HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 325 the United Presbyterian Church, and their supreme judicatory has since been termed the General Assembly instead of the General Synod. Through dissatisfaction with this union, the congregations again changed their relations and in 1869 united with the Presbytery (Old School) of Chillicothe, taking the name of the Third Presbyterian Church. On the twenty-eighth clay of March, 1875, Rev. William H. Priestley resigned, after a pastorate of eighteen years, and moved to Decatur, Illinois. The pulpit remained vacant until the spring of 1877, when J. 0. Pierce, a student at Union Theological Seminary, New York, was called to take charge of the church. In July of that year he was ordained by the Chillicothe Presbytery, at South Salem, Ohio, and in the same month was installed as pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church. Mr. Pierce served the society until April, 1881, when Rev. Robert C. Galbraith, Jr., succeeded him. Doctor Galbraith remained in charge of the Third Church until 1898, and became widely known for his good work and Christian humor. Previous to assuming the Chillicothe charge he had preached seven years at Concord and had occupied the pulpit of churches at Frankfort and Lancaster. During the Civil war, still earlier, he had served at Camp Dennison, West Virginia, as the first chaplain appointed by the governor of the state. During and after his ministry Doctor Galbraith wrote much and gracefully on a variety of topics, but within the limits of his professional work became most widely known for his comprehensive history of the Chillicothe Presbytery which was prepared under appointment of that body. After his retirement from the pastorate of the Third Presbyterian Church he gave considerable time to local school matters, filling the posts both of president of the School Board of Examiners and of the City Board of Education. The good old Christian minister and able gentleman dropped his burdens and deep pleasures of life, at his home in Chillicothe, November 18, 1916. The Third Church, of which he was pastor so long, has been served by various pastors since Doctor Galbraith's retirement in 1898. Rev. D. L. Chapin, of Kingston, is now the stated supply. Rev. Chauncey L. Hamlin was installed as pastor in September, 1899, and died in February, 1904. The next pastor of the Third was Rev. Irvine L. Dungan, who commenced his service in April, 1905, and resigned in September, 1907. Since April, 1909, Rev. Dwight L. Chapin, of Kingston, has been serving as stated supply. The church has a present membership of about fifty. EPISCOPAL CHURCHES St. Paul's Episcopal Church dates from 1817. On April 24th, of that year, the Rev. Roger Searle held services in the courthouse. 326 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY Mr. Searle had been rector of St. Peter's parish, Plymouth, Connecticut, and had come west to the growing State of Ohio. He had several other places in his charge, Portsmouth among them. The Chillicothe Church was organized by him at a meeting held at the house of Richard Douglas, at which Levin Belt and Thomas James were made wardens ; Richard Douglas, James Barnes and Edward King, vestrymen, and Henry Brush, William Key Bond, Edward King and R. Douglas, reading clerks. Mr. Bond was also the first secretary of the vestry. Services were held at various houses until 1820. On April 9th of that year a meeting was held and it was determined to build a church. A lot was bought from John Waddle on the east side of Walnut Street between Main and Fourth, and a church was erected. It is standing today as a residence. The new church was consecrated on September 12, 1821, by Bishop Chase, and was the first Episcopal Church to be founded west of the Alleghenies. The first regularly installed rector was Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg, who entered on his duties February 17, 1822. The church was incorporated February 3, 1831. The growth of the society made a new building necessary about this time, and a new house was erected on East Main Street, which was called St. Paul's, as the first had been. This is the same building which now stands on the north side of Main, and was erected in 1833-34. It was consecrated on September 5, 1834. The old meeting house on Walnut Street was sold to Bishop Purcell for St. Mary's Catholic Parish. Besides the men whose names have already been given in connection with the church, some others were James T. Claypoole, Daniel Macomb, Ira Delano, Elazer Daily, John Woodbridge, James Bramble, Henry Jack and others. The incorporators of the church were Henry Brush, John Woodbridge, W. K. Bond, Henry Buchanan, Mathias Hufnagle, Peter Liester, Robert Kercheval, Thomas Orr, James S. Swearingen and John Scott. It may be noted that among the names given are those of three editors of the Gazette, Barnes, Scott and Kercheval. Among its best known early rectors were Dr. E. W. Peet, afterward of New York City, and Dr. G. W. DuBois, of New Jersey. Dr. S. N. Watson served as rector from 1897 to November, 1903, when he resigned to accept the rectorate of St. Paul's Church, Akron, Ohio. After several years there he became rector of the American Church in Paris, France, where he was in charge at the outbreak of the European war. He and Mrs. Watson were very prominent iii relief works in Paris, he being one of the founders and directors of the American ambulance and American hospital. The church services were conducted by supplies furnished by the bishop of the diocese until January, 1905, when the Rev. R. Grattan Noland, a Virginian, lately rector of the Episcopal Church in Covington, Ken- HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 327 tucky, accepted a call to the parish. Mr. Noland's health became greatly impaired and he sent in his resignation in January, 1912, but the vestry persuaded him to withdraw it. In September, 1913, he again sent in his resignation, on account of bad health, and it was then accepted. He continued to reside in Chillicothe after his resignation until his death. The Rev. George Kinney Johnson, assistant rector of the Church of the Epiphany, New York City, accepted a call and became rector in November, 1913, continuing in that position at the time of this writing. In 1894, under Rev. Edgar G. Murphy, St. Andrew's Chapel was founded, the first church in all that part of the city east of the canal. It was located at first on the corner of Main and Rose streets, but in 1896 a chapel was built on the northeast corner of Fourth and Watts streets. In 1897 a mission church was founded among the colored citizens, which was located in a well fitted up room of the old Clinton House, on West Water Street. That was the commencement of St. Mark's Mission, and a few years afterwards its members built a church on Walnut between Fourth and Fifth streets. THE FIRST EVANGELICAL CHURCH The history of First Evangelical Church is in large measure identical with the early development of German Protestantism in Chillicothe. The informal beginnings of its congregation were made in 1833. In that year eight stout-hearted German immigrants took the step of calling the Rev. Mr. Rosenfeld to be their pastor. Services were conducted in the upper room of a bakery, this being the most suitable place of worship that could be secured. In the next few years immigration from Germany took a new impetus, the list of members increased, and in 1837 the congregation was strong enough to be formally incorporated under the name of the "First German Evangelical Lutheran Church." In the meantime a more fitting place of worship had also been procured, a two-story frame house, standing on the site of the present church. The upper story was used for services, the lower served as parsonage. The structure was dedicated by Reverend Rosenfeld in 1838. From that time until 1841 the congregation grew slowly but steadily, being augmented by frequent arrivals from the Fatherland. In 1841 Rev. C. C. Riemenschneider assumed charge of the congregation. It was during his incumbency that a dispute arose among the members as to whether or not the