WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 425 In the summer of 1874 a residence for the sexton was built, the original cost of which was two thousand eight hundred dollars. Later five hundred dollars was expended on the place. Stables, tool houses and other buildings have been added. In 1884 a public receiving vault was made at a cost of three thousand eight hundred and forty-five dollars. In 1895, after mature consideration, a complete water-works system was planned. A two-thousand barrel reservoir was constructed on the eastern side of the premises, and water pipes radiate therefrom throughout the cemetery. This cost one thousand five hundred dollars. In 1904 improvements were made, including the better heating facilities for the main house, near the entrance to the grounds and the erection of tool houses, etc., at a cost of one thousand dollars. Among the many rules and regulations of the association, are these provisions : This organization is for mutual benefit ; the purchaser of a lot becomes and is a member of the association ; the trustees are elected by the lot owners and receive no compensation ; all monies received are expended on or for the grounds. From 1853 to 1880 there were two thousand and thirty-one burials within this cemetery. Since 1880 the average number of burials here has been one hundred and sixteen, making (up to 1904) a total of five thousand two' hundred and fifteen interments. This beautiful cemetery is near the city to the southeast, and is one of the charming spots of this section. The landscape work of nature, together with the embellishments made by the various superintendents, makes this one of the most beautiful cemeteries in all this portion of northern Ohio. In the northeast corner of this cemetery is to be seen a bronze fluted shaft, or column, about twenty-five feet high, surmounted by a life-sized bronze volunteer infantryman, with knapsack and musket. The monument is situated on a very conspicuous part of the grounds. Its west face has the following inscription : "Presented by James Mullins to Given Post, No. 133, Grand Army of the Republic, of Department of Ohio." On the eastern face of the base is this : "To the Heroes of Wayne County-1895." On the south is the badge of the Grand Army of the Republic, while on the north side is a Union shield. The column is planted as a pedestal on four huge base stones. By its side is an old cannon, mounted on caisson which saw service in one of the early wars, and the woodwork at present is rapidly going to decay. Within this sacred enclosure—the city cemetery—lie buried more than 426 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. three hundred and forty soldiers of the various American wars, the larger part of whom are from out the ranks of the Union soldiers of the great Civil war. SOLDIERS' MONUMENT. On the southwest corner of the public square stands a beautiful granite monument, with a drinking fountain attached. The whole is within a tasty iron enclosure, in which are placed two large sized Parrott guns (small cannon) with a pyramid of cannon-balls. In the center of the ground fenced in is a sixty-foot metal flag staff, made of tubing and painted white, from which on appropriate occasions is seen streaming to the breeze, "Old Glory." On the north side of the base of the monument is this inscription : "Erected by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Frick in honor of the Union soldiers of Wayne county and presented to the City of Wooster, May 5, 1892." Surmounting the monument is a life-sized statue of a United States volunteer soldier in the uniform of an infantryman. THE METAL BAND-STAND. On the west side of the southern portion of the public square is a metal band-stand of rare beauty and it is surmounted with a flag-staff. The whole structure is made of iron and steel, even the canopied roof and the posts which support the main stand. It is octagonal in form and here of evenings, during the summer months, the Wooster Band discourses music to the edification of the throngs who there assemble. THE WOOSTER BRUSH WORKS: Perhaps the most important factory in the city of Wooster is the brush factory, established in 1851 by Adam Foss in a small room on the third floor of the building now occupied by Brandt's book store on the east side of the public square. The founder was succeeded by Walter D. Foss, a son of Adam Foss, and George J. Swartz, in 1876, who carried on the business of brush-making in the two-story frame building at No. 35 South Market street. On the night of January 29, 1880, the plant was almost totally destroyed by the torch of an incendiary, but within a week the business had been re-opened in a frame building adjoining Wilhelm's carriage factory, now Clapper's block and hag factory. In the summer of 1880 it was removed to the three- WAYNE COUNTY. OHIO - 427 story brick building on South Market street, and later an addition was found necessary. In July, 1904, the partnership of W. D. Foss and G. J. Swartz, after twenty-eight years' duration, was mutually dissolved, Mr. Swartz retiring and Walter D. Foss & Sons' Company continuing as the Wooster Brush Works. In February, 1907, W. D. Foss purchased the south half of the three-story building known as the Foss & Lee block, at No. 56 South Market street, and a portion of their plant was then moved there. In 1909 it was decided to have a whole new and complete factory and accordingly they now occupy the immense factory at the intersection of Madison avenue and the Pennsylvania railroad property. The building is seventy by two hundred feet, with a heating and power plant attached. This building has three times more floor space than both the old factories had. It is surmounted by a huge wooden tank holding twenty-five thousand gallons of water, for use in the factory and as a fire protection. Goods are received and shipped on a special spur of the railroad. The building was first occupied in August, 1909. Almost every variety of brushes extant are here made.. Their trade is almost world-wide and the quality of goods made is very superior. Scores of men and women find constant and profitable employment at these works. This in brief is the history of a business that has been in the hands of one family for over a half century. WOOSTER NURSERY COMPANY. Among the industries of modern days in Wooster is the nursery of the Wooster Nursery Company, which was incorporated in June, 1906, with a capital of ten thousand dollars, with the following officers and directors : T. E. Ewing, president and manager; Calvin Fry, vice-president; Stephen N. Green, secretary and treasurer. The directors are T. E. Ewing, Carey Eelty, W. J. Griffin and William King. It should be stated, however, that this nursery had been established as a private concern by T. E. Ewing in 1902 and that it had developed into a good paying business by the date it was incorporated. The land now cultivated and owned by this company is near the Experimental Station, near Wooster, and consists of thirty-one acres. Besides this fertile tract, the company also leases land near the high school building. They carry on a general nursery business and sell their trees and numerous plants, both locally and throughout the entire country, employing agents, and do an extensive mail order 428 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. business. They reach out to many sections of the United States by catalogs. In the busy season of the year many men find steady employment, besides many more agents. In connection with their general nursery business, this company also operates a large line of greenhouses and a seed and plant house in Wooster occupying two floors and a basement of a business house near the public square, one hundred and eighty feet in depth, in which they carry a full line of bulbs, plants and farm and garden seeds, sold in both wholesale and retail. This trade is carried to all parts of the globe, including Asia and far-away countries. In the spring of 1908 this company purchased the J. B. Notestein nurseries at Jackson, a concern of more than a quarter of a century growth ; also the