(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) UNSTINTED LIBERALITY - 175 David L. King, Stephen H. Pitkin, William H. Upson, Charles B. Bernard, James H. Peterson, Julius S. Lane, Samuel A. Lane, George W. Crouse. CHARLES A. COLLINS,—born in Richmond, Berkshire County, Mass., July 26. 1816; father dying August 4, 1817, removed with mother to Tioga County, N. Y., in 1827; in both Massachusetts and New York, working on farm summers and attending district school winters. In 1830 removed with mother to Ohio, settling in Tallmadge, where he served an apprenticeship with his mother-in-law, Mr. Amos Avery, at carriage making ; in 1838, in partnership with Mr. James M. Hale, under the firm name of Collins & Hale, established a carriage manufactory Middlebury, now Akron, Sixth Ward. Mr. Hale retiring in 1841, Mr. Collins continued until the burning of the shops in 1860, when, in company with Mr. John E. Bell, works were established in May's Block (now Clarendon Hotel), corner South Main and Exchange streets. In February, 1870, C. A. Collins & Son erected shops corner Main and Church streets, where the business is still carried on by the Collins Buggy Company, of which Mr. Charles A. Collins is president and Mr. George A. Collins manager. January 16, 1839, Mr. Collins was married to Miss Louisa Hine, of Tallmadge. who has borne him seven children, four only now living—George A., of Akron ; Mrs. Josephine A. Kent, of Kent ; Charles E., of Cleveland ; and Nettie E., now Mrs. C. D. Hatch, of Cleveland. While a resident of Middlebury Mr. Collins served for many years as member of Village Council and on Board of Education ; was also Mayor of Akron in 1862 and 1863 and member of City Council 1877-1879, the first year as president pro tern. Subsequently the annual membership fee was increased to $3.00, entitling the member and his family to the privileges of the library and reading room during the time for which he had thus paid, and an amendment adopted by which the payment of $50.00, at one time, constituted the person thus paying, a life member, entitled to such privileges in perpetuity, without further payment, and in case of the decease of such life member, the privilege to descend to the survivor, husband or wife, and minor children, such privilege, as to such minors, to cease on attaining their majority. The first officers of the Association, under the charter, were: William H. Upson, president; Stephen H. Pitkin, vice president; Charles B. Bernard, corresponding secretary; James.- H. Peterson, recording secretary; George W. Crouse, treasurer; David L. King, Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin and Israel P. Hole, directors. As an indication of the popular feeling in regard to the project, on being made known to the public that a considerable sum of money was immediately desirable for the purchase of a library commensurate to the public needs, life memberships, at fifty 176 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. dollars each, were taken to the number of at least one hundred within the first three or four years, besides the large list of yearly memberships at three dollars each. The funds thus raised, together with the surplus, (when there was a surplus), from the annual lecture courses, enabled the Association to at once establish a highly creditable circulating library, and one in which all the people of Akron, during the intervening quarter of a century, have ever justly been proud. JUDGE STEPHEN H. PITKIN,— born in Old Milford, C o n n., October 5, 1810. At 7 years of age came with parents to Ohio, settling in Charlestown, Portage County, removing to Hudson in 1827, his father, Rev. Caleb Pitkin, being one of the founders of Western Reserve College, Stephen being one of its earliest students, graduating in June, 1834, the following October going to Fulton County, Ill., teaching and studying law, being admitted to the bar in 1836; was elected County Surveyor and in 1838 elected Probate Judge, holding the office four years ; in 1852 returned to Hudson, taking charge of home farm and the care of his aged parents ; in 1861 was elected Probate Judge of Summit County, serving eight years ; member of Vilt lage Council in 1864 ; served on Akron School Board several years ; was secretary of Summit County Agricultural Society from 1871 to 1880 and president for 1880; was presidential - elector for the Eighteenth Congressional District in 1868, voting in the Electoral College for Ulysses S. Grant for President and Schuyler Colfax for Vice-President. He was married in October, 1834, to Miss Julia Lusk, of Hudson, a sister of the first wife of John Brown, of Harper,s Ferry fame. Mrs. Pitkin died October 7, 1873, two of their five children only surviving—Julian H., now living in Chicago, and Mary A., wife of Mr. Abner L. Caldwell, of Portage township. September 24. 1879, Judge Pitkin was again married, to Miss Helen B. Bill, of Cuyahoga Falls, who still survives, the Judge himself dying February 25, 1882, at the age of 71 years, 4 months and 20 days. SURPLUS SOLDIERS' BOUNTY FUND. In later years, as money was needed to replenish and increase the books and periodicals, it was from time to time liberally contributed by our citizens, besides which, on the recurrence of the question as to what should be done with the surplus soldiers, bounty fund in the hands of Treasurer Charles B. Bernard at the close of the war, it was, by general consent, turned over to the Association, in December, 1869, on the adoption of the following resolution, and the execution of the accompaning bond of indemnity to the custodians of said fund: "Resolved, by the directors of the Akron Library Association, that the president and secretary of said Association be and are hereby authorized to sign a document presented to them by a committee consisting of John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alexander, George W. Crouse and Charles B.. Bernard, which document is in the following words, to-wit: AKRON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION - 177 WILLIAM T. ALLEN,—born in Montreal, Canada, September 6, 1814; at 8 or 9 removed with parents to Hudson, N. Y.; on death of father, at 14, removed with mother to Albany; common school education; read law and admitted to the bar in Albany, but did not enter into practice; engaged with Ralph P. Myers in the dry goods trade in Albany, the firm of Allen & Myers removing to Akron in 1844; a year, or two later changing to the stove business, soon afterwards, with others, establishing the Akron Stove Company, which, after a successful career in Akron, for many years, removed to Cleveland, under the corporate name of the Cleveland Stove Company. In addition to holding a continuous directorship in the companies named, Mr. Allen conducted a stove store upon his own account, in Fort Wayne, Ind., from 1857 to 1864; also for a time, in connection with Mr. James M. Hale, under the firm name of Allen & Hale, carried on a machine shop at Lock Seven; later becoming a stock holder, director and treasurer in the Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, ands stockholder and director in the First National Bank, of Akron. Mr. Allen was a member of Village Council in 1853; Mayor in 1854; mem ber of City Council, 1870, '71, '72, '73, '74, '75, ,81, '82, '83 and '84 and several years Chairman of its Finance Committee. July 31, 1852, at Milwaukee, Wis., Mr. Allen was married to Miss Laura McCartey, a native of Romulus, N. Y.. then teaching music in Akron, Mr. Allen dying November 13, 1886, aged 72 years, 1 month and 27 days. DR. JAMES H. PETERSON,—was born at St. Johns, New Brunswick, July 9, 1830; removing in early life with his parents to Buffalo, N. Y., and afterwards to Portage County, Ohio. Here, on entering his majorpity, with such education as the schools of the vicinity afforded, he began the study of medicine, finally changing to dentistry, completing his course of study with Dr. B. T. Spelman, of Ravenna. Practicing one year in Cleveland, in 1854, he came to Akron, where he has been in contintuous and successful practice ever since, at the same time devoting much time to other matters—busitness, political, social, etc., officiating as secretary of the Republican Union Central Committee of Summit County during the war; is a member of Akron Lodge No. 83 and Washington Chapter No. 25 Of A. F. and A. M., and of the Masonic Relief Association. November 29, 1855, Dr. Peterson was married to Miss Caroline Van Evra, of Akron, a native of Cherry Valley, N. Y., who has borne him three children—Carrie M., now wife of Charles W. F. Dick, present Auditor of Summit County; John Edward, now a member of the produce firm of Dick & Peterson, and Grace C., student in Conservatory of of Music at Oberlin College. 