CHAPTER XIII.
CHILLICOTHE.
WITH an honorable record of more than a century's existence behind her, Chillicothe well sustains her long established reputation for solidity and wealth. The men who established the little hamlet in the wilderness in 1796, founded that reputation, and their descendants and successors have well maintained it.
Chillicothe attained an eminent position in the political history of the State, long years before her commercial and industrial character had received more than passing notice. And this was not due to any lack of interest in industry, or of local pride ; but, rather, to the over-powering influence of the strong political characters who were at the helm of the ship of state. Their minds and energies were absorbed in shaping the destiny of the Northwest Territory, and founding a state on the broad principles of human equality. To the Chillicothe party, headed by Nathaniel Massie, is due the existence of the State of Ohio, with boundaries as at present established. The defeat of the St. Clair party, and the consequent erection of the State on the basis desired by the Chillicotheans, is fully told in another chapter. Prominent among General Massie's assistants were Thomas Worthington, Michael Baldwin, Dr. Edward Tiffin, Judge Thomas Scott, and James Grubb. These names are immortal in Ohio's history.
They were also instrumental in the framing of the constitution of the State, adopted in 1802, and in the admission of state without the stigma of human slavery. These were absorbing themes, which not only engaged the attention of the great leaders, but their followers as well; and the success thus achieved placed Ross county in the vanguard of political prominence for many years thereafter. This position placed four Chillicotheans in the gubernatorial chair, and four United States senators were residents of Chillicothe, as were, also, nine representatives in Congress ; three secretaries of state of Ohio; six judges of the Ohio supreme court ; ten members of constitutional conventions, with minor officials in the state and nation, in great numbers.
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The religious and educational affairs of the city also received early attention, and liberal support. Merchants were aggressive and public spirited, their stocks rivaling in value those exhibited by present day dealers. The few manufactories established, supplied a wide range of territory. Chillicothe flour was famous as far away as the Crescent city; cattle from the Scioto valley, driven, or shipped from Chillicothe, were eagerly sought in the eastern markets; pork, grain, and many other agricultural products, had a wide circle of distribution. The city's banks were flourishing and impregnable, and general prosperity crowned the efforts of the people.
But if the reader will but reflect, he will observe that all the business of the earlier days was closely related to agricultural supremacy. Chillicothe was then the center of one of the richest agricultural districts in the United States, a distinction which the locality has retained with creditable success. All business energy was directed toward handling the products of the farms, and in supplying the farmers' needs. But this industry, however profitable, was destined sooner or later, to find a limit.
The early settlers and business men of Chillicothe were generally people with agricultural tendencies and traditions. They were sons of southern planters, who, disgusted with the curse of human slavery, had here sought an asylum of liberty on soil uncontaminated with the pernicious influence of the slave-driver. They had no manufactories in their native country, knew nothing of the business of manufacturing, and cared less. Parental traditions and customs are strong within the human breast. These men held the land, cultivated and improved it, erected homes, maintained the honor of their country iii council halls and on the battlefield, and lived out their allotted days in the peace and harmony of the quiet village their industry had established. In this mariner, the crucial point in the history of Chillicothe was passed. Rival towns sprang' up, in which manufacturing became the dominant feature. Because of the influx of population due to the operation of the business, they soon surpassed Chillicothe in business importance and populace. Conscious of her wonderful possibilities, yet disinclined to forsake the traditions of her forefathers, Chillicothe plodded along her way until she was outstripped in the race for commercial importance, by the zeal and energy of those inured to the life of turmoil in the manufacturing business, with all its speculation and uncertainty. But in recent years there has been a decided change from the customs of the olden time.
The progressive men of the city have come to realize that Chillicothe possesses unsurpassed facilities for a successful manufacturing center. The essential elements are fuel, material, railroad facilities and capital; another consideration is nearness to the market of the consumers. All these essential conditions are met in Chillicothe,
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in a remarkable degree. An inexhaustible supply of coal is close at hand in the celebrated fields of Jackson county, while the West Virginia coal fields are within easy access, with a through line of railroad connecting them with the city. Abundance of natural gas is brought to the city from the Sugar Grove gas field. An apparently inexhaustible supply of the best hard woods may he found within easy reach of the city, while iron in crude or manufactured form, may be found on the direct lines of railroad entering the town. Shipping facilities are unsurpassed, and points north, south, east or west may be reached by the three railroads entering the city. Projected systems of electric railway lines, now in course of construction, will connect the city with Columbus and Hillsboro, and intermediate points, not to mention the most picturesque natural scenery in Southern Ohio. Geographically, the location is all that could be desired, being located' near the center of the State, east and west, and about half way between Columbus and the Ohio river.
Abundant capital awaits the inception of any manufacturing enterprise which promises reasonable returns on the investment. In comparatively recent years, several manufactories have come into existence in recognition of the superior attractions and adaptability of the location.
Chillicothe has a population of twelve thousand nine hundred and seventy-six, according to the census of 1900. It contains a number of handsome and expensive residences and public buildings, while the average homes evince an air of thrift and prosperity in their surroundings, in keeping with the industry and frugality of the occupants. The city contains a less number of poor and squalid residences, indicative of poverty and misery, than most cities of its size.
The sanitary conditions are excellent, and the drainage system perfect. The board of health, and sanitary officers, are vigilant in the discharge of their official duties, and the streets and alleys are kept in the most perfect sanitary condition. A well organized and thoroughly trained fire department under pay from the city has three established stations, which are equipped with the latest and best apparatus for the purpose designed. The efficiency of the department has been demonstrated on many occasions. A board of fire commissioners, nonpolitical, has control of the fire department.
A police force, the guardians of the public peace and property, are noted for their efficiency in the line of official duties; and some of the members have received high commendations for successful detective work. As a class, they are courteous and obliging men, to whose vigilance and alertness is due the small percentage of burglaries and unlawful acts, of which the city boasts.
The city government of Chillicothe for the present year (1902) is as follows: mayor, Wallace D. Yaple; civil engineer, Henry M.
