HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 169

RUSSIA.

OBERLIN:

PREFATORY NOTE.

The following sketch of Oberlin history is mainly a compilation, but it Nay be regarded as reliable, and is as complete as the scope of this Work will admit. The facts and documents pertaining to the early history, I have taken chiefly from the " History of Oberlin," in manuscript, by President Fairchild; of which, availing myself of the generous offer of the author, I have made free use. Other facts and statistics have been taken from the college catalogues, from articles in the Oberlin Evangelist and in the Oberlin Review, and from other sources, for my indebtedness to which, this general acknowledgment must suffice. For the estimates of Oberlin, and of a few of its leading men, the writer is alone responsible. H. M.

LIBRARY OBERLIN COLLEGE, December 30, 1878.

INTRODUCTION.

THE history of Oberlin may be said to be the history of an idea, first, as conceived in the minds of individuals and matured into a plan, which may be called its origin; then as converted by them into fact, and made an outward reality, which constitutes its beginning; next, as receiving a sudden increase of mental and moral force, which gave it enlargement, and was its second beginning, from which it should proceed as from a new point of departure; and finally, as its natural and gradual development, in which is found, amid strivings and conflicts, its growth to maturity. In this fact, that Oberlin is built on and represents a progressive idea, or a fundamental principle, is found its distinctive and representative character; and this is the true explanation of the enthusiasm it awakened, the opposition it excited, the success it has achieved, and the work it has wrought.

The explanation and source of the idea must be sought in the character of the period. It was a period of revivals, and of the beginning of great and radical reforms. Before Oberlin had an existence, so much as in thought, extensive revivals had prevailed in various parts of the land, by which whole communities and towns were regenerated, and thousands had their conscience quickened, and their life renewed. Following, or accompanying, these revivals were certain special reforms, which were a practical use of christian principles for the overthrow of great, individual, social, and national evils, as intemperance, slavery, and war. Of these, the anti-slavery reform, from the ardor with which it was espoused and advocated by its friends, and the violence with which it was resisted by its enemies, gained especial prominence. Now, Oberlin was, from its beginning and in its very idea, the embodiment of this spirit of revival and reform—of revival as first, and of reform as proceeding from it. It was this spirit of revival and reform that created it, that possessed and ruled it, and that gives life to its history.

The origin and character of the men who first composed Oberlin, likewise show its character. These were all, either immediately or mediately, from New England. They were genuine New England men, with the New England mind and heart. Moreover, they were of the best type of the puritan character. They were serious, earnest, self-contained, independent in thought and spirit, God-fearing and sincerely pious, with purity of intention and singleness of aim, consecrated to the work of doing good, courageous and persevering, and overflowing with an enthusiasm generated and sustained by an ardent devotion to a lofty purpose. Oberlin is a true child of New England, a certain reproduction—not an imitation—of New England ideas, culture and life. It was New England transferred, for a specific purpose, to the woods of Ohio.

In form, also, Oberlin is peculiar. This name, Oberlin, stands neither for the town nor for the college, separately and singly; it signifies both in their unity. Town and college are units of a composite idea. Both sprang into existence together, the town for the college, and the college for the world; and, therefore, both as one for the world. Oberlin was not founded in selfishness, but in benevolence; not for its own sake, but for the sake of humanity. It was not meant that the end of the college should be the education it should impart, but the good it might promote through that education; neither was it meant that the end of the town should be its own mere existence and welfare, but also the good it should aid the college in promoting.

I have in these words briefly sketched the ideal Oberlin, as it was first conceived, and as it has been actually, though imperfectly, realized in its history. In this general and comprehensive characterization, it has been my aim to throw light on the history which follows.

I. —ORIGIN.

The origin of Oberlin is due to two men, John Jay Shipherd and Philo Penfield Stewart, the inventor of the well-known Stewart stove. Mr. Shipherd was a native of New York, and Mr. Stewart of Connecticut. In 1830, Mr. Shipherd, holding a commission from the American Home Missionary Society, found his way to Elyria, where he preached to the Presbyterian Church as their pastor for two years.

Mr. Stewart, who was laboring as a missionary among the Choctaws, being compelled, on account of the ill health of his wife, to return north, corresponded with Mr. Shipherd, who was an old friend,

170 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

respecting a field of labor, and finally accepted an invitation to make a home for a time at his house. Mr. Stewart thus became one of Mr. Shipherd's family in the spring of 1832. These men, thus thrown together, were alike earnest reformers. They had an intense conviction that the church needed to be raised to a higher plane of christian life and activity, and that a great work must be done in the Mississippi valley.

In temperament they were opposites. Mr. Shipherd was ardent and sanguine, while Mr. Stewart was cautious and slow; but even this difference proved a real advantage, for, when the time came for action, they complemented each other.

In the summer of 1832 they talked and prayed over the themes which absorbed both their minds— some scheme by which they could realize their desire and hope of doing good. Mr. Shipherd's mind dwelt especially upon the thought of a christian community of an unworldly and elevated type, and which, imbued with an earnest missionary spirit, should be a centre of beneficent influence. Mr. Stewart's thought dwelt upon the plan of a christian college, which should embrace the co-education of the sexes, and provide manual labor that might at once promote the health of the students and defray their expenses.

Mrs. Shipherd has given a brief account of how these diverse views became united in one plan :

"In their deliberations they would exchange views ; one would present one point of interest and the other a different one. Mr. Stewart proposed a college, of which Mr. Shipherd conld not see the necessity, as Hudson college was in its infancy and poorly sustained ; but Mr- Stewart suggested the manual labor system, which Mr. Shipherd fully approved. Thus they labored and prayed, and while on their knees asking guidance the whole plan developed itself to Mr. Shipherd's mind, and before rising to his feet he said, `Come, let us arise and build.' He then told Mr. Stewart what had come into his mind,—to procure a tract of land and collect a colony of christian families, who should pledge themselves to sustain the school and identify themselves with all its interests. They came down from the study, and Mr. Shipherd with a glowing face said, ' Well, my dear, the child is born, and what shall its name be He then related what had passed through his mind."

Mr. Shipherd was accustomed, in after years, to refer to the plan as thus presented to his mind, as "the pattern showed him in the mount."

The name selected for the contemplated colony and school was Oberlin, after John Frederic Oberlin, a pastor in eastern France, an interesting account of whose self-denying and successful labors in elevating the people of his parish they had just read. The next thing was the selection of a location. Judge Ely, of Elyria, offered to give that part of the village known as " the Point ;" and a tract embracing two or three farms on the north ridge road in Brownhelm, was also proposed ; but neither of these was thought to be large enough for the full execution of the project. The level tract, with a bard clay soil, forming the southern part of Russia township, remained as yet undisturbed by settlers, who were disposed to choose more desirable locations..

The day following the season of prayer in which their plan had taken definite and fixed shape in their minds, Mr. Shipherd and Mr. Stewart mounted their horses and rode to this unoccupied tract. Along what is now Main street, the line of a road had been marked years before by a party of surveyors, who had cut down the trees for a width of about four rods, but this cleared space was at this time overgrown by underbrush. Having arrived at this place they dismounted and secured their horses, and kneeling under a tree asked divine guidance. The elm standing in the south east corner of the college square is pointed out as the one under which this first prayer was offered. They at that time fixed upon this unoccupied tract as the site for the future Oberlin.

The next thing was to secure its possession, and the next to obtain settlers ; and for the attainment of these objects, as well as to raise funds for the promotion of the enterprise, and to engage teachers and students for the school, Mr. Shipherd resolved to visit New England. The owners of the tract, Street and Hughes, with whom it seemed desirable to treat immediately, resided in New Haven ; and such men as were needed for colonists, and would be willing to enter upon the arduous undertaking, must be found in New England.

After a two weeks' journey Mr. Shipherd arrived in New Haven, and calling upon the proprietors asked of them a gift of five hundred acres of land for a manual labor school, with the understanding that, a colony being collected, for the remaining five thousand acres they should receive from the settlers, as fast as sold, at the rate of a dollar and a half an acre ; and this proposition he enforced with the plea that their acceptance of it would be a mutual benefit, by aiding the school and by bringing their lands into market.

After calling upon them day after day without success, as he came down from his room one morning he remarked to the lady of the house where lie was staying, " I shall succeed to-day." And he did ; for on calling one of the firm told him that they had concluded to accept his proposition.

It was planned to sell the five thousand acres to the settlers at an advance of one dollar, thus securing a fund of five thousand dollars with which to lay the foundations of the college, enough of this fund being appropriated to build a saw mill and grist mill, to be owned by the college.

The next thing necessary was the securing of such settlers as would make a distinctively christian colony. To secure such as were desired, a covenant was drawn up, which all who proposed to become members of the colony were asked to sign.

This is a historic. document, and we give it entire :

THE OBERLIN COVENANT.

"Lamenting the degeneracy of the church, and the deplorable condition of our perishing world, and ardently desirous of bringing both under the entire influence of the blessed gospel of peace; and viewing with peculiar interest the influence which the valtey of the Mississippi must exert over our nation and the nations of the earth; and having, as we trust, in answer to devout supplications, been guided by the counsel of the Lord: the undersigned covenant together, under the name of the Oberlin Colony, subject to the foltowing regulations, which may be amended by a concurrence of two-thirds of the colonists:

"l. Providence permuting, we engage as soon as practicable to remove to the Oberlin Colony, in Russia, Lorain county, Ohio, and

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 171

there to fix our residence, for the express purpose of glorifying God in doing good to men to the extent of our ability.

"2. We will bold and manage our estates personally, but pledge as perfect a community of interest as though we held a community of property.

"3. We will hold in possession no more property than we believe we can profitably manage for God as His faithful stewards.

"4. We will, by industry, economy and Christian self-denial, obtain as much as we can, above our necessary personal expenses or family expenses, and faithfully appropriate the same for the spread of the gospel.

"5. That we may have time and health for the Lord's service, we will eat only plain and wholesome food, renouncing all bad habits, and especially the smoking and chewing of tobacco, unless it is necessary as a medicine, and deny ourselves all strong and unnecessary drinks, even tea and coffee, as far as practicable, and everything expensive, that is simply calculated to gratify the palate.

"6. That we may add to our time, health and money for the service of the Lord, we will renounce all the world's expensive and unwholesome fashions of dress, particularly tight dressing and ornamental attire.

"7. And yet more to increase our means of serving Him who bought us with His blood, we will observe plainness and durability in the construction of our houses, furniture, carriages, and all that appertains to us.

"8 We wilt strive continually to show that we, as the body of Christ, are members one of another; and will, while tiving, provide for the widows, orphans and families of the sick and needy as for ourselves.

"9. We will take especial pains to educate all our children thoroughly and to trarn them up in body, intellect and heart for the service of the Lord.

"10. We will feel that the interests of the Oberlin 1nstitute are identified with ours, and do what we canto extend its influence to our fallen race.

"11. We will make special efforts to sustain the institutions of the gospel at home and among our neighbors.

"12. We wilt strive to maintain deep-toned and elevated personal piety, to provoke each other to love and good works,' to live together in all things as brethren, and to gtorify God in our bodies and spirits, which are His.

"In testimony of our fixed purpose thus to do, in reliance on Divine grace, we hereunto affix our names."

This covenant for the colony expressed the purpose and spirit which its founders meant should characterize it. In its strict and particular application it gave rise, for a time, to some differences; but after a year or two it was found necessary to leave the determination of personal duty in practical affairs to the individual conscience and judgment.

Mr. Shipherd endeavored to raise funds by the sale of scholarships. These scholarships were to be perpetual, and were put at one hundred and fifty dollars. Each scholarship entitled its owner to keep one person in school; but it gave him only the privileges of the school, and paid none of his expenses.

II.— THE BEGINNING.

