and continuing two years and one month. Mr. George Bowman has been chorister of the choir for sixteen years. At present, April, 1880, the congregation numbers about one hundred and twenty-five. and has a hopeful future. Rev. O. E. Lake is Pastor.

The Sunday- school numbers about ninety members, with F. Dennis as Superintendent.

A history of the press of Shelby is so far as success is concerned, but a repetition of that of Mansfield and other places in the county, and fully establishes the fact that establishing a newspaper is a most precarious business. Success comes only through numerous failures. and those who finally succeed must fully earn and deserve their success.

The successful editor must certainly he qualified to appreciate the following sentiment of John Marston

"Through danger, safety comes through trouble, rest."

So far as can be ascertained. the first paper in Shelby was issued by C. R. Brown in 1858. and was called the Pioneer. It circulated freely and successfully at first, but soon adjourned sine die. The next paper was the Enterprise, issued in 1863 by Mr. Kenton. who was in 1875, connected with the Marysville Democrat. This paper had a circulation of 300, and was in existence about a year. The Enterprise was purchased in 1863, by Mr. S. S. Bloom, who in connection with Mr. Baltzley. of the Plymouth Advertiser, contemplated publishing the Express but political differences arising, owing to the excitement engendered by the war a dissolution of partnership occurred before the first number was issued. The Express was continued about one year.

During the next three years Mr. Glover and Mr. Bloom issued "occasionally" a paper called the Gazette, which was continued until 1867 when the Shelby Chronicle made its appearance. published by Messrs. Young & Hill. This paper continued until October 12, 1868, when it was purchased by S. S. Bloom and merged into the Shelby Independent News. The first year the circulation of this paper reached nearly six hundred and it seemed fairly on the road to permanent success. It was edited by Mr. Bloom and published by J. G. Hill for a period of six years.

In the meantime in 1868. Mr. T. H. Barkdull began the publication of the Gazette, and continued it about four years. Shelby having the benefit of two papers during these years.

The Independent News was continued until 1876, when the Shelby Times, a Republican paper, made its appearance. under the editorial management of Mr. J. G. Hill. Mr. Bloom thereupon hauled down the " Independent"

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 579

part of his paper and issued the present Democratic sheet called the News.

The News still continues in a prosperous and healthy condition under the editorial management of Mr. Bloom, with his son W. P. Bloom as publisher.

The Times came into existence December 2, 1876, and yet continues under the editorial and business management of Mr. J. G. Hill. Its subscription list has continued to increase and it is hoped and believed that it is on the road to permanent success.

The Mutual Fire Underwriters' Association, of Shelby. was incorporated February 2, 1880, and is therefore at the threshold of its career.

The Board of Trustees are Dr. W. R. Bricker, President : Erastus S. Close, Vice President Henry Wentz. Jr., Secretary; W. A. Shaw, Treasurer; D. I. Foust, General Agent ; T. H. Wiggins. Abraham Bushey, F. A. Du Bois and D. L. Cockles.

The Executive Committee is D. I. Foust, Henry Wentz, Jr., and D. S. Close.

From the well-known ability as business men of the above-named gentlemen, and their financial and social standing, it is fair to presume that success will attend this enterprise. Dr. Bricker is an old resident and President of the First National Bank of Shelby. He was for some years connected with the Buckeye Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Shelby as Director and Treasurer. Mr. Close has been. for several years, connected with the railroads passing through Shelby as agent : and Mr. Wentz has hitherto been engaged in the insurance business.

W. A. Shaw and D. L. Cockles are successful business men and merchants engaged respectively in the jewelry and hardware trade.

Mr. Foust is a minister of the Lutheran Church, but for a few years previous to the establishment of this Company was in the employ of the Buckeye Mutual.

Mr. Wiggins is an old resident and successful attorney and Dr. Du Bois a Director in the First National Bank and a lumber dealer.

The distinctive features of this Association are:

1. A guarantee fund of $10,000 is secured, any or all of which is payable in thirty days from date of notice to pay losses.

2. The National Board rate as adopted after the Chicago fire, is the basis of rates for this Company.

3. Premium notes, amounting to three-fifths of such rate, are taken from members. Seventy per cent of said notes is collected in fire annual installments. each five years in advance. If a member has paid more than the actual cost of insurance, in any five years, the excess is placed to his credit as part of the surplus of the Association. The interest; at 6 per cent per annum. on such surplus will, in a few years, pay the losses and expenses of the Association, when the members will cease to pay any assessment.