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Redd; city commissioner, John Cull; chief of the fire department, Val Brockmeyer; city solicitor, James Cahill; city clerk, Robert D. Alexander; city treasurer, Luther B. Hurst; chief of police, John Stanley; city marshal, Val. Southworth. The council is organized as follows: president, George L. Emmel; vice-president, John Hamm; clerk, Charles Schmauser; councilmen : First ward, George Tudor; Second ward, Frank Perry and Henry Gartner; Third ward, Charles E. Tippett and William P. McDowell; Fourth ward, Fred C. Mader and W. H. Martin ; Fifth ward, George L. Emmell and George Litter; Sixth ward, John Hamm and Charles E. Robbins.
The board of health is organized with W. S. Scott, M. D., as health officer; James I. Boulger, clerk, and Henry Hamm, policeman. The fire department comprises nine men in the employ of the city, besides the chief, and four fire commissioners. Thirty-two fire alarm boxes are located at different places about the city, these connected with headquarters by means of electrical wires, which, according to an established code of signals, designates the locality of the fire, by striking the fire alarm bell. The organization is thoroughly systematized and very efficient in its work.
As early as February 27, 1826, a public reading room was opened in a building which stood on the present site of the Alston block. It was unpretentious in character, as the world was not then flooded with books. Newspapers, public documents, magazines and miscellaneous periodicals, were provided for the use of patrons. To avoid the expense of lights, the room was kept open only during the daylight hours. This "Reading Room" was kept by Benjamin Masters, in his tavern on Paint street, at the sign of the Scioto Ox, the inn formerly kept by United States Senator Joseph Kerr. Boarders at the inn had the privileges of the reading room free. But after one year's trial, at the rate of three dollars' subscription, the room was closed as an unprofitable investment. The nucleus to the present city library originated in 1S48 and this was stimulated two years later, when the State legislature authorized the expenditure of public funds for the establishment and maintenance of school libraries. The library was at first located in the central school building, but after several moves, rendered necessary by increasing interest, and the overcrowding of its small quarters, in 1876, it reached its present permanent location in the city building on Paint street. In 1871 it had six thousand volumes on its shelves, some of which were donations from private libraries, but they were largely the accumulation* from the three libraries which it succeeded. One of these was the Young Men's Gymnasium and Library Association which was disorganized by reason of enlistment in the civil war, and never resurrected. Edward Safford, now dead, was the moving spirit in establishing the young men's association. At the beginning of the war, there was a teachers'
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library of several hundred volumes, besides unclaimed libraries of State books which some of the district schools were unable, or unwilling, to provide for, in the single rooms of the country school houses.
After the close of the civil war, Judge Stone, as president of the board of education, proposed a consolidation of the three embryo libraries, which was consented to by the owners on the condition that the new organization should be free to the public, and the further consideration that the board of education should appropriate one hundred dollars annually with which to purchase new books. These very reasonable conditions were complied with, and the proceeds of a permanent fund of two thousand dollars, which had accumulated from another source, was also set apart for the purchase of books. In the late sixties, the legislature again came to the rescue, and authorized the levying of a tax of one-tenth of a mill on the taxable property of certain cities (of which Chillicothe was one), for the support of public libraries. From these various sources, an annual fund of about eight hundred dollars is provided, and this is invested semi-annually in new books. The contingent expenses of the library are paid by the city authorities, who have always dealt very liberally with this, the city's ward.
The first librarian, after the formal organization, was William B. Franklin. e was succeeded by Henry Watterson, who resigned in 1887. James M. Burrows was then chosen to the position and an assistant was provided, in the person of Miss Lizzie Butler. Under this management the work of classifying and systematizing the library was carried forward with energy and intelligence, Mr. Burrows being very zealous and efficient. In August, 1899, Burton E. Stevenson was chosen to the office of librarian, a selection warmly commended by the thousands of patrons. He possesses all the elements of a successful and popular librarian, youth, intelligence, activity, an obliging disposition, and perfect familiarity with the thousands of volumes upon the shelves. The assistant librarian is Newton B. Overly, who is also the truant officer of the city schools. The public library is open every week day, from nine o'clock a. m. until nine p. in., and is a popular resort, much appreciated by the studious citizens of all ages, who daily fill the convenient sittings provided in the reading room. More room for the accommodation of books and readers is badly needed. Chillicothe may well be proud of her free public library, where eighteen thousand choice volumes await the call of its patrons. Nearly thirty thousand volumes were in circulation during the year 1901, while fully half that number were used in the reading room, without. removal.
Chillicothe is represented in journalism by four weekly newspapers, two dailies, and one semi-monthly publication. The latter is entitled "The Ohio Soldier," and is devoted, primarily, to the interests of veterans of the civil war. It is a well edited and entertaining
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sheet. Captain John T. Raper, who saw service at the front in the dark days of the sixties, is the editor, with publication places in Chillicothe, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus and Toledo.
The "Unsere Zeit" is a German weekly of high standing among the readers of the Teutonic language. It is the only German paper, in the Scioto valley south of Columbus, a fact which advertisers and readers fully appreciate, and accord to the "Unsere Zeit" a liberal patronage. The paper was established in 1868 by B. Fromm, grandfather of the present publisher, to whom it was transmitted on the death of the son of the founder. C. Albert Fromm learned the details of the "art preservative" under the tutorship of his father, and is a young man especially well fitted for the responsible position which has descended to him.
The Scioto Gazette is the oldest paper west of the Alleghenies, and one of the oldest papers of continuous publication in the United States. For more than a century it has recorded not only the history of Chillicothe, of Ross county, of the Northwest Territory, of Ohio, but also that of the nation, and, in briefer degree, the great happenings of the world. No notable event has gone unrecorded in its columns; told in its types are the stories of five wars in which this country has been victorious: it has recounted the growth of the nation from a struggling group of states until now, when it is become one of the great powers of the world, with a flag that floats around the girdle of the earth. The first issue of the Scioto Gazette appeared on April 25, 1800. Its founder and editor was Nathaniel Willis, grandfather of N. P. Willis, the poet. The first editor of this paper was born in Boston ; he was an apprentice of Benjamin Franklin's and a member of the "Boston Tea party." Before coming to Chillicothe he had published papers in Boston, in Martinsburg, Va., and in Winchester, Va. He remained the owner and editor until 1807, having guided the destinies of the paper through the exciting period when Ohio was struggling for statehood, and having contributed in no small degree to attaining the desired end. The Gazette was then, and for long afterward, the most influential publication in the West, and exercised a perceptible influence even on affairs which became national.