The first settler of Oberlin was Peter Pindar Pease of Brownhelm, who cut down the first tree March 15, 1833. On April 3d he came on with two men, and these three cut an ox-wagon road through the dense forest. April 19th, he removed his family into a log house which they had erected. These house stood on the southeast corner of what is now the college square, a little back of the elm -under which Mr. Shipherd and Mr. Stewart had first knelt in prayer. Upon the front door of this first dwelling was written in large characters, " I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service;" and this remained through the season.

The first Sabbath they held their first Sabbath worship under the trees on the spot where the First Church now stands. They prayed, and sang and read a sermon, and also began a Sabbath school, which has been held uninterruptedly every Sabbath since. A large force of laborers was employed to fell the forest. To these no liquor was furnished, as was the custom at that time; yet there was no difficulty in obtaining sufficient help.

The only opening which they found in the forest was a little clover patch about twenty feet square, nearly opposite the place where the Second Church now stands, which had been for many years an Indian encampment. On this spot the trustees of the school held their first session on the soil. The names of these trustees, the same persons afterward named in the charter, were Rev. J. J. Shipherd, P. P. Stewart, and P. P. Pease, Addison Tracy of Elyria, Judge Henry Brown of Brownhelm, Captain E. Redington of Amherst, Rev. Joel Talcott of Wellington, J. L. Burrell of Sheffield, and Rev. John Keys of Dover.

These were among the substantial men of the surrounding region, and having imbibed the spirit of Mr. Shipherd were not daunted by the difficulties they encountered and the greatness of the undertaking.

A letter from the colonists already on the ground to Mr. Shipherd, while at the east, dated June 11, 1833, shows that they had also shared the common enthusiasm. This letter was signed by all the men then on the ground, as follows: Peter P. Pease, Brewster Pelton, Samuel Daniels, Philip James, Pringle Hamilton, William Hosford, Asahel Munger, Harvey Gibbs, Jacob J. Safford' Daniel Morgan. But three or four women were here as yet, several of the men having come first to prepare places for their families.

We give a few extracts from this letter, to show their spirit, and what they were doing:

"We have had meetings every Sabbath since the commencement. Had a visit from Brother Betts, of Brownhelm. He will preach for us every fourth Sabbath till you return. Brother Leavenworth, also of Brown- helm, preached to us the first Sabbath after the brethren arrived from Vermont—and a blessed day it was. for the Lord was here. The people came in from the east, the west, and the south. The number from abroad was between twenty and thirty. We trust that you cease not to pray for us, that we may be guided in every path of duty and usefulness, and above all that we may love one another with pure hearts fervently. * * * *

"We have commenced our clearing, beginning at the center, and running southwest. We have about twenty acres now chopped, and four cleared off. Are planting two of it to corn, and more than one we sow to oats and grass, for a little pasture. The remainder is occupied by two log houses, and a site for the boarding house and school room. The school [college] wilt be in the upper loft. We have the timber all hewed, but one day's work.

"The brethren have mostly selected and procured their land, and are now chopping their vitlage tots, which wilt make a pleasant opening on the south side of the road. We have about fifty cords of wood cut for the engine. We can say, `thus far the Lord hath helped us. May we ever acknowledge him. Dear brother, pray for the peace of the colony. We have a speciat prayer meeting every Saturday evening, in which we remember you, and hope to be remembered by you."

The writers also speak of four Sabbath schools in neighboring settlements, which they had either established, or were about to open.

Mr. Shipherd returned in September, and moved to Oberlin, taking up his quarters with his family and another family, in the basement of the first col-

172 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

lege building, afterward called Oberlin Hall. During his absence, he had secured a number of families as colonists, had enlisted students to come at the opening of the school, had engaged teachers, and had raised nearly fifteen thousand dollars in contributions and subscriptions. The teachers expected from the east could not come at the beginning of the school, and a student from Hudson college, Mr. John F. Scoville, was engaged to take temporary charge, and the school was opened the 3d day of December, 1833. This being an occasion of much interest, on the evening preceding a meeting was held to ask God's blessing upon the enterprise. During its progress, Mr. Scoville reached the place, and going into the meeting, after listening to the prayers and remarks, he rose to speak, and his first words were, " Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground."

The school, this first term, was composed of forty-four pupils, twenty-nine young men and fifteen young women; half of whom were from the east, the remainder from neighboring towns. A primary school was also organized in connection with the instution, composed of the children of the colonists, numbering about twenty, and taught by Miss Eliza Branch, now Mrs. George Clarke, of Oberlin. After the first winter, this primary department was discontinued, and the elementary education of the children was left to the public schools.

The colony was composed, at this time, of eleven families, several of the men who had spent the summer on the grounds having gone back east, with the expectation of returning in the spring with their families.

The college building was thirty-five by forty feet in its dimensions, with two regular stories, and a third story, running up from the central part, called an attic. In the rear was an appendage embracing the kitchen and apartments for the steward, in which Mr. and Mrs. Stewart presided. Mr. Shipherd, with his family, occupied the basement. His office, as corresponding secretary and general agent, was in the room above, which was also occupied by the principal, for his study.

Across the hall was the dining-room, and above, the school-room, chapel and church all in one, which was about eighteen feet wide and thirty-five long.

The young ladies occupied the second story over against the chapel, while the young men were sent into the attic, where each pair found a room eight feet square, with a window of six small lights on the side, above the student as he sat. This room was furnished with a stove, table, two chairs, and a turn- up bedstead, these filling the room when the bedstead was let down, but leaving a little room when it was turned up during the day.

The following letter from Mr. Shipherd to his parents, dated December 13, 1833, shows his feelings at this time :

"The Lord is to be praised that we were enabled to open our institution at the appointed time, December 3rd. We have now thirty-four boarding scholars, and expect forty for the winter, Applicants are without number, from Lake Erie to the Gulf of Mexico, and from Michigan to the Atlantic. The scholars study and work well. Five minutes after the manual labor betl strikes, the hammers, saws, etc., of the mechanical students make a noise all around us, and the axe men in the woods breaking the ribs of Nature,' make all crack. Nearly all our visitors—and they arc not few—express surprise that so good a work has been wrought here in so short a time. God be praised! I feel as I said in my sleep the other night, Oberlin wilt win, and the devil cannot hinder it. This, my sweet assurance, I hope rests on God, without whom we can do nothing."

In February, 1834, a charter was obtained for the college from the State legislature, with university privileges, under the modest name of " The Oberlin Collegiate Institute." This name was retained till 1850, when it was changed to " Oberlin College." A circular was issued March 8, which, so far as is known, was the first,—in which the objects of the institution are thus stated:

"The grand objects of the Oberlin Institute are, to give the most useful education at the least expense of health, time and money ; and to extend the benefits of such education to both sexes and all classes of the community as far as its means will allow. Its system embraces thorough instruction in every department, from the infant school up through a collegiate and theological course. While care will be taken not to lower the standard of intellectual culture, no pains will be spared to combine with it the best physical and moral education. Prominent objects of this seminary are, the thorough qualification of christian teachers, both for the pulpit and for schools ; and the elevation of female character, by bringing within the reach of the misjudged and neglected sex all the instructive privileges which hitherto have unreasonably distinguished the leading sex from theirs."

A little farther on it is added :

" To some this novel institution in the woods may appear visionary, but theoretic demonstration of its practicability might here be given, with some experimental proof, did the limits of this paper permit. However, leaving the discussion of the grand principles upon which this seminary rests till another time, we here say, with gratitude to God, that our most sanguine expectations have been hitherto more than realized."

In May the expected teachers from the east arrived, and the summer term opened May 7. These teachers were Rev. Seth H. Waldo, a graduate of Amherst College and Andover Seminary, and who, in compliance with an invitation from the trustees, had engaged to assume the superintendence of the institute till its president should take it in charge, and then was expected to fill the professorship of languages; James Dascomb, M. D., from Dartmouth Medical College, who had been appointed professor of chemistry, botany and physiology; and .Mr. Daniel Branch, also a graduate of Amherst College, who was made principal of the preparatory department. Mrs. Dascomb, who had been a pupil of Miss Grant, of Ipswich, was soon made principal of the ladies' department; and Mrs. Branch became the teacher of Latin, French, and of other branches, as occasion required.

Thus the new school was fairly begun. Its organization was effected, an efficient corps of teachers provided, and its prospects were encouraging. The number of students during this first summer term was one hundred and one—sixty-three young men and thirty-eight young women; and for these the accommodations were barely sufficient.

This beginning was almost literally in the woods. A considerable space, it is true, was cleared of trees, but their stumps were numerous, and the roads were at times almost impassable. Indeed, away from the

173 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO

town they were but tracks through the woods, and wren young ladies coming to the school often walked the last two or three miles.

A few items, taken mostly from "Camp's Directory of Oberlin," compiled and published a few years since, gill show the beginning of some branches of business, etc., about this time and a little later.

In 1833, Brewster Pelton put up a log house, which served as a hotel, a few rods east of the elm which has been mentioned. In 1834, he built in front of it a comfortable frame building, which was burned in 1866 and the Park House erected in its place.

The first blacksmith shop in Oberlin was owned by Bela Hall, and stood on the site of E. M. Leonardsis present dwelling house. At that time the creek ran put south of hrs shop, though it has since changed its course after crossing Main street.

In December, 1834, Anson Penfield started a blacksmith shop and edge-tool factory near the college mill on South Main street. His grindstone was placed in the basement of the mill, which furnished the power. In 1838, he was killed, while alone, using the grindstone, by being caught by the belt and carried around the wheel. His brother, Isaac Penfield, carried on his shop after his death, afterward associating with himself James McWade. At the same time Hiram lease had a wagon shop on the corner now occupied by L Penfield and son. He afterwards sold to Penfield and Avery.

The first store in Oberlin was opened in 1834, by Theodore S. Ingersoll. This store continued but a short time—perhaps two years.

The first steam mill was built by Oberlin College, in the fall of 1833, south of Plum creek, on South Main street, near where the residence of James McWade now stands. It was at first only a saw mill. The engine was constructed in Cleveland, and was brought on in October, 1833, and the saw mill was soon in operation. The next year a small flouring mill was erected, to be driven by the same engine; also machines for cutting lath and shingles.

These machines furnished labor for several students, and the whole establishment was owned by the college. This seemed at first necessary, but was found on the whole inexpedient, and it was afterward sold and became the property of individuals.

Another college building was found necessary, and the building afterward known as the "boarding hall," or the "ladies' hall," was begun in the summer of 1834, and completed in the summer of 1835.

It was a three-story frame building, thirty-eight by eighty, with two wings projecting backward, of two stories each. It stood west of Oberlin Hall, in the space between the Second Church and the east side of college place, close upon the side of the street, and fronting the college square. It served its purpose for thirty years. After the completion of the present ladies' hall, it was divided into five different portions, now occupied as dwelling houses in different parts of the town, the most conspicuous of which is No., 34 West College street. considerable of the work of this building was done by students.o When it was raised, the students turned out in a body, and all study was suspended for three days. Sometimes the students were called upon to assist a temperance man to raise a building without the bottle, and they would cheerfully sacrifice a day's study in the good cause.

Neither tea nor coffee was furnished at the college hall, and they were' quite generally discarded in private families. Indeed, in a meeting of the colonists, the question was raised whether it was in accordance with the principles of the Oberlin covenant that tea and coffee should be furnished the guests at the hotel, but it was decided that not to do it would be impracticable. Board at the hall was plain, substantial and cheap. The charge for board in the hall was seventy- five cents a week for a strictly Vegetable diet, and a dollar for the addition of meat twice a day. The first annual repott, published in November, 1834, estimated the entire expense of the student for all his requirements except clothing, during the forty weeks of term time, as ranging from fifty-eight to eighty-nine dollars. This amount was in most cases readily earned by the required labor, four hours per day, at front, four to twelve cents an hour. A long winter vacation of twelve weeks for the regular classes gave advanced students an opportunity to teach.

