480 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER XLIX.

SCHOOLS, PRESS AND POST OFFICE.

THE PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS OF THE CITY-THE FIRST SCHOOLHOUSES-DIVISION INTO DISTRICTS - THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF TEACHING-THE FEMALE COLLEGE - THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE SCHOOLS -THE BOARD OF EDUCATION-THE ERECTION OF SCHOOLHOUSES-PROGRESS AND STATISTICS - THE CITY PRESS-THE OLIVE-MANSFIELD GAZETTE- WESTERN HERALD-OHIO SPECTATOR-RICHLAND WHIG-OHIO SHIELD-SHIELD AND BANNER-RICHLAND JEFFERSONIAN-MANSFIELD HERALD-MORNING PENNANT - RICHLAND BUGLE AND INDEPENDENT PRESS- MANSFIELD COURIER - OHIO LIBERAL-RICHLAND DEMOCRAT -SUNDAY MORNING CALL-THE FIRST POST OFFICE-THE EARLY MAIL ROUTES-STAGES-POSTMASTERS-LOCATION OF POST OFFICES-THE BUSINESS OF THE OFFICE.

"There in his quiet mansion skilled to rule.

The village master taught his little school.

I knew him well, and every truant knew.

Yet he was kind; or, if severe in aught,

The love he bore to learning was his fault.

The village all declared how much he knew,

'Twas certain he could write and cipher too."

--- Goldsmith

THE present system of public schools in the city has been in operation more titan twenty years, during which period great advancement is supposed to have been made over the old system of public teaching; many of the best citizens of Mansfield having put their shoulders to the wheel and kept them there until the schools of this city have been pushed to the front rank of the public schools of the State. A complete history of these schools and their progress would be interesting, lout of the early schools very little is known anal that little is unwritten existing only in the memory of "the oldest inhabitant."

In gathering the general history it is found that wherever half a dozen families settled near each other (and from one to five miles was called near in early days), they first established a school and a place of worship. So deeply rooted and firmly established in the American heart is the fundamental idea that the common school is the hope of the Republic, that every opportunity for establishing a school was improved. Hence the early schools were taught years before the settlers were able to construct schoolhouses, and before any public money could be obtained for that purpose. These were subscription schools. The teacher, or "schoolmaster." as he was more frequently called carried around his subscription paper parents of children agreeing to give so much per scholar our a certain time or a certain number of weeks or months, and the teacher received his pay when the work was done: teaching the future statesmen wherever he could find an empty room or cabin. Thus it was with the early schools of Mansfield. Among these first schools was one taught by Wolf, in one of the block-houses on the square. This lady was the sister of John M. May's wife and the mother of W. W. Drennan, of Plymouth. Her school was probably the first in the town and it may be proper to say here that she was also the custodian of the military stores which occupied one of the block-houses during the war of 1812, and by reason of her connection with this position, became intimately acquainted with a number of the leading officers of the army. She seems to have been a lady of rare tact and ability.

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These block-houses were for several years used for schoolhouses, churches and public halls. Among the first cabins built in the town was one on the east side of the square where Hedges' new block now stands. Joint Mull taught school in this cabin in 1817. Mull taught several years in the town. In 1821, he is found on West Third street teaching in a one-story dwelling house, directly opposite the United Presbyterian Church-the building standing between the McFall dwelling and J. H. Cook's dwelling. A few of his pupils were John Stewart's two boys. Mansfield, Hiram. George and Fliza Gilkison. John Loge, Perry Walker and Jane Lindley, Mull was a cripple; but a very good teacher for that day. He used to sit on a stool in the center of the schoolroom with a whip in his hand sufficiently long to reach every scholar. In this way, he managed to keep order without leaving his seat. The younger scholars of those days were taught their letters and their multiplication table in a rather novel manner-the letters being pasted on one side of a little board made in the shape of a paddle and the multiplication table upon the other side. This paddle had a small hole bored through one end and was hung up when not in use. It may fairly be presumed that it was occasionally used for other purposes than those mentioned.

John Lowery taught, one of the earliest schools in a two-story frame building, which occupied the site of Dougherty's tailor-shop on South Main street. This building had been put up by Elijah Lake for a warehouse. Lake kept a store in it for some time : and was afterward Clerk of the Court. the same building being used for a court honse while the late structure was in course of erection on the square.