following season bought the stock of the E. C. Green & Son nursery of Medina county, which added greatly to their business. The benefits of the nearness to the Ohio Experimental Station can hardly be calculated, as their exhaustive and practical investigations and experiments enable the nursery to arrive at positive conclusions in regard to varieties best suited to customers. THE PIONEER MILL OF WAYNE COUNTY. Around the first and all early mills of almost any county there ever rests a wonderful amount of true history, tragedy and interesting legend. This is true indeed with the old Stibbs mills, near the present site of Wooster. This flouring-mill is now known, as it has been many years, as the Naftzger or Empire mills. It dates its building from an even century ago, built as it was in 1809 by Joseph Stibbs, who emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1803 and from Columbiana county, Ohio, in the spring of 1813, having been here four years before and erected a small flouring-mill and a log cabin. After his return he took personal charge of the mill and soon it drew custom from far and near, as it was the only mill within Wayne county and a large radius around depended upon its mill-stones to grind out breadstuffs for many a family. It derives its power from a race, drawing water from Apple-creek, the length of this mill-race being about a mile. In the history of the Mill there have been three different races dug. The first two were just to the east of the present race and were not so deep. The present lace is sufficient to give speed to an eighteen-foot overshot waterwheel. The stage of water is fairly good most of the year, but at times it is too low, hence steam power WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 429 was applied in connection with the water power a few years ago and now it is contemplated putting in a gas engine (possibly electric) and using the flow of natural gas that is now piped to a point a few rods from the mill. The capacity of this pioneer mill (that long years ago was converted into a roller-process mill) is forty-eight barrels per day. It is now the property of the Empire Milling Company, made up of local men, and is managed by Otto Riffle. It was purchased by J. R. Naftzger in 1866 from D. D. Miller and he bought the property from Jacob Kramer. Could this old mill but talk, a wonderful history it might reveal of the early day toils and journeys made by pioneers from a long distance. It was here that occurred the powder explosion mentioned elsewhere in this volume, and in which accident one man was killed, including Indians. A carding-mill was added to the mill soon after its erection by Stibbs. James Miles, the first carder, paid six and a quarter cents for packages of wild thorns with which to pin up the rolls of wool when carded. Still later a woolen factory was built on the site of the carding mills, by the son, Thomas Stibbs. Still later a linseed oil mill was put in. This was, indeed, the busiest place for the whirl of spindle and hum of machinery in all this section. Mr. Stibbs, the founder, died August 9, 1841, owner of one thousand two hundred acres of land on Apple creek, mostly in Wayne township. After his death and with the passing of several years, a distillery was built and operated at the same site, along the mill-race. The natural successor to this was the present brewery and artificial ice plant located near the mill property and which is among the paying plants of this section. At the old mill used to be carried on an extensive natural ice business. A large pond was made and the water run from the race was allowed to freeze, thus producing a fine grade of ice, which, was packed in two large ice houses near the pond. Thus has been kept intact one of Wayne county's oldest landmarks. The waters of Apple creek have thus found their way to the far-away ocean and back through cloud and rivulet to again turn the "old water mill" for more than a hundred years. Four generations have been supplied with bread from the bolting chest of this mill, which has kept pace with modern flour-making improvements and today sends forth an excellent brand of family flour that finds a ready sale within Wayne county, where it is nearly all consumed. SNOWFLAKE FLOURING-MILLS. These flouring-mills, on the corner of Bever and East Liberty streets, were established as the old-fashioned buhr-stone mills in the fifties. With the passing of the decades, and the improvement in the manufacture of flour, 430 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. the machinery was gradually changed to meet the requirements of the times and in 1879 they were the property of Plank Brothers, who continued until it became knoWn as Plank & Gray's mills. In April, 1909, it changed to Gray & Smith, the present owners, Charles M. Gray and A. G. Smith. These modern process-roller mills have a daily capacity of one hundred and thirty-five barrels, which is all sold within one hundred miles of Wooster. The sales of "Snowflake" run about six thousand fifty-pound sacks per week. The steam power was superseded in 1907 by natural gas engines as a propelling power. These mills have the best local trade of any mills in northern Ohio. OTHER INDUSTRIES. The printing art and industry is well represented at Wooster. The two daily newspapers both do an excellent job printing business, besides the Collier Printing Company, on Bever and North streets, and the George A. Clapper printing establishment, on East Liberty street. The latter was founded in 1879 as a straight printery, but in about 1898 added another department, that of manufacturing and printing salt pockets or bags, the whole of which monthly output is sold in advance to the Wadsworth Salt Company, of Wadsworth, Ohio. This has come to be a very extensive business. Wooster Artificial Ice and Brewing Company; Wooster Brick and Shale Works ; the Gerstenslager Carriage and Wagon Company ; Dishwasher factory ; Wooster Preserving Company ; overall factory and numerous other lesser industries are all found doing an extensive business in their special lines at this date. From the first settlement of Wooster, the chief industries up to. about 1840 were the numerous tanneries and distilleries located in and near to the town. Liquor then had no internal revenue upon it and was sold at low figures—as low as seventeen cents per gallon. Tanning skins and hides was almost indispensable, for leather had to be made, as transportation was high and markets far away. These tanneries have long since gone out of business and leather is made under the "trust" system largely, in the great leather centers of the country, as well as the shoes and harness made from it. "WIDOW BLOCKHOUSE" GETS MARRIED. Among the stories handed down from "ancient days" in Wooster is this : At the north end of town stood the old block house, in which at the time narrated about there lived an old lady the men had nicknamed "Widow WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 431 Blockhouse." Suddenly she surprised the community by announcing that she had concluded to doff her mourning and take to herself another husband in the person of an old fellow who had neither money nor home. This was "fun for the boys" of that period, and they made Widow Blockhouse's marriage an extra occasion, which event must here pass into the history of Wooster and Wayne county. All the jovial spirits of the settlement were present on the evening of the wedding. It was a lively occasion. Squire McClarran, an inveterate joker, performed the ceremony with the greatest solemnity. In the beginning, after a few remarks on matrimony in general and this case in particular, he asked if there was any one present who had objections to this lovely couple "renewing their hearts" in marriage, whereupon a gentleman impressively arose and in a most complimentary manner withdrew all of his claims upon the affections of the bride. Then another arose, and another, until all had made remarks and given his consent to the marriage, it being very evident from their words that they all felt they had a sort of personal claim upon the