471 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY

TIFFIN CITY.

Tiffin is situate on Sections 18, 19, 20, 29 and 30, Town 2 north, Range 15 east, Clinton Township and Section 24, Hopewell Township, in latitude north 41° 7' and longitude west from Washington 6° 8'. The Sandusky River flows through the city in a general northeastern course, coursing almost due east ftom Washington Street bridge to the railroad bridges, and dividing the city at this point into the North and South sides. Washington Street, running north and south, divides the city into the East and West sides. Rock Creek flows northwest in a tortuous course through the northeastern parts of the city, and enters the river east of Washington Street bride. The white population

472 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

in 1817 was 3; in 1822, 30; in 1830, 600; increased to 7,879 in 1880, and to about 10, 000 in 1885.

The distinctive features of the city are its magnificent location, looking over the Sandusky, its natural terraces, variety of landscape and wildwood drives, all retained, by some magic power, amid the ruin of old time forests, and change in everything.

Here, at the beginning of the second decade of this century, the troops of 1812 encamped and revelled in the natural beauty of the place, and here a 'few years later the first white settler built his home and dedicated the locality to civilization for all time. A few years more and the pioneer of progress came, crossed the river, and, adopting the name of the first governor of Ohio for a town, bestowed it upon a tract of wildwood where Tiffin now stands. Another year, and there stood the twin settlements, lovely and romantic, quiet and unpretentious. There the pioneer settlers or travelers passed their happy leisure hours, listening to the murmurs of the rippling waters of the creek, the roar of the river, or watched the mist as it curtained the groves and cabins. Ah! then it claimed but plain imagination to picture the happiness of the warriors and beauties of the ancient tribes, when they looked upon their villages, and found plenty in the woods and in the rivers. A little thought, too, encircled the place with a romance, all its own, when the white man brought forth in fancy what his predecessors had lost, and what he had won. Then, for a time, admiration gave place to awe, and over the scene spread a gloom, born of conscience and natural superstition, which prompted the question: Oh, God! how long shall we enjoy the home of the red men? In after years, amid the din and toil of progress, the thought was forgotten, and the mind once more returned to revel in the beauty and magnificence of the place, to enjoy what the Caucasian had built up on the ruin of the Indian.

It was not until the land was opened up for entry, or purchased, that immigration became active, or the country began to fill up. Then the necessity of established villages became obvious. Notwithstanding the advantages of locality and accessibility, the cast bank of the river was not thought of as the site of a city for almost four years after the first settlers came in, and for two years after the first village was platted on the west bank of the Sandusky at this point. Josiah Hodges first realized the importance of the spot, and decided to establish himself east of what even then was considered the frontier-the Sandusky River. Others carne, and all decided to carve for themselves a home in the beautiful wilderness, and fashion out a city among the trees, that should one day be regarded as the goal to which enterprising men would direct their footsteps, where scholars would find a home, and religion 10,000 followers.

Those pioneers. of Fort Ball and Tiffin built well indeed. Almost all their day-dreams have been realized, and a city has sprung up out of the ancient groves, extending from plateau to plateau on each side of the old, ever running, boisterous river. Here we find the inventive, enterprising, fearless Yankee, the Pennsylvanian, a man of iron nerves; the children of Vermont and New Hampshire, delving low for some new rock; the Marylander, a son of that land, "the only place in the wide, wide world where religious - toleration found a home;" the shrewd Irishman, whose faults almost counter-balance his virtues; the ruddy, fair-haired German, always singing of his "faderland," yet working onward steadily to attain a competence and hold it; the Englishman, ever English and transatlantic; the " cannie " Scot, jealously watchful of his interests; the chivalrous Pole, the polite Frenchman, the money making Jew, and even the Chinaman, all find a home here.