The first college class was organized in October, 1834, consisting of four young men, who passed an examination for the freshman class, and who were well fitted to enter any college at that time. Two of these were brothers, one of whom is now president of the college, and the other president of Berea College, Kentucky. The first commencement or anniversary was held on the 29th of October. As there were none to graduate, the four who were entering college, and others of the more advanced students, had exercises. Among the exercises were Latin and Greek orations, and a colloquy favoring a classical education. The little chapel was crowded. The trustees and several visitors from neighboring towns were present.

Public worship was observed in Oberlin about a year and a half before the organization of a church. August 19, 1834, at a meeting called for the purpose, it was

"Resolved, That a church be formed as soon as may be, and that it be called the ' First Congregational Church of Christ in Oberlin."

September 3d, a confession of faith having been drawn up and adopted, sixty-two persons were examined; and on September 13th, at another meeting, it was

"Resolved, That those who have been examined and accepted do now consider themselves as members, and that the church is now legally and completely organized."

Mr. Shipherd was to "preside as chairman of their social and religious meetings for the time being." " Of the orrginal sixty-two members," says Rev. James Brand, in his pamphlet history of the First Church of Oberlin, "I have been able to find only some eighteen or twenty who have not crossed the river."

174 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

Mr. Shipherd officiated as pastor, and in his absence Mr. Waldo usually preached.

Several new houses were erected during this year, on Main street and around the square. At a colonial meeting the question was raised what color the houses should be painted; and it was finally voted, some strongly protesting, that as red was the cheapest and most durable color, the houses ought to be painted this color. But with the exception of the Oberlin shop, and two or three houses, one of them Mr. Shipherd's, this vote was not carried out, and with these only for a few years.

At the end of the second year after Mr. Shipherd had begun to put his plan into execution, there was a community of thirty-five families, a church of more than eighty members, a college numbering over a hundred students, with land and buildings and other property valued at seventeen thousand dollars, and such a movement toward the school that large numbers of applicants had to be turned away.

III.-ENLARGEMENT.

Oberlin as an idea had already become transformed into Oberlin as a fact or reality. What its founders had thought and planned was now actual, a part of the living outward world. But now an event was to take place which was to bring it a sudden and great enlargement, which was to produce a development not only outwardly, but of its vital principles. Not that these principles were to be superseded, they must still be fundamental; but they were to be developed,

and to receive alarm application. But the builder are themselves to be superseded. The work which they so wisely planned and so well began, shall be carried on by others, under the inspiration, indeed, of their ideas, but made more emphatic by new developments.

Mr. Shipherd having been instructed by the trustees to make another tour through the east to collect more funds and to find a president, and having, in a season of fasting and prayer as his usual preparation for a new movement, received a strong and growing impression that he should go by Cincinnati, set out for that city. Having arrived there, and calling on Rev. Asa Mahan, pastor of the Sixth street Presbyterian church, he learned from him an event which cleared up the enigma of his impression that he must go by Cincinnati.

It must be remembered that the anti-slavery reform, begun a few years previously, was now greatly agitating the country. January 1, 1831, William Lloyd Garrison began, in Boston, the publication of a paper, which he called the Liberator, in which he strongly urged the immediate and unconditional abolition of slavery. January 1st, 1832, the New England (afterward the Massachusetts) anti-slavery society was formed, and during the same year the American anti-slavery society, both for the agitation and propagation of the same principle. General and violent opposition was at once aroused. The excitement throughout the country was intense, and the holding of anti-slavery meetings not unfrequently provoked mobs.

Lane Theological Seminary was founded at Walnut Hills, near Cincinnati, in 1829, and became prosperous, having more than a hundred students. These, however, were not all theological students. Many of them formed a literary department, in preparation for theology, under the charge of Professor John Morgan. The theological professors were Dr. Lyman Beecher, Calvin E. Stowe, and Thomas Biggs. The anti-slavery agitation reached the students of this seminary, some of whom were from the south, and several of whom wore young men of uncommon ability. An anti-slavery society was formed soon after the formation of the American anti-slavery society, and auxiliary to it; and at the anniversary of the parent society in New York, in the spring of 1834, two of the students, Henry B. Stanton and James A. Thome, of Kentucky, made speeches which excited much interest. The subject was afterward debated eighteen successive evenings; and as a result, nearly all in the seminary were won over to the antislavery view.

They established Sabbath and day schools for the colored children in the city, and communications were sent to the papers, which elicited discussion. Several of the trustees were business men, and did not approve this course of the students. During the summer vacation, while Professors Beecher, Stowe, and Morgan were absent at the east, the students also being away, the trustees held a meeting, and passed a code of laws, prohibiting the discussion of the subject of slavery by the students, and empowering the prudential committee to dismiss the students at their pleasure. Professor Morgan being supposed to sympathize with the students in their views and course, was notified that he need not return. When the students on their return, learned of the action of the trustees, all but twelve of them left the seminary, and for five months pursued their studies together in a building provided for them by James Ludlow. Mr. Mahan as a member of the board of trustees, protested in vain against their action, and resigned his place when he saw the obnoxious code would be passed.

Such were the facts which Mr. Shipherd learned for the first time from Mr. Mahan. It must be remembered that that was before the days of railroads and telegraphs, and the transmission of news was slow. Mr. Mahan and Mr. Shipherd then devised the plan of adding a theological department to the institution at Oberlin, of which the seceding students of Lane Seminary should constitute the first classes.

December 12, 1834, Mr. Shipherd writes to the trustees at Oberlin, urging the appointment of Rev. Asa Mahan, as president, and Rev. John Morgan, professor of mathematics. To this recommendation he adds:

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 175

"I desire you, at the tirst Meeting of the trustees, to secure the pas: age of the following resolutIon, to wit:

"Resolved, That students shalt be received into this institution irrespective of color.

"This should be passed because it Is a right principle, and God wilt bless us in doing right. Also because, thus doing right we gain the confidence of benevolent and able men, who probably will furnish us some thousands. Moreover, brothers Mahan and Morgan will not accept our invitation unless this principle rule. Indeed, if our board would violate right so as to reject youth of talent and piety because they were black, should have no heart to labor for the upbuilding of our Seminary, believing that the curse of God would come upon us, as it has upon Lane Seminary, for its unchristian abuse of the poor slave."

̊ A proposition so new and unheard of, not only the trustees, but even the teachers, students, and the people of Oberlin were not yet prepared to accept. There was much excitement; and the trustees, hoping to find a calmer atmosphere, held a meeting, on January 1, 1835, at the Temperance House in Elyria. A Petition was presented to them, signed by the principal Colonists and by several of the students who remained 'during the vacation, requesting that the board meet at Oberlin. The petition expresses a feeling of uncertainty respecting the question to be decided, but also a desire to be led in the path of duty. The action was conservative and non-commital.

The result of their deliberations is expressed in the fallowing preamble and resolution:

"WHEREAS, information has been received from Rev. J. J. Shipherd, expressing a wish that students may be received into this institution irrespective of color; therefore

"Resolved, That this board do not feel prepared, until they have more definite information on the subject, to give a pledge respecting the 'Course they wilt pursue in regard to the education of the people of color, wishing that this institution should be on the same ground in re "pea to the admission of students with other similar institutions of our land."

The trustees, however, in accordance with Mr. Ship- herd's request, appointed Mr. Mahan president and Mr. Morgan professor.

Mr. Shipherd heard of the action of the trustees in New York, whither he had gone, accompanied by Mr. Mahan, to consult with Lewis and Arthur Tappan and other anti-slavery men, in reference to the plan of adding a theological department to Oberlin, placing 'the students who had left Lane Seminary in it, and putting the institution on a distinctively anti-slavery basis.

He wrote again to the trustees, and he also sent a pastoral epistle to the people of Oberlin, in which he reviews at length the question of greatest present Interest. The following extract shows his feeling with respect to this:

"My fears are excited by your recent expressions of unwillingness to Have youth of color educated in our institute. Those expressions were a tried to me, such as I have rarely suffered. Although I knew that with . some of you the doctrine of expediency was against the immediate abolition of slavery because the slaves were not qualified for freedom, I supposed you thought it expedient and duty to elevate and educate them as fast as possible; that therefore you would concur in receiving those of promising talents and piety into our Institution. So confident was I that this would be the prevailing sentiment of Oberlin, in the .colony and institution, that about a year ago I informed eastern inquirers that we received students according to character, irrespective color. And, beloved, whatever the expediency or prejudice of some may say, does not duty require this?"

To this he replies, " most certainly," and goes on to give twenty reasons for this view. Under the twentieth head he says:

"Such is my conviction of duty in the case, that I cannot labor for the enlargement of the Oberlin Collegiate Institute, if our brethren In Jesus Christ Mud be rejected' because they differ from us in Color." "As I have you," he says, "as a people in my heart, to live and die with you, you know, beloved, that it would be heart-breaking to leave you for another field of labor; but I have pondered the subject welt, with prayer, and believe that if the injured brethren of color, and consequently brothers Finney, Mahan and Morgan, with eight professorships and ten thousand dollars, must he rejected, I must join them; because by so doing I can labor more effectually for a lost world and the glory of God; and believe me, dear brethren and sisters, for this reason only."

The people of Oberlin were opposed to slavery, but were not at this time abolitionists. In the Oberlin Lyceum, which included colonists as well as students, the question of slavery had been discussed the summer previous; and it then appeared that, with the exception of Mr. Shipherd and two or three students, the entire community were colonizationists, holding that the free people of color and the slaves as fast as they were made free, should be sent to Africa and settled there.

In accordance with the request of Mr. Shipherd, the trustees held another meeting at Oberlin, February 9th, at Mr. Shipherd's house, which had been erected the summer previous on the north side of the college square. Many had by this time become favorable to the movement, and the result was anticipated with very deep interest. The meeting was at nine in the morning, nine members being present. Rev. John Keep, pastor of a church in Ohio City (Cleveland. west side), was chairman, having been appointed in the place of Judge Brown, who had resigned. The discussion was warm, and the result seemed doubtful. Mrs. Ship- herd in her anxiety passing by the door, which stood ajar, Mr. Keep stepped out and informed her how matters stood; whereupon she gathered her praying sisters in the neighborhood, and spent the time in prayer till the decision was made known. When the question came to a vote, there was a tie, and Mr. Keep, as chairman, gave the casting vote in favor of the resolution. The resolution, as passed, is as follows:

" WHEREAS, There does exist in our country an excitement in respect to our colored population, and fears are entertained that, on the one hand, they will be left unprovided for as to the means of a proper education, and, on the other, that they will, in unsuitable numbers, be introduced into our schools, and thus in effect forced into the society of the whites; and the state of pubtic sentiment is such as to require from the board some definite expression on the subject; tnerefore

"Resolved, That the education of the people of color is a matter of great interest, and shoutd be encouraged and sustained in this institution."

In terms this resolution is not clear, bold and positive, yet the practical effect of its adoption was most decisive. As a matter of fact, this action of the trustees committed the institution, unreservedly and forever, to an open and practical rejection of, and protest against the system of caste in respect to colored people. It made the institution and the town henceforth distinctively anti-slavery. Nor did they go back from this, but forward. Of all the odium and honor which have been successively heaped upon them, this was one of the principal causes. This has brought upon Oberlin, from the proud, contempt and scorn; from the good, who knew and understood her, respect,

176 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

admiration, and the highest praise. The anti-slavery idea was the christian and American idea of the natural and inalienable rights of man as man.

Such, likewise, was the Oberlin idea, in its application, especially to education. And the one first and most possessed of the Oberlin idea in its full comprehension, who gave it birth and made it a fact, was quick to perceive this, its new application. Not to have accepted and acted upon this new and imperative demand of the idea, would have been to despise its authority and to lose its inspiring influence. Oberlin would have ceased to be Oberlin had she not become anti-slavery.

Moreover, upon this decision depended her enlargement, not only inwardly but outwardly. Not that this enlargement was to come immediately, or ever, from any large accession of colored students. There were none at the time seeking admittance, and but one resident in the county. A single one after awhile came with the students from Lane. The proportion of colored students has always been small. But they have been welcomed and treated as men—treated just like the other students.