affianced charming( ?) .widow, but felt forced to give way to a more favored suitor. The ceremony concluded, the Squire ordered every man in the room to kiss the bride. This was complied with by all until it came to the last man, who resided in Wooster many long years after that laughable event, and who emphatically refused, saying, "I will be d d if that is not asking too much !" BIOGRAPHIES OF WOOSTER'S FOUNDERS. The attention of the reader of this volume is respectfully called to the two biographical sketches of the founders of Wooster, John Bever and William Henry, which occur in the biographical part of this work. That of Mr. Larwill is not in the possession of the historian, as he failed to supply the proper material in his lifetime. BANKS OF WOOSTER. With the settlement of every new country, the matter of banks has always been of much importance to the citizens. While they at first had but little money to deposit, if indeed any, yet at times the bank was a necessary adjunct to the settlement and development of the country. Here in Wayne county at first all kinds of commodities went current for money. Barter was the currency of the times—pelts, skins, furs, grain, produce, and even whisky was as good to the settler who chanced to possess it as money is today. 432 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. The first banking house of the county was established in 1816 and known as the German Bank of Wooster. T. J. Jones was its president and W. Larwill cashier. For a time it operated without a charter and its existence was of short duration. In 1834 the Bank of Wooster was established, with J. S. Lake as president and Benjamin Bentley as cashier. This bank suspended in the month of March, 1848. The Wayne County Branch of the State Bank of Ohio was organized in February, 1848. D. Robison, Sr., was president until January, 1858, and Isaac Steese from 1858 until the expiration of its charter in 1865, E. Quinby, Jr., being cashier from its organization until its close in 1865. The Wayne County National Bank was organized in January, 1865, with R. R. Donnelly, president, and E. Quinby, Jr., cashier. In January, 1874, Harrison Armstrong was made president and held the position until his death, in 1876; E. Quinby, Jr., serving as cashier. The original capital was seventy-five thousand dollars, with the option of enlarging to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. At present this banking house is among the solid institutions of Wayne county and operates under a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. It occupies a massive brick bank building on the west side of the public square, the same having been erected in 1905. The present officers of this bank are : J. S. R. Overholt, president; Frank Taggart, vice-president ; John M. Criley, cashier. Its deposits are four hundred thousand dollars. The new bank building stands on the old site of the bank as originally organized in 1848, and includes twenty feet front, purchased when the new structure was built, making the banking rooms spacious and up-to-date in every particular. The Exchange Bank began business in April, 1854, under the style of Sturges, Stibbs & Company, as a private banking house, and in 1863 it was changed to Stibbs, Hanna & Company. Later it was changed to J. H. Kauke & C. S. Frost. This bank is not now in business. The National Bank of Wooster was brought into existence as follows: The private banking company of Bonewitz, Emrich & Company was organized in the spring of 1865, by S. R. Bonewitz, T. S. Johnson, M. W. Pinkerton, G. P. Emrich, John Bechtel and C. H. Brown, with a cash capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. In April, 1865, it opened its doors for banking business and operated successfully until 1868, when it was reorganized as the Commercial Bank of Wooster, with a capital of seventy-five thousand dollars. Its officers then were : President, T. S. Johnson ; cashier, S. R. Bonewitz teller, C. V. Hard ; directors, T. S. Johnson, S. R. Bonewitz, G. P. Emrich, WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 433 D. Robison, Jr., M. W. Pinkerton. Mr. Johnson resigned April 10, 1868, and Mr. Emrich was chosen, and continued president until the bank ceased to exist. July 22, 1869, Mr. Bonewitz, cashier, resigned and C. V. Hard was appointed assistant cashier, retaining such position during the life of the institution. In November, 1871, the shareholders of the Commercial Bank were granted a charter for the National Bank of Wooster with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. November 29th the books were opened for subscriptions, and the same day the amount of capital stock was taken. G. P. Emrich, D. Robison, Jr., M. Welker, J. Zimmerman, G. B. Smith, J. S. Hollowell and W. Barton were chosen directors, to serve until January 2, 1872, the day the bank began business. The officers were : President, David Robison, Jr.; vice-president, G. P. Emrich; cashier, C. V. Hard; teller, Will Emrich, a position vacated in 1876 by T. E. Peckinpaugh, to become one of the proprietors of the Wayne County Democrat. In the panicky days of finance in 1904, and because of suspicious actions on the part of some of the bank's officials, the government sent an inspector on from Washington, examined the accounts, appointed a receiver and finally closed up this banking house permanently. The president and cashier, who were also interested in a large drug store in Wooster, and which had much to do with the closing of the bank, were finally tried and sentenced to several years in the penitentiary of Ohio. One is still in that institution. The stockholders made good the loss of money to the depositors, which act ruined some of the stockholders financially. Had the bank inspector waited a reasonable length of time, it is believed that the matter might have been adjusted and the bank's doors not closed for all time. But the majesty of the law must be upheld, and some one had to be the loser. The bank was closed for business November 23, 1904. AN EARLIER BANK FAILURE. "September 2, 1868," says Ben Douglas in his 1878 history of Wayne county, "T. S. Johnson started a bank, too, which the same was of discount and deposit, with a capital of twenty thousand dollars, and in 1875 it when there was wailing among the depositors to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars.” BUILDING AND LOAN COMPANIES. Besides these regular banking houses, Wooster today has the benefit of the following building and loan institutions, all doing an excellent business. The Wayne Building and Loan Company, C. E. Thorne, president ; J. G. (28) 434 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Sanborn, cashier. It has assets amounting to six hundred and eighty thousand, three hundred and forty-three dollars. It was organized July 1, 1909. Wooster Building and Loan Company, incorporated in 1892 ; the assets are four hundred and forty-two thousand, seven hundred and forty-six dollars ; president, Charles M. Gray ; J. W. Hooke, secretary. The Home Building and Loan Company was incorporated September 1, 1905, with an authorized capital of one hundred thousand dollars ; officers, David W. Musselman, president; William M. Linn, vice-president; Weston T. Peckinpaugh, secretary and treasurer. The assets, on June 3o, 1908, were one hundred and thirty-three thousand, nine hundred and forty-seven dollars. PRESENT BANKS OF WOOSTER. In the year 1909 .the banking concerns of the city of Wooster were as follows : Wayne County National Bank, following the old Wooster branch of the State Bank of Ohio. It has a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, with deposits of four hundred thousand dollars. This bank has been mentioned at length heretofore. The Citizens' National Bank, organized in 1905, has one hundred thousand dollars capital and its officers are as follows : L. E. Yocum, president; Charles M. Gray, vice-president ; E. M. Thompson, cashier. Cash capital, one hundred thousand dollars; deposits, six hundred and forty thousand dollars. Commercial Bank, organized in 1896. Present officers, Albert Shupe, president ; W. R. Barnhart, vice-president ; E. P. Shupe, cashier ; cash capital, fifty thousand dollars. PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF WOOSTER. The first school house was a brick building erected where afterward stood the third ward building. T.he first school was taught by a young sprig of a lawyer, Carlos Mather, from New Haven, Connecticut, in 1814. In 1853 and 1854 each of the wards of the city built a school house of its own, and for a few years thereafter each had a school independent of the others. Then they ;were finally put under one management, with John Brinkerhoff as their general superintendent, a position he held until 1870. By 1867 the school accommodations became insufficient and voluntarily WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 435 the citizens taxed themselves to erect the best school house in northern Ohio. This was completed in 1870 and, with its grounds and furnishings, cost one hundred and thirteen thousand dollars. This is a part of the present high school building, to which, in 1909, was added a large section, all being complete and modern in its appointments. For many years it has stood out as the most attractive building in Wooster. Its architectural beauty has been the comment of thousands of strangers who from year to year have visited the city. It stands on the northwest corner of Market and Bowman streets. Within this structure is now held the high school of Wooster. A library of three hundred volumes, a geological cabinet, chemical apparatus, etc., were placed in the building as early as 1876. In 1874 vocal music was introduced into the schools as a regular branch of study in all the grades. In 1877 drawing was introduced and a special teacher employed for this study. The superintendent has for many years held monthly meetings of all his instructors. By state school reports it is learned that in 1877 the Wooster schools were among the best in Ohio. A large number have always sought this city from remote parts of the county for the purpose of obtaining a higher education than it was possible to gain at home. The ward school buildings above referred to served well the purpose for which they were erected until the city had outgrown them. In 1891 what is known as Pittsburg Avenue building was erected, a two-story, two-room building, still in use. Bealle Avenue building was erected in 1901 at a cost of twenty-seven thousand dollars. It is a fine modern two-story brick building, containing six rooms. South Walnut Street building was erected in 1902, at a cost of thirty-one thousand dollars. It contains eight rooms and is thoroughly modern in all its appointments. The annex to the high school building was erected in 1908-09 at a cost of more than forty thousand dollars. It, together with the original building erected in 1868-70, is now styled Central High School building and is an imposing structure. The present school board is made up as follows : President, George W. Ryall ; clerk, J. T. Keister, John A. Myers (1909) ; D. L. Thompson, superintendent ; C. M. Tawney, treasurer ; city school examiners, C. M. Tawney, James M. Schamp and D. L. Thompson. J. E. Fitzgerald became superintendent of the city schools in the autumn of 1909. At that date the number of teachers in the various city schools was thirty-three. Of this number, ten were employed in the high school. The total number of pupils enrolled in Wooster schools in 1909 was nineteen hundred and sixty-six. 436 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. EIGHTH OF JANUARY CELEBRATIONS-JACKSONIAN. Since early in the fifties, Wooster has always had a very interesting celebration in the way of observing the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans and the great achievements of Gen. Andrew Jackson and his gallant army. It has come to be a "fixed institution" in Wooster. It is annually observed as a grand jubilee day, and to it men of state and national renown come each year to share in the interesting program. Usually members of Congress are invited and come and deliver eloquent and historic speeches to a large assemblage. Banquets are served and the rising young are fired with the true spirit of patriotism and love of country and a higher respect is inculcated into them, by the observance, with the return of each January 8th, of this anniversary. WAYNE COUNTY'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. On August 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, 1896, at Wooster occurred the one hundredth anniversary of the forming of Wayne county by order of the then governor of the Northwest Territory, Gen. Arthur St. Clair. who had the honor of establishing original Wayne county, the date of its establishment being August 15, 1796. Indeed it would fill a good sized volume to detail all there was of interest at that celebration—Wayne county's centennial. But the following description must suffice in this connection : On the 11th day of August, 1896, commenced a series of brilliant exercises, which culminated on the great day of the real anniversary, August 15th. The decorations throughout the city were never half so brilliant and bewitching. The public square was truly a mass of bunting. The court house, from tower to base, was literally clothed in rich festoons and flags. North Market street had an entrance archway with the figures, "1796," bold and sightly ; over South Market street "1896" appeared conspicuous; over West Liberty street, at the court house, hung a beautiful portrait of General Wooster, and over East Liberty street was to be seen that of Gen. Anthony Wayne. These pictures were executed and presented to the committee by M. S. Nachtrieb. In the center of the square there stood a white-canopied grand stand ; just to the north was a real log cabin, built by a pioneer of ninetyninety-eight before. Its interior and exterior were furnished with primitive furniture of pioneer days, not forgetting the coon skin at the door and the draw-well. The decorations by the merchants on the public square were lavish and gay. The program of the centennial was as follows. WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 437 in brief : Inaugural day, Tuesday, August 11th ; Educational day, Wednesday, August 12th ; Soldiers' day, Thursday, August 13th Church day, Friday, August 14th; Pioneer day, Saturday, August 15th. The last day surpassed all ; the procession was the longest ever seen within Wayne county, being two miles long. All the arts and sciences and business industries of Wooster made it at once a complete, impressive and instructive scene. Music and bands from far and near enlivened the day. Ten thousand people participated in the march. At the southwest corner of the square a speaker's stand had been provided, and from it many eloquent and witty speeches were made. Of educational day it may be stated that the exercises were held at the opera house and later bicycle races were in order. In the evening, at the opera house was "Woman's Evening," presided over by Mrs. Ben Douglas and prayer was offered up by Mrs. Kirkwood. Soldiers' day was observed at the park. Captain Lybarger first spoke, and was followed by Hon. John Sherman, who delivered a masterly address in which he brought out the point plainly that the Indian was rightfully driven from this fair section in order to make room for a better type of civilization. Church and Sunday school day found twenty-five thousand people in Wooster ; eight thousand were at the tents at the park at opening time. Later fifteen thousand were on the grounds. Rev. W. O. Thompson, president of the Miami University, spoke, as did Rev. George W. Peppard, and Rev. T. K. Davis spoke at the Lutheran church. Pioneer day, day of all days, under the charge of the Pioneer Picnic Association, was a great gathering—a genuine love feast of pioneers and the younger generations. Judge L. R. Critchfield made a masterly oration, which was printed in full. It was replete with all that was noble, good and inspiring, and was a valuable historic contribution, being reprinted elsewhere in this work. DAYS OF MOURNING IN WOOSTER. In April, 1865, upon the death