312 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
TOWN OF BRYAN.
BY IT. S. KNAPP.
ITS ESTABLISHMENT AS THE COUNTY SEAT.
At the session of the Ohio General Assembly, which convened on the first Monday of December, 1839, three Commissioners were appointed, - by a joint resolution, to review and permanently locate the seats of justice of Williams and Lucas Counties. These Commissioners were Joseph Burns, of Coshocton ; James Culbertson, of Perry, and Joseph McCutchen, of Crawford. Since the organization of Williams County, the seat of justice had been at Defiance; but that place, geographically, was a border town, and difficult and expensive of approach to the growing population of the interior, and all the northern, and most of the eastern and western townships. The location chosen was a central one. Towns, however, several years previously, had commenced building up at Will- Hams Center and Pulaski, and both were strong competitors for the county seat. John A. Byran, of Columbus, then Auditor of State, had donated the ground to the county in consideration that the seat of justice be permanently established upon it ; and the first business, after the site had been fixed, was to secure a civil engineer to survey and plat the town, and Miller Arrowsmith was employed for this work. The surveyor and assistants, with a foreknowledge that they would have no accommodation for bed and board at the place, appeared on the ground with a supply Of tents and provisions, and entered upon their duties. After the completion of the survey, Mr. Arrowsmith named the town BYRAN, in honor of its founder. The following explanatory notes and references appear upon the margin of the plat : " Situated on the southwest quarter of Section 17, Town 6 north, Range 3 east, in the county of Williams and State of Ohio. The lots are four rods wide, and eight roads long. A stone is planted on the northeastern corner of the public square. The streets cross at right angles, and Main and High streets are 100 feet wide, and all other streets sixty-six feet wide. The alleys are twenty feet wide. The public square, together with the two lots incorporated within the square, are donated to the county for public buildings by the proprietors of the town—the numbers of the two lots being left blank on the plat. John A. Bryan, for himself, and as agent and attorney for the American Land Company." And on the right hand margin of the plat occurs the following record :
TOWN OF BRYAN - 313
THE STATE OF OHIO,
WILLIAMS COUNTY.
February 14, 1840-I, Miller Arrowsmith, County Surveyor of the county and State aforesaid, do hereby certify the within plat and field notes to be correct of the town of Bryan, as set forth therein.
MILLER ARROWSMITH,
County Surveyor of ,
Williams County, Ohio.
THE STATE OF OHIO, ss
WILLIAMS COUNTY
I certify that on this 14th day of September, 1840, personally appeared before me John A. Bryan, to me personally known, and acknowledged the due execution of the within instrument or deed.
E. D. POTTER,
President Judge Williams County Common Pleas, in Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.
The above town plat of Bryan was received for record September 24, 1840.
C. L. NOBLE, Recorder.
ADDITIONS TO ORIGINAL PLAT OF BRYAN.
It may be well here to note the several additions which have been made to the town :
March 9, 1851, the late Dr. John Paul platted an addition to Bryan on "a tract situated as follows : The south half of the southeast quarter of Section 18, Town 6 north of Range 3 east, Williams County," known as Paul's Addition.
October 7, 1852, George W. Wilson added part of" the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 20, Town 6 north of Range 3 east," to Bryan, and known as Wilson's First Addition. October 14, 1852, David Fairfield laid out an addition on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 18, Town 6 north of Range 3 east. December 10, 1853, Joshua Dobbs made an addition to the town, "being the west half of east half of the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 18, Town 6 north, Range 3 east," known as Dobbs' First Addition. May 29, 1854, Joshua Dobbs had a second plat made adjoining Wilson's First Addition. July 17, 1854, A. P. Edgerton and William Trevitt made an addition to Bryan on a part of Section 17, Town 6 north of Range 3 east, adjoining the railway company's station grounds. July 21, 1854, John W. Evans, of Fort Wayne, Ind., laid out an addition to the town of Bryan, consisting of six lots. March 24, 1855, Richard H. McClelan's Addition was surveyed. It consisted of five lots. January 13, 1855, Leonard Naftzger made an addition to Bryan of lands situated on the east half of the northwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 18. March 30, 1855, Jacob Miller made an addition of eight lots. August 21, 1855, Alexander Conning's Addition was surveyed by Seth B. Hyatt, Surveyor of Williams County, and same date, August 21, 1855, John W. Pollock made his addition. April 20, 1857, Joshua Dobbs made his third addition. June 3, 1859, Ezra Smith made his addi-
314 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
tion, and June 13, of the same year he made another addition. July 22, 1864, Dr. William Trevitt, of Columbus, made his first- addition. October 20, 1865, Albert M. Pratt and John W. Nelson recorded their. addition to Bryan. March 4, 1867, A. P. Edgerton's first division was recorded. May 13, 1867, Edgerton's Second Addition. April 11, 1868, Gen. William Stough's Addition. July 27, 1868, John A. Garver and Andrew W. Killits recorded their addition to the town. January 1, 1869, M. Harris' Addition was recorded. June 23, 1869, A. T. Bement's Addition was recorded. November 13, 1869, Trevitt's Second Addition appears on the record. March 17, 1870, was recorded' " plat of John Will's Fountain Lawn Addition to Bryan, Ohio." April 18, 1870, Cooney & Lyder's. May 24, 1870, Bostater's, and. September, 3, 1870, Garfield's Addition were recorded. February 27, 1874, Baker's Second Addition, and October 19, 1874, Trevitt's Third Addition were recorded. January 14, 1875, Myers' Addition, and August 12, 1875, Nancy A. Shouf's were recorded. May 31, 1877, Pratt. & Nelson's Addition of outlots, and April 16, 1878, William H. Lockhart's Addition of outlots were recorded.
In the clearing of the land of timber for public buildings and surroundings, and for street and alley uses, it may not be here out of place to recall the fact that there rested upon the new plat as grand a timber growth as covered any portion of the earth, and had this and a small per cent of other forest wealth been suffered to remain as nature had planted and nursed it, it would now be of inestimable value; but it was so abundant that a general war of extermination was begun and prosecuted against the large and small trees, and even the attrative ones, that bore the most beautiful foliage during spring, summer and autumn seasons, shared a common fate. Had a half dozen of these been permitted to remain, they would have possessed tenfold the value of all the evergreens and other ill-chosen trees that, through the power of man, have usurped the places of those of nobler birth and grace.
Volney Crocker, yet a resident of the county, had the contract for "clearing" the public square grounds of this timber offense. He made no reservations, and every tree planted by nature was doomed to perish by the executioner's ax. Mr. A. J. Tressler was upon the ground when this clearing contract was in progress, and, during evenings, with other citizens, aided in burning timber and brush.