From Willis' hands the Gazette passed to Gen. Peter Parcels, an officer of the war of 1812 and a justice of the court of quarter sessions. In 1809 the paper was bought by Joseph Collins & Co., who had for editors James Foster, Carlos A. Norton and James Barnes. The latter was a member of the State legislature for four terms and a man prominent in State councils. He bought the Gazette from Collins, but sold it in 1815 to John Bailhache, the owner of another paper, "The Fredonian." He combined the two sheets, and afterward absorbed "The Supporter," edited by Denny & Nashee. With Nashee and P. H. Olmstead, Bailhache started the Ohio State Jour-
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nal and, later, moved to Alton, Ill., where he founded the Alton Telegraph. Following Bailhache, in 1828, came Robert Kercheval, a son-in-law of Gen. Duncan McArthur. In 1833 John Nevil Pumroy became editor, and was followed, in 1834, by Dr. Benjamin Owen Carpenter, a man prominent in the community and in the State, president of the Ross County Medical society and of the Scioto Valley Medical association. During his term as editor the paper was printed by William Cooper Howells, father of the eminent writer, William Dean Howells. In 1835 the Gazette was the first to propose William Henry Harrison as a presidential candidate. The prestige of the paper attracted wide attention to his opinions and utterances, and Harrison was nominated. Although defeated by Van Buren he was, as history tells, again nominated, and, that time, elected.
In 1835 Seneca W. Ely bought the Gazette and became editor, remaining in that position, with a few short lapses, until 1853. Ely was born in Bucks county, Pa., and learned the printer's trade in Rochester, N. Y. He was one of the original subscribers to the old Marietta &.: Cincinnati, now the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railway and was its secretary. From 1848 to 1852 he was receiver of public moneys at Chillicothe. During one of his brief absences from the paper he was treasurer of the first street railway in Cincinnati. He founded the Covington (Ky.) Gazette and the Stillwater Valley Gazette, in Miami county, During the civil war he was treasurer of the great. Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair, at St. Louis, which raised $675,000 for the soldiers. He became one of the editors of the old Cincinnati Gazette, and remained with it until he retired from active life in 1892. He was a delegate from this district to the last Whig national convention in Baltimore in 1852. For several terms he was president of the Chillicothe city council. Associated with Mr. Ely, for a time, was C. A. B. Coffroth, from Winchester, Va.
In 1839 the first editorial convention in Ohio was held in Columbus, arising from the suggestion of Mr. Ely, in the Gazette. From 1839 to 1852 the paper ran a private reading room for the benefit of its friends, free. From 1839 to December, 1840, the paper was edited by W. Carey Jones, of Chillicothe. He afterward was admitted to the bar, became secretary of the Congressional committee which had charge of the settlement of claims of United States citizens against Mexico, after the Mexican war, was an authority on old Spanish land laws, one of the counsel for General Fremont in the latter's famous California land case, and finally settled in California, where he was a prominent citizen. In 1843 Mr. Ely, who had again become editor of the Gazette, sold it to Caleb Case Allen, who, in 1845, admitted to partnership E. G. Squier, who, with Dr. Edwin H. Davis, of Chillicothe, afterward became author of "Monuments
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of the Mississippi Valley," one of the most famous of works on American archaeology. From 1840 to 1847 the paper was published as a weekly and tri-weekly. In 1847 Mr. Ely again came back to the Gazette, with Mr. Allen, and, in that year, the Gazette was the original proponent of Gen. Zachary Taylor for the presidency. Ely & Allen built and operated the first telegraph line between here and Portsmouth, and the first telegraphic news printed in Chillicothe was in the Gazette, on December 30, 1847. From 1849 to 1853 William Rufus Looker, of Chillicothe, was associated with Ely & Allen. In 1849 the Gazette, besides its weekly and tri-weekly editions, began to be published as a daily, and continued so until 1857.
In 1853 Ely, Allen & Looker sold out to Otway Curry, son of James Curry, one of the earliest settlers of Highland county. Mr. Curry was a lawyer, had been a member of the legislature, and was a man of considerable attainments, achieving quite widespread reputation as a poet. In 1854 he sold to James H. Baker and A. P. Miller. Baker was an able man, prominent in State politics. e was secretary of state for Ohio under Governor Chase. In 1858 he removed to Minnesota, was elected secretary of state there, became colonel of the Tenth Minnesota infantry in the civil war, was provost-marshal of Missouri during the war, served a short time as commissioner of pensions under President Grant, afterward commissioner of railroads for Minnesota, and at last accounts, was living on his estates near Mankato, Minn. A. P. Miller succeeded to the ownership of the Gazette when Mr. Baker removed in 1858. He remained until 1866. After leaving the Gazette he was with the Ohio State Journal ; with D. R. Locke ("Petroleum V. Nasby"), on the Toledo Blade, and later, with the Tribune and the Mail and Express, of New York.
From 1866 to 1868 Col. Thomas D. Fitch, now of Troy, O., was the owner and editor of the Gazette. Following him came J. R. S. Bond, and Bond & Son, 1868 to 1874 ; Raper & Wolfe, 1874 to 1886. During the time from 1882 to 1884 the city editor of the Gazette was Charles F. Lummis, now the well known writer and authority on the history of the Southwest and Mexico. R. G. Lewis owned the paper from 1886 to 1892, having various editors, among them, Gen. S. H. Hurst. On September 29, 1892, the Gazette passed into the hands of Messrs. J. C. Entrekin and M. Boggs. Mr. Huston Robins, afterward probate judge of Ross county, had editorial management and the business management was in the hands of Mr. G. W. C. Perry. In 1893 the Gazette was taken by George H. Tyler, who combined the Chillicothe Leader with it. The Daily Gazette was started on November 28, 1892. On November 16, 1896, the Gazette passed into the hands of the Scioto Gazette Co., composed of the late M. Boggs, D. M. Massie, J. C. Entrekin, G. H. Smith, G. W. C. Perry and B. F. Stone, all men of weight and standing in city, county and
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state, with Mr. Perry as business manager and Ed. S. Wenis city editor. Since the new management took hold the Gazette has continuously grown more successful, both financially and as an influence in county and state. It owns and occupies its own building, has a well-equipped plant, some of the handsomest newspaper offices in Ohio, is a member of the Associated Press, the only member in Ross county, publishes an eight-page daily and a sixteen-page weekly, also publishes "The Ohio Soldier," has a wide-reaching influence, and has few, if any, equals as a live, wide-awake, up-to-date newspaper in any city the size of Chillicothe. In politics the Gazette is staunchly Republican; it has always been an earnest and outspoken advocate of loyalty to the government, of expansion of our territory and of our commerce, and a worker for the best interests of the people of the city, county, state and nation.