Fort Ball or the Second Ward. -The settlers in that part of Tiffin west and

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north of the river, in 1847, were Erastus Bowe and Paul D. Butler, both of whom came to Fort Ball that year from Delaware Township, Delaware Co., Ohio, where the former, a Vermonter, settled in 1809, and the latter, from Massachusetts, in 1808. The following facts relating to the settlement of Fort Ball are taken from a bill filed, in 1824, in the court of chancery by Lawyers Pettibone and Parish in the interest of Thomas Butler vs. Josiah Hedges and Jesse Spencer. September 29, 1817, the treaty of the foot of the Rapids was made with the Wyandots and other tribes. Among its provisions was one reserving to Robert Armstrong 640 acres fronting on the river north and south of Camp Ball 160 poles and 164 poles respectively. September 30 of that year Armstrong agreed to sell Paul D. Butler one-half of his section on condition that the latter would lay a part off in town lots, build a saw-mill the following summer, and a year later build a small grist-mill. Armstrong was to receive half the profits of Butler's enterprise. In November, 1818, this agreement was amended in the presence of Erastus Bowe and Ira Carpenter. August 30, 1820, Armstrong deeded to Butler 320 acres in consideration of improvements and of $1 in cash. September 8, 1820, Armstrong deeded to him the river front for some distance above and below the present Soldier, Monument, Joseph Tiernan and Leonard H. Cowles witnessing the document, and Solomon Smith, a justice, acknowledging the same. August 24, 1821, Armstrong and Butler entered into an agreement for the division of profit, arising from sales of lots in the town of Oakley, the northern part to belong; to Armstrong and the southern to Butler, and the division to be governed by the plan of the town as laid out by Joseph Vance. May 29, 1822, Butler conveyed to Armstrong almost all his interests in Fort Ball or Oakley in the presence of Solomon Smith, Joseph S. Hughes and Leonard H. Cowles; but of this day also Armstrong deeded back a large part of Oakley to Butler, in the presence of Horton Howard and .the three witnesses just named, in consideration of a payment of $1,000. October 24, 1822, Paul D. Butler and his wife, Sally, conveyed to Thomas Butler a large part of this estate. In December, 1822, Paul D. Butler died. From 1818 to the period of his death he, with Armstrong, was in possession of the reservation; he cleared 100 acres at his own expense, had the town of Oakley surveyed and platted, and built mills and houses. Jesse Spencer was a nephew of Robert Armstrong, and resided with his uncle for some time; he was Armstrong's agent, and with his uncle willingly aided Butler in his efforts to have the Presidential sanction for the conveyance of part of the reservation to Butler until the deed of conveyance was actually before the President, when Spencer went to Washington and remonstrated against its approval. This was followed by the deed from Armstrong to Spencer, dated October 9, 1823, and Armstrong, ignorant as he was, visited Washington and urged its approval. At this time also the patent of July, 1820, was found to be erroneous, having been based on the treaty of St. Mary's instead of that made at the foot of the Rapids. Subsequently, Armstrong, his wife and Spencer came to Fort Ball for the purpose of dealing fairly with Thomas Butler; but on the advice of Spencer the original owner broke off all negotiations. In 1825, however, Spencer and Armstrong sold to Josiah Hedges a short time before the death of Armstrong in that year. The bill was dismissed, and the bona fide intentions and acts of Paul D. Butler and his son set at naught by this court on a legal technicality, notwithstanding the apparent fact that Butler made the first improvement, and was faithful to his contract with Armstrong.

Fort Ball, as platted originally, comprised Adams, Miami and Clay Streets, running east and west, and Madison, Sandusky, and Monroe Streets running

476 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

north and south on lands patented to Robert Armstrong, October 13, 1823, by President James Monroe, wost of the Sandusky River. October 23, 1823, Armstrong transferred to Jesse Spencer (with the approval of the President), for $3,000, 404 acres of the Armstrong Reservation--an act sustained by the law in the case; but one which merited, for Armstrong and Spencer, the retribution which waited on them. The first plat or survey in the county was undoubtedly made by Paul D. Butler, for himself and Armstrong, in 1817 or 1818, so that Spencer, or Vance, or Hedges, cannot claim the honors of the first town survey in the county. This was followed, in 1819, by the survey of West Oakley or V Vance's Town by Joseph Vance, then Tiffin was surveyed by Gen. James Hedges, for his brother Josiah, and Oakley replatted under the name of Fort Ball.

The first post-office in Seneca County was established at Oakley or Vance's Town, in February, 1820, with David Risdon, postmaster. The mail was carried at that time between Columbus and Lower Sandusky, through Oakley.