congregation should be called Lutheran. After three years of fruitless discussion Reverend Riemenschneider resigned and Rev. J. Jud became his suc- 328 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY cessor. During Reverend Jud's pastorate the present brick church was built, the old frame house having long ago proved too small for the Sunday audiences. Funds for the enterprise were raised by the congregation, with considerable aid from Lutheran congregations in Pennsylvania and Maryland. The controversy concerning the name of the congregation broke out afresh in 1846, with the result that Reverend Jud accepted a call to a church at Louisville, Kentucky. Rev. F. Haase succeeded him, serving the congregation from 1846 until 1857. Reverend Haase, from all accounts, was a young and talented divine, having received the title of D. D. at the famous old University of Jena. Yet he also, being a Lutheran like his predecessors, was unable to reconcile the Lutheran and the Reformed factions in the church. Had he known of the German Evangelical Synod of North America, then newly founded, the outcome might have been different, since it is the object of that church body to unite the two Churches of the Reformation, the Lutheran and the Reformed. The congregation finally dissolved, the Lutheran faction worshipping with Doctor Haase in the Auch Building, the Reformed conducting services in the old Universalist Church on East Main Street, with Reverend Saxe as pastor. A number of members left the congregation altogether, associating themselves with the local German Methodist Church. Realizing that a continuation of the dispute would spell ruin for the congregation, Doctor Haase at length tendered his resignation. After his departture in 1857 the congregation reunited ; the question seems to have been dropped by mutual consent, a truly Evangelical proceeding. The next twenty years saw a rapid development, both in numbers and spiritual life. Pastors serving during this time were Revs. 0. J. Heinisch, C. E. Zozel, who died at his post of duty and lies buried in Grandview, T. A. Polster, L. Straeter of Zanesville, who became professor of German in the local schools after giving up the ministry, S. Planck, G. Janssen and A. Wetterstroem (1871-1876). It was in the days of Reverend Wetterstroem that the old parochial schoolhouse at the rear of the church was removed, making room for a two-story brick parsonage, which in its turn has been remodeled for the use of the Sunday school and the societies of the church. In 1876 came the Rev. G. G. Knus, a free preacher of the "liberal" school. His motto was : "Development our Destiny, Altruism our Goal." Once more the congregation, which had worshiped without dissension for twenty years, became the prey of internal strife. In 1877, following a stormy congregational meeting, one-half the members separated from the old German Evangelical Protestant Congregation, as it had come to be called, establishing a church of their own, which was soon after received into the membership of the German Evangelical Synod of North America, and HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 329 adopted the name Salem Evangelical. The remainder reorganized, calling themselves the Free German Evangelical Protestant Church. Shortly after, Reverend Knus was himself induced to accept a call to a free church in Cincinnati. The congregation was supplied by the Rev. B. Starcke. After a year's absence Reverend Knus was recalled, remaining until 1886. After him came Revs. Dickhoff, E. Frommel (during whose pastorate the house of worship was beautified by a new pipe-organ, built in Chillicothe, and stained-glass windows), and C. J. Bohnen (1896-1901). In 1897 the congregation celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of its church building, at which celebration Revs. Hammerschmidt, Voss and Schmidt preached reminiscent and inspiring sermons. Shortly afterward occurred another division. For a long time the necessity of English services had been realized, German having in course of time become a barely intelligible tongue to many of the younger generation. As immediate ways and means could not be found of introducing English worship, a considerable number of younger members withdrew, setting up Cavalry English Lutheran Church within a block of the old church home. Under Reverend Bohnen's successor, Rev. J. A. Toensmeier, a tower and bell were added to the church ; also, various other improvements. In spite of these efforts, however, the congregation' seems to have been declining. In 1905 Reverend Toensmeier was succeeded by Rev. F. H. Graeper, of the German Evangelical Synod of North America. After two years of his work, the congregation applied for regular membership in the Synod, which was granted, with the name which it still bears, First Evangelical Church. After Reverend Graeper's resignation, in 1909, Rev. J. N. Schuch was pastor for nine months, and during 1910-11 the charge was vacant. During that period, however, a new parsonage was purchased and remodeled and the old parsonage, at the rear of the church, was transformed into a Sunday school building. In May, 1911, Rev. R. J. Kurz was called and was followed, in 1913, by the pastor now in service, Rev. T. Lehman. The First Evangelical Church has a present strength of about 300 families and 500 active members. THE EVANGELICAL SALEM CHURCH The German Evangelical Salem Church was organized in this city on April 8, 1877. Its first trustees were William Miller, Philip Klotz, George Lautenklos, Adam Pabst, Ph. Diehl, Leonhard Wilhelm and Leonhard Kramer. The first pastor was Rev. A. F. F. Kohler. In 1881 the present church at the corner of Fourth and Mulberry was built, under Rev. C. E. Clausen. The church society was incorporated May 6, 1893, when Rev. Otto Schettler was pastor. 330 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY Among the ministers in charge since that time have been Revs. J. A. Reinicke, Paul J. Gehm and Daniel H. Moritz. CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH In April, 1900, Rev. George H. Schnur organized the Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, its membership being composed largely of those of the First Evangelical Church who desired services to be held in English. Mr. Schnur resigned in October, 1906, and was succeeded by Rev. W. Whitfield Kennerly, who served until August, 1908. In December of that year Rev. Lorenz A. Harsh-man was installed as pastor ; resigned in March, 1914, and was followed by the present pastor, Rev. J. A. Laughbaum, in June, 1915. The services of the church were first held in the Foulke Block, but in 1903 the society erected a house of worship on West Main Street. The present church membership is over one hundred. THE CATHOLIC CHURCHES Previous to 1836 there were few Catholic families in Chillicothe and the Dominican priests who ministered to them only visited them occasionally. Martin Bauman, proprietor of the Washington Hotel, appears to have been the most prominent Catholic of the very early days and mass was usually said in his tavern. The first to organize the families into a society was Rev. Henry D. Juncker, who afterward became bishop of Alton, Illinois. In 1837, through his efforts, a small building on Walnut Street was purchased from the Episcopalians and used as a Catholic Church for many years. Under Father Juncker St. Mary's Church soon outgrew its house of worship. Accordingly a lot was procured on the corner of Water and Church streets, and in 1843 the cornerstone of St. Peter's Church was laid by Father Juncker, who was soon after called to a more extended field of labor. Father Rappe, afterwards bishop of Cleveland, was then for a short time in charge of the congregation, when he was succeeded by Father Otto H. Borgess. By this time (1845), St. Peter's Church was ready for occupancy. In a short time the Jesuits were placed in charge of the church, Fathers Koelcher, Dehofe, Tscheider and Carroll being among the members of that order who were pastors. St. Peter's Church was large enough to accommodate all the Catholics in the city until 1849, when their number had increased to such a degree that it was deemed best to organize another congregation. This was done in December of that year, under the direction of Father Carroll, afterward bishop of Covington, Kentucky, in the building on Walnut HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 331 Street, which had been used before St. Peter's Church was built. Among the first members, the following figured prominently in aiding and promoting the welfare of the congregation : Marshall Anderson, Patrick Poland, John Poland, William Poland, Jacob Eichenlaub, Michael Scully, Roger and Charles Cull, Andrew Malone, Edward Carvell, Peter and James Carvell, and John Reily. In 1852, while Rev. Thomas J. Boulger, who succeeded Father Carroll, was pastor, a large building was purchased from the Methodists. This edifice, situated on Second Street, was used as a church until the new building on Paint Street was erected. Rev. T. J. Bouger acted as pastor, until called to Cincinnati to take charge of St. Augustine's Church, in 1854. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Ford, who was pastor for a short time. Rev. J. N. Theme succeeded Reverend Ford, and remained until 1860, when he left to take charge of St. Raphael's Church, Springfield, Ohio. Rev. Michael Kennedy then became pastor, and remained until 1863, when failing health compelled him to relinquish the charge. Rev. T. J. Tierney succeeded and remained until September 6, 1865, when he died, and his remains were buried in St. Mary 's graveyard. On September 15, 1865, Rev. John B. Murray arrived. A short time before the coming of Father Murray, the property on the corner of Paint and Fourth streets, was purchased from the Sisters of Notre Dame, who had used it as an academy for young ladies. The next year the congregation, under the direction of their pastor, determined to erect a building suitable not only for their present wants, but one that would accommodate their increasing numbers for many years to come. Subscription lists were opened, and soon an amount sufficient to begin the work was obtained. Excavation for the new building was begun July 31, 1866 ; the first stone laid September 6, 1866, and the cornerstone laid by Most Rev. J. B. Purcell, April 7, 1867. The work was pushed rapidly forward under the direct supervision of Rev. Father Murray, who spared no exertion to collect funds, raise further subscriptions, and devise means of bringing the undertaking to a successful completion. In all his endeavors he was carefully assisted by the members of the congregation. In 1869 the church was ready for permanent use, and on August 15, 1869, dedicated. Father J. B. Murray was pastor of St. Mary's Church from 1869 to 1883. Among those who have since served may be mentioned Rev. Alfred D. Dexter and the present incumbent, Rev. D. M. Halpin. St. Peter's Catholic Church has had a distinct organization since 1849, when the English-speaking part of the congregation returned to the old St. Mary's sanctuary on Walnut Street. Those that 332 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY remained were those who preferred that the services be conducted in German. Both churches have large parochial schools, St. Mary's being conducted by the Sisters of Charity and St. Peter's by the Sisters of Notre Dame. The pastors of St. Peters include Revs. F. X. Koelcher, Dehofe and other Jesuit fathers, who served from 1846 to 1851; Rev. Edward Lieb, an Austrian Capuchin, who remained until 1881; Rev. Ernest Winthorst, who served until 1895 ; Rev. William B. Miggeel, who was in charge of the parish until 1897 ; Rev. F. H. Buell, 1897-1904, and Rev. Martin A. Heintz, since the latter year. The present number of families in the parish is about 325. PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH In the year 1879 a Mission Sunday School was started in the eastern part of the city of Chillicothe by Rev. Henry W. Biggs, D. D., pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Chillicothe. At that time there was no church and no Sunday school east of Mulberry Street. This school, named after its founder, the Biggs Mission, was conducted under the auspices of the First Presbyterian Church until January 31, 1892. At that date it was discontinued. After several conferences between the pastor and the session of the First Presbyterian Church and Rev. W. F. McMillen, state superintendent of Congregational Sunday schools, and Rev. J. G. Fraser, D. D., secretary of the Home Missionary Society of Ohio, Doctor Biggs made a voluntary offer to turn the field over to the Congregational denomination ; which was accepted. On June 19, 1892, a Sunday school was organized. The first session was held June 26th, with eighty-six members present. The church organization effected July 5, 1892, with thirty-two charter members,— eighteen on confession of faith. The church was legally incorporated under the laws of Ohio December 21, 1892, and under the name of "The Plymouth Congregational Church of Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio." At that time the people worshipped in the building on East Water Street nearly opposite Sugar Street. The articles of incorporation were signed by the following officers : Milton T. Leasure, clerk and deacon ; William F. Noggle, treasurer ; George R. Johnson, deacon ; Darwin A. Scott, trustee ; Fayette W. Wheeler, trustee and deacon. During the pastorate of Rev. Edgar E. Scoville a lot was secured upon which to erect a new building. The present building was erected during the pastorate of Rev. C. Brooks Voorhees, and the first service in the new building was held July 17, 1898, a Children's Day "service." The edifice was dedicated January 9, 1901, and a decennial anniversary held July 20, 1902. During the pastorate of HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 333 Rev. P. N. Bennett a room was built in the rear for the primary school. The following is a list of the pastors who have served the church : Martin K. Pasco, July 3, 1892—January 30, 1894 ; Jonathan G. Smith, August 1, 1894—December 2, 1895 ; Edgar E. Scoville, February 16, 1896—February 1, 1899 ; E. Brookes Voorhees, November 21, 1899—September 1, 1901; Elizabeth T. Howland, May 1, 1902—November 1, 1908 ; George G. Stage, February, 1909— October 15, 1909 ; P. N. Bennett, May 1, 1910—September 25, 1911; E. A. Doty, November 5, 1911—March 17, 1912; Charles B. Phillips, November 1, 1912—September 1, 1914 ; Elizabeth T. Howland, May 1, 1915. The present membership of the church is 114. BRIDGE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST The church was organized in the fall of 1895 with sixteen members. They met for worship in the old McNeilis property on East Second Street. They were served by the following pastors: Rev. James W. Zachary, 1895-96 ; Rev. W. L. Neal, 1896-97 ; Rev. James Johnson, 1897-99. A complete reorganization was effected in the winter of 1899, the work being in charge of Rev. Allen Wilson, who served the church from July, 1899, to January, 1900. During this period and for the remainder of the year, a new building project was talked about and the present commodious building was erected in the year 1891 on North Bridge Street between Water and Riverside streets. In the meantime the congregation worshipped in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows hall and was ministered to by Rev. C. M. Keene and Rev. J. M. Smith. They served the church for the year of 1890-91. A call was then extended to Rev. Randolph Cook, under whose ministry the present large and commodious building was erected. He served the church from 1901-02 and Rev. L. W. McCreary, 1902-03. For five years or more the church had supply preaching, when a call was extended to the Rev. W. L. Neal, one of its first pastors, who accepted the call and began work in 1908. Mr. Neal served the church for four years and six months during which it was cleared of all debt. He closed his work with the church in 1912 and died in 1915. Rev. A. R. Adams followed and served the church for about eight months. The present pastor, Rev. Ferdinand F. Schultz, entered upon the work as an evangelist in November, 1913, and began