The first number of the Chillicothe Advertiser was issued on June 11, 1831, a copy of which is now on file in the office. It was a four-page paper with six columns to the page, and was owned and edited by John Hough. In 1840 Dr. C. W. Pine was taken into partnership. From that time the paper had various editors and many ups and downs. Samuel W. Halsey succeeded Hough & Pine. Eshelman & Ballmeyer came next, the latter firm conducting the paper through the stormy period just before and during the war between the states, after which Mr. Eshelman moved to Wooster, O., where he purchased the Wayne County Democrat. Mr. Ballmeyer had preceded him to Dayton, where he was shot during the excitement of the Valandingham campaign. After the war the Advertiser passed into the hands of Hon. James Emmitt, then a candidate for Congress. Under Mr. Emmitt's ownership it was first edited by Sam Pike and later by Capt. John Putnam, who came to Chillicothe upon retiring from the legislature, where he had represented Licking county. Mr. Putnam became owner of the paper and soon built it up until it enjoyed more prosperity and wielded a greater influence than under any previous regime. In 1873 Mr. Putnam leased the Advertiser to become the private secretary of Gov. William Allen. In his absence the paper was first edited by S. L. Everet and later by Sam Kilvert and Arch Mayo. Mr. Putnam finally sold the paper to W. R. Brownlee, who was succeeded in 1877 by John Wiseman. Mr. Wiseman conducted the paper with average success until 1882, when the plant and good will were sold to Frank Harper and Geo. F. Hunter, both young men from eastern Ohio. During the ownership of Captain Putnam the Advertiser had gone from bad to worse, and when Harper and Hunter took possession there were less than four hundred paying subscribers left on the books. From that day, however, the paper began to prosper once more and the old name of Chillicothe Advertiser again commanded respect. In 1895 Mr. Harper retired to take charge of the Mt. Vernon Banner, which had been left him
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on the death of his father. Mr. Hunter, who had then been connected with the Advertiser longer than any other editor since its founding, continued the business alone, and in December, 1896, added a daily edition. This made three daily papers in the city and after a fierce competition of three years a proposition to consolidate, made on behalf of the News-Register Co., was accepted, and in October, 1899, the Advertiser, daily and weekly, was consolidated with the Daily News, established in 1883, and the Weekly Register, established in 1879, then owned by C. C. Waddle, doing business as the News-Register Co. The two interests were consolidated and incorporated in the name of the News-Advertiser company, of which George F. Hunter was president and C. C. Waddle secretary. In 1900 Mr. Waddle's interest was purchased by Mr. Hunter's brother, W. W. Hunter, formerly of the Steubenville Gazette, a gentleman of considerable ability as an editor and historian. The consolidation proved to be a wise move, not only for the interests involved, but also for the city. The advertising patrons were enabled to reach double the number of people for the same cost, while the increased number of subscribers enabled the management to add every modern facility for getting out a first-class, up-to-date daily, the peer of any other paper published in Ohio in cities the size of Chillicothe.
Nothing like an extended notice of the various religious organizations which have existed in the city of Chillicothe can be attempted in this volume. The little leaven planted in the wilderness so many years ago has grown to mammoth proportions, and no city of like size in the State of Ohio possesses greater evidence of spiritual growth, or more devout and conscientious leaders in the great cause of christian life. Several churches have been organized, from time to time, in which the zeal of their promoters exceeded the demand for their services, hence they had but an ephemeral existence. But of the persisting organizations which have grown to prominence and influence, there are many, and their present day status is the best evidence of their high standing and liberal support.
The first church of the Presbyterian faith was organized by the early pioneers, and services were conducted in the cabins, or at any accessible point, until a church building was erected. The old First church was attended by the worshiping pioneers, regardless of their individual preferences as to creed ; and it was not until 1797 that the Presbyterian church came to be recognized as such, and to maintain a separate organization. The first minister, and organizing pastor, was Rev. William Speer, a young man who left his home in Chambersburg, Pa., and crossed the mountains on horseback, to enter upon a career of usefulness in the unbroken wilderness of the Northwest Territory. The organization was effected in compliance with the wishes of a few devoted settlers of the early day, and on the 3d of October, 1797, the church was received into the presbytery of Tran-
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sylvania as "New Hope Church," a designation which it retained until 1811, when it became the First Presbyterian church of Chillicothe. Services were at first held in an unfinished log cabin, with no floor laid except the sleepers, and no means possessed by the worshiper to purchase the lumber necessary to finish the building. The sleepers were utilized for seats, a most appropriate use for church sleepers, even in modern times. As the congregation grew in numbers and interest, meetings were held in the old State house, and so continued until about 1811, when the first church building was completed on Second street, east of the present canal. A number of eloquent and zealous pastors occupied the pulpit of this church during its early years after the expiration of Mr. Speer's four years' pastorate. In 1844 "The Old Rock" on West Main street was built, dedicated May 31, 1816, and served until 1893, when the building of the present handsome church was begun. Rev. J. L. Roemer is the present pastor. The Third Presbyterian church was organized as the "Associate Reformed church" in 1806. It was afterward known as the United Presbyterian, under the care of the Kentucky presbytery, subordinate to the general synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church. Some changes were subsequently made, which were due to the divided sentiments of church members, north and south, on the slavery question ; but the final result was a transfer of relations to the presbytery of Chillicothe, old school, and the continuance, growth and prosperity of the organization, as the Third Presbyterian church. The present pastor is Rev. Chauncey L. Hamlin.