The McCulloch or McCullok section was another grant, the history of which is given in Chapter II. Among the heirs of William McCulloch were: Noah Z., Tabitha, Elliott, Samuel, Sidney,and Zane McCulloch, Joseph L. Tracey and Zilla Tracy. In August, 1824, Josiah Hedges filed a petition for partition of their lands at Fort Ball, and in September of that year, the court granted the petition and appointed James Gordon, Franklin Baker and Thomas Boyd, to make such partition. These men laid out the tract in seven parts. Noah McCulloch and wife sold Lots Nos. 2 and 3, to Levi Davis of Frederick County, Md.: Zane McCulloch sold Lot 5, to Andrew Luzenbeel; Lot No. 7, was sold by Sidney McCulloch to Josiah Hedges and Rollin Moller. In 1832 Samuel and Elliott McCulloch were infants, and their lots still intact. The marking of the lots, by Gordon, Baker and Boyd, was carried out so indifferently from the field book, that Hedges made an effort, in 1832, to have the marks changed; but the court did not comply with his demand at that time, nor until 1837 wore measures taken to make the marks correspond with the field book.

Now Fort Ball extending from the river to the alley in rear of Madison Street, included all the in-lots in the northern addition to Tiffin, and all on what was known as Fort Ball was surveyed by James Durbin, in November, 1837, on the east part of the tract of land reserved to Robert Armstrong, for Josiah Hedges.

Original Survey of Tiffin, and Additions.--Town of Tiffin, fractional Section 19, Town 2 north, Range 15 east, containing 118 lots 60x180 feet each, streets sixty-six feet wide and alleys sixteen and a half feet wide, with public grounds equal to three lots at the corner of Market and Washington Streets, extending to Rose Alley (later Virgin Alloy), now Court Alley or Court Street, was platted November 28, 1821, for Josiah Hedges by his brother, Gen. James Hedges. The northern addition was made May 27, 1831., and the southern. addition May 27, 1831, by Josiah Hedges. At this time the Catholic Church lot was on East Market Street, adjoining the old cemetery. Norris & Gist's addition, lots one to twelve, fronting on Jefferson Street, was recorded June 15, 1832, by Eli Norris and George W. Gist. Keller & Gist's was made January 29, 1834, for Levi Keller and George W. Gist, on out-lots No. 2 and No. 5, known as Lots 3 to 12 Jefferson Street, in southern addition.

Rawson's addition was made by David Risdon for Abel Rawson, May 30, 1833. Sneath & Graff's out-lot No. 3 and part of out-lot No.4, known as Lots 1 to 10 on Jefferson Street, in southern addition, was made January 29, 1834. Jennings', a fractional part of out-lot No. 3, and a fraction south of that lot

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extending to the Mansfield road, was surveyed by D. Risdon, November 13, 1834, for Milton Jennings. George W. Gist's plat of lots on the east half of southeast quarter of Section 20, Township 2 north, Range 15 east, Nos. 1 to 10, was made in 1835.

Reuben W Williams' addition, in-lots Nos. 1 to 12 and fractional in-lots 13 to 18, on Monroe Street, was platted in April, 1835. Samuel Waggoner's southwest additon on Monroe, south of Charlotte Street, was recorded in January, 1836. Sheldon's was surveyed September 11, 1838, by James Durbin for H. O. Sheldon. Jacob Ronk's addition to New Fort Ball was surveyed by G. H. Homing in November, 1849. Josiah Hedges' second addition was surveyed June 4, 1851, by G. H. Homing, extending south of Sandusky River and east of Rock Run to the college grounds. A part of this addition, situate in the Second Ward, comprised twenty-one in-lots No. 620 to 640, with the extension of certain streets. Hedges' addition of out-lots 1 to 6, Second Ward, was surveyed April 2, 1849, by G. H. Heming. Davis' addition including parts of Lots 2 and 3 of McCulloch's section in Township 2, Range 15 east, was surveyed in May, 1854, by Hiram McClelland. Springdale was surveyed by G. H. Homing in May, 1854, for William H. Gibson. This well-located addition is on the west half of the southeast quarter and north part of southwest quarter of fractional Section 30 Township 2, Range 15. Hedges' quarry lots, embracing five and one-half acres of the east part of Lot No. 7, McCulloch's section, were surveyed by Hiram McClelland, May 6, 1854, for Josiah Hedges. Denzler's was platted in October, 1855, by N. R. Kuntz, between Portland and Scipio Streets.

