380 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO
CHAPTER XXVII.
MARIETTA—RELIGIOUS HISTORY—THE CHURCHES.
Ohio Company's Measures for the Support of Public Worship—Dr. Story Employed to go to Marietta—First Sermon in the Territory— Dr. Cutlers’ Preaching—Social Worship—Dr. Daniel Story's Arrival in 1789--Preaching During the 1ndian War—First Sunday-School -First Church Formed—The Congregational Church, Outline of its History—Pioneer Methodism—First Methodist Sermon in Marietta— The Yankee Circuit Formed—First Camp Meeting—Formation of a Church in Marietta—Its Growth and List of Ministers—First Presbyterian Church—Second Organization Known as First Presbyterian Church of Marietta—Fourth Street Church Organized—Universalist Society—The Early Baptist Church—Baptist Missionaries— Organization at Marietta— Little Muskingum Church—Episcopal Worship— St. Luke's Church—The German Societies—St. Paul's Evangelical— St. Lucas—Methodist—The Second Congregational Society, Marietta Township—St. Mary’s Roman Catholic—Congregational Church, Harmar—The Unitarian Society—United Brethren Church—African Methodists—Religious Societies.
THE spirit of Puritan New England is manifested in the many healthy religious societies and handsome church edifices of Marietta. The members of the Ohio company considered religion the handmaid of education, and both essential to human progress. Through the in-
* This account of the trip of the Rufus Putnam up the Muskingum is taken from a statement given by A. T. Nye, esq., of Marietta, who was one of the passengers.
fluence of Rev. Dr. Cutler, who anticipated the difficulty of sustaining religious institutions in the new country, a reservation was iucorporated in the land grant setting apart one section in each township for the support of religion, and it is to this reservation that some of the churches now flourishing in Marietta owe their existence.
At the last meeting of the agents of the Ohio company, held in Massachusetts, a resolution instructing the directors "to pay as early attention as possible to the education of youth and the promotion of public worship among the first settlers, and for these important purposes they employ, if practicable, an instructor, eminent for literary accomplishments and the virtue of his character . . . and to enable the directors to carry into execution the intentions expressed in this resolution, the proprietors and others of benevolent and liberal minds are earnestly requested to contribute by voluntary donation to the forming of a fund to be appropriated thereto."
Dr. Manassah Cutler was selected to carry out the instructions of this resolution, and he employed Rev. Daniel Story to go to Marietta as both minister and teacher.
The first sermon preached to white men in the territory now included in the State of Ohio, was delivered on the banks of the Muskingum by Rev. William Beck on the twentieth of July, 1788. His text was: "Now, therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people for all the earth is mine, and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation."
This sermon was preached in the hall of the northwest block-house. In the same hall, on the twenty-fourth of August, Dr. Cutler preached the second sermon ever delivered in the territory. He also preached on the thirty-first of August and seventh of September. Of his meeting on the seventh of September he says in his journal: "Had a very full meeting; many of the people from the Virginia side were present, and most of the gentlemen of the garrison."
Dr. Cutler attended the first funeral in the new settlement on the twenty-seventh of August. Soon after the arrival of the first families in August, General Benjamin Tupper organized social worship in the northwest blockhouse in Campus Martius, which was mainly conducted by him until the arrival of Rev. Daniel Story in the spring of 1789.
General Tupper was one of the organizers, and had been a deacon of the Congregational church of Chesterfield, Massachusetts.
When Rev. Daniel Story arrived early in 1789, it was determined to establish regular worship at Belpre and Waterford, and ansi arrangement was made by which the minister was to give about onementhird of his time to these two charges. But the Indian war, which broke out in 1791, made it unsafe to leave the garrison, and services at Belpre and Waterford were necessarily suspended until the close of the war in 1795. During the progress of the war meetings were regularly held in the hall of the
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northwest block-house, which had been fitted up with seats, and was capable of accommodating about one hundred and seventy-five people. Services were also occasionally held in the large room in the upper story of the frame house in the garrison at the Point. In 1791, soon after the settlers had been gathered within the garrison in consequence of the Indian war, the first Sunday- school north of the Ohio, and the second in America, was organized by Mrs. Mary Lake in the stockade.
Previous to December 6, 1796, there was no organized church in Marietta. The ministers, to whom reference has been made, were all members of the New England Congregational church, as were also most of the worshipers. There is evidence that the Episcopal service was read during the Indian war in one of the block-houses at the stockade, but the number of adherents to the Church of England at that time was very limited.
At a meeting held in Marietta December 4, 1796, to consider the propriety of forming a church, the matter was referred to a committee of three, consisting of Daniel Story, Benjamin Miles, and John Pratt. On the following day the committee reported a confession of faith and covenant, which was unanimously adopted. It was unanimously voted that "anyone who had been a member in regular standing of any regular Congregational church, or Presbyterian church, or of one of the dissenting Protestant churches of England whose sentiment in the fundamental principles of religion and discipline are agreeable to the gospel," should be permitted to sign the confession of faith and covenant.
* THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was regularly organized in Marietta on the sixth of December, 1796, by persons from Vienna, Virginia, Waterford, Belpre, and Marietta, nine of whom had been soldiers in the Revolutionary army; seventeen of the number were females and fifteen males.
Early in 1797 Rev. Mr. Story returned to Massachusetts. On the fourth of April it was resolved to call two ministers who should serve as pastors for the several churches of the surrounding settlements. At the same meeting Mr. Daniel Story was invited to become pastor. Mr. Story accepted the call on the ninth of April. He was ordained by an ecclesiastical council at Hamilton, Massachusetts, on the fifteenth of August. In this council Rev. Doctor Cutler represented the church at Marietta. Mr. Story took charge of the Marietta church a few months after his ordination and continued to serve as its pastor until the fifteenth of March, 1804, when he tendered his resignation. The financial support received by Mr. Story during his ministry was not sufficient to meet his current expenses, and at the time of his death the proceeds of his property, accumulated previous to leaving New England, proved insufficient to pay the debts incurred while laboring in the new settlement. He died in Marietta December 30, 1804, aged forty-nine years. He was buried in the northwest part of the Mound cemetery. Near the close of Dr. Story's ministry, a number of the
The following sketch of this church is largely a condensation from a complete history of the church by A. T. Nye, the preparation of which cost him much time and patient labor. members of the First Religious society* signified their desire to withdraw, for the purpose of forming a Presbyterian church.
On the twenty-seventh of March, 1805, Samuel Prince Robbins, who had supplied the congregation for a short time after the resignation of Dr. Story, was elected to the pastorate of Marietta and neighboring churches. Mr. Robbins was solemnly ordained + in the house on Front street built by Governor Meigs, then in an unfinished condition. This house was used by the congregation for some time after this event. Mr. Robbins preached three Sundays at Marietta and one at Belpre, according to the terms of settlement.
From 1799 to the ordination of Mr. Robbins services were held in the Muskingum academy, which stood on the lot on Front street now occupied by the church.
Mr. Robbins' ministry, which was terminated by his death during the epidemic in 1823, is characterized by two notable events in the history of the church; one was the building of the present house of worship, in 1807, being at that time the finest church edifice in Ohio, and the other was the revival of 1820, which resulted in fifty- eight accessions to the church. The work of building was done under the superintendence of General Rufus Putnam, whose contribution toward its cost was very liberal. The total cost when dedicated, May 28, 1809, was about seven thousand three hundred dollars. The work was done in the best manner for that period. The interior has been repaired several times, but the general structure remains as when built and is apparently little affected by the lapse of seventy-three years.
The epidemic of 1823 greatly impaired the strength of the church. A number of the most substantial members, including the pastor, died, and public worship and the Sunday-school were suspended. From the death of Mr. Robbins till the election of Rev. Erastus Maltby to the pastorate December 9, 1824, the church was supplied by Rev. Mr. Krautz, a minister of the Old School Presbyterian church. Mr. Maltby did not accept the formal call, and how long he continued to supply the pulpit is not definitely known.
Rev. Luther G. Bingham was formally installed as pastor May 3, 1826, by the presbytery of Athens. The church was received under the care of the presbytery of Athens March 29, 1832. The plan of this union had been arranged by the general assembly and general association of Connecticut in 1801. This plan of union provided that congregations composed partly of Presbyterians and partly of Congregationalists might unite for the purpose of sustaining public worship, and the united church might have a voice in the presbytery. Mr. Bingham was ordained by the Presbyterian church and installed by the Presbytery of Athens, in which his church was represented until 1837, when the plan of union was annulled. The connection of the Presbytery of Athens
* The name of the business corporation which has charge of the strictly temporal affairs of the church.
+ Rev. Joseph Badger, the noted early evangelist of the northern part of the State, made his first and only visit to Washington county on this occasion.