12 178 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. " Whereas. there remains in the hands of Charles B. Bernard, as Treasurer of a committee consisting of John R. Buchtel, George W. Crouse, J. Park Alexander and the said Charles B. Bernard, styled ' Portage Township Recruiting Committee,' a balance of money contributed by citizens of Portage township to fill the quota of said township, at the last call of the President of the United States; and " Whereas, a large number of the subscribers to said fund have requested and directed said Bernard, acting as treasurer of said committee, to pay over said balance remaining in his hands to the directors of the Akron Library Association, an association having for its object the improvement and general good of the citizens of Akron ; and " Whereas, the balance of said committee, consisting of John R. Buchtel, George 'W. Crouse and J. Park Alexander, have requested and directed, in writing, the said treasurer to pay over said balance, now amounting to over three thousand dollars [exact amount $3,211.26] to said Akron Library Association, "Now, Therefore, Know All Men by these Presents, that the Akron Library Association, of the City of Akron, Summit County and State of Ohio, an Association incorporated under the laws of said State, in consideration of the donation to said Association of said sum of money, do hereby obligate and promise to use said money for the purchase of books for said Association, and for such purposes as will carry out the objects of said Association, and said Association further binds itself to pay to any subscriber to said fund his pro rata share of said balance remaining in said treasurer’s hands and paid over to said Association, and to save harmless from all costs damages and claims, said Committee and said Bernard as treasurer of said Committee, by virtue of any claim which may be set up by any subscriber to the fund aforesaid. " In witness whereof said Akron Library Association has caused these presents to be signed by its president and secretary, by a resolution of the directors passed December 11, 1869. [Signed] GEO. P. ASHMUN, President. A. L. CONGER, Secretary." Down to this time, 1870, the Association had occupied the room now occupied by Newton Chalker, Esq., on the west side of Howard street, which was now found to be altogether too small for the uses of the Association, and a committee was appointed to secure more commodious quarters. At this time two large new buildings were approaching completion—the Academy of Music, on East Market street, by John F. Seiberling, Esq., and Masonic Temple, corner Howard and Mill streets, by Capt. Aaron P. Baldwin, both of which localities found spirited advocates among the life members of the Association. Liberal propositions were made by both parties; and the rivalry waxed warm and somewhat bitter, but was finally terminated by the friends of that locality purchasing from Capt. Baldwin, for the sum of $3,500, the rooms under consideration in the second story of the Masonic Temple building, and making a free gift of the same, by deed, to the Association—an arrangement which, in view of the subsequent tendency of business in that direction, and of the location of the postoffice in the same building about the same time, has been generally very satisfactory indeed. FREE CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY. In the meantime, in 1869, cities of the grade of Akron had been empowered to establish and, by taxation, maintain free libraries and reading rooms, and on April 14, 1873, a committee consisting of Edwin P. Green, Sidney Edgerton and John R. Buchtel, was appointed to confer with the City Council on the subject, and after FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY - 179 DR. DANIEL ARNOLD SCOTT,— if eldest son of James and Harriet Pennington (Arnold) Scott, was born at Cadiz, Harrison County, May 4, 1821 ; educated at Cadiz scho o 1 s, being at one time a pupil of the late Bishop Simpson ; read medicine with Dr. William F. Poole, and was a graduate of both the Eclectic and the Allotpathic schools of medicine. June 15, 1842, was married to Miss Mary Burnett Phipps, of Smithfield, Jeffertson County, who bore him three daughters—Harriet Rebecca, Emma Virginia, and Mary Belt In 1848, Dr. Scott came to Akron, successfully practicing his profession here till his sudden death from heart failure, Janutary 23,1890, in several instances ministtering to five generations in the same family. Though repeatedly declining political preferment, Dr. Scott was an efficient and conscientious member of the Akron Board of Health from 1886 until his death. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Order, holding the office of Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Ohio for two terms, High Priest of Washington Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. for 14 consecutive years, was a member of the Grand Chapter of the United States, and a member of Akron Commandery, No. 25, Knights Templar, from its organization. As husband and father, tenderly affectionate ; as a citizen, modest, warm-hearted and sincere ; as a physician, honest, faithful and sympathetic, Dr. Scott was truly beloved by all who knew him. He died at the age of 68 years, 8 months and 19 days DR. BYRON S. CHASE,—born in Jamaica, Vt., January 9, 1834; used on farm ; educated in common schools and Chester Academy ; at 21 engaged in sale of maps, in Michigan ; later studying medicine with his uncle, Dr. E. W. Howard, in Akron, graduating at Ann Arbor, Mich., beginning practice with Dr. Howard in Akron ; in 1862, entered the army as assistant surgeon of 16th Regt. 0. V. I.; in June, 1863, was transferred to 53rd Mississippi (colored) Regt. as surgeon, serving till close of the war, acting on operating board at Chickasaw Bayou and during the siege of Vicksburg. At close of the war resumed practice in Akron, continuing with marked success until his death, February 23, 1878, at the age of 44 years, 1 month and 14 days. January 26, 1863, Dr. Chase was married to Miss Henrietta Sabin, daughter of the late Joseph W. and Prudence (Brown) Sabin, born in Akron December 17, 1842, who bore him four children—William Sabin, born December 9, 1866, now city editor Akron Daily Beacon and Republican; Charles Hibbard, born June 2, 1869, now clerk for the E. H. Merrill Stoneware Company; Martha, born November 25, 1874, and Byron Samuel, born October 12, 1877 ; Doctor and .Mrs Chase also having adopted and raised a nephew, Sabin Ford, son of Hobart and Martha (Sabin) Ford, now in the employ of The Diamond Match Company, at Ontonagon, Mich, 180 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. several interviews with a corresponding committee from the Council, consisting of Councilmen Milton W. Henry and William T. Allen and City Solicitor Edward W. Stuart, on December 30, 1873, the committee reported that they had tendered to the Council all the books and property of the Association, with a perpetual lease of its rooms, on condition that the city would establish a Public Library, for the free use of all its citizens who might choose to avail themselves of its privileges, which proposition had been accepted. HON. SIDNEY EDGERTON, born in Ca zenovia, N. Y., August 17, 1819; thrown upon his own resources at eight years of age, he managed to secure a fair common school education ; at 17 began teaching; at 18 entered Wesley Seminary at Lima, N. Y., where, after spending two terms, he was employed as teacher; in April, 1844, came to Ak- ron, a stranger with but $3.00 in his pocket ; entering the office of Judge Rufus P. Spalding as a law student, in the Winter season teaching in Tallmadge Academy ; in 1846 graduated from Cincinnati Law School, and admitted to the bar in that city, opening a law office in Akron ; in 1852 elected Prosecuting Attorney, serving four years ; in 1858 elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1860, serving four years ; in 1863 was appointed by President Lincoln Chief Justice of Idaho, transporting his family and effects from Omaha to Bannock City in wagons ; in 1864, traveled on horseback to Salt Lake City (sleeping on the ground), thence by stage to the Mississippi, en route to Washington, where, by a bill prepared by himself, he secured the organization of Montana, of which he was made Governor by President Lincoln. Getting the territorial machinery into running order, he tendered his resignation February 23, 1865, which was accepted in July. Returned with family to Akron in January, 1866 and resumed the practice of law. Mr. Edgerton was married to Miss Mary Wright, of Tallmadge, May 18, 1849, who bore him nine children—four sons and five daughters, seven of whom are still living. Mrs. Edgerton dying August 3, 1883.. This action was approved and the committee authorized to execute the lease, on the part of the Association, the proposition being formally accepted by the Council, by resolution adopted January 5, and by ordinance passed January 26, 1874. The lease was conditioned upon the payment of the then existing indebtedness of the Association; that said library should be free to all the citizens of Akron; that the Board