(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 200 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. This new house, 40x60 feet in size, was dedicated June 27, 1844, the parish then numbering sixty communicants. In 1870 the house was greatly enlarged and a new organ provided, and also a handsome parsonage erected on North Summit street. In 1872, '73, new Sunday School rooms were added, at a cost of $4;000. Finding that this structure was inadequate to the rapidly growing needs of the society, a commodious triangular lot, bounded on East Market, Forge and Fir streets, was purchased, in 1884, at a cost of $10,000, on which was erected a fine stone parish and Sunday School house, 72x88 feet, at a cost of $35,000, which was dedicated on the "Feast of Epiphany," January 6, 1885, the High street edifice being sold to the Hebrews, in 1885, for a synagogue, as elsewhere stated. It is the intention of the, parish to erect, at an early day, an elegant and commodious church structure, and eventually a handsome rectory upon the same lot. Successive rectors of St. Paul's during the 52 years of its existence, have been as follows: 1836, '37, Rev. Mr. Barrow; 1838-40, Rev. T. J. Davis; 1841 44, Rev. Lyman Freeman; 1844-47, Rev. Robert G. Cox; 1847, Rev. Mr. McElhinney; 1848, Rev. J. K. Stuart; 1850, Rev. E. H. Cumming; followed a year or two later, by Rev. R. S. Nash, and in 1854, by Rev. D. C. Maybin; 1855 to 1859, Rev. Edward Meyer; 1860, Rev. Henry Adams; 1863, Rev. Samuel Maxwell; 1866, Rev. W. T. Fitch; 1869, Rev. Henry Gregory; 1870, the present incumbent, Rev. Dr. R. L. Ganter, twenty-one full years, and still popular and efficient. REV. RICHARD L. GANTER, D. D. - born in Allegheny, Pa., July 23, 1835; primary education in Catholic schools of Pittsburg; entered Kenyon Grammar School, Gambier, Ohio, in Spring of 1851 ; graduated froth Kenyon College Classical Course, July, 1856, and from Bexley Hall Theological Seminary in 1859; ordained deacon of Episcopal Church the same year ; Presbyter in 1860, then in charge of Grace, Church, Mansfield, O.; entered army as private in 1861, and elected Chaplin of 15th 0. V. I.; in 1863 took charge of Trinity Church, Michigan City, Ind.; in 1865 called and accepted pastorate of Trinity Church, Iowa City, Iowa ; 1867 to 1870 superintendent of Johnson County (Iowa) public schools ; in October, 1870, on call, accepted Rectorship of St. Paul's Church, in Akron, which position he still holds, being now, in point of incumbency, the oldest minister in Akron. During his pastorate the Parish has grown from 80 communicants to 370, with four distinct eras of church improvement and building during that time, the last being the fine stone chapel, at intersection of East Market and Forge streets, a handsome engraving of which is herewith given. September 27, 1865, Dr. Ganter was married to Miss ,Henrietta D. Sanford, at Painesville, Ohio. They have four children living-Anna S.; Leo S., at Warren, 0., Charles R. and Maxwell. The Doctor is at present a trustee of his Alma Mater, and President of the Diocese of Ohio. AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 201 Membership: 1836, five communicants; 1837, nine; 1839, fifteen; 1844, sixty; 1888, 250 families, 370 communicants, 300 Sunday School scholars, 36 teachers. HIGH STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST. The Disciples of Christ, or as they were then popularly, or per- Imps derisively, called, "Campbellites," from the founder of the sect, Rev. Alexander Campbell, as early as 1830 began to teach their peculiar doctrines in this vicinity, and in 1339, organized a church in Akron, the meetings at first being held in private houses, school houses, halls, etc., the earlier preachers of the sect now recalled by the writer being Elders William Hayden, E. B. Hubbard, O. Newcomb, M. S. Wilcox, A. S. Hayden, Almon B. Green, R. Moffat, J. H. Jones Benjamin Franklin, Jasper J. Moss, etc. At the organization of the society, by Elders Bently and Bosworth, in 1839, there were thirty-two members, :Levi Allen and Samuel C. Bangs being elected elders,. and Webster B. Storer and Jonah Allen deacons. In 1843, a protracted meeting, conducted by Elders John Cochrane and John Henry, resulted in 49 accessions to the church. About 1845, the church property originally belonging to the Congregational society; corner of Quarry and High streets, was purchased, which was occupied until 1857, when it was sold to the German Lutheran society, who later removed the house to the rear of the lot for school purposes, erecting in its place their present handsome brick structure. Tappan Hall, on East Market street, was now used for church purposes for about six years. In 1863 the present site, on South High street, was purchased and a handsome frame edifice was erected thereon, at a cost of $6,000, to which quite extensive and expensive improvements, from time to time, have, since been made. Officiating pastors since 1845: Dr. William F. Pool, M. J. Streator, W. S. Gray, Warren Belding, J. Carroll Stark, J. G. Encell, J. O. Beardsley, L. R. Norton, R. L. Howe, Lathrop Cooley, John L. Rowe, R. G. White, Frank M. Green, C. C. Smith and Levi Marshall, the pastorate of the latter commencing October 29, 1885; F. A. Morgan, February 1, 1890 to December 1, 1890; E. A. Bosworth, April 1, 1891 to present time. In 1875, 80 members of the church, residing in that vicinity, withdrew from the society for the purpose of establishing a mission in the Sixth Ward, which was later organized into the Sixth Ward Church of Christ, as elsewhere noted. Present membership of High street Church of Christ; about 500 ; scholars in Sunday School, 330; teachers, 29. GRACE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The original of the church now organized under the above -title, was one of the earliest church organizations of this vicinity —the Old Middlebury Methodist Church—and part of the ancient circuit, composed of Tallmadge, Brimfield, Mogadore, Pleasant Valley and Middlebury. It was made a separate charge in 1870, and in 1878 the old church edifice, corner Arlington and Exchange streets, was neatly remodeled, under the superintendence of Architect Jacob Snyder, at a cost of $3,000. Among the earliest preachers 202 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. in this church were Revs. Mr. Monck, and the present venerable Dr. George W. Clarke. Since, and including, 1869, the pastors of the church have been as follows: M. Williams, George Elliott, W. W. Painter, James Greer, J. H. Merchant, W. H. Wilson, J. B. Cory, R. F. Randolph, A. W. Arundel, W. L. Slutz, R. M. Freshwater, M. W. Dallas, Rev. J. H. Conkle, September 1887 to September, 1890; Rev. J. K. Rader, September, 1890, to the present time. The present membership of the church is 150; Sunday School scholars 250. The society has recently constructed a comfortable parsonage, at 1016 East Market street. FIRST GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH. About 1842, the German Evangelical Protestant Congregation was organized, erecting a small house of worship, of stone, on the side of the hill north of Doctor Scott's residence, on North High street, which building, devoted to secular purposes, is still standing. In 1852, the Lutheran element withdrew and organized a separate congregation, and in 1855, the German Reformed element consolidated with the German Reformed Church, the latter having previously purchased the original Baptist Church structure, northwest corner of South Broadway and East Center streets, the two branches mutually working for the cancellation of the debt against the church property. REV. JACOB DAHLMAN, D. D., born at Barmen, Rhenish Prussia, April 11, 1831 ; in Spring of 1846 entered counting house in Elberfield, two years later emigrating with parents to Wooster, Ohio ; here he served a three years' apprenticeship to trade of tanner and currier, at which he worked several years as journeyman in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Michigan ; in 1855, entered Marshall College, at Lancaster, Pa., graduating in 1860 ; then for two years attended the thelogical seminary at Mercers-burg, Pa., graduating therefrom in 1862 ; ordained to the ministry by the Philadelphia Classis of the Reformed Church June 15, 1862, immediately organized a congregation in West Philadelphia, known as the German Evangelical Reformed Emanuel's Church, building a fine house of worship and parsonage, with a membership of 245 communicants ; also officiating as stated clerk of Philadelphia Classis 10 years, clerk of Synod, etc., receiving the degree of D. D. from Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa., in 1880. November, 1880, Dr. Dahlman was called to the pastorate of the First German Reformed Church in Akron, which, as will be seen elsewhere, he has served with eminent success to the present time, replacing the original frame church structure, erected in 1836, '37, with a fine brick edifice in 1890, '91. September 23, 1862, Mr. Dahlman was married to Miss Catharine M. Kopp, of Lancaster, Pa., who still survives. They have no children. Services were held on