Josiah Hedges' second southern addition to the First Ward was surveyed in June, 1855. This addition was located south of the Catholic Church, east and west of Washington Street. Albrecht's was surveyed by Lewis E. Holtz, deputy-surveyor, in March, 1856. The town of New Oakley, south of Tiffin, in Sections 29, 30, 31, and 32, was surveyed in June, 1856, by G. H. Homing, for D. Cunningham, guardian of John Zimmerman. George E. Seney's addition, north of Portland Street, was surveyed by Lewis E. Holtz, November 28, 1856. The western addition was surveyed by G. H. Homing, for H. M. Avery, T. R. Butler, J. R. Cecil and Josiah Hedges, July 13, 1857.

The boundaries of Sheldon's were agreed to April 7, 1858, by the proprietors, R. and F. M. Crum, Patrick H. and Mary M. Ryan. John and Eliza Walker and John Bougher. Jacob Heilman's subdivision of south part of Lot 4, together with thirty-two and three-fourth links wide south of said lot, was surveyed January 14, 1858. Hedges' Lots Nos. 1 and 2, in B. D., were subdivided in July, 1862, for Josiah Hedges. Noble's addition was surveyed in March, 1863, by G. H. Heming, for Harrison and Minerva Noble. This is situate in the northeast part of the Armstrong Reservation.

M. P. Skinner's lands, known as in-lots 443, 444, 445, 446 and 447, fronting on High Street, were added to the town March 5, 1864. Graham & Emich's subdivision of Levi Davis' addition, in McCulloch's township, angle of Plumb Road and Davis Street, Tiffin, was platted in March, 1864. Franklin's subdivision to Oakley was surveyed June 14, 1864, for Caroline M. Franklin and Freeman E. Franklin. Franklin's addition to Oakley was surveyed by Hiram McClelland, January 16, 1860, for Caroline M. and Freeman E. Franklin. Frost's addition was surveyed February 15. 1870, by Denis Maley, for Josiah B. and Meshach Frost. Noble's second addition to the Second Ward was surveyed by Homing, in November, 1866, for Harrison and Minerva Noble.

Jacob Scheiber's, in-lot 8, Block 2 (hedges' lands), was surveyed in May,

478 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

1867. Rebecca A. Walker's, on part of Blocks Q, R and S (Hedges' lands), was surveyed August 15, 1867, by Homing. Her addition to the Second Ward in Block Y (Hedges' land), was surveyed September 7, 1867. Gross' addition, between Coo and Melmore Streets, in Block O (Hedges' lands), was surveyed by Homing in August, 1867, for John G. and Eliza H. Gross. Tomb's addition, on the east part of Lots 5, 6 and 7, McCulloch Reservation, was surveyed in August, 1867. A second addition from Sandusky east to river and south from Dallas to Douglass Street, was made on P. H. Ryan's survey in April, 1871. Schonhart's, fronting on the Mansfield road, was surveyed in March, 1867. Hunter's was surveyed in April, 1867, for William and Clarinda Hunter. Toll's subdivision, extending from Franklin Street to the Sandusky River, was surveyed May 18, 1868, for W. and Sarah A. Toll, John Heilman's, on Main and Walker Streets, was surveyed October 30, 1868. D. J. Goodsell' s was surveyed in March, 1868. G. F. Hertzer's subdivision, between Schonhart's and Heilman's additions, was surveyed March 15, 1871. Francois C. Noirot's, out-lot northwest of east half of northwest quarter of Section 28, was surveyed by D. Maley in January, 1869. Jacob F. Bunn's subdivision of the west part of out-lot No. 2 B. S., on the Greenfield road, was surveyed in September, 1870, by Dennis Maloy. G. D. Loomis made an addition to the city in April, 1870. Clarinda Hunter's allotment, east of Sandusky Street and south of the old corporation line, was surveyed by P. H. Ryan in February, 1871. The addition of the Levi Davis estate to Tiffin was made by W. P. Noble, administrator, in May, 1871. Stoner's, east of Fremont to Henry and south of Douglass to Davis was surveyed by P. H. Ryan in 1871. Lucinda Allen's, north of Ella Street, east of the river, was surveyed in March, 1872. Mechanicsburg, extending from Front Street to Washington, Sycamore and Union Streets, was surveyed by P. H. Ryan in November, 1872, for R. W. Shawhan, A. G. Sneath and Meshach Frost. C. K. Gilmore's subdivision of out-lot No. 10, Block X (Josiah Hedges' lands), was surveyed by J. L. Fisher in July, 1872. John T. and Eliza Bacher's subdivision of Lot 1, Block Z (Josiah Hedges' lands), was surveyed by E. C. Cook in September, 1873. J. T. Huss', extending from the river to Henry Street, between Tomb and Douglass Streets, was surveyed in 1873. Souder's subdivision of out-lots 9, 10, 11, in Davis' addition to Tiffin, was surveyed by J. L. Fisher in April, 1873. J. F. Bunn's second addition was surveyed by P. H. Ryan in May, 1873. This is bounded by Douglass, Bunn, Davis and Henry Streets. Gray's was surveyed in April, 1873, by E. C. Cook, Jr., for R. Gray, P. J. Wilson and E. W. Stephenson. Lewis McCollum & Snyders' subdivision, opposite the County Fair grounds, was surveyed in April, 1873, by John L. Fisher. Luther A. Hall's addition was made in December, 1873.