The outward enlargement of which this decision was the condition, was the accession to the faculty of men of eminent ability and high character, to the number of its students, the young men who had left Lane, and the addition of a theological department. At this very meeting the trustees, to the appointment of Mr. Mahan as president and Mr. Morgan as professor, added that of Rev. Charles G. Finney as professor of theology. Concerning the conditions of this appointment, Mr. Finney, in his autobiography, himself says:

"1 had understood that the trustees of Lane Seminary had acted 'over the heads' of the faculty; and, in the absence of several of them, had passed the obnoxious resolution that bad caused the students to leave. I said, therefore, to Mr. Shipherd, that I would not go at any rate, unless two points were conceded by the trustees. One was that they should never interfere with the internal regulation of the school, but should leave that entirely to the discretion of the faculty. The other was that we should he allowed to recerve colored people on the same conditions that we did white people—that there should be no discriminations made on account of color."

Mr. Finney was at this time pastor of a Congregational church which had been formed in New York. Arthur and Lewis Tappan, and others prominent in the anti-slavery reform, were members of his church, and, becoming interested in the anti-slavery movement in Lane Seminary, they were ready to enter into the proposal of Mr. Shipherd and Mr. Mahan, that the excluded students should be provided for at Oberlin by the appointment of Mr. Frnney as professor of theology. Arthur Tappan pledged ten thousand dollars for the construction of a building to be used chiefly for the theological department, and engaged to secure the loan of ten thousand more for other buildings and necessary purposes. Indeed, Mr. Finney tells that privately to him he pledged his whole income, amounting at that time to one hundred thousand dollars, excepting enough to provide for his family, till the enterprise should prove a success.

The Oberlin professorship association was also formed, composed of the Tappans and several others, by which the interest on eighty thousand dollars was. pledged to be paid quarterly, for the support of eight professors, at an annual salary of six hundred dollars. It was understood that the principal was ultimately to be paid, and that this sum would constitute an endowment for the college. Relying on this pecuniary provision, as also on the decision of the trustees respecting the anti-slavery character of the college, Mr. Mahan, Mr. Finney and Mr. Morgan accepted their appointments; Professor Morgan's professorship being changed to the New Testament Literature and Exegesis.

President Mahan was born in western New York, pursued study at Hamilton College through the junior year, and took his theological course at Auburn Seminary. He was a man of strongly metaphysical bent of mind, and had much influence in promoting philosophic study and thought at Oberlin. He was possessed of positive convictions, a strong will, and was deeply imbued with religion.

Professor Morgan was brought to this country from Ireland, at the age of eleven, was brought up in Philadelphia and New York, prepared for college at Stockbridge, Massachusetts, and graduated at Williams College. His theological studies he pursued privately in New York. He was a man of varied culture, studious in his habits, and scholarly in his tastes; disposed to take profound and comprehensive views, and when aroused would exhibit much energy and enthusiasm in enforcing them. He has through his life thoroughly identified himself with Oberlin, has borne his full share of its work, and as an expounder of the New Testament scripture in respect to its teachings and doctrines, has won the admiration and respect of his many successive classes. As a preacher also he was long an efficient aid to Mr. Finney as assistant pastor of the First Church.

Mr. Finney was born in Connecticut, brought up in central New York, where he studied law, was converted and studied theology under his pastor, entered the ministry and carried on a series of revivals, chiefly ill central and western New York, but also in many of the large cities of the north, in which large numbers were converted under his pungent and powerful preaching. He was a man of keen and strong intellect, of a susceptible and ardent temperament, of original genius, of popular talents as a speaker, of fervid spirituality of mind, and of intense and unwearied devotion to his work. His great work was unquestionably that of preaching. Such he felt it to be; in this he was most himself, and to this he subordinated all else. His connection with the college at Oberlin did not prevent him from still abounding in labors to promote revivals in other places, and his work at Oberlin was not less that of preaching than of teaching. At Oberlin, as elsewhere, his aim was the conversion of sinners and the sanctification of christians; and he had a great influence in imbuing the minds of

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 177

both the inhabitants and students With this spirit of earnest evangelism.

In theology he was, from his conversion, strongly new school. His mind revolted from the old school theology as unscriptural and irrational, and as having a hurtful practical influence. His theology he preached, and that with great earnestness and power, and this made it practical and effective.

In his teaching he exhibited the same depth and intensity of conviction, which gave him an authority over his pupils almost as of one inspired. His theology he endeavored to make conformable to reason as all well as to scripture, for lie believed scripture itself to

be conformable to reason.

His influence at Oberlin, as it had been elsewhere, was to be most commanding and beneficent. He was eminently fitted to promote, to increase, and to perpetuate the spirit in which Oberlin was founded.

That spirit was the very spirit of christianity. In its ideas, in its principles, in its spirit, it was profoundly ilia supremely religious. It was begun and built up in self denial, in faith, in love to God and man, and in consecration to God's work. And there was no man better fitted than Mr. Finney, as a leader, to unite and to guide the people in the performance of this great work to which God had called them.

Oberlin therefore became what its founder desired and designed it to be, a center of intelligent and earnest religious activity, to promote, in every way and everywhere, the good of man.

President Mahan reached Oberlin about the first of May, and his family followed a month later; and, till the president's house should be built, they occupied the first log house erected in the place. Professors Finney and Morgan came in June, and soon entered upon their work.

About the first of June, came also the students from Lane seminary. For the accommodation of these, special provision was made. A rough building was put up for temporary use, and called " Cincinnati Hall." It was a hundred and forty-four feet long, and twenty-four wide, and but one story in height, And extended from north to south, on what was then the edge of the forest, and now is the east side of Professor street, a little west of the laboratory. The whole structure, inside and out, was built of new, rough beech boards. At the south end were a kitchen and a dining room, the remainder of the building being divided into rooms twelve feet square, with a single small window and an outside door, to each of which two students were assigned. This answered its purpose till the completion of Tappan Hall, and for a while after was used as a shop for manual labor students.

Several of these Lane students were from the literary course, and preparing for theology, and therefore entered a similar course here; but fourteen helped to make up the senior class in theology, among whom were William T. Allan, of Huntsville, Alabama; John W. Alvord, afterwards connected with the Freedman's Bureau; George Clark, well known for many years as an evangelist ; Serene W. Streator, a pastor of reputation in Ohio and Michigan; James A. Thome, of Augusta, Kentucky, for a time professor at Oberlin, afterward pastor in Cleveland; and George Whipple, first professor at Oberlin, and for many years secretary of the American Missionary Association.

Several buildings were, at this time, in process of erection. One of these was a college building, located not far from where the Second Church now stands, three stories high and eighty feet long. For this the colonists, though burdened with the expense of building their own houses and clearing their farms, contributed twenty-five hundred dollars, about half its cost, with the understanding that the first story should be used for a time for a church, as well as for a college chapel. The second and third stories contained, beside one recitation room, rooms for forty- four students. This was called, in consideration of what the colonists had contributed, " Colonial Hall." Having served its purpose for many years, it was divided into two dwelling houses, situated on Lorain street.

The other college building erected at this time was Tappan hall. The cost of this was defrayed with the ten thousand dollars contributed by Arthur Tappan, and it was therefore named after him. This was intended first, as far as needed, for the use of the theological department, and then for the general use of the college. Mr. Tappan, in a letter to the trustees about this time, advised taste in the construction of the oollege buildings, and in the laying out of the grounds ; but his advice does not seem to have been followed.

The brick house on the corner of Professor and West College streets (now owned by Professor Morgan,) was built for the president's house, and the house on the corner of Professor and West Lorain streets for Professor Finney. It was the original intention to build several houses between these two, and from this plan the street took its name.

The chapel having become too small to accommodate the congregation on the Sabbath, the dining room of the new boarding hall, as yet unoccupied, was used for a time until the completion of Colonial hall. Here President Mahan was accustomed to preach Sabbath forenoon and Professor Finney in the afternoon. The sermon was never less than an hour long, and often an hour and a half, yet it was not regarded as wearisome. On the contrary, the preaching of those days awakened earnest attention, took a strong hold of mind and heart, and made a deep impression.

It was ascertained soon after the arrival of President Mahan, that he was not favorable to the study of the heathen classics as commonly pursued ; and a committee invited him to present his views to the Lyceum, which he did. It appeared that he was not entirely opposed to the study of Latin and Greek, but of the classic authors commonly used ; and he

178 - HISTORY OP LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

was also opposed to what he considered the disproportionate time given to these studies. To this view Mr. Waldo replied, and a discussion was thus begun which lasted several days, exciting the attention of the entire community. After one of President Mahan's addresses a few of the students, in the evening, set fire to their old Virgils and tossed them around the square. This was spread all over the country as " the burning of the classics at Oberlin," and the impression seemed to prevail that they were to be discarded. But this was an entire mistake. The course continued unchanged and the students pursued their studies as usual. The course was substantially the same as that of other colleges at that time. Mr. Waldo, however, was so much disturbed by this discussion that at the next meeting of the trustees he resigned his position. He feared that be might not be able to accomplish in the teaching of the languages what he desired. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry Cowles, a native of Connecticut and a graduate of Yale college. He was a man of learning, culture and ability, and was destined to add much to the sum of Oberlin thought. An interest in the study of Hebrew, which it was proposed to substitute for some of the Latin in the course, was awakened by the discussion, and Professor J. Seixas, a Jew, from New York City, was employed the last half of the year to introduce the study. He was popular as a teacher, and excited much enthusiasm in the study, so that at one time his class numbered one hundred and twenty- seven. The study was after awhile limited to the four last terms of the college course, then to the senior year, and finally to the theological department.

The number of applicants this year was far in excess of the accommodations; and in the spring of 1836, three branch schools were established, one at Sheffield, fifteen miles northeast of Oberlin, occupying the house and working on the farm of Mr. Robbins Burrell; one at Abbeyville, in Medina county; and the other constituting Grand River Institute, in Austin- burg, Ashtabula county. The first two lasted only a little more than a year, while the last became a permanent and separate school.

The commencement this year (1835,) was held under the "big tent," which was sent by the friends of Mr. Finney, at the east, that he might use it for holding meetings in the region round about. It was circular, was a hundred feet in diameter, and accommodated three thousand persons. The students from Lane having decided, in consequence of interruptions, to take another year, and there being no class to graduate, the exercises consisted chiefly of inaugural addresses by President Mahan, and Professors Finney and Morgan.

In the catalogue issued for 1835, the whole number of students is given as two hundred and seventy-six; of these there were, in the theological deparment, thirty-five; in the collegiate, thirty-eight; in the preparatory, one hundred and thirty-one; and in the female, seventy-three. In a note, it is stated that as many had been sent away as were received.

" Thus far" the report goes on to say, "our course of study and discipline has exceeded our most sanguine hopes. Our students have almost perfect health, and are receiving vigorous mental discipline. The society of the sexes, at their meals and recitations, exerts both a salutary restraint, and a moulding, refining influence upon social and moral character. And, not least, the tone of moral and religious feeling among the students is such as to authorize the cheering hope that these minds will yet act with power and holy unction in promoting the world's salvation."

In the catalogue for 1836, the whole number of students is given as three hundred and ten. The theological department had increased to fifty-eight, and the collegiate to ninety-five. Thirteen are put down in the shorter course, fifty-two in the male preparatory department, and ninety-two in the young ladies' department. A note informs us that

"The preceding catalogue does not include about eighty preparatory students transferred to the high school of Elyria, and to auxiliary schools at Austinburg, Sheffield and Abbeyville."

" Nearly all the young ladies," we are told in the report, "and a majority of the young gentlemen, have paid their board by their manual labor. Most of the remainder have done a good deal toward this; and a considerable number of those who have thus paid their board, have earned more than enough for this purpose. A few have fully supported themselves by their labor. The general rule requires the students to work three hours a day."