of President Lincoln, Wooster was in sorrow, in common with all the country. The body of the martyred President was viewed by many from Wooster as the train stopped at Cleveland, en route to Illinois. The news of his death was received at 11 o'clock the day of his death and immediately the stores and business houses were closed, bells tolled mournfully, the people assembled in groups and every 438 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. one seemed surrounded by a deep gloom. The town was filled with people from outside, and all bore evidence of deep grief. On the following Sabbath people greeted one another in subdued tones, and tears coursed down many a strong man's cheeks. The churches all observed the day in sorrow and held appropriate memorial services, alluding especially to the great Emancipator in the sermons that were delivered. DEATHS OF GARFIELD AND M'KINLEY. In 1881, when President Garfield was stricken down, the people again put on mourning in Wayne county. Then, at the death of President William McKinley, the heart strings of all were almost snapped asunder. Regardless of political lines, all were his friends, and at this time became his mourners in fact. The city of Wooster was for the third time within twenty-six years draped in deep mourning for the assassination of a President—all three noble specimens of American manhood. A committee was appointed from the Wayne county bar and appropriate resolutions were spread on the records, Mr. McKinley having at one time been a member of the bar in this county. Memorial services were held in the Methodist Episcopal and Lutheran churches. President S. F. Scovel, of the University of Wooster, spoke to a large audience at the Lutheran church on "McKinley as a Statesman." "Lead Kindly Light" (the President's favorite hymn) was tenderly sung at the services. The church was appropriately draped and had a setting of palms. At the Methodist Episcopal church flowers and drapings of black and royal purple adorned the ceilings and walls. Rev. Neikirk read from the Scriptures and Judge L. R. Critchfield delivered the address on behalf of the bar of Wayne county. It need not be added that it was a gem of oratory. Judge Taggart also spoke for the citizens of Wooster. The last address was by President Holden, of the University of Wooster. CHAPTER XXII. HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WOOSTER. By Sylvester F. Scovel. A university is an affair of the generations. That lends a peculiar sacredness to all which concerns its origin and fundamental principles, for by the generations God creates anew the heavens and the earth in the mental, moral and spiritual worlds. Wooster is yet young. This sketch is written in 1910, which is but sixty-three years from 1847, when the first faint echo of the agitation for a Presbyterian college reached the synods of Ohio. It is but forty-four years since the charter was granted in 1866, but forty-two years since the cornerstone was laid in 1868, and just less than forty years since the main building was dedicated and actual college-life began within its open doors in September, 1870. That which makes it easier to relate Wooster's history is this youthfulness. Anything less than a century in the life of a university is but an annual ring in the age-long growth of a Calaveras pine. The external life of a brief period can be more easily presented and the internal life more adequately penetrated and depicted. It is also true that Wooster's development has followed the lines of its original projection and that three out of its four decades have been characterized by quiet progress—the startling things being reserved for the fourth. On the other hand, within a period so limited and so recent all sorts of historical material are accessible and rigid "selection" is rendered compulsory, difficult though it be, and this becomes the more imperative in a work which essays to discover and trace all the lines of interest which legitimately belong to the story of such a county as Wayne. Yet these limits must not be too rigidly .interpreted, seeing that the importance of the university element in the life of Wayne county is becoming steadily more perceptible and perceived. The life and meaning, the ideals and realizations of our central educational institution should be carefully restated from time to time in ampler and more consecutive form than the transient publications provide 440 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. for. This has not been done since the admirable contribution by the second president (Dr. Taylor) to the highly esteemed history of Wayne county, edited by that remarkable man, Benjamin Douglas. That communication was written in 1877 (published in 1878) and represents the University's first thirteen years. It is, perhaps, appropriate that after the interval of thirty-three years, Dr. Taylor's successor in office should succeed to his task as historian. Period I may be called THE PERIOD OF INCEPTION AND PREPARATION. We might press the beginning of this period, constructively, clear away to the atrocities on both sides, which ended in stripping the north of Ireland of its proper possessors by Cromwell and the insertion there of the elements out of which time created that peculiarly hardy and intelligent and aggressive folk popularly known as the "Scotch-Irish." They came to western Pennsylvania and thence into central Ohio, and reached the state also from Kentucky and North Carolina.- They planted the "Scotch-Irish seeds in American soil" (see Dr. Craighead's interesting volume with this title). And the harvest was not only political freedom but an intellectual intensity that could not be content without making the speediest possible provision for the education of their children. The home missionaries of the Presbyterian church were generally men of education and they never ceased to foster the conviction that education must follow the attainment of any satisfaction of "existence wants," because it was emphatically the first of the "culture wants." Other denominations succeeded in planting colleges under pressure of the two great motives common to all—the sacredness of education in its moral and religious aspects, and the provision of a ministry for the edification of the church and the ultimately world wide conversion of men. This essentially religious and only formally denominational pressure, more than any other force, determined the diffusive college policy which did so much to make the state the new Mother of Presidents. Its results are manifest, if one stands besides the group of statues in the Capitol's park, and traces the touch of the denominational colleges upon that rare collection of Ohio's "jewels." [The writer had the privilege of defending this policy before the Ohio Society of New York on an occasion in which the then Governor McKinley made the principal address, and had subsequently the satisfaction of the Governor's approval of the position taken.] The Presbyterians of the state did not at first establish their own institution, but co-operated with those under state patronage, as in the case of WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 441 Miami University, or in partnership with another denomination, as at Marietta and with Western Reserve and in lesser degree with Oberlin. All believed in the just combination of the spiritual with the mental and moral elements in training and developing the whole man, as necessary to a complete and symmetrical education. But as other denominations entered the field and as no one of the arrangements tried seemed thoroughly satisfactory ; as many of the sons of their own families were sent to Eastern institutions ; the Presbyterians continued to discuss the propriety and finally the necessity for an institution of their own. We have the most direct and reliable account of this period of genesis in the various addresses of the Rev. Dr. John Robinson, of which there are now extant but rare copies, and especially in the ample and careful statements made at the inauguration of the first president (Dr. Lord). And just here it must be noted