(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 150 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. direction, was chosen as the Financial Secretary of the Convention, to solicit funds for the erection of the necessary buildings, endowments, etc., of the proposed institution, which the Convention desired to present as Ohio's offering to the approaching Centennial anniversary of Universalism in America, the first Universalist Church in America being organized at Gloucester, Mass., by Rev. John Murray, in 1770. MR. AND MRS. JOHN R. BUCHTEL. JOHN RICHARDS BUCHTEL,—son of John and Catharine (Richards) J Buchtel, was born in Green township, January 18, 1820; education limited ; raised a farmer, working land on shares, then buying twenty acres in Coventry, and afterwards the 210 acre farm, since known as the Thornton farm, now a populous portion of the city of Akron; for several years agent for Canton. Buckeye Reaper and Mower Works; and largely instrumental in securing the Aultman, Miller & Co. branch for Akron ; during the war, active in securing enlistments, raising bounty money, and averting the draft ; largely promotive of many of the industrial enterprises of the city, including blast furnace and extensive coal and iron mines in Athens County; Grant presidential elector, in 1872; Prohibition candidate for Secretary of State in 1874; managing trustee of Ohio Agricultural College for several years. An ardent Universalist, while unstintedly liberal towards other denominations, his crowning glory is his munificence, aggregating nearly a half a million dollars, toward the college that bears his name, fully written of elsewhere. Married January 8, 1844, to Miss Elizabeth Davidson, never, having been blessed with children of their own, though both physically infirm for many years, Mr. and Mrs. Buchtel jointly devoted the accumulation of their lives, for the benefit of the children of their neighbors and the general welfare. Mrs. Buchtel,—daughter of John Davidson, was born in Union County, Pa., August 25, 1821; removed to Ohio, with parents, in 1834, settling in Coventry ; after marriage sharing with her enterprising husband the labor of founding for themselves a home and a fortune, and sharing equally with him the pleasure of dispensing, while living, the wealth thus jointly accumulated, in the founding of Buchtel College, and the promotion of the various other educational, moral and benevolent enterprises of the day. In June, 1881, Mrs. Buchtel was stricken with paralysis ; but notwithstanding her great infirmity, and its many deprivations, she was ever cheerful and helpful of her distinguished husband, who became similarly afflicted March 21, 187, still retaining her interest in all of their joint enterprises and benefactions to the last, her death occurring Friday, May 22, 1891, at the age of 69 years, months and 27 days. AKRON SECURES THE PRIZE - 151 Mr. Miller entered upon his duties in January, 1870. Meantime a lively competition was in progress, between the inhabitants of several of the cities of the State, Akron among the rest. It was finally authoritatively announced that the location would be given to the city that would furnish a suitable site and subscribe $60,000 to the funds of the College. To this proposal, the people of Akron and Summit County promptly responded, Mr. John R. Buchtel leading off with a subscription of $25,000 to the endowment fund and $6,000 to the building fund. Others followed with equal liberality, in proportion to their means, and on May 31, 1870, Financial Secretary Miller reported to the trustees and committee that the stipulated sum of $60,000 had been subscribed and the proper site secured by the people of Akron. AVERY SPICER,—eldest son of Miner and Cynthia (Allen) Spicer; born at Groton, Ct., October 26, 1799 ; came with parents to Ohio in 1811, being the first white settlers in Portage township ; district school education; raised a farmer ; at 21, worked for father two years at $7.00 per month; in 1825, had charge of gang of hands on Ohio Canal, furnishing stone, timber, etc. for locks ; September 3, 1826, was married to Miss Harriet King, daughter of Joshua King, first white child born at Old Portage, (September 7, 1810); in 1837 purchased large farm in Coventry, where he lived 20 years, moving to the original homestead, corner Spicer and Carroll streets, in 1857, where he resided until his death, May 10, 1881. Mr. Spicer officiated for several years as trustee of Coventry township, and for 15 years as director of County Infirmary, superintending the erection of present Infirmary buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Spicer were the parents of nine children--Isaac A., who died in California in 1850; Cynthia, now Mrs. Geo. Coggsh all, Aron ; Sarah C., late Mrs. John Newton, of Buchanan, Mich.; Austin A., who died in Coventry, March 4, 1889; Harriet, now Mrs. J. T. Trowbridge, Akron ; Olive and Oliver, twins, who died in infancy, and Ella C., now Mrs. Charles Parmenter, Waltham, Mass. Mrs. Spicer, now in her 82d year, still survives. This joint body then, by resolution, formally located the "Universalist Centenary School of Ohio," at Akron, and a certificate of incorporation was duly filed, with the following named corporators: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Rev. John S. Cantwell, Col. Geo. T. Perkins, Henry Blandy, Rev. George Messenger, Rev. Benjamin F. Eaton, Hon. Newell D. Tibbals, Rev. John W. Henley, Hon. Edwin P. Green, Oscar F. Haymaker, Rev. Willard Spaulding, James Alexander Lantz and George Steese. The association, on organization, very appropriately took the name of "Buchtel College," in honor of its principal donor, and the institution was formally declared " to be under the control of the Ohio State Convention of Universalists." It was made the duty of the corporators to appoint a board of 18 trustees, five of whom were to be resident freeholders of Summit County, the first board 152 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. appointed being as follows: John R. Buchtel, president; Henry Blandy, Philip. Wieland, J. Dorsey Angier, Edwin P. Green and George T. Perkins, for three years each: Rev. Henry L. Canfield, Rev. Everett L. Rexford, Gen. James Pierce, John F. Seiberling, Rev. John S. Cantwell and Newell D. Tibbals, for two years each, and Oscar F. Haymaker, Sanford M. Burnham, secretary, John R. Cochrane, Charles Foster, Rev. George Messenger and Avery Spicer, for one year each; George W. Crouse, not a member of the board, being appointed treasurer. HON. GEORGE W. CROUSE,-born in Tallmadge, November 23, 1832 ; in early boyhood removed with his parents to Green township ; graduating from district school at 17, taught schools five years ; 1855 to 1858, deputy in offices of County Auditor and Treasurer ; 1858, at 25 years of age, elected County Auditor, and re-elected in 1860; resigned in February, 1863, to accept appointment of Treasurer to fill vacancy, serving to end of term, seven months ; 1863, took management of Akron branch of C. Aultman & Co.,s Buckeye mower and reaper business ; in 1865, on organization of Aultman, Miller & Co., as a separate corporation, became secretary and treasurer, being now its president, besides being pecuniarily and officially connected with a large number of other business and financial enterprises in Akron and elsewhere. Republican in politics, Mr. Crouse has filled, besides those mentioned, the following civil offices: County Commissioner, member and president Board of Education ; member and treasurer Board of Control Akron Public Library ; member and president Akron City Council ; State Senator and Member of Congress. Liberal, efficient and patriotic, Mr. Crouse served 100 days in defense of Washington, in 1864, and was largely instrumental in securing the erection of our beautiful Soldiers, Memorial Chapel, besides contributing liberally in behalf of all the educational, religious and benevolent enterprises of the day. Married October 18, 1859, to Miss Martha K. Parsons, of Kent. They have five children—Martha P., Julia M. Mary R., Nellie J., and George W., Jr. The site selected for the College is one of the most commanding in the city, fronting on Middlebury street, (now Buchtel Avenue), upon the north, and running through to Carroll street on the south. It is a part of the original farm occupied by Akron,s first settler, Major Miner Spicer, in 1811—Major Spicer himself being an ardent Universalist, and a zealous member of the first society of that faith organized in Akron, in 1837—the college edifice being visible from every portion of the city, while the view from the top of its central tower is one of the most extensive and picturesque in the county. The architect, Rev. Thomas W. Silloway, of Boston, Mass., submitted plans for the College building, December 28, 1870, and a building committee of seven was appointed, as follows: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Avery Spicer, Col. George T. Perkins, Rev. Henry LAYING THE CORNER STONE - 153 F. Miller and Gen. Alvin C. Voris, of Akron ; Rev. George Messenger, of Springfield, and Mr. Henry Blandy, of Zanesville. Noah A. Carter, of Akron, was made general superintendent; Samuel Snider and Lewis Wilhelm, of Akron, awarded the contract