4. Each member pays cash in advance, for himself and not for another.

5. The law under which the Association is incorporated authorizes it to insure its members against loss by fire and other casualties. Hence they include losses by fire, lightning; and accident to plate-glass windows and doors.

6. Every member knows how much and when to pay each year; hence dissatisfaction on account of unexpected. heavy assessments, is entirely avoided.

7. No policies are issued on risks, nor to persons not personally known to the management.

8. All policies are issued, and endorsements made thereon at the home office in Shelby.

The Buckeye Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized September 23, 1873. The Board of Directors consists of S. S. Bloom, President: H. E. McMillen, Vice President;

580 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

(Picture of The First National Bank, Shelby, building)

S. Wheeler, Treasurer; F. Stambaugh. Secretary; M. M. Barber, R. D. Stober, J. L. Bargaheiser, D. W. Stover, F. Brucker. A. J. Mack. Leroy Parsons, W. H. Gilmore. The Company issued its first policy January 17, 1874. It had considerable difficulty in obtaining the requisite number of notes, as the law required that they should have $50,000 of premium notes, and $10,000 in cash before the Insurance Department wou1d issue a certificate. S. F. Stambaugh and R. J. Butter were authorized to canvass for notes and applications for insurance. At a meeting of the Company, December 25, 1873, they reported that sufficient means were received to comply with the laws, and the Company commenced business. It has had a steady, healthy growth until it has over $400,000 capital in notes and a growing business. It would not be doing the Company justice to omit mentioning its management. Hon. S. S. Bloom, President, and author to a great extent of the Ohio Insurance Laws, is a man of large experience in the insurance business. He is a careful, conservative man, and is well known in insurance circles. H. E. McMillen, Vice President, is a business man, and is well qualified for the position he holds. I. S. Wheeler, Treasurer, is a farmer. He has been a member of the Company since its organization. He is a man of means, and keeps a vigilant eye over the financial affairs of the Company. S. F. Stambaugh, Secretary, is one of the original organizers of the Company. He solicited a large share of the notes. He has an extensive knowledge of insurance and is an active business man. The other members of the Board are all well and favorably known as business men. The Company is well officered and is a credit to the enterprise of Shelby.

Shelby did not amount to much until the Mansfield & Sandusky Railroad came through in 1846 when it became an excellent grain and i produce market. Robt. Mickey erected the first warehouse in 1846, which is yet standing and is used in part for a depot. The next warehouse was erected by Henry Leyman in 1847, opposite Mr. Mickey's warehouse. Mr. Mickey afterward, in 1850, erected a warehouse on the westside of town on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, at present occupied by Messrs. H. Davis & Co.. who yearly ship from this warehouse alone about one hundred thousand bushels of wheat fifty thousand bushels of oats and large quantities of other produce.

From three to four hundred thousand bushels of grain are marketed at Shelby yearly. The market for many years was much larger than at the present time, the building of new railroads serving to create other markets in various

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 581

places around Shelby, thus drawing away the business of that place.

The town was incorporated about 1853, and its growth has been steady, the population being now about two thousand. Regarding the business, there are at present three drug stores, four dry-goods, seven grocery, two hardware, four clothing, three boot and shoe, two jewelry, two furniture and three stove and tin stores ; one bank, (The First National), two newspapers, one woolen-mill, one sash and blind factory, two hotels, two carriage factories, one wholesale liquor store, nine milliners and dressmakers, one furniture factory, one foundry and one tannery, beside a host of lesser industries.

Shelby has the reputation of being a good business town, and much wealth has been accumulated there. The society is excellent, and it is generally enjoying the advantages of a high state of what is called "civilization."

The only town in the township besides Shelby is Vernon, a small station at the junction of the Mansfield. Coldwater & Lake Michigan, and the Cleveland. Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railways. It can hardly be called a town, as no plat of it appears on record. It was started soon after the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan road was completed, Mr. Sager, of Shelby, erecting a very good hotel there. In addition to this, there are two small stores, four or five dwellings and the depot building. A post office is established and is kept in the hotel.