The Second Presbyterian church came into existence about 1837, as a necessity due to the growth and prosperity of the First church, and as a subdivision of that body. Rev. George Beecher, a brother of Henry Ward Beecher, of national renown, was called to the pastorate during the first year after the organization. Mr. Beecher was a man of rare ability, and gave promise of a successful career, which was terminated in a tragedy which cost him his life. While protecting some choice fruit from the incursions of birds, he accidentally shot himself in his own garden. With the harmonizing of differences in creed between the First and Third Presbyterian churches, and the phenomenal growth of prosperity of both, there seemed to be no further need for the existence of the Second church ; and, that body having become involved in debt, its property was sold to the old First church, and the congregation redistributed among the other churches.
The history of early Methodism in Chillicothe dates from the first years of the city's existence, and is centered around Walnut Street and Trinity Methodist Episcopal churches. In 1796-7, meetings of this sect were held among the settlers, in their private residences, or elsewhere, as circumstances permitted. The first public meeting place was in a log house on East Water street. In 1803--4 they were
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holding meetings in a log house at the northwest corner of Second and Walnut, or occupying the State house, jointly, with other congregations. Among the first supporters of this church were Dr. Edward Tiffin, Judge Thomas Scott, Dr. McAdow, Hector Sanford, Dr. William McDowell, and Daniel Madeira. In the diary of Francis Asbury is found the following entry : "Sept. 24, 1803, at Chillicothe. Preached in the State House to about five hundred hearers; again in 1805 preached at Chillicothe; entertained again by Governor Tiffin. Friday, September 4, 1807, came to Chillicothe and preached in our neat new house to a large congregation. On Monday we opened conference, sitting till Friday noon. In 1808 I was invited to spend the night under the hospitable roof of Gen. Thomas Worthington, within sight of which lies the precious dust of Mary Tiffin." Other episcopal visits are noted in 1809 and 1814. The new church referred to by Bishop Asbury was built in 1807 on Second street, east of the alley between Walnut and Paint, north side, though not completed until 1810, during which three years the congregation occupied it. This building was burned in 1820, and another erected on the same site. The present church on Walnut street was erected in 1850, and was an imposing structure, for its time. Many historic names have been associated with this congregation, and many distinguished divines have been connected with the organization. Rev. Austin M. Courtenay, D. D., is the present pastor. As an outgrowth of the zeal and popularity of Walnut Street church, three other organizations of similar faith are now in existence in the city, viz. : African Methodist Episcopal, with Rev. J. P. Maxwell, as pastor ; German Methodist church, Rev. William Andre, pastor, and Trinity Methodist Episcopal church, under the pastorate of Rev. Albert H. Lathrop. This church has existed since the fall of 1843. The first pastor was Rev. John Bartow. Trinity is one of the most popular and useful religious organizations of the city, and has counted among its pastors a number of the most intellectual men in the conference.
St. Paul's Episcopal church was organized in 1817, Rev. Roger Searle being the first rector. The first meetings were held at the court house. Rev. Mr. Searle had pastoral charge of several other congregations at this time, among which was the church at Portsmouth. The organization was effected at the house of Richard Douglas, at which meeting Levin Belt and Thomas James were made wardens; Richard Douglas, James Barnes and Edward King, vestrymen, and Henry Brush, William K. Bond, Edward King and R. Douglas, reading clerks. Mr. Bond was also the first secretary of the vestry. A church was erected in 1821, on the south side of Walnut, between Main and Fourth streets, and dedicated on the 12th of September of that year, by Bishop Philander Chase. This was the first Episcopal church dedicated west of the Allegheny mountains.
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Rev. Ezra B. Kellogg was installed as the first pastor, and entered upon his duties February 17, 1822. The church was incorporated February 3, 1831, about which time a new house of worship was rendered necessary by the growth and prosperity of the organization. The church on East Main street was erected in 1833-4, and consecrated on the 5th of September, as St. Paul's, thus retaining the old name. The old church building on Walnut street was sold to Bishop Purcell, and became the property of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church. Under the auspices of St. Paul's and by Rev. Edgar G. Murphy, St, Andrew's chapel was founded in 1894, this then being the first church in the city east of the canal. In 1897 the colored citizens founded St. Mark's mission of the Episcopal faith, selecting a room in the Clinton House on West. Water street. The present rector of St. Paul's is Rev. S. N. Watson, D. D.. assisted by Rev. S. R. Duval who has special charge of St. Andrew's and St. Mark's missions. In the prosecution of the parish work, Miss Sarah Cook Broadwell is designated as. the parish visitor or deaconess, whose mission it is to seek out and relieve the deserving poor, and render aid in sickness and distress. To the furtherance of this noble and self-sacrificing work, she is specially adapted, and willingly and gladly secludes herself from the world for the good of humanity.
St. Mary's Catholic church is the outgrowth of the missionary labors of pious and zealous priests, who entered the wilderness in the early days, ministering to the wants of the scattered flocks at remote points, and establishing missions even among the hostile Indians. No nobler record of self-sacrifice, devotion to principle, and zeal in the furtherance of a worthy cause can be found in the annals of history than the patient endurance, courage and fortitude of the noble fathers of New France, who traversed the country in advance of the white settlements. No doubt the Scioto valley received attention, probably about the time of the establishment of the first church in the West, on the banks of the Wabash. The early history of Catholicism in Chillicothe is somewhat obscure, at least as a matter of public record. But no doubt the Catholics were equally as aggressive as their Protestant brethren in the dissemination of the doctrines of the mother church. In fact tradition places Chillicothe among the early missions of the church where missionary fathers met the people at their homes several times each year and ministered to their spiritual wants. In the early thirties, however, Mr. Martin Bowman, a devout adherent to the Catholic faith, fitted up a room in his tavern, and piously donated its use to the church. This was occupied until the purchase of the old Episcopal church in 1837 ; and on the 7th of June of that year Rev. Henry D. Juncker came as the first regular pastor.