382 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
and the Marietta church being terminated, the Congregational churches of Marietta, Harmar and Belpre met in convention and adopted a constitution and assumed the name of Marietta conference. The organization now embraces Marietta, Belpre, Harmar, Hockingport, Cool-vine, Cow Run, Stanleyville, Cedar Narrows, Cornersville, Lowell and Lawrence. There were large accessions to the church in 1829, 283a and 1835. Mr..Bingham resigned in 1837. The connection of the church with Marietta college during his ministry will be fully noticed in the history of that institution. During the three years following the resignation of Mr. Bingham the church was supplied by Revs. 0. P. Hoyt, F. M. Hopkins, J. H. Linsley, B. M. Palmer, and J. B. Walker. Rev. Thomas Wickes was installed as regular pastor July 28, 1840. He continued to serve the church until March 2, 1869, when he tendered his resignation. During the ministry of Mr. Wickes (in 1866) the church building was repaired at a cost of five thousand dollars. There were also twelve seasons of special religious interest and many additions to the membership.
A special church meeting was held May 2, 1869, at which Rev. Theron H. Hawkes was unanimously elected pastor. Dr. Hawkes was installed October 27, 1869. During the latter part of 1880 the church was repaired at a cost of about twelve hundred dollars.
Since its organization other religious societies have been organized from this church as follows: In 1804 a number were dismissed to the First Presbyterian church; in 1836, twenty-four, to. constitute the Congregational church at Belpre; in 1840, twenty-five, for the Congregational church at Harmar; in 2842, nine, for the Old School Presbyterian church at Marietta; in 1843, twelve, for the Congregational church on Little Muskingum; in 1852, five, for Fearing Congregational church; and in 2865, forty-six to form the Fourth Street Presbyterian church.. The deacons have been as follows: Dr. Josiah Hart, Dr. Joseph Spencer, Benjamin Mills, Nathan Proctor, Perley Howe, William R. Putnam, Jabez True, John Cotton, Douglass Putnam, William Slocomb, D. H. Buell, A. T. Nye, Dennis Adams, Samuel Shipman, Sala Bosworth, W. A. Fay, G. R. Rosscester, John M. Eells, William R. Putnam, E. B. Reed, T. D. Biscoe, and Asa B. Waters.
The whole number of members since organization is one thousand, five hundred and eighty-nine.
The first Bible society organized in the northwest was formed in this church in 1812, and was known as the Ohio Bible society. Several auxiliary societies were organized and depositories established. After the organization of the American Bible society, it was concluded to abandon the organization here.
As early as 1822 a young men's Bible society was organized mostly by members of the Congregational church. This association has since become the Washington County Bible society and has been the means of much good by distributing Bibles among the poor people of the county.
No Sabbath-school was organized under the auspices of the church until May, 1817, when Mr. Daniel Putnum, of Harmar, who had just returned from New York, determined to establish a Sunday-school in Marietta similar to those he had become acquainted with in the city. The school was opened in the academy, and was under the superintendence of Elisha Hutchinson, at that time principal of the academy. From that time to the present the church has regularly maintained a Sabbath-school A greater part of the time a library has been kept up. At one time a number of schools in different parts of the town were in existence, but all have been merged into one.
The membership of this, the oldest religious organization, is distinguished for intelligence and refinement. No body of Christians can be found anywhere who worship God more understandingly than these descendants of the founders of the Northwestern Territory. This society is the parent of a sisterhood of churches in and around Marietta, and has always watched over and assisted each in a spirit of maternal affection and Christian charity. The church has faithfully obeyed the injunction of Dr. Manasseh Cutler, delivered to the first pastor on the occasion of his ordination: "To see the many new societies forming in your neighborhood supplied with faithful ministers, must ever be a cause near your heart. It is in every way highly important to them, for it intimately concerns their political and social, as well as their spiritual and eternal interests.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Methodism, in the early history of Marietta, met with strong and determined opposition. The loud and ardent sermons of the Wesleyan evangelists and missionaries who first travelled the circuits of Ohio were not well received by the more cold and intellectual New Englanders. The journals, autobiographies and letters of these missionaries show that they were not always treated with that kindness and cordiality which Christian charity would seem to demand, but their intolerant sermons, in which the settlers are characterized as deists and unbelievers, excuse in a measure such treatment. In spite of opposition and discouragement, the Methodist church pushed its missionary work with commendable zeal, and has been the means of accomplishing much good.
In 1799 Reese Woolfe, a circuit preacher in Virginia looked across the Ohio river and contemplated with regret a vast territory, with flourishing settlements, on which a Methodist preacher had never set foot. Rev. Robert Manley, who had been his assistant, was sent as a missionary, and on the twentieth of June, 1799, preached the first Methodist sermon in Marietta. He says he "found no place to rest the sole of his foot. There was no Laban to say to an itinerant preacher, `Come in, thou blessed of the Lord." He was disinclined to tear down other denominations, and sought a field of labor in the country. In the towns were Congregational and Presbyterian churches, but the country was destitute of religious instruction. On Duck creek he found Solomon Goss, two members of whose family were Methodists. A number of small classes were founded, and a circuit organized. In 1800 Jesse Stone-
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man and James Quinn took charge of the circuit, and the church prospered in the country, but little progress was made in Marietta.
The pious and ardent George Atkins was sent to the "Yankee circuit," as it was called by the conference, in 1804. He resolved upon a bold adventure. A camp-meeting was appointed to be held near the stockade in Marietta. Members from the country erected a stand, fixed seats, and pitched their tents. The meeting materially strengthened the church in the country, "but the town people came, looked shy, and walked away." "There were no mighty works in town, by reason of unbelief." *
In 1805 Jacob Young and G. C. Light appointed a second camp-meeting. Jacob Young says:
There was great seriousness throughout lhe whole congregation and many, both of the country and the town, saw the importance of salvation.
The most prominent convert was Jonas Johnson, who in after years was one of the pillars of the church. He had been an infidel and was a charming singer. His singing made him a useful member during the revival seasons. "A lovely little class was organized in Marietta." For months and years this class met regularly, but suffered all kinds of persecution. The houses were stoned, the windows broken, and the chimneys closed up and the worshipers smoked out. This class was the first regular organization of the church in Marietta. The members were: Henry Fearing, of Harmar, Elijah Francis and wife, William Bell, Samuel Geren and wife, Jonas Johnson and wife, and Solomon Goss and wife. The first class leader was Jonas Johnson. The class or church, as it may now be called, was regularly supplied by the preacher of the Little Kanawha and Muskingum circuit. In 1806 the third camp-meeting was held, in Harmar, conducted by John Sale and Peter Cartwright. Among the converts at this meeting were Joseph Bartlett, John Drown, Christopher Carpenter, Robert McCabe and wife, Mrs. McClintick, Joseph Babcock and wife, James Whitney and wife, Andrew Lake and some of the Protsman family.
In 1809--10 there was a great revival and many were added to the church. But a dissension, which did much injury, seems to have grown out of this revival, some persons of doubtful virtue having been admitted into the membership, who brought reproach upon the whole organization. The enthusiastic little band, however, soon recovered its full powers, Up to about this time meetings had been held at private houses and in the academy. A brick school-house in Harmar was then used by the congregation until 1815, when the church on Second street was built. Meetings were held in Harmar in the old school-house until the present building, known as Crawford chapel, was completed in 1833.
In 1839 the church on Putnam street was built and appropriately named the "Centenary church" in commemoration of the centennial of Methodism.
In 1859 was organized the Whitney chapel congrega-
* Samuel Hamilton, in Methodist Magazine, 1830.
tion. Marietta and Harmar were made independent stations in 1848.
In June, 1876, the Centenary and Whitney chapel congregations adopted articles of union and united.
Marietta, previous to 1808, was in the Little Kanawha and Muskingum circuits; from 1808 to 1820 the Marietta circuit; from 1820 to 1826, Marietta station; from 1826 to 1835, Marietta circuit, which included Harmar till 1848.
About the year 1818 John Stewart, a colored man, was sent as a missionary to the Wyandot Indians. He returned to the conference, held in Marietta in 1822, with four of his Indian converts, John Hicks and Between-the-Logs, and two others. In 1826 the church was very much reduced, and it was doubtful whether an organization could be maintained. James Whitney wrote to the conference, "Send us Leroy Swomstedt or we are gone." Leroy Swomstedt was sent and during the following winter the church was blest with a glorious revival. One hundred and twenty-five members were added, and the congregation was again strong and vigorous. In 1842 the church experienced another great revival, conducted by J. C. Hunter and William Simmons, which resulted in one hundred and eighty-seven additions to the membership. The fourth great revival was in 1856 while W. T. Hand was pastor. During that year two hundred and ten new members were received. There was also an extensive revival during the pastorate of A. C. Hurst.