The additions made to the city since the close of 1873 are named a's follows, with the date of survey:

W. O. and H. A. Spayth's, June, 1874; N. G. Hayward's, July, 1874; H. W. Huber's, June, 1874; Levi Weirick's, November, 1874; J. K. Huddle's, July, 1874; John A. Remele's, July, 1874; L. L. Chandler's, August, 1874; W. H. Gibson's, March, 1874; J. Gwynn's, May, 1874; R. W. Shawhan's, April, 1875; George Fishbaugh & Co's., January, 1875; John G. Gross, May, 1875; Nicholas Bartell's, April, 1875; Lewis Schubert's, November, 1875; Kaull & Glenn's, April, 1875; John Houck's. September, 1875; John Myers', October, 1875; John Bour's, December, 1875; Philip Wentz's, September, 1875; John Fishbaugh's, May, 1876; W. C. Hedges', June, 1876; John Zeigler's, October, 1875; Jacob Heilman's, July, 1876; Susan Smith's, December, 1876; Harter & Slowman's, March, 1876; Maria P. Kuhn's, March, 1877; Charles J. M.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 479

and Honora Sullivan's, May, 1877; H. & M. Noble's, May, 1877; A. C. Baldwin's, May, 1878.

The annexation of a large tract west and north of the old corporation line of Tiffin was effected by order of the county commissioners, made March 6, 1877, in response to a petition from the residents. B. F. Myers', May, 1880; A. Bihm's, May, 1880; George W. Fiege's, June, 1880; Florence Croniso's, 1880; William Negele's, June, 1880; tracts between Scipio Street and Block 30, school lot in First Ward, Rock Creek Mill property, Fleming tannery lot, April, 1880; tract on River Street, Lot 247, east half of the northeast fractional quarter of Section 19, lots on Market at mill race, in May, 1880; Christian Mueller's and Mrs. Hunter's, in July, 1880; Fair grounds and adjacent property in May, 1880.

In April, May and June, 1880, a large area, scattered throughout the city, was platted for the purposes of taxation. The petition to annex several parcels of land west and north of Tiffin to the city, was granted by the commissioners February 27, 1882.

In July, 1883, J. W. Sheely's subdivision of Lot 10, K. & G. addition, was surveyed; in June of that year, Myers, Stalter and Bunn's addition was laid out, and in October, Sarah V. Armstrong's addition. In February, 1884, Quinn's replat of Riordon's subdivision was made, and H. Brohl's subdivision of the Davis addition was made in June of that year. The work of extension is still carried on, with greater prospects in the distance.