regular preaching December 1st of the same year. The present membership of the church is about 270. WATTS STREET UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH Of the strong and well established churches, this is perhaps the youngest, its organization dating from 1900. Its meeting house, on 334 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY the southwest corner of Second and Watts streets, was built in 1901. It has a present membership of 270 and has been served by the following pastors : Revs. W. G. Stiverson, one year ; D. E. Weaver, three years; M. Hart, one year; G. W. Tyler, four years ; E. H. Wilson, two years ; S. R. Shaw, one year, and A. Orr, three years. QUINN CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH This is said to be the first colored church west of the Allegheny Mountains. Extract taken from the Ross County Register of January 3, 1874, written by Rev. Dr. S. McAdow, who said : "As far back as I can recollect, the colored Methodists of Chillicothe and the white Methodists all worshipped together in a small brick church which stood on the north side of Second Street, between Paint and Walnut streets, on the spot of ground now occupied by the late Mr. Abe Fidler's livery stable. This was the first Methodist Church that was erected in Chillicothe, and the two races worshipped in this building for a number of years. "The colored membership of this church was small. The following, among others, were members at that early day : Peter James and wife, Harry Hett and wife, Fanny Diamet, Edward Jackson and wife, Thomas Woodson and wife, Adam Brown and wife, Perry Cowen and wife, Burrell Courtland and wife, Jacob Butcher and wife, M. Freeman and wife, Roger Williams and wife, James White, Mille Washington, Elisha Coleman and wife, Edward Brown and wife, and Elsey Brown. "The colored Methodists of Chillicothe in olden times were unlike those of the present day. No jewelry or superfluity of apparel was worn by them. In this regard they dressed plain. You could tell them wherever you met them by their dress ; the male members with their broad-brimmed hats and shad-bellied coats, and the female members with their plain Quaker-looking bonnets and habits. "A feeling, however, obtained among them to worship separate and apart from the white Methodists. This feeling grew out of the fact that they had to occupy the gallery on the north side of the church, and on quarterly meeting occasions, although they all communed at the same sacramental board, the white members communed first and the colored members last. This, perhaps, was the principal cause of the separation. They felt that they did not enjoy equal rights and privileges with their white brethren, notwithstanding they contributed their share in supporting the minister and defraying the contingent expenses of the church. " The late Rev. James Quinn, who was pastor of the church at the time, opposed their going off, and informed them that if they took themselves from under the protection of the Ohio Annual Con- HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 335 ference, they would dwindle away and come to naught. But the spirit of independence increased among them, and finally, in 1821, they severed their connection with the white Methodists and went off and organized an independent church, under the leadership of the late Rev. Richard Allen, the first colored Methodist Bishop in the United States, and for a number of years they went by the name of Allenites. They afterwards assumed the title of African Methodist Episcopal Church, which title they still retain. " The church was organized at the dwelling house of the late Rev. Peter James, on the south side of Fourth street, between Mulberry and Paint streets. This was the first A. M. E. Church organized west of the Allegheny Mountains by Rev. Paul Quinn, later Bishop Quinn. " Their first place of worship was a one-story frame building on the south side of Main street between Paint and Walnut, and one door east of the American House. After worshipping there for some time they purchased a one-story frame building on the south side of Main street between Walnut and High. After worshipping there for several years, and the building becoming too small for them, they purchased a piece of ground immediately opposite, on the south side of Main street, where they erected a large frame church, which they called Bethel. Here they worshipped for many years. Later on they purchased from Isaac Turner the lot on which Quinn Chapel is now located, giving in part pay for the same the old Bethel Church and the ground on which it stood. "The first annual conference convened in Chillicothe about the year 1825. That body was composed of sixteen preachers, who came to conference on horseback, and of the sixteen horses, but one had two eyes." Quinn Chapel was erected in 1857, during the administration of Rev. Samuel Watts, and stood in close proximity to the site on which old Bethel stood. It was a substantial brick building. The present new and modern building was erected in 1910, during the administration of Rev. W. E. Walker, with the following building committee : Dr. S. S. Jordan, Fisher Sutton, Philip A. Harrison, D. H. Taborn, H. G. Stewart, James L. Lucas and Arthur C. Redman. It was dedicated Sunday, December 4, 1910, by Bishop W. B. Derrick, D. D. The following ministers, since the organization of this church, have been appointed to' this work, viz : Revs. Richard Charleston, George Broddy, Noah C. Cannon, Jeremiah Thomas, Thomas Lawrence, Lafayette Davis, Charles Cousins, Henry Atkinson, John Givens, Simon Ratliff, Wm. Newman, Edward Davis, David Smith, Charles H. Peters, John P. Woodson, Wm. Newman (again), Edward Hart, Joseph McClellan, Wm. Morgan, Samuel Watts, Solo- 336 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY mon H. Thompson, R. A. Johnson, Turner W. Roberts, John W. Eaders, John A. Franklin, Lewis W. Woodson, Wm. B. Lewis, John W. Eaders (again), Philip Tolliver, Geo. H. Shaffer, R. C. Green, G. H. Graham, J. H. Bell, W. J. Johnson, John Coleman, G. H. Graham (second time), Jesse Henderson, R. G. Mortimer, D. D. Lewis, J. H. Artope, D. W. Butler, C. W. Dorsey, B. L. Simons, M. F. Sider, J. P. Maxwell, o. R. Williams, Geo. Cotton, A. R. Palmer, M. A. Hunter, H. A. Grant, W. E. Walker, S. P. West, J. T. Far ley and Thomas Wesley Woodson. Thomas Woodson and wife were the parents of Rev. John P. and Lewis W., and the grandparents of the present pastor, T. W. Woodson. OTHER RELIGIOUS BODIES Of late years the Baptists have again been somewhat active. The Tabernacle Baptist Church was organized in March, 1890, under Rev. A. Bartley, and in 1899 the society erected a meeting house at the corner of Main and Hickory streets. Its present pastor is Rev. L. A. Wood. The First Baptist, consisting of colored members, has a church on West Fourth Street, with Rev. H. J. Starks as pastor. The Christian Scientists have a society (First Church of Christ Scientist, with J. D. Ritter as first reader) and there are also the German Methodist Episcopal and the High Street United Brethren (German), Rev. Jacob Bockstahler and Rev. G. W. Tyler, respective pastors. CHILLICOTHE HISTORICAL IN AMERICAN MASONRY Outside of the Eastern and Southern states, Ohio soil was the first in America to give root to Freemasonry, and Chillicothe was the third locality in the State of Ohio to organize its membership. Previous to the Revolution all authority exercised in America with respect to Masonry was derived from the Grand Lodge of Great Britain ; after the Revolution, the grand lodges of the States conferred such authority. The first Grand Lodge established in what is now the United States was that of North Carolina, in 1771; in 1777, during the progress of the War of the Revolution, Massachusetts and Virginia established grand lodges; in 1786, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Georgia followed their example ; in 1787, Maryland, New York and South Carolina ; in 1789, Connecticut and New Hampshire ; in 1791, Rhode Island ; in 1794, Vermont; in 1800, Kentucky ; in 1806, Delaware, and in 