A very early school was taught in a one-story log cabin, which had been erected and used for a dwelling, immediately south of the log house occupied by John Wiler for a tavern on Main street. James Russell taught one term here and during this term an incident occurred illustrative of the customs of those times. It was customary to bar the teacher out on Christmas and require him to treat before he could again take possession. It may be remarked that this custom is still in vogue in nearly all the more Western States to-day. When Mr. Russell found the door barred, he attempted to capture the place by assault but, failing climbed to the roof with the intention (probably not serious) of entering by the chimney. A hot fire in the huge fireplace beneath, however drove him back ; he was compelled to retreat and, it may be inferred, in some confusion. The most surprising part of the business was the demand of the future sovereigns, which was two gallons of whisky, some cakes, apples. etc.

When Judge McCluer kept a kind of tavern on the old Larnberton corner-site of the savings bank-being probably unable to keep up the supply of pork and cornbread his numerous guests demanded; without some outside assistance; he concluded to rent part of his building for a schoolroom and placed a board partition across one room for that purpose. Alexander Kearn taught here one winter. Mrs. Grant remembers going to school to him and that she could look through the cracks of the board partition and study anatomy on the numerous hogs the Judge had slaughtered and stored in the next room. Kearn taught a select school of about a dozen scholars.

Judge Stewart, in his younger days was among the early teachers in Mansfield. He taught a select school in a dwelling-house on the corner of second and Walnut streets. The lot is now owned by Dr. W. H. Race. The Judge also taught a select school on Market between Walnut and Mulberry, in a two-story log house, owned and occupied by John C. Gilkison. Stewart's school was in the upper part of the house; a stairway being erected on the outside of the building. The house stood

482 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

on the east half of the lot now occupied by Dr. Craig. He only taught here one winter as the children made so much racket over Mrs. Gilkison's head, that she concluded to dispense with the school. During the next season, however, the Judge succeeded in haying a small frame schoolhouse erected on the next lot east of Mr. Gilkison's, where he continued his school. This is believed to have been the second schoolhouse erected in the town and was built mainly by the efforts of the Associate Reformed Church, of which Rev. James Johnson was Pastor. One of Stewart's pupils was a young lady, very pretty. it is said by the name of Loughridge. She lived somewhere in the woods a mile or two from town. The Judge fell in love with, and married her. Their only child is now the wife of Secretary Sherman.

One of the earliest schools was also taught in a cabin, which stood in the alley, back of Niman's furniture store.

M. H. Gilkison says the first schoolhouse of which he has any recollection. and. he believes. the first in Mansfield, was located on East Diamond street, west side, between Third and Fourth, on the northwest corner of East Diamond and the alley which connects East and West Diamond. It was a frame, about fifteen feet square. He thinks John O'Brien was the first teacher. O'Brien, in common with several other early teachers, drank too much, but was a very good teacher for the times. A man by the name of Timberlick. a lady named Emily Ann Terry, and James Russell also taught in this house-the latter several years. Some of the pupils were George Carothers, Hannibal Pugh, Alexander Mann and sister, Mr. Neal, Alexander Curran. Ralph Hedge, Mansfield H. and George Gilkison. Joseph Cairns, Orin Terry, and Joseph and Andrew Newman.

A small frame schoolhouse was afterward erected on the corner of Second and Walnut streets, on the lot now occupied by the Lutheran Church. David Bright, afterward Sheriff of the county, taught there at one time. James Bruce also taught there in the winter of 1830-31. A school was taught at an early day on South Main street near where Dr. Ree now resides.

When Gen. James Hedges laid out tile town. he donated two lots on the northeast and northwest corners of tile plat for school purposes. Many of the old settlers are under tile impression that the first schoolhouse was built on one of these lots-the one on the northeast corner. This would seem probable from the fact that the lot was donated and intended for that purpose. The louse was called the "Big Spring" Schoolhouse, and was built in 1818 and stood where the soap factory now stands on Fourth street. There was a block-house on that same lot before the schoolhouse was built. Alexander Barr was one of the first if not the first. teacher who occupied this house. He was the son of a Baptist minister, a very efficient teacher. and taught here fifteen years. The house was a frame about 20x35 feet. Mordecai Bartley writes thus concerning this schoolhouse:

"As the town increased in population, public spirit and enterprise the policy of erecting a schoolhouse was discussed, and for tile purpose of having a decision, am individual visited each family in tile village and to each presented a subscription paper, thereby obtaining a promise of the payment of $200 to aid in the building of a schoolhouse. On the evening of the same day, a meeting of tile citizens was held. and after organizing by appointing a chairman and secretary, a motion to proceed immediately in erecting a schoolhouse was carried without debate. It was then proposed by one that it be built of logs, by another that it be frame by another, brick, and another. stone. Each plan had its advocates, but finally the meeting dissolved in confusion without coming to any conclusion, save that a schoolhouse be built. The subscription of $200 was placed in the hands of

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mechanics, who speedily erected a comfortable frame schoolhouse in the northeast part of the town. which was occupied for school purposes more than twenty years." Some of Barr's pupils were Joseph, Robert and Harriet Cairus. John and Hugh McCluer. Rebecca, George and James Coffinberry-the latter is now a prominent Judge in the city of Cleveland and Elizabeth, Susan, Jane W., Rebecca D.. George W., Mary and Sarah L. Carothers.