that while Dr. James Hoge (so long pastor at Columbus) and Dr. John Robinson appear together as joint promoters of this great interest from the beginning, it is to the latter we are indebted for many years of most valuable service (after the death of the former) both as president of the board of trustees and as the historian of the first period in the University's life. He was spared to state and preserve for record the circumstances and convictions accompanying the conception and birth of the enterprise, to make plain its meaning and motives, and to impress these in clear and unmistakable terms at the inaugurations of the first, second and third presidents. "The idea we realize in part to-day," he said on the first occasion, "arose simultaneously a quarter of a century since [i. e., about 1845] in the minds of earnest members of the synods of Cincinnati and Ohio. It sprang naturally from the fact that the church had just then entered upon the plan of doing ecclesiastically, in her organic capacity, her proper work for the evangelization of our race. Foreign and domestic missions, ministerial education and publication she was carrying on under her own supervision. Nor could it be seen why her efforts in the direction of collegiate education should be less effective than those of voluntary associations or individuals, or why she should leave the important work of moulding the ruling minds of successive generations to other hands. This work seemed fundamental if not to her existence at least to her prosperity, her success not only in multiplying an evangelical ministry, but in ramifying every department of society with her earnest piety and her sturdy theology. To neglect this seemed suicidal. * * * There seemed no alternative left but to prove derelict to duty or pursue this course [i. e. to create their own institution]. In this they heard the voice of God." 442 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. Then the president of the board emphasized the call to evangelization of the world, which the church was beginning to hear with a new sense of responsibility. To secure the laborers for the great white harvest no other way appeared except "an institution where she could bring her religious influences to bear in her own way, most intensely, where she could infuse an intense missionary spirit, give a biblical cast to the whole course of study and inculcate her very 'ism,' not offensively nor with bigotry, or for mere sectarian ends, but with the energy which a conviction of its divinity gives, and where she might do all this without being trammeled by the fear of a lack of candor, or wounding the denominational sensibilities of any, or lessening patronage." In addition to this dominant religious motive there was also the persuasion that there did not then exist in Ohio "an institution possessing the means and facilities for giving that broad and thorough culture which the age and the exigencies of the church demand. Not, therefore, to add another to the many colleges of Ohio that burlesque the name, but to establish an institution with broad foundations and with facilities equal to the best in the land, capable of preparing men for every department of life, for the highest walks of science in all its forms, enabling them to wrench from the hands of infidel sciolists the weapons with which they now attack the Christian religion, was the enterprise undertaken." Nor was it enough that the institution should be frankly Christian. Its character as such, as well as its support, must be guaranteed by its inherence in and not simply adherence to a definite church organization. "Denominational institutions, gathering about them," said Dr. Robinson, "the sympathies, and calling forth the prayers and benefactions of a large and homogeneous Christian constituency who look to them for leaders after their own heart, in civil and ecclesiastical affairs, are those that best succeed. Their responsibility is most direct. Their unity of purpose and effort is best assured." Nor was there any fear as to the effective management of an educational institution so expressing the life of an organic section of the church of Christ. "For surely," continues the same authority, "a board of direction appointed by the church and responsible to the church in her organic capacity cannot be less united, less wise or less efficient than a self-appointed board. And' living pre-eminently for the church they will live with the church. As her agencies she will call down upon them the blessing of God. They cannot. therefore, but live and prosper. These considerations, accumulating force year by year, have now culminated in the establishment of this University." WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 443 A rapid sketch of the steps which led to that culmination may now claim attention. Though the "idea" dawned about 1845, no formal action could be taken, "because several institutions were under the general influence of Presbyterians and these were deemed by many sufficient." The earliest synodical action was that of the synod of Ohio (covering the central portion of the state). A committee was appointed to report at next meeting on the whole subject of education—embracing particularly the topic of a synodical college. This committee was continued in 1848 to confer with a similar committee from the synod of Cincinnati, to receive donations and propositions for the establishing of a college. But 1849 finds the latter body "disinclined," and the former did not think it expedient to engage in the enterprise alone. But three years was as long a period as these earnest men could check their enthusiasm, and in J852 a committee of Ohio synod was appointed to consider the expediency of endeavoring to establish a Presbyterian college to be instituted, endowed and managed by the synods of Ohio conjointly. A similar committee was asked from the synod of Cincinnati, ten men in each. Being appointed, the twenty were to be authorized to "select a location, prepare a plan of and secure means for sustaining and make preparation to open such an institution," subject to future action of synods. The committee conferred in 1853, but only with the result that in 1854 it was judged "inexpedient to engage in this enterprise at the present time." In the same year the noble old institution of Washington College, "then under the care of the synod of Wheeling," was approved by the synod of Ohio and the way opened for its agents. The next year it was arranged that funds secured for Washington College "were to be returned without interest after a use of seven years, if a synodical college shall be established in this state." But that very year (1855) the synod of Cincinnati overtured the synod of Ohio and that synod again took measures "looking toward the accomplishment of this greatly important object." The two synods authorized the joint committee "to devise such plans and perform such acts as may be necessary to the location, endowment and government of such an institution." This 1855 action may be regarded as, in an important sense, the starting point. It gives us about five years before the war, a five years' interim during the war (except a single resolution in 1864) and five years after the war until the opening in 1870. At this synod Bellefontaine appeared asking the location. No decisive action was taken, but in 1856 the synod of Cincinnati received definite proposals from Bellefontaine, Chillicothe and West Liberty. The last-named site 444 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. was chosen. Six trustees were appointed and an address to the churches issued. But when the action was reported to the synod of Ohio it was discovered that Chillicothe was favored and trustees were appointed for that locality. Naturally a convention of the two synods was called to meet in Columbus. There, on the 23d of December, 1856, discussion was had, and local preferences seemed to be intensified. Finally West Liberty was chosen. Trustees reported in 1857. Satisfaction was expressed with progress and the time extended to 1858. But then the funds needed were not