alternate Sundays in German and English, by their talented young minister, Rev. L. C. Edmunds, but after his resignation, services in the German language, only, AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 203 were maintained, with Rev. John F. Engelbach, as pastor. April 27, 1857, articles of incorporation were filed under the name of the "First German Reformed Church of Akron, Summit County, Ohio." In the Fall of 1858, the German portion of the congregation, bought the interest of the English portion in the church property, and are now the sole owners thereof. Mr. Engelbach resigned as pastor in 1860, followed by Rev. Robert Koehler, in 1861; Rev. J. D. Leeman, in 1864; Rev. John Baumgartner, in 1866; Rev. Christoph Schiller, in 1870; Rev. Julius Herold, in 1876; and Rev. Jacob Dahlman, D. D., the present incumbent, in 1880. In the tower of the church was a fine-toned 1200 pound bell, purchased by the citizens of Akron, in 1837, on condition that the then owners, the Baptists, should permit the "Town Council of Akron, and their successors in office, or their agents, thereunto lawfully authorized, to go in and out of the Baptist Church in Akron, free and unmolested forever, for the purpose of using said bell," said arrangement being ratified by the trustees of the church, Smith Burton, J. Rockwell, Robert K. DuBois, Richard Howe and Joseph Cole, November 15, 1837, and by the Town Council of Akron, November 23, 1837; and for many years this bell was rung morning, noon and night, at stated hours, in sounding fire alarms, announcing public meetings, times of holding court, etc. The society finally feeling the need of more room, in 1890, '91 replaced the old frame structure with an elegant brick edifice, of which a finely executed engraving is here given, the old "Town Bell" ringing as clearly from its lofty tower, as it did from the belfry of the old house when first suspended therein 54 years ago. The cost of the new building, with fixtures, organ and furniture complete, being $27,000. Dedicated May 3, 1891. The present membership of the church is 575; Sunday School scholars, 200; teachers 25. The society formerly, for several years, sustained a separate parochial school, but at present only maintains said school during the vacation of the public schools, teachers being paid by tuition fees from the pupils in attendance. Church services are in the German language, though the pastor conducts missionary services every month in English. This society has fine cemetery grounds (seven acres) of its own, "Mount Peace," on Aqueduct street, north of West Market street, one of the finest locations for burial purposes in the vicinity. 204 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. GRACE REFORMED CHURCH. This society was organized in the original Universalist Church, March 5, 1853, by Rev. N. Gher. In 1863 its first house of worship was established, by the purchase of the Congregational Church, of Middlebury, and removing it to a lot purchased for that purpose on South Broadway, south of Mill street. This building, comfortably fitted up, served the purposes of the society until 1881, when the present fine brick structure, 52x80 feet in size, was erected on the same site at a cost of $15,000. Successive pastors from one to three years each: Revs. N. Gher, P. J. Spangler, L. Edmunds, J. Schlosser, J. F. Helm, William McCaughey, W. H. H. Snyder, S. S. Miller, J. M. Mickley, and I. E. Graff. In 1868 Rev. Edward Herbruck assumed the pastorate, remaining four years, followed by Rev. M. Laucks, about two years, and by Rev. Emil P. Herbruck from April 1876, to September, 1886, Rev. J. B. Shontz succeeding January 1, 1887, to May 1, 1888 succeeded in turn, October 1, 1888, by Rev. R. C. Zartman, to April 12, 1891, succeeded by Rev. E. R. Williard, from Tiffin, July 1, 1891. Present membership 640; Sunday School scholars and teachers 600. GERMAN ZION'S LUTHERAN CHURCH. REV. WILLIAM H. LOTHMAN,— eldest son of Ernest and Clara Elizabeth Lothman was born in the village of Buer, Kingdom of Hanover, January 31, 1845, at two and a half years of age removing with parents to Cleveland, Ohio ; attended Cleveland parochial schools until confirmed, in 1858, when he entered Concordia College, at Fort Wayne, Ind., graduating therefrom in 1862 ; then entered Concordia University, at, St. Louis, Mo., from which he was graduated in June, 1866; August 19, of that year, ordained into the ministry, preaching in the German Lutheran Church, of Elyria, Lorain County, and Liverpool, Medina County, on alternate Sabbaths, six years ; in August, 1872, became pastor of Zion's Lutheran Church, in Akron, a fine new church edifice, and a commodious parish school building having been erected by the society during his pastorate. The sketch of the church here given will show the success of his nearly twenty years' pastorate in Akron. June 20, 1867, he was married to Miss Betty Husmann, daughter of Rev. F. W. Husmann, of Euclid, Ohio, who has borne him six children—Emma, Lydia, Ida, Edwin, Gertrude, and Clara, all still living at home. August 19, 1891, the silver anniversary of Mr. Lothman's ministry was duly celebrated by his parishoners, a number of his brother ministers from Cleveland and other points participating. This society was organized August 6, 1854, by Rev. P. J. Buehl. In 1855 the society purchased from the Disciples, the house and lot formerly belonging to the Congregationalists, corner South AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 205 High and Quarry streets'. Rev. G. Th. Gotsch succeeded Mr. Buehl, in 1864, the present incumbent, Rev. H. W. Lothman assuming the pastorate in 1872. The rapidly increasing membership making more room absolutely necessary, a fine new brick church, 50x100 feet in size, with a 150 feet spire, was erected on the site named, the old house being removed to the rear of the lot and relegated to the purposes of a Par ish School. The cost of the new edifice was $16,000. The house was dedicated on the 16th day of September, 1877, with impressive ceremonies. The society is composed of 250 families and about 700 communicants. Sunday afternoons the, pastor gives catechetical instruction to young and old. Society maintains a parish week day school, which children of members attend until confirmed, at the age of 13 or 14 years, when they are sent to the public schools. A new parish school house, a handsome two story brick building, was erected in 1889, the old frame house after continuous service for church and school purposes for 54 years, being razed to the ground. . THE SIXTH WARD CHURCH OF CHRIST. This society is an off-shoot from the High street Church of Christ, as elsewhere intimated. At a meeting held at Mershon's Hall, March 30, 1875, a letter of dismissal from the parent church was asked for, in which the memorialists said: " We are moved to fake this step by one motive, viz., for the greater usefulness in the cause of our Lord and Master. With many of us this is a painful duty, but a duty we think we owe to the community in which we reside, in order to a proper upholding and advancement of that cause we all profess to desire to see prosper." The letter was granted, and the new church was duly organized, to be known as the "Church of Christ in Middlebury," with 80 members, and the following officers: H. T. White, Mendal Jewett and Almon Brown, elders; Geo. F. Kent, and Thaddeus H. Botsford, deacons; F. W. Inman, C. H. Palmer, and R. Whitmore, financial committee; S. C. Inman, clerk; A. Thompson and William Youmans, ushers; F. W. Inman, Geo. F. Kent, R. Whitmore, M. Jewett and T. H. Botsford, trustees. In 1878 and 1879, a handsome brick church edifice was erected on Broad street at a cost of $6,000. Successive pastors of the church have been as follows: Elder H. J. White, two years; Elder Frank M. Green, half time from July, 1877, to April, 1888; Elder J. 206 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. W. James, April, 1878, one year; Elder W. H. Rogers, November, 1879, six month; Elder T. D. Butler, one year; Elder Jasper J. Moss, three months; Elder S. A. Wurts, six months, ending September 20, 1882; Elder A. B. Williams, April 1, 1883, to April 1, 1887; Elder J. J. Moss, three months; Elder Frank W. Norton, July 1, 1887, to February 1, 1890; S. C. Humphrey, June 1, 1890, to present time. The society was duly incorporated as the "Second Church of Christ, Akron, Ohio," September 1, 1887. Present officers: Elder, Charles T Inman; clerk, Edwin Corl; deacons: John Harrison, Sidney C. Inman, John B. DeHaven, George Viall, John Roberts, George F. Kent. Present membership, 150; scholars in Sunday School, 90; teachers, 10. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH. The English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity Was organized in the Spring of 1870, through the efforts of Rev. W. A. Passavant, D. D., of Pittsburg, and Rev. S. Laird, with about thirty members. The first regular pastor was Rev. U. P. Ruthrauff, during whose pastorate the beautiful gothic brick church edifice, on Prospect street, was erected, at a cost, including parsonage, of $ 45,000. The church was dedicated in June, 1872, soon after which Mr. Ruthrauff resigned, and was succeeded .by Rev. J. F. Fahs, October 2, 1872. After a service of nearly ten years, Mr. Fahs was succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. B. Helwig, four years, the present incumbent, Rev. M. J. Fiery, commencing his pastorate the Church is 425; scholars in December 1, 1886. The present membership of Sunday School, 450; teachers, 25. GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH. This society was organized in 1887, by Rev. A. J. Bucher, a small but neat and convenient house of worship having previously been erected on the corner of East Exchange and Pearl streets which was dedicated December 12, 1886, Rev. J. C. Gerlach, the present Pastor, succeeding Mr. Bucher, October 6, 1888. Present membership, 55 ; Sunday School scholars, 60; teachers, 12. All services in German. THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH. This society was organized in October, 1882, by Rev. J. Excell, with 12 members and one Sunday School scholar. A snug little house of worship, 30x45 feet in size, was built on the corner of Hill AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 207 and James streets in 1884, at a cost for lot and building, of $3,200. Successive Pastors : J. Excell, one year ; S Castorline, two years ; H. J. Becker, one year ; C. Whitney, two years ; C. N. Queen 1888, 1889; Rev. Vernon L. Fry, September 1889 to September 1890; Rev. J. F. Shepard, September 1890 to present time. Present membership, 230; Sunday School scholars, 150; teachers and officers 14. CALVARY EVANGELICAL CHURCH. This society was organized in 1866, by Rev. H. F. S. Sichley, with 14 members, Benjamin Stahl, leader. In 1867 it was made a Mission, by Conference, under charge of Mr. Sichley. A church edifice was commenced the same year, and the basement completed and dedicated October 6, 1867, by Presiding Elder, Rev. John Stull, the main audience room being dedicated May 3, 1868, by Bishop Joseph Long; the structure, outside of considerable work and material contributed by individual members, costing about $4,000. This house though considerably enlarged and improved, being still inadequate to the rapidly growing needs of the society, an entirely new church edifice was erected in 1888-'89 on the front end of the lot, corner of Bartges and Coburn streets. Size of building (frame) 54x100 feet, its cost being $12,340; seating capacity 1,000. Successive Pastors since organization: Revs. Jesse Lerch, A. Swartz, H. E. Strauch, A. E. Driesbach, S. S. Condo, A. Vandersoll, L. W. Hankey, J. B. Kanaga, S. S. Condo, D. C. Eckerman, J. A. Hensel, and E. M. Spreng, the latter assuming the pastorate in September .1890. Present members of Church, 390; teachers and scholars in Sunday School, 500, ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH. At quite an early day, the construction of the Public Works of Ohio centering a large Catholic element at this point, Catholic services were occasionally held in the private houses of the members of that faith. Father Henni, afterwards Archbishop of Milwaukee, 1835, coming on horseback from Cincinnati and saying mass in the cabin of the late James McAllister, then living in the village of Akron; Rev. J. B. Purcell, afterwards Archbishop of Cincinnati, Rev. Louis De Groesbriand, Father McLaughlin, Father Basil Short and others, holding services from time to time, the latter attending to the baptising of children, etc., from 1837 to 1842. A small frame house was commenced on Green street, in 1843, by Father M. Howard, who retained charge of the congregation to 1844. Father Cornelius Daly in charge from 1845 to 1848, enlarged and finished the house begun by Father Howard, Father Daly being the first resident pastor. Succceeding pastors have been Rev. Cassina Moavet, October 1848 to June 1850; Father Goodwin, June to December, 1850; Rev. Francis McGann, December, 1850 to August 1855; Rev. L. Molon, January, 1856, followed by Rev. Thomas Walsh and Rev. W. O'Connor for about three years; Rev. M. A. Scanlon from July, 1859 to November, 1873; Rev. Timothy Mahoney from November, 1873, to August 1, 1880, at which time the present incumbent, Rev. T. F. Mahar, assumed the pastorate of the congregation. 208 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. REV. THOMAS F. MAHAR, D. D., —son o f Thomas and Ann (Hart) Mahar, both natives of the United States, was born at Scranton, Pa., September 28, 1851, in 1862 entered St. Mary's College, in Cleveland, where he remained four years, then attended St. Louis College, at Louisville, Stark County, three years. In 1869 he went to Rome, Italy, where he pursued his ecclesiastical studies six years, there receiving the degrees of Ph. D. and D. D. In 1875 came to Cleveland, where he was made Assistant Pastor in St. John's Cathedral, serving in that capacity five years. August 1, 1880, by appointment of Bishop Gilmour, Father Mahar became the Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, of Akron, his ministrations having been attended with signal success to the present time, as will be seen by the history of the church, given elsewhere, not only having charge of St. REV. Vincent de Paul's Church proper, on West Market Street, with a mem- 100 families, (soon to be erected into bership of 275 families, but of St. an independent parish), with his Mary's division, on South Main brother, Rev. William G. Mahar, as Street, with a membership of nearly his assistant. On St. Patrick's Day, 1864, the present imposing stone church edifice, 50x100 feet in size, corner of West Market and Maple streets was begun, the exact date of its dedication not being remembered by the writer. The architecture is of the Roman order, the interior being handsomely stuccoed, and its twelve large windows being of elaborately stained glass, emblematical of sacred Bible characters and scenes, the keystone of each window arch, upon the outside, being the finely carved head of some of the more prominent Saints of the Roman Calendar. The tower, and the furnishing have not yet been fully completed, though the tower now contains a large, fine-toned bell, placed there by the congregation, and a first-class clock, procured by general contributions of citizens. The estimated cost of building, when complete is $50,000. This society has a handsomely laid-out cemetery, fronting on West Market street, opposite Portage road, consisting of about seven acres of ground, the original cost of which was not far from $2,500. The society also in 1887 erected, immediately east of the church, an elegant brick parsonage, at a cost of $5,000. The congregation consists of 275 families, or 1,500 souls. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHAPEL OF EASE To accommodate the rapidly increasing "South End" membership of the above named society, St. Mary's Division was organized and a fine brick building, 36x62 feet in size, two stories high, was erected in 1887, on South Main Street, opposite McCoy Street, in- which, besides being used for a parish school, as elsewhere stated, Father Mahar has hitherto held regular services every Sunday afternoon, but is now assisted in his ministrations to that AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 209 branch of the Church, by his brother, Rev. William G. Mahar. There are at present connected with this division 100 families, or about 500 souls. It is the intention to erect a commodious brick church edifice upon the same lot at an early day. ST. BERNARD'S CHURCH. Originally all of the different nationalities subscribing to the Roman Catholic faith, residing here, were embodied in the one church organization of St. Vincent de Paul. Owing to the rapidly increasing German element in that denomination, an amicable separation was effected in 1861, twenty-three families, of the German-speaking portion, at that time forming a new society, under the title of " St. Bernard's Catholic Church. " The new society was placed in charge of Rev. Father Loure, of St. Peter's Church, Cleveland, by whom the corner-stone of a new church, northeast corner of South Broadway and Center streets, was laid in 1862. The new church was completed and occupied in January, 1863. REV. JOHN B. BROUN, D. D.,— born in Rening, France, March 2, 1834, moving with parents to Monroe, Mich., in 1847 ; at 20 entered Assumption College, at t andwich, Ontario, remaining there three years; then entered St.