Incidents of First Settlement.-The first tavern in the county was opened in 1817, by the first settler, Erastus Bowe, immediately below Fort Ball, at the north end of Washington Street bridge. In 1819 his was the nearest house to the Welch Brothers' settlement at the Mohawk Village, in Eden, and to the white settlements at old Fort Seneca, made in the fall of that year; if we except Spicer's cabin and other homes of the white captives, who, in the general his tory are classed with, and treated as Indians. In 1818 the members of Erastus Bowes family and Hannah Jackson arrived, also Paul D. Butler's family. Almon Rollins, who was convicted of the robbery of Spicer, and served some years in the penetentiary, was an employe of Butler. William Rollins came in 1818. Abner Pike came in 1819. Eli Downing also lived here, prior to his settlement near the Baker Mill; the constable Papinean, Henry Cressy, Levi Creesy, the blacksmith John Searles and family, and a few transients, on whom Butler conferred the name of "lazy duffers," resided within Foil, Ball, even in 1820, and Josiah Hedges visited the post that year. Then came David Risdon, the old surveyor, to Fort Ball; Simon B. Howard, from Delaware County; John Mimm, Armsirong Drennon, Charles Wetz or Wertz, from Richland County; Henry Welch, a brother of Hugh Welch, from Eden Township, Seneca County; James Spink, from Wooster; Gen. James Hedges, from Mansfield; Josiah Hedges, Charles Kelly, Henry Miller, David Fowler and others, a few of whom made only temporary settlements. When the commissioners selected the "town in the bush" on the east side of the river, as the seat of justice; there were only six cabins, in one of which the whole Drennon family died, almost together. The first tree was cut on the site. of the town in March, 1821. James Spink, of Wooster, opened a store at Tiffin in March, 1822, the same which was plundered the following winter. Herford, Miner and Spink located the seat of justice at Tiffin, March 25, 1822, when there were only six cabins there. Dr. Eli Dresbach and Dr. R. C. J. Carey, who settled at Fort Ball in 1823, were among the first resident phy sicians of the county, but not the first who practiced here. Rudolphus Die]c enson, who located at Fort Ball in 1824, was the first attorney. Abel Rawson

480 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

came in February, 1826, although John J. Spink, of Wooster, Ohio, was here in 1821. The first jail was completed March 4, 1826. In April 1828, the United States land office of the Delaware District was located at Tiffin. Jacob Plane was appointed first postmaster at Tiffin in the spring of 1829. The first newspaper, the Seneca Patriot, was issued from the press by E. & J. H. Brown, August 4, 1832. The press used was brought to Pennsylvania in the last decade of the last century, and is said to have been the first wost of the Alleghenies.

Preparatory to leaving for the West, the Senecas assembled at Fort Ball in the summer of 1830, and camped there for twenty days while settling their chattels and debts. The first brick yards were established in 1830-31. St. Mary's brick church building was begun in 1831. John Goodin's hotel, a brick house which stood on the site of the National Hall block, was begun late that fall, or early in the spring of 1832. Dr. Kuhn's residence and Abel Rawson's diminutive law office were built. There were in fact only three brick buildings completed in the city up to the close of 1833, and perhaps ten times that number of frame buildings, most of them very small and a large number of log-houses.

The first bridge constructed in Seneca County was that over the Sandusky, at the foot of Washington Street, in 1833-34, built by Reuben Williams for Josiah Hedges. In 1834 .a second bridge was built lower down and also one across Rock Creek, which were all carried away during the high water of that year. The Hedges' toll bridge was erected in 1834. The first railroad, the Mad River & Lake Erie, was surveyed in 1832 by Stansbury, Morris and Van Antwerp; work begun September 7, 1835, was finished as far as Republic, in 1839, and as far as Tiffin in 1841.It was completed in 1847-48 (vide Chapter XI).

The 4th of July was celebrated with eclat at Tiffin, with Henry C. Brish, marshal, in 1832. The cholera made its first appearance in Seneca County August 19, 1834, when Mrs. John Hubble, of Monroe Street, died. A son of Mrs. Dalrymple was the last to die from this visitation in 1834. The disease attacked both native and foreign residents. Fifteen years later, in 1849, this plague again visited the county; again in 1852, and afterward in 1854. The first court house was completed in 1836; twelve years prior to this date court was held in the Hedges' building.

The first bank in the county was on West Perry Street, where George Adams' house now is. It was opened November 13, 1847, with Benjamin Tomb, president, and R. G. Pennington, cashier. William E. Chittenden was elected cashier the same year, and in February, 1848, Abel Rawson was elected president.

James W. Hill rented the Tiffin Bridge from Josiah Hedges March 30, 1836. The Tiffin Free Bridge was opened in February, 1837. It cost $2,200. When Van Nest's carriage factory was burned in 1854, this bridge was also destroyed by fire. The cars of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad crossed the new bridge to the grain warehouses of Reid, Greene & Co. and R. W. Shawhan, of Tiffin, and W. N. Montgomery, of Fort Ball, in October, 1841. A military company, known as the "Osceolas," was organized at Tiffin in 1844, with William Lang, captain. This company had a neat green uniform. It is said that John Forman was afterward captain of this company.