of Control should consist of two members of the Association, one member of the Board of Education, and two members of the Council, the lease to run three years, with a stipulation that "at the expiration of the term of said lease,. said Library Association agrees to convey said property to said city, by, perpetual lease, provided said city shall have complied with the conditions herein expressed, on its part, and provided, further, that said city shall faithfully care for said library, under said perpetual lease, and maintain the library for the free use of the inhabitants of said city and the members of this Association." FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY - 181 JULIUS SHERMAN LANE,—eldest son of Samuel Alanson and Paulina (Potter) Lane, was born in Akron, November 19, 1841; educated in Akron public schools ; learned the machinist,s trade at the Newark Machine Works and with Webster, Camp & Co., in Akron ; in 1866 was elected chief engineer of the Akron Fire Department, in charge of its first steamer, "City of Akron, No. 1" In 1867, occupied the position of chief engineer of the Lake Superior Comtpany,s iron mines, at Ishpeming, Mich.; in 1868, returned to Akron, as superintendent of the newly organized Webster, Camp & Lane Machine Company, which position he successtfully filled for 17 years, having meantime invented " Lane's Band Friction Hoist" and other valuable mining devices, now so largely in vogue in the mining districts of the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Since 1885 Mr. Lane has been the general superintendent of the M. C. Bullock Manufacpturing Company, of Chicago, mining machinery, including the celebrated Bullock Diamond Drill, being a specialty. August 21, 1867, he was married to Miss Julia E. Pitkin, daughter of the late Rev. Caleb Johnson Pitkin, at Cerro Gordo, Ill. They have six children — Henry Marquette Lane, born at Ishpeming, Mich., May 14, 1868 ; Pauline Elizabeth, born at Akron, November 20, 1869; Frank Pitkin, August 19, 1871 ; Albert Alanson, September 22, 1873; Florence Maria, December 3,1876; and George Comfort, October 28, 1882. JOHN WOLF,—born in Selb, Bayt aria, Germany, January 25, 1837, attended German schools till 14 years of age ; in 1851 came to United States, clerking in store in Aurora, Ind., until September, 1853, when he came to Akron ; here he clerked two years for George T. McCurdy and seven years for Milton W. Henry, when, in 1862, he became a member of the firm of M. W. Henry & Co, continuing there until 1869, seven years. In Spring of 1870 formed a partnership with his half-brother, J. Martin Beck, and Mr. Harry J. Church, under the firm name of Wolf, Church & Beck, establishing a dry goods store in the Academy of Music building, remaining there fives years, when they removed to the southeast corner of Main and Market streets, where Mr. Wolf still remains. Mr. Beck withdrawing in 1878 and Mr. Church in 1886, Mr. Wolf is now sole proprietor and one of the leading and most prosperous of Akron's many enterprising and successful merchants. October 25, 1864, Mr. Wolf was married to Miss Mary Anna Howe, daughter of Captain Richard Howe, one of Akron's pioneer settlers. They have two children —Charles R., born November 2, 1869, and Harry H., born May 28, 1874. Mr. W. was one of the founders and is still a stockholder and director of the Citizens' Savings and Loan Association, and also a stockholder and director of the incorporated firm of Taplin, Rice & Co. 182 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. The Library ordinance, as revised and codified July 1, 1886, is as follows: SEC. 279. The City of Akron shall maintain, at the public expense, the library deeded and conveyed to said city by deed from the Akron Library Association, of the date of January 15, 1877. SEC. 280. In accordance with the terms of said deed a Board of Control for said library shall be and is hereby provided, to be constituted in the following manner: It shall consist of six members—resident electors of said city. SEC. 281. The members of said board shall be chosen by ballot, by a majority of all the members of the City Council, who shall annually at the first meeting in May, choose two members of said board for the term of three years. All members shall serve for said term and until their successors are duly chosen. SEC. 282. Said Board of Control shall make its own by-laws, and hold its meetings at such times as they may decide upon, and shall have the power to make such rules and regulations for the care of said library as they deem necessary faithfully to carry out the terms of said deed. That the board shall have power to appoint a librarian and such other officers as they may require for the proper care of the library, and shall report semiannually to the Council the condition of said library. SEC. 283. All moneys used by said board for library purposes shall first be appropriated for such use by said City Council, and no expenses shall be incurred, chargeable to the city, other than as covered by appropriations made therefor by the City Council. SEC. 284. The use of said library shall be free of all charge to the inhabitants of said city, the life members of the Akron Library Association and their families, except such fines as may be imposed for the infractions of the rules regulating the use of the same: DR. WILLIAM C. JACOBS,—born at Lima, Ohio, February 26, 1840; educated in Lima public schools ; at 16 was appointed to National Naval School, at Annapolis, Md., b u t resigned in 1859, and began the study of medicine with Dr. William. Carson, of Cincinnati, graduating, from the Ohio Medical College, in that city, in 1862. In April, 1862, was appointed assistant surgeon of the 4th 0. V. C., serving with that regiment until December, 1862, when he was promoted to surgeon and assigned to the 81st 0. V. I., with which he served till close of war ; during the Atlanta campaign serving on the Operating Board of Second Division of Sixteenth Army Corps. In October, 1865, Dr. Jacobs located in Akron, where he has since been in continuous practice, from 1870 to 1873 with the late Dr. William Bowen, and afterwards with Dr. Albert C. Belden. Dr. Jacobs is a member of Summit County Medical Society, Union Meditcal Association of North Eastern Ohio, State Medical Society, and American Medical Association ; was the first secretary of the second named society, and has held official positions in others. September 10, 1863, Dr. Jacobs was married to Miss Huldah M. Hill, a native of Knox County, O. They have one child, Harold H., born February 10, 1866, now practicing medicine in company with his father. The officers and directors of the Akron Library Association, in its corporate capacity, were as follows: Presidents: William H. Upson, 1866, '67, '68; George P. Ashmun, 1869; Lewis Miller, 1870; FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY - 183 JOHN W. BAKER,—born in Auburn, Cayuga County, N. Y., January 27, 1827, common school education; in 1843, came with parents to Akron; a year later went to Columbus to learn cabinet making, serving three years, worked at trade in Akron till 1850, when he went overland to California and engaged in mining, remaining two yeareturningno-6 home, via Panama and New York, worked for a musical instrument firm until 1857, when he became a member of the Akron Melopean Company, continuing ten years; then engaged in the manufacture of cigar boxes, gradually adding wood-turning and japanning, about 1870 forming a partnership with Mr. John C. McMillen, a few years later Mr. John P. Teeple being added, under the firm name of Baker, McMillen & Co., which in the spring. of 1890 was organized into a stock company, with Mr. McMillen as president, Mr. Baker as superintendent and Mr. Teeple as secretary and treasurer, and is one of the most prosperous industries in the city. Politically a stanch Democrat, in 1876 and 1877 Mr. Baker represented the Second Ward in the City Council. May 6, 1853, he was married to Miss Caroline M. Thayer, a native of New York, who has borne him three children, two of whom are now living—Frank E. and Alice., both still at home. CARL WILHELM BONSTEDT,— of Carl Frederic and Augusta Wilhelmina (Peschau) Bonstedt, was born at Clausthal, on the Hartz, Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, January 11, 1825; common school education; at 14 apprenticed to grocery trade, serving four years; then superintendent of the large cigar factory of Landsmith & Co., at Engter, near Osnabruck, for several years, when he came to America, having charge of a large tobacco business in ''Baltimore, Md., until 1855, when he came to Akron, as clerk in the grocery store of Ferdinand Schumacher, later being promoted to book-keeper; in 1863 bought out Mr. S., continuing the business till 1875, when he sold out to his bookkeeper, Mr. John Terrass. After a short engagement in the limestone business, near Sandusky, again embarked in the grocery trade in Akron, with Mr. John Kreuder, at 210 East Market Street, the partnership continuing six years, on the withdrawal of Mr. K., Mr. B. continuing on his own account, until his death, October 19, 1890, the business being still carried on by his sons. Mr. Bonstedt was one of the organizers and most active members of the Akron Liedertafel; was first president of Retail Grocers' Association, member of Akron Mercantile Association, Board of Trade, and of City Council 1864-65. March 15, 1857, Mr. Bonstedt was married, in Akron, to Miss Augusta F. Beyer, a native of Germany, who bore him eight sons and one daughter—Charles W., of Greentown; Adolph; Victor E.; Ferdinand, of Lincoln, Neb.; Herman; William H.; Frank; Louis, and Augusta F. Mrs Bonstedt still survives. 