In the latter part of the fall term of 1835, Theodore D. Weld, one of the Lane students, who was lecturing on anti-slavery through the country, came to Oberlin and delivered a series of over twenty lectures on slavery. These lectures excited great interest and had much influence ill deepening, intensifying and fixing the anti-slavery sentiment. So exhaustive and masterly was the exhibition of the subject that Oberlin became henceforth a positive and aggressive anti-slavery power. From the enthusiasm thus awakened twenty or more of the students went out during the winter vacation that followed, and lectured under the auspices of the American Anti-Slavery Society, through Ohio and a part of Pennsylvania. These met with the usual experience of anti-slavery lecturers in those days; they found some warm friends and many bitter enemies. Their arguments and appeals were often met with mobbings, but their labor was not in vain.

The Western Reserve especially, under these and kindred influences, was thoroughly leavened with the anti-slavery sentiment, and became in this a power in politics, both in respect to the State and the nation.

Oberlin was now not only well begun but established. Its origin was in the idea which has characterized it, and by which it must be known; its beginning was the first realization of this idea; and its speedy and providential enlargement was its sure establishment. And in all—in its idea, beginning and enlargement, it was manifestly of God. The central idea of Oberlin, that which best and most comprehensively characterizes its nature and work as a beneficent factor in the world's progress, is that of a missionary center. In this idea—not education, not anti-slavery or reform of any kind, but religion, christianity, as comprehensive, active, aggressive and progressive, is supreme. In it true religion is first,

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 179

last and all, from which everything takes its beginning and in which everything finds its end.

Such was the idea of Oberlin in its origin, and in ills realization. The men who conceived its plan, and who were the leaders in putting it into execution, Were profoundly religious. Men of like character Alley sought as co-laborers, and naturally such men were attracted to the enterprise. The enterprise called for self-denial, consecration, faith and love; and these prime christian virtues it fostered.

There has always been at Oberlin, as elsewhere, More or less a tendency to partial and extreme views; but this tendency has never constituted its ruling idea and spirit, has never formed its character. Moreover, Oberlin for years, suffered the grossest misrepresentations, and has been misunderstood even by many good men.

Imbibing fully the spirit, and entering ardently upon the work of the anti-slavery cause, it reoeived its full measure of the odium then heaped upon the advocates of that most unpopular reform; while in the religious world it was branded as heretical in doctrine. In short, almost from the first, Oberlin has been at once very popular and very unpopular; has had devoted friends and bitter enemies. But its continued triumph and prosperity have been, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord.

This religious character, which was impressed upon Oberlin as a school and town, was especially marked in its early history. When its character was being formed and fixed, it was characterized by an intense religious devotion. There was always a revival spirit, and this was often manifested in great power. Not only were sinners converted, but the hearts of Christians were deeply searched; more so that not a few gave up their old hopes, and embraced the gospel more intelligently. The falls of 1836, 1837 and 1838 are especially spoken of as seasons of refreshing. Later, in 1841, a sudden and remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit was experienced in midsummer. The whole number of additions to the church by profession, from 1835 to 1856, was one thousand and seventy, making an annual average of fifty.

The preaching of these days, chiefly by President Mahan and Professor Finney, was attended with much spiritual power. It was pungent, close, heart-searching, and calculated earnestly to excite the whole being—both thought and feeling. For it consisted not merely of fervid exhortation; it was rather a clear and vivid presentation, exposition and illustration of Christian doctrine, enforced by intense conviction, and by a practical and personal application. The fact of human ability was especially emphasized; whence followed the obligation to obedience, and the guilt of disobedience. Such preaching was, more or less, the result of experience; and it also produced experience, not only in the hearers, but also in the preachers themselves.

From a clearer view and larger experience of the gospel in its power to save, arose the doctrine of sanctification. This doctrine was afterward developed by President Mahan, in a little book entitled " Christian Perfection," published in 1839; by Professor Finney, in his "Systematic Theology;" and by Profesor Cowles, in a series of articles first published in the Oberlin Evangelist, and afterward collected in a book entitled " The Holiness of Christians in the Present Life." It seems for a time to have been regarded as a state of christian experience distinct from, and following conversion, and involving entire consecration. But Professor Morgan, in an article published in the Oberlin Quarterly Review, entitled "The Holiness Acceptable to God," showed from scripture and experience that the christian experience itself involves entire consecration, and this view came to be accepted. In another article, entitled the " Baptism of the Holy Spirit," he gave his view of the nature of an advanced christian experience.

The doctrine gradually ceased to be presented and urged as implying a distinct form of experience. Indeed, sinlessness as actual and permanent was never made prominent; and the view was always carefully guarded against the antinomian view known as "perfeotionism." Yet the earnest advocacy of this doctrine brought upon Oberlin, while it continued, much odium from many religious people, especially from some of the Presbyterian churches.

A system of philosophy was also early developed at Oberlin, which, though the conception of it may not be olaimed as altogether original, must still in some sense be regarded as a product of Oberlin thought. This is known in moral philosophy as the "Benevolence Theory," and was presented by President Edwards, in his treatise on "The Nature of Virtue," and afterward embodied by Samuel Hopkins in his theological system. But Mr. Finney, in his "Systematic Theology," has thoroughly discussed and fully developed it as a system of moral philosophy, comprehensive and fundamental, and which at once discloses the errors and embraces the truths of other systems. This theory is, in brief, that the foundation of moral obligation is the good of being, and that true virtue or righteousness consists in willing this good of being, or in such a committal of the will to the good of being, including one's own, that the whole life will be devoted to its promotion. This, it is obvious, is the love enjoined in the scriptures, in which consists "the fulfilling of the law."

From this follows another fundamental principle which occupies a prominent place in Oberlin philosophy, called the "simplicity of moral action." This view was first publicly presented by William Cochran in an address in 1841, and afterward expanded by him and published in a series of articles in the Oberlin Quarterly Review. This view is, substantially, that a moral being can neither be nor do both good and evil at the same time. For, since the moral state and action of the will consist in its attitude and exercise with respect to good, it is impossible that it should occupy opposite states at the same time, or

180 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

that it should, at the same instant, both will and not will good. Every moral being is, therefore, either good or bad, according to the attitude of his will, and never both at once.

Another fundamental principle, which, though not original, gives character to the theology of Oberlin, is that the will alone is the seat of all that is distinctively moral, or that the state of the will determines the moral both in character and in action.

These fundamental principles of philosophy lie at the foundation of Mr. Finney's theology, which has become the theology of Oberlin; and they have had no small influence on the daily life of the students and of the people. For the practical application of this philosophy is expressed in the precept that the true end of life is found in doing good. But this is the very principle on which Oberlin was founded; and not less than ever is it still the vital principle of its existence.

The Oberlin Evangelist, a semi-monthly paper, was begun, in 1839, to serve as an organ in which to express the religious views of the leading Oberlin men. It was a strictly religious paper of the most earnest type. Mr. Finney's sermons were published in it, and he wrote more or less for it beside. Professor Henry Cowles was its editor during the greater part .of its existence, and contributed largely to its matter. Most of its matter was original, and was of the most substantial kind. It did much to disseminate the thought and spirit of Oberlin, and to defend it against misrepresentations and aspersions. In 1862, the second year of the war, it was discontinued because of inadequate support. For a more elaborate exposition of Oberlin ideas, the Oberlin Quarterly Review was started in 1845, and continued four years.

Unfortunately the professorship association, which had been formed in New York to pay the salaries of eight professors, continued but a short time. The great fire which occurred in New York in the fall of 1835, and the financial crash which followed in 1836 and '37, swept away this foundation. The salaries thus guaranteed were but six hundred dollars per annum, but now even this moderate sum was no longer assured. For their necessary support the professors could only trust God. Relying upon the provision made for the payment of the salaries, tuition in the college department had been remitted, and it was long before it could be re-imposed ; and even after it was required it was found difficult to collect it, so that several thousand dollars due for tuition were never paid. Subscriptions had been taken up in 1835 and '36, payable in five annual installments, amounting to nearly one hundred thousand dollars ; but in consequence of the financial crisis which soon followed, only about six thousand dollars of it was ever paid. With their hearts fully committed to the work, and trusting God who they believed had called them to it, the professors resolved to remain at their posts, content with meagre and uncertain pay. For many years the very existence of the institution was dependent upon the contributions of its friends. In 1838 the debt had accumulated to forty thousand dollars, and it was decided to send a deputation to England to solicit contributions. Rev. John Keep and Mr. William Dawes undertook this work, and in the course of eighteen months, by unwearied labor they raised thirty thousand dollars clear of expenses. Many books were also contributed to the college library. This gratifying success was made possible by the sympathy of British christians with the antislavery sentiment of Oberlin.

Experience soon showed that the requirement of manual labor could not be maintained. In the catalogue for 1838 it is said :

" At present no pledge can be given that the institution will furnish labor to all the students ; but hitherto nearly all have been able to obtain employment from either the institute or the colonists. 1t is thought that the same facilities for available labor will be continued."

From this time manual labor was furnished so far as possible, and was encouraged. In this modified form it has been more or less a success.

As early as 1839, an agricultural society was formed, composed of the colonists, faculty and students. Weekly meetings were held, at which there were essays and discussions on various subjects pertaining to agriculture. Town fairs were also kept up annually for many years. In a small sheet called People's Press, and dated Oberlin, October, 1845, a report of the fair for that year is given. There was an address by Professor Kirtland, of Cleveland, and in the evening short addresses from several—among them Dr. Townshend, Professor Cowles, Professor Fairchild, and President Mahan. The opening address by the president of the society, D. B. Kinney, is given entire in the paper. It is historical, and gives some interesting reminiscences. The roads at an early day being almost impassable, three hundred dollars were subscribed by the colonists and four hundred by the faculty and students, to improve them. On a certain day, recitations being suspended, all turned out and worked on the road leading to Elyria. The young ladies, for their part, provided them a bountiful dinner.

Another incident given in the same address illustrates, in a somewhat amusing way, the privations incident to pioneer life.

One of the theological professors went to a brother out of town, who had a team, and told him he wanted some wood drawn, but he had no money, and asked him how he should pay him. The good brother replied that he would draw wood one day for him for nothing, and then pointing to his bare feet said, " But you see I need pay for my work." The professor immediately jumping from his horse, and pulling off his shoes and throwing them to him, said, "Here, take these; I have another pair at home, and I can ride home barefoot."

The chapel in Colonial Hall becoming too small for the meetings on the Sabbath, the people, notwithstanding their poverty, encouraged by Mr. Finney, resolved, in 1840, to build a church. In 1842, the

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 181

foundation was laid; and the next year before its Completion, and without a formal dedication, it was occupied. The lot was given by the original proprietors of the land; and the inhabitants, professors, and Students, aided by friends abroad, by subscriptions of Cash and all sorts of commodities, and by work, united in putting up the building. It was modeled lifter the New York tabernacle, which was planned by Mr. Finney. Its dimensions were ample, with the design of furnishing room for the annual commencement exercises.

IV. - GROWTH.

The college, having no permanent endowment, was wholly dependent for its support upon the contributions of its friends. In the fall of 1850, it was determined to make an effort to raise a permanent fund for the support of instruction, by the sale of scholarships. Scholarships for six years were sold for twenty-five dollars, and perpetual scholarships for one hundred dollars. The pledges were conditional upon the raising of the whole amount desired,—one hundred thousand dollars. The time set for getting conditional pledges was limited to January 1, 1853, but so well did the effort succeed that, by January 20, 1852, the whole amount was pledged, and the new system went into operation. When it is considered that to the holders of these scholarships tuition was free in all the departments, it will not be surprising that the attendance was at once largely increased.

The catalogues for that period show that the number of students in the course of the year was soon more than doubled.

In the catalogue for the year 1851-2, the year before the system went into operation, the whole number of students is given as five hundred and seventy-one.

In the next catalogue, for the first year of its operation, the number is one thousand and twenty; in the next, one thousand, three hundred and five; in the next, one thousand, one hundred and eighty-eight; in the next, one thousand and sixty-two; and in the next, one thousand, two hundred and sixteen. It should be said that the preparatory department was increased much more proportionately than any of the rest.