Some years after the Big Spring Schoolhouse was built another was erected on the other lot donated by Gen. Hedges. It was called the "Red " Schoolhouse, and occupied the lot on the corner of Fourth and Mulberry where F. E. Tracy now lives. This house was standing in 1840, as Mr. J. H. Cook was a teacher at that time. One of the later schoolhouses was also erected on the south end of the market-house lot, and the school there was at one time taught by Moses Dickey.

It was not until March 1846, that a petition was received by the Council. asking that the town be divided into school districts. Up to this time but one district existed. In April following, the Council ordained "that said corporate limits be divided into three separate districts, to be known and called Nos. 1, 2, and 3. " District No. 1 to include all that part of the town east of Walnut street and north of the public square; No. 2 to embrace all south of the north line of the public square and east of Walnut, except that the line running north and south between Second and Third streets should follow Main street instead of Walnut ; No. 3 embraced all that part of town not included in the other two.

Five Wardens were appointed by the Council for each of these districts and. as the town increased in population, other districts were added from time to time, as the necessities of the case demanded, until they numbered six. In these three original districts the schoolhouses were. No. l, the Big Spring, on Fourth. where the first brick schoolhouse was afterward erected ; No. 2 the new brick on Southeast Diamond. now occupied as a normal school; No. 3, the Red Schoolhouse corner Fourth and Mulberry.

There is a gap in the history of Mansfield schools it will be hard W bridge over in consequence of the total destruction of all the records of the Board of Education by fire, when H. C. Hedges block was burned, about 1870 : however, there is little valuable history of the schools before about 1855, when the present system. then. of course in a rude state, came into existence. The following is copied from the Mansfield Herald, of January, 1857: "Our schools were organized under the law of 1852, immediately after its passage. A Board of Education consisting of J. H. Cook; A. L. Grimes and I. Gass. was elected in the spring of 1855. As contract, already existed for teaching one term in the several school districts into which our city was then divided this Board did not enter fully upon its duties until the fall of that year at which time properly commences the graded system among us. The usual embarrassment attending the application of any new late as important as this was felt by the Board in their early labor, which demanded the utmost discretion and skill in overcoming. We have had no access to the statistics of these schools previous to their organization under the new law. Such as the have are furnished by Dr. Catlin. the present Superintendent. Alexander Bartlett was appointed Principal of the High School and Superintendent of Instruction for the first Year. He was succeeded by H. Merrel, who held the position seven months. George W. Waring succeeded I. Gass, and B. Burns succeeded A. L. Grimes on the expiration of their terms of office. The Board, as now constituted. consists of J. H. Cook, President; G. W. Waring and B. Burns ; the City Clerk, Alexander McIlvaine, acting, by virtue of his office, as Clerk of the Board.

484 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

"Dr. Catlin has had charge of the schools as Superintendent of Instruction since September, 1855, at which time the Board of Education found it necessary to adopt, and publish in pamphlet form. A system of general rules and regulations, to the wise and wholesome administration of which, the present flourishing condition of our schools is, in a great measure. attributable. Our school year, commencing on September 1, consists of forty weeks, divided into three terms one of sixteen weeks and the other two of twelve each. We have at present eleven schools, employing, with Superintendent, thirteen teachers. There are five primary four secondary, a grammar and a high school. The annual enumeration of youth, at the last census was over one thousand five hundred an increase of about two hundred since the present system was adopted.

"The enrollment of pupils in our schools for the past school year was 808, and at the present time 925. We are satisfied that the course of study adopted by our Board is a most judicious one and well calculated to discipline the mental faculties as they mature, impart a valuable fund of knowledge and prepare our youth for the highest usefulness and happiness. We are happy to notice that moral instruction has a high position in the minds of our teachers and all our school officers. The Bible, without note or comment, but as God's revealed will is used in all our schools."