for stone work; John H. Waggoner, of Akron, superintendent of brick work, and Henry W. Howe, Esq., superintendent of grading. Ground was broken on the 15th day of March, 1871, and the work so vigorously prosecuted that the massive foundation and basement walls were completed, and the corner-stone of the superstructure was laid on the Fourth of July, 1871, with the following imposing ceremonies: JUDGE EDWIN P. GREEN,----born in Gaysville, Windsor Co., Vt., arch 10, 1828; educated in common schools and Bradford Academy; commenced studying law in Littleton, N. H., coming to Akron in 1852 and completing studies in office of Humphrey, Upson & Edgerton, being admitted to the bar in September 1833; October 1854 elected Clerk of Courts, holding the office until February 1861, then resuming his law practice; during the war was deputy provost marshal for Summit County, and member of Congressional Military Committee. Prosecuting Attorney N. D. Tibbals entering the service for 100 days, in 1864, Mr. Green was appointed prosecuting attorney ad interim; in 1883 was elected Judge of Common Pleas Court, to till the unexpired term of Judge Tibbals, resigned, and re-elected for full term in 1885, ably filling the position until January 1, 1891, when he resigned and again resumed practice at the bar. Judge Green has always taken a lively interest in educational matters; for many years serving as county and city school examiner; was active in establishing Akron Public Library, and a member of its board of control until elected Judge; was one of the incorporators of Buchtel College, serving as Trustee since its organization in 1872; member of American Bar Association, for many years its member of General Council for Ohio, and in 1889 elected its vice president for Ohio, also member of Ohio Bar Association of which he was made president in 1887. Judge Green was married to Miss Isabella M. Moore, of Littleton, N. H., December 31, 1855, who died March 13, 1869; was again married, to Miss Elizabeth A. Moore, sister of the first Mrs. G., April 25, 1870, who has borne him three children, Isabella M. and William A., now living, and Mary L., deceased. The Excelsior Gun Squad fired a salute of thirty guns at midnight, and at sunrise the Buckeye Gun Squad awoke the morning echoes with thirty-seven guns. The procession was formed on Howard street by Chief Marshal Gen. Geo. W. McNeil, assisted by Herman F. Hahn, Paul Giffhorn and Thomas K. Perkins, on the part of the citizens, and by Dr. Thomas McEbright, Milton. H. Hart and Ohio C. Barber, marshals, on the part of the Masonic Fraternity. The procession formed in the following order: 1, Marshals and Assistants; 2, Babcock's Band; 3, Fire Department; 4, German Benevolent Society; 5, Order of United American Mechanics; 6, Coopers, Union; 7, Harmonie Society; 8, Turner Society; 9, 154 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Liedertafel Society; 10, Knights of Pythias; 11, Father Mathew Temperance Society; 12, Good Templars; 13. Sons of Temperance; 14, Grand Army of the Republic and 29th 0. V. V. I.; 15, I. 0. 0. F.; 16, Marble's Band; 17, Masons; 18, Mayor, City Officers and Council; 19, Clergy; 20, Trustees and Officers of College; 21, Officers of the Day and invited and distinguished guests; 22, Citizens, GEN. ALVIN COE VORIS,—eldest of Judge Peter Voris, born in Stark Co., April 27, 1827, in infancy moving to Bath township; educated in Twinsburg Institute and Oberlin College; 1850 to 1852, deputy county clerk and acting probate judge; admitted to practice law June 20, 1853 ; in partnership with Gen. L. V. Bierce till 1859; Sept. 25, 1853, married Miss Lydia Allyn, who bore him three children—Edwin F. (now practicing law in Akron,) Lucy, (now Mrs. Charles Baird) and Bessie C, (now Mrs. Will T. Sawyer); representative to State Legislature 18591860; in September 1861, entered the army as Lieutenant Colonel of 67th Regiment. 0. V. I., becoming its commanding office the following March; [the gallantry of this regiment and the terrible sufferings of its commander, from wounds received in battle, fully set forth elsewhere in this work]. Colonel Voris was brevetted Brigadier General December 8, 1864, and a few months later Major General, "for distinguished services in the field." Since the war, with the exception of serving as a delegate to Constitutional Convention in 1873, the General has devoted himself assiduously to his profession, with marked legal and financial success. November 4, 1890, General Voris was elected Judge of Court of Common Pleas for the counties of Summit, Medina and Lorain for the the term of five years. The first Mrs. Voris dying March 16, 1876, the General was again married, to Mrs. Lizzie H. Keller February 21, 1882. The corner-stone, three feet square on its surface and two feet in thickness, bears, in oval form, the inscription: "Centenary of Universalism in America, 1870. This stone laid July 4, 1871, by A. H. Newcomb, G. M. F. & A. M., A. L. 5871." In the cavity was placed a casket containing copies of the Star in the (rest, Universalist, Gospel Banner, Universalist Quarterly, Ladies' Repository, Myrtle, Guiding Star, Universalist Register, Akron Daily Beacon, Akron City Times, New York Tribune, and the Ohio Universalist, published in Cleveland in 1838; also a history of the College enterprise, a list of its officers, architects, builders, etc.; a Bible; list of officers of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and officers and members of Akron Lodge, No. 83, F. & A. M., and by-laws of the Lodge; samples of American coin, etc. On the arrival of the procession at the building, the President of the Day, Henry Blandy, Esq., of Zanesville, introduced Rev. Everett L. Rexford, of Columbus, who offered a brief but fervent prayer, which was followed by "America," superbly rendered by Marble’s Band, and the formal laying of the corner-stone by the officers of HON. HORACE GREELEY'S ADDRESS - 155 the Grand Lodge of Masons of Ohio, conducted by Grand Master A. H. Newcomb. Among other musical exercises, a Glee Club, composed of W. Milton Clarke, Wilson G. Robinson, Dr. Byron S. Chase and Daniel R. Knight, sang an original song, of six twelvepline stanzas to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," of which the following is a sample stanza: "A Yankee Dutchman lived in town, And built machines for mowing, And reaping, too, so he came down (To set the thing a-going) With thirty thousand of the pelf, He’d earned by trade and labor; He said ‘twas good to help one’s self, Better to help a neighbor; In this way Buchtel (that’s his name) Was bound to scatter knowledge; He gave them stamps, they’ll give him fame, They’ll build him Buchtel College." FERDINAND SCHUMACHER, ---born in Celle, Hanover, March 30, 1822 ; served 13 years (from 15 to 28), as clerk in grocery and sugar refinery; in 1850 emigrated to United States, settling on a farm in Euclid, near Cleveland; in 1851 engaged in fancy goods trade in Akron; in 1852 embarked in grocery trade which he successfully followed ten years; in 1856 engaged in the manufacture of oat meal, pearl barley and other cereal products, enlarging and increasing his mills, until now, notwithstanding his heavy losses by fire, as detailed elsewhere, his works are the most extensive and successful of their kind in the world. Besides his milling interests Mr. Schumacher is pecuniarily and officially connected with many other manufacturing enterprises. Liberal in his religious views, he is a generous contributor to all church organizations, the Universalists being under especial obligations to him for their present church lot and fine house of worship. A pronounced Prohibitionist, he is one of the most zealous Temperance promoters in Ohio. Mr. Schumacher was married at Cleveland, October 7, 1851, to his cousin, Miss Hermine Schumacher, of Bevern, Brunswick, Germany. Seven children have been born to them, five of whom are deceased, the two survivors, Louis and F. Adolph, ably assisting their enterprising father in conducting the immense business of which he is the founder—the former as vice s president and the latter as secretary of the F. Schumacher Milling Co. HON. HORACE GREELEY'S ADDRESS. After a few preliminary remarks, Mr. Greeeley, continuing, said: "Allow me now to say a few words in reference to the education inculcated by our colleges at large. It is too superficial for the age. People do not grudge money for education, provided they know that they secure what they pay for, yet they fear that they are not now receiving in proportion to the expenditure. My objection to college courses is, that while there has been advancement of the world, in every department of human industry, there has not been a corresponding stride in the curriculum of college studies. I insist that our average course tends directly to drive 156 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. men into three pursuits or professions, which, however honorable, do not comprise the great professions which labor for the general good of mankind; and I hope to see the day when there will be a reform; when this college shall graduate a great and glorious body of young and earnest men in engineering, science, and a hundred different pursuits where knowledge is of great benefit to human