184 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. David L. King, 1871, '72; Edwin P. Green, 1873. Vice Presidents: Stephen H. Pitkin, 1866; Lewis Miller, 1867, '68; John J. Wagoner, 1869, ,70, '71, '72; Thomas Rhodes, 1873. Corresponding Secretaries: Charles B. Bernard, 1866; Stephen H. Pitkin, 1867, '68, '69, '70, '71; George W. Crouse, 1872; Byron S. Chase, 1873. Recording Secretaries: James H. Peterson, 1866; John E. Miller, 1867, '68; Arthur L. Conger, 1869, '70; William T. Allen, 1871, '72, '73. Treasurers: George W. Crouse, 1866, '67, '68, '69, '70; John H. Christy, 1871; William B. Raymond, 1872, '73. Directors: 1866, David L. King, Julius S. Lane, Julian H. Pitkin, Israel P. Hole; 1867, George P. Ashmun, George T. Perkins, Newell D. Tibbals, Edwin P. Green; 1868, Ferdinand Schumacher, David L. King, George T. Perkins, Edwin P. Green; 1869, Edwin P. Green, James H. Peterson, Thomas Rhodes, Robert L. Collett; 1870, Jeremiah A. Long, Byron S. Chase, Edwin P. Green, Ferdinand Schumacher; 1871, Sidney Edgerton, James H. Peterson, John Wolf, John H. Hower; 1872, Sidney Edgerton, John H. Hower, George T. Perkins, William C. Jacobs; 1873, John R. Buchtel, John H. Hower, George T. Perkins, William C. Jacobs. DR. MASON CHAPMAN,-son of Lucius and Sally B. (Mason) Chapman, was born in Copley, June 28, 1838 ; in 1857 went with parents to Wisconsin, and later to Iowa, working on father,s farm, except for a time clerking in grocery and boot and shoe store, while living in Wisconsin, till December, 1864 ; meantime having attended Cornell College at Mt. Vernon, Iowa, two years ; taught school two terms and studied dentistry two years with Dr. Matson, of Anamosa, Iowa. After a short visit to the State of New York, in the Spring of 1865, came to Akron and engaged in the practice of his profession with Dr. C. H. Bolles, later buying him out, and continuing the business with phenomenal success to the present time, having fitted up in his own new building, erected in 1887, corner Broadway and Mill, the finest suite of dental parlors in the city. An earnest Republican, though not an office-seeker, Dr. Chapman ably represented the Third Ward in the City Council from April, 1878, to April, 1880. November 3, 1867, Dr. Chapman was married to Miss Alice L. Randall, a native of Copley township. They have one son, Cloyd N. Chapman, born November 5, 1874, now a student in Akron High School. At a meeting of the life members of the Library Association, January 9, 1877, David L. King, Edwin P. Green, John. R. Buchtel and Sidney Edgerton were constituted a committee to convey, by deed, with proper stipulation for its perpetual care, the library and property of the Association to the city, concluding its labors by the adoption of the following resolution: Resolved, That the members of the Akron Library Association are extremely gratified by the success of the movement to transfer their library to the City of Akron, and have full faith that the true interests of the Library Association will be promoted by such transfer. FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY - 185 ANDREW H. NOAH,—son of Elmer and Esther Noah, was born in Bath, February 15, 1858, his father dying in the war when he was quite small ; was raised in Peninsula, educated at Oberlin College ; taught school four years at Steele,s Corners, Boston Village and Chittenden's Corners ; worked for the Dayton (Ohio), Hedge Company five years, in the capacity of general agent, traveling through Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee; December 29, 1880, was married to Miss Kittie B. McGill, youngest daughter of James and Susan McGill, of Urbana, Ohio ; they have no children ; August 1, 1885, bought half interest in real estate business with Frank A. Wilcox ; May, 1888 was elected member of Board of Control of Akron Public Library, and made secretary of the board, serving two years and declining a re-election; charter member of The Akron Building and Loan Association, on origination, in 1888, being elected secretary, which position he still holds ; ast Grand of Akron Lodge, No. 547, I. O. O. F.; member of Akron Encampment and one of the five directors of the Akron Underwriters, Association. JOSEPH ALVIN BEEBE,--born n New London, Conn., September 18, 1810; removed with parents, in infancy, to Middletown, Conn.; common school education ; from 14 to 21 clerk in postoffice, under Postmaster Joshua Stow ; in 1832 came to Cuyahoga Falls, and engaged in bookbinding with his brother, the late Oliver B. Beebe ; in 1838 established Akron’s pioneer book store, on present site of Houghton's grocery store on East Market street ; in 1839 with Mr. William E. Wright established the Center Mill, near the present site of the Allen Mill, continuing two or three years ; in 1841, in partnership with Dr. Perkins Wallace, added drugs to book trade in the old, stone block, later having Dr. Dana D. Evans for a partner, and still later (1848) Mr. Richard S. Elkins, afterwards adding to their business the publication of the SUMMIT COUNTY BEACON, the firm of Beebe & Elkins continuing until 1879, over 30 years. October, 1880, Mr. Beebe was elected a director of County Infirmary and re-elected in 1883, serving six years, most of the time clerk of the board ; also occupied the position of City Librarian seven years, from 1882 to 1889. May 19, 1840, Mr. Beebe was married, at Edinburg P or t g e County, to Miss Cornelia E. Wadsworth (daughter of the late Frederick Wadsworth), who bore him three children---Helen, born August ,16, 1841, now Mrs. William B. Raymond_; Frederick Wadsworth, now of Paige Brothers & Co.,s hardware corporation, Akron; and Charles Joseph, now of Philadelphia. Mrs. Beebe died December 21, 1884, aged 65 years, 10 months and 2 days, Mr. Beebe dying May 16, 1891, aged 80 years, 7 months, 28 days. The Board of Control consists of six members elected by the Council, two each year, to serve three years, the Board maintaining its own separate organization for the 'management of the affairs of 186 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. the library, subject only to the control of the Council in the matter of its money expenditures, the authorized tax levy for its support being limited by law to half a mill on the dollar, three-tenths of a mill being about the average yearly levy for library purposes, the expenditures for the year ending March 12, 1887, being $2,023.36, and for the years ending March 15, 1888, $2,325.82; 1889, $2,500; 1890, $3,700; 1891, $1,600, the library at the present time (1891) containing about 12,000 volumes. Members of the Board of Control, since the organization of the Akron Public Library, have been: John R. Buchtel, J. Park Alexander,Milton W. Henry, Edwin P. Green, George Tod Ford, William T. Allen, William C. Allen, John W. Baker, Paul E. Werner, David L. King, Charles A. Collins, Adams Emerson, Mason Chapman, Noah A. Carter, Lewis Miller, Thomas E. Monroe, Frank M. Atterholt, Charles W. Bonstedt, C. P. Humphrey, Olin L. Sadler, Ralph P. Burnett, Charles R. Grant, Elias Fraunfelter, Andrew H. Noah, Louts Seybold, Louis D. Seward, Charles S. Hart. JUDGE CHARLES R. GRANT,- born October 23, 1846, in Orange, New Haven County, Conn.; at 15 enlisted in 12th Connecticut V. I., and held the extremely perilous position of dispatch bearer on Gen. Butler’s Staff, in the Department of the Gulf, and continued on the staff of Gen. Banks until October, 1863, when he was discharged. In April, 1864, located at Cuyahoga Falls, where he was engaged in farming and study until September, 1868, when he entered the freshman classes at Western Reserve College, graduating in 1872 as valedictorian of his class of eighteen students. After a year spent in Colorado, recruiting his health, he entered the office of Judge N. D. Tibbals as a law student, being admitted to the bar, at Akron, in September, 18'74. Health again failing, he engaged in farming until January, 1876, when he formed a partnership with H. B. Foster, Esq., of Hudson, in November of that year locating in Akron, as a member of the law firm of Foster, Marvin & Grant, which arrangement continued until his appointment by Gov. Foster, September 16, 1883, Probate Judge of Summit County, on the death of