• Thomas College, near Bardstown, Ky., from which he graduated in 1859; then spent one year in St. Mary's College, Cleveland, studied Theology at Assumption College three years, ordained priest in 1863, and located at Eagle Harbor, Mich., with a territory 55 miles in length, embracing three churches, sixteen missions and over 1,000 families, in making his semimonthly visits to the churches and monthly visits to the missions often traveling long distances on foot. In 1866, Father Broun assumed the pastorate of St. Bernard's Church, in Akron, in whose spiritual and temporal interests, for over a quarter of a century, with the exception of two brief visits to Europe, in 1873 and 1890, success, as fully set forth in the his-he has labored with phenomenal tory of that church, elsewhere given. First cost of structure not remembered, but accessions and improvements to the church property have since been made as follows: 1865, residence of pastor, $2,200; 1866, cemetery, 41/2 acres, $2,500; 1867, school house, $1,400; 1868, renovation of church, $1,150; 1870, two bells, $1,350; 1874, necessary improvements, $1,200; 1877, bell tower, $2,600 ; frescoing church, $400 ; large bell, $946 ; other improvements, $200; 1880, addition to the church, $12,000; enlargement, heating, etc., of parsonage, $4,000; interior of church—altars, statues, candelabra, etc., $3,000. As will be seen by an item in a preceding chapter, the society has recently purchased two large lots abutting on South Broadway, Center and State streets, at a cost of $9,000, on which it has erected a parish school building 210 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. costing $35,000, and on the south part of which it is the intention of the society to build an imposing church edifice, or cathedral, the near future.     Pastors of church since Father Loure: 1862, Rev. Louis Shiele he first regular pastor; 1863, Rev. Peter Donnerhoffe; 1866, the present incumbent, Rev. John Broun. Present membership between 400 and 500 families or nearly 2000 souls. Children in schools about 500. AKRON HEBREW CONGREGATION. Though a number, of Hebrew merchants commenced doing business in Akron as early as 1845, and that class of our population increased from year to year, no steps were taken towards the organization of a congregation of that faith until 1865. April 2, of that year, a legal organization was effected, with Michael Joseph, Theo. Rice, J. L. Joseph, S. B. Hopfman, Simon Joseph, H. W. Moss, Isaac Levi, S. M. Ziesel, Moses Joseph, Herman F. Hahn, J. N. Leopold, D. Leopold, Louis Calish, Caufman Koch and Jacob Koch, as charter members. Being reluctant to call upon other denominations, or the public generally, in providing for themselves a house of worship, for four years after its organization th association had no fixed place for holding its meetings, but in 1869 fitted up a room in the third story of Allen's block for synagogue and school purposes. This was occupied until 1874, when ne rooms were fitted up in Clark's block, on the opposite side of Howard street, which, in turn, gave place to still more comma dious quarters in the third story of the new Barber block, corner of Howard and Cherry streets, in 1880, over $1,000 being expended in fitting up the latter, nearly as much more, probably, being expended upon the two former. In 1885 the former house of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, on South High street, was purchased for the sum of $4,500, and refitted for a Jewish Temple, at an additional cost of $2,000. In this purchase and improvement, outside aid- to the extent of $2,500 was accepted from citizens generally, the members of this society ever doing their full share in the business and benevolent enterprises of the day. The congregation some time ago purchased land for burial purposes, adjoining the Akron Rural Cemetery, on the west, but afterwards transferred the same to the Cemetery Association, in exchange for a section of the southeast corner of the cemeter grounds, paying the association $1,000 additional in money. The Jewish population in Akron is probably about 300 souls 175 of whom are adherents of this branch of the church, th remainder, composed mostly of other nationalities than the German, being known as Orthodox Jews," which has no Rabinical head at the present time. The number of paying members—heads of families—of the High Street Society is about 125, with about 40 Sabbath School scholars, the children attending the public schools during the week, the Rabbi giving them lessons in German and Hebrew four times a week, the regular religious services of the congregation being held on Friday evening of each week. Successive ministers to the congregation have been: Revs. N. Hirsch, N. L. Holstein, AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 211 J. Jesselson, A. Suhler, A. Schreier, A. Burgheim, S. M. Fleischman, B. Rabbino and Rabbi Joseph Wasserman, the present incumbent. WEST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. About 1885, owing to the rapid increase of the protestant population in the west part of the city, and especially in view of the somewhat plethoric status of the First Congregational Society worshiping on South High street, a new society upon the West Side began to be talked of when Mr. Lorenzo Hall generously proposed to donate a lot for the proposed new church, on the northwest corner of West Market and North Balch streets. The proposition was accepted, and a tasty frame structure, 50x50 feet in size, with light and airy Sunday School rooms in basement, was completed in December, 1887, at a cost of $6,300. The church was duly organized April 12, 1888, with 65 members from the parent society, and others, the present membership of the new society (August, 1891), being 225; Sunday School teachers and scholars, 400. May 13, 1888, Rev. David T. Thomas, a graduate of Lane REV. DAVID T. THOMAS,—second son of Thomas E. and Margaret Thomas, was born in Penycae, Monmouthshire, South Wales, July 20, 1857, emigrating with parents to Mineral Ridge, Mahoning County, Ohio, in 1864, three years later moving to Brookfield, Trumbull County, working at coal mining; in 1876 worked on farm near West Farmington ; in 1877 attended commercial college in Youngstown ; then clerked in grocery store in Sharon, Pa., fifteen months ; in 1879 entered preparatory department of Western Reserve College, at Hudson, going to Cleveland on removal of college thither, and graduating from Adelbert University in June, 1885. In Fall of that year entered Lane Theological Seminary, at Cincinnati, graduating therefrom in May, 1888, previous to graduation accepting- call to the pastorate of the West Congregational Church of Akron, entering upon his ministerial labors May 13, 1888, and continuing to the present time. January 5, 1889, Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Millie H. Alexander, daughter of the late David S. and Sarah (Hale) Alexander. They have one child—Ruth born June 19, 1891. 212 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. Theological Seminary, at Cincinnati, became the pastor of the new church (his first regular charge,) though not as yet regularly installed. Taken all in all, the West Congregational Church is one of the most prosperous of the younger religious societies in the city. AFRICAN M. E. ZION CHURCH. For a number of years the colored people of Akron have maintained, with more or less vigor, distinct religious organizations, the present society known as the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, having been in existence some twelve or fifteen years, At first-meetings were held in private houses and halls, but after the erection of the present Perkins School building, the old frame school house was purchased and removed to the present site of Andrew Jackson's lumber office, on Exchange street, east of Ohio Canal. This point being needed for business purposes, about 1882, through the aid and under the auspices of the Ladies' Home Missionary Society, a lot was purchased on South High street, between Cedar and Chestnut streets, and the house in question removed thereto and duly fitted up and furnished. For some time church and Sunday School services were conducted under the auspices of the white ladies of the Missionary Society, but now wholly by the colored people themselves regular morning and evening services every Sunday, with Sunday School in the afternoon. Among the pastors of this church have been Rev. P. R. Anderson, five years; Rev. Charles H. Docket, one year; Rev. A. B. Mathews, two years; Rev. P. R. Anderson (second time), one year; Rev. J. H. McMullen, one year, and present incumbent, Rev. George Cliff. Present trustees (1891): Isham Smith, Milton Taylor, .Richard Jones, James Morrison, Wilson Gross. Present membership, 25; Sunday School scholars, 25; teachers, 5. SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH (COLORED). This society has been organized about 10 years, but having no house of worship of its own, meetings are at present held in a hall on Howard street, Rev. Cheatham, of Cleveland, officiating every other Sunday. Membership, 25; Sunday School scholars and teachers, 40. TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH. The rapidly increasing population of the region known as "North Hill," rendering better church, and Sunday School facilities an imperative necessity, a Union Sabbath School was organized, and a suitable building for general religious services erected on North Howard street extension in 1889. The interest manifested in this enterprise by the people of that vicinity, soon created a demand for distinctive church privileges, and on October 1, 1890, Rev. E. D. Wettach organized Trinity Reformed Church, with a present membership of 150, and a Sunday School of 270 scholars and teachers, a Sunday School building, with