kind. I want the young men to be leaders in these hundred branches of industry, and would like to see it different from the present day, when the richest metal of the mind is sent abroad to be moulded and formed into shape to be practically applied to the science of the age." JOY H. PENDLETON,—born in Litchfield County, Conn., February 1, 1810; removing with parents to Ohio in 1819, settling in Stow ; reared to farm life, with limited educational opportunities ; at 20 entered store of Stow & Wetmores, at Cuyahoga Falls, as clerk, remaining with them about five years, part of the time traveling through Ohio selling their papers and other goods ; in 1835, in company with brother, opened a general store in Brunswick, Medina County, a year later removing the business to Franklin Mills (now Kent), about 1840, engaging with B. F. Hopkins, i n conducting flouring mill, saw mill, and woolen factory, under the title of "Center Manufacturing Company," also carrying on a general merchandise store, continuing therein until about 1847. From 1859 to 1860 Mr. P. was engaged in railroad construction, with headquarters at Dayton and Cincinnati. Removing to Akron in 1866, aided in organizing the Second National Bank of Akron, becoming its vice-president, which position he retained until the death of president George D. Bates, July 25, 1887, when he was elected to the presidency of the bank, which position, yet hale and vigorous, in the 82d year of his age, he still retains. Mr Pendleton has been three times married: in 1832 to Miss Julia Corp, who died July 5, 1833 ; in November, 1834, to Miss Sybil Fletcher, who died May 29, 1841 ; September 13, 1842 to Miss Eunice M. Post, a native of Summit County, who still survives. They have one child, Nellie A. Mr. Greeley then spoke at length on "Human Conceptions of God as they affect the Moral Education of our Race." We cannot here give the full text of the address, and no mere synopsis would do it justice. A few brief sample excerpts, therefore, must suffice: "There are those," said Mr. Greeley, "who talk sonorously, stridently, of Law—of the Law of Development or Progress—as though they had found in a word a key which unlocks all the mysteries of creation. But I am not silenced by a word; I demand its meaning, and then seek to determine how far that meaning bridges the gulf which the word was intended to over-leap. To my apprehension. Law is the dictate of an intelligent will, or it is nothing. * * * What we affirm is that God is more than a blind, creative Energy, an inexorable Fate, a vitalizing, fructifying Principle. He is the conscious, loving Author and Governor of things. * * * Hence the higher education of our day most EVENING RECEPTION TO MR. GREELEY - 157 wisely in purpose, not always in method—essays to base its institutes and processes on religion, and to ground the character it seeks to form on the firm foundations of Christian Faith and Love.. * * This, then, I apprehend, is the proper work of the college: To appreciate and measure, and undistrustfully accept and commend the gigantic strides which physical science is making in our day, yet not be swept away by them; to welcome all that is true and beneficent in the impetuous currents of modern thought,. but not to exaggerate their breadth and depth, nor accept their direction as authoritative or final; to proffer a genial and gracious hospitality to whatever is nobly new, yet hold fast, and from time to time assert, that no discovery in science, no advances in human knowledge, can ever invalidate or belittle the Golden Rule, and no-conclusion of philosophy ever equal in importance that simple-affirmation of the untaught Judean peasant, who long ago perceived and proclaimed that 'GOD IS LOVE."' COL. GEORGE TOD PERKINS,— son of Col. Simon and Grace Ingersoll (Tod) Perkins, was born in Akron, May 5, 1836; educated in Akron schools and at Marietta College ; April, 1861, enlisted as private in Nineteenth Regt. 0. V. I. (three months), and as Second Lieutenant of Co. B., participating in the West Virginia campaign ; in August, 1862, re-enlisted in the 105th 0. V. I., becoming its major ; commanded part of regiment in the sanguinary battle of Perrysville; Ky., October 8, 1862, two of his captains being killed, four other officers wounded, 47 men killed and 212 wounded ; participated in the battles of Hoover,s Gap, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain and the siege of Atlanta ; marched with Sherman from "Atlanta to the Sea;" promoted to Lieutenant Colonel July 16, 1863, to Colonel, February 18, 1864, and ministered out with regiment at Washington, June 3, 1865 ; secretary of Taplin, Rice & Co. from 1867 to 1870; president of Bank of Akron, 1870 to 1876 ; cashier of same till consolidation with Second National Bank, in March, 1888, and still acting in that capacity ; president of the B. F. Goodrich Company and the Goodrich Hard Rubber Company ; Married to Miss Mary F. Rawson, October 6, 1865 ; three children, one of whom, only, is is now living—Mary, married to Charles B. Raymond, of Akron, May 21, 1890. At the close of Mr. Greeley's address, Hon. John R. Buchtel was loudly called for, who responded in one his off hand unreportable speeches. Mr. Buchtel closed his remarks by feelingly thanking those who had contributed to the Institution, and said that he hoped, and trusted, and prayed, that those having children would educate them here, and pledged himself that the College should be an honor and pride to Akron and the State—first-class in every respect. "We don't intend," said Mr. Buchtel, "to pull a shingle from off a single church, but will unite in suppressing evil, and in building up the morals and character of the city." In the evening an immense reception was given to Mr. Greeley, at Mr. Buchtel's residence, corner of East Market and 158 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Union streets. The trustees of the College were present In a body in behalf of whom, Edwin P. Green, Esq., thanked Mr. Greeley for his address and kindly interest in their enterprise. During the evening there were toasts and speeches as follows: "The City of Akron:" Response by Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Esq.; "The Common Schools of Akron:" Response by Newell D. Tibbals, Esq.; "The Centenary of Universalism in America:" Responded to by Mr. Greeley, at considerable length, defining the religious doctrines of the denomination, and his own reasons for adhering thereto, closing by bidding all to hope that, in the time to come, would acts be done in Love and Faith, as they were done when John Murray first commenced to preach that faith in America in 1770. Other toasts: The "Bands of Akron:" Response, by J. Park Alexander; "Buchtel College:" Response by H. D. Persons, of Cambridge, Pa.; "The Relation of Common Schools to Higher Institutions of Learning:" Response by Dr. N. S. Townshend, of Elyria. SULLIVAN H. McCOLLESTER, D. D., of Scotch descent, was born in Marlboro, N. H., December 18, 1826 ; graduated as A. B. from Norwich University in 1851 ; taking divinity course at Harvard University, was ordained to the Christtian ministry in 1854 ; was p r i ncipal of Walpole Academy two years; Mount Caesar Seminary five years ; Westmoreland Valley Seminar y three years ; Westbrook Seminary and Female College eight years ; commissioner of New Hampshire public schools and president Board of Education three years, during this time preaching Sundays, organizing a church and causing a house of worship to be erected at Swanzey, N. H., and also one on the grounds of the Westbrook (Maine) Seminary. After a remarkably successful pastorate over the Universalist Church, at Nashua, N. H., was in 1872 called to Akron as the first president of Buchtel College, which position he ably filled six years ; also organizing the Universalist Church in Akron and acceptably filling its pulpit two years. After leaving the college he organized a strong church at Bellows Falls, Vt., and three years later one at Dover, N. H., securing the building of a fine edifice for each. Mr. McCollester with his family has five times made the tour of. Europe—in 1866, ,69, '78, '86 and '89—visiting Italy, Greece, Palestine, Asia Minor, and many other countries, his last trip extending entirely around the world. He received his A. M. in course and his D. D. from St. Lawrence University ; is now domiciled at " Mapleside, " in his native town, preaching Sundays, lecturing winters, and generally engaged in literary work, being the author of "After Thoughts in Foreign Lands and Capital Cities," " Round the World in Old and New Paths," and other popular works, having also represented his native town in the Legislature two years. Mr. McCollester was married to Miss Sophia F. Knight at Dummerston, Vt., in 1853. Of the four children born to them only one survives—Rev. Lee S. McCollester, now pastor of the Universalist Church in Detroit, Mich. In response to loud and long repeated calls, Mr. Buchtel made a brief speech, thanking his friends and neighbors for their kind expressions for both himself and the College bearing his name. IN SUCCESSFUL OPERATION - 159 The institution was to be in no sense sectarian, and he was proud to think that it would not graduate Methodists, nor Baptists, nor