The preachers have been: 1799, Robert Manley; 1803, George Askins; 1804, Jacob Young; 1805, Lowther Taylor, John Gage; 1806, Peter Cartwright; 1807, Solomon Langdon; 1809, John Holmes; 1810, David Young, V. Daniels; 1812; Isaac Quinn, Joseph S. Spahr; 1814, Marcus Lindsley ; 1816, Cornelius Spinger ; 1817, Thomas A. Morris; 1818, Samuel Hamilton; 1819, Jacob Hooper; 1820, Thurman Bishop; 1821, Abel Robinson; 1822, Cornelius Springer, D. Limerick; 1825, J. W. Kinney; 1826, Leroy Swomstedt; 1828, Samuel Hamilton; 1829, Jacob Young; 1830, J. W. Gilbert; 1831, Joseph Casper; 1832, Nathan Emory; r 833, Adam Poe; 1834, E. D. Roe; 1835, David Lewis; 1836, Azra Brown; 1838, W. P. Strickland; 1840, William Simmons; 1842, Frederick Merrick ; 1843, J. S. Grover; 1844, J. W. White; 1845; E. V. Bing; 1846, Uriah Heath; 1847, William Young; 1848, E. M. Boring; 1849, Ansel Brooks; 1850, C. R. Lovel; 1852, J. W. Ross; 1853, J. W. Bush; 1854, T. D. Martindale; 1855, W. T. Hand; 1857, Andrew Carrol; 1858, A. G. Byers; 1859, T. J. N. Simmons; 1860, W. T. Harvey ; 1862, H. K. Foster; 1863, C. D. Battelle; 1866, J. T. Miller; 1868, T. J. Ross; 1869, A. C. Hurst, 1872, C. B. Battelle; 1874, S. E. Frampton; 1876, T. H. Monroe; 1877; S. B. Mathews; 1880, G. W. Brown.
The following have been pastors at Harmar: 1848, W. H. Southerland; 1849, C. H. Lawton; 1850, A. M. Lorraine; 1851, C. W. Merrick; 1852, C. D. Mather, 1854, H. T. Magill; 1856, C. H. Frampton; 1857, E. H. Hall; 1859, E. V. Bing; 1861, I. T. King; 1863, T. S. Stivers; 1864, J. E. Sowers; 1866, W. S. Benner;
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1868, T. S. Davis; 1869, R. H. Wallace; 1872, J. M. Weir; 1874, F. A. Spencer; 1876, C. F. Creighton; 1878, W. Abernathy; 1879, J. M. Jameson; 1880, A. T. Hieson,
The pastors of Whitney chapel were: 1859, J. B. Bradrick; 1861, D. H. Moore; 1862, E. M. Kirkham; 1865, M. M. Millenix; 1867, Earl Cranston, Levi Hall; 1868, F. W. Stanley; 1871, J. H. Acton; 1873, J. Van Law; 1875, James Kendall.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
Just when the first Presbyterian church in Marietta was organized it is impossible to say. Rev. Stephen Lindley was employed as minister in January, 1804, and the second religious society was organized on the twentieth of that month. It is commonly supposed that the "Second Religious society" was formed of a colony from the "First Religious society," but such was not the case. On the twentieth of February, 1804, thirty five persons withdrew from the Congregational church and probably joined the Presbyterian, but, as stated, a Presbyterian church had been organized and a pastor employed. January 25, 1813, the legislature incorporated the "First Presbyterian society of Marietta, called the Second Religious society." This must have been a large and vigorous organization. The causes which led to its decay are not known. Mr. Lindley became a chaplain in the War of 1812, and it is not probable that the church had any regular pastor after him. The last ministerial funds were drawn in 1818.
The Religious Meeting-House society, which was formed April 15, 1805, seems to have had some connection with this church. The object of the society was to build "a meeting-house in Marietta to be consecrated and devoted to the public worship of Almighty God." A building was commenced, but never finished. In this. building (a large brick on Third street below Green,) Mr. Lindley preached for a time, and some of those most active in forming the society were among those who employed Mr. Lindley in 1804. This effort to establish Presbyterianism was probably felt to be premature, as an attempt was made in November, 1804, to compromise with the First Religious society on a basis which would secure a distinct communion for each congregation. Another attempt was made in 1805 "to unite with other Presbyterian congregations in the support of a pastor."
The second attempt to plant Presbyterianism in Marietta was made in 1841. On the fourth of December a church was organized, consisting of sixteen persons, eleven of whom were received into the communion by letter, and five on profession of faith. The church was organized by William Wallace, who was sent for that purpose by the presbytery of Lancaster. The members were Nancy Shepherdson, Angelina Amlin, Sarah Preston, Fanny Plumer, Cornelius Tinkham, Hattie Tinkham, Mercie B. Tinkham, Joshua and Elizabeth Taylor, William Sinclair, Mariam Sinclair, Phoebe Affiack, Eliza Mitchell, William and Martha Hill, and James Kennedy. William Hill and William Sinclair were elected first ruling elders. This church built the house on Third street now owned by the African Methodist Episcopal church. It was known as the First Presbyterian church of Marietta, and maintained worship at intervals for about twenty years. Beach Grove church, in Newport township, was instituted as a branch of this society, and for a time worship was maintained at both places. The last recorded meeting in Marietta was August 16, 1862. The name was changed from First Presbyterian church of Marietta to Beech Grove Presbyterian church, in 1870.
The incipient action toward the formation of the Fourth Street Presbyterian church was taken at an apparently informal meeting held early in 1865, at which fourteen persons were present. For some time there had been a growing desire for a Presbyterian organization. Those accustomed to the Presbyterian form of government naturally felt somewhat strange in the other churches, and others felt that a Presbyterian church, in addition to being beneficial in a general way, would assist in building up Marietta college. The informal meeting just mentioned led to the appointment of a business meeting on the third of July, which was held at the house of Mrs. Sarah Dawes, and attended by thirteen persons. Of this meeting Silas Slocomb was chairman, and Dr. H. B. Shipman secretary. Action was taken with reference to providing for finances, obtaining a pastor, and procuring a place for worship. Prayer meetings were held regularly in private houses. The record of Angust 14, 1865, leads : "After the usual prayer meeting a call was made for the purpose of ascertaining the names of all who desired to become members of the new church."
The call was responded to by forty-three persons from the Congregational church and four from other churches, making in all forty-seven. Six new members were added at a subsequent meeting. The young congregation was not only strong in numbers, it was also well possessed of intelligence and pecuniary strength. All felt that there was a demand for the existence of the church, and all were determined that this demand should be supplied.
On Saturday, August 26, 1865, a confession of faith and covenant were adopted. On the following day the fifty-three members assented to the covenant and were then formed into a communion called the Fourth Street Presbyterian Church of Marietta. Rev. W. H. Ballantine presided, and Professor E. B. Andrews and Rev. C. D. Curtis assisted in the ordination ceremonies. This and subsequent meetings were held in the German church on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, afterwards the Baptist Mission chapel was used. At the time of the formal organization active preparations for building were in progress.
About the first of October, 1865, the present edifice on Fourth street was commenced, and the first meeting held in it was January 28, 1866, when the dedication services took place. The sermon was preached by the pastor, Rev. W. H. Ballantine. The total cost of the building and ground was about nine thousand dollars.
Mr. Ballanline resigned the pastorate on the last Sab-
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bath in June, 1869. The present and second pastor was installed May 18, 1870. He had supplied the pulpit since October, 1869. The two first elders of the church were Silas Slocomb and Sula Bosworth. The first trustees were Dr. J. D. Cotton, S. Slocomb, S. Newton, R. R. Dawes, and G. H. Eels. Those who have since held the office are Dr. W. H. Brown, Dr. H. B. Shipman, A. B. Waters, S. Bosworth, C. H. Newton, and Henry Hay.
This church has from the first maintained a flourishing Sabbath-school. The average attendance was, the first year, about ninety. It is now nearly two hundred. This church has always taken a prominent part in benevolent work; always contributing liberally to all needy chaities. A Woman's Missionary society has been organized since 1872, and a Young People's Mission band is doing good work. The whole number of members since organization has been three hundred and forty-five; the whole number of dismissions, sixty; the whole number of deaths, eighteen.
THE UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.
A Universalist society was organized in Marietta in 1817. On the second of February, 1832, the legislature passed an act to incorporate the "First Universalian Religious Library Association, of Marietta." It was the purpose of the society to build up a large collection of valuable miscellaneous books, and to this object the property which annually accrued to the society was appropriated. The more prominent members were Griffin Green, jr., James M. Booth, Stephen Hildreth, A. Pixley, Louis Mixer and Count de Bonny. It is not known just when the society began to hold religious services. The frame church, on Second street, was built in 1842. It was dedicated by J. T. Flanders, who was then regular pastor. One room of this building was fitted for the library, and used for that purpose until the books were destroyed during the flood in April, 1860. In March, 1850, the Western Liberal Institute was established and placed under the care of this church. A further notice of this institution will be found under the proper heading.