This, however, in the course of the growth of the college, may be considered as its second enlargement. From this time its growth has consisted chiefly in the enlargement and perfecting of its course of study. The number then gained has been maintained; and the scholarship system, having served its purpose, is being gradually superseded.

The sudden increase in the number of students made the demand imperative for larger accommodations. For a time part of the students were obliged to meet in the laboratory or music hall for prayers. In 1854-5, a new chapel was built, at a cost of ten thousand five hundred dollars, and the audience room above, capable of seating nine hundred persons. This has been since entirely remodeled, at a cost of about two thousand dollars, chiefly by contributions from the students.

In 1850, President Mahan resigned his position as president of Oberlin College, and took charge of a new university established at Cleveland, in which it was designed that the classics should be less prominent in the course of study; and the following year Professor Finney was appointed his successor.

Since it was near the lake, and a noted anti-slavery place, Oberlin became, at an early day, an important station of "the under-ground railroad." Many fugitives were helped to escape, being sent to some port on the lake, to Cleveland, Charleston (now Lorain), Huron or Sandusky, wherever there happened to be a vessel whose captain would take them to Canada. It is the boast of Oberlin that no fugitive was ever taken back from her soil to slavery; nor has the prevention of such a result ever been accompanied with violence or bloodshed. It is said that in one year as many as three hundred and sixty fugitives from slavery passed through Oberlin.

In 1840, at a house on Lorain street, about a mile east of the First Church, then in the forest, two men from Kentucky seized a colored man and woman and hurried away with them. Word soon reached the people of Oberlin, who were assembled in the chapel at some meeting, and they immediately pursued the slave-catchers, overtaking them two or three miles from the village. These men went the next day to Elyria to substantiate their claim, but, failing to produce sufficient evidence, their victims were imprisoned to await a further trial.

The slave-catchers were themselves arrested on the charges of house-breaking and threatening of life, but were released on bail. Before the trial one of them died, and the other returned to the double trial to find that the slaves had escaped—by following a fellow prisoner, and by no aid from without—and was himself released.

At a much later date occurred the celebrated Oberlin-Wellington rescue case.

Among the compromise measures passed by Congress in 1850, was the fugitive slave bill, which, signed by the President, became a law, and went into operation. Accepted and approved by northern conservatives, but denounced and renounced by anti-slavery men, who proclaimed in its stead "the higher law," being more stringent and efficient than the old law, the business of slave-catching was prosecuted with renewed vigor and with varying success.

On the 13th of September, 1858, the people of Oberlin were startled from their usual quiet by the report that a colored man, by the name of John Price, had been taken from their midst and carried toward the south. A considerable company of citizens and students followed in pursuit as far as Wellington, where they found the Wadsworth House, in the garret of which the captors with their captive had taken refuge, surrounded by a crowd. The crowd, pressing up the stairs and against the door of the room whither the

182 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

kidnappers with their victim had retreated, the door at last gave way, and the captive walked out and was borne in triumph away.

A grand jury was summoned by the United States District Court, for Northern Ohio, which found bills against thirty-seven citizens of Oberlin and Wellington. Among these, Professor Henry E. Peck, James M. Fitch, superintendent of the Oberlin Sunday School, and Ralph Plumb, a lawyer, the most prominent of the Oberlin men, were indicted for aiding and abetting. Thirty only were arrested. These appeared at Cleveland on the day set, and were released on their own recognizance till the day of trial. Hon. R. P. Spalding, Hon. A. G. Riddle, and S. 0. Griswold, Esq., volunteered their services for the defence, free of charge. April 5, 1859, the trials commenced by the arraignment of Seth M. Bushnell, who was charged with driving the buggy which conveyed the captive away from his captors; who, upon his trial, was found guilty by the jury, and was sentenced to sixty days imprisonment, and to pay a fine of six hundred dollars and the costs of prosecution, estimated at two thousand dollars. Charles Langston, being next tried, was also found guilty, and sentenced to twenty days imprisonment, and to pay a fine of one hundred dollars and costs. An application was made to the supreme court of Ohio for a writ of habeas corpus in behalf of Bushnell and Langston, on the ground of the unconstitutionality of the fugitive slave law; but it was denied to them, the vote of the judges standing three to two. Meantime the rest were confined in prison awaiting their trial. On two different Sabbaths, Professor Peck preached to an assemblage, surrounding the jail, estimated at from three to four thousand. July 2, a few days before the liberation of the prisoners, the Oberlin Sunday School went to Cleveland in a body, and paid their superintendent a visit in jail. This was an occasion of much interest.

In May the faculty and resident trustees made a public statement in the Oberlin Evangelist, in which, among other things, they say:

"We do not believe that there was, in this case, a design on the part of the rescuers to violate even the fugitive slave act, because it was apparently believed that the man was kidnapped, and that the paper by which his captors held him was iltegal. But we wish it also understood that we do not regard that enactment as of any binding force whatever. We think it right and proper to escape its penalty when we can consistently with duty; but its precept we cannot regard without renouncing christianity and offending God."

After the conviction of Langston further trials were arrested. The captors had been indicted in the Lorain county court for kidnapping; and these finally proposed an arrangement by which nolles should be entered against the cases on both sides, and they be dismissed. This was agreed to, and the prisoners were accordingly released on the 6th of July, after three months' imprisonment. After their discharge, and before leaving the jail, they passed a series of resolutions, of which we quote the following one:

"Resolved, That after att the pains and penalties infticted on us by government officials in the attempt to enforce the fugitive slave act, we feel it to be our dnty to say that our hatred and opposition to that unjust and unconstitutional law are more intense than ever before. No fine or imprisonment, however enforced, by whatever court, can induce us to yield it obedience. We will hereafter, as we have heretofore, help the panting fugitive to escape from those who would enslave him, whatever may be the authority under which they may act."

On their arrival at Oberlin, they were received with unbounded enthusiasm. In the evening, the church was crowded, speeches were made by the rescuers and others, and the meeting did not close till midnight. Near the close of the meeting, a resolution was passed that the town council be requested to enter a minute of this whole affair upon the records of the village of of Oberlin. The following is the conclusion of this minute:

"And finally, in view of all the consequences attendant upon this prosecution, and all the light shed upon the subject, we unanimously express our greatly increased abhorrence of the fugitive slave act, and avow our determination that no fugitive slave shatt be taken from Oberlin, either with or without a warrant, if we have power to prevent it. Passed unanimously July 6, 1859."

On the 11th, Bushnell having served out the sixty days for which he was sentenced, returned to Oberlin, and another enthusiastic meeting was held.

In less than two years from this manifestation of the enthusiastic determination of the people to maintain their principles, they were, by the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, put to a far severer test. In the grand uprising of the North, one of the most sublime and inspiring events of history, Oberlin had her share.

April 13, 1861, Fort Sumter fell; and on the 14th, President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling for seventy-five thousand volunteers. At Oberlin, as everywhere throughout the North, the excitement was deep, intense and absorbing.

A meeting of the students was held at the college chapel on the evening of the 19th, and was addressed by enthusiastic speakers from eaoh of the regular classes, and a committee of five was appointed to obtain volunteers. A meeting of citizens was also held. On the next evening, Professor Monroe, who was then a member of the State legislature, having arrived from Columbus, a meeting was held in the church, and was addressed by him and Colonel Sheldon, of Elyria. At the close of this meeting, the roll was opened for enlistments, and forty-nine at once gave their names, and ten thousand dollars were pledged to assist in sustaining those who should go. By Monday morning, one hundred and thirty names were enrolled; and this being in excess of the number required, and others being ready to enlist, a second company was formed. Nor was this eagerness to enlist from mere excitement; it was, on the contrary, in most cases, from sturdy principle.

The first company formed is known as company C of the Seventh regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, of which Professor G. W. Shurtleff, then a tutor in the college, was captain. The first enlistment was for three months ; but a month later most of the company re-enlisted for three years. At Cross Lanes they were overpowered by a superior force, two of their number were killed, and twenty-nine, including Captain Shurtleff, were made prisoners. Notwith-

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 183

standing this serious blow, this company afterward took an active part in many battles, in which its members were distinguished for their bravery. They were also distinguished for their moral and religious character. Out of the one hundred and fifty students who were at different times members of this company, but three died of disease ; and of these, two died of infection caught in the filthy dungeons of New Orleans. Twenty-eight fell in battle, fifteen were discharged on account of wounds, and many others were wounded slightly. Fifteen were promoted In as commissioned officers in other regiments. Its captain, after a year spent in southern prisons, was made inspector general on the staff of General Wilcox ; then was appointed lieutenant-colonel, and afterwards colonel of the Fifth United States colored troops, and just at the close of the war was made brevet brigadier general.

The second year of the war another company, composed of citizens and students, was sent out and joined the one hundred and third regiment. The same year, when Cincinnati was threatened, almost all the college students capable of bearing arms, with many of the preparatory students and citizens, started on a few hours' notice and spent several weeks there till the danger was past.

Toward the close of the war a second company, K, was sent out, which joined with Cleveland to form the one hundred and fiftieth regiment, and helped Grant fight his way to Richmond.

"Taking the catalogue of 1861, the first year of the war," says Professor Ellis, from whose address entitled "Oberlin in the War," we take most of these facts and statistics, " we find that of one hundred and Sixty-six gentlemen in the four college classes, one hundred, or sixty , per cent., have been in the army as soldiers. We doubt if any college catatogue can show a better record than this. Of alumni and the under-graduates in the college classes, we count one hundred and ninety-seven who have served in the army. Among these, two major generals, one brigadier general, ten colonels, and officers of lower grades in larger proportion. Of those who have been connected with the preparatory department, our estimate can onty approximate the exact figures. Supposing that those of whom we do not know positively have gone in the same proportion as those of whom we do know, we have not less than five hundred and frfty from this department, giving a total of eight hundred and fifty of the representatives of Oberlin in the army. The great majority of these enlisted without a selfish consideration. Even those who were far advanced in their course, and many of whom had been teading men as teachers or preachers, entered the ranks side by side with the ignorant and uncultivated sons of toil. 1f the list of officers should be found disproportionately small, as I do not think it is, it would be accounted for by this fact."

Of those who went into the army Professor Ellis estimated that not less than ten per cent., or from seventy-five to one hundred men, were among the slain. The number of students was of course much reduced during the war, especially the young men.

The year that the war broke out the number given in the catalogue is one thousand, three hundred and eleven; the next year it was reduced to one thousand and seventy-one, and the next to eight hundred and fifty-nine; the next year it is nine hundred and seventeen, and the next, nine hundred and one—an average decrease of about onementhird.

At the commencement in 1860, an effort was made to raise funds to build a new ladies' hall, of which there was felt to be a pressing need. The first pledge was two dollars for a corner stone; and after that, pledges were given for from one dollar to two hundred, till the whole sum amounted to three thousand, one hundred and thirty-six dollars. Its foundations were laid the next spring, at the breaking out of the war, on ground which had long been reserved for it. Further work was suspended on it for two years. The walls were erected and the roof put on in 1863, and it was not completed till 1865. The cost of building and furnishing was about forty thousand dollars.

In 1865, President Finney, seeking relief in his declining years, from the cares and responsibilities of the presidency of the institution, resigned his position, and Professor James H. Fairchild was appointed his successor, and delivered his inaugural address at the commencement, August 22, 1866. President Fairchild was one of the four who formed the first college class, and participated in the exercises of the first commencement. After the completion of his seven years' course in college and in theology, he was appointed, in 1841, professor of languages. This position he occupied till 1847, when he was transferred to the professorship of mathematics and natural philosophy; which he filled till 1859, when he became associate professor of theology and moral philosophy.