seating capacity for 350 having been erected at a cost of $3,800 with the intention of adding thereto a more commodious church structure at an early day. NORTH HILL M. E. CHURCH. February 1, 1891, Rev. O. A. Curry organized, in the Union Sunday School House, a new M. E. Church, under the above title, AKRON'S CHURCH HISTORY - 213 the present pastor being Rev. Mark G. McCaslin, of Kent. Present membership, 60: Sun day School scholars (union) 75 to 100. This new society have secured a lot at corner of North Howard street and Tallmadge avenue and have already (July, 1891) a fund of $3,000 towards the erection of a house of worship. Trustees: Wilson Treash, George L. Hanks, George Rittenhouse, Henry Zink, Robert Turner, Andrew Jackson and B. C. Herrick—Treash and Zink, leaders. WABASH AVENUE CHURCH OF CHRIST. The young people of the High Street Church of Christ, feeling the necessity of Missionary work in the southwestern portion of the city, in June, 1889, organized a Mission Sunday School in that locality, with such marked success that on Sunday, July 12, 1891, a handsome chapel, corner of Wabash and Euclid avenues, costing $2,400, was dedicated. The Sunday School membership is now (July, 1891) 140 with 12 teachers and officers. Church organization, proper, not yet perfected. SOUTH MAIN STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST. This is also a Mission enterprise, organized in March, 1891, under the auspices of the High Street Church of Christ, services thus far having been held in the Falor school house, though the erection of a house of worship at an early day is in contemplation. Present membership (July, 1891) 58; Sunday School scholars (union) 91; teachers and officers, 15. SHERBONDY HILL CHURCH OF CHRIST. Organized February 1, 1891; present place of worship Sherbondy Hill school house, Rev. Wellington Besaw; present membership (July, 1891), 21; Sunday School scholars, 100. EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Organized under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod, by Rev. E. M. Engers, of Defiance, in Germania Hall, on Sunday, July 12, 1891, with a membership of 14. Temporary officers; Frank Werner, president; Fred Albright, secretary; Christian Reinhard, treasurer. OLD FORGE SUNDAY SCHOOL. Under the auspices of the First Congregational Church, in which a union Sunday School is maintained with about 180 scholars, and regular preaching by Rev. Clinton W. Wilson. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH. Organized May, 1890, in hall, 200 East Market street; Rev. George E. Burnell, pastor; Trustees: Herbert P, Hitchcock, chairman, Charles M. Huntley, Earl D. Shepard; membership 50; Sunday School 50. 214 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN BETHANY CHURCH. Organized January 29, 1889: Services every other Sunday by Rev. G. M. Nilseneus, of Cleveland; deacons, John Petterson, Nels Nelson, Nels Bengtson; trustees, Gustof Carlson, Gustof Johnson, John Olson; church edifice on Roswell street, 28x45, two stories and basement, erected in 1891; membership 75; Sunday School 78. CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. At a special meeting of the Cleveland Presbytery, in 1891, a committee, consisting of Revs. Edward Layport, A. J. Hall, Charles S. Pomeroy and John C. Elliott, were appointed to look over the ground, with the view of organizing a new Presbyterian Church in the central portion of the city. It is understood that the committee is meeting with such encouragement, in the way of pledges. that an organization will soon be effected, and a commodious house of worship erected, though the exact location has not yet been definitely decided upon. AKRON MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION. This Association has been in existence several years, its aim and object tersely stated in article 2, of its Constitution, as follows: "To cultivate mutual acquaintance and the social element; to discuss local and social problems, and to secure, as far as possible, harmony and united action on questions of public expediency." At first the constitution provided that all resident ministers, in good and regular standing in their respective denominations, might become members by invitation of the Association, through its Secretary, but an amendment, passed September 8, 1885, extended the privileges of the Association to all clergymen resident in Summit County. The officers are: president, vice president and secretary, elected annually. Regular meetings are held every two weeks, except during the months of July and August, with such special meeting as the best interests of the Association may seem to demand. The meetings of the Association are open to all, and its proceedings are participated in by the ministers of the religious denominations of the city and county, and is a very useful organization, not only in a social and fraternal point of view, but in securing unity of action in regard to the promotion of the religious and moral questions and reforms of the day. CHAPTER XI. AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS-A TRULY LITERARY CENTER-ANCIENT MIDDLEBURY THE PIONEER, IN 1825 -THE "PORTAGE JOURNAL"-HUDSON AND CUYAHOGA FALLS SOON FOLLOW-AKRON ALSO EARLY ON THE TAPIS- THE "AKRON POST," ESTABLISHED IN 1836--THE "AKRON JOURNAL"-THE "AMERICAN BALANCE "-THE CELEBRATED "AKRON BUZZARD "--THE " SUMMIT BEACON," ITS STRUGGLES, REVERSES AND SUCCESSES FOR HALF A CENTURY- THE "AMERICAN DEMOCRAT" AND ITS NUMEROUS PROGENY-THE "CASCADE ROARER"-THE " SUMMIT COUNTY JOURNAL "-THE "AKRON CITY TIMES," AND SCORES OF OTHER NEWSPAPER VENTURES, BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL-AN ENTERTAINING AND INSTRUCTIVE CHAPTER. SUMMIT COUNTY'S NEWSPAPERS. THE first newspaper venture in what is now Summit Count was in the village of Middlebury, now the flourishing Sixth Ward of Akron, in 1825. The Ohio Canal project was then agitating the local public mind, it being thought that if that great water highway from Lake Erie to the Ohio River, could be brought through, or within a mile and a half of, that ancient emporium, fortunes for its inhabitants would speedily be made. Hence an active and intelligent young printer from Ravenna, by the name of Laurin Dewey, proposed to boom the project by the publication of the Ohio Canal Advocate, if the people of the village would aid him in procuring the necessary outfit. Accordingly, a subscription paper was started., worded as follows: "We, the subscribers, being anxious for the prosperity of this section of the country, and for the dissemination of useful information generally, do severally agree to pay the sums set opposite our respec five names, for the purchase of a printing press, types, etc., and the erection of a printing establishment in the village of Middlebury, under the direction of Mr. Laurin Dewey, who will edit a weekly paper devoted to the general interests of the country, advertising, etc., the columns to be enriched by foreign and domestic news, religious intelligence, poetry, etc; the sums so paid by us to be considered in the light of a loan, to be repaid whenever the editor shall consider himself able to do so." Signatures to above, and amounts paid by each are as follows: Charles Sumner, $10; Erastus Torrey, $10; Henry Chittenden, $5; Nathan Gillett, Jr., $5; Rufus Hart, $3; Edward Sumner, $10; Samuel Newton, $10; Charles W. Brown, 5; Benajah A. Allen, $3; Phineas Pettis, 5; Elijah Mason, $5; John McMillen, Jr., $10; Spencer & Morgan, $15; Alexander C. Lawson, $2; William McGallard, $2; D. W. Williams, $5; Thomas C. Viall, $2; Jacob Kaufman, $5; Jesse Allen, $4; Ithiel Mills, $3; Amos Spicer, $4 William Bell, $3; Roswell, Kent & Co., $5; Henry Squires, $5; Elisha Farnam, $5; Joseph W. Brown, $5; Horatio Howard, $5; Ambrose Cotter, $5; Henry Rhodes, $3; William Phelps, $2; William J. Hart, $3; R. and S. McClure, $5; Theophilus Potter, $2; Joshua Richards, $2; Bagley & Humphrey, $10; Leonard Chatfield, $2; David Jones, $2; Julius A. Sumner, $3; Miner. Spicer, $4; Alpheus Hart, $1; Paul Williams $2; Guerdon Geer, $5. Total $204. 