As the Mansfield Female College came into existence about this time it may be proper to give a brief history of that institution, which created expectations and hopes that have not been realized. It was projected in the spring of 1853, and completed for the reception of pupils November 7, 1855. It occupies a pleasant situation on West Market street: is a substantial and beautiful brick edifice, 54x76 feet, and four stories high. The entire cost of the building, apparatus, library etc. was $22,447. It started out with a competent corps of professors and an attendance of 113 students the first year. It struggled along for a number of years, but failed for want of pecuniary support: being heavily burdened with a debt it was unable to liquidate. The Odd Fellows were about purchasing it in 1857, for the purpose of establishing a school for the orphans of deceased members of that society, but for some reason that project failed, and it finally passed into other hands. For many years it has been occupied as a boarding house.

Following Bartlett and Merril as Superintendents, came William C. Catlin. who continued to occupy that position until 1859, when he was succeeded by J. H. Reed, who after his retirement from this office. engaged in the retail, and afterward the wholesale, book and paler trade. Henry M. Parker succeeded Mr. Reed, and continued in the office of Superintendent until 1873, when he resigned. and was succeeded by John Simpson. the present efficient officer.

As has been stated the first Board of Education, under the present system, was elected in 1853, and consisted of A. L. Grimes, J. H. Cook and Isaac Gass. In 1854, George W. Waring succeeded Gass: in 1856. Barnabus Burns succeeded Grimes: in 1857. Uzziel Stevens succeeded Waring : in 1858. Henry C. Hedges succeeded Cook: in 1860, Joel Myers succeeded Stevens and in 1868. A. L. Grimes succeeded Burns. The Board then consisted of H. C. Hedges. Joel Myers and A. L. Grimes, who remained in office until 1872, and during whose administration the four beautiful brick schoolhouses were built, one in each ward of the city. Before the erection of these buildings; there was a controversy among the citizens regarding the organization of the schools one party- wishing to build one grand institution of learning. in a central portion of the city which should accommodate all the children in the corporation : the other desiring to erect a building in each ward. The latter finally prevailed. The former desired to purchase the

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female college building, for the purpose. but since the erection of the ward schoolhouses, all parties seem well satisfied. Tile first of these buildings was erected on Bloom street in the Second Ward, in 1868, and was ready for the reception of pupils in January, 1869. The same year, the frame schoolhouse in John's Addition was erected. and also the Third Ward Schoolhouse which occupies a square, extending from Third to Fourth streets, in the eastern part of the city. These houses, together with the old brick on Southeast Diamond, and the brick on the corner of Mulberry and First. now owned and occupied by the Catholic School, constituted the schoolhouses of the city for several years the house on the corner of Mulberry and First being used for high-school purposes, while the primary school of the First Ward occupied the upper rooms of the market house. At this time, the number of teachers including superintendent was seventeen. It was soon found that the existing buildings were not adequate to the increasing demands upon them, and in 1867-68 the question of new school-houses in the First and Fourth Wards was agitated: and resulted in the erection of the First Ward School building, or high school in 1870. This beautiful edifice was opened, with appropriate ceremonies. January 2, 1871. It occupies the lot on First street, which is on the southwest corner of the original plat of the city. and was donated by Gen. Hedges, to the Presbyterians for a graveyard. The total cost of this building, furniture, etc., was $31,297 and with few exceptions, the labor was performed and materials furnished by mechanics and business men of the city: the stone, with the exception of the window sills, being taken from quarries near the city. It is of brick, two stories, besides basement and attic: mansard roof: conveniently planned and nicely furnished and is occupied by primary, intermediate, several grammar and a high school.

In the following year, 1871, the Fourth Ward building was erected. It was built on the same plan and of the same size as the First Ward building, costing about $100 less. Its location in the eastern part of the city is commanding

486 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

and beautiful seven acres of land haying been purchased by the Board. upon which tile building is located. A statement male by Henry C. Hedges at the dedication of this building, which occurred January 15, 1872 furnishes the information that the cost of the school buildings in the four wards and that in John* Addition was $93,450, with twenty-eight rooms, capable of seating 1,850 pupils at one time. The ward buildings were all erected under the Supervision of Mr. S. G. Brinley, since deceased, and have given general satisfaction.

After the completion of these buildings, changes were again made in the Board of Education, Isaac Gass succeeding Joel Myers in 1872: Martin B. Finfrock succeeding A. L. Grimes in 1873. In 1874. Mr Gass was succeeded by John H. Jenner who still retains the office. In March 1879 the number of the members of the Board was changed from three to six ply a vote of the people. In April following, Abraham Small, B. Sens, M. B. Bushnell and L. F. Harrington were added to the Board. Mr. Hedges retiring, after having faithfully served the city in this capacity for twenty-one consecutive years.