He had thus, as student and professor, been fully identified with Oberlin from its beginning; had imbibed its idea, breathed its spirit, and entered into its life. A clear and independent thinker, wise in counsel, sagacious and prudent in the management of affairs, conscientiously careful and faithful in the performance of duty, unostentatious and unobtrusive in manner, with high aim and steadfast purpose, a man of culture and refinement, of gentleness and of force, of benevolence and dignity,—and inspiring universal respect, confidence, and love,—the college, under his management and guidance, with an efficient corps of professors, of like mind, as counsellors and helpers, was to have a steady and symmetrical growth in the perfecting of its various departments, and was to receive a warmer and more general acknowledgment of its character and work.

During the first few years after its establishment the theological department was large and flourishing. In its first year, 1835, it numbered thirty-frve; the next year it had increased to thirty-eight. In 1838 it numbered forty-four, and the next year it had increased to sixty-four. This was the maximum of attendance, and after this it gradually declined, until, in 1846, it numbered but twenty-five. In 1859, the number had increased to thirty-six, and the next year it was thirty-five. But during the war the number was diminished, until, in 1864 and '65, the number was but thirteen, the next year but fifteen, and the next but eleven. This was the minimum; and at this time the question was seriously raised whether this department could be maintained. But it was concluded that it

184 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

was a necessity, not only for Oberlin, but especially for the furnishing of ministers to Congregational churches in Ohio and Michigan, and even in States farther west; and it was resolved to make a determined effort to revive it, and to put it in every respect on a more substantial basis. In 1869, Rev. Hiram Mead, a graduate of Andover, was appointed professor of sacred rhetoric, and proved a valuable accession, not less by his devotion to the several interests of the department, than by that to the duties of his own professorship. A new building was needed, and this need it was resolved to proceed at once to supply.

In November, 1871, the first general council of the Congregational churches of the United States met at Oberlin, and during their session gave their voluntary and hearty endorsement to the seminary; and the corner stone of the new building, which was properly called "Council Hall," was at that time laid. A large meeting was held at the First Church, at which several addresses were made. In conclusion, Rev. Dr. Buddington, chairman of the council, made a few remarks, in the course of which he said:

" I rejoice to stand, this day, upon the grave of buried prejudice. It is true that Oberlin has been a battle-cry in our ranks for a generation. 1t is so no longer, but a name of peace, of inspiration, and hope."

Money was given by friends of the college in New England, and by the churches in Ohio, by which the building was carried forward to completion; and at the commencement, August 1, 1874, it was formally dedicated. The influence of these efforts in reviving the seminary is apparent in the increase of numbers. In 1871, the number had increased to thirty-six, the next year to thirty-eight, the next to forty-three, and in 1876 to fifty-one.

No history of Oberlin would be complete without some notice of its music; to which, especially sacred music, much attention has been given from the first, and which has grown with its growth. In 1835, Rev. Elisha P. Ingersoll was appointed professor of sacred music in the college. He resigned and left town the next year, and, in 1838, George N. Allen was appointed to the same position, which, with the exception of two years, he held till 1864. Professor Allen was also chorister of the church choir from 1836 till 1859, with the exception of two years. He entered with enthusiasm into the work of training the choir, and organized an orchestral accompaniment.

The first concert of note was given at the commencement in 1852, at which the "Oratorio of Absalom" was performed. In 1856, the first organ was procured, the expense of which the choir helped much towards defraying with money earned by their concerts. In this way they also paid for the gas fixtures in the First Church, and furnished the bell of the chapel.

On the division of the church in 1860, and the formation of the Second Church, a new association was formed, called "The Musical Union," composed of members from both choirs. The musical union paid most of the cost of the cabinet organ used for a time by the Second Church; has given toward the large organ now in the Second Church nearly a thousand dollars, and four hundred dollars toward the new organ in the First Church.

In 1867, the "Oberlin Conservatory of Music" was brought into connection with the college, and George W. Steele was appointed professor of music, but was granted leave of absence to pursue his studies in Germany, whence he returned at the close of the fall term of the next year. In 1871, Fenelon B. Rice, a graduate of the Leipsic Conservatory of Music, was appointed professor of music, and was made director of the conservatory of music, under whose efficient management this department of the college has attained high rank among the musical schools of the country.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

The following facts respecting the public schools of Oberlin, are gleaned from a historical sketch prepared for a centennial book in 1876 :

A primary department was at first organized in connection with the college, but was kept up only one year. The first public school was taught in one room of a house belonging to Deacon T. P. Turner, by Miss Anna Moore ; afterward it was taught in a shop on the corner of Main and East College streets.

The first school house was built in 1838, on the corner of Main and Lorain streets, not far from where the first church now stands. It was a small frame building, containing but one room, and this furnished at first with only rough boards for seats. Afterward rough tables were placed around next to the wall, with chairs before them. This was the only school house till 1851, and as the number of scholars doubled and trebled during that time, it was necessary to seek rooms wherever they could be found. Many good private schools were in operation during this period.

In 1851-52 a new brick building was erected on Professor street, opposite the college square, now owned by the college and known as " Cabinet hall.' It was two stories high and contained three school rooms and one recitation room. The building was, however, not yet ample enough to accommodate all the pupils, and afterward two wings were added, so that the whole building then contained seven school rooms. On entering the new building the schools were for the first time graded.

In 1854 the schools were re-organized, and Joseph H. Barnum was elected superintendent. Mr. Barnum was an active and efficient teacher, and remained in the school three years, when he left to take charge of the Elyria schools.

The last two terms of the year following Mr. Barnum's departure, Deacon W. W. Wright had the general superintendence of the schools, and after this, for two years, they were without a superintendent.

In 1860, the Union school was first organized, under the law of 1849. The school board appointed Samuel Sedgwick, a graduate of Oberlin college, superintendent, at a salary of six hundred dollars,

184A - MRS. RELIEF B. HART-MISS E. C. HART

SYLVESTER HART.

Among the early settlers and good, practical farmers of Carlisle township who have passed away, none left a fairer record for personal integrity and high moral worth than he whose life and character forms the basis of these lines. Reared amid the Green Mountains of Vermont, and at an early period of his existence being inculcated with the importance of industry and self-reliance, he was admirably qualified for the life of a pioneer in the western country where forty-five years ago he effected a permanent settlement.

Sylvester Hart was born at Weston, Vt., on the 27th of March, 1806. His father, George Hart, was a native of Massachusetts ; his mother, Polly Lawrence, a Vermonter. In the days of his youth, educational advantages were quite limited, and what little of scholastic learning he obtained was in the common schools of the place of his birth. By subsequent self-study, and the application of knowledge gained by experience, he became a well-read man, and possessed an intelligence above the average farmer. It was in the year 1834, when, imbued with a spirit of adventure, coupled with the desire to make a home for himself and family, he came to Lorain Co., Ohio, and settled in Carlisle township, upon the farm now occupied by his son, Henry H. Some years prior to his removal from Vermont, however, he had become pretty thoroughly acquainted with and habituated in agricultural pursuits. At the age of seventeen years he bought his " time" of his father, and subsequently purchased a small farm, which he sold preparatory to his departure to Ohio. All went well with him in his western home until 1840, when his residence Mid barn were totally destroyed by fire, a calamity under which a man of less indomitable energy and perseverance would have succumbed. Nothing daunted by this untoward event, he rebuilt on another part of his farm the house in which Henry H. Hart now resides. In December, 1856, Mr. Hart removed to the village of Oberlin, intending to retire from the active, incessant labor of the farm. Here he resided a respected and honorable citizen until his death, which occurred Sept. 26, 1874.

On the 25th of January, 1829, Mr. Hart was united in marriage with Relief Baldwin, who was born at Pawlet, Vt., Aug. 31, 1806. She survives him. They had issue as follows, namely :

Relief M., born June 19, 1830; died in infancy.

Eunice D., born July 8, 1831 ; died in infancy.

Jeremiah B., born Aug. 13, 1832; married Sarah A. Lyon, Jan. 25, 1854. Married, second time, Julia A. Preston, April 21, 1875. Children by first wife,-Carlton V., born May 26, 1855; Alice Relief, born Dec. 22, 1857 ; and Cora C., born April 11, 1859. Child by second wife,-Helen A., born March 19, 1876. Elizabeth C., born May 19, 1834; Cornelia M., born Sept. 21, 1836; married John H. Eckler, of Carlisle, Dec. 25, 1862. Children,-Henry S., born Oct. 11, 1863; George H., born July 20, 1865; died Oct. 9, 1873 ; Bertha M., born Oct. 14, 1868; Catharine M., born May 14, 1872; Frank R., born Feb. 21, 1875.

Henry H., born Aug. 12, 1840 ; married Bertha B. Buehring, April 26, 1861. Children,-Alice L., born Jan. 6, 1862; Cora R., born March 26, 1863; William H., born July 18, 1864; Edith M., born Nov. 25,1866; Julia C., born March 7, 1869; Bertha B., born Feb. 24, 1872 ; George M., born March 5, 1874 ; Ed win R., born May 14, 1876 ; Flavius A., born Dec. 2, 1849; married Olive A., daughter of Simeon Crane, of Oberlin, Nov. 7, 1877; has one child, Burton S., born Aug. 30, 1878.

In politics Mr. Hart was formerly a Whig, and after the organization of the Republican party affiliated with the latter. He was township trustee of Carlisle many years, and was elected to various other offices in that township. He was not a professor of religion, but the honesty of his life compared favorably with many of the most ardent church members. After a careful investigation of spiritualism, he became convinced of its genuineness, and espoused its teachings with a faith that lasted until his death. He became one of the largest landholders in the county, and was also extensively engaged in dairying. Those of his acquaintances and friends by whom he was best known, generally bear testimony to his uncompromising, personal integrity, his business rectitude, and the placidity of his domestic life. It was in the home circle where the serenity of his disposition was so highly appreciated. His benevolence was proverbial. Taken all in all, the career of Mr. Hart offers many excellent traits which afford alike a good example for future generations to follow, and an imperishable legacy to his estimable family.

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 185

Which, during the last two years of his term of service, was increased to a thousand dollars. A high school was organized, and all the lower schools were improved. The high school increased to forty, and the whole number enrolled in all the schools, was as high as four hundred and fifty.

In the fall of 1869, Mr. Sedgwick resigned, and Mr. E. F. Moulton, a graduate of Oberlin college, was appointed his successor,—at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars, which was afterward raised to seventeen hundred. Several additions were made to the course of study in the high school; and the number of pupils attending the high school, during Mr. Moulton's term of service, was more than doubled. Since the inauguration of the new system in 1860, the number enrolled in all the schools was also doubled.

In 1873, the corner stone of a new edifice was laid, and it was completed and dedicated in 1874. It is situated on South Main street, in a central location, and contains eleven school rooms, a superintendent's room, two smaller recitation rooms, and a library room. Its cost was about forty thousand dollars, and it is one of the handsomest buildings of the town.

In 1876, Mr. Moulton resigned, and accepted a position as superintendent of the Union school, in Warren, Ohio. Mr. Chittenden was appointed in his place, and has proved an efficient superintendent, but has recently been oompelled to resign, on account of ill health, and Mr. H. F. Clark has been chosen his successor.

THE CHURCHES.

A brief notice of the organization of the First Church, and of the erection of the church edifice, has been already given, and we have space here for little more. Mr. Finney was called to take charge of the church in May, 1837, and continued its pastor till May, 1872, a period of thirty-five years. The greater part of this time, Professor Morgan was also associated with him, and preached during Mr. Finney's absence. Other members of the faculty also supplied the pulpit at different times. November 13, 1873, Rev. James Brand, a graduate of Yale College and of Andover Seminary, was installed as pastor of the church, and has since labored with much acceptance and with gratifying results.

Of the growth of the church, Mr. Brand, about a year since, said: "Beginning with sixty-two commu nicants in the solitude of the forest, it has had, in the space of forty-two years, about four thousand six hundred and sixty—an average addition of a little more than one hundred and ten a year during its entire history." It should, however, be remembered that from the changing character of the population, and from the fact that many of the students became connected with the church, the dismissions were as continual, if not so large, as the additions. •

For many years the First Church was the only church in the place, and it came to be the general and cherished desire that there should be no other. This feeling arose, not from any exclusiveness, but from a desire of concentration and unity, rather than division of christian effort. The confession of faith embraced only those vital points which are accepted by all evangelical christians; and it was common for members of other denominations to join the church without change of views. But in the growth of the place, it was inevitable that other churches should be formed.