Congregationalists, nor Universalists, but men and women too; and he was willing to sacrifice all he possessed—even his very life —for the success of the College. One end of the College was for gentlemen and the other end, just exactly like it, for ladies. He believed in educating all, without regard to sex or color. THE COLLEGE IN OPERATION. The building was so rapidly proceeded with that it was first occupied in September, 1872, but little more than a year after the laying of the corner-stone, and within about three years from the first inception of the project. The services of Rev. Sullivan H. McCollester, of New Hampshire, were secured as president of the College, with the following Faculty: Rev. S. H. McCollester, A. M., Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy ; Nehemiah White, Professor of Languages ; S. F. Peckham, A. M., Professor of Natural Science ; Carl F. Kolbe, A. M., Professor of Modern Languages ; Miss Hattie F. Spaulding, L. A., Professor of Rhetoric and English Literature ; Alfred Welsh, A. B., Professor of Mathematics ; H. D. Persons, Professor in Normal Department ; Gustay. Sigel, Professor of Music ; Miss Hattie L. Lowden, Teacher in English. One member of the original faculty, only, Professor Kolbe, is now officially connected with the College. EVERETT L. REXFORD, D. D. born in Harmony, Chautauqua County, N. Y., April 24, 1842, his father being a Baptist minister ; educated in Jamestown Academy and St. Lawrence University, at Canpton, N. Y., graduating from the latter in 1865 ; commenced his ministry in the First Universalist Church in Cincinnati in September, 1865, continuing three years ; was then pastor f the Columbus Universalist Church five years ; in 1874, after three months, trial (during which the (Minibus pulpit was held open for is return, should he elect to do so), he assumed the pastorate of the Universalist Church in San Francesco, Cal., where he remained until ailed to the presidency of Buchtel College in 1878, which responsible position he ably filled two years, also officiating as pastor of the First Universalist Church of Akron; both of which positions he resigned to accept the pastorate of the newly formed Universalist Church of Detroit, Mich., where he remained eight years, resigning to become the pastor of a Universalist society in Boston, Mass., where he still remains. The honorary degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by Buchtel College in 1874. October 5, 1865, Mr. Rexford was married to Miss Julia George, daughter of the late Isaac George, of Dunkirk, N. Y., who bore him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth, his second marriage being with Miss Amanda Pleasant, daughter of Daniel G. Pleasant, of Bowling Green, Ky. During the first year there were seven students in the classical course—six of whom were designated as Freshmen and one Junior, all entering for the regular course of four years. For the 160 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Philosophical course of two years there were 39 students, and for the Academical course, 171—total 217, of whom 98 were ladies, 119 were gentlemen. It will thus be seen that from the start the sexes fairly balanced each other in the race for knowledge, which condition has been substantially maintained to the present time, the catalogue for 1890-91 listing 130 gentlemen and 143 ladies-273 students in all, and experience has demonstrated that the founders of the College acted wisely in providing for the co-education of the sexes on equal terms. Dr. McCollester tendered his resignation as president in June, 1877, but its acceptance was declined by the Board of Trustees until June, 1878, when he was succeeded by Dr. Everett L. Rexford, a graduate of the Theological School of St. Lawrence University, at Canton, New York, and a preacher of considerable eminence. Dr. Rexford, besides ably filling the presidential chair of the College for two years, also officiated as pastor of the Universalist Church of Akron, resigning both positions, in 1880, to assume the pastorate of a new Universalist parish in Detroit, Mich., being now pastor of a Universalist Church in Boston, Mass. Dr. Rexford's successor was Rev. Orello Cone, A. M., D. D., for fifteen years Professor of Bibilical Languages and Literature of St. Lawrence University, at Canton, N. Y., who assumed the presidency of the College in 1880, his administration, during his eleven years incumbency, having been deservedly popular and successful., REV. ORELLO CONE, D. D.,— born in Lincklaen, Chenango County, N. Y., November 16, 1835 ; taught in public schools, securing an education by his own exertions and earnings ; in 1858 engaged as teacher in St. Paul's Episcopal College, at Palmyra, Mo., remaining three years ; soon after entered the Universalist ministry, preaching two years in Little Falls, N. Y. ; in 1865 was elected to the Chair of Biblical Languages and Literature in the Theological School at Canton, N. Y., where he remained until called to the presidency of Buchtel College in Akron in 1880, which position, after eleven years of eminently satisfactory service, he still occupies. In addition to his college duties, Dr. Cone has done considerable literary work, having written many articles for reviews, a volume on " Salvation," published in 1889, his latest and most important work being " Gospel Criticism and Historical Christianity," issued from the press of G. P. Putnam,s Sons, New York, in April, 1891. Dr. Cone was married to Miss Mariamne N. Pepper, at Little Falls, N. Y., October 3, 1864, who has borne him two children--Edwin F., born October 4, 1867, now studying chemistry in Case School, Cleveland, after being graduated from Buchtel College, and Wm. Channing, who died in childhood. COLLEGE FACULTY, INSTRUCTORS, ETC. We have not the space to name all of the professors and teachers who have officiated in the several departments and classes of the College during the nineteen years of its existence, but it OFFICIAL ROSTER FOR 1891-'92. - 161 may be said, generally, that each and all have done well. The present roster, for 1891-92, is as follows: Rev. Orello Cone, D. D., President, Messenger-Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy ; Charles M. Knight, A. M., Buchtel Professor of Physics and Chemistry ; Carl F. Kolbe, A. M., Ph. D., Hilton-Professor of Modern Languages ; William D. Shipman, A. M., Professor of Greek Language and Literature and Philological Science ; Charles C. Bates, A. M., Professor of Latin Language and Literature and Secretary of Faculty ; Edward W. Clay-pole, B. A., D. Sc. (Lond.), F. G. S. S. L. & A., Professor of Natural Science ; Mary B. Jewett, A. B., PiercepProfessor of English Literature and Logic ; Hermas V. Egbert, A. M., Ainsworth-Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy ; Willard H. Van Orman, Adjunct-Professor of Mathematics ; Judge Charles R. Grant, Instructor in Law ; Dr. A. L. Butterfield, Ryder-Professor of Elocution and Rhetoric ; Jennie Gifford, A. M., Principal of Preparatory Department and Teacher of Science and School Management; Dora E. Merrill, Instructor in English History and Teacher in Normal Work ; Mary E. Stockman, L. A., Teacher in English and Latin ; Martha. A. Bortle, Teacher in English and Rhetorical Work ; Edwin L. Findley, A. B., Teacher in Greek and Latin ; Ernest Danglade, B. S., Assistant in Chemistry ; Mattie Fiery, Teacher of Piano and Theory ; Louise Von Feilitzsch, Teacher of Vocal Music ; Gustav Sigel, Teacher of Violin, 'Cello and Zither ; Miss Minnie Fuller, Teacher of Painting and Drawing. GYMNASIUM oFFICERS: Albert A. Kohler, A.B. M. D., Director and Examiner for Men; Katharine Kurt, M. D., Examiner for Women; Agnes Claypole, Instructor for Women; Albert Hoover, N. D., Oculist. BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Akron; Judge Edwin P. Green, Akron; Col. George T. Perkins, Akron; Albert B. Tinker, Akron; Jonas J. Pierce, Sharpsville, Pa.; Hon. Sanford M. Burnham, Akron; Judge Alvin C. Voris, Akron; William H. Slade, Columbus; Joy H. Pendleton, Akron; Arthur A. Stearns, A. M., Cleveland; John F. Eddy, Bay City, Mich.; Hon. Geo. W. Crouse, Akron; Rev. J. F. Rice, Coe Ridge; Judge Newell D. Tibbals, Akron; Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron; Rev. Andrew Willson, Ravenna; Joseph Hidy, Jr., Ph. B., Washington C. H.; Dayton A. Doyle, A. B., LL. B., Akron. OFFICERS OF THE BOARD: Hon. John R. Buchtel, President; Charles R. Olin, Secretary; Joy H. Pendleton, Treasurer. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Hon. John R. Buchtel, Col. George T. Perkins, Albert B. Tinker, Ferd. Schumacher and Joy H. Pendleton. COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTION: Judge Newell D. Tibbals, Judge Alvin C. Voris, Hon. S. M. Burnham. COURSES OF STUDY. At the opening of the College, two courses. of study were established—philosophical and classical. To these has since been added a scientific course, and the College now gives instruction in three courses of four years each—a classical course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Arts; a philosophical course to Bachelor of Philosophy, and a scientific course to Bachelor of Science. In connection with the College there has been established and maintained a preparatory school, having courses of study arranged 11 162 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. with particular reference to the preparation of students for ent ing this college, but at the same time so general that studen completing a course in the preparatory school may enter other c leges, should they prefer to do so. OTHER VALUABLE FEATURES. The Department of Music affords superior advantages for the study of both vocal and instrumental music; the Department of Art gives to students every advantage found in the larger Art Schools of the country; Mathematical Instruments, Philosophical and Chemical apparatus, Astronomical appliances, etc., are of the very best; while the College museum contains a fair collection of animal and mineral specimens and curios, and the College Library and Reading Room, a wellpselected collection of books, and a large variety of the current periodicals of the day. THE CROUSE GYMNASIUM. Largely through the liberality of Hon. Geo. W. Crouse, a fine structure, 53x100 feet in size, and of elegant design, has been placed upon the college grounds, a short distance westerly from the main building, at a cost of $22,000, In the basement is a bowlingpalley, with bathing rooms, dressing rooms, etc., and on the main floor, besides rooms for the instructors, is a hall 48x84 feet, with a gallery 11 feet above the floor for the accommodation of such visitors as are, in the discretion of the instructor, permitted to witness the exercises,—the gymnasium, with its thorough equipment, affording abundant means for the healthful exercise and muscular development of the students. The two buildings, including the rooms of the students, are heated by steam and lighted by gas generated upon the premises, and the College has a well-equipped kitchen and dining hall for ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS, ETC. - 163 those who deire to board upon the premises, besides furnishing facilities for the organization of boarding clubs for the convenience of such students as wish to avail themselves of that comparatively inexpensive mode of subsistence. SANFORD M. BURNHAM,—born in Genessee County, N. Y., January 23, 1824; common school and academic education; in 1844 taught shool in Madison, Lake County, Ohio; then took a course of commercial study in Buffalo, afterwards, for a time, teaching penmanship; in 1848 settled in Akron, clerking in warehouse of Rattle & Tappan on Ohio Canal, and in iron store of Mr. Tappan and his successor until 1855; then engaged with Austin Powder Company as book-keeper for two years, also for a time a book-keeper at Franklin Mills (now Kent); in 1858, engaged as Deputy Auditor, for Auditor George W. Crouse, also deputy for Treasurer S. S. Wilson, serving in both nearly four years; in February 1863 was appointed Auditor to fill vacancy, two weeks later becoming Auditor in fact by virtue of his election thereto the previous October. After nearly nine years continuous service—four terms and a fraction—as Auditor, in 1872 Mr. B. was elected as Representative to the State Legislature, ably serving one full term of two years; on his return was made secretary and a member of the Board of Trustees of Buchtel College; in 1873 was elected a director and secretary of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, holding the position 14 years, and is now engaged in the insurance business. Mr. B. was married November 5, 1848, to Miss Anna M. Row, of Medina County, who has borne him six children, three only of whom are living—Lillie M. (now Mrs. A. T. Saunders); Charles S. and Clifford D, the latter now residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. PROFESSORSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS, ETC. By means of its fifty endowed scholarships, of $1,000 each, the college is enabled to extend its advantages to such worthy students as are in need of financial aid, in securing a liberal education; has five endowed professorships; an endowed fund of $5,385, the income from which is annually distributed for prizes for excellence in reading, recitation, etc., and an alumni prize fund for the payment of tuition fees for the student making the highest average record in the Senior, Preparatory and Freshman classes. The endowed professorships are as follows: The Messenger Professorship of Mental and Moral Philosophy, by Mrs. Lydia A. E. Messenger, of Akron, in honor of her deceased husband, Rev. George Messenger, $25,000; The Hilton Professorship of Modern Languages, by John Hilton, of Akron, $25,000; The Pierce Professorship of Rhetoric and English Literature, by Mrs. Chloe Pierce, of Sharpsville, Pa., $20,000; The Buchtel Professorship of Physics and Chemistry, by Mrs. Elizabeth Buchtel, of Akron, $20,000; The Ainsworth Professorship of Mathematics and Astronomy, by Henry Ainsworth, of Lodi, $30,000; The Ryder Professorship of Elocution and Rhetoric, by William H. Ryder, of Chicago, $35,385; 164 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Messenger Fund of $30,000, by Mrs. Lydia A. E. Messenger, of Akron; The Isaac and Lovina Kelly Fund of $35,788, by Isaac Kelley, of Mill Village, Pa. A Theological Department is also in contemplation towards the endowment of which the sum a $10,000 has already been contributed. HON. NEWELL D. TIBBALS, born in Deerfield, Portage County, September 18, 1833; graduated from McLain Academy, at Salem, in 1853; read law in office of Otis & Wolcott, in Akron; admitted to bar September 1855, at once opening an office in Akron; in 1860 elected Prosecuting Attorney and re-elected in 1862; in 1865 elected Akron's first City Solicitor, serving two terms; State Senator for Summit and Portage Counties 1865 to 1867; in 1870, aided in organizing Buchtel College, since continuously serving on its Board of Trustees; in 187o, elected Judge of Court of Common Pleas, second subdivision, Fourth Judicial District, retelected in 1880, but resigned May 1, 1883, and resumed his law practice. In 1864, Judge Tibbals served 117 days in front of Washington as fourth sergeant of Co. F., 164th, 0. V. I.; on return from Washington, was elected Major of 54th Battalion, 0. N. G., and commissioned by Gov. John Brough; in 1886 was appointed Judge Advocate, Department of Ohio, G. A. R., by Commander A. L. Conger, and in 1890 Aide-de-Camp to Commander-in-Chief Gen. Russell A. Alger. October 22, 1856, Judge Tibbals was married to Miss Lucy A. Morse, of Akron, who has borne him seven children, five of whom are now liv ing,—Martha A. (now Mrs. Wilson M. Day of Cleveland), Jessie A. (Mrs. Dr. Albert Hoover, of Akron), Newell L.. Gertrude A., and Ralph Waldo. Besides his original munificent gift of $31,000, heretofore noted, Hon. John R. Buchtel has from time to time largely added to hi benefactions, his last gift, at the annual commencement .in June, 1887, being $174,400, swelling the total amount of his donations t fully half a million dollars. Other benefactors have given liberpally in sums ranging from $70,000 down, all of whom will receive from the past and future beneficiaries of the college their due meed of praise and gratitude. The college has graduated 162 students, many of whom are now actively interested in the welfare and prosperity of their alma mater. More than half the alumni are residents of Ohio, and are a very great help to the college; three of the graduates being now members of the faculty, and four others members of the board of trustees. The catalogue for 1890-91 embraces 273 students exclusive of art and music. The College is on a good financial basis, as shown by the secretary's report for 1891, as follows: Total Resource - $810,700.11 Total Liabilities - 217,018.32 Net Resources - $593,681.79. A CONTEMPLATED NEW FEATURE - 165 The present healthy condition of the college, financially and otherwise, and its promise for the future, is highly gratifying to its friends and patrons generally, and most of all to him who gave all he had to its establishment and maintenance, the largephearted John Richards Buchtel, whose name it so proudly bears. POF. ALBERT B. TINKER,—son of Horace and Sophronia (Skinner) Tinker, was born in Mantua, Portage County, January 28, 1852; raised on farm, attending common school till 18, in 1870 entering Hiram College, teaching winters; in fall of 1873 entered Buchtel College, graduating in June, 1876 ; taught school and worked on farm until November, 1878, when he entered the law office of Green & Marvin, in Akron, graduating from the Cincinnati Law School and admitted to the bar in June, 1883. In November, 1879, was elected Financial Secretary of Buchttel College, which position, together with that of Law Instructor, as M. S. and LL. B., he held until his resignation in June, 1891, being also a member of the Board of Trustees and of the Executive Committee, in addition to his College duties continuing his law practice at his office in the Arcade; also efficiently serving as a member of the Akron Board of Health from 1885 to 1891, six years. December 25, 1876, Prof. Tinker was married to Miss Georgie Olin, of Windsor, Ashtabula County, 0., who has borne him seven children—Olin Dale, born February 19, 1878 ; Gertrude Ella, born March 20, 1879; Frank Burke, born August 20, 1880; Sophpronia Mary, born June 29, 1882 ; Ruby Georgia, born September 25, 1886, died November 11,1886; Abby, born June 8, 1888, and Donna Alberta, born June 6, 1890. SCIENCE BUILDING The management of the College have in contemplation the addition of a science department, and the erection of a new and commodious building, to be fitted with the most approved apparatus and appliances, at a cost of from $40,000 to $50,000, but the plans are not, at the closing of this chapter (August, 1891), sufficiently matured to give them in detail here. It may, however, be properly said that one donation to the project in the sum of $10,000 bas already been secured, and one or two similar offers conditionally made, so that it is confidently believed by the Board of Trustees and officers, that in the near future the full fruition of the project will be realized.  