Judge Goodhue, b e ing elected to the office in 1884, and again in 1887, giving to the office over seven years of able and faithful service. October, 9, 1873, Judge Grant was married to Miss Frances J. Wadhams, of Boston township, who died September 14, 1874. November 9, 1876, he was again married,. to Miss Lucy J. Alexander, of Akron, who died June 8, 1880, leaving one child-Frances Virginia, born September 24, 1877. August, 19,1891, was again married to Miss Ida Shick, of Akron. Presidents of the Board have been as follows: Hon. John R. Buchtel, 1874-77; Milton W. Henry, 1877-79; Edwin P. Green, 1879-82; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe, 1882, '83; Noah A. Carter, 1883, ,84; C. P. Humphrey, 1884-86; Frank M. Atterholt, 1886, '87; Charles R. Grant, 1887,'88; Olin L. Sadler, 1888, '89; Charles R. Grant, 1890, ,Oh POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS - 187 Secretaries: George Tod Ford, 1874, '75; William T. Allen, 1875, '76; William C. Allen, 1876, '77; Paul E.Werner, 1877-82; Dr. Mason Chapman, 1882-84; Paul E.Werner, 1884, '85; Olin L. Sadler, 1885,,89. Louis D. Seward, 1890, '91. Treasurers: Previous to 1882, the Secretary also officiated as Treasurer of the Board, since which time the treasurers have been: Frank M. Atterholt, 1882-85; Ralph P. Burnett, 1885 to present time. Librarians: Theron A. Noble, from beginning to 1875; Horton Wright, 1875-82; Joseph A. Beebe, 1882-89; Mary Pauline Edgerton, 1889 to present time. Assistant Librarians: Mary Vosburg and Anna M. Kummer, to December, 1875; Bessie Willis, 1875-85; Mary Pauline Edgerton, 1885-89; Mrs. Jennie M. Proehl, 1889 to present time. Akronians are justly proud of Akron's Free Public Library, which it is conceded is not only one of the very best equipped, in point of the extent and arrangement of its alcoves, and the judicious selection of its books and periodicals, but also one of the best managed institutions of its class in the State. CHEAP POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS. Besides the frequently recurring popular lectures and other entertainments—literary and scientific—given under the auspices of Buchtel College, the Grand Army of the Republic, and the various church and other organizations of the city, the Young Men's Christian Association, has, during two decades, not only maintained a well supplied reading room, to which has recently been added an extensive gymnasium, but for several years past has given to the public, during the winter season, courses of ten lectures and musical entertainments by the very best talent of the country, at the extremely low figure of one dollar per course, their popularity not only rendering them self-sustaining, but affording a handsome surplus for the carrying forward of the other branches of the beneficent work of the association. Long may Akron continue to cherish and liberally sustain her magnificent educational, literary, benevolent and Christian institutions. CHAPTER X. AKRON CHURCHES - FULLY ABREAST WITH HER BUSINESS ENTERPRISES, SCHOOLS, ETC.-PIONEER RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS-STRIVINGS, STRUGGLINGS, ADVANCES, REVERSES, ETC.-THE SECTS VERY LARGELY REPRESENTED– HARMONIOUSLY WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE GENERAL GOOD -MODERN CHURCH STRUCTURES, SOME OF THE FINEST IN THE COUNTRY -PRESENT STATUS OF ALL THE CHURCHES-MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION, ETC.   AKRON CHURCHES.   THIS chapter, giving an epitome of Akron's church history, is largely compiled from the more elaborate sketches furnished by pastors or prominent members of the several societies, with such emendations as the personal recollections of the writer furnish, and such statistical information obtained from official sources as to bring the matters written of down to the present date.   FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.   This society, whose present church edifice is located on Kent street, near Arlington, in the Sixth Ward, is undoubtedly the oldest church organization in what is now the city of Akron. It was organized on the 15th day of December, 1831; by Revs. Benson C. Baldwin and John Hughes, with twenty-six members, one of whom, only, Mr. Edgar T. Chapman, now survives, though not now a member of the congregation; but we are without definite data as to when their house of worship was erected. Successive pastors for twenty-four years were: Rev. Benson C. Baldwin, December 1831 to September 1838; Rev. Abraham Sanders, October 1838 to October 1839; Rev. H. A.. Sackett, July 1840 to June 1841; Rev. James Shaw, 1841 to 1845.   About this time, by reason of differences growing out of the slavery question, quite a number withdrew from the society, and organized the Congregational Church of Middlebury, the parent church being ministered to by Rev. William Hanford in 1846; Rev. _Horace Foote in 1847; Rev. Elroy Curtis, 1848 to 1854. Having harmonized their differences on the slavery question, the two societies re-united, as an independent church, in 1860, under Rev. William Dempsey, who, continued to officiate as pastor until 1863, followed by Rev. Mr. flicks for three years; Rev. G. Hall, three years; and Rev. Henry Avery three years.   In 1874, largely through the influence of the late Ambrose L. Cotter, one of the original members, the society returned to the fold of the Presbytery, under whose auspices it has since remained. Late pastors: Rev. C. Barnes, 1874 to 1877; Rev. J. H. Jones, 1877 to 1881; Rev. Dwight L. Chapin, September 1883 to 1889; Rev. Edward Layport, May 1, 1889, to present time. Membership in 1883, thirty-five; present membership of 145; number scholars, in Sunday School, 150. About 1885 the present fine brick church, with handsomely decorated interior, Sunday School rooms in basement, etc., was erected, at a cost, for house and lot,, of some $10,000; the old   AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 189   well-known and well-worn brick church, south of the present fire station, after half a century's faithful public service, for religious meetings, political meetings, temperance meetings, lectures, concerts, festivals, etc., having been razed to the ground.   FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.   In the earlier years of its existence, the few Presbyterians and Congregationalpists of the new village of Akron, used to meet from week to week for conference, prayer and praise at private-residences, school houses, etc. In 1834 a Congregational church, amenable to Presbytery, was organized by Rev. John Pettit, and in 1835 a small house of worship, a cut of which is here given, was erected on the present Court House grounds, but, on the location of the Court House at that point, in 1840, was removed to the corner of Quarry and High streets, and, after doing service for several churches, as elsewhere-detailed until 1877, was removed to the rear of the present German Lutheran Church and used for the parochial school of that Society until 1889, when it was torn down to make room for the nice brick house now standing there.   The pulpit was supplied by Mr. Pettit, members of Western Reserve College and others, until 1836, when Rev. James B. Walker, a theological graduate from the college named, was called the pastorate, erecting for himself a dwelling house in the woods, which house for many years was owned and occupied by Richard S. Elkins, Esq., late of Ravenna, and is still standing immediately north of the Windsor Hotel. In 1839, Mr. Walker resigned and was succeeded by Rev. James D. Pickands, who, unfortunately, embraced and preached the Second Advent doctrines which so greatly agitated the religious world from 1840 to 1846, as fully detailed in another chapter.   In consequence of these heresies, 22 members withdrew from the church in the Spring of 1842, and on the 2nd day of January,. 1843, were formally organized, by a council convened for that purpose, consisting. of Rev. Seagrove Magill, of Tallmadge, Rev. Joseph Merriam, of Randolph, Rev. Mason Grosvenor, of Hudson,. and Rev. William Clark, of Cuyahoga Falls, under the title of the-"Second Congregational Church of Akron."   July 3, 1843, nine others from the old, joined the new church, and the 31 members proceeded to organize by the appointment of Mr. Harvey B. Spelman, as Deacon, and Mr. Allen Hibbard, as Clerk.   Meantime, the embryo society, holding regular services in what was then known as the "Court Room," in the third story of the large stone block on the southeast corner of Howard and Market streets, had been ministered to by a young eastern theologian by the name of Isaac Jennings, who was ordained as the   190 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.   first pastor of the new church, on the 14th day of June, 1843. Measures were soon afterwards taken for the erection of a church edifice, which was accordingly built at the corner of North Main and Tallmadge streets, at a cost of $1,800, which was dedicated in June, 1845. [This building in more recent years was purchased by Mr. George Wulle, and used as a livery stable until destroyed by fire in 1887.]   