A large meeting, held February 18, 1847, nominated Josiah Hedges, F. Singer, U. P. Coonrad, O. Cowdery, F. Bernard, F. W. Green, A. Rawson, Dr. H. Kuhn, R. W . Shawhan, R. G. Pennington, Henry Cronise, Eden Lease, J. G. Breslin, A. C. Baldwin and Dr. McFarland, a committee to present a memorial to the county commissioners for the erection of a substantial bridge at the foot of Washington Street.

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June 18, 1847, a hurricane swept over Tiffin. Commercial Row suffered much damage; Baldwin's Building had a chimney blown down and a portion of the roof crushed in. The business men in the row were A. C. Baldwin & Pride, dry goods; Robert Crum's general store, and others.

A fire at Tiffin in September, 1850, destroyed property valued at $2,600, including six horses. Sands & Co. (circus men) lost horses and harness; C. Y. Pearson lost his stable; Josiah Hedges lost stable and small buildings and had his dwelling damaged, and Joshua Seney had his house damaged. Sands & Co.'s circus. men and the audience abandoned the performance to aid the firemen underChief Engineer W. H. Gibson and R. R. Scott, secretary of Engine Company No. 1. After the fire was put out, the performance continued on until Sunday morning.

The fire of 1854 swept away Van Nest's carriage factory and the Market Street Bridge.

The fire of April 13, 18 72, was first discovered in Mrs. Abel Rawson's house on Miami Street and Milton McNeal's house on Sandusky Street; next, four barns north of Ogle's store; then LeBaron's stave factory, Singer's residence Fishbaugh's pump factory, Sneath's warehouse, Kamp's planing-mill, Bartell's saloon and Benner's house. The total loss was estimated at $95,000. The value and location of property destroyed is given in the following list: McNeal's merchandise, $2,000; Mrs. Rawson's buildings, $3,500; A. & F. Ogle's buildings, $9,000; T. Collin's merchandise, $1,900; D. C. Baughman's brick and frame buildings, $2,000; A. Meehan's building, $2,000--all on Sandusky Street. A. & F. Ogle's, $3,000; A. McNeal's, $3,000, and Mrs. Glick's buildings, $500-all on Miami Street. D. Arndt, $4,000; D. Bartell, $4,000; George Benner, $1,000; John Knott, $600; W. Shugan, $1,500, and P. Hartner, $200-all on south side of Adams Street. Jacob Kuhn, $1,000, B. Troxoll, $1,800; railroad company's buildings and whisky, $2,500--all on North Adams Street. Mrs. Bresnin's house, $800; M. Kuhn, $2,500; B. Quinn, $600; LeBaron, $15,000; T. T. & E. Railroad Company's ties burned, $500-all on Franklin Street. E. Olmstead, $2,500; F. J. Wagner, $3, 000; H. L. Kendall, $3, 500; A. Brandebury, $3,000; Samuel Shade, $1,000; Fred Singer, $3,200--all on Washington Street. George Fishbaugb, $1,500; Paul Miller, $1,500, and L. Bang, $1,000-on Minerva Street.

To the fire department may be credited the escape of all this portion of the city from destruction. The Sandusky Engine Company arrived on the scene, but after one-half hour's work, an accident to their engine rendered their work ineffective.

Post-masters.-David. Risdon, the first postmaster at Fort Ball, was also the pioneer postmaster of the county. This was the office for Tiffin up to the spring of 1829, when Jacob Plane was appointed postmaster at Tiffin. Henry Cronise, who settled at Tiffin in 1826, was postmaster up to November, 1839, when he was succeeded by George Knupp. Joseph Walker, one of the pioneer merchants of the settlement, was appointed successor to George Knupp, and in October, 1841, removed the office to his house, about where the Empire Block now stands. H. G. W. Cronise was appointed postmaster in December, 1847, and served until May, 1849, when Dr. James Fisher took charge of the office. In July, 1854, George L. Knupp was commissioned postmaster, and served until 1857, when W. W. Armstrong took charge. In April, 1861, Postmaster Armstrong banded the keys of the office to H. L. McKee, appointed by the Lincoln administration--the first Republican postmaster here. Since the appointment of the present postmaster, Locke, the office has grown to be one of the most important in the State.

482 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Municipal History.-The act passed March 7, 1835, incorporated the town of Tiffn. This was amended in 1836-37.

An election of officers for the town of Tiffin .took place June 29, 1836, at Eli Norris' tavern, when Dr. Kuhn was elected