The Board as now (January 1880) constituted, consists of M. B. Bushnell, M. V. B. Finfrock, L. F. Harrington, J. W. Jenner, B. Sens and A. Small.

The steady growth of the city is indicated in the progress of the schools in the additional number of pupils and teachers each year and the occasional building of a new schoolhouse. During the year 1879, a fine brick schoolhouse was erected in Newman's Addition in the eastern part of the city, and additions have been made from time to time to some of the old houses. These houses now number six in the city, and will seat (at one time) 2,234 pupils. The actual cost of these buildings is $103,450, and the total value of school property in the city $150,000. Number of pupils enrolled in 1878-79 was 1,777; the per cent of average daily attendance is of the average monthly enrollment 95; the per cent of average daily attendance is of the whole number enrolled. 70. Thirty-six teachers are employed--two Males (including the Superintendent), and thirty-four females: average salaries of grade teacher is $40 per mouth: of high-school teachers $78.33. Under the management of the very efficient Superintendent. Mr. John Simpson, these schools have attained a high degree, of excellence, and are not surpassed by any others in the State.

The Mansfield Normal College was organized September 10, 1878, by Prof. J Fraise Richard, at the suggestion of a few leading citizens of Mansfield, of Whom Henry C. Hedges may be mentioned as the most active. The building, on the corner of East Diamond and Flint streets formerly the Fourth Ward School building was secured for the purpose, and exteriorly fitted up by the Board of Education. It had been unoccupied since the erection of the new Fourth Ward building, and its windows afforded inviting targets for the boys of the neighborhood.

From the first circular issued the following facts are gleaned: "The first year contained three terms of twelve, sixteen, and twelve weeks respectively. The tuition was placed at 75 cents per week. which covered all branches studied The objects of the institution are:

1. To afford teachers of all grades the most rational methods of instruction and management

2. To give the most thorough recent and systematic instruction in the various subjects embraced in the courses of study.

3. To inspire the power of thorough original investigation: to develop earnest consecutive and effective thinking: in short to cultivate that sort of mind-power which makes itself felt tinder every circumstance in life.

4. To realize as fully as possible what is comprehended in the expression a modern school, dealing with practical subjects in a practical way.

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5. To put within reach of all a thorough. practical education, " good enough for the best, and cheap enough for the poorest."

The courses of study are:

Preparatory-embracing a searching study or review of all the common branches, including also elementary- algebra, rhetoric, elocution and debating.

Teacher's---same as preparatory. with thorough training in methods of teaching, philosophy of education, school organization and management.

Business-a full course in book-keeping, commercial computations, penmanship, business correspondence and commercial law.

Musical--vocal and instrumental ill all its departments.

Scientific-a full line of mathematics. natural science. Latin language, history (both ancient and modern), English literature evidences of Christianity and government.

Classical--This adds to tile scientific course a training in Greek, metaphysics and logic.

To these it is proposed to and in the early future. A preparatory course in law and medicine so that young ladies and gentlemen may be prepared in classes, to attend the regular lectures in legal and medical schools.

At this date (January, 1880), although the normal college has been in existence but little over a year it has grown from thirty-two students at the opening, to one hundred and ten, representing nearly every part of the State.

Classes have been organized in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, geography, natural philosophy, chemistry, physiology, botany, geology and zoology. English grammar, rhetoric, elocution, literature and history, Latin grammar and Greek, penmanship, vocal and instrumental music.

Under its present efficient management the normal college it is hoped and believed, will be a permanent success. All it needs is encouragement and fostering care to make it one of the best of its kind in the State.

In 1818, the first paper made its appearance in Mansfield it was called the Olive. The following extract is from a letter of Mr. John C. Gilkison. its editor and proprietor: "The first newspaper printed in Richland County was established in April, 1818. * * * It was what is termed a medium sheet, and was printed on what we would call at this day, worn-out type and an old Ramage press: the entire establishment cost about $150. * * * It was carried on about a year, with three hundred and fifty or four hundred subscribers. * * * At the time the Olive was first established. Richland County contained about one thousand voters and the number of dwelling-houses in Mansfield was about seventy-five or eighty,* chiefly log cabins and small frame buildings. A considerable proportion of the support of the establishment was from Huron County, there being at that time no printing office in that county." In politics, the Olive advocated Whig principles. Shortly after it started, John Fleming became a partner of Mr. Gilkison. and the publication was Continued about one year, when Mr. Gilkison sold his interest to Robert Crosthwaite, who, in a few weeks, also purchased Fleming's interest, and carried on the paper very irregularly eight or ten months, when he failed: and for a time Mansfield was without a paper. In 1823, James Purdy arrived in the town purchased the establishment and commenced the publication of a Whig and Masonic paper called the Mansfield Gazette. He purchased the establishment on credit giving his personal notes therefor took possession and employed John C. Gilkison as printer. He soon discovered that the type was too much worn to print a readable paper and mounting his horse. rode to Cincinnati, purchased a new font on credit and returned with it in his saddle-bags. Thus the first really permanent