The pastorate of Mr.. Jennings ceased in February, 1847, by resignation, being followed by Rev. W. R. Stevens, as stated supply, from November, 1847, until May, 1849, when Rev. Nathaniel P. Bailey, now of Massillon, assumed the pastorate, being ordained October 7, 1849. Mr. Bailey served until May 3, 1856, and was followed by Rev. A. Duncasson, from February, 1857, to November, 1858; Rev. Abraham E. Baldwin, from 1858 to 1861 (ordained in February, 1860); Rev. Carlos. Smith, December 30, 1861, till the Winter of 1873; Rev. Thomas E. Monroe 1873 to th present time.   By reason of the Second Advent delusions, the original First Congregational Church had gone to pieces, and its house o worship sold to the Disciples, so that the Second naturally became the First, by which title it is now known.   REV. CARLOS SMITH, D. D.,—born in Hopkinton, N. H., July 17, 1801; married to Miss Susan Saxton, of Hanover, N. H., February 20, 1827 ; inducted into the ministry at Utica, N. Y., by the Oneida Prestery in 1832; was pastor at Manlius, N. Y., four years ; Painesville, Ohio, eight years ; Massillon, three years ; Tallmadge, 14 years ; and of First Congregational Church in Akron 12 years-1861 to 1873. "Father Smith," was a general favorite with all classes—genial in his manner, and earnest in his piety, but remarkably liberal and tolerant of the views and feelings of others. Mr. and Mrs. Smith were the parents of twelve children, four of whom died in infancy and one—Eliza Mygatt--- dying at 16 years of age in Tallmadge, the seven survivors being : Louisa J., now Mrs. George Carter, of Jacksonville, Ill.; Charles Edward, a phytsician in Palmyra, Ill. ; Sarah Porter, now Mrs. Leavitt Bissell, of New York City ; Harriet Sanford, at home, in Akron Mary Clark, now Mrs. Robert McKee, of Waverly, Ill.; Ellen Chase, at home ; and Ethan Sanford, attorney in Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Smith celebrated thei golden wedding anniversary, Feb ruary 20, 1877, Mr. S. dying April 2' 1877, aged 75 years, 9 months and days, and Mrs. S. December 21, 1889 aged 84 years, 3 months and 24 days   At the beginning of Mr. Smith's pastorate there was a mem bership of about 60, at its close 268, during which time a new house of worship, a fine brick structure, on High street, had been erected at a cost of some $40,000.   Soon after Mr. Monroe's accession, a gallery was added to the seating capacity of the auditorium, and additional Sunday School facilities provided in the basement, at a cost of $5,000. The house   AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 191   being partially destroyed by fire, on. February 2, 1881, additions and repairs were made to the extent of about $10,000, with a large new organ, there being a fine-toned bell in the tower, and a first-class clock, donated by one of Akron,s best-known business men for nearly half a century, Mr. Joseph E. Wesener.   REV. THOMAS E. MONROE, son of Job and Phoebe (Collins) Monroe, of Scotch descent, was born at Plainfield, Conn., April 28, 1829; raised on farm with common school and academical education ; at 17 began teaching in Rhode Island, continuing three years ; then entered a preparatory school in Providence, the year following entering Oberlin College, graduating- from the classical course in 1856 and from the theological course in 1858 ; ordained as a minister of the Gospel in 1859 by the Cleveland Conference. Preaching one year in Amherst, Lorain County, in 1860 Mr. Monroe became the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Mount Vernon, the church membership increasing during his thirteen years pastorate from 150 to 437 and the society building a new church edifice at a cost of $38,000. April 1, 1873, Mr. Monroe became the pastor of the First Congregational Church of Akron, which position he still retains; the society in the intervening 18 years besides making extensive improvements on its house of worship, having increased its membership from 268 to 903, besides contributing 100 of its members to the West Congregational Church, organized in 1888. June 3, 1859, Mr. Monroe was married to Miss Hannah Mary Bernard, of Philadelphia, who has borne him one child—Pauline, now a teacher in the city of Philadelphia.   The church has now nearly 1,000 sittings, a roll of 903 mem- bers, 746 of whom are residing here at this time, besides having recently transferred 65 members, and a corresponding number from the Sunday School, to the West Congregational Church, spoken of elsewhere. Members of Sunday School, officers, teachers and scholars in 1887, before division, 600; after division, 510; now, 1891, 572.   FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.   Perhaps as early as 1830, a small M. E. class was organized in South Akron, and meetings held with such occasional ministrations as could be secured,   192 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.   Ohio Conference, among the number. Just when a church organization was effected is not now ascertainable, though it was sometime previous to the arrival of the writer in the village, in the Summer of 1835, its meetings being then held in the school house, corner of South Broadway and Middlebury streets.   In 1836 the erection of a house of worship, 40x50 feet in size, was commenced immediately east of the present brick structure, corner of Church street and Broadway, which was completed and occupied the latter part of the following year. In the latter part of the Winter of 1840 41 a protracted meeting of several weeks, duration, was held, during which, on the morning of March 17, 1841, the house was destroyed by fire, presumably from a defective flue, or from ignition of some portion of the woodwork, from the superheated stoves, the weather of the night before, while the services were in progress, having been intensely cold, though it was uncharitably, and unchristianly insinuated by each of the two factions who were at loggerheads on questions connected with the building of the church, that the house had been purposely fired by the other faction.   REV. WILLIAM FARNHAM DAY, D. D.,—son of Rev. David Day, was born in West Springfield, Mass., November 11, 1821, when a boy re- movin with parents to Franklin Mills (ng ow Kent), Ohio; educated in part at home, in part independently and in part under a tutor, but never attended college' though later in life honored by Allegheny College in 1865 with the degree of Master of Arts, and by Baldwin University in 1869, with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was a man of deep learning, a thorough master of Greek, a devoted student of history and a great lover of scientific research, his large library embracing the whole range of literature, with every department of which he was thoroughly familiar . He was licensed to exhort in 1843, and to preach in 1845, receiving elders' orders in 1849. Among the nearly two score appointments filled during a ministry of nearly forty years, he was twice stationed in Akron as pastor of the First M. E. Church,— 1855,'56 and 1868-,70, in all, five years, his last charge being Titusville, Pa., where he died October 23, 1882, his remains being interred in Akron Rural Cemetery. Dr. Day was for 27 years Secretary of the Erie Conference, and was twice honored with an election to the General Conference-1863 and 1872, his fidelity to his own Conference, however, leading him to decline many tempting calls to prominent localities in other Conferences. Dr. Day was married in 1847 to Miss Ann Delia Grover, of Poland, 0.; of their four children two only survive—Wilson 1`11, now President of Cleveland Printing and Publishng Co., and Harriet, now Mrs. John H. Auble, of Akron.   The house was soon afterwards rebuilt, upon the same foundation, facing west, as before, but in 1861, under the pastorate of Rev. J. D. Norton, the house was enlarged and remodeled, and made to front on Broadway, at a cost of $3,500. During the Centennial year of Methodism in America, 1866, the sum of $30,000 was contributed towards the erection of a new house of worship that   193 - AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY.   should be commensurate with the rapidly increasing needs of the society, and a fitting memorial to the beneficent aims and objects of the denomination and a credit to the city.   The new structure was commenced in the Spring of 1867, immediately west of the old, the Sunday School room, lecture room, etc., being dedicated on the 15th day of April, 1875, the old building being at this time sold to Mr. Ferd. Schumacher, who, moving it to the corner of Mill and Summit streets, fitted it up into a hotel called the " Cascade House, " subsequently removing it to the corner of Mill and Broadway, where it is still doing duty as a part of the " Windsor Hotel, " though so disguised by its brick veneering as to be altogether unrecognizable by the former worshipers therein.   