1808, Ohio. HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 337 PIONEER OHIO LODGES Scioto Lodge No. 2, Free and Accepted Masons, of Chillicothe, was chartered by the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of Massachusetts in 1805. It had been antedated in Ohio by the American Union Lodge No. 1, formed in 1791 by army men residing at Marietta, and Mingo Lodge No. 78, chartered in 1799 by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania at Old Mingo Town, three miles below Steubenville. GRAND LODGE OF OHIO ORGANIZED On January 4, 1808, a meeting of delegates from the six Masonic lodges then in Ohio was held at Chillicothe to consider the propriety of forming a Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of Ohio. The bodies named were American Union No. 1 of Marietta, Cincinnati Lodge No. 13, Scioto Lodge No. 2 of Chilli. cothe, New England Lodge No. 48 of Worthington, Erie Lodge No. 47 of Warren, and Amity Lodge No. 105 of Zanesville. Thomas Gibson and Elias Langham were the delegates from Scioto Lodge No. 2. The Grand Lodge was actually organized at the third session of the convention held on the evening of January 7, 1808. The following officers were elected : Rufus Putnam, G. M.; Thomas Henderson, D. G. M. ; George Tod, S. G. W. ; Isaac Van Horn, J. G. W.; Henry Massie, G. T. ; David Putnam, G. S. ; Philemon Beecher, G. S. D.; Levin Belt, G. J. D. ; Charles A. Steuart, G. M. ; Peter Spurck, G. T. The peculiar circumstances under which the Grand Lodge was organized are thus set forth in a circular letter issued by the committee on the legal status of that body : "We are directed by the Grand Lodge of this State," says that historic paper, "to announce to you its organization ; to state the reasons which have influenced us, and the circumstances under which we have carried this measure into operation. The experience of many years has tested the utility and necessity of Grand Lodges. It is of vital importance to our order that a uniform mode of working should be adopted, and that that unanimity which is the Keystone of Masonry should be preserved and secured. The lodges established in this state have derived their charters from the different grand lodges of our sister states, and have been accountable to them for their proceedings. The remoteness of our situation and the expense inseparably incident upon a frequent communication, have deprived us of most of those advantages to be desired and expected from a grand lodge. We are of the opinion, also, that in the government of lodges it is expedient to conform as much as practicable to the municipal regu- Vol. I-22 338 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY lations of the country in which they are established. We are aware that our order depends not upon the arms of the law for its support; its obligations are dependent upon a higher authority, upon Him who is the Supreme Legislator and Omnipotent Architect. But where the landmarks (laws) of the country can be respected, and the landmarks of Masonry be preserved, their union will add strength to our institutions, and diminish that jealousy with which the weak and the illiberal are too apt to regard us. Influenced by these considerations, and authorized by the sanction of precedent, we have congregated together and established ourselves into a Grand Lodge. "The circumstances under which we have proceeded to our organization were at first novel and embarrassing. From an attentive examination and diligent inquiry the doubts which hung over us have been dissipated and the meridian sun has illumined us in our course. Agreeably to a previous arrangement, on the first Monday in January, 1808, a legal representation from the lodges at Warren, at Zanesville, at Marietta, at Chillicothe and at Cincinnati convened at this place for the purpose of establishing a Grand Lodge. They then formed a convention, adopted some necessary regulations, elected the officers of a Grand Lodge, and appointed the first Monday of January, 1809, for them to convene and proceed to their installation. Accordingly on that day the officers so elected did appear and a representation from all the above-named lodges, except that at Marietta. So entirely ignorant are we upon the subject, that we can conjecture but one reason which could have prevented the officers of that lodge from attending. About the time when it would have been necessary for them to commence their journey, an alarming and unprecedented inundation had laid that town under water, and the distress and confusion inseparable from such a situation probably prevented the attendance of their delegation. Under these circumstances it became a serious object of inquiry whether it was essentially necessary to the existence of a Grand Lodge that a representation from five lodges should be present. "We have examined this question and the result of our deliberations we are now about to state. Any abstract reasoning upon this subject would be as improper as it would be indecorous; we can only resort to the opinion of eminent brethren who have preceded us, and to the regulations which have been published under the authority of other Grand Lodges. From an examination of these data, we are clearly of the opinion that the rule requiring a representation of five lodges to be present at the establishment of a Grand Lodge is a municipal regulation, adopted for its propriety, and not a fundamental principle of our order. HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 339 "In Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, page 199, is the following account of the first establishment of a Grand Lodge in London : `With this view, the lodges at the Goose and Gridiron, in St. Paul's Churchyard, the Crown, in Parker's Lane near Drury's Lane, the Appletree Tavern in Charles Street, Covent Garden, and the Rummer and Grapes Tavern in Channel Row, Westminster, the only four lodges in being in the south of England at that time, with some old Brethren, met at the Appletree Tavern, in February, 1717, and having voted the oldest Master Mason present into the chair, constituted themselves a Grand Lodge, pro tempore, in due form.' The history then states the mode they adopted to elect a Grand Master, the election to that office of a. Mr. Anthony Sayer and the permanent establishment of a Grand Lodge. ' The Grand Master,' continues Preston, 'then entered on the duties of his office, appointed his wardens, and commanded the Brethren of the four lodges to meet him,' etc. From this precedent, which is full in point, we trust that the correctness of our proceedings will not be questioned. But, in addition, this _____, Deputy Grand Master of England, in the ______ page of his _____ stating the difference between ancient and modern regulations, mentions that the former require that the Grand Lodge should be composed of its officers and the officers or representatives of the subordinate lodges, without requiring any particular number; but that the latter require that a representation from five lodges should be present. From an examination also of the most approved works upon the science of Masonry, we find the distinction generally presented that five lodges are necessary by the laws of most Grand Lodges, but not by the ancient regulations of our order." The Grand Lodge was therefore duly formed, and the constitution of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky was adopted for temporary use. Rufus Putnam, in a letter written from Marietta, in December, 1808, declined the election of Grand Master on account of old age and physical disability and Samuel Huntington, of Warren, was elected. Lewis Cass and Griffin Yeatman followed him, and Henry Brush of Chillicothe served as Grand Master in 1813-17. Grand communications of the lodge were repeatedly held at Chillicothe, where it originated. The principal event connected with Grand Lodge history of the earlier years was the continued refusal of American Union Lodge No. 1 of Marietta, to come under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. It finally received a charter from that body in January, 1816. Even after that its representation was intermittent for many years. 