The ministers prior to the union with the Unitarian society were: J. T. Flanders, George S. Weaver, T. C. Eaton, Mr. Bartlet, Thomas Barron, Mr. Hicks, J. M. McMasters and J. W. Henley. The church, previous to the destruction of the library, in which the ministerial funds of thirty years had been invested, was in a very flourishing condition. The library contained about three thousand volumes, and many liberal Christians supported the society that they might receive in return the benefits of the library.
The conditions of the union with the Unitarian society, for the purpose of supporting public worship, is more fully treated in our history of that society. The church still exists as a legal body, and holds its property in trust.
A Universalist society was organized in Harmar in 1839, and continued in existence till 1849.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church dates its establishment in Washington county back to 1797. Elder Nehemiah Davis came with his family from Maine to Marietta in 1796. He was a regularly ordained Baptist minister, and preached in the several settlements of the county during the first and second years after his arrival. In 1797, a church was constituted in the Rainbow settlement on the Muskingum, twelve miles above Marietta, through his ministry. It was called the Rainbow church and had a membership scattered all over the territory some distance up and down the Muskingum and on Duck creek. Elder Davis bought land in Adams township and lived on it until 1805, when he moved to Athens county and there died.
Rainbow church prospered and rapidly grew in membership until 1804, when a dissension on the subject of open communion caused a division, most of the congregation embracing the doctrine of open communion. The names of those who held to the established faith were Elder Paul, who became pastor, Joseph Fuller, Mrs. Morris, Ebenezer Nye, Abraham Pugsley, Mr. and Mrs. Tresize and Otheniel Tuttle. This small band kept up its organization a few years but finally became extinct. Elder Davis connected himself with the seceding and larger branch. This branch continued the name of Rainbow Baptist church, and was in existence in 1820, though the name had probably been changed to the Adams church. This body was extinct before 1825, for the record of February 26, 1825, reads: Part of the Adams church, now dissolved, were received into the Marietta church. Several unsuccessful attempts had been made to bring this church back, as Ephraim Emerson expressed it, to the faith of the fathers. These attempts having failed, a few earnest Baptists' of the close communion school feeling the necessity of an organization, took the incipient steps towards the establishment of a church at Marietta.
On Saturday, September 5, 1818, Ephraim Emerson, William Churchill, John Thorniley, Bain Posey, and Mary Case, met in the easterly part of Marietta and formed themselves into a church, and adopted articles of faith and covenant. All but one of them, says Professor Atkins, proved faithful to their covenant vows. They have years since passed from their earthly course, passed from the scene of their toil and trial and entered into rest. Let memory embalm their names.
The first communion service was conducted by Elder James McAboy, then pastor of the church of Parkersburgh, West Virginia, October 3d. Ephraim Emerson and William Churchill were chosen deacons, and at the next meeting, held October 17th, "the communion day was fixed on the third Sabbath of alternate months, at which time Rev. James McAboy was requested to attend as pastor." The church was now permanently organized. For several years the members of this church were scattered over a considerable extent of territory, and services were held in various places both to accommodate members and to awaken an interest among those outside. By glancing through the records it will be seen that church was held "in the school-house at the mouth of Little Muskingum;" "in the school-house up the Little Muskingum;" "at Upper Newport;" "at Lower New-
386 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
port;" "at Dye's settlement on Cat's creek;" and "candidates were received and baptized at Long Reach, West Virginia." The acts of these early Baptists interpret their zeal. The itinerant services of the early church were attended by all the communicants for miles around, and "some of them made it a point of duty to follow the ark and be present wherever the camp was pitched." No church was more genuinely missionary in spirit. It carried its preaching into every settlement and almost into every house, and laid an extensive foundation on which has since been built the religious home of many of Washington county's best people.
The organization was known as "Marietta church,” and the town of Marietta was the natural centre, but meetings were held in the country for the first five years. After Caleb Emerson and wife became members, meetings were held in Marietta frequently at their house. There was no regularity of service, meetings being held wherever convenience or advantage seemed to dictate. Rev. James McAboy, by whom the church was formally constituted, was the first pastor. "For some three years," says the Western Religious Magazine, "Elder McAboy, then resident at Parkersburgh, preached and administered the ordinances of church once in two months. Deacons Emerson and Churchill and others held reading meetings on intervening Sabbaths. In 1821 the pastor began to devote one Sabbath in each month to this church. In 1823 he removed to Marietta and gave three-fourths of his time to the church. In 1821-2 an extensive revival resulted in many accessions to the church. In 1822 and 1823 meetings were interrupted by the devastating epidemics which pervaded the whole territory of the church."
The church, at the close of Elder McAboy's pastorate, November, 1825, had increased to ninety-one members. Most of these lived in the country, and many of them are remembered as founders of the branch organizations now flourishing in various parts of the county. The membership in Marietta was steadily increasing. Admission was obtained from the Parkersburgh association in 1825 to unite with the Meigs Creek association which had just been formed. Mr. McAboy was succeeded by Rev. Jeremiah Dale, who had been a valued laborer within the bounds of the church. It is said of Mr. Dale, "He was a man of fervent Christian spirit, devoted indefatigably to his work, animated with a passion to save souls, and his labors were greatly blessed beyond, as well as within, the territory of the Marietta church, for he set no limit to his field but his power of presence and endurance." The results of his labor at Cats creek and Newport were especially gratifying. Before the close of Mr. Dale's ministry five preaching stations had been organized. It has been truthfully said of this devoted pastor, "He had no home but the back of his horse." He travelled over four hundred miles a month to meet his appointments. Mr. Dale's pastorate, during which over three hundred members were added to the churches under his charge, was terminated by ill health in the summer of 1831. He died September 4, 1831, at Danvers, Massachusetts, his native home, where he had gone in the hope of recovering his strength.
During the next two years Rev. Alfred Dana served the church. Through his ministry the membership was increased and awakened. Rev. Allen Darrow was the next pastor. He resided in Marietta, but served the whole territory of the church except Lowell, which had become by this time an independent slation. During the early years of his ministry meetings were held in Marietta in the old and new court houses, in the schoolhouse, in Library hall and in private dwellings. Measures were soon taken, however, for building a house of worship, and with the assistance of the Newport members the former house on Church street was ready for occupancy in April, 1836. That house was destroyed by fire in 1855. The present edifice on Putnam street was in process of erection at the time. Mr. Darrow resigned in 1837 to take charge of the Newport branch, which had been dismissed and made independent that year. By this time the branches had gained sufficient strength to cut loose from the parent stock and maintain an independent existence. Adams had been dismissed five years before. In 1837 Newport, Williamstown and Little Muskingum were constituted new churches. Long Reach church in West Virginia was constituted in 1838. "Six churches from the original one of five numbers."
Marietta church first enjoyed the entire service of a pastor in 1838, when Rev. Hiram Gear was chosen to that office. It was at first found necessary to ask assistance from the home missionary society, which was given or more properly loaned, for it has long since been repaid. The choice of Mr, Gear to the pastorate proved peculiarly fortunate, By his affable manner and strong sermons, he won the friendship and confidence of the citizens. He died February 20, 1843. The citizens testified their regard for him by erecting a monument to his memory.
Eber Crain ministered to the church until August, 1844, when he resigned on account of ill health.
Rev. Ira Corwin was called by the congregation October, 1844, and served until March, 1853. During his ministry the membership steadily increased and a good feeling existed. He resigned in December, 1852, but at the request of the congregation remained until the following March.
In September, 1853, Rev. J. P. Agenbrod accepted a call, and served as pastor two years.
Rev. L. G. Leonard became pastor in September, 1855, and during the following winter the church enjoyed the largest revival in its history. A new era of prosperity dawned which continues to the present time. Mr. Leonard served the church until July, 1863.
Rev. I. N. Carman was ordained pastor in July, 1864, having served the year previous as stated supply. During the winter of 1865 a revival resulted in forty accessions to the church, mostly from the Sunday-school. He added during his pastorate about ninety new members. He resigned in December, 1868.
Rev. J. D. Grieble became pastor in February, 1869. Rev. Mr. Grieble resigned March 10, 1869.
October 11, 1869, Marana Stone, D. D., was called to the pastorate, and served the church in that capacity
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 337
until the fall of 1873, when he resigned to accept the call of the American Baptist Home Mission society, to hold institutes among the colored preachers of the south. He had been president of the Young Ladies' Baptist institute, at Grandview, and afterwards became president of Leland university, at New Orleans.
Dr. Stone was succeeded by James W. Riddle, who was ordained pastor February 26, 1874. Mr. Riddle resiged September 5, 1878.