The foregoing and following, from official records, will explain the origin of the title through which Bryan real estate owners hold their property.. Having been originally purchased of the United States by Charles Butler, of New York, agent of the American Land Company, and by him and that corporation transferred directly to the original proprietor of the
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town, John A Bryan, no real estate title could rest upon more indestructible foundations :
JOHN A. BRIAN TO WILLIAM TREVITT
Know all men by these presents that we, John A. Bryan and Eliza A. Bryan, wife of said John A. Bryan, of the County of Franklin, Ohio, in consideration of the sum of $800 in hand paid by William Trevitt, also of the said County of Franklin, have bargained and sold and do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey Ato the said William Trevitt, his heirs and assigns forever, the following premises, situate in the county of Williams, in the State of Ohio, and bounded and described as follows : All that lot, piece and parcel of land situate, lying and being in the County of Williams and State of Ohio, known and distinguished as the half of the west half of section number seventeen (17), in township number six (6), north of range number three (8) east, and containing an equal undivided half part of the entire half section, which half section contains, in all, three hundred and twenty acres (320),, on which, or a portion of which, the seat of justice in and for the county of Williams, State of Ohio, has recently been located, as the same was originally conveyed to Charles Butler, by patent bearing date the sixteenth day of March, A. D. 1837, recorded in the General Land Office of the city of Washington, in volume twelve, page one hundred and seventy-five ; reference thereto had will more fully and at large appear the premises hereby conveyed—being the equal, undivided half part of the half section above described, and which was deeded by Charles Butler and the American Land Company to the said John A. Bryan under date of the twenty-second day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one, as a reference to the same will the more fully exhibit, to have and to hold said premises with the appurtenances unto the said William Trevitt, his heirs and assigns forever. To the said John A., and Eliza Ann, his wife, for themselves and heirs, do hereby covenant with said Will- iam Trevitt, his heirs and assigns, that they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid —that the premises are free and clear from all encumbrances whatsoever, and that they will forever warrant and defend the same, with the appurtenances, unto the said William Trevitt, his heirs and assigns, against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof, the said John A. and Eliza Ann Bryan have hereunto set their hands and seals this twenty-seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-one.
JOHN A. BRYAN. [Seal.]
ELIZA ANN BRYAN. [Seal.]
Executed in presence of
C. H. BRYAN.
THOMAS WOOD.
[And following the foregoing is the usual acknowledgment—the instrument having been executed at Columbus, Franklin County, March 27, 1841, and received for record in Williams County, by the County Recorder, C. L. Noble, per W. A. Stevens, Deputy, July 20, 1841, and recorded 22d same month.]
BRYAN AND TREVITT TO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS:
Know all men by these presents, that we, John A. Bryan, and Eliza Ann, wife of the said John A., William Trevitt, and Lucinda, wife of the said William Trevitt, all of the cotinty of Franklin, in the State of Ohio, in consideration of the location of the county seat of Williams County, Ohio, at the town of Bryan, in said county, have bargained and sold, and do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the County Commissioners of the said county of Williams, the following premises, situate in the county aforesaid, in the State of Ohio, and bounded and described as follows : Being the Public Square in the
316 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
center of the town of Bryan, in the center of the County of Williams, in the State of Ohio which public square is distinctly marked and designated on the recorded plat of said town of Bryan; also, the two town lots of the said town of Bryan, situated immediately south of said public square, and contained within the intersections of Main street, High street, Linn street and Butler street, with each other—the said last mentioned lots to be used for county purposes, under the direction of the County Commissioners, for the erection of a county jail and such other public buildings as may be deemed for the benefit of said county.
To have and to hold the said premises, with the appurtenances, unto the said County Commissioners, and their successors in office forever. And the said John A. and William and Eliza Ann and Lucinda, their wives, themselves and their heirs do hereby covenant with said County Commissioners that they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid, that the premises are free and clear from all encumbrances whatsoever, and that they will forever warrant and defend the same, with the appurtenances, unto the said County Commissioners and their successors in office, against the lawful claims of all persons whatsoever. In testimony whereof, the said John A. Bryan, William Trevitt, Eliza Ann Bryan and Lucinda Trevitt, have hereunto set their hands and seals this twelfth day of June, A. D. 1841.
JOHN A. BRYAN,
ELIZA ANN BRYAN,
WILLIAM TREVITT,
LUCINDA TREVITT.
Executed in the presence of Thomas Wood, M. Bryan..
[Then follows the usual form of acknowledgment, appended to which is the official statement of the County Recorder, certifying that the instrument was recorded July 23, 1841.]
The Commissioners of Williams County had taken bond of John A. Bryan and William Trevitt, as principals, and Alfred P. Edgerton, as security, for payment of the amount elsewhere named, to aid in the building of the present court house ; and to enforce compliance with the full terms of this instrument, the Commissioners brought suit against the proprietors and their security, and at the May term of the Common Pleas Court, 1847, obtained judgment for $6,402.65 and costs, and execution ordered and levy made upon the real estate of said proprietors. Mr. Edgerton bid off 'the property, and the sale was confirmed by court and the Sheriff ordered to execute to him a deed therefor. Mr. Bryan conveyed his interests, and the whole title became vested Edgerton and Trevitt, as proprietors.
After it became generally known that the Legislative Commissioners had located the county seat of Williams in the midst of an unbroken section of Pulaski Township forest, many people, some attracted with a possible view to purchase and open up business, and others to gratify curiosity, made journeys to the place. Most of these returned home and circulated reports anything else than favorable. Among the few, however, who determined to brave it out was the late John Kaufman, who aided in building the first log court house, and in burning brick for the walls of the present one. Mr. Kaufman was a worthy citizen, and many years.
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prior to his death, which only occurred recently, was janitor of the court house.
By many, the selection of Bryan as the capital of the county was deemed ill-judgment, and some complaint, ordinating chiefly at Defiance and neighborhood, was made ; but the place, being so near the geographical center, satisfied for the time the majority interests.
Soon after the plat became cleared of its timber, however, an unexpected source of water wealth developed itself at Bryan, being an artesian or flowing well on the premises of Daniel Wyatt, and soon after another on Alexander Hamilton's lot ; the third, on lots of Dr. Thomas Kent, and the fourth one at the tannery of Jacob Youse. Others were soon discovered, and as they multiplied, many of the first ones ceased their supplies of flowing waters.
These disclosures of artesian wells, and their claimed medicinal virtues, gave the new town a broad fame, and made many recruits to the population.
FIRST SHANTY AND CABINS.
Volney Crocker, for use as a habitation during the time he was engaged on his contract for clearing the public square grounds, built a shanty on the lots now owned by David King. The first regular cabin was built by Daniel Wyatt, on lots now owned by Samuel White, south side of the square and on Butler street, and now used by Mr. White as a residence. But very soon after that time, John Kaufman erected a cabin on the lots now owned and occupied by Dr. Q. H. Graser.
FIRST SCHOOLHOUSE.
The first schoolhouse was a small log structure, situated on the south side of the square, on the lots where the Bryan Boot & Shoe Company now stands, and this was where A. J. Tressler, now President of the Bryan First National Bank, taught the first public school. Previous to this, however, Miss Harriet Powell, now Mrs. David Shoemaker, of Michigan, had taught in the same building a private school for the instruction of juvenile pupils. Subsequently, and in about 1845, a one-story frame schoolhouse was built on the lots northwest corner of Butler and Beech streets, upon which now stands one of the public school buildings. More on this subject will be found farther along in this chapter.
FIRST MARRIAGE.
The first marriage solemnized in Bryan was in September, 1842—the contracting parties being Andrew J. Tressler and Miss Oleva, daughter of Dr. Thomas Kent.
318 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
HOTEL RESOURCES.