The second church organized was the Protestant Episcopal. Missionary services were begun by Rev. Anson Clark, in the year 1852, and were held regularly thereafter once a month, or once in two weeks, in Mr. Safford's house. The organization of the parish was effected April 18, 1855, by Rev. Francis Granger, with seven communicants. Very soon after, the work of building the church was commenced, the lot being given by Mrs. Safford. Rev. William C. French came in November, 1858. The church was then but partially completed, and Mr. French did much to secure its completion. The church was consecrated in May, 1859, by Bishop McIlvaine, without any debt, and has remained so to this day. In 1868, a recess chancel was added, and also a vestibule. The whole cost of the church was about five thousand dollars.

On the same lot with the church, which comprises nearly an acre, beautifully ornamented with shrubs, a fine rectory—the only parsonage in the place—has been erected. This was begun in 1860, and completed in 1865. The church embraces now about sixty communicants, and like the other churches of the place, its membership is more or less fluctuating. The fraternal spirit of the First Church toward this first sister church, was manifested by its invitation, extended to Bishop McIlvaine, on a certain occasion before they had a church edifice, to hold service in their church, which he did, to the gratification and edification of all present.

The Second Congregational church of Oberlin was organized by a council composed of the representatives of several sister churches, May 3, 1860, one hundred persons, dismissed from the First Church for the purpose, uniting in the enterprise. This step seemed necessary from the fact that the congregation had become too large to be accommodated. The October following, the church became connected with the Cleveland conference, and in April, 1865, it was duly incorporated under the laws of the State. The following, fall steps were taken to secure a site for a church edifice, work upon which was begun in 1867 and completed in 1870. The whole cost of the building was about thirty thousand dollars. The dedicatory exercises took place on the 30th of October, and on the following Sabbath the church transferred its meeting from the college chapel, which it had hitherto occupied, to the new building. The next fall an organ costing five thousand dollars, was purchased.

Much of the time since its organization the church has been supplied by members of the faculty acting

186 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

as pastors. It has had, however, two installed pastors—Rev. M. W. Fairfield from October, 1861, to. December, 1864, and its present pastor, Rev. W. Kincaid, who began his labors in February, 1876, and was installed the following April. The number of members given in the manual of the church, published this year, is six hundred and forty-four, cf whom ninety-eight are absent. The number of different persons who have united with the church, is one thousand two hundred and forty.

In the summer of 1866 several Baptist brethren and sisters, having held for some time a series of prayer meetings, resolved to form a church ; and for this purpose they called a council of neighboring churches on the 30th of July, which recognized the brethren and sisters calling the council, as a Baptist church. At a subsequent church meeting forty-five brethren and sisters handed in their letters of recommendation, which were read by the Rev. J. H. Langille, and they were organized into a church, the corporate name of which it was voted should be " the First Regular Baptist Church of Oberlin." From this time the church held meetings in a hall in Exchange block, in Watson's hall, and in Carpenter's hall successively, and had regular preaching.

The corner-stone of a new house of worship was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, on a site procured on East Lorain street, September 24, 1867, and in September, 1871, the building having been completed, was formally dedicated. It is a neat and commodious brick building, and cost about fourteen thousand dollars. The present number of members is about one hundred and sixty.

In 1868, funds were collected, and a lot purchased on South Main street, by Rev. Ira Hitchcock, then on Amherst circuit, for a Methodist Episcopal church, and the next year Rev. G. A. Reeder was sent to the charge, and labored faithfully to carry out the project of building a church. But he being removed from the work at the end of the year, and there being other adverse causes, the enterprise was finally abandoned. A few years later, the society was disbanded, and nothing remained but a lot and a note of one hundred dollars from the sale of materials.

In the fall of 1868, a society was again organized by Rev. L. M. Pounds, then in charge of Pittsfield circuit.

The next year, Rev. J. Evans being on the charge, the society decided to make an other effort to erect a house of worship. About twelve hundred dollars were subscribed in and around Oberlin, and the work was begun.

In 1870, Rev. A Holbrook was appointed to the charge, and the work was carried forward, as fast as the means on hand would allow. Contributions were received from neighboring places, and also from members of the college faculty, and from many of the members of the Congregational churches of Oberlin.

In 1873, Rev. J. R. Jewett was appointed to the charge, and the building having been completed, was dedicated December 14th, but not until subscriptions had been taken more than enough to cover the debt. The building is a frame enclosed with brick. Its dimensions are seventy-two by forty-five feet; and its estimated value is about eight thousand dollars. Rev. J. F. Brant is the present pastor. The number of members is one hundred and sixty-two, and there is in connection with the church, a flourishing Sabbath school.

About 1868, Rev. Mathew Goosland, who had been a slave, and had bought his own freedom, began to hold meetings for the colored people in Peck's hall, and members of the college faculty preached occasionally to them.

Subsequent to the formation of the First Methodist Episcopal church, a Second Methodist Episcopal church (colored,) was organized. The members of this church, with persevering effort, have erected a chapel edifice on South Water street, and furnished it with a bell. Their building cost them three or four thousand dollars. The number of their members is about forty.

A division occurred in this church, and in August, 1876, the seceding members organized an African Methodist Episcopal church. This is of about the same size as the other. They hold their meetings in a house, which they have purchased and fitted up, on East Lorain street.

The first cemetery was on Morgan street between Main and Professor streets. The first burials were made next to the street, but afterwards, when greater retirement was found desirable, the first graves were removed back. When the town became larger it was thought desirable to have a larger cemetery, outside of the village. A public meeting of the citizens was therefore called July 9, 1861, to take steps to form a cemetery association. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws; which being reported at a subsequent meeting, were adopted, and the officers, consisting of six trustees and a clerk, were elected. During the next year twenty-seven and a half acres were purchased of Rev. Henry Safford, in the southwest part of the village, and this lot was converted into a cemetery and called " Westwood." The grounds have since been much improved, and it has become a favorite resort. The remains of between two and three hundred have been removed from the old to the new cemetery. The whole number of interments, not including removals, from 1863 to January 1, 1878, was six hundred and forty, an annual average of about forty-two.

The principal settlements in Oberlin were first made on the east side of Main street opposite the college square, and south on the same street. Mr. Shipherd's house was north of the square, the back part of the house now owned by Mr. Hulburd; and he afterward built the house now occupied by Mr. Jewell. Mr. Pringle Hamilton's house, a mile south of the village, was built in 1834, and was then far in the woods. East College and East Lorain streets began to be

HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO - 187

settled next in order. There were buildings there in 1$34. In 1835 there were two houses built on Professor street, Professor Finney's and President Mahan's, and that street was not opened north of Lorain and 'south of College street. The house of Chauncey T. Canier, the college farmer, the one now owned by President Fairchild, was built in 1838 or '39, but was then in the lot. North

Professor was not opened till sometime later, and West College was simply a pocket, having no outlet. Then West street was laid out, giving a passage across to Lorain, and it was called West street because it was supposed it was the last Street that would be needed toward the west.

Pleasant street, between Lorain and College, was Opened very early, but its extension north and south has been quite recent. West Lorain was opened at the beginning, but was not built up much till one got into the country. It was the only road opened to the west out of town, and made its connections with Henrietta, Brownhelm, etc. Thus, all there was of the town for a great many years, was found on four streets. The town did not extend much south of the creek, the tendency to build in that direction coming with the advent of the railroad.

The first steam mill, owned by Oberlin College, was sold to Isaac Chamberlain. Mr. Chamberlain sold the mill to Henry Wilcox, who ran it for some time. It was owned by Beebe and Horton when it was burned in 1846 or '47.

In 1841, a saw mill was built on the east side of Water street by Ellis, Wilder and Reed. It was run a short time before it was given up. L. M. Hall built a flouring mill a short distance north of it, using the old boiler to furnish steam for the engine. Before there was any mill, Mr. Hall ran a team to bring flour from Ashland. About the year 1846, Lewis Holtslander built a grist mill on the west side of Water street, and south of Hall's mill, P. P. Stewart putting in the engine. This was only run a year or two, and is now owned by Hervey Leonard.

In 1862-3, Mr. Jenkins built a saw mill on the south side of Mill street, which Samuel Plumb bought in 1863, and sold it in the fall of the same year to Reuben Haynes and H. 0. Swift. After the death of Mr. Haynes, Reuben Stone bought his interest.

The building on South Main street now occupied by L. S. Colburn as a planing mill, was built in 1838 by three students, James A. Preston and William H. Everts, who became missionaries to Jamaica, and Cephas Foster, who settled in Galena. President J. H. Fairchild, then a senior in college, took the job of making the window frames for fifty cents apiece, and made them, twenty in number, in five days. The building was erected to aid students depending on manual labor for support. Seth B. Ellis, who owned the shop alone, or with others, for twenty-five years, purchased the first planer and matching machine for it, and the first shingle machine. About the year 1848, a carding and cloth-dressing machine was put in, and for many years there was quite an extensive business in this line.

In 1834, before there was any post-office in town, Harvey Gibbs used to carry the mail between Oberlin and South Amherst, in a leather bag which would hold about half a peck. He was the first post-master, the post-office then being in the first building north of the site of the town hall. In 1841 T. Dwight Hells was appointed post-master. Mr. Eells was succeeded by Mr. Munson, who kept the office until 1849, and filled it again from 1853 until 1861, when G. F. H. Stevens was appointed. J. F. Harmon was appointed in 1865, and was succeeded by the present post-master, Will. Allen, in 1874.

The First National Bank of Oberlin opened for business at No. 13, West College street, in September, 1863. Samuel Plumb was its president until November, 1869, then I. M. Johnson for two months, after that A. H. Johnson until January, 1873, when I. M. Johnson was chosen, and was succeeded in January, 1874, by Hiram Hulburd, the present president. The bank was removed to its present location in Viets's block, on East College street, in 1870.

Professor Dascomb practiced somewhat as a physician for a short time. In 1835 or 1836, Dr. Alexander Steele was invited and came to Oberlin, and had all the practice. Dr. Otis Boise was afterward associated with Dr. Steele for a few years. In 1846, Dr. Homer Johnson came from Birmingham, where he had been practicing medicine for about ten years, to Oberlin, where he was associated with Dr. Steele, till 1859. They had a large practice, as well in the surrounding country as in the village. Dr. Steele died in April, 1872.

The colored people, who now form about one-sixth of the whole population of the place, did not come in much at an early day. Some of the first families were those of Mr. Farris, Mrs. Crabbe, and Mr. Smith.

Sabram Cox came from the west, in 1839, as a student, and finally married and settled down, and has ever since been one of the most substantial colored citizens. Campton, Copeland and the Pattersons came from North Carolina. Anson Jones also came from North Carolina, and was one of the characters of Oberlin. When a slave, he hired his time, and by working at his trade as a blacksmith, bought himself and family at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and then came to Oberlin and put his four sons through college. He worked away at his anvil till he was over eighty years old. He took a good deal of interest in politics, and took the National Intelligencer and the Charleston Mercury. On East College street, a mile from the center, Horace Crosby settled at a very early day, and one of the attractions of his place was a flower garden in the door yard, kept by Mrs. Crosby. The students often took walks in that direction to get a sight of the flowers.

An act to incorporate the town of Oberlin was passed by the general assembly of the State of Ohio,

188 - HISTORY OF LORAIN COUNTY, OHIO.

February 17, 1846. The first mayor elected was Lewis Holtslander. By an ordinance passed by the town council, in 1853, the name of the town, the limits of which were defined, was to be the "Incorporated Village of Oberlin." In 1861, the limits of the corporation were enlarged, and again in 1870 and 1871.

The running of the railroad through Oberlin was an important event in the history of the town. The trains began to run in t