secured and the synod of Cincinnati said "the body of the churches could not be brought to co-operate in building at West Liberty." The synod of Ohio reluctantly concurred, but declared that its action must not be "misunderstood as abandoning the founding at an early day of such an institution as may be worthy of the church and the country." It was a time of discouragement and the "wiser and older men grew anxious." [Dr. Taylor.] Attempts to unite synods and churches seemed to fail and without such united action success was impossible. But in 1859 a joint committee was again appointed, as, indeed, even in 1858 an arrangement had been made for correspondence and conference. The joint committee of 1859 reported in 1860 on what had seemed an admirable movement toward Springfield, Ohio, and a possible purchase of Wittenberg College. Both synods took great interest in this possibility (and doubtless the location would have been ideal), but the negotiations failed. [The writer well remembers meeting Drs. Hoge and Robinson present in Springfield about this enterprise in November, 1859, at a prayer meeting of the First Presbyterian church, to the pastorate of which church he was called a year later]. Thus we reach another pause in Wooster's genesis, which was to be longer than any since the beginning. The war conditions (1861-65) were altogether unfavorable. A good many things beside the "laws" must be "silent in war." Only in 1864 the synod of Ohio demonstrated the truth of its decision of 1858 not to be misunderstood as abandoning the projected college and resolving that the time had come to resume, directed the trustees (formerly appointed) to receive offers and asked the other synods to co-operate. In 1865 nothing effective had been accomplished, apparently, yet London citizens and those of Wooster were disposed to make offers. The current 'is on again and incandescence is nigh. Ohio synod, without answer from the synods of Cincinnati or Sandusky (lately organized), resolved to go on alone i f any place offered one hundred thousand dollars, and it "invited any synod of the New School Presbyterian church that might be willing, to WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 445 unite with it in this work." The other synods (0. S.) voted to co-operate. Thus we reach 1866 when the floating project was to be anchored. Yet it was odd that in that synod the experiment of establishing professorships in Miami University "to be held and controlled" by the synods, was entered upon by Ohio and Cincinnati. Trustees were appointed for this purpose, but nothing resulted—as might have been anticipated. Too much had been done in the main channel to permit any deflection. Just now, also, all doubts were to be dispelled by the Wooster offer of one hundred thousand dollars (including the cost of the site) with the two very proper conditions : (1) the concurrence of the three synods, and (2) the pledge to endow the institution to the amount of three hundred thousand dollars. including the amount offered by Wayne county: The synod of Ohio was in session at Wooster (and it may be noted that the synod has brought a blessing to the University at every occasion of its meeting here). What may be called the first pecuniary crisis now occurs. The subscription lacked thirty-two thousand dollars of completion. A committee of -synod was appointed. It viewed "the landscape o'er” from the charming campus-site and accepted it as representing twenty-five thousand dollars, an increased but fair valuation. This, however, left a deficit in the seventy-five thousand dollars subscription of seventeen thousand dollars. That the whole affair might be closed, Mr. Ephraim Quinby, Jr., and others came promptly forward with a guarantee for the needed sum, which was afterwards contributed and the guarantors released. The offer in this form was promptly and gratefully accepted by the synod of Ohio, which engaged in the work at once with that of Sandusky. The synod of Cincinnati did not receive the proposal in time for intelligent consideration, but gave in the following year the same pledge and co-operated with the trustees appointed by the other synods. These trustees "met in November, invited members of the synod of Cincinnati to meet with them, appointed the required number of citizens of Wayne county as members of the board, and with prayer for divine guidance made arrangements to secure a charter." At the same meeting they declared the object for which and the basis upon which the University should be founded. They initiated efforts both to secure endowment and to erect buildings. "In 1867 the three synods entered into cordial co-operation, arranged for the perpetuation of the board of trustees and entered earnestly into the work." Turning now for a moment to the liberal and enterprising citizens of Wooster and Wayne county, whose intelligence and wise-hearted energy and sacrifice made the University possible, one is filled with admiration for them and the work they accomplished. There must have been a fine spirit of 446 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO thoughtful benevolence to lead them to make what was at that time an extraordinary offer. The enthusiasm of expectancy was also well developed. Denominational lines were largely ignored in giving to a frankly denominational institution. The name of Ephraim Quinby, Jr., heads the list with twenty-five thousand dollars. R. B. Stibbs subscribed three thousand dollars. There are nine subscribers of one thousand dollars each. One pledges seven hundred and fifty dollars, and there are ten down for five hundred dollars each. More money was needed and much of it given, for furnishing the central portion of the main building. S. C. Bragg's donation of five thousand dollars (in books) and the Purdy gift from Mansfield came in this first period and the Mercer and Johnson professorships, twenty-five thousand dollars each, followed soon. While the people had a mind to the work in raising the funds and the building, the trustees were busied in poising the institution upon its true basis, and preparing the way for the opening of its doors. No part in the control of the University was given to any state officials nor to any one outside of the synods concerned, though the way was held invitingly open for any like-minded ecclesiastical bodies of Presbyterian lineage. Agents were appointed at once and began their work with the dawn of 1867. These were Doctor J. W. Scott (ex-president of Washington College), Dr. T. K. Davis (pastor at Mansfield, Ohio), and the Rev. Silas Dunlap. Doctor Scott wearied of the work in three months and was convinced that the churches could not then be brought to such unity and liberality as would secure success. The others persevered and were successful. In 1868 (June 30th) the corner-stone was laid with considerable local enthusiasm. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. W. P. Marshall, of Columbus, and the Rev. W. M. Baker, of Zanesville. After this an effort was made to attach to the nascent University the Agricultural College of the state, but it did not succeed. In 1869 the synods heard the announcement that the sum below which they would not open the University had been reached and passed. Two hundred fifty-one thousand six hundred and fourteen dollars was the amount reported. It was "secured mainly from members of Presbyterian congregations" (Doctor Taylor). This result was in large measure owed to the year's energetic labor of Dr. George P. Hays and the wisely-planned organization by which he reached the churches. On the very last day conditioning the subscription a certain large donation was received on which seemed to hang the hopes of the indefatigable promoter. The writer has heard him relate the drive of that day which brought him into communication and enabled him to announce the completion of the great effort. It has been suggested WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 447 that Doctor Hays should have been the first president of the institution, to which he was so largely instrumental in giving actuality. Whether this be so or not, it