The first recognized public wants, after the county seat became fixed at Bryan and the public records had been removed, were places of accommodation for transient visitors. Several undertook to meet this demand, and Thomas Shorthill opened a public house on Main street, which he afterward sold to Mr. Yates, who used part of the building for his first storeroom. Thomas McCurdy, on Lynn street, west side public square, and in the vicinity of Pratt & Bentley's law office, and John McDowell, southeast corner of public square, each opened public houses. During the first court terms, accommodations were so limited that such private houses as could afford possible entertainment for lawyers, clients, jurymen, witnesses and others, whose business required them to attend court, offered lodgings to sojourners. The first frame public house, and, indeed, the first one of any importance, was built by Daniel Langel, east side of court house square, upon the ground where now stands Neikirk's dry goods store. On these premises, before Langel opened his house, he discovered, by boring about sixty feet, that he had struck a vein that afforded him a large volume of water, and by adjusting tubing, he carried the stream that issued from the earth to a height above the first floor of his house. But a pump is now required to bring the water above the surface, having lest its flowing power nearly forty years ago.
FIRST DRY GOODS STORES.
In the fall of 1841, William Yates brought with him from' Wayne County, where he had formerly been engaged in mercantile business, his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, and a stock of goods. His freights were transported from Defiance to Bryan in wagons drawn by ox teams, and three days were consumed in making the distance, which, in a straight line, would be eighteen miles. A person could now travel from New York to Omaha in less time. In December, 1855, the store and dwelling of Mr. Yates were destroyed, and he retired from the business. The three merchants who immediately succeeded him were, in order. of time, D. M. Crall, Jacob Boyer and Charles Case.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The blacksmith most convenient to the town, after settlement commenced was William Sheridan, Sr., who resided one and a half miles west of the corporation line. The first who opened a shop in the town was James Alexander, and the second, John Thompson.
James Shorthill established the first tailor shop, and, subsequently, James B. Akey and Richard McClure engaged in the business.
Jacob Over and James McFadden were the first who appeared as car-
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PAGE 320 - BLANK
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penters, and for a brief time were partners, and dressed the logs for the first court house. John Bostater was the third carpenter, and furnished most of the wood work for the present court house.
The first wagon-maker was John Sadoris, and the second, C. T. Weldon.
The first shoemaker was Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Carbaugh the second.
In 1842, Jacob Youse established a tannery, and operated it until 1848, when-he told to William R. Bowlby. During the six years it was managed by Mr. Youse; it was the most important manufacturing industry in Bryan. A. M. Rolls engaged in the business ; but during several years the town has had no tannery.
BRYAN MANUFACTURING IN 1882.
Having noted manufacturing in its first planting, it may be well to give here a sketch of the interest as we find it in 1882. The town has now the Bryan Manufacturing Company ; two flouring mills ; planing mill ; two saw-mills ; marble and granite works ; ashery ; three carriage factories; wagon and repair shop ; foundry and machine shop ; two cooper shops ; two handle factories ; four harness shops ; a boot and shoe factory, 1110,t supplies jobbers, and three that make custom work ; one of the best breweries in the State ; furniture factory ; two merchant tailor shops ; one cigar factory ; wheelbarrow factory ; pump factory ; three bakeries ; four blacksmith shops, that are disconnected with carriage, wagonmaking, or machine shop ; fanning-mill factory ; and a brick yard and tile factory ; an extensive creamery and cheese factory.
Following this enumeration, it is just to make something more than passing mention of parties, to whose enterprise and foresight Bryan is chiefly indebted, for establishing a business power which, of itself, is the chief source of its prosperity.
THE BRYAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
This concern was organized in 1873, and had its foundation in the energy and sagacity of Morrison & Fay—a firm that accomplished more to plant the manufacturing interests of Bryan upon the solid basis ft now occupies, than any other firm that has had existence in the town. No two men were, perhaps, ever associated in a firm, whose business and social relations were more pleasant, and who worked together in a higher degree of harmony. Mr. Morrison possessed a mechanical genius rarely equaled ; and hie death, which occurred November 18, 1880, was deplored by all interested in Bryan, and regarded as a public loss. There are few in active life, in Bryan, possessed of a clearer judgment, which enables him
322 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY
to grasp all the details of a large business than Mr. Fay. The loss of his energetic partner was, especially, a serious one to him ; but since that event, there has been no visible interruption in the steadily increasing: prosperity of the industries that survive him. Mr. Morrison's widow and heirs continue to hold the interests left by him. To afford a general idea of the magnitude of different industries of the company, it may be stated, that for their wheelbarrows, alone, orders seek them from almost every, State and Territory of the Union, and even from Europe. The company employ an average force of from thirty to thirty-five men.
PLANING-MILL.
The planing-mill of John and Philip Niederaur, under the firm name of Niederaur & Bro., conduct a successful business, and have facilities for supplying all the wants of town and country.
BREWERY.
This brewery, of which Jacob Halm is proprietor, is pronounced by those who are judges of lager, to turn out as good a quality of beer as is produced in any Ohio city, or in Milwaukee or Chicago.
FANNING-MILLS.
C. Osmun has achieved a reputation for the manufacture of a quality of fanning-mills that have been awarded premiums at every fair where they have come in competition with those heretofore considered the best in use, inasmuch as Mr. Osmun's mills effectually cleanse wheat of oats, and even of timothy and flax-seeds — points never known to have been achieved by any other invention.
FLOUR-MILLS.
The " Model Mills," by Warner & Son, and the " Excelsior," by J. Y. Lyon, have established high reputation for the superior quality of flours they produce.
CHEESE FACTORY AND CREAMERY.
Welker, Dales & Co., an enterprising mercantile firm, have, during several years, conducted a successful cheese factory, and have this year added to their cheese manufactory, an extensive creamery."
MARBLE WORKS.
The establishment of Willett & Darby has been in successful opera tion, encountering scarcely an attempt at competition during a period exceeding twenty years. Their works are supplied from marble obtained at the best quarries of Scotland, Italy and America.
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CARRIAGES.
Two establishments—one owned and managed by A. Kenninger, and the other by the Bryan Carriage Company—turn out first-class work. Mr. Kenninger commenced in April, 1863; and the Bryan Manufact- uring Company, in 1881, bought their property of C. II. Straight, who. founded the establishment and coiltinued in business about eighteen months. Both these establishments are powerful in wealth and resources..
PUMPS.
From a cooper shop, established by G. Lockhart & Bro., in 1862, the senior partner took the business alone, and converted it into one for the manufacture of pumps, cisterns, and wagon and carriage neck-yokes, and has raised the business to a condition of high prosperity.
FOUNDRY AND MACHINE WORKS.
Among the most important manufactories of Bryan are these works, which also had their origin in the intelligent enterprise of Morrison & - Fay, but since the decease of the former they have passed into the ownership of a joint-stock company. An extensive three-story block of brick was added to the works about a year ago. These extensive works are highly creditable to the town and remunerative to stockholders.
THE BRYAN BOOT AND SHOE COMPANY.
This was organized August 3, 1830, the design being to manufacture boots and shoes for the wholesale trade, and the experiment has fully met the anticipations of its projectors.
FOLK'S GUN WORKS.
An unpretentious but very useful business are the gun and plating works of William Folk. His manufacture of muzzle-loading rifts are favorites among sportsmen.
BANKING.