216 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. With this fund an old style Ramage press, and a quantity of second-hand materials were purchased from the Cleveland Herald, the entire outfit being transported overland in a couple of two-horse wagons. In the meantime Mr. Ozias Bowen, (uncle of the late Hiram Bowen, founder of the BEACON, as hereinafter detailed), for many years Common Pleas Judge of Marion County, became associated with Mr. Dewey in the enterprise; and the canal question having already been settled, the name of the projected paper was changed to the Portage Journal. The first number was issued September 28, 1825, Mr. Dewey having meantime transferred his interest to Elijah Mason. The size of the Journal was 19x24, an inch less each way than one-half the size of the DAILY BEACON. The price was " two dollars per annum, (exclusive of postage) if payment be made within a year, or two dollars and fifty cents if payment be delayed until the year expires. No paper will be discontinued until all arrearages are paid." In politics the Journal was independent, with strong anti-Jackson proclivities. October 27, 1826, Mr. Bowen transferred his interest to Mr. John McMillen, Jr., the new firm of McMillen & Mason changing the name of the paper to the Portage Journal and Weekly Advertiser. This was a pretty long name for so small a paper. A year later, with number 109, Mr. Mason transferred his interest to Alvah Hand, Esq., then practicing law in Middlebury. McMillen & Hand continued the paper until January or February, 1829, when, finding that it could not be made self-supporting, it was discontinued, the materials being sold to parties in Massillon. In subsequent chapters upon Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls, will be found brief histories of the Western Intelligencer (1827); the Ohio Observer (1832); the Family Visitor (1850); Hudson Gazette (1857); College City. Venture (1866); Hudson Enterprise (1875); and at Cuyahoga Falls, of the Ohio Review (1833); True American (1840); the Cuyahoga Falls Reporter (1870); Weekly Journal (1881); Hudson Express (1888), etc., which need not be further alluded to here. Previous to its incorporation, in March, 1836, Akron was entirely destitute of local newspaper facilities, being entirely dependent upon the papers of Ravenna, Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls, for such legal or business notices as were required to be published. The act of incorporation was passed March 12, 1836, and immediately thereafter a practical printer from Medina, Mr. Madison H. White, removed his Ramage press and types to Akron, and on March 23 issued the first number of the Akron Post. The Post was a five column weekly, Democratic in politics, and, considering that its proprietor was editor, compositor, reporter, pressman, job printer and " devil," it was a very fair exponent of the business and local interests of the village at that time. But as all official advertising had to be done in the papers at the county seat, the local paper did not receive the support anticipated; and the Post was suspended November 15, 1836. The Akron Journal.—Deeming the continuance of a Democratic paper essential to the interests of the Democratic party, the l ate Judge Constant Bryan, then an ambitious young lawyer, and, AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS - 217 like the writer, a somewhat active Democratic politician, bought the out-fit of the defunct Post, and on the 1st day of December, 1836, revived the paper under the name of the Akron Journal. While of the same general make-up as the Post, the Journal was far more ably conducted, but the proper business and pecuniary support was not forthcoming, and the Journal, too, after an existence of about six months, was discontinued June 15, 1837. The American Balance. — In so stirring and promising, and withal so strongly Whig a town as Akron, it would, of course, never do to let the Democrats enjoy a monopoly of the newspaper business, and so Horace K. Smith, an educated business man of Akron, and Gideon G. Galloway, of Northampton, a practical printer, procured a second-hand out-fit in Cleveland, purchased and repaired the crippled Ohio Observer press, alluded to in the chapter on Hudson, and issued the first number of the American Balance on the 19th day of August, 1837. In February, Mr. Hiram Bowen, a vigorous writer, and a practical printer, purchased Mr. Galloway's interest in the paper. Messrs. Smith & Bowen made the Balance a paper that ought to have succeeded, but it, too, soon met an adverse fate, owing doubtless to the monetary panic then on, and the failure-inviting custom then in vogue among newspaper men, of giving universal credit for both subscriptions and advertising, and the Balance was suspended at the end of the first year, August 9, 1838. The Akron Buzzard.—The history of this curiously named and, in its day, quite notorious little paper is thus briefly stated: A young Connecticut Yankee, by the name of Samuel Alanson Lane, then a recent comer to Akron, seeing the great amount of crookedness so prevalent along the line of the canal, at that early day, and especially in and about Akron, conceived the idea that a paper devoted especially to that end would greatly, aid the authorities in ridding the town and county from the hordes of blacklegs, counterfeiters and thieves infesting and disgracing the community. Though following the business of a sign and ornamental painter, Mr. Lane had previously acquired a smattering of the art of printing, and obtaining from the late Judge Bryan permission to use the press and types of the defunct Journal, on the 7th day of September, 1837, issued, as a feeler, the first number of the Akron Buzzard. It was a three column folio, 12x17 inches, published every two weeks at 75 cents per year, doubled in size and price raised to one dollar at the beginning of the second year. The editorial nom de plume was "Jedediah Brownbread, Esq.," its orthography being of the Yankee dialect order, of which the abominable styles of Artemas Ward," "Josh Billings," "Petroleum V. Nasby," "Judge Waxem," etc., are fairly good imitations, and to this day Mr. Lane is more frequently saluted as "Jedediah," by his old-time associates, than by his own proper cognomen. The Buzzard's Platform - Translated into ordinary language, the following extract from its salutatory fully sets forth the aims and objects of the paper: "The Buzzard will be a real jolly, nothing-to-do-with-politics, anti-blackleg paper, devoted to news, popular tales, miscellany, anecdotes, satire, poetry, humor, the correction.of public morals, etc. It will strike at the vices of 218 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. mankind with an occasional brush at its follies. It will expose crime whether Committed by the great or small, and applaud virtuous and noble actions whether performed by the rich or poor. It will encourage the honest man in well-doing and make a transparency of the breast of the hypocrite. In short, it will be to society what the common buzzard is to our Southern cities, viz.: It will pounce upon, and by its influence endeavor to reform, or remove, such loafers as are nuisances in the community, by holding them up to the gaze of a virtuous public." The Buzzard made things lively for the "b'hoys" and the "b'hoys" sometimes made things pretty lively for the Buzzard—or rather its editor visiting him with threatenings dire, vindictive lyings-in-wait and frequent assaults. But though literally carrying his life in his hand, in his editorial onslaught upon crime and vice, "Jedediah" pursued the even tenor of his way from day to day; and from month to month, for a year and a half, when, having accomplished the object of its mission, the Buzzard was-discontinued on the 25th day of February, 1839—not for want of patronage, for it was self-sustaining from the start—its subscription list being transferred to Hiram Bowen, Esq., who was thus able to resuscitate his own paper, under the title of the Summit Beacon, a full history of which will be found further on. The Pestalozzian. — From the start, Akron was well supplied with enthusiastic educators, among them being our venerable fellow citizen, Nahum Fay, Esq.:, the late Horace K. Smith, and a very proficient teacher by the name of S. L. Sawtell. For the purpose of enthusing the people with their own advanced ideas upon the subject of education, and of systematizing the methods of imparting knowledge and conducting public schools, the two latter gentlemen, on the 14th day of April, 1838, commenced the publication of a neat monthly quarto under the above title. Though ably edited, being in advance of the times, and by reason of the 'monetary stringency then on, it failed to secure a paying circulation, and was discontinued with the issue of its sixth number; September 30, 1838. The Ohian and New Era. — The question of finance and banking was one of the absorbing subjects of discussion and legislative tinkering of 50 years ago. To ventilate his own peculiar views upon the subject, and doubtless with an honest desire to ameliorate the financial embarrassments of the people, the late Jonathan F. Fenn, an early business man of Akron, (who died of cholera at Sacramento, Cal., in the fall of 1850), for a short time in 1838, published a small semi-monthly paper in Akron, under the above title, devoted to Free Banking, but though ably (from its standpoint) handling the financial questions of the day, it failed of financial success, and quietly expired. Glad Tidings and Ladies' Universalist Magazine. — This was a sprightly semi-monthly quarto, /published in Akron, in the interest of the Universalist faith, during the years 1838, 1839 and 1840. It was ably edited by S. A. Davis, N. Doolittle and J. Whitney, and besides being a vigorous and aggressive exponent of the doctrine of universal salvation, was a most excellent literary and general local newspaper. At the close of 1840, the paper was transferred to Cincinnati and its name changed to "The Star in the West," where it continued to shine, in the interest of that AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS - 219 