340 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY RELATIONS BETWEEN LOCAL AND GRAND LODGE Scioto Lodge No. 2 (now No. 6) was constituted under a charter from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts November 22, 1805, with Col. Thomas Gibson, auditor of the territory, as worshipful master ; Jarvis Cutler, senior warden, and Nathaniel Willis, junior warden. In 1808 William H. Puthuff succeeded Thomas Gibson as worshipful master. At the communication held at Chillicothe January 4th of that year for the purpose of organizing a Grand Lodge Scioto Lodge No. 2 was instituted by Thomas Gibson and Elias Langham, both designated as Royal Arch Masons. At the convention named five of the members of the local lodge were elected officers of the proposed Grand Lodge—Henry Massie, treasurer ; Philemon Beecher, senior deacon ; Levin Belt, junior deacon ; Charles A. Steuart, marshal, and Peter Spurck, tyler. The Ohio Legislature then and for several years thereafter held its sessions at Chillicothe, except for three years when they were held at Zanesville. For its greater convenience—many members of the Legislature being Masons—the Grand Lodge held its communications at the same place. This gave the members of the local lodge special advantages in attendance upon the Grand Lodge and many of its officers were called upon to fill vacancies occasioned by the non-attendance of Grand Lodge officers. This prestige also resulted in the election of many of its members to official positions in the Grand Lodge. There seems to have been no grand officer from Scioto Lodge No. 6 from the period of Mr. Bush 's service as grand master (1813-18) until 1825, when George R. Fitzgerald was elected junior warden. From 1821 to 1824 Thomas Orr represented the lodge on various committees, and in 1826 Moses Levi was elected Ballacheeacon. E. King, J. Ballaehe, George R. Fitzgerald, Henry Brush, W. Y. Emmitt, James D. Caldwell, Philip Klein, Matt H. Watt, James Gates, George D. Martin, Col. R. H. Lansing, Fr. H. Rehwinkel and William E. Evans, were also prominent for many years. NOTABLE EARLY MEMBERSHIP William E. Evans, who is still living, has written a sketch Of the formative period of the Scioto Lodge No. 2 (6). It was constituted and chartered, as stated, by the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of Massachusetts as No. 2, on the 22d of November, 1805, and re-chartered by the Most Worthy Grand Lodge of Ohio, as No. 6, on the 15th of January, 1812. Mr. Evans throws so many interesting sidelights on Masonry in the Northwest Territory that several generous portions of his paper are herewith adapted td this history. HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 341 The pioneer Masons of Scioto Lodge hailed from many jurisdictions—Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Maryland, the Carolinas, Virginia and Kentucky, and some from the old Army Lodge No. 1. Its membership was composed of Revolutionary heroes, statesmen, judges, attorneys, business men and Indians, all well skilled in the arts and sciences, who braved the hardships of an unsettled country, with many hostile forces to contend with ; but they wrought well and found an institution that has stood the test of one hundred and ten years. Freemasonry was introduced into that part of the Northwest Territory now known as Ohio in 1788 at Marietta by American Union Lodge No. 1, a Continental or Army lodge, chartered by the Grand Lodge of England February 15, 1776, and whose jurisdiction at that time covered the whole of the United States; and from its membership came some of the founders of Scioto Lodge. INDIAN MASONS The hostile character of the Indians did not deter the pioneer Masons from carrying on the work of Freemasonry, and many of these Indians afterward became zealous and valuable Masons, who materially assisted in the early work of the order. Some of them are said to have been active members of the Scioto Lodge. In less than one year after the settlement of Ohio occurred the first Masonic incident of note. On January 10, 1789, the brethren assembled to bury with Masonic honors that eminent Revolutionary hero, Judge James Mitchell Vernum. Capt. David Zeigler of the Military Lodge then located at Fort Washington, Cincinnati, led the military. Paul Fearing, afterward first territorial delegate to Congress, bore the Masonic insignia on a cushion, and the Indian chiefs who were negotiating the treaty of peace which had just been concluded at Fort Harmer, opposite Marietta, two and two united and marched in the solemn procession. The interest manifested by these Indian chiefs in the solemnities of the funeral occasion may reasonably be inferred as evidence that they had a knowledge of the mysteries that we call Freemasonry. The Indian chiefs referred to were the representatives of the six nations—the Wyandottes, Delawares, Ottawas, Chippewas, Pottawattomies, and Sacs. OTHER INTERESTING ITEMS The next important step in Freemasonry in Ohio was the formation of the Ohio Grand Lodge, as noted heretofore. Although there were six lodges then in existence, the Grand Lodge was compelled, as has been stated, to organize with only four lodges. The cre- 342 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY dentials of New England No. 48, at Worthington, were not satisfactory and its delegate was denied a seat in the convention, while American Union No. 1 refused to surrender its charter. How the latter afterward came under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Grand Lodge has been explained. In 1818 the Grand Lodge left Chillicothe to meet in Columbus. In the early years it was customary to have refreshments at the stated communications. On one occasion, in 1830, the steward presented his bill to the lodge for payment, the items consisting of four pounds of cheese, two gallons of cider and $1.75 worth of cakes and crackers. In 1831 Scioto Lodge resolved that "refreshments be discontinued" as too great a drain on the official exchequer. PAST MASTERS AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS The past masters of Scioto Lodge No. 6 (originally No. 2), Free and Accepted Masons, have been as follows, with the years of their election : Thomas Gibson, 1805 ; William Puthuff, 1808 ; C. A. Stuart, 1809 ; Henry Brush (G. M.), 1810 ; John Kerr, 1811; Walter Dun, 1813 ; William R. Southard, 1816 ; Levin Belt, 1819 ; William Creighton, Jr., 1820 ; John Bailhache, 1820 ; James Gates, 1821; George R. Fitzgerald, 1823 ; Thomas Orr, 1828 ; William H. Skerrett, 1.834 ; James D. Caldwell, 1837 ; William B. Franklin, 1838 ; William Waddle, 1846 ; Robert W. Denning, 1847 ; John L. Green, 1848 ; Alphonso C. Ireland, 1849 ; Edward F. Lewis, 1854 ; George D. Martin, 1857 ; Addison Pearson, 1858 ; Philip Klein, 1860 ; Charles Minear, 1861; Christian Elsass, 1863 ; Matt H. Watt, 1868 ; Isaiah Lord, 1882 ; J. William Mader, 1885 ; George Elsass, 1887 ; William E. Evans, 1889 ; Frank H. Hopkins, 1891; Harry S. Adams, 1893 ; Allan W. Hamill, 1895 ; Francis M. DeWeese, 1896 ; Charles Hoyt, 1897 ; Abram C. Kopp, 1899 ; William J. Strickler, 1901; Walter L. Roche, 1903 ; Alfred Howson, 1904; Charles P. Mosher, 1905 ; Otis J. Story, 1906 ; David H. Roche, Jr., 1907 ; John L. Baum, 1909 ; Addison P. Minshall, 1910 ; Harry V. Hopkins, 1911; Hugh M. Lynch, 1912 ; William A. Reppel, 1913 ; Carl W. Hurst, 1914 ; Fred G. Messel, 1915. In addition to the long and honorable list of past masters, there were at least two distinguished members who did not preside over the lodge : Dr. Robert H. Lansing, who was grand captain general in the Grand Commandery of the State, and Eminent Sir Frederick H. Rehwinkel, a grand commander and the only member of Scioto Lodge to reach the 33d degree. Scioto Lodge No. 6 has reached a membership of over 400. HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 343 CHILLICOTHE CHAPTER No. 4, ROYAL ARCH MASONS The body above named was instituted September 12, 1816, and its past high priests for the century intervening have been: Henry Brush, elected in 1816; John Snow (G. H. P.), 1820; John Stuart, 1820 ; James Gates, 1822 ; Edward