Bryan has two banks—the First National, which commenced business in 1864, with a capital of $50,000, and the Farmers' National. Of the First National, A. J. Tressler is President, Oscar Eaton, Cashier, and D. Farnham, A. J. Tressler, Oscar Eaton, A. M. Pratt and D. C. Baxter, Directors. The Farmers' National Bank is a re-organization, under United States charter, within tile last year, of the Bryan Bank, a private institution, which had existed several years, and established a high credit. This institution is now officered by J. W. Nelson, President Frank M. Carter, Vice President, and E. Y. Morrow, Cashier, and by
324 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
the Board of Directors, John Miller, Richard Knight, Andrews Smith, W. Leidigh, J. W. Nelson, F. M. Carter and E. Y. Morrow.
So far as the fiscal arrangements of Bryan are concerned, no city or town in Ohio could be regarded as more substantial.
HOTELS.
The Bryan House, by Jacob Hudson, and the Fountain City House, by Mrs. Gilbert, are popular with their guests. There are also five well conducted boarding houses. Bryan has five well-patronized restaurants where no intoxicating beverages are sold.
MUSEUM.
Although this is a private institution, and the exclusive property of Dr. Q. H. Graser, citizens of Bryan prefer a sort of quasi claim to it as common property. It was, however, the Doctor's genius, money, and indomitable industry that originated and perfected the enterprise. The doors of his museum have always been thrown open to the free inspection of respectable citizens and non-residents. The field of numismatics has hardly been explored more thoroughly by any scientist in the United States than by Dr. Graser. Bryan may well have pride in so valuable a citizen, and of his varied contributions to the Republic of Science.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
As yet, Bryan has not had the advantages of a popular library. Even the high and other schools have hitherto been destitute of this public blessing, which like institutions always confer upon a community.
Many of the private libraries, however, have extensive and valuable collections of books. The cultured ladies of Bryan, alive to this great want, have taken hold of this matter in earnest, and organized the Bryan Library Association. At their first annual meeting, held in May, 1882, they adopted a constitution and by-laws, and made choice of the following named Trustees : For three years—Mrs. A. M. Pratt, Mrs. J. W. Long, Mrs. E. Foster, Mrs. H. Cooney and Mrs. Oscar Eaton. For two years —Mrs. J. P. Day, Mrs. C. W. Pitcairn, Mrs. J. W. Nelson, Mrs. C. W. Mykrantz and Mrs. J. M. Welker. For one year—Miss E. M. Willett, Mrs. O. M. Dales, Mrs. A. J. Tressler, Mrs. R. D. Everett and Mrs. F. G. Fay. The following officers, at a meeting of the trustees, were elected to serve during the ensuing year : President, Mrs. A. M. Pratt ; Vice President, Mrs. Oscar Eaton ; Recording Secretary, Mrs. C. W. Pitcairn;
Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. C. W. Mykrantz, and Treasurer, Mrs. J. W. Nelson. The very names of the ladies engaged in this movement
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afford ample guarantee that a solid foundation stone has been planted for the Bryan Library Association.
CLOTHING.
There are two establishments in Bryan exclusively devoted to this trade, and their houses are so well stocked that gi neral merchandise stores have discontinued traffic in clothing. These are conducted, respectively, by D. A. Wolff and P. II. Magnus. Their goods display will bear favorable comparison with city stocks.
GENERAL MERCHANDISE.
Five large establishments are engaged in this trade, to wit : Moore & Yesbera, Willett & Gibson, Welker, Dales & Co., L. C. Neikirk and E. T. Binns.
GROCERIES AND PROVISIONS
This business, one might imagine, is overstocked, but all appear to have a prosperous trade. Those prominent are W. J. Carroll, T. 0. Williams, F. Carter, E. S. Jones, Jacob Halm, McQuilken Bros., McLain & McHenry, W. Brownsberger, and two or three others of some impor- tance.
HARDWARE.
John Garver was first in this trade, and, in 1854, sold his stock to E. B. Kauke, who yet continues in the business, and is the oldest in the trade. Gleason & Baxter and Garver Bros. are also firms that carry large stock.
HARNESS AND SADDLERY.
Four shops, all carrying good stocks, supply the town and country with these goods.
UNDERTAKING.
The first professional undertaker, and one who yet continues in business, is A. C. Dillman.
PHOTOGRAPHY.
William H. Lockhart is the oldest photographer now conducting the business in Northwestern Ohio, and no one in Toledo, or any other city, produces better work. L. M. Johnson, though more recently established, is rapidly gaining public favor as an artist of high merit.
JEWELRY.
There are three establishments, two of which carry liberal and choice stocks.
DRUGS, BOOKS, STATIONERY AND FANCY GOODS.
Five houses are well filled with these lines of goods, and none deal in articles of inferior quality.
326 - HISTORY OF WILLIAMS COUNTY.
AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.
Williams County derives its principal wealth from its productive soil. Therefore, as farming economy has developed, there has been a continually increased demand for the best machinery and implements. Three establishments in Bryan control this trade, the mist recent being that of Thomas L. Donaldson & Co. The aggregate sales of the three will amount to $150,000 annually. Mr. Smith was first in the trade, and Mr. Willett second. All three establishments have active demand for their best goods, which fact exhibits healthy enterprise among Williams County farmers.
HATS AND CAPS.
The one establishment devoted exclusively to the hat and cap trade is owned by Messrs. White & Hopkins. Mr White is one among the veteran hatters in Ohio, and there is only one (Mr. Carter, druggist and grocer), now in the trade who is his senior in business in Bryan.
SKETCH OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
In the progress of time, several manufacturing industries have been undertaken and abandoned by their projectors, for the purpose of engaging in more profitable employment ; but, it is believed that none of these ventures in Bryan ever failed but some have been converted to other purposes, while a few have been destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt.. At one time, there were flourishing hub, and spoke, and woolen factories, as well as a tannery, and less important manufactories ; but all of their roofs, except those burned, now cover busily employed men, though engaged in other branches of useful production. It is only of quite recent date that Bryan sprang into existence as a manufacturing town. The dominant powers have hitherto been noticed. All that remains to be added to that already stated, is that Robert Park located in Bryan in 1862, and started a small foundry, and continued it on a limited scale until July, 1864, when he sold out to John A. Garver, and the latter sold, January 20, 1865, to Thomas F. Morrison, George Garver and Eugene Leonard. May 6, 1865, Mr. Fay bought Mr. Garver's interest, and the firm then became Morrison, Fay & Co. September, 1856, Morrison & Fay bought the interest of Mr. Leonard, and continued as Morrison & Fay until March 1, 1880, when Mr. Morrison sold his interest to John A. Garver, A. J. Tressler and D. C. Baxter, E. G. Fay also sold one-third of his interest to S. M. Gleason, and the style of the firm was then changed to the Morrison & Fay Manufacturing Company, by which name it has since been known. January 1, 1881, Mr. Fay sold one-half his remaining interest to his son, F. E. Fay, and, in October
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following, the firm became incorporated as the Morrison & Fay Manufacturing Company.
And, from the inception to what is now discovered, are embraced all the manufacturing agencies that have sprung into existence in Bryan. There is nothing more to add worthy of note.
BRYAN CORPORATION—EXTRACTS FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS.