denomination, until about the year, 1881, when, for reasons unknown to the writer, it was discontinued. HON. HIRAM BOWEN,—born in Strobridge, Mass., April 29, 1815, removing with parents to Ohio, when young, settling at "Old Forge;" in 1825, entered the printing office of his uncle, Judge Ozias Bowen, publisher of Middlebury's pioneeer paper, the Portage Journal, herein alluded to, as an apprentice. In 1838, in company with Horace K. Smith, published the American Balance in Akron, and in April 1839, on his own account, established the Summit Beacon, which he ably conducted until its sale to other parties, in 1845, though continuing to officiate as its editor one or two years longer. Mr. Bowen represented Summit County in the Ohio Legislature during the session of 1845, '46. In 1849 Mr. Bowen removed to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he edited the Janesville Gazette for several years, afterwards becoming manager of extensive Agricultural Works in that city. His health becoming seriously impaired Mr. Bowen finally retired to a large farm in South Dakota. Early in 1886, he went to Los Angeles, Cal., to visit his son, Mr. W. P. Bowen, a postal clerk on the Southern Pacific R. R., where he died March 20, 1886, at the age of 70 years and 11 months. Another son, W. S. Bowen, is one of the proprietors of the Daily Press and Dakotian, at Yankton, Dakota. The Summit Beacon. — This paper, the direct and legitimate successor of the American Balance, was started on the 15th day of April, 1839, on a pledge of adequate support from the business men of Akron, and the leaders of the Whig party within the limits of the prospective new county of Summit, for the erection of which it at once became a vigorous and successful advocate. But notwithstanding the pledges of support, and of official patronage, after the organization of the new county, the Beacon in common with the newspapers of the county, generally, had a hard struggle for existence for several years, yet though three times totally destroyed by fire, and hampered with pecuniary embarassments, the Reliable Old Weekly Beacon, has never missed an issue during the fifty-two years of its existence, though slightly diminished in dimensions, while recovering from its disasters, and is to-day at the very head of the weekly papers in Ohio. In May, 1844, Mr. Bowen sold the BEACON to Mr. Richards S. Elkins, previously connected with the Ohio Star, at Ravenna. Mr. Bowen continued to act as editor, until April, 1845, when he was succeded by Laurin Dewey, Esq., a brother-in-law of Mr. Elkins, who also purchased a half interest in the concern. Mr. Dewey, it will be recollected, was the originator of Middlebury's 220 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. first newspaper scheme, as above set forth; having in the mean time been connected with the Ohio Star, as proprietor and editor, and also served two terms as sheriff of Portage County. April 2, 1846, Mr. Dewey was elected warden of the Ohio penitentiary, but retained his interest in the BEACON until its recovery from the fire of June 9, 1848, when the establishment wa sold by Messrs. Dewey & Elkins to John Teesdale, Esq., forme editor of the Ohio State Journal, at Columbus, Mr. Dewey remov ing to Iowa, (where he died September 10, 1868), and Mr. Elkins forming a partnership with Mr. Joseph A. Beebe in the book and drug business. Under the able management of Mr. Teesdale the BEACON became the organ of the newly formed Republican party, in 1855, a partnership haying in the meantime been formed between Mr. Teesdale and Beebe & Elkins, the new book, drug and printing firm being Elkins, Teesdale & Co. February 27, 1856, Mr. Teesdale sold his interest to his co-partners, Beebe & Elkins, but continued to act as editor until his remoyal to Des Moines, Iowa, where he was elected State printer, postmaster, etc., May 1, 1856, and was succeeded in the editorial chair by Hon. James Carpenter until his accession to the Common Pleas Judgship, October, 1856, when ex-Senator Ashel H. Lewis, of Ravenna, assumed the position which he ably filled, with Mr. R. S. Elkins as associate editor, about four years. HON. ASAHEL HOOKER LEWIS, —a native of Farmington, Conn., and a graduate of Yale 'College, soon after graduating coming to Ohio ; for a time associated with J. A. Harris in the editorial management of the Cleveland Herald, and later editing the Ohio Star at Ravenna. Mr. Lewis was also a lawyer of considerable ability, for a time practicing in Cincinnati. While a resident of Ravenna, in October, 1846, Mr. Lewis was elected State Senator for Portage and Summit Counties, serving two years. In 1856, he remoyed to Akron, and became the editor-inchief of the SUMMIT COUNTY BEACON, then published by Joseph A. Beebe and Richard S. Elkins, holding the positon until 1861. In July, 1861, he was appointed, by Gov. William Dennison, Probate Judge of Summit County, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge William M. Dodge, holding the position until the following October. Mr. Lewis then removed to St. Louis, where he was given a prominent position upon the editorial staff of the St. Louis Democrat, then the only Republican paper in the South, ably sustaining the government against the slave-holders' rebellion, until his death in September, 1862. On retiring from the office of sheriff, in January, 1861, Mr. Samuel A. Lane, superseded Mr. Lewis as editor of the BEACON. Mr. Lane, by giving more attention to local matters than his predecessors had done, and by the large amount of space devoted to the writings and doings of Summit County's "boys in blue," AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS - 221 during the war, increased the circulation of the paper from 1,300 to 2,500 copies weekly, the first two years. In January, 1865, Mr. Lane and Mr. Horace G, Canfield each bought a one-third interest from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, the name of the firm being Elkins, Lane & Co. In January, 1867,. Albertis L. Paine and Denis J. Long, two former BEACON boys, who, on being mustered out of the army, had established the Summit County Journal, as elsewhere noted, bought the remaining one-third interest in the BEACON from Messrs. Beebe & Elkins, the firm now being changed to Lane, Canfield & Co. In the Winter of 1868, Thomas C. Raynolds, then just graduated from the Michigan University, was employed as assistant editor, and with the exception of a brief interruption, from 1870 to 1872, has been connected with the establishment ever since. The Akron Daily Beacon.—In the meantime Akron had increased from a village of 5,500 inhabitants to a city of 10,000 in 1869, with manufacturing and commercial activities to match. Something faster than a weekly local paper was demanded, and on the 6th day of December 1869, the first number of the AKRON DAILY BEACON was issued by Messrs. Lane, Canfield & Co., with Mr. Lane as editor-in-chief, Mr. Raynolds as assistant editor, Mr. Canfield as business manager, and superintendent of machinery, and Messrs. Long and Paine, superintendents of job department& respectively. DENNIS J. LONG,-born in Albany, N. Y., November 28, 1844 ; at 15, came to Akron with his brother, J. A. Long; in 1859, entered BEACON office, as an apprentice, serving between three and four years ; in August, 1862, enlisted in Co. H., 104th 0. V. I., serving as a private soldier, until February, 1864, when he was appointed to a clerkship in the office of Gen. Schofield, in the Department of the Ohio, serving till the close of the war, being mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., June 28, 1865. On his return to Akron, in company with Mr. Albertis L. Paine, started the Summit County Journal, with Judge James S. Carpenter as editor. Jannary 1, 1867, the Journal was discontinued, Mr. Long and Mr. Paine each buying a one-sixth interest in the BEACON, Mr. Long retaining his interest as partner and stockholder (at its organzation as a stock company, being elected secretary), until 1875, when he entered the office of the Akron Iron Company, as book-keeper, continuing two years. March 1, 1877, he was appointed agent of the Union Express Company, afterwards of the Union. American and Adams Companies, which responsible position he held until his death, January 17,. 