* Mr. Gilkison must have been mistaken about the number of houses. Mr. James Purdy, Mrs, Smith, Dr. Bushnell and other old residents place the number of dwellings at that time from eighteen to thirty.

488 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

newspaper establishment was started entirely on credit. Mr. Purdy's difficulties were not yet at an end. The first three years the concern did not pay expenses: the press was too small, and it was found necessary to purchase a new press and renew the entire establishment. The income from his professional practice however, enabled him to meet his notes at maturity sustain and improve the establishment until it became self-supporting and eventually prosperous. His practice requiring his whole attention he sold the establishment in 1832. In 1830, Josiah L. Reed established another press in Mansfield and printed a Democratic paper. called the Western Herald, which he conducted about a year or two. In 1832, T. W. Bartley. Dr. Rentzel and J. C. Gilkison formed a partnership, bought out both the Purdy and Reed offices consolidated them and commenced the publication of the Ohio Spectator, with the understanding that it should be an impartial journal: but in a short time it proved one-sided, and Mr. Gilkison withdrew from the establishment. It was soon sold to H. Leyman and not long after. Leyman sold to J. H. Hoffman, who, with Rentzel. Conducted it to the end of the first volume (still Democratic) when they failed and this office remained closed until 1836. Meanwhile, in 1832, John and Charles Boreland commenced the publication of the Richland Whig, which advocated the principles as title denotes and was conducted by them about two years, when it failed for want of patronage.

In 1836, John Meredith and John Warnock purchased the Spectator office of Hoffman & Rentzel. and continued its publication as a Democratic journal of super-royal size for some two years. under the title of the Ohio Shield, when Meredith purchased Warnock's interest enlarged the paper to double medium size and changed its title to that of the Shield and Banner. The publication of the paper was continued be Meredith and Meredith & Maxwell, until May, 1841, when it was purchased by its present editor, John Y. Glessner. Thus it will be seen that the Shield and Banner is the pioneer paper. It had a hard struggle for existence in the start, but has been published under different names sixty-two years, with only an occasional break-down for the first few years. It has been published under its present name more than forty years and by its present editor nearly forty years. In 1838, Marain & Devine established a Whig paper called the Richland Jeffersonian, which they conducted one year, when they failed for want of patronage and the establishment was purchased by J. C. Gilkison & Sons. It was conducted by these gentlemen nine years with a subscription list of about eight hundred. They then sold out to M. Day, Jr., and E. W. Smith. Messrs. Day & Smith changed the name of the paper to the Mansfield Herald. In 1852, Mr. Day purchased Mr. Smith's interest, and continued the publication of the Herald until 1855. when it was purchased by R. Brinkerhoff, D. R. Locks (Nasby) and James G. Robinson. In 1856, Mr. Locke retired and became proprietor of the Bucyrus Journal; Messrs. Brinkerhoff & Robinson continuing the Herald, and in the fall of 1857 received M. Day. Jr. into the firm. In the spring of 1858. Messrs. Day and Robinson retired and the paper was conducted by R. Brinkerhoff alone until May 1859 when he sold out to Dr. Myers and his brother Lorenzo D. Myers. When Dr. Myers died, his interest passed into the hands of his brother, Wesley Myers. The Messrs. Myers continued its publication until October 13, 1875, when it was purchased by its present proprietors, Messrs. George U. Harn & Company.

In 1844, a Democratic campaign paper was started by Wiley & Tidball, called the Morning Pennant and about the same time a Whig campaign paper called the Richland Bugle and Independent Press was established by William Johnson, both of which were discontinued at

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the end of the first volume. In 1850, an independent Democratic paper was established by Joel Myers and Jacob Reisenger, which was continued through one volume, then sold to John T. Glessner and discontinued.

From time to time, as occasion demanded, extras have been issued from the Herald and Shield offices.