George R. Gear, the present pastor, was ordained by a council March 26, 1879. These services were exceptionally interesting. The candidate had been baptized into the church at Marietta, and the ordination was conducted largely by former pastors: Allen Darrow, Cambridge, Ohio, moderator; L. B. Moore, Williamstown, West Virginia, reading of Scriptures; L G. Leonard, Lebanon, ordination sermon; J. W. Carter, Parkersburgh, ordaining prayer; H. L. Gear, charge to candidate; C. H. Gunter, hand of fellowship.
Two liberal bequests are worthy of special mention in this connection. The following resolution was passed March 3, 1869:
That the following notice of the deth of Deacon Thomas Heuton be entered on the record in connection with that portion of his will relating to the church:
"Departed this life, Monday, February 1, 1869, Deacon Thomas Heuton, aged fifty-five years, a man of disposition extremely retiring, loved by all who knew him, of rare beauty of character, and extremely attracted to the church of which he was a pillar and ornament."
The clause of the will relating to the church reads:
To the First Baptist church of Marietta of which I am a member, I give the sum of two thousand dollars, for the promotion of the Christian religion, as the said church or its trustees may deem proper, or the interests and wants of the church may require.
This liberal and unqualified gift was perfectly in harmony with the character of the noble man whose memory the church delights to honor.
September 27, 1871, T. W. Ewart deeded as a gift to the church, the lot on the corner of Fourth and Washington streets, on which was located what is now known as Mission chapel. He had for some time cherished the hope of seeing a second congregation organized, to which it was his purpose to donate this property. The hope was finally abandoned, and the property transferred to the first church.
The liberality of the Baptist congregation during the brightest period of its history, was highly commendable. During the year 1871 the treasurer received for all purposes, seven thousand three hundred and seventeen dollars and five cents, which was disbursed as follows: Church expenses, $4,775.76; Ohio Baptist Educational society, $204.40; association missions, $173.75; home and foreign missions, $528.87; Dennison university, $363; church debt, $1,497.90; the balance to new and weak congregations.
A new bell was purchased in December, 1874, which cost four hundred and seventy-five dollars. The money was raised by entertainments and subscriptions.
The church room was repaired and reseated in 1881.
LITTLE MUSKINGUM CHURCH.
The Little Muskingum Baptist church was dismissed from the Marietta church and organized with its present name in 1837, with twenty-nine members. Rev. A. Darrow served this church in connection with Newport until 1843. Rev. J. D. Riley ministered to this church from that date until August, 1874, with the exception of a year and a half, during which I. M. Winn officiated. J. C. Richardson succeeded Mr. Riley, and remained until 1876, when Mr. Riley again returned, and remained one year.
ST. LUKE'S CHURCH—EPISCOPAL.
Rev. Philander Chase, bishop of the diocese of Ohio, visited Marietta in August, 1820. He says he was well received and treated with kindness and hospitality, and that "a considerable number of persons in town and vicinity of great respectability and worth, expressed themselves sincerely attached to the church." He held two meetings in Marietta and one in Harmar on Wednesday, August 8th, and on the following morning administered the right of confession to seven persons. Incipient steps were taken at this time toward forming a parish by the name of St. Luke's church. The bishop says:
Nothing under the divine blessing seemed wanting to complete the fondest expectations of the promise of primitive Christianity at this place, but the labors of a pious, learned and active missionary for a few years.
In April, 1822, Philander Chase, jr., then a deacon, preached several times in Marietta. In 1825 Judge Arius Nye, a zealous member of the church returned to Marietta, and immediately undertook to effect an organization among the people whose sympathies were with the • church. His efforts were rewarded with success, as the following article of association shows:
We, the inhabitants of Marietta and its vicinity, do hereby acknowledge and declare ourselves to be members and adherents of the religious society and parish of St. Lukes’, of the Protestant Episcopal church, in the diocese of Ohio at Marietta, and agree to conform to such society and parish, to the constitution and cannons of that church in said diocese.
ARIUS NYE, JAMES ENGLISH,
BILLY TODD, A. V. D. JOLIM,
DANIEL H. BUELL,
EDWARD RECTOR.
JOHN K. JOLIM.
MARIETTA, January 1, 1816.
Judge Arius Nye was appointed by Bishop Chase a lay reader. Mr. Nye kept up the services of the church for seven years until the parish had a rector. At the first meeting of the parish Arius Nye and Joseph Barker were elected wardens; Daniel H. Buell, Billy Todd, Alexander Henderson, Silas Hobby, and Joel Tuttle were appointed vestrymen; James English was first secretary of the parish.
Meetings were occasionally conducted by missionaries in the court house in Marietta, and in the old brick school-house in Harmar. In 1829 the parish had ten communicants. In 2832 Rev. John P. Robinson held services several times in the Congregational church. During that year a Sunday-school was organized and also St. Luke's circle, chiefly missionary in its objects.
Rev. John P. Robinson and J. Delafield were appointed a committee for the purpose of soliciting funds at the east with which to build a church, a parsonage, and to found a parish library.
Mr. Robinson declined the call to become rector, and
388 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
toward the latter part of the year Rev. John T. Wheat was elected. On the thirtieth of December the sacrament was administered to fourteen communicants. The success of the committee to solicit aid made it necessary that the church should be incorporated, which was done by act of the legislature on the ninth of January, 1833 Rev. John T. Wheat preached his inaugural sermon on the fourteenth of April, 1833. Active preparations were at once commenced for the building of a church, the corner-stone of which was laid August 20th On the fifteenth of November the first services were held in the building, and on the seventeenth of October the building was consecrated by Bishop McIlvaine. During the rectorate of Mr. Wheat, which continued until the seventeenth of October, 1836, fifty-five were added to the membership, and when Rev. C. F. Haensel was installed he found fifty-five communicants. Since Mr. Haensel resigned the successive rectors have been : B. J. Bonner, to November, 1842; D. W. Tolfard, to November 19, 1843; Edward Winthrop, to May 24, 1847; D. W. Tolfard, to April 8, 1850; Rev. John Boyd, D. D., the present rector, was elected June 11, 1850. The first parsonage was built during the summer of 1850. Dr. Boyd's rectorship has been long and successful.
The old building soon became inadequate to the wants of the growing congregation, and a handsome new edifice was erected, which was consecrated on the twenty-fourth of September, 1857, by Bishop Mcllvaine.
The parsonage was sold in 1862, and the convenient one now occupied by the rector built during that year. Dr. Boyd's continuous clerical service has been longer than any other clergyman in the county. Under his able ministrations the church has become one of the most influential in Marietta.
St. Luke's circle is an organization which deserves no unimportant place in the history of the parish. It was formed in 1832, by the ladies of the parish, for the purposes of promoting social union and replenishing the light treasury of the infant church. Considerable sums have frequently been contributed toward building and furnishing funds, and missionary work has received due attention.
St. Luke's sewing school is another institution of this church which deserves special attention. This society was instituted in 1873, by a number of ladies, for the purpose of teaching the children of poor or indifferent parents the art of sewing. Classes are held every Saturday when they engage in making garments out of material furnished by the society. The product of this work is donated to those in need.
ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL.
The first German religious society organized in Marietta and one of the first in Ohio was "St. Paul's Evangelical" connected with the Evangelical synod. About 1833, the German population began to increase quite rapidly.
Those inclined to attend public worship were kindly welcomed by the English churches. Many of them joined the Episcopal church, the service being translated for them. But there was a natural desire for worship in which all could freely participate and feel at home.
St. Paul's church was instituted in September, 1839, by John Lehnhard, Lewis Lehnhard, Jacob Theis and Messrs. Kallenbaugh, Heider and Hartwig. John Hebel joined the church soon afterward. This little congregation 0f men with their families met in private houses for a time and then procured the court room for regular services. C. Kobler was the first regular pastor. He was installed November 14, 1842. Previously services were conducted by stated supplies, the most prominent of whom were Reverend Mr. Runyer, Francisco Giolini, and A. Swartz. In the absence of a preacher one of the members read a sermon. Mr. Kobler filled the office of pastor about one year. During the next five years the church was very unfortunate in procuring ministers. Regularly ordained and pious clergymen of the denomination were scarce in the west and this unfortunate circumstance opened the way for imposters. Early in 1847, Dr. J. E. Freygang was installed as pastor. His ministery continued until August 24, 1848, when Jacob Mosbach was installed. The church had increased in numbers very rapidly and the members felt the need of a house of worship. Money for that purpose was raised by subscription and the work of building began in the summer of 1849. Just before the building was completed a change of pastors was deemed advisable, and Rev. Mr. Doener was elected to succeed. About the first of January, 1850, the new church was dedicated, the services being conducted by the pastor, assisted by Prof. George Rossester, of Marietta college. The building cost about one thousand dollars and the lot about two hundred dollars.