The auditorium of the new structure was completed in the Autumn of 1871, and dedicated in January, 1872, at which time over $32,000 was subscribed to clear the church from debt, the total cost of the new structure, furnishing, etc., being about $128,000. It is a fine building, both externally and internally, and its Sunday School rooms, planned by Messrs. Lewis Miller and Jacob Snyder, pronounced at the time to be the best in the world, though many others have since been modeled therefrom, both in the cities of the United States and Europe.   Successive ministers to the church have been as follows: 1836, Thomas Carr and John F. Holmes; 1837, Daniel M. Stearns and Thomas Graham; 1838; Horatio N. Stearns; 1839, John Robinson and Caleb Brown; 1840, John Robinson and Benjamin K. Maltby; 1841, Ira Eddy and James U. Wood; 1842, Dr. Timothy Goodwin; 1843, William H. Hunter; 184145, Edwin J. Kinney; 1846, Samuel Gregg; 1847, James R. Locke; 1848, Martin C. Briggs: 1849, Reuben J. Edwards; 1850-51, Ezra Jones; 1852-53, John Tribby; 1854, Gaylord B. Hawkins; 1855-56, William F. Day; 1857-58, George W. Clarke; 1859, Thomas Stubbs; 1860-61, John D. Norton; 1862-63, John Peate; 1864, E. A. Johnson; 1865, ,66, ,67, D. C. Osborne; 1868, ,69, ,70, and till August, 1871, Dr. William F. Day; 1871 to 1874, W. W. Ramsay; 1874 to 1877, Henry Baker; 1877, I. A. Pierce; 1878 to 1881, W. W. Case; 1881 to 1884, W. H. Pearce; 1884 to 1887, E. K. Young; 1887 to 1889, B. T. Vincent; 1889 to present time, Dr. Gilbert De La Matyr.   Present membership, 1149; scholars in Sunday School, 1069; Lewis Miller, Superintendent. Without disparagement to other faithful workers and liberal givers in this church, it may justly be said, that to the munificence of Mr. Miller is the society very largely indebted for its present handsome church edifice, and, to   13     194 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.   his wise management, for the unprecedented success and prosperity of its model Sunday School.   THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF AKRON.   April 19, 1831, at the school house, corner of South Broadway and Middlebury streets, was organized the "Akron and Middlebury Baptist Church," Elder Caleb Green officiating as Moderator and Elder Amasa Clark as Scribe, the members of the new organization being: Horace Barton, Daniel B. Stewart, Henry H. Smoke, Mrs. Thirza J. Smoke, Miss C. Barton, Mrs. Elizabeth Burton, Mrs. Sally Smith, Miss Amanda Smith, Miss Elizabeth Stewart. March 5, 1836, an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the incorporation of religious societies, this church being among the very earliest to avail themselves of its provisions, as will be seen by the following notice published in Akron,s first newspaper, the Weekly Post, June 10, 1836: "To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. A meeting of the members of the Akron and Middlebury Baptist Church and Society will be held at the School House in South Akron, on Wednesday, the 16th inst., at 4 o,clock P. M., for the purpose of organizing under their charter."   Arrangements were immediately made for the erection of a house of worship, corner of South Broadway and Center streets, a cut of which is here given. Elder Eber Crane was regularly installed as pastor, and the house was built under his management, as the agent of the trustees; though considerable ill-feeling was engendered, by the trustees facing the building so uth, instead of west, as the other churches had been, and by alleged mismanagement on the part of Elder Crane and the building committee, resulting in a heated newspaper controversy, covering six or seven columns in the American Balance, and the holding of a church council, with Elder Levi Tucker, of Cleveland, as Moderator, on the 6th day of October, 1837. Though the dissensions alluded to were not entirely cured by the action of the council, the church was dedicated on the 26th day of October, 1837, Elder Tucker preaching the dedicatory sermon.   In 1853 the society sold its original church structure to the German Reformed Society and purchased the original Universalist stone church, on North High street, which was dedicated to the uses of its new owners June 17, 1853, where they continuously worshiped for over a third of a century.   AKRON’S CHURCH HISTORY - 195   REV. NATHAN S. BURTON, D. D., --born in Manlius, N. Y., Febtruary 5, 1821, in infancy removing with parents to Elbridge, N. Y., and in 1831, to Middlebury, Ohio; attended Village School winters and worked in father’s sash factory summers; taught Southwest "Six Corners" school, in Tallmadge, two winters; in 1841 entered Western Reserve College, graduating in 1846, delivering the valedictory oration; taught one year in Norwalk (0.) Institute; in 1847 entered Theological department W. R. College, also acting as assistant editor of "Ohio Observer;" in 1848 attended Newton (Mass.) Theological Institute; in 1849 returned to Hudson to comtplete studies and fill the chair of Latin and Greek in College; on graduating, in 1850, became pasttor of Elyria Baptist Church; in 1853 first pastor of the Third Baptist Church in Cleveland; in 1854 pastor of the Granville Baptist Church, during his eight years pastorate there establishing a Young Ladies, School now Shepardson College, its principal building being named "Burton Hall"; in 1862 became pastor of the First Baptist Church in Akron; during the rebellion serving for a time on the Christian Commission at Grant’s Headquarters, City Point, Va.; in 1866 pastor of Ann Arbor (Mich.) Baptist Church; in 1871 pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Davenport, Iowa; in 1877 accepted Chair of Philosophy in Kalamazoo (Mich.) College; in 1877 resumed the pastorate of the Church in Akron, remaining ten years, during that time officiating six months as President of Dennison University at Granville; in 1887 visited Europe, and on his return became pastor of the Needham (Mass.) Baptist Church, where he still continues. October 14, 1850, was married to Miss Sarah J. Fairfield, of Spring Arbor, Mich. They have five children—Henry F., Propfessor of Latin in the University of Rochester; Charles S., lawyer in Chicago; Nellie, wife of Prof. W. W. Beman, University of Mich.; Ernest D., Prof. of Greek, Newton Theological Institute, and Edward F., lawyer in Chicago.   Successive Pastors, previous to first removal: Revs. Eber Crane, Henry Carr, Stephen Van Voris, C. A. Clark, J. Hall, David Bernard, Lewis Ransted, J. M. Gregory, J. C. Courtney, A. Joy. Since removal: Mr. Joy continued until 1855, followed by Rev. J. W. Hammond, one year; in 1856, by Samuel Williams, five years; in 1862, by Nathan S. Burton, four years'; in 1666, by Frank Adkins, two years; in 1869, by C. T. Chaffee, three years; 1872, by J. P. Agenbroad, one year; 1873, by Charles A. Hayden, three years; 1877, by Dr. Nathan S. Burton, ten years; in 1887, by Rev. A. M. Waxman, terminated by voluntary resignation June 14, 1891 whose pastorate   196 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.   At length, feeling the need of a more commodious house of worship in a more convenient locality, in 1888 the society purchased a handsome site on South Broadway, between Market and Mill streets, and in 1889 erected thereon a fine brick edifice with auditorium and Sunday School room on the same floor, and a light, airy basement for- social meetings and other church purposes. The building is 76x106 in size and of handsome design, as will be seen by the fine engraving given herewith, the entire cost of lot, building and furnishing being about $40,000.   Present membership of church 290. Present number of scholars in Sunday School, 250.   THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.   Sundry Universalist ministers held religious services in Akron, from time to time, during the years 1835 and 1836, and during the early Summer of 1837 Rev. Freeman Loring organized a society of believers in that faith, holding. his meetings in the third story of a building erected by Mr. Benjamin W. Stephens, corner of Main and State streets, present site of Merrill’s pottery.   Among the members of that congregation were Dr. Eliakim Crosby and family, Major Miner Spicer and family, Henry Chittenden and family, Watrous Mather and family, Jesse and Jacob Allen, and quite a number of other prominent business men of Akron and Middlebury; the choir, composed largely of the sons and daughters of the families above named, being one of the most attractive of any of the church choirs of the town or vicinity.   Steps were immediately taken for the erection of a suitable church edifice, Dr. Crosby furnishing a lot on North High street, and very largely defraying the cost of the building, the writer doing the glazing and general painting, to the extent of some $200, in part payment for two acres of ground on West Market street; our venerable fellow citizen, Mr. Curtis C. Wilcox, of 216 South Union street, then, living in Middlebury, gilding and varnishing the balusters of the gallery, settees*, etc., this being the first church in Akron to have anything but stiff board pews and slips for the seating of its worshippers.   