The old church was remodeled, and dedicated as St. Mary's church, and here was the nucleus of Catholicism in the city. With a rapidly growing membership the small church soon became insufficient for the
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accommodating of the people, and St. Peter's church was commenced in 1843, and completed and dedicated three years later. Rev. Otto H. Borgess was installed as the regular pastor. Many of the communicants being of the German nationality, their native language was installed as the prevailing tongue in religious worship. This continued until in recent years, for the accommodation of the younger members, the principal services are held in both English and German. The congregations of St. Mary's church attended both meeting places, the English speaking members attending the old church on Walnut street and the Germans going to the new church at the corner of Water and Church streets. This is a very prosperous congregation, now in pastoral charge of Rev. F. H. Bene. St. Mary's church continued prosperous under the watchful care of Rev. Carroll, S. J., and by 1849 it had again outgrown its quarters. In that year the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church were authorized to sell the old building on Second street, and this became a temporary, home for St. Mary's congregation. This edifice escaped, as by a miracle, the destructive fire of 1852, when buildings on both sides of it went up in ashes. It served as a religious home for the parishioners of St. Mary's until the erection of their present edifice on South Paint street in 1867--8. The corner stone was laid on April 7, 1867, by Bishop J. B. Purcell, and this was an event in the history of the city-which will long be remembered. Thousands of people of every religious creed were in attendance. Father J. B. Murray, a man universally esteemed as a worthy citizen and devout christian gentleman, was pastor of St. Mary's from 1869 to 1883. His kindly disposition, broad charity, social temperament and disposition to mix with the people, rendered him a universal favorite. Since 1889, Rev. Alfred D. Dexter has been pastor in charge of St. Mary's. In connection with this church the Sisters of Charity, under the supervision of the pastor, conduct a parochial school for the religious and general training of the parish children. The Sisters of Notre Dame conduct a similar school at St. Peter's.
Quinn Chapel is the oldest African--American church in the city. It was organized May 30, 1821, and has passed through the varied experiences of the pioneer churches, and is today a monument to the memory of its early founders. They have a neat church edifice on the north side of Main street where they have met for worship since 1858. The present pastor is Rev. J. F. Maxwell. The First Baptist church is another evidence of the early piety and religious zeal of the African population. This church bears the distinction of being the first Baptist church organized by colored people, west of the Allegheny mountains. It was organized on the 13th of July, 1824, and has maintained a healthy existence since. The society has a neat and commodious church, erected in 1870, and since beauti-
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fled and improved, located on the north side of Fourth street. Rev. J. F. Walker is the present pastor.
Tabernacle Baptist church was organized March 23, 1890. The first regular pastor was Rev. A. Bartley. The congregation has a neat church building on the northeast corner of Hickory and Main streets. Rev. W. S. Baynes has been pastor in charge for several years, and the success of the organization is largely due to his untiring efforts.
The Christian Union church was organized in June, 1894, under the labors of Rev. J. W. Zachary, of Lexington, Ky. Rev. James Johnson was the first pastor, succeeded by Rev. Allen Wilson, and he, in turn, by Rev. C. M. Keene. Rev. R. J. Flora, the present pastor, conducts services each alternate Sabbath, at their church at the northeast corner of Arch and Park streets.
The Church of Christ, in charge of Rev. Randolph Cook, is located on Bridge street, near Water, where regular services are conducted.
Plymouth Congregational church was organized July 5, 1892, and succeeded to the control of the "Biggs Mission," which was established and conducted, for a time, under the ministrations of the First Presbyterian church. This organization erected a church on the north side of Water street, near Sugar, which they now occupy. Rev. C. Brooks Voorhees is the present pastor.
The First German Evangelical Protestant church was organized in 1836 by representatives of the faith from Germany and Bavaria. Rev. Dr. Rosenfieldt was the first pastor. The church was incorporated in 1846, and the same year began the erection of a new church building which they still occupy on the north side of Main street, near Walnut. Rev. J. A. Toensmeier, the pastor at present in charge, conducts services in the German language in the forenoon, and in English in the evening, of each Sabbath.
The German Evangelical Salem church was organized in this city, April 7, 1877. The first pastor was Rev. A. F. F. Kohler. In 1881 the society built a church at the corner of Fourth and Mulberry, where services are regularly held by the pastor, Rev. J. A. Reinicke.
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran church is the youngest of the religious organizations in the city, with the possible exception of a few missions, which are of a transitory nature. This church was organized November 1, 1899, through the board of home missions of the general church. It came into existence through a popular demand for English speaking, as expressed by some of , the members of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Public services are held in the Foulke block, Rev. George H. Schnur being the missionary in charge.
The United Brethren in Christ have two church organizations in the city, the "First" church being located at the southwest corner of Second and Watt streets. Rev. D. E. Weaver is pastor in charge and conducts two services each Sunday. The German United Brethren
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church, under the pastorate of Rev. Paul A. Miller, has one service each Sunday. This, the younger of the two churches, is located at the corner of High street and Allen avenue.
There are five burial places within reach of the city, three of which are denominational or church grounds. These are St. Margaret's, on the north side of Allen avenue, just beyond the city limits; St. Mary's cemetery and St. Peter's, practically the same, are located on the north side of Allen avenue, west of Vine street. These take the name of the churches, and are consecrated to the use of the institutions with which they are connected. All are carefully cared for by competent persons, and have been in existence since the organization of the churches whose dead they receive.
The public cemeteries of the city are Grand View and Green Lawn, the former located at the southeastern end of Walnut street, and, from its elevated position, commanding the finest landscape view of the valleys of the Scioto and Paint creek, while the beautiful city of Chillicothe is spread out like a grand panorama to the northward.
Previous to the establishment of Grand View cemetery, about 1841, most of the churches had burial places connected with them, and there was once a public burying ground near the present site of the Baltimore & Ohio depot. But the development of the town in every direction deprived this place of the quiet and seclusion which one always associates with a burial place for the dead; hence the purchase of this site, which has been enlarged and beautified as the years passed, until it is now an ideal spot. It contains the mortal remains of several of Ohio's most distinguished citizens, whose final resting places are rendered conspicuous by the erection of worthy monuments. The private citizen and the soldier are equally honored by the reverence and sacrifice of surviving friends, to the end that this sacred spot is rendered beautiful, in keeping with the sadly reverential purpose which made its existence a necessity. The site of Grand View cemetery has been briefly described in another chapter, hence a repetition is unnecessary. A board of directors for the management of the business affairs of the cemetery is elected from the lot holders, and these select the general superintendent, sexton and his assistants.
Green Lawn cemetery is designated as the Scioto township burial ground, and is located southeast of Chillicothe, and in plain sight from Grand View. It is a well-kept ground, under the management of a competent and efficient board of directors. This ground was laid out since the establishment of Grand View, though interments had been made on the site, as a private burial place, previous to its being thrown open to the public.