King (G. H. P.), 1822; George R. Fitzgerald, 1824; William B. Franklin, 1838 ; James D. Caldwell, 1839; William B. Thrall, 1845 ; James T. Donahoe, 1845; William H. Skerrett, 1845 ; Thomas Orr, 1847 ; William Waddle, 1848 ; John L. Green, 1849 ; Robert W. Denning, 1850; George D. Martin, 1859 ; Angus L. Waddle, 1860; Robert H. Lansing, 1861; Philip Klein, 1863 ; Matt H. Watt, 1876; Edwin P. Safford, 1877; Isaiah Lord, 1878 ; William P. Smith, 1881; Frederick H. Rehwinkle, 1883 ; William E. Evans (G. H. P.), 1886; Francis M. DeWeese, 1889; Abram C. Kopp, 1891; Elwyn S. Robinson, 1893 ; Abram C. Kopp, 1895 ; Lee Des Martin, 1897 ; Albert E. Culter, 1899 ; Reinhard Wissler, 1901; David W. Roche, Sr., 1902; Chas. L. Hoyt, 1904 ; Chas. P. Mosher, 1906; Albert Scholl, 1907; Lyle S. Evans, 1908 ; Hector McVicker, 1910; William G. Houser, 1911; Harry Ottman, 1912 ; Carl W. Hurst, 1915. The chapter has a membership of about 280. CHILLICOTHE COUNCIL No. 4, ROYAL AND SELECT MASONS The Council was instituted January 18, 1828, and its past thrice illustrious masters, with the years of their election, are thus given : Henry Brush, 1828 ; James D. Caldwell, 1838; Thomas Orr, 1845 ; Henry Sulzbacher, 1854 ; George D. Martin, 1855 ; Philip Klein, 1856 ; Edwin P. Safford, 1868 ; Matt H. Watt, 1877; William A. Wayland, 1885 ; Isaiah Lord, 1886; Abram C. Kopp, 1887 ; James B. McLaughlin, 1889; William E. Evans (G. Rec.), 1891; Reynold Janney, 1892 ; Francis M. DeWeese, 1893 ; Isaiah Lord, 1894 ; Charles C. Waddle, 1897 ; Charles Hoyt, 1899 ; Albert E. Culter, 1903 ; Louis C. Laube, 1905 ; Albert Scholl, 1906; William A. McNeilis, 1907 ; Charles P. Mosher, 1910 ; Allan W. Hamill, 1915. The membership of the Council is about 290. CHILLICOTHE COMMANDERY No. 8, KNIGHTS TEMPLAR A dispensation was granted to organize this commandery on November 18, 1847, by John L. Vattier, deputy grand master. James D. Caldwell was appointed first grand commander; Joseph A. Roof, generalissimo, and Hiram Beeson, captain general. Jacob S. Atwood was elected eminent commander during the same year, with a full staff of officers. The commandery was chartered Sep- 344 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY tember 25, 1848. The original charter was destroyed in the fire of April, 1852, and a new one granted Atwood 15, 1853. Jacob S. Atwood. served as commander until 1850, since which year the following have been at the head of the commandery : William Waddle, 1850 ; Robert H. Lansing (G. C. G.), 1851; Thomas Orr, 1853 ; Robert W. Denning, 1854 ; George D. Martin, 1857 ; John L. Green, 1858; Robert H. Lansing, 1859 ; Alphonso C. Ireland, 1875 ; Frederick H. Rehwinkel, 33̊ (G. C.), 1878 ; William B. Mills, 1880; William E. Evans, 1883 ; Isaiah Lord, 1885 ; William A. Wayland, 1886; Francis M. DeWeese, 1887 ; Isaiah McCormick, 1888; Abram C. Kopp, 1889; William L. Tulleys, 1890; James B. McLaughlin, 1891; Ellwyn S. Robinson, 1892 ; Charles Z. Erdmann, 1893; Charles L. Hoyt, 1894; Frank S. Dickey, 1896; Morris J. Killits, 1898; Charles P. Mosher, 1900 ; Lee Des Martin, 1902 ; Luther B. Hurst, 1903 ; David H. Roche, Sr., 1905 ; Reinhard Wissler, 1906 ; Walter L. Roche, 1907; Otis S. Story, 1908; David H. Roche, Jr., 1909; Lyle S. Evans, 1910; Harry W. Chapman, 1911; Hugh M. Lynch, 1912; Hector McVicker, 1913. The commandery members, both resident and non-resident, number about 340. There are also the St. Elizabeth Chapter, Order Eastern Star, and Ionic Lodge No. 6 of Colored Masons. The latter was organized in 1870. THE MASONIC TEMPLE The cornerstone of the massive Masonic Temple on East Main Street was laid in July, 1903, and it was dedicated in October of the following year. The site, which was formerly the Nathaniel Wilson property, was purchased by the company which erected the temple for $13,000 ; the cost of the building was $52,000; making the entire valuation of the Masonic property, without furnishings, $65,000. The Temple is four stories. in height, frontage 99 feet on Main Street and extending back 121 feet. The first floor is given over to the main entrance and commodious storage accommodations ; the second floor consists of residence flats, and the third (really two stories) of lodge and commandery quarters, club rooms, banquet hall and kitchen. In January, 1900, D. H. Roche, W. E. Evans, Reinhard Wissler, S. M. Veail, A. C. Kopp, Allan W. Hamill, C. Z. Erdmann, Otto Wissler, F. M. DeWeese, Charles P. Mosher, S. Earl Mosher, D. M. Massie, Albert Douglas and Charles Hoyt, all well known Masons, purchased the Wilson property and offered it to the Masonic fraternity as a site for a new Masonic Teniple. The first place of meeting for the different bodies had been the upper story of the HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 345 United States Bank Building. The old Masonic Temple, on East Second, between Paint and Mulberry, was burncd in the 1852 fire and another one completed on the same site in the following year. Several meetings of the various branches of the order were held to consider the offer for a new home, and the result was the incorporation of the Masonic Temple Company in April, 1900, by Dr. R. H. Lansing, S. Earl Mosher, William A. Wayland, Albert E. Culter and Wallace D. Yaple. Later a permanent organization was effected with the following officers: D. H. Roche, president ; W. E. Evans, vice president ; A. C. Kopp, treasurer ; R. Wissler, secretary. It was this company which completed the Temple. Originally, the capital stock was $25,000, which was subsequently increased to $40,000. The Odd Fellows and Improved Order of Red Men have organizations of many years' standing. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is represented by Chillicothe Lodge No. 24 and Tecumseh Lodge No. 80, as well as by Valley Encampment No. 21 and the Daughters of Rebekah. The order was instituted on December 23, 1843, and lodge meetings were at first held in the Adams Block. In 1846 the Odd Fellows opened their fine new hall on the third floor of the Waddle (afterward Lansing) Block, corner of Paint and Second. The Rebekahs were organized in 1870. Logan Tribe No. 9 of the Improved Order of Red Men was   346 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY organized at Chillicothe "the eleventh Sleep of Warm Moon, Grant Sun 5613, Jewish method," or, in the Christian dispensation, March 11, 1852. CHILLICOTHE LODGE No. 52, BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS The Elks of Chillicothe organized in 1886 and have a present membership of about 500. A dispensation was granted for the institution of Lodge No. 52, which was instituted in September, 1886, and chartered in December of the following year. Edward Kauffman has always been considered the father of the lodge, whose exalted rulers have been as follows : Frank Harper, Judge J. C. Douglas, Harry S. Adams, John G. Hathaway, Paul Cook, M. G. Gunning, George H. Pagels, William L. Tulleys, Charles C. Waddle, Harry W. Chapman, Robert G. Tomlinson, Henry W. Woodrow, James C. Anderson, A. R. Wolfe, D. H. Roche, Sr., C. J. Tomlinson, George V. Sosman, Fred B. Kramer, Quinby Climer, Clarence H. Sears, J. Charles Schaffer, Walter J. Sears, Edwin S. Wenis, Albert Breinig, Harry W. Hopkins, George J. Weislogel, Charles McVicker and William A. Wallace. The handsome home of the Elks on West Second Street was purchased in 1911, remodeled and furnished during the following year, and when occupied in June, 1912, represented an outlay of $50,000. MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA Camp No. 4111 of the order named has a membership of 480, and was organized August 20, 1896, with the following officers: Consul, Lewis Kern ; adviser, W. S. Boblett ; banker, Thomas Esker ; clerk, Albert Scholl. The charter members were J. M. Hughey, Alfred Howson, Gustave Buchhammer, J. H. Greenbaum, J. M. Burrows, Huston Robins, N. G. Spangler, F. J. Rahle, Ph. Reeves, J. B. Madr, J. B. Welsh and L. H. Luhrsen. The present officers of the camp are : Consul, W. A. Hauck ; adviser, O. Eisnaugle ; banker, William Fox ; clerk, F. L. Gibbs. Doctor Gibbs has been clerk of the camp since 1898. CHILLICOTHE