The next pastor was Rev. Mr. Kress, who took charge early in 1853. A very sad circumstance is connected with Mr. Kress' life at Marietta. While he was coming from Zanesville on a boat, his daughter took sick and died. Her body was interred in Marietta cemetery. About a year after he had moved here, his son was accidentally drowned in the Muskingum. These two sad events, so closely connected, greatly affected Mr. Kress, and induced him to ask to be released from pastoral duties.
John H. Schienbeck was installed as pastor in November, 1857, and supplied the congregation till December, when D. Schultz succeeded, who was followed, in 1864, by one of the most eminent scholars in the church, Dr. Ruddolph. Dr. Ruddolph was a German by birth and education, and had for a number of years been chaplain of the Duke of Sax Weimar.
The remaining pastors have been: William F. Conner, from January, 1866, to August 15, 1868. G. Freidrigh, from September, 1868, to December, 1871. G. Geopken, from January 1, 1872, to January I, 1879. Victor Broesel, from January 1, 1879,. to the present.
The present membership is forty-five families. About one hundred families attend and assist in supporting this church. A Sunday-school was organized in 1848, and has been maintained since. The church is now in a very flourishing condition and the services of the sanctuary are well attended, there being usually about three hundred people present.
THOMAS W. EWART, LL D.
Judge Thomas W. Ewart, the only son of Robert Kells Ewart and his wife, Mary Cochran, was born in Grand View township, Washington county, Ohio, on the twenty-seventh of February, A. D. 1816. On the paternal side he was of Scotch-Irish descent, his grandfather having come direct from the north of Ireland to western Pennsylvania, where he lived until the time of his death. After his death the family moved to Fishing Creek, near New Martinsville, West Virginia. R. K. Ewart was married to Mary Cochran in Tyler county, West Virginia, her home, about the year 185; and the couple removed to Grand View township, Washington county, Ohio, in 186, where the subject of this sketch was born on his father's farm. He was a delicate child, but attended school as regularly as his feeble constitution would permit, and proved to be a bright scholar, quick to learn and of retentive memory.
When about fifteen years of age an opportunity was afforded him of coming to Marietta and obtaining a business education. As his lack of physical strength seemed to unfit him for the arduous labor of farm life, and he had already about reached the limit of school advantages afforded by a country school of that day, his parents thought it best that he should improve the opportunity that was extended to him through the kindness of a friend in whom they had the utmost confidence. Accordingly at fifteen years of age he came to Marietta and entered the office of the county clerk, George Dunlevy, esq. Here he soon proved to be a very efficient deputy, winning high favor from the members of the bar, with whom he became very popular. When, a few years afterward, Mr. Dunlevy died, Mr. Ewart, who had then just attained the legal age, was appointed October 3z, 1836, to the position of county clerk. His efficiency as an officer is sufficiently attested by the fact that he was continued by successive reappointments in the office for the next fifteen years.
Mr. Ewart early took an active interest in political affairs. He was identified with the Whig party, and for several years held the position of chairman of the county central committee in that party. After the rise of the Republican party he became identified with that organization, and continued to take an active part in politics, making frequent speeches in political campaigns. In 1850 he was elected a member of the Constitutional convention which formed our present State constitution, representing the senatorial district composed of Washington and Morgan counties.
Hon. William P. Cutler was the other member from this county. Mr. Ewart was one of the youngest members of that body, and naturally did not take a very prominent part in its debates, although in all questions that came before it he took pains carefully to inform himself, that he might vote intelligently. The constitution provided for the organization of a new tribunal called the probate court. Before he reached home his party had nominated him for probate judge. He was elected to that office in February, 1852, but be resigned after holding the office about seven months, in order that he might enter upon the practice of law.
While in attendance upon the Constitutional convention at Cincinnati, he was admitted to the bar. He entered into a law partnership with Colonel Melvin Clarke, in October, 1852, and the new firm soon won a prominent position at the bar. Other partnerships at a later date were formed with Judge William B. Loomis, Captain R. K. Shaw, H. L. Gear, Captain H. L Sibley, and his son, Thomas Ewart.
As a lawyer Mr. Ewart was distinguished for the thoroughness with which he prepared his cases, his ability in seizing the governing principles of his cases, and the energy and tenacity with which he advocated the cause of his client. His grasp of legal principles was comprehensive, and his presentation of facts skillful. He was honorable in his dealing with opponents, and firmly believed that the proper function of the lawyer was not "to make the worse appear the better reason," but fairly to represent the interests of his client.
He did not seek to encourage litigation; and was careful in entering upon causes to take those only in which there was, in his opinion, a real wrong to be righted, but when a case was once committed to his hands, he pushed it with all his energy.
For the last twenty-five years he has usually represented one side or the other of almost every important civil cause, involving large amounts of money, or prominent business interests, tried in this county; and in such employment has uniformly acted with marked fidelity and ability. And during later years he has had considerable practice in neighboring counties in this State and West Virginia as well as in the Federal and Supreme courts of Ohio and Illinois.
The estimation in which his legal ability was held by others is made evident by the fact that in February, 1865, when a vacancy occurred in the office of judge of the court of common pleas in this district by the elevation of Judge John Welch to the supreme bench, the governor of Ohio tendered him the office thus made vacant. His business interests were such then as to forbid the acceptance of the appointment.
Mr. Ewart seriously felt the lack of a thorough collegiate education. While a young man in the office of county clerk, he entered upon a private course of study, devoting attention to mathematics, history, moral science and other branches. He was always a thoughtful reader and observer, and such a degree of intellectual culture did he reach by self-education, that in 1878 Denison University conferred upon him the title of Doctor of Laws. He was kind, social and affectionate in his family relations, and gave his children the fullest opportunities for thorough education.
In public business enterprises Mr. Ewart bore a prominent part. He was at various times identified with, as director and legal adviser, the old Marietta bank, the Marietta National bank, the Union Bank of Marietta, the Noble County bank, the Marietta Chair company, and the Marietta, Pittsburgh & Cleveland Railway company.
He was a public spirited man, and any enterprise which would result in the welfare of the community, was sure to have from him sympathy and support.
In religious life Mr. Ewart was very active. In early life, before he became of age, he became a Christian, and united with the Baptist church. At that time, there was no church of that denomination in the city, and he went to various points in the country, where meetings were held, walking several miles for the purpose. He was afterwards largely instrumental in the organization of a Baptist church in Marietta, and in the erection of a church building. He was always a very generous contributor to all benevolent enterprises. His sympathies were broad, taking in all worthy interests both at home and abroad. He was a staunch friend of Denison University at Granville, Ohio, and for upwards of twenty years one of its trustees. He took a great interest in Sabbath school work, frequently visiting different parts of the county, in the interest of Sabbath school extension. For thirty years he was superintendent of the Sabbath school of the First Baptist church of Marietta. Probably no man in Washington county has done more to promote Sabbath schools than Judge Ewart. In denominational interests he was active. For a period of about twenty years he was presiding officer of what is now known as the Marietta Baptist association, and he was ever on the alert to foster feeble churches in that association, and aid them in the erection of houses of worship. He acted one time as president of the State association of Baptists, and was for a time vice-president of the United States association of Baptists known as the Missionary union, presiding at one or two of their annual meetings.
In temperance work he bore a prominent part, being everywhere known as an uncompromising foe of the traffic in intoxicating liquors. His earnestness in this direction gained for him the bitter enmity of some whose interests were thus assailed, but this did not serve to deter him from advocating what he believed to be right.
Mr. Ewan took pleasure in speaking words of encouragement, and in giving practical assistance to worthy young men, whom he saw struggling with difficulty, and more than one remembers gratefully the help which he has thus received.
In 1838 he married Grace Dana, of Newport, by whom he had six children, four of whom still survive. She died in 1854. His second wife was Jerusha Gear, whom he - married in 1855. By her he had six children, who are all living.
At one time Mr. Ewart was the possessor of a considerable amount of property, but the failure of men, for whom he had endorsed, and the general financial stringency of the past few years, swept away his possessions. Under an accumulation of troubles, his health failed and he has removed to Granville, Ohio, with his family, but leaving many warm friends in Washington county.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 389
A very important crisis in the history of the church occurred in 1857. Z. E. Zobel, who had been pastor since 1854, was not giving satisfaction to the whole church. An effort to dismiss him led to a division and the organization of St. Lucas church, in the fall of 1857, with Mr. Zobel as pastor.
ST. LUCAS CHURCH.