The business interests of Chillicothe are varied and extensive. The mercantile houses compare favorably in extent, variety, and quality of goods with any city of equal size in the State. The vol-
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ume of business is very large when the close proximity of rival towns is considered; but this is due to the fact that many of the small dealers in country towns purchase their supplies in whole or in part from Chillicothe merchants, and the further fact that country buyers prefer to select their purchases from an extensive stock in the city, rather than to patronize home dealers, with a limited showing of goods.
The mercantile houses of Chillicothe are generally backed with unlimited resources in comparison to their demands, and the element of losses from bad accounts is reduced to the minimum, by reason of the stable character of the buyers. Perhaps no city in the State, of equal size, has a smaller percentage of losses from bad debts. This is due, in part, to the fact that buyers are permanent residents, usually owning their own homes, though the element of honesty and business integrity among them is the dominant feature.
The early history of merchandising in Chillicothe is interesting, in that it covers the period of early settlement and development in every line of human endeavor, far beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant of today. Few can fully realize the fact, except through the continual "promptings" of history and the press, that for many years following the first settlement, all goods displayed for sale were brought across the Allegheny mountains on pack horses. These semi-annual trips of merchants to the eastern markets were fraught with great labor and peril. No one knew the moment when lurking savages, secreted along the bridle path, might attack the caravan, and murder the adventurous men who had thus defied them. Bands of lawless white men were often the cause of serious trouble, as robbers and murderers. The telegraph and telephone were then unknown, and many instances are on record where loved ones at home never knew of the fate which befell husband or father, except that he never returned. As time passed, the flat boat and keel boat of ancient days supplemented a part of the labors of the horse, adding little advantage to the laborious process, except to deprive him of some of its perils. With the opening of the canal, merchants felt that they were already near the suburbs of New York, yet if they were obliged to procure their goods through that slow process in this day, they would think the distance greater than the "mountain" route. Some of the men who endured the perils and labors of the early merchants are mentioned in this article, but it is not possible to procure the names of all.
One of the earliest merchants was Thomas James, who brought the first keel-boat-load of bar iron to Chillicothe, and afterward opened an iron furnace on Rocky Fork, as told elsewhere. John McLandburg and John Carlisle were among the first general merchants. In 1802 John Carlisle advertised that he kept superfine and coarse cloths, cassimeres, blankets, camels-hair shawls, India lute-string, books and stationery, queensware, cutlery, coffee, tea, sugar, liquors
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and mill saws, a sufficiently varied assortment. John McCoy, at the same time, briefly announced that he had "just received an extensive assortment of new goods, which he intends to sell low," while John Sherer stated that he had "a full quantity of the best Monongahela whiskey and a few barrels of flour." The better class of residents demanded something more than linsey-woolsey and homespun, so John McLandburg advertised "American calico, cut velvets, merino wools, cashmere scarves, silk velvet bonnets, ostrich plumes and silk plush." In 1801 there were two butchers in town and five doctors, three of whom were Drs. Scott, Crane and Buell. Adam Haller, baker, came to town in 1801. It was his wife who presented the town with the land on which the present city hall is located. George Renick had a general store from 1802 to 1807, and what was probably the first "corner" in the commercial history of Chillicothe was engineered by his wife, who, hearing of an approaching boatload of powder, when there was none in town, met the boat, bought the load and "cornered the market." In 1802 Alexander Hawthorn made nails, at the rate of twelve pence a pound for eight penny nails. In 1802 Thomas Sherrer sold wines, liquors, candles, cider, dried peaches and apples, and Samuel McPherrin made wool and fur hats. By 1803 Dr. Edmiston advertised drugs for sale and John Smith repaired watches.
By 1810 the list had grown to respectable dimensions, and the following are the ones who then followed commercial pursuits: General stores: W. R. Southward, John McDougal, Samuel Taggart, Barr & Keys, Ephraim Doolittle, James Ferguson, John McCoy, John Waddle, James McClintick, Thomas James, Marcus Highland, Samuel, Joseph and George Brown, David Kinkead, Isaac Evans, Nathaniel Gregg, William and James Irwin, John Carlisle, John McLandburg, Amaziah Davisson (who married a daughter of Senator Joseph Kerr). Others are William Robinson and Peter Spurk, silversmiths ; J. L. Tabb, James Robinson, cabinet-makers ; J. Beard, Scott, John Hunter, tailors ; Peter Day, blacksmith, who received $6.50 for "making handcuffs and putting them on John Cummins and William Friend;" John Martin, T. Cogan, S. McClure, Adam Haller, bakers ; Joseph Miller, Isaac Cook, nail-makers; John Sands, Samuel McPherrin, hatters ; James Foster, bookbinder; Samuel Ewing, saddler : J. Miller, Sam McCormick, Mahler, shoemakers; Amasa Delano, drugs ; Nathaniel Reeves, Turner, tanners. In 1820 there were two breweries in town, owned by J. W. Collett and B. Donahoo. Oliver & Buchanan "kept store" in 1803 and in 1802 J. Gibbons advertised as a "taylor."
It is impossible to give a full list of the various mercantile enter-prises which have flourished in Chillicothe; and the following list contains only a part of the more prominent firms:
Dry Goods: Reeves & Burbridge, Thomas Gregg, Barr & Camp-
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bell, Isaac Evans, T. & S. Swearingen, J. & S. Culbertson, Capt. William Carson, James McClintick, jr., J. H. Bennett, William H. Douglas, William Ross, J. & H. McLandburg, William Miller, Robert Stewart, Joseph Stewart, James P. Campbell, Wm. Y. Strong, H. S. Burnam, James Rowe & Co. ; Wilcox, Jennings & Reed, wholesale, succeeded by William H. Daly and Douglas and Shull; Smart & McFarland, Adams & Kercheval, James Douglas, Hutsenpillar & Co., Thomas Woodrow, jr., C. J. Miller, Wm. Carson, jr., A. & H. N. Carlisle, Wayland & Vanmeter, Clough & Hopewell, Irvin Barton, Lemle & Wolf, McNeil & Mytinger.
Porkpackers : John & George Wood, M. Bartlett, Wm. Taylor & Co., Cox & Eckert.
Wholesale Grocers: Orr & Atwood, Fullerton & Renick, D. Wesson, P. H. Dieter, William Poland, D. Smart & Co., M. Boggs. Retail: Peter Huffman, J. C. March, A. & S. Ives, Isaac Cory.