AERIE No. 600, FRATERNAL ORDER OF EAGLES Organized in January, 1904, with a membership of about 200, the first officers of Aerie No. 600 were : Wallace D. Yaple, P. W. P. ; Forrest C. Secrest, W. P. ; Fred Mader, V. P. ; Louis Levy, W. C. ; George W. Wooster, T. ; Burton Wood, S. The membership is now nearly 470 and the Aerie owns the building it occupies on Walnut HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 347 Street, which is valued at about $15,000. Present officers of Aerie No. 600: Alphonse Mueller, W. Pres. ; John Hild, W. V. Pres.; August Elk, W. C. ; Philip Keim, S. ; Frank J. Schneider, T. OTHER SECRET AND BENEVOLENT BODIES The Knights of Pythias are represented by Sereno Lodge No. 28, and the Knights of Columbus, the Royal Arcanum and others, have been long established. THE GESANG VEREIN EINTRACHT While fully appreciating the advantages of acquiring a knowledge of the language of and willingly conforming to the requirements of their newly adopted country, but believing that this did not necessitate their entirely giving up the language and customs of the land of their birth ; recognizing the value of preserving the use of the German language, and having the desire to meet with each other for the purpose of continuing their custom of singing German songs, especially the German Volks Lieder, the Gesang Verein Eintracht was founded at Chillicothe in the early part of the summer of 1852 by the following charter members: Alois Berg, August Brandle, Joseph Deschler, Phillip Emrich, Louis Eckert, Franz Mueller, Conrad Studer, Gregor Studer and Martin Uhrig. A few months thereafter Jacob Jacobs also became a member. Rehearsals were held in Bader's Hotel, Linder's Hotel and various other places, but for the past twenty-five years the society has occupied the entire second floor of the Wissler Building, corner Paint and Water streets, where it has a large concert and dancing hall and club rooms and banquet hall. In 1860 the society took part in the Saengerfest held at Wheeling, West Virginia, where it won the first prize, a silver loving cup. Owing to a number of the members, like many other German-Americans, having shown their patriotism by enlisting in the army that was fighting to preserve the Union, the activities of the Eintracht were for a time interrupted, but rehearsals were finally resumed and in 1864 the first Saengerfest was held in Chillicothe under its auspices. For many years the society has been a constituent member of the North American Saenger Bund and the Ohio Saenger Bezirk and participated in a number of large saengerfests of the national organization as well as the local ones. It has arranged many musicals as well as social entertainments and has assisted at numerous patriotic celebrations and entertainments given for the benefit of charity. 348 - HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY The most notable occurrence in the history of the society was the Saengerfest of the Central Ohio Bezirk, which was held in Chillicothe under the auspices of the Eintracht in 1896, when singing societies from Columbus, Canton, Akron, Dayton, Lima, Newark, Toledo and Springfield participated. With the assistance of a large orchestra and a number of eminent soloists, five concerts were given which were of the highest order. The executive committee, together with the various sub-committees, so conducted the whole affair, which extended over three days, that it was not only a pronounced musical and social, but also a financial success. In 1902 another memorable success was scored when the society celebrated its golden anniversary by a series of entertainments consisting of concert, parade and volksfest, in which the Eintracht was assisted by singing societies from all parts of the state. In 1912 the sixtieth anniversary of the society was celebrated in the same manner. On the latter occasion a gold medal was received from the German emperor. Among the former musical directors of the Eintracht probably the best known was Mr. St. Burkley, who held that position from 1859 to 1882. The present officers, most of whom have long and faithfully served in their respective positions, are : F. C. Arbenz, president ; Otto Engelsman, vice president ; Karl Weissenberger, recording and corresponding secretary ; C. Albert Fromm, financial secretary ; H. C. Brandle, treasurer ; Otto Dreyer, Jacob Keil and George Hartmeyer, trustees; C. Juenger, librarian ; Franz Schuer and J. Williams, flag bearers; Prof. Albert Tritschheller, director ; Stan. Burkley, assistant director. THE RICHARD ENDERLIN WELFARE HOUSE The institution named, so well described by its incorporated title, has as its headquarters a large and convenient building on West Main Street which Colonel Enderlin presented to the city in April, 1914. An incorporation was effected with the following board of directors : William Zurcher, chairman ; W. F. Sulzbacher, J. P. Rigney, Carl Enderlin and J. H. Greenbaum. The board is self-perpetuating, any vacancy being filled by the remaining members. The act of incorporation thus expresses the purposes of the house : "The said corporation is formed for the purpose of establishing, maintaining and conducting an institution, free to all persons, regardless of age, race, color, religious or political affiliations, to whom temporarily and in emergencies, may be dispensed charity, aid, relief, medical treatment and nursing; receiving funds by donation, bequest or otherwise ; holding, investing and disbursing HISTORY OF ROSS COUNTY - 349 the same ; and the doing of all things necessary and incidental to the purpose of this corporation, including the power to purchase and acquire all personal and real property, and the right to sell and dispose of the same ; it being expressly understood that said corporation is not formed for any object which may embrace the care of dependent, neglected or delinquent children, or the placing of such children in private homes." Since acquiring the property Colonel Enderlin has expended several thousand dollars in alterations and improvements in order that it may in -every way be best adapted to fulfill its purpose. An addition to the main building provides a reception room for patients and other applicants, and also a dispensary which has been furnished with the most modern equipment. At present the building is occupied by the Ross County Anti-Tuberculosis Society, and the Chillicothe Associated Charities. One of the main rooms of the building is known as " The Recreation Room," which is designed for the use of the girls of the city, and is at their disposal at all times; all furniture and decorations in this room were presented by the ladies of the Century Club. In addition to the main building, but entirely separate from it, the colonel has constructed a building known as the Detention Home, although this does not fully describe the various uses to which the building is being put. Here are well-furnished, clean rooms where women or children who are detained as witnesses by the court may be comfortably and kindly cared for instead of being held at the jail ; coming in contact with convicts, and their evil talk, as was the former custom. The deserted and homeless wife and children here receive a kindly welcome and temporary care until relatives can be communicated with, or other provision made for the future. Here, also, is a commodious, modern bath room. In the basement the colonel has installed a vapor heating plant of latest design. The capacity of the heating plant is sufficient not only for the Welfare House and the Detention Home, but also for any buildings that future needs may demand. One point upon which the donor is most emphatic is that this home is not for mendicants, or professional beggars, but that it shall hold out a helping hand to all worthy poor, regardless of creed or race. ASSOCIATED CHARITIES AND ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS SOCIETY The Associated Charities of Chillicothe and the Ross County Anti-Tuberculosis Society, the combined work of which was conducted at the Enderlin House, have been consolidated (1916) as the Ross County Welfare Association.