The division in St. Paul's church, already spoken of, was the result partly of a difference of opinion on the question of church government, and partly of a local dissension among the members. A large portion of the membership was averse to synodical rule, and felt a desire for a society which should be congregational in its government and liberal in its doctrines. A dissension on a matter of church policy stimulated those who entertained this desire to organized action. Early in 1858, about forty persons held a meeting and organized St. Lucas Evangelical church. The exact date of this meeting is not known. The building on the corner of Fourth and Scammel streets, now used by this congregation, was purchased January 25, 1858, from the Protestant Episcopal church, at a cost of one thousand five hundred dollars. At a meeting held January 31, 1858, the following officers were elected: President, Jacob Grosselas; secretary, Daniel Hashler; treasurer, John Kuntz; trustees, John Pfaff, Henry Zisler, Peter Schlicher, John Peters, Jacob Hennerman and Jacob Lorenz. Of these first officers only three are now living----Peter Schlicher, Jacob Henman and Jacob Lorenz.
The church was inaugurated on the ninth of February by E. L. Zobel, the first pastor.
A neat parsonage was built in 1869 and an organ placed in the church in 1873. A Sunday-school was organized at the formal institution of the church and now numbers more than one hundred and fifty scholars and twenty teachers.
The ministers have been as follows: E. L Zobel, Mr. Morsebach, Mr. Scipel, Mr. Fleicher, Mr. Gleischer, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Brickner, C. Moser, Jacob Bloss, Mr. Carmacher, Mr. Alech, M. Herberg, and Mr. Fritze.
The membership of this church is composed of enterprising and highly moral citizens. They are sincerely laboring for the advancement of Christian doctrine and Christian morality. The large band of faithful Sunday-school workers is an index of their zeal, while the character and every-day life of the members is an evidence of the good work being done.
GERMAN METHODIST CHURCH.
This church was formally organized in 1842, although meetings were held before that time. Paul Bodbeck was largely instrumental in instituting regular worship, and probably served as first pastor. The records of the early church are not complete, and therefore an accurate account of the organization cannot be obtained. The congregation purchased from the trustees of the Centenary church the house on Second street, until 1839 occupied by the Methodist congregation. This building was used until the new church on the corner of Fourth and Wooster was completed in 1877.
This congregation is now in a very flourishing condition. The membership numbers about one hundred and twenty-five. A Sunday-school has been maintained since soon after the organization of the church, and has a membership of about one hundred and fifty and a library of four hundred volumes.
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The Second Congregational church of Marietta township was organized March 3, 2859, by Rev. V. G. Fry. During the summer of 1858 Mr. Fry had been preaching at the Presbyterian church, Cedar Narrows Congregational church, Stanleyville and Lynch Methodist church. Upon invitation he included school district No. 8, Marietta township, in his appointments. In February, 1859, a protracted meeting was held in this church which resulted in the formation of the society with twenty-four members, twenty-one by profession and three by letter.
Mr. Fry acted as pastor until 1863, but having a wide field his visits were necessarily infrequent. Rev. John Noble was associated in the pastorate in 1873, and this church was supplied once each Sabbath. Mr. Noble was soon forced by ill health to resign the charge, and at the close of the year Mr. Fry accepted a call to Lexington, Ohio, and the society was left without a pastor. Up to this time there had been eleven additions to the membership. During 1864 and 1865 Rev. L L. Fay and Professor J. L Mills preached occasionally. During x866 Professor Mills preached regularly. During 1867 there was no pastor and the society marntained a doubtful existence. In the winter of 1868 Rev. George Athey, of the United Brethern church, held an awakening revival in which the members of the Congregational church joined. A flourishing United Brethern class was organized, and both bodies worked together for nearly a year, when the United Brethern removed their services to Jenning's school-house, where they cultivated a much neglected field. Mr. J. H. Jenkins, then tutor in the college, preached for the second church once each Sabbath until 1872 when G. W. Wells became regular pastor in connection with the Little Muskingum church and served until 1876. He was succeeded by Rev. Eugene S. Reed, who remained until 188o, when Mr. Wells was recalled.
A comfortable frame church was built in 1869. A Sunday-school has been maintained during the summer months, since the date of its organization. The membership at the close of 1880 was seventy.
ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Prior to 1838 the Catholics in and around Marietta were attended by missionaries and priests from other places. In that year Rev. James McCaffrey was stationed in Marietta, and ministered to the communicants in all the neighboring towns. During the pastorate of Mr. McCaffrey the church was placed on a solid financial basis by the generous donation of a house and lot on Fourth street by Mrs. Mary Brophy. The house was a two-story brick, the first story of which was used as a church and the second story as the pastoral residence until 1850, when the -new church, which had been in
390 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
process of erection for about three years, was completed. The new church was built just above the old one on the same lot. The old building has since been removed. Rev. James McCaffrey remained in charge until June, 1849, when he was succeeded by Rev. Robert J. Lawrence, who in time was succeeded in April, 1850, by Rev. Peter Perry. During Mr. Perry's administration, which continued until October, 1855, it was found necessary to have more room to accommodate the increasing congregation, and the new church was commenced.
Rev. R. B. Hardey was the next pastor. He remained till May, 1857, when Rev. A. O. Walker took charge. Mr. Walker took upon himself the burden of freeing the church from the debt incurred by building. He visited many of the neighboring churches and solicited help. Not only enough money was procured to pay the debt but also enough to erect the main altar.
Rev. M. J Ryan succeeded to the pastorate in May, 1862, and discharged the several duties of the office until his death, which occurred in July, 1869.
Rev. C. F. Schellamer, who was next appointed to the Marietta charge, had the church frescoed and stained glass put in the windows. In October. 1875, he was succeeded by Rev. Peter Thurheimer whose ministrations continued till September, 1878, when Rev. F. P. Campbell was appointed. In November, 1879, the present pastor, Rev. John B. Kuehn took charge of the congregation. He has arranged for the finishing of the tower and the purchase of a bell
The church owns two city lots on Fourth street, below Green, on which the church edifice and parsonage stand, and a cemetery in the south part of the city. Until 1868 Marietta was in the diocese of Cincinnati; since that time it has been in the diocese of Columbus.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH-HARMAR.
On the first of January, 1840, thirty-seven persons met in the town hall in Harmar, and organized the Congregational church of Harmar. Twenty-five of the number were from the Congregational church of Marietta, nine from other churches and one was received on public profession. The meeting was conducted by Rev. J. H. Linsley, D. D., then president of Marietta college. He was assisted by Rev. D. Walker. A confession of faith and covenant, which are liberal and at the same time evangelical in doctrine, had been prepared by Dr. Linsley and were adopted at this meeting.
The ladies of the Congregational church of Marietta generously made a donation for the purchase of a communion set for the new church. During the first year there were nine accessions to the membership, five by letter and four on profession. Milo J. Hickok, a graduate of Middlebury college, Vermont, and Union Theoplogical seminary, New York, was installed and ordained first pastor, on the fourth of May, 1842. The church had been supplied during the greater part of 1840 by Dr. Linsley and for a few months in 1841 by Rev. S. P. Robbins, son of the second pastor of the church in Marietta. The services attending the ordination of Mr. Hickok were held in the Methodist church at Harmar, and were very interesting and impressive. The introductory prayer was made by Dr. Linsley, one of the founders of the church; the sermon by Rev. Henry Smith, D. D., of Marietta college; the ordaining prayer by Rev. Dyer Burgess; charge to the pastor by Dr. Linsley; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Thomas Wickes, of the Congregational church of Marietta; charge to the people by Dr. Kingsbury; concluding prayer by Rev. Hiram Gear, of the Baptist church.
Mr. Hickok was dismissed at his own request April 8,1844. He afterwards became pastor of the church at Rochester, New York; where he received the degree of D. D., and later became a citizen of Marietta.
After the resignation of Mr. Hickok the pulpit was supplied for over a year by members of the college faculty.
Rev. Gideon Dana, after having served as stated supply for about two years was ordained second regular pastor October 20, 1847. The present church was built during the summer of 1847 on a lot donated by Mr. David Putnam, sr. It was dedicated November 27th, the services being conducted by the pastor and Rev. Dr. Wickes. The first Sabbath services were held in the church on the following day. During the winter of 1847-8 a series of concerts were given by a quartette of young men—Chandler Robbins, Horace Norton, G. H. Barbour and N. K. Beosley—and the proceeds given in the spring of 1848 for the purchase of a bell. Mr. Dana remained pastor until March 1, 1850, when he resigned.
Rev. David Gould supplied the pulpit till March 13, 1851, when a call was extended him, which he accepted. He was installed May 28, 1851, the installation sermon. being preached by Rev. Thomas Wickes. Mr. Gould tendered his resignation May 11, 1854, on account of ill health, but his pastorate had been so entirely satisfactory to the congregation that his resignation was not accepted, but he was released from pastoral duties until January 1, 1855. The resignation was renewed in December, and accepted January 16th, with a resolution of regret.