1883, at the age of 38 years, 1 month and 20 days. In May, 1870, Mr. Long was married to Miss Eliza A. Potter, of Akron. who died May 13, 1891, aged 48 years, 3 months and 9 days. In December, 1871, the Beacon Publishing. Company was organized with a capital of $25,000, Messrs. Lane and Long retaining their one-third and one-sixth interests, respectively, Messrs. Canfield and Paine retiring, the balance of the stock being taken 222 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. by a number of prominent business men of the city, with Mr. Lane as business manager, Mr. Raynolds as editor-in-chief, and Mr. Wilson M. Day as associate editor The business of the concern rapidly increassd in all its departments, but unfortunately, in the very height of its business season, in the job printing and binding line for the several manufacturing concerns of the city, on the 27th day of April, 1872, the establishment was totally destroyed by fire, with a loss, over and above insurance, of fully one-half of its capital. The burned building was immediately replaced, greatly enlarged, and filled with a full complement of first-class machinery and material, and a large stock of general and fancy stationery. This rebuilding and refitting of the establishment, on a greatly enlarged scale, and with far better machinery and material, and especially with its impaired capital, and several months interruption to its most profitable departments, while subjected to extraordinary running expenses, piled up an indebtedness, that with the almost immediately recurring monetary and commercial panic of 1873, brought the company into very serious pecuniary embarrassment. To such an extent did this embarrassment press upon the stockholders, though still nominally solvent, that it was at length deemed advisable to transfer its property, fanchise and good will to any responsible party that would assume its liabilities. Accordingly, in January, 1875, the entire property was sold to Thomas C. Raynolds, Frank J. Staral and John H. Auble, on that basis, a sufficient number of the old stockholders retaining a nominal interest for the purpose of keeping the corporate organization intact. This arrangement continued about two years, when Mr. Auble withdrew, leaving Messrs. Raynolds and Staral sole owners, which relation was continued, with signal success, until May 16, 1887, when Mr. Staral sold his interest to Mr. Hermon Bronson, Mr. Bronson, in turn, transferring his interest to Mr. Raynolds, April 14, 1889, and in its magnificent new home in the handsome six-story brick block, erected especially for its use, by Hon. George W. Crouse, corner of Mill and Main streets, the DAILY BEACON establishment, with its extensive news, job printing, book-binding and stationery departments, all fully equipped with first-class machinery and material, being one of the most complete and prosperous of its class in Ohio, its daily circulation having increased from 600 in 1869, '70, to a present daily average of 3,500 copies; while the reliable old SUMMIT COUNTY WEEKLY BEACON, correspondingly improved and prospered, duly celebrated its 'golden anniversary on the 15th day of April; 1889. Beacon and Republican.—As hereinafter detailed, the Daily Telegram and Sunday Gazette, in 1889, passed into the hands of the newly organized Republican Publishing Company, with Mr. Kenyon B. Conger as its president, its name being changed to the Akron Daily Republican, which had a successful run until January 1, 1891, when a consolidation was effected with the BEACON. The name and style of the consolidated organization, with a capital of $100,000, is The Akron Printing and Publishing Company, with Hon. George W. Crouse as president, Kenyon B. Conger as vice president and Thomas C. Raynolds as business manager, the AKRON'S NEWSPAPERS - 223 several editions of the paper being: The Akron Beacon and Republican, (daily), The Summit County Beacon, (weekly), and the Sunday Republican. The American Farm News is now also owned and published by this company. THOMAS CRAIGHEAD RAYNOLDS,—son of George and Jane L. (Craighead) Raynolds, —born near Canton, Ohio, June 18, 1848 ; educated in public schools of Canton and Akron and at Western Reserve College and Michigan University, graduating from the classical course of the latter institution, January 24, 1868, his long vacations being spent upon the United States survey of the northwestern lakes, under the superintendence of his uncle, Gen. W. F. Raynolds, of the U. S. Engineers ; July 14, 1868, began journalistic work as a reporter on Detroit Post, six months later, in January, 1869, commencing work upon the BEACON, as its first reporter ; in 1870 became paragraph editor of Pittsburg Commercial; in 1871 did editorial work on an insurance and manufacturing journal, in Cincinnati ; in November, 1871, on. organization of the Beacon Publishing Company, became editor of the Daily and Weekly BEACON, continuing three years ; from 1873 to 1875 did editorial work successively on Cleveland Sunday Voice, Cleveland Leader, and Toledo Commercial; in January, 1875, on reorganization of Company, returned to the BEACON, as its Editor-in-chief, which position he maintained until January 1, 1891, when, on consolidation of the Daily BEACON with the Daily REPUBLICAN, he became the Business Manager of the newly organized Akron Printing and Publishing Company, which position he still holds. January 3, 1873, he married Miss Lillian Alice Waggoner, of Akron (only daughter of John H. and Laura A. Waggoner), who died October 4, 1883, leaving one son, Willie Waggoner Raynolds. September 14, 1886, Mr. Raynolds was again married, to Miss Ida B. Foote, only daughter of Daniel S. and Mary A. Foote, of Akron. The American Democrat.—August 10, 1842, Mr. Horace Canfield, who was one of the founders of the Ohio Review, at Cuyahoga Falls, in 1833, as elsewhere noted, issued in Akron the first number of the American Democrat. The paper, as its name indicates, was politically democratic. The Democrat was ably conducted, as a party organ, until December 14, 1848, when it was discontinued for reasons thus alluded to in Mr. Canfield's parting editorial: "In performing what he has thought a duty, in advocating Democratic principles, he has too much neglected his duty to himself and family, and he is often roughly reminded of this neglect by the empty state of the domestic treasury, when calls on it are only for the simplest necessaries for family use. It is of no avail that the books show a prosperous state of finances, if the larder and meal bag are filled with emptiness. However prevalent the doctrine may be that editors can live on air, we can testify, from experience, that it is a fallacy, so far as regards the editor's family." The Akron Eagle.—A week later, December 21, 1848, the first number of an "Independent Miscellaneous Family Newspaper," under the above head, was issued by Mr. Canfield. This was continued just six months, the last issue appearing on the 14th day of 224 - AKRON AND SUMMIT COUNTY. June, 1849, but without any statement as to the cause of it suspension. Akron Free Democrat.—July 4, 1849, number one, volum one, of a paper under the above title, with Horace Canfield as pu fisher and Sidney Edgerton as editor, was issued, Mr. Edgerton, his initial editorial saying: "The political character of this pape is indicated by its title. and, while we stand as its editor, it sha conform to the title it bears. No party prejudice shall induce u to support what we know to be wrong; neither shall party pr dilections restrain us from condemning what we believe to error. * * * We are firm believers in human progress, and tha belief is founded upon the recorded truths of history, which mos clearly point to 'a good time coming.' * * * Strike the chain from the bondman wherever the power of the general government extends, and give us a sure guaranty that slavery shall extend n further, then we are ready to discuss and act in reference to mino matters." HORACE CANFIELD, — born in Middletown, Conn., July 4, 1803 ; learned the printing business with his uncle, Pholemon Canfield, in Hartford, serving seven years ; March 24, 1824, was married to Miss Julia Ann Everard ; worked at trade in Hartford and Cambridge, Mass., till 1833, when he came to Cuyahoga Falls, where he established the Ohio Review, as eleswhere stated. In the Fall of 1834, went to Cleveland where he published the Cleveland Advertiser (Democratic). about four years ; in 1838 going to Medina, where he published The Watchman (Democratic) four years, coming to Akron in August, 1842, and establishing the American Democrat, which he published and edited most of the time till his death, December 28, 1853, at the age of 50 years, 5 months and 24 days. Mr. Canfield served in Cleveland City Council, on Akron Board of Education, and at the time of his death was Recorder of the Incorporated Village of Akron ; was a zealous Mason and a highly honored citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Canfield were the parents of six children—Henry E., (now residing in Akron, and engraver of the accompanying portrait of his father); Thomas, died in April, 1860 ; Horace G., of the best known printers of Akr Julia Ann (now Mrs. I. B. Harg of Alexandria, Ohio), and William and Caroline who died young. Mrs Canfield died August 9, 1882, aged years and 3 months, Free Democratic Standard.—The Free Democrat' continued until after the October election of 1849, when the name was changed as above, with Lyman W. Hall, a well-known anti-slavery writer of Ravenna, as editor and proprietor, the first number of which appeared November 8, 1849. This arrangement was continued until March 6, 1851, when the names of H. Canfield and W. O. Viers appear as publishers, "assisted editorially by an association." In November, 1851, Mr. Canfield resumed entire control, in August, 1852, dropping the "Free," though retaining the motto, "Freedom and Equality," and continuing to publish the Democratic