In pursuance of an act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, entitled "An act to incorporate certain towns therein .named," passed March 7, A. D. 1849, notice for an election was duly made public. In pursuance of this notice an election was held June 15, 1849, at which the following named persons voted : John Paul, John B. Jones,* oft Edward Foster,* Stephen Kent, D. H. Barton, L. B. Silver,* John Kaufman, J. S. Thompson, Joseph Kaufman, Joshua Dobbs,* William McKean, Levi Cunningham, William Yates,* John G. Kissell, James L. Rowly,* Allendy Jump,* Thomas Serrels, Jacob Youse,* Samuel Roodky,* Charles Case,* J. G. Young, George Snelling, George Keckler,* I. K. Morrow,* Milton. B. Plummer,* A. J. Tressler,* Benjamin Kent,* Leonard Naftzger,* Volney Crocker,* Joseph Fulton, Daniel Langel, Jonathan Davis,* Daniel Hall, S. Paul, A. M. Rowles,* Jacob Over,* Jacob Eberly, Louis Rose, Charles Young, William I. Bowlby,**Benjamin Schmachtenberger,* C. Mattison, and John Will ;* total forty-two votes. At this election Charles Case was elected Mayor ; John Will, Recorder , Jacob Youse, William Yates, E. Foster, Thomas Serrels and Jacob Over, Trustees. The Trustees appointed John K. Morrow, Marshal, and Benjamin Schmachtenberger, Treasurer.
Of the Trustees or Councilmen chosen at this first election, all survive, and are now residents of Bryan, excepting one—Thomas Serrels.
At the election held April 3, 1882, 676 votes were cast, and the following municipal officers were elected, viz.: William 0. Johnston, Mayor ; John P. Woods, Clerk ; George E. Coy, Treasurer ; John B. Jones, Marshal ; J. E. Daily, Street Commissioner; Benjamin F. Bostater, James P. Day and John Niederaur, Councilmen ; A. C. Dillman, Cemetery Truestee. Councilmen holding over, D. A. Garver, John W. Nelson and John Yates.
FIRES AND FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The first destructive fire occurred in Bryan on Sunday night, December 30, 1855, commencing about 11 P. M., and originating in a building occupied jointly by Edward Evans as a grocery store, and by George Wallt, Postmaster. The building adjoined David Langel's tavern, Henry Miller being then proprietor of the house. The fire destroyed the store
* These persons are yet living.
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and dwelling house of Mr. Yates, merchant, and altogether it was, at that date, and considering the circumstances of the town, a misfortune of no mean proportions. The town then was helpless in being destitute of any organized forces for extinguishing fires that assailed property. Improvised arrangements for the public safety were at once entered upon, and before the embers of the burnt district became cool, the formation of " bucket brigades " was commenced, and finally a hand engine was perchased, and a hook and ladder company organized, and within a few years a steam fire engine of the best efficiency, according to approved tests, was added to former resources, and now Bryan probably has means' for as secure protection against accidental fire assaults as any town of equal population in Ohio ; although well organized as the department is, it is not always proof against the torch of the incendiary, as the town's unfortunate experience of 1881-82 very clearly demonstrated.
The corporation owns a commodious brick building, centrally located, the first floor affording ample accommodation for engines, hose and other fire apparatus, and stabling for horses, and the upper floor for Council room and corporation offices.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The following sketches of the First Baptist Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bryan, were prepared by M. B. Plummer :
October 8, 1841, the first Baptist Church of Bryan was organized at a meeting held at La Fayette, Williams County, Ohio, consisting of the following members, to wit : Pastor—G. B. Lewis, Thomas, Elizabeth Thomas, P. S. Gleason, Jane Gleason, Daniel Wyatt, Elizabeth Wyatt. At said meeting, Brother Lewis was elected Moderator and P.S. Gleason Clerk. After reading the articles of faith and covenant, which were adopted, the right hand of fellowship and charge were given by G. B. Lewis. The society applied for admission into the Maumee Association. Brothers Lewis and Gleason were appointed to represent the society in the association. From that date to the 26th day of May, A. D., 1849, there does not appear any account given in the record of said society. On that day, they met at Bryan for covenant meeting, Rev. H. P. Stilwell present. Four were received by letter and one by baptism ; no names given. Brother Stilwell was appointed delegate to the association. December 22, A. D. 1849, Allendy Jump was elected Church Clerk, which position he held until he went to California in the spring of 1850, and P. S. Gleason was re-elected.
May 5, 1855, William H. Keck and wife, N. and Mrs. Bibler were received by letter. Thomas Tucker and Samuel Sheffer by confession. William H. Keck was elected Church Clerk. February 12, 1859, at a
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meeting held by the society, a motion was made and carried that Rev. W. Pearce be requested to remain as pastor for one year. The society had made arrangements with the Presbyterian brethren and was using their church for preaching. May 21, 1859, at a meeting held, Thomas Punches, Jacob Youn and A. W. Boynton, were elected Trustees of said church, A. T. Bement, Clerk ; Henry C. Long, Treasurer, preparatory to building their present church. May 22, 1860, the church gave to Rev. L. D. Robison a call to become their settled pastor. July 31, 1860, the Rev. L. D. Orson was ordained pastor of the Bryan Church by Rev. R. C. Knell, Rev. E. E. Platt and Rev. A. H. Cole. Subsequently, John W. Leidigh, A. T. Bement, Norman Relyea, James P. Homey and H. D. Gintir, were at different periods elected Clerk. January 10, 1867, call made and extended to the Rev. J. B. Shaft*, to become pastor of this church. February 9, 1869, a call was made and extended to Rev. J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church. October 14, 1869, a call was made and extended to Rev. J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church. January 1, 1870, there was sixty-five members in church fellowship. February 16, 1871, a call was made and extended to J. V. Stratton to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. April 14, 1873, a call was made and extended to W. V. Thomas to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. W. W. Beardsly was called and accepted to become pastor of this church, but for some reason resigned. In the spring of 1877; a call was made and extended to D. M. Christy to become pastor of this church, which he accepted. July 28, 1881, a call was made and extended to J. M. Davies to become pastor of this church, which he accepted and at present is its pastor. At the present time, there are about ninety members; these church meetings seem to be well attended, and general peace and quiet prevail. They built one of the finest churches in the town at a cost, lot and house, of $4,000, and have it all paid for.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In the fall of 1840, Zara Norton, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized the first class in Bryan ; first preaching-place at the hotel of Thomas Shorthill, with the following-named members : Thomas Shorthill, Elizabeth Shorthill, Mary Kaufman, James Shorthill. William Yates and wife moved to Bryan in the summer of 1841, and brought with them their letters of membership, and joined the church in Bryan ; from that time to the present they have been acceptable members. The congregation moved their place of preaching from the hotel to the old court house, and continued their meetings until the schoolhouse was built, and occupied it until their present church was built. In the year 1853, the present church was built at a cost of $2,500. The Trustees at that time
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were D. M. Crall, David Fairfield, A. R. Patterson, M. B. Plummer, Jacob Over, Levi Cunningham, William Yeates. From time to time the Trustees have, remodeled the church at a cost of $1,000 or $2,000. The following is a list of the Presiding Elders of the Maumee, And subsequently the Toledo District of the Methodist Episcopal Church : 1840, Wesley Brock ; 1842, John T. Kellum ; 1844, Thomas Barkdull ; 1848, a George W. Breckenridge; 1850, William Pierce ; 1854, David
Gray 1858. Joseph Ayres ; 1862, E. C. Gavitt ; 1863, Samuel Lynch ; 1867, E. C. Gavitt ; 1868, Thomas H. Wilson ; 1871, Le Loy A. Belt; 1875, Park S. Donaldson ; 1879, Wesley G. Waters. In 1841, Bryan included in a mission called Bean Creek and Pulaski Mission, an extended from Burlington, now in Fulton County, to Clark's in Paulding County, and one appointment in Indiana, and in all sixteen appointments, to wit : Lutz's (now Burlington), Donutt's, Alvord, Eagle Creek, Allenung's, Beechler's, La Fayette (now Pulaski), East Fayette, Bryan, Williams Centre, Lost Creek, Fisher's, Six Corners, Hicksville, Clark's and Indiana. The mother of Hon. A. P. Edgerton at that time, and until her death, resided at Hicksville ; was a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and for many years Mr. Edgerton paid yearly $40 to the weary itinerants, and they were always welcome to his home.