Rev. William Wickefield was elected pastor January 22, 1855. Mr. Wickefield assumed the pastoral duties in April, and continued to serve the congregation with great acceptation until February 9, 1872, when he resigned. During his pastorate the church (in 1868) was repaired and refitted, and improved generally, at an expense of four thousand five hundred dollars, about half of which was paid by a single individual. The church is now one of the most comfortable in Washington county.
After the resignation of Mr. Wickefield, Professor J. L. Wells acted as supply until. Rev. J. H. Jenkins became permanent supply in November, 1872. Mr. Jenkins was elected pastor January 8, 1873, and installed on the second of June. This church has been blessed with an abundant prosperity ever since its organization. The membership has steadily increased until there are at present about two hundred names on the roll The whole number received since organization is four hun-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 391
dred and ninety. Since the present pastor took charge, one hundred and sixty-seven have been added to the membership.
To omit to mention the generous contributions of this church to the various causes of Christian beneficence, would be inexcusable. It is not possible to give anything like exact figures, for much has been given of which no record has been kept. Mr. Wickefield said in his sermon commemorative of the twentieth anniversary of the church: "Enough is known' to make it safe to say that, including what has been expended in support of the Gospel at home, and the free will gifts for the causes of Christian benevolence and Christian education, the church has been enabled to devote to religious and benevolent purposes, during the twenty years, more than fifty thousand dollars." Enough is known to make it safe to say that that amount has been quadrupled during the second twenty years of the existence of the organization. One of the munificent acts of the man who has been deacon from the organization, and was clerk nearly thirty-five years, demands special mention. On New Year, 1869, as a free will offering, he annulled all outstanding bills, amounting to one thousand three hundred dollars. He had previously contributed toward improvements on the church about two thousand three hundred dollars, making in all a contribution of four thousand six hundred dollars for one year.
The deacons of the church since its organization have been Douglas Putnam, Daniel P. Bosworth, Seth Hart, Stephen Newton, Rotheus Hayward, Samuel Langbridge, Ceorge H. Ford, R. B. Hart, and C. M. Cole.
THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY.
If not among the first, at least among the early settlers of Marietta, there were some who held to the doctrine of Unitarianism. Peter Cartwright, the ardent Methodist evangelist, mentions with dismay the progress which "Universalism, Unitarianism and Liberalism" had made among the Yankee settlers as early as 1806.
On the twentieth of January, 1855, Nahum Ward, a wealthy and influential citizen, made a call through the Marietta Intelligencer, for a meeting of all who believed in the worship of God in unity, not in trinity, to meet at the court house February 3d, for the purpose of organizing a Unitarian, liberal, rational, religious society. In accordance with Mr. Ward's call a few friends met, and organized the First Unitarian society of Marietta. A basis of organization was adopted, of which the following is the cardinal principle:
Believing in the unity, and in the paternal character and merciful government of God; in man's natural capacity of virtue, and liability to sin; in the supernatural authority of Jesus Christ as a teacher sent from God; in his divine mission as a Redeemer; in his moral perfection as an example; in the remedial as. well as retributive office and intention of divine punishments; in the sours immedite ascension on release from the body to its account and reward; and tht salvation rests not on superficial observance of rites, or on intellectual assent to creeds, or on any arbitrary decree, but under the grace of God on the rightness of the ruling affection, on humble faithfulness of life, and on integral goodness of character.
At this meeting Nahum Ward, William S. Ward and John C. McCoy were elected trustees. At a meeting held January 9, 1858, R. D. Burr was elected first instructor of divine truth. The church edifice was erected entirely at the expense of Nahum Ward. The first corner-stone was laid July 2, 1855. The dedication services took place June 4, 1857. This church, situated at the corner of Third and Putnam streets, is one of the finest public buildings in Marietta.
In the spring of 1869 a successful movement was set on foot for uniting the First Unitarian society and the First Universalist church into one society to be known as the First Unitarian society, each of the separate churches, however, to preserve an independent existence. This union was permanently effected on the eighteenth of May, 1869. Since that date public worship has been supported by the united society. Each church yet preserves its identity, and each has its own organization as a church, the society being only a business organization, by which the union worship of the two churches is supported. The ministers supported by the First Unitarian society since its organization, have been: R. D. Burr, William L Gage, E. C. Gild, T. J. Mumford, F. M. Holland and W. C. Finney before the union, and J. R. Johnson, T. S. Thatcher and J. T. Lusk since the union.
THE UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH.
This church was organized with a membership of about ninety, sometime during the winter of 1857. In the early part of that winter a series of protracted meetings were commenced by a preacher of the Wesleyan Methodist church in a mission meeting-house belonging to the Centenary church, in the part of town known as Texas. After these meetings had progressed some time under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Jones, the Wesleyan evangelist, a United Brethren preacher named Ciscel began to assist at the meetings. Under the efficient labor of these two brethren working in harmony, one of the greatest revivals ever known in Marietta, was started.
This revival did not conclude until more than one hundred had professed conversion, and expressed a desire to unite with the church. It was deemed advisable by the converts and others who had taken part in these meetings to organize a church of their own, and a vote was taken to decide with what denomination it should be connected. The vote showed a decided partiality for the United Brethren, and the conference at its next meeting formally received the new organization as the United Brethren church of Marietta. The Texas church was used for a house of worship until 1866, when the frame building on Fourth street, north of Green, was built. In 1879, the trustees of the church sold this building for a school-house and purchased Whitney chapel from the Methodists. The chapel was repaired and now affords the congregation a very comfortable place for services.
There are now about one hundred members. A Sunday-school was started soon after the organization of the church and now has a membership of more than one hundred and a well-selected library. The successive pastors have been Messrs. Dilly, Troyer, Workman, Rinehart, Polton, Bower, Rock, and Booth.
392 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
AFRICAN METHODIST CHURCH.
It is not definitely known when this church was formally organized, but meetings were probably held as early as 1860, at first in private houses, and afterwards in the lecture room of the Baptist church. Rev. William H. Brown preached in the Odd Fellows' hall at Harmar, which the association had rented for the regular church services. During his ministry the members, although only five in number, determined to secure their own house of worship. The membership at this time consisted of Franklin Norman, Jane Norman, Susan Norman, Mrs. Fletcher, and Mrs. Strowders. In 1863 the society purchased the Old School Presbyterian church, on Third street. Since the Third street church was purchased the following ministers have served the congregation: Messrs. Brown, Ralph, Pettigrue, McTerry, Lee, Bell, Thomas, Cole, Whitman, Artis, and Davidson. The membership has steadily increased, and much gold has been accomplished. The membership is now twenty-eight, and a wide-awake little Sunday-school has been maintained, which now numbers about forty, the average attendance being thirty-five. The Sunday-school has a small library.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
There were five religious societies organized from 1801 to 1806, all except one of which were extinct before 1820. None of these organizations had denominational *designation, although perhaps all were in some way connected with denominational organizations.
The First Religious Society was organized March 2, 1801, and continues to be the association which transacts the business of the Congregational church. When this society was organized it was strictly union in its character, Christians of all shades of opinion being included in its membership. Other religious societies which were organized soon after followed the example of the First" church and society, of making the business organization independent of the church proper, which was of necessity in sympathy with some form of denominationalism. The First Religious society was directly connected with the Congregational church, the Second with the Presbyterian church, and the Religious Meeting-House society, which was organized April is, 1863, probably was indirectly connected with the Presbyterian church. , The Fourth Religious society was formed in 1805 by persons living east of Duck creek. This society drew its last ministerial dividend in 1812.
The Union Religious society, which was organized early in 1806, was formed almost wholly of residents of Harmar. It received dividends from the ministerial rents to 1818.
THE HALCYONS.
A new country is productive of new doctrines, particularly in matters of religion. Cutting loose from the scenes, the society, and the employments of childhood and life, breaks down natural reverence for old ideas and leads men into new systems of doctrine.
Abel Sargent, the founder of the Halcyon sect, visited Marietta first between 1801 and 1805. His doctrines were very similar to the faith of the modem Second Adventists, but great latitude on minor points were allowed. The doctrines commended themselves to many respectable people. Dr. McIntosh was perhaps the best known adherent. After the sect had declined as an organization he remained steadfast to the faith, and wrote a book, as will be seen by reference to his biography in another chapter. Sargent sought discussions with the clergy in different parts of the county and much personal controversy followed.
Peter Cartwright held a discussion with him in 1806 which led to an exposure. Sargeant announced his purpose to light a fire with light from heaven. A crowd was collected around a stump on which was placed some tinder. Bystanders were surprised and adherents delighted to see the prophecy fulfilled. Sargent praised God for sending fire from heaven, but the Methodist veteran reminded the witnesses that the smell of powder and brimstone indicated that the author of the fire lived in the lower regions.
The Halcyons declined after 1807 in point of numbers, a few, however, remained faithful. It no longer has an existence as a religious organization, but the doctrines in all. essential respects are entertained by many people all over the country.