The church was built of stone, and was then one of the handsomest structures of the kind in Ohio. The belfry was surmounted by a tall spire on the top of which, above 100 feet from the ground, was a gilded ball, two and a half feet in diameter, in the center of which were deposited such articles as are usually placed in the corner stones of similar edifices—church history, newspapers, coins, etc.   Some thirty years later the belfry timbers had become so decayed, that, on Sunday, August 5, 1868, the steeple being likely to fall, to prevent possible serious accident, by attaching ropes to the lightning-rod connected therewith, it was pulled down, and in falling the ball was broken to pieces. Such of the contents as were found were in a fair state preservation, the copy of the Akron BUZZARD encased by the writer in a sealed quinine bottle, being as clean and legible as when first printed, thirty-one years. before.   197 - AKRON’S CHURCH HISTORY.   Surmounting the ball was an immense sheet-iron weather vane in the shape of an angel, with soaring wings, proclaiming to the whole world through a golden trumpet, the Glad Tidings of Universal Salvation; the entire cost of the structure being about $8,000. A fine-toned bell, procured by subscription of citizens, was placed in the tower, and also, a year or two later a clock, manufactured, and for many years kept in repair, by the late Henry S. Abbey. The society was also presented with a most excellent organ, by the late Jesse Allen—probably the pioneer church organ of Summit County.   The society was incorporated Drawn January 4, 1839, the incorporators being Eliakim Crosby, Miner Spicer, Watrous Mather, Henry Chittenden and Jesse Allen. The house was dedicated in November, 1839, the installation of Mr. Loring, as pastor, being included in the dedicatory services; the membership at this time being about one hundred persons. Though Mr. Loring had taken almost entire charge of the building of the church, laboring incessantly with his own hands, his pastorate, after its dedication, was of short duration, a feeling prevailing that though sound in doctrine, and earnest in its promulgation, he was not sufficiently cultured for so "metropolitan" a position, realizing which he tendered his resignation and removed to Suffield, Portage County, where, after serving the church there for a number of years, he finally died.   Mr. Loring was succeeded by Rev. Nelson Doolittle, for several years, followed by. Rev. J. G. Foreman, the latter part of 1845, and in 1849 by Rev. Z. Baker. This latter gentleman leaning strongly towards the Spiritualist icfaith, which was then a prevalent belief with many, alienated several members of the society from the true faith, begetting an indifference which, coupled with First Universalist Church, corner of South Broadway and Mill Streets.   198 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY.   the serious financial embarrassment of its principal promoter, Dr. Crosby, caused the society to go to pieces, and in 1853 its house of worship was sold to the Baptists, as elsewhere stated.   After an interregnum of nearly thirty years, a new organization was effected in November, 1872, with twenty members, Hon. John R. Buchtel, Moderator; Sanford M. Burnham, Clerk; Avery Spicer and Talmon Beardsley, Deacons. Rev. G. S. Weaver was chosen pastor, in April, 1873, the meetings of the society being held in the chapel of Buchtel College, then just completed. Mr. Weaver was succeeded by Rev. Henry L. Canfield, in 1876, followed by Rev. Everett L. Rexford, president of College, in 1878, and in September, 1880, by Rev. Richard Eddy until July, 1881, and again by Rev. Dr. G. S. Weaver, from December, 1881, to December, 1883, followed by Rev. C. Ellwood Nash, from May 1, 1884 to May 1, 1891, succeeded June 7, 1891, by Rev. J. F. Thompson, of Jersey City, N. J.   REV. C. ELLWOOD NASH, D. D.,— son of Rev. C. P. Nash, Universalist clergyman at Conneautville, Pa., was born in Warren County, N. J., March 31, 1855; removed to Michigan in 1856, and to Iowa in 1870 ; prepared for college at Prof. W. W. Curry,s priv ate school, Newton, Iowa ; entered Lombard University, Galesburg, Ill., as a sophomore, in 1872, graduating as A. B. in 18'75, in college belonging to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity; in September, 1875, entered Tuft,s Divinity School, Tuft,s College, Mass., graduating- as B. D. in 1878 ; delivered Master's Oration and received honorary degree of A. M. at Lombard University, in June, 1878 ; was engaged as pastor at Abington, Mass., during divinity course, from March, 1877, to March, 1878 ; called to and accepted pastorate of church at Stamford, Conn., December, 1878, assuming pastorate there in July, 1878; was married to Miss Clara M. Sawtelle, of Auburn, Me., December 31, 1878 ; went to Newton, Mass. as pastor in June, 1881, and came to Akron as pastor of the First Universalist Church, May 1, 1884, continuing until May 1, 1891, his seven years pastorate here being highly satisfactory to the members of that society, resigning to accept the pastorate of the Church of Our Father, Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Nash are parents of four daughters.   During Mr. Rexford’s pastorate, the rapidly growing congregation rendering such a step absolutely necessary, the fine new house of worship, corner of Mill and Broadway, was erected at a cost of about $40,000, Mr. Ferd. Schumacher generously donating the lot, besides liberally contributing to the building and furnishing fund, Hon. John R. Buchtel also subscribing liberally to the various funds of the society. The present membership of the church is about 350; scholars in Sunday School 325; teachers, 24.   ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH.   Though an occasional Episcopal family resided in the neighborhood, and though occasional services were earlier held, both   AKRON’S CHURCH HISTORY - 199   in Middlebury and Akron, it was not until 1836 that a parish of that denomination was organized in Akron, under the, auspices of Rev. William H. Newman, rector of St. John,s Church, at Cuyahoga Falls, (originally organized in Stow in 1830), Rev. T. J. Davis assuming charge of the new church in 1838. The meetings of St. Paul,s Church and society, like those of the other early churches named, were at first held in private houses and school houses, or, by courtesy, in the other churches of the village, and afterwards for some three or four years, in the second story of the "Old Stone Block" so often referred to in this work, on the southeast corner of Howard and Market streets.   This building was rather shabbily constructed, and one Sunday, in the latter part of 1840, when services were in progress, a sudden storm, accompanied by high wind, toppled over one of the huge stone chimneys, with a portion of the heavy battlement, which went crashing through the first floors to the cellar. The congregation, fortunately, were not within the direct range of the falling mass, but, by the tilting of the floor a number of seats, with their occupants, were precipitated into the cellar and Mrs. Stephen Willard Powers and her mother, Mrs. Bush, Mr. George T. Ray, a young man named Morris Lyon, then working for, the writer, and perhaps one or two others, were somewhat bruised, but none of them were seriously injured.   At this time the erection of a house of worship was undertaken, donations for the purpose, to the extent of $900, being made by friends of the church in Philadelphia, the balance of the cost of the structure to be raised by local subscriptions, principally of materials and labor—money being decidedly a cash article in Ohio in those days. The " chuckery" project, elsewhere alluded to, was then on the boom, several of its promoters being zealous Episcopalians, notably Dr. E. W. Crittenden, and with the expectation that a fair proportion of the prospective inhabitants of "Summit City," would be of that faith, it was resolved to locate the new church so as to accommodate both said "city" and the "village" of Akron. Consequently the house was erected on North Maple street, below Hickory street, overlooking the Ohio Canal, facing North.   Before this house was fully completed a contract was made with Mr. Lyman Cobb, then an enterprising business man of Akron, for the erection of a church edifice on South High street, Mr. Cobb taking the first named house and lot in part payment, which was at once converted into a tenement house, ever since, until recently torn down, well, and sometimes notoriously, known as the "Cobb House." Besides the turning in of this property, and quite liberal contributions from citizens, the sum of $1,770 was contributed by outside parties.