FRIGHTFULLY FATAL DISASTER. As the Fall term was drawing to a close, on the approach of the holiday season for 1890-91, a terrible disaster came upon the College, bringing an appalling death to two of its most promising-students, and terrible suffering and life-long injury to several others. The term had been highly successful, and all the students were happy in anticipation of its auspicious close, and of the holiday pleasures in store for them at their respective homes.  166 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. About a dozen of the young ,ladies whose birthpdays, respectively, occurred between the first of September and the first of December, resolved upon a joint celebration, and, by consent of the matron, the festivities were being held in Cary Hall, on the evening of Saturday, December 13, 1890, several ladies connected with the building, and a number of the other lady students being present. The young ladies in whose honor the party was being held were fantastically arrayed in their night costumes, garlanded with fleecy white cotton, with tall paper caps also trimmed with cotton, surmounted by a tassel, upon their heads. Thus arrayed, with one of their number at the piano, the other eleven were merrily dancing around a pan of pop-corn, when the tassel upon the head-dress of Miss Aurelia Wirick, of Storm Lake, Iowa, came in contact with a burning gas jet, instantly igniting the highly inflammable cotton, and enveloping her person in flames. Before realizing what had happened, the other girls waltzing past her were also ablaze. Without attempting to describe the terrible panic which ensued, and the frantic efforts of the young ladies and their friends to relieve them from their frightful peril, suffice it to say, that of the thirteen persons finally involved in the fearful holocaust, Miss May Emma Steves, of Clifton Springs, N. Y., after four hours of untold agony, found merciful relief in death, a little after midnight, while Miss Lulu Myrtle Steigmeyer, of Attica, Ohio, lingered until quarter past five o'clock Sunday morning, when she, too, passed away The surviving sufferers were: Mary Elizabeth Baker, of Johnson's Creek, N. Y.; Myrtle Barker, of Peru, Ohio; Eva Ellen Dean, of Storm Lake, Iowa; Aurelia Blair Wirick, of Storm Lake, Iowa; Dian May Haynes, of Clifton, Kansas; Addie Marion Buchtel, of Columbus, Kansas; Almira Reed Van Dusen, of Fairplay, Colorado; Dora E Merrill, Professor of English History, of Williamsport, Pa.; Mary. Zuba West, of Marietta, Ohio; Estella Frances Musson, of Mogadore, and Wilbur Walter Ackley, Haga, Ohio. The lives of several of these hung in the balance for several days, but they gradually recovered, though a number will bear marks of the disaster upon their persons through life. This appalling calamity not only brought deep sorrow to the friends of the sufferers, eliciting the depest sympathy from the entire community, but was especially painful to the College authorities, lest they should be charged with lack of discipline and a proper oversight of the young people entrusted to their care.. There is, however, no room for censure of the authorities in connection with this sad affair. The College is not in any sense, a prison, and innocent pastimes, by either sex, among themselves, may properly, on occasion, be permitted, and it is gratifying to know that while the melancholy event is still sadly remembered, by the friends of the institution, confidence in the administration of its affairs has remained unbroken, and its pupilage and influence is increasing year by year. The writer has, in the preparation of this chapter, drawn largely upon the late Judge Bryan's sketch of the Akron schools, prepared for the Board of Education, in 1876, and is under special obligations to Superintendent Fraunfelter, ex-Superintendent Samuel Findley, President Orello Cone, ex-Secretary Albert B. CONCLUSION OF AKRON'S SCHOOL HISTORY - 167 Tinker, and Secretary Charles R. Olin, for data furnished therefor, and in conclusion would say, that while the chapter itself is of considerable length, it is scarcely more than an outline of Akron's educational history during the sixty-six years of its existence, though enough has been said to show, that in point of progress, Akron, for many years, took the lead, and is not now outranked by any city, large or small, in Ohio or elsewhere. DAYTON A. DOYLE,—son of Wil- ham B. and Harriet (Sage) Doyle, was born at Akron, Ohio, September 27, 1856; educated in public schools of Summit County, graduating from Akron High School June 26, 1874, and from Buchtel College, with the degree of A. B., „June 26, 1878. He then read law in the office of Attorney-General Jacob A. Kohler one year, afterwards attending lectures at Cincinnati Law School, from which he was graduated May 26,1880, with. the degree of LL. B. ; was admitted to the Bar in the Supreme Court of Ohio, at Columbus, May 27, 1880, and to practice in the United States Courts, at Cleveland, May 26, 1882. On admission to the bar Mr. Doyle opened a law office in Akron, in 1885 forming a partnership with Frederick C. Bryan, Esq., which still continues. In April, 1885, Mr. Doyle was elected City Solicitor for Akron, and re-elected in April, 1887, ably filling that important office four years. April 23, 1884, Mr. Doyle was married to Miss Ida M. Westfall, of Akron. They have two children—Dayton A., Jr., and Julia M. CHAPTER IX. AKRON’S LITERARY ACHIEVEMENTS-EARLY DEBATING SOCIETIES -" LYCEUM AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION" CHARTERED IN 1834-SHAPING THE DESTINIES OF THE NATION-THE "AKRON PHILO LEXION SOCIETY"-BRIEF BUT BRILLIANT-THE "AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION " - " THERE WERE GIANTS IN THOSE DAYS "-THE MECHANICS' AND SCHOOL LIBRARIES-THE "AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION "-ITS SUCCESS AND BENEFICENT OUTCOME-THE "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION," CHARTERED IN 1866—PHENOMENAL ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY-AKRON'S FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, ONE OF THE BEST IN THE STATE-THE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION’S READING ROOM, GYMNASIUM AND WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL CHEAP POPULAR LECTURES, ETC. AKRON’S ANCIENT LITERARY OPERATIONS. From Akron's very beginning, her people, as evidenced by her splendid educational record already fully set forth, have always given special encouragement to literary and scientific enterprises. As early as 1834, the Legislature granted a charter to the "Akron Lyceum and Library Association," as follows: An Act to incorporate the Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company, in Akron, Portage County. SECTION I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Seth Iredell, Justus Gale, Hiram Payne, William B. Mitchell, William E. Wright, Charles W. Howard, Lyman Green, William M. Dodge, Woolsey Wells, Erastus Torrey, David Allen, Reuben McMillen, Eliakim Crosby and James W. Phillips, and their associates, together with such others as may be hereafter associated with them, be and are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate with perpetual succession, by the name and style of The Akron Lyceum and Library Association Company,, and by their corporate name may contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, in all the courts of law and equity in this State, or elsewhere; may have a common seal and alter the same at pleasure ; shall be capable of holding personal and real estate, by purchase, gift or devise, and may sell, dispose of and convey the same, provided the annual income shall not exceed five hundred dollars ; they shall have power to form and ratify a constitution and adopt by-laws for the government of such Association, the arrangement and regulation of its fiscal affairs, the admission of its members and the appointment of its officers, together with all other powers necessary for its corporate existence, and the proper and efficient management of its concerns ; provided said constitution and by-laws be not inconsistent with the laws of this State and of the United States ; and provided, also, that the funds of said Association shall not be applied to any other purpose than the support of the above named Lyceum and Library Association. SECTION II. That any future Legislature may alter, amend or repeal this Act. JOHN H. KEITH, Speaker of the House of Representatives. DAVID T. DISNEY, Speaker