is a privilege to say that, judged in the light of his noble and successful subsequent career as president of Washington and Jefferson and in varied lines of Christian work, he would have proven exceedingly well adapted to the exigencies of the institution's earlier years. Never was born, perhaps, a man with more executive talent, more purposeful energy or more real consecration to the work in hand. The largeness of the plans of the founders was made visible in the projected building, the pictured presentation of which went into so many churches and homes of the state. Its proportions and capacity, its adaptation for a department of medicine as well as for the arts and sciences were marked. Its massive foundations and lofty stories and complete finish from cellar to mansard rooms were such and so expensive as to overgo all estimates and make the construction of anything beyond the central section impossible. But there it stood, conspicuous, upright and downright, provocative of many a quip and jest, but a solid witness to the intense desire of the founders to build an institution both broad and deep and high. The year 1870 was a busy one for all concerned. There was the faculty to be chosen, the curriculum to be planned, the building to be finished, the students to be secured. But each was accomplished. Doctors Dickson and Goodrich declined the presidency and David Swing the professorship of English literature, while the faculty was being sought. Professors Kirkwood and Stoddard, who accepted, were well-known in Ohio as educators, and their names gave strength to the selection, as did the name of that graceful writer, Thomas Fullerton, and the genial, polished and profound president, Doctor Lord. The plan of endowing a professorship by the Sabbath schools of the state (through scholarships) was admirable in theory but only partially successful. During the previous year Doctor Hays had made a characteristically bold, but certain to be unsuccessful attempt to carry over to the new enterprise the venerable Washington and Jefferson College, that institution being then in some embarrassment through the infelicities of a union of the two colleges as yet imperfectly consummated. The writer well remembers the energy and skill displayed by the irrepressible agent of Wooster, as he unrolled the great plan of the new Wooster building and plead for yet larger possibilities if all could be induced to combine at the new and promising centre. But the result only proved that Presbyterian colleges never die or resign. Here endeth, then, the story of the period of inception and preparation. But it has in it material for reflection. The founding of the University 448 - WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO. when it was founded, after what had preceded the founding and all the circumstances surrounding the founding, may well be counted an event of great significance in the history of education both as related to Ohio and to general. I. All men who trace this history must be struck with the fact that the University owes its origin to no casual impulse nor even to local or even denominational pride, though both these motives had their place, no doubt. The founders were actuated by the deepest Christian convictions, as well as by profound attachment to their own faith and order. They felt the call of Christ and His kingdom and therefore of all humanity. The original trustees made this manifest at their first meeting by those remarkable and unexampled resolutions, fragments of which are so constantly quoted, and which, it must be borne in mind, have become our fundamental law, because they present our ultimate object. They are more properly to be denominated constituent principles than anything which either has been or can be subsequently written. They must be quoted here in full as they occur in an appeal to the churches, issued coincidently with the organization of the trustees. "Whereas, We are deeply convinced that education is a real blessing only when imbued with the spirit of Christianity and that any enterprise. may hope for success only as it enjoys the Divine blessing and is devoted to the promotion of the Divine glory ; therefore "Resolved : That we enter upon the work of establishing the University of Wooster with the single purpose of glorifying God, in promoting sanctified education, and thus furthering the interests of the church, and its extension over the whole earth. "Resolved : That we will in every way possible strive to imbue all our operations with the spirit of Christianity and bring religious influences and instruction to hear earnestly upon all who may be connected with the University. "Resolved : That in addition to a thorough literary and scientific course of study we will aim to endow a chair for instruction in the evidences of Christianity and the relation of science to religion, and also a chair for instruction in the languages, religions, and literature of the modern Pagan nations with special reference to the preparation of young men for the foreign missionary field." These resolutions deserve to stand for all time, not only as descriptive of a denominational ideal for a single institution and as a prophecy of what that institution has already so richly and specifically realized, but as an unassailable WAYNE COUNTY, OHIO - 449 definition of the nobler education, a clear index to the path of the largest real success, and a stimulus for all institutions of higher learning to acknowledge as their final reason for being, the winning of the world for Him who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thus the way was opened to the building of an institution so frankly Christian and churchly that it could never be charged with any "lack of candor," or questioned as to the "propriety or intensity" of its measures to make religion a vital force in all the culture it could ever impart. A real necessity was felt and only a real creation—even almost a new type—could meet that need. Never were ideals more distinct, more intelligently held, or more pervasive of the efficient body. The synod of Cincinnati voiced the feeling of need in 1868 thus, "Resolved, That in the judgment of this synod the cause of Presbyterianism in this state is seriously affected by our want of educational facilities for the young men of our communities, and it behooves us to take the deepest interest. * * * In the early history of our church our fathers laid special stress on this matter and, learning from their wise example, other denominations are now devoting themselves with the most commendable zeal to this great cause." Equally clear and earnest the words of the same synod in October, 1869: "The synod having heard of the prosperous condition.of the University of 'Wooster as an enterprise closely connected with our interests as a church expresses its gratification and thanksgiving to the head of the church for such a cheering result of effort and prayer in that behalf." Then follows the commendation of the institution to the churches for patronage, and the welcome to canvassing agents. The denominationalism of the founders was frank, but it was not narrow. The charter is often referred to as providing that "any synod of our own, or of any other ecclesiastical connection, may become a participant in this enterprise," said participation not to be limited to "patronage" but to mean real "partnership." Trustees of any added synod would vote influence and control with those originally designated. Synods were asked to commission the board to act ad interim in place of the ecclesiastical body itself, and the permission was readily granted so that extension beyond our own denomination (but not interfering with other institutions) was always possible. The deep religious spirit of the enterprise was constantly made manifest. In 1868 the synod of Ohio commended "this interesting and all-important concern" with all their [our] hearts to the favor and blessing of the gracious God of the covenant, hoping that all our agents will remember that this is a religious enterprise, that we are endeavoring to found a truly Christian uni- ( 29)