Owing to a large German element in the population of the city, which has been steadily increasing in numbers and influence it was thought a paper printed in the German language would receive support, and accordingly. October 5, 1872, the first issue of the Mansfield Courier appeared, conducted by August Selbach. It started with a subscription list of four or five hundred. In about a year the firm changed to Selbach & Pfisterer. Soon after it was purchased by John B. Netscher, who conducted it until January 1, 1874, when it was purchased by Messrs. Kilian & Kuebler. In six months Mr. Knelder withdrew and Mr. Kilian conducted it until his death in October l, 1875, after which it was continued by the administrator of the estate until January 1876, when it was purchased by Messrs. Knebler & Wolf, its present proprietors. It is quarto 30x44.

In April, 1873, a paper was started called the Ohio Liberal. It was intended to represent the views of Liberal Republicans in the county and State as at that time they felt themselves subject to attack from both the old political parties, and desired some means of self-defense. A few citizens of Mansfield, therefore, subscribed he means necessary to start a weekly journal and a company was organized and incorporated, with a capital stock of $1,000. It was under the editorial supervision of Gen. R. Brinkerhoff who during the Presidential campaign, had been Chairman of the Liberal Republican Executive Committee of the State. The local department was under the charge of W. S. McMillen. It had not been expected that it would be a financial success, but to the surprise of its originators it was self-supporting from the beginning, and has prospered and steadily grown in circulation. Subsequently, a jobbing department was added, and the paper became one of the permanent institutions of the city.

It maintained an independent position in politics, until the Presidential election of 1876, when it supported the Democratic nominee for the Presidency, and has since been in accord with the Democratic party. In April, 1877, it was transferred to its present proprietors, Henry and Charles Foulk, who have sole control of its editorial and business management.

In 1859, a paper was started, called the Richland Democrat, by L. C. Kelly and Jacob Reisinger. The latter died during the first year of its existence, after which it was continued by Mr. Kelly until 1862, when the settlement of Reisinger's estate and the war combined, caused it to suspend.

The first issue of the Sunday Morning Call appeared July 23, 1876. It has not changed hands since that time and is still issued from the southeast corner of Fourth and Main streets, by A. J. Baughman and his sister Miss Sadie Baughman both practical printers. Its success does not depend upon regular subscribers but being of an aggressive and sensational nature, its weekly sales are quite large. It soon came to be well known and is sold by news-dealers and news-boys. in Mansfield and other towns within a radius of fifty- miles, making it a financial success.

The Herald, under its present management is healthy and prosperous, and is unqualifiedly Republican ; indeed, all the county papers are well sustained, which speaks volumes for the intelligence of the people of the county. Mr. Glessner is the oldest editor in the State in continuous service.

In December, 1871, the Shield and Banner office was totally destroyed by fire. The loss was very severe but such was the energy

490 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

displayed that the paper never missed an issue. Through the courtesy of the Messrs. Myers. of the Herald, Mr. Glessner was enabled to issue a half-sheet the same week of the fire and to continue its publication without interruption. During the thirty-nine years of his connection with this paper it has never missed an issue. It is the organ of the Democratic party of Richland and the official paper of the county.

So far as can be ascertained the first post office was established (as has been mentioned in the general history of Mansfield) on a very large white-oak log that lay between the two block-houses on the square. Two men by the name of Facer and Hatfield were the earliest mail-carriers. They carried the mail from Cleveland and Sandusky City, to Mansfield. Mount Vernon and Columbus: sometimes on horseback but, during tile war of 1812, generally on foot for greater safety: packing the mail-hags through the woods hiding in swamps and skulking; in the bushes to save their scalps and the mail from a savage foe. Henry Newman says : We few inhabitants of Mansfield on the day Hatfield was expected would assemble together on and against a very large white-oak log that lay between the block-houses and there await the arrival of the mail. Some one was always ready to read the news for the mail was then and there opened on the big log," It was generally Andrew Coffinberry or as he was usually called, "Count Coffinberry," or sometimes " Count Puffindorf." who would read the news from the top of the log. The settlers were anxious to hear from the war, and a newspaper, though it might be a week or two old was quickly seized no matter to whom it belonged, and the news read aloud to all the citizens of Mansfield. A local post office became a necessity after a time : some place where the letters which of course soon began to accumulate. could he kept in safety until called for, and where the weary and mud-spattered mail-carrier could rest and warm before starting again on his lonely journey. That well-dressed, wigged and powdered, foppish but smart little Winn Winship was selected as Postmaster. A description of this gentleman and also of his house is given in the general history of Mansfield and need not be repeated here. It is sufficient to say that he lived by himself in the only frame house in town which he built just opposite the present site of the North American, where Purdy's Bank was for many years located. In this house, therefore, was established the first post office in Mansfield and the first in Richland County. The exact date when this post office was established and also the names and dates of appointment of all subsequent Postmasters have been obtained from the Post Office Department through the kindness of Secretary Sherman and from this report it is found that Mr. Winship received his appointment July 1, 1811, and held the office nine years. He was succeeded. May 30, 1820, by R. McCombs, who kept a store on the southwest corner of where the Mansfield Banking Company now is.