of the Senate. Passed February 21, 1834. Besides those named in the charter, such other early citizens as Capt. Richard Howe, Alvin Austin, Samuel A. Wheeler, Philo Chamberlin, Jedediah D. Commins, Nathan B. Dodge, Dr. Joseph Cole, Eber Blodgett, Jonathan Myers, Ansel Miller, Robert K. ANCIENT DEBATING SOCIETIES - 169 DuBois, Gibbons J. Ackley, Alfred R. Townsend, John H. Cleveland, Ithiel Mills, Paris Tallman, Arad Kent, Horace K. Smith, and others, became members of the Association, by the purchase of stock, which was fixed at $25 per share, quite a respectable library of hooks, by donation and purchase, being collected. During the long Winter evenings, weekly meetings were held for the purpose of listening to addresses from members and others, and of discussing the "burning" questions of the day: "Is the human mind capable of improvement ?" "Ought a Representative to be bound by the instructions of a majority of his constituents ?" "Ought females to be permitted to vote at elections ?" "Ought capital punishment to be abolished ?" etc. ALLEN HIBBARD,—born in Mass., September 17, 1813; came to Akron from Rome, N. Y., in 1834, with Mr. William E. Wright, one of the pioneer merchants of North Akron, a few years later clerking for Ackley & Austin, and still later in partnership with Gibbons J. Ackley, and Joseph E. Wesener, under the firm name of A. Hibbard & Co., doing an extensive genteral merchandising business, in the well remembered "Old Green Store" on Howard street. On closing his mercantile operations, Mr. Hibbard was for several years bookkeeper of the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, and later, for nearly 20 years, and until his death, collector for the Akron Gas Company. August 22, 1841, he was married to Miss Lucy Ann Ackley, of Akron, who bore him one son—Dwight A. Hibbard, of the jewelry firm of J. B. Storer & Co. Mrs. Hibbard dying October 11, 1843. Mr. Hibbard was again married, November 4, 1844, to Miss Nancy J. Ackley, sister of the first Mrs. H., who bore him four children---Frank Jewett and Thomas Allen, deceased; William Grant, now a farmer in Kansas, and Charles M., now a jeweler in Akron. Mr. Hibbard was a life-long consistent member of the Congregational Church; member of Village Council 1846, '47 and 1864, and Recorder for 1859. He died March 6, 1889, aged 75 years, 5 months and 19 days. The last Mrs. H. still survives. These discussions were spirited, and considerable tact and talent displayed, not only by the regularly appointed disputants, but by others, while the essays and addresses, by home talent, were often able and instructive. This Association maintained a fairly prosperous existence for about ten years, when, by reason of deaths, removals and the advent of other sources of amusement and social pastime, it was disbanded, its books being sold at auction in November, 1844, and the proceeds distributed pro rata, among the stockholders. "AKRON PHILO LEXION SOCIETY." In the Winter of 1836—'37, the younger business men of Akron established a literary and oratorical society, under the above rather stilted title, suggested by some one who had perhaps officiated as 170 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. janitor in some eastern college. In addition to its rhetorical and declamatory exploits, and its profound disquisitions and essays upon political, scientific and metaphysical topics, the society during the Winter months, maintained a literary weekly (manuscript) periodical, entitled the "Akron Mirror," spicy contributions to which, from both male and female members, together with editorial comments, were read by the editor for the time being—elected monthly—the honors of which position were about equally divided between the writer and the late Hiram Bowen, founder of the BEACON. JAMES B. TAPLIN,—born in Claremont, N. H., August 12, 1812; at 5 years of age moved with parents to New Haven, Vermont, and three years later to Franklin County, N. Y.; in boyhood worked on farm and attended school, the last six months at Franklin Academy, in Malone, N. Y.; at 20 learned trade of carpenter and millwright; in fall of 1834 came to Akron, Ohio, by canal and on foot, following carpentering and millwrighting until 1848, when in company with Geo. D. Bates and Charles Webster he started the Globe Foundry and Machine shop, under the firm name of G. D. Bates & Co. Mr. Bates retiring two or three years later, business was continued by Webster & Taplin, with some slight changes, until the works were destroyed by fire in 1860, when Mr. Taplin retired and in connection with Alvin Rice and Hobart Ford, under the firm name of Taplin, Rice & Co., established new works on South Broadway, a stock company, under the same title, being organized in 1867, with Mr. Taplin as president and manager, which position he still holds. In October, 1839, Mr. Taplin was married to Miss Rachel Grandy, of Port Byron, N. Y., who had for some time been a teacher in Akron schools. Six children were born to them, two dying in infancy, one, James F., at seven years of age; the survivors being John L., for many years superintend e n t of machine works of Taplin, Rice & Co., now superintendent of Circleville branch of the Portage Strawboard Works; Charles G., book-keeper for Standard Oil Company, of Cleveland; and Ella G., who is still at home. In religion Mr. Taplin is a Congregationalist; in politics a Republican, being elected Councilman of the Incorporated Village of Akron in April, 1855, but resigning the position before entering upon its duties. Besides the writer and Mr. Bowen, members of the organization are recalled as follows: Allen Hibbard, Dr. James R. Miltimore, James B. Taplin, William H. Dewey, Henry Clay Crosby, Russell Gale, Grove N. Abbey, Henry Converse, Solomon Coloney, Francis Dexter, Nahum Fay, William Pift Carpender, John Tooker, Milo Fuller, Samuel Manning, etc. The " Philo Lexion Society," had an existence, under that distinctive appellation, of only four or five years, though in some form, debating and literary societies, maintained by home talent, long continued in vogue during the Winter months--often eliciting intense interest, and attracting large audiences, in Military Hall, Tappan Hall, Trussell Hall, etc., one of the most successful of which, from 1855 to 1861, was 171 - MECHANICS AND LITERATURE. HON. NATHANIEL W. GOODHUE,—born in Lincoln County, Me., December 20, 1818 ; from 3 to 17 years lived with parents in Lower Canada ; in 1837 removed to Wayne County, Ohio, teaching school Winters and peddling Summers ; in Summer of 1840 taught in Greensburg, Summit County, and the next Winter in Greentown, Stark County, Hon. Lewis Miller being one of his pupils ; in 1841 clerked for Johnston & Irvin, in Middlebury, and afterwards for Kent & Co.; taught school in Middlebury, in Winter of 1845, ,46, studying law in office of Hand & Nash ; was engrossing clerk of House of Representatives at Columbus in Winter of 1846, ,47 ; admitted to bar in 1847; elected County Auditor in 1848 and re-elected in 1850, holding- the office four years ; was canal collector from 1856 to 1858 ; collector of internal revenue for Summit County from September 1862 to September 1866 ; State Senator for Summit and Portage district, 1873-75; Republican elector for 18th congressional district in 1880 and president of 01:i Electoral College ; was elected Probate Judge of Summit County in October, 1881, ably filling that position until his death, September 12, 1883, aged 64 years, 8 months and 22 days. Judge Goodhue was married to Miss Nancy Johnston, of Green township, December 20, 1841, who bore him four children—James P., died in infancy ; Allan J., a member of the 104th 0. V. I. during the late war, now residing in Cleveland ; Mary H., wife of Rev. Samuel Maxwell, of the Protestant Episcopal church, and Nathaniel P., from 1882 to 1891 Deputy Clerk in office of Probate Judge and now Clerk of Courts for Summit County, "THE AKRON LITERARY ASSOCIATION." This society was composed of such men as Nathaniel W. Goodhue, Charles B. Bernard, Newell D. Tibbals, Dudley C. Carr, Daniel B. Hadley., Edward Oviatt, Edwin P. Green, William H. Upson, David L. King, Wilbur F. Sanders, Henry Ward Ingersoll, Samuel C. Williamson, Arthur F. Bartges, John J. Hall, Augustus N. Bernard, Geo. W. Crouse, Dudley Seward, Dr. Daniel A. Scott, Dr. Elias W. Howard, Dr. William Bowen, Dr. Thomas Earl, Alvin C. Voris, Jacob A. Kohler, Joseph E. Wesener, Henry W. Howe, J. Park Alexander, Homer C. Ayres, Thomas Brownless, Israel P. Hole, S. A. Lane, etc. The war coming on absorbed the public attention for the next four or five years, amid the dread realities of which rhetoricals were suspended, since which they have largely been superseded by the innumerable civic, social and beneficial associations that have come into existence in later years, though it is questionable whether a well-conducted debating society, with original essays and lectures, by members, and other home talent, would not be more profitable--mentally, morally and financially—than some of the devices now in vogue for social pastime and recreation. MECHANICS, LIBRARY. Allusion has been made, elsewhere, to the Mechanics' Association of Akron, organized in 1846, and. of the liberal contributions made by Judge