The following are the names of the ministers appointed to the mission and circuit that included Bryan :
1840, Zara Norton; 1841, Zara Norton, Orin Hatch; 1842, Simeon H. Alderman; 1843, J. L. Ferris, Chester Coleman ; 1844, W. W. Minter, Samuel Morrow ; 1845, William Boggs, T. W. Wilson; 1846, Alan- son Foster, H. K. Bairns; 1847, John Burgess, Samuel Fairchild ; 1848, Henry Chapman, A. H. Walter ; 1849, Benjamin Herbert, J. S. Cutler; 1850, David Aucker, J. A. Shannon ; 1851, Thomas Parker, J. M. Wilcox ; 1852, J. S. Albright, E. Lindsay ; 1853, J. S. Albright, J. W. Thompson ; 1854, Henry Warner, H. L. Nickerson ; 1855, Henry Warner, J. H. Beardsly; 1856, William Thacher, D. S. Reagh ; 1857, William Thacher, J. H. Miller ; 1858, E. Morrison, A. Hollington ; 1859, H. M. Close, A. M. Cory. In the fall of 1860, Bryan was made a station, with the following appointments, to wit :
1860-61, F. L. Harper ; 1862-63, S. H. Alderman ; 1864, Wesley G. Waters; 1865-67, John L. Bates; 1868, Philip A. Drown ; 1869-71, Hamilton J. Bigley; 1872-73, James F. Mounts ; 1874-76, William Deal ; 1877-79, Hamilton J. Bigley ; 1880-81, W. W. Lance. At the present time, there are about two hundred and fifty members divided into nine classes, with the following-named persons as leaders, to wit :
Leader of Class No. 1, E. E. Bechtol; No. 2, Samuel White ; No. 3, William N. Noble ; No. 4, John Beagle ; No. 5, H. L. High; No. 6,
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Joel S. Mattocks; No. 7, John E. Beach ; No. 8, James Taneyhill; No. 9, C. M. March.
The officers are : "Wesley G. Waters, Presiding Elder; William W. Lance, Pastor ; Thomas Taneyhill, Martin Perky, William H. Taylor, Superannuated; Timothy H. Himes, Local ; Martin Perky, Frederick Maurer, T. H. Himes, Jacob Over, Frank Kelly, Mary Brown, Hannah Harper, Mrs. J. W. Smith, Jennie Deuchar, Stewards ; Trustees—David Morrow, President ; John Bailey, Treasurer ; William Brownsberger, Secretary ;. J. N. Riggs, Seth Kemble, Henry L. High, William Folk.
There are about two hundred names enrolled in the Sabftth school, with the following-named officers and teachers, to wit:
W. W. Lance, Superintendent ; J. E. Beach, Anna Noble, Assistant Superintendents ; John P. Woods, Secretary ; William Brownsberger, Treasurer ; John Kemble, Frank Conrod, Librarians ; Jennie Deuchar, Anna Noble, Mrs. C. C. Long, Mary Githen, Millie Barstow, Mrs. William H. Taylor, Anna Ware, Martin Perky, Jennie Jones, Rose Deuchar, J. E. Beach, Carrie Brown, Mrs. G. Lockhart, Mary Snyder, Florence Bostater, Teachers. Preaching, Sabbath morning and evening.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
[Extracts from minutes.]
" BRYAN, June 10, 1854.—Pursuant to notice previously given, and agreeable to an order to that effect by the Presbytery of Maumee, a meeting was held this day for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian Church. After sermon by Rev. J. M. Crabb, certificates were received and found in order from the following persons, viz., Alexander Conning and wife, Sarah Conning, John Kelley and Harriett N. Kelley, James Allen and Sarah J. Allen, Jennette Grim, Isabella M. Ogden, William H. Ogden, by profession of faith in the absence of a certificate—making in all ten members. At this meeting, into the proceedings of which were, at intervals, introduced prayer for the divine guidance, Messrs. William H. Og- den and John Kelley were chosen Ruling Elders, and Messrs. Alexander Conning and James Allen were appointed to the office of Deacon. At the session held May 10, 1862, William Dunlap, William Sheridan were chosen Elders, and D. L. Anderson, Moderator. Miss Julia Hamilton was received to membership on certificate from the Presbyterian Church of New Lisbon, Ohio, At the session of September 27, 1862, the following were received to the communion of the church : James Q. Beattie, on certificate from the church of Union, Defiance County ; Franklin Locl5hart, by profession of faith. At the session August 6, 1864, Bro. Raffensperger, Moderator, Mr. J. B. Jones was received upon presenting his letter of dismission from the Truro Presbyterian Church of Columbus
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Grove, Ohio, and Mr. William Ward, upon profession of faith. of March 21, 22 and 23, 1865, the following persons were on profession of their faith in Christ, viz. : Miss Jennie White, Matilda White, Mrs. Harriet McCutcheon and her four daughters, Mrs. Rebecca McCloud, Miss Emma McCutcheon, Ella McCutcheon, Mary McCutcheont„ Mrs. Maria Bell and her two daughters, Frank and Libbie Bell, Miss Cora B. Obrist and her sister Emma Jane, Miss Electa M. Fay, Miss Ada M. Kelley, Mary A. Kelley and Mr. William Kelley, Mrs. Nancy A. Willett, Mrs. Louisa Bostater and her two sisters, Miss Eliza Amelia Sheridan and Elmira Hannah Sheridan, Mrs. Cynthia E. Valentine, Miss Phoebe C. Townly, Miss Ella Green, Miss Sarah Montgomery, Miss, Mary A. Jones, Miss Eliza Moore, Misses Caroline, Emma L. and Harriet Odell, Miss Binnie Ryan, Mr. Francis Kennedy and Mr. Jacob Raupert. At a Congregational meeting on the evening of March 3, 1865, Dr. A. Larrimore, a Ruling Elder from the church of Auburn, Intl, and Mr. J. B. Jones, Ruling Elder from the church of Columbus Grove, were unanimously elected to the office of Ruling Elders in the church of Bryan. The session of May 6, 1865, was opened with prayer by Bro. Cochrane Forbes, of Kendallville, Ind. Present; Messrs. Kelley, Jones, Larrimore and Sheridan. Mrs. Adeline E. Moore, Mrs. Catharine Willett were each received on profession of their faith in Christ, and Dr. Larrimore and wife and Mrs. Sloat on certificates.
"The manse in Bryan was built in 1870-71, and finished June 20 in the latter year. C. W. Boynton was chairman of building committee, who planned and superintended the work. It cost, without the lot, $2,675."