Drugs : Amasa Delano, Ira Delano, Amasa D. Sproat, R. H. Lansing, J. M. VanMeter, J. A. Nipgen, Walter H. Howson, Alston & Davis.
Books and Stationery : Cummins & Foster, Joseph Jones, Hiram Yeo, Clement Pine. Miesse & Chapman, Gould & Silvus.
Tinware, Stoves, &e.: William Jack, William Welch & Co., Henry Howson.
Miscellaneous: D. Adams & Co., of the "Clinton Mills," afterward Marfield & Luckett; William McKell, queensware ; Swift & McGinnis, hats; Gardner & Schutte, N. Purdum, hardware; E. P. Pratt, John J. Bangs, C. F. Dufeu, F. H. Hopkins, jewelers; William H. Skerrett, boots and shoes; Denning and Campbell, hardware; Miller, Patterson & Co., wholesale shoes; Henry Sulzbacher, D. Klein, Epstine & Hecht, clothiers ; Ewing and Pearson, John Peregrine, harness; S. C. Swift & Co., wholesale notions; Armstrong & Story, tanners: William H. Reed & Co., lumber.
The present business of the city is transacted by five banks, nine dry goods houses, ten drug stores, four wholesale groceries and fifty-three retail establishments. Some of these also handle meats, flour and feed and fuel. There is one wholesale hardware store, and six engaged in the retail trade. For the accommodation of the traveling public, there are eleven hotels, six boarding-houses and eight restaurants. There are fifty-one saloons.
The boot and shoe industry is an important factor in the business of the city, there being two manufacturing plants, two firms engaged in the wholesale trade, and nine retail stores. Connected with these, or operating independently in manufacturing and repairing, are seventeen shoemakers. Three firms are engaged in the manufacture of brooms. In lumber and building material, including four planing-mills, seven business plants cater to the wants of the public. Six plumbers present their bills at regular intervals. Of photographers
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there are four, and one dealer in pictures and frames. There is one pawnbroker, one piano and organ house ; one pottery ; one spoke manufactory; one transfer; one wholesale liquor dealer; two telephone companies; two dealers in sporting goods ; three veterinary surgeons ; four dealers in stoves and ranges ; three tinshops ; eight teamsters; three sewing machine agencies (located) ; two sign painters ; two dealers in second-hand goods ; four real estate offices ; five book and job printing establishments, exclusive of newspaper publisher; one organ manufacturer; seven house painters; one osteopathic doctor ; five dealers in notions; two machine shops ; one dealer in mantels and grates ; four firms engaged in marble and granite and monumental work ; six regular meat markets ; four men's furnishing establishments and seventeen merchant tailors. Four laundries supply the needs in their department, while six jewelers attend to the work of adornment. Castoff articles are gathered in by two junk dealers, and two justices of the peace adjust the differences. One lounge manufactory is seconded in its efforts to enhance the public comfort, by eight coal dealers, and two gas companies. There are two grain companies, ten gardeners, and eight furniture dealers, including two manufactories. There are thirteen blacksmiths, and two exclusive shoeing shops. The manufacture of wagons is carried on extensively by one firm, and to a limited extent by another. There are three dealers in agricultural implements, besides others who combine that with other lines of business. There are two book and stationery establishments. Nineteen barber shops, representing about fifty workmen, attend strictly to their business of scraping acquaintances. The city has but one architect who is a permanent resident. Bicycles are sold by three firms as exclusive dealers, while many others handle supplies and attend to repairing. There are two breweries in the city, both of which have existed for many years. There is a building and loan association, and a business college ; also an extensive brick manufacturing plant in the suburbs.
Four firms give attention to the manufacture and sale of carriages. Four firms of undertakers are found in the city; there is one wholesale confectionery establishment and eleven retail dealers. Of contractors, in the various lines of mechanical work, there are nineteen. There is one cooper and one desk manufacturer.
The social spirit of Chillicothe is revealed in the following list of secret and benevolent societies : Masonic : Scioto Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M.; Chillicothe Chapter No. 4, R. A. M.; Chillicothe Commandery No. 8, Knights Templar; Ionic Lodge No. 6, F. & A. M. (colored) ; St Elizabeth Chapter O. E. S. (colored) ; Lansing Chapter No. 11, R. A. M. (colored) ; Persian Commandery No. 11, K. T. (colored). Independent Order of Odd Fellows: Chillicothe Lodge No. 24; Tecumseh Lodge No. 80, Valley Encampment No. 21 and
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Daughter of Rebecca organization, auxiliary to these. The colored people also have a Lodge of Odd Fellows. Lodge No. 52, B. P. O. E. is of comparatively recent organization. The Grand Army of the Republic have two organizations, viz.: A. L. Brown Post No. 162, and W. L. Wright Post No. 588. Auxiliary to these are Woman's Relief Corps No. 83, and W. L. Wright Relief Comps No. 204. The Sons of Veterans have an organization known as A. L. Brown Camp No. 7. There are Lodges of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Ancient Order of United Workmen, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Knights of St. George, Improved Order of Red Men and Degree of Pocahontas, Woman's Auxiliary Red Men, Knights of the Ancient Essenic Order, Knights and Ladies of Honor, Knights of Pythias (Soreno Lodge No. 28), Loyal Legion of Labor, Mechanics and Laborers Beneficial Association, Modern Woodmen of America (Camp No. 4111), Independent Order of Foresters, Protected Home Circle No. 148, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, Order of Railway Conductors, Royal Arcanum. Of the purely social religious or political organizations may be mentioned the Buckeye Club, Columbus Club, Century Club, East End Pastime Club, The Girls' Friendly connected with St. Paul's church ; St. Catherine's Guild, and Woman's Auxiliary connected with St. Paul's, St. Ignatius Benevolent Society in connection with St. Peter's School, and the Sunset Club. It would be interesting to trace the history of these various organizations, particularly the more important ones, but lack of space forbids the attempt.
Three musical societies exist for public entertainment and the local advancement of their art. These are designated as the Euterpean Club, the Eintracht Singing Society and St. Peter's Singing Society, the latter in connection with the church and school which it represents. The two first named are prominent features in society, and sources of much pleasure and entertainment.