James R. Ford and Col. Simon Perkins, ($50 each), 172 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. and others, for the purchase of books and periodicals for the benefit of the association and their families, which, under the fostering care of Messrs. James M. Hale, David G. Sanford, Joshua C. Berry, James Holmes, and other active members of the association, was successfully maintained for some ten or twelve years. HON. WILLIAM H. UPSON,—born at Worthington, Franklin County, Ohio, January 11, 1823 ; moved with parents to Tallmadge, in 1832 ; graduated from Western Reserve College in 1842 ; read law with Judge Reuben Hitchcock, in Painesville, followed by one year,s study in law department of Yale College ; admitted to bar September, 1845; opened law office in Akron, January, 1846, in partnership, successively, for many years, with Hons. Sidney Edgerton and Christopher P. Wolcott ; Prosecuting Attorney for Summit County, 1848 to 1850; State Senator, 1853 to 1855; member of Congress, 18th district, 1869 to 1873; delegate to Republican National Convention, which renominated Abraham Lincoln in 1864; delegate at large to the convention which nominated Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876; many years trustee of Western Reserve College, Oberlin College and Lake Erie Female Seminary ; first president Summit County Bar Association and member State Bar Association Executive Committee ; from March to December, 1883, by appointment of Gov. Foster, Judge of Supreme Court of Ohio ; in 1884 elected Judge of Circuit Court, drawing two years, term, and re-elected in 1886, for full term of six years. May 20, 1856, was married to Miss Julia A. Ford, of Akron, four children having been born to them—William Ford Upson, now practicing law in New York City ; Henry Swift Upson, now practicing medicine in Cleveland ; Anna Perkins, now wife of Lieut. G. J. Fiebeger, U. S. Corps Engineers; and Julia Ford Upson. THE AKRON SCHOOL LIBRARY. In the meantime, in 1853, the State of Ohio had adopted a public school library system, by which all the school districts of the State, through general taxation, were supplied with choicely selected libraries proportioned to size of school, "Ohio School Library," being embossed, in plain letters, upon both covers of each of the substantial leather-bound books thus provided. The superintendent of the Akron Public Schools was constituted librarian, as well as custodian of the astronomical, chemical and other apparatus provided by the State, the library being kept in a small room, between the two stairways on the upper floor of the old High (now Jennings) school building. After the establishment of this library, which, by the terms of the law, was accessible to every family in the district, whether having children in the schools or not, the Mechanics' Association generously donated their books to the Board of -Education to be added thereto, though the association maintained its reading and club room for several years thereafter. SUCCESSFUL LITERARY VENTURE - 173 CHARLES B. BERNARD,—son of Rev. David Bernard, a former Baptist clergyman in Akron ; born in Western New York ; came to Ohio in 1845 and to Akron in 1846 ; taught school four winters, last two in Middlebury, working on farm in Summer ; March, 1849, entered Auditor,s office as deputy, serving six years—four under N. W. Goodhue, and two under Henry Newberry ; elected Auditor, October, 1854, and re-elected in 1856, serving four years ; first railroad ticket agent in Akron ; entered law office of Wolcott & Upson in 1859 ; admitted to bar and to partnership with W. & U. in 1861—afterwards with Mr. Upson ; City Solicitor in 1862- 1863 ; member of Board of Education —president, secretary, treasurer, etc., some seven years ; treasurer Akron and Portage township Soldiers' Bounty Fund during the war ; in 1864, served 100 days in front of Washington, as adjutant of 164th regiment, 0. N. G., and A. A. A. General ; in April, 1867, moved to Cleveland—secretary Cleveland Stove Co. 20 years (actively about two years); chief clerk Internal Revenue two years ; first appraiser of merchandise at port of Cleveland two years; member 9,f City Council two years ; member of Board of Education two years ; since resigning appraiser ship has practiced his profession, in a case referred to him, writing out an original opinion as to the liability of stockholders under the Ohio law, which the Ohio Supreme Court, in another case, sustained in every particular, and is now the law. October 27, 1858, Mr. B. was married in Akron, to Miss Mary E. Gardiner. They have two daughters—Grace and Bell, still with their parents. AKRON LECTURE ASSOCIATION. As time sped on, Akron outgrew the school library system, as liberal as had been its provisions, and in the latter part of 1865, a number of gentlemen effected an organization, under the name of the "Akron Lecture Association," for the purpose of establishing a reading room, together with a series of popular lectures upon literary and scientific subjects. The first course of eleven lectures (one more than promised), in the Winter of 1865-6, were by William Lloyd Garrison, George Alfred Townsend, R. J. De Cordova, New York humorist; Prof. Anson J. Upson, of Hamilton College, N. Y.; Prof. E. L. Youmans, of New York City, on the "Dynamics of Life;" James E. Murdoch, dramatic readings; Rev. W. H. Milburn, the eloquent blind preacher; Hon. George Thompson, of England; Rev. A. A. Willitts, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; John B. Gough, and C. Ocanyun, Turk. The terms for the course: Gentleman and lady, $5.00; gentleman without lady, $3.00; lady alone, $2.00; single admission, 50 cents. In the Spring the lecture committee reported receipts from season tickets, $867.50, at door $917 .10—total, $1,784.60; paid lecturers $1,225.00, incidentals $310.35—total, $1,535.35; balance in treasury, $249.25. Lecture committee: William H. Upson, chairman; William H. Huntington, corresponding secretary; George W. Crouse, treasurer; Israel P. Hole, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson. 174 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. DR. ELIAS W. HOWARD,—born in Andover, Vt., April 14, 1816; raised on farm ; common school education, with one term in Chester Academy ; in 1835 began study of medicine with cousin, Prof. R. L. Howard, at Elyria, Ohio ; afterwards attending lectures at Berkshire College, Pittsfield, Mass., completing his studies with Dr. L. G. Whiting, in Windsor Co., Vt., and graduating from Berkshire College in 1838; same year began practice with cousin, in Elyria, O., a year later, 1839, removing to Akron, where he was in continuous practice over half a century; after battle of Antietam was sent by Gov. Tod to assist in caring for wounded Union soldiers, serving in hospital at Frederick City, one month ; the Winter following devoting several months to hospital duty at Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Howard served several years on Board of Education, and four years in City Council--1871, '72, '74, '75, the last year as president pro tern.; member and president of Board of Health ; helped to organize the Summit County Medical Society and several years its president ; was member of Union Medical Association of Northeastern Ohio, two terms its president ; member of Ohio State Medical Association and of American Medical Association, being a delegate to the International Medical Congress in 1876. June 16, 1840, Dr. Howard was married to Miss Elizabeth Chittenden, of Middlebury, who bore him two sons—Dr. Henry C., who died April 23, 1887, aged 44 years, 10 months and 14 days, Frank D., manufacturer of agricultural implements, still residing with his mother. Dr. Howard died August 9, 1890, aged 74 years, 3 months, and 25 days. THE "AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION." So successful was this initial course of popular lectures – evincing that the people would relish more of the same sort—that at a meeting of the association, held March 3,1866, a resolution was passed, formally adopting the title of the "Akron Library Association," and instructing the secretary to duly prepare and have recorded the necessary papers of incorporation, which was accordingly done. In addition to the quite extensive reading room already established, in the room now occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., a circulating library was now determined upon, and a committee, consisting of David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane and George W. Crouse, was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws, which were duly reported and adopted on the evening of June 11, 1866, the first section thereof being as follows: " SEC. I. The Association shall be known as the 'Akron Library Association,' having for its object the diffusion of useful knowledge and the acquirement of the -arts and sciences, by the establishment of a library of scientific and miscellaneous books, for general circulation, and a reading room, cabinet, lectures and such other measures as may be deemed expedient." The annual membership fee was fixed at $2.00, the following eight persons paying $2.00 each, and subscribing their names to the constitution, on the night of its adoption: Julian H. Pitkin,