To show the postal routes of that day, the following card was exhibited on the post-office floor:

"Arrival and Departure of Mails.

"To Columbus, via Bellville, & c., every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 8 P. M. To Sandusky City, via Truxville, Plymouth, & c., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 6 A. M. To Millersburg. via Perrysville and Loudonville. Wednesday, at 6 A. M. To Bucyrus, via Galion, Wednesday, at. 6 A. M. To Pittsburgh, via Hays' Cross Roads, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 6 A. M. To Delaware, via Lexington, & c., Wednesday, at 6 A. M."

Mr. McCombs held the office until January 25, 1830, when Hugh McFall was appointed and the office removed to the McFall corner - northwest corner of Main and Third. Mr. McFall was appointed by Gen. Jackson. then President and held the office eleven years and six months. Those were the days of stages. In the transportation of mails one step forward had been made-instead of going afoot or horseback the never-to-be-forgotten stage-coach

HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY. - 491

was in operation. Even yet old settlers look back to the stage-coach days with a sigh of regret that they are gone never to return. The stage routes then were from Cleveland and Sandusky to Mansfield, Mount Vernon and Columbus. From the east the stage came from Pittsburgh and for a long time the western terminus was at Mansfield but after a time, the route was extended to Bucyrus. Hiram R. Smith, still living was a post-office clerk under Mr. McFall. He was only a lad at that time and relates that the Postmaster at one time sent him to Columbus, on horseback, with a pair of saddle-bags full of silver to be deposited in the old Franklin Bank there, to the credit of the Post Office Department at Washington. He was a little over two days in making the journey, as the roads were very had and it was all the way through the woods, with only here and there a cabin. Following McFall came Uriah Jamison, as Postmaster, July 26, 1838, and the location of the office was changed to a frame house which occupied the present site of Johnston's drug store--first door north of the Wiler House. Jamison was succeeded by Jacob Hammer in 1841, moving the office to a small building on the present site of H. R. Smith's Opera House. Barney McCarron was the next Postmaster after Hammer; was appointed November 11, 1845, and removed the office to the North American corner, where he kept it a short time and then transferred it to the building where Rigbey's shoe store is now located. From there it went across the street, into one of those old buildings that was recently pulled clown to make room for the building of the Swigart, Jenner & Scattergood Block, and Jacob Hammer kept it. Hammer received his second appointment April 27, 1849. Jacob Reisinger followed Hammer June 16, 1853, and kept the office in Dickson's Block. Samuel Snyder succeeded Reisinger, November 18, 1859, and kept the office in the same place. George H. Kling was the next Postmaster, receiving his appointment March 28, 1861 and it was during his administration that the office was removed to it, present location. This block was erected in 1863 and the office has not been moved since that time. Henry P. Davis was Kling's successor and was appointed Postmaster by Abraham Lincoln Sept. 28, 1864 and held the office nine years. He was followed by the present efficient officer, Thos. E. Douglas, March 12, 1873.

The business of the post office at the present time, largely exceeds the popular idea of it. It has grown to be a kind of banking institution of no inconsiderable proportions and will no doubt, increase in popularity from year to year, as a medium through which the Government may reach the people. It was through the post office that Secretary Sherman was enabled to place a large portion of the 4 per cent loans, with little expense to the Government and great convenience to the people: $15,000 of these bonds were sold here. Postmaster Douglas furnishes the following. relating to the business of the office during the year 1879, Gross receipts, $20,625.70 ---this being for stamps and box rent: total number of money orders issued from this office 41.965: the number issued during the year 1879 were 4,618, for which $51,253.62 was paid by the people and during the same time the post office has paid out $62,352.67, on money-orders ; number of letters registered during the year, 835; an average of 2,000 letters (exclusive of drops) are daily mailed at the office and during the year over two hundred thousand circulars were mailed at the office; number of postal cards sold during the year, 147,837 and about the same number mailed at the office for the same time. In addition to this, the sale of stamped envelopes is large and continually increasing, the number sold in 1879 being 91,000. The business of the post office is looked upon as an index of the development, civilization and intelligence of a community. This is certainly an encouraging exhibit.