July 22, 1878. At the session held this day, Rev. James Quick, acting as Moderator (having resigned his charge of this church 1st of June last), the Clerk was ordered to give letters of dismissal to the following named persons, who had so requested: Mrs. Maria E. Quick, Miss Julia E. Quick, Miss Marion T. Quick, and Miss Alice Cornelia Alexander. The first session at which the name of the present pastor, Rev. Thomas Doggett, appears upon the minutes, was held September 19, 1878. The session held March 23, 1880, voted to pay an annual salary of $900 to Rev. Thomas Doggett for his services. July 31, 1879, Mrs. Thomas Doggett was received into the church by letter from the Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls, N. Y. October 30, 1879, Mr. Wilson presented a letter of dismission from the Evangelical Church of Edgerton, Ohio, and Mr. Frank Kennedy a letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Elmore, Ohio, and the persons were received into the church. December 25, 1879, Miss Roby Velorce Witmore was received into the church by profession; and January 3, 1880, Mrs. Louisa M. Price, Mrs. Coleman, Miss Olive Wetmore, and Miss Nellie M. Ingalls were received
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on profession of faith. Mr. Jacob E. Rime and Mrs. Mary A. Hime were received on certificate from the Congregational church of Wauseon. March 18, 1880, Miss Cora B. Warren presented a letter of dismission from the Congregational Church of Burton, Ohio, and her name was added to the roll of members. November 4, 1880, Miss Francis Maria Folk was received into the church on certificate from First Reformed Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Miss. Frances Mariah Doggett and Mr. Eugene Ellsworth Newman were received on profession of faith. February 3, 1881, Mrs. Margaret Helwig was admitted on letter from the Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, Ohio.
To make the history of this church complete, it is proper to embody extracts from a sermon delivered by Rev. James Quick, July 1, 1876: The Society was legally incorporated September 9, 1856, as the Presbyterian Church and Society Old School. August 6, 1872, a question having arisen as to the full power of the society to hold property under existing laws of the State, a slight modification was made, and the organization perfected under the name of the First Presbyterian Church and Society of Bryan, Ohio. Since the first organization up to the present time, there have been received to the fellowship and communion of the church (including those who first formed it) by certificate from other churches, 127 persons, and on profession of their faith in Christ 98 persons—making an aggregate of 225. There have been dismissed to the fellowship and communion of other churches, eighty-six persons, and from this number twenty-two persons have died, and two have been excommunicated. Rev. D. S. Anderson was the first clergyman, and his ministry continued until 1864 ; he was succeeded by Rev. Williamson S. Wright, who terminated his work August 12, 1865. September 1, 1865,. Rev. John H. Carpenter commenced labor and remained until June 7, 1867, when, October 1, Rev. D. K. Richardson took ministerial charge April, 1870, Mr. Robert B. Marshall, licensed by the Presbytery of Chicago, became a successor to the pastoral office, and he died November following. February 5, 1871, Rev. Elias Thompson was employed and served one year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Henry H. Bridge, who remained until July, 1873, and was followed by Rev. Ebenezer Buckingham, who remained six months. On the first Sabbath of December, 1874, Rev. James Quick commenced his labors with this church. Up to the close of 1871 the church was dependent for aid in support of the ordinances of the Gospel upon the Home Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church ; but since that time it has been self-sustaining. Total collections and expenditures for missions, etc., $13,239.97. " Thus far hath the Lord brought us, and He says to us by His Word, and by His Providence, Go Forward.' " The Sunday school of this church is under
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superintendence of Joseph B. Jones. The teacher of the Bible is Mrs. Rev. Doggett, and the other teachers are J. D. Gleason,, John Kelley, Rev. Doggett, M. M. Boothman, Miss Mabel Pratt, Miss Dora Cannon, Miss Almira Treat, Mrs. Willett Gibson, Mrs. D. K. Richardson, Miss Metta Carter, Miss J. H. Willett and Miss Ida Cunningham. Average number of pupils, in excess of one hundred.
GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN.
The German Evangelical Lutheran St. Paul's congregation commenced its existence December 21, 1861, having at that date no house of worship, though commencing with a membership of eighteen persons, and the pastor being Rev. Hermann Schmidt, of the Ohio Synod ; and February 4, 1869, a movement was made to build a church edifice, and a plan agreed upon to have its dimensions 40x28 feet, the ceiling sixteen feet Accordingly the house was erected on Beech street, adjacent to the plan- ing mills. The building cost, in cash, aside from liberal 'donations in money and material, $750. The lots were donated by Hon. Alfred P. Edgerton, who has contributed more liberally, in real estate and money donations to church purposes, than any other one in Northwestern Ohio. Mr. Schmidt retired from the pastorate of the church September 14, 1863, and from this date, until January 1, 1867, the congregation had occasional supplies from various clergymen, and oftentimes of slightly differing creeds, until, on the last-mentioned date, Rev. Eugene Kuchle was installed, and maintained his pastoral connection until 1870, when he was succeeded by Rev. Heinrich Lutz, who held charge until 1872, when he was followed, in the ministry, by Rev. Joel Goebel, who continued his relations with the church until 1878. At this date, Rev. Wihhelm Young, whose work is under the auspices of the Evangelical Synod of North America, was assigned to the charge of the congregation, and yet continues his ministrations. In 1882, the membership numbers thirty, and a Sunday school, under the superintendence of Jacob Schleenbaker, has an average attendance of about eighteen pupils. After the retirement of Rev. Mr. Goebel, a division of sentiment regarding the Christian propriety of church members identifying themselves with secret societies sprang up, and divisions followed, and the trouble was brought before ecclesiastical tribunals, and a length, on an issue affecting title to church property, the controversy found its way to the civil courts, where it is yet pending. As the matters of variance affect only the parties interested, further reference to them in these pages is omitted. It is only just, however, to state that the organization, of which Rev. Heinrich Stahling is pastor, claims to be the regular and legal organization.
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ENGLISH LUTHERANS.
The English Lutheran Church of Bryan was founded in February, 1875. Rev. F. A. Matthis has had pastoral charge since its organization. Commencing with a membership of twelve, it now lumbers about fifty communicants. The Sunday school employs thirteen teachers, who give instruction to 150 pupils. Cost of building, $4,500, and of lot, $500. The church has a seating capacity for 500 persons. To the faithful and tireless efforts of Rev. Mr. Matthis, aided by the divine favor, this church is indebted for its substantial and rapidly acquired prosperity. The church building is located on Bryan street.
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
The First Universalist Church of Bryan was organized July 10, 1870, by Rev. J. F. Rice, with a membership of twenty-one, the original members being John M. Welker, Mrs. Julia A. Welker, Mrs. S. A. Farr, Mrs. Helen A. Garver, Miss Nellie Farr, Miss Frank Fay, Albert Stinson, John Miller, Mrs. John Miller, Mrs. P. M. Harris, R. S. Owen, F. E. Fay, William Ayres, Mrs. William Ayres, Ephraim Dawson, Mrs. A. M. Dawson, Miss Clara A. Dawson, Mrs. Clarissa Owen, Mrs. Myra Moores, Mrs. Augusta Lawton and Miss Alice E. Owen. Rev. J. F. Rice preached for it for the first nine years. It is to his untiring industry and unwavering zeal that the church owes its existence and great success. Mr. Rice, though not living with the church at any time, and preaching for it only every alternate Sabbath, was more than ordinarily successful, which may be largely attributed to the fact that he is a strong preacher and a man of great social power. The church now has a membership of 111, nearly all of whom were received into fellowship by Mr. Rice. Rev. H. L. Canfield supplied the church for one year every alternate Sabbath. The second pastorate was begun in August, 1880. Rev. G. L. Perin, a graduate of Canton Theological Seminary, was elected pastor. Mr. Perin is still preaching for the church every Sunday at a salary of $900. During Mr. Perin's pastorate thus far, nine members have been added. The church held religious services for several years in Long's Hall, north side of Court Square. In 1875 and 1876, the first and only church edifice was erected at a cost of $8,000. The church is a beautiful brick ; in size, 37X57 feet ; Gothic in style. The main audience room is neatly frescoed, and has elegant stained glass windows. It has a large and commodious basement with Sunday school room, furnace rooms, kitchen, pantry, and what is very rare in a church, a beautiful fountain of clear, cold water. The church is situated on the southeast corner of Main and Maple streets. The present officers are : Moderator, Hon. S. N. Owen ; Trustees, J. M. Welker, E. G. Fay and O. C. Ashton ; Treasurer, E. T.
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Binns. The Sunday school, in connection with the church, organized about January 1, 1870, and has now an enrolled membership of 110, an average attendance of about sixty to eighty. With one brief interval, it has been under the constant superintendence of J. M. Welker, Esq., whom energy and devotion have been unremitting.
CATHOLICS.
There are in Bryan devout and pious Catholics ; but their numbers are small, and a missionary priest, at stated periods, holds service. They have a church edifice. Few as are the numbers of these worship they command a high degree of respect from co-religionists, on won of the firmness they manifest in holding fast to their faith.
JEWS.
Those of this persuasion form only a small per cent of the religious element, and have no rabbi or synagogue. They are, however, held in high esteem as citizens.
INSTITUTIONS OF BENEVOLENCE AND SOCIALITY.
In all the agencies designed 40 elevate the standard of useful and rational enjoyment, Bryan occupies no secondary place in rank among her sister towns. Of the I. O. O. F., there are Fountain City Lodge, No. 314 ; Williams Encampment, No. 102, and Bryan Circle, No. 9. P. C. Of the Masonic Fraternity, there are Bryan Lodge, No. 215, and Northwest Chapter, No. 45. Knights of Honor have Hospitable Lodge, No. 1650.
LITERARY SOCIETIES BY LADIES.
In Bryan are three literary societies, aside from an incipient library association, which is under the general management of the three. These are two " Thame " Societies and the " Chautauqua Circle." These societies were organized by and are under exclusive control of women, who have demonstrated that the religious, intellectual and moral culture of the sex reflect a high degree of credit upon themselves.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
Evans Post, Bryan, G. A. R., was organized October 17, 1881, with the following-named charter members: E. R. McDonald, F. H. Miller, M. M. Boothman, D. Graves, J. Hively, J. W. Leidigh, N. B. Shouf, J. R. McNary, C. R. Spicer, C. C. Crummel, D. Davis, J. P. Caldwell, W. M. Johnston, W. J. Carroll, S. E. Richards, J. Bauer, M. Enterman, John H. Shouf, A. Gribbons, J. S. Moore, A. Dubois, J. C. Horton, J. G. Lauby, J. E. Partee, J. H. Stuart, T. H. Nimes ; John S. Kounts,
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Department Commander; George S. Canfield, Assistant Adjutant General; E. R. McDonald, Post Adjutant; J. P. Caldwell, Post Commander, and J. W. Leidigh, Post Quartermaster. The present membership numbers 127, and its offers are: J. P. Caldwell, Commander; John Horton, Senior Vice; M. M. Boothman, Vice.; T. Himes, Chaplain; J. W. Leidigh, Quartermaster; J. R. McNary, Officer of the Day; E. R. McDonald, Adjutant. It will be observed that the numerical growth of Evans Post during the brief time that has elapsed since its organization has been remarkably rapid.
EARLY SCHOOLS OF BRYAN
In the contract made with A. J. Tressler to teach the Bryan School, $45, for three months, was agreed upon, being at the rate of $15 per month. The average attendance at his school was, according to the best recollection of Mr. Tressler, from twenty-five to thirty-five pupils. As late as 1862, there was but one public school building, that one being near the Methodist Church. It was without a bell or any school apparatus. There were three departments—High, Secondary and Primary. The number of enrolled pupils was 224. The Bryan Normal School was opened January I, 1864, with an enrollment of forty pupils, and soon numbered 1), and its annual catalogue exhibited an enrollment of about two hundred, in which were instructed a large per cent of the leading educators and professional men of the present in this and adjoining counties. In 1874, the normal and graded schools were united, and C. W. Mykrantz, the Principal of the Normal, was chosen Superintendent, and has continued uninterruptedly to hold this place. There are no public schools in Ohio, probably, of towns even more populous, where the public schools are under more judicious management. This high school building was used a brief time for an experiment of establishing a commercial college, but failed for want of adequate support. Their 1868 sign, "College," is yet upon the front wall.
BURIAL GROUNDS.
The places of interment for the early dead of Bryan were at Pulaski, Williams Centre, or at other more convenient but temporary locations on private property, but not intended as permanent abodes for the remains of those who had gone before. Population being sparse, and the region healthy, there were few deaths. But in the early part of 1841, and some months after the town was platted, a place of sepulture, then a wild but pleasant locality, was selected, which it was believed that no wants of commerce or demands for residence places, would ever covet, and where the ashes of deceased kindred and friends would forever rest in consecrated ground. The place chosen was an elevated one, on the south side of Lynn
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Run, and many feet above high-water mark of that stream. Portland street now passes on the west side of these grounds, and they were nearly west of the place where Mr. Warner's flour-mills and Mr. Halm's brewery are now established. But commerce, however, as in almost every like instance, adopts the almost cruel logic of Jefferson that "the earth belongs, to the living," and that no power is able to resist its invasion of any soil, however sacred, when greed requires it for its uses ; and after manufacturing and residence wants clamored at the gateways of this first burial place, two new cemeteries—the Fountain Grove, south of Bryan, in Pulaski Township, and Brown's Cemetery, two miles northwest of Bryan, in Centre Township, were established, and the remains of nearly all the were exhumed and transferred to one or the other of those places. But some had no surviving friends, and their bodies yet rest in the old grounds where they were originally deposited. Thomas Wyatt's body was first buried there, and his ashes have never been disturbed. The second interment was a daughter of Thomas Shorthill, and from some cause her remains were suffered to continue in the old grounds.
FOUNTAIN GROVE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION.
The first meeting for the purpose of effecting such an organization was held on the 26th of January, 1855, when Messrs. John Will, David M. Crall, Levi Schlott, Robert Pitcairn, Alvira Spencer and William Yates were elected a Board of Trustees, and Albert R. Patterson, chosen Clerk. At a meeting of the trustees, held February 2, 1855, Robert Pitcairn was elected President of the Board, and by-laws were adopted. William A. Stevens was chosen Treasurer. Several years seem to have elapsed before there was a regular sexton employed to have charge of the cemetery. The first appointed was O. L. Brown, and the present one is Matthias Blossing. Both these gentlemen were competent to discharge faithfully the duties conferred upon them, and they have rendered the grounds highly attractive. The principal officers now, in addition to the sexton, are : John W. Pollock, President ; Dr. A. L. Snyder, Executive Trustee ; A. C. Dillman, Secretary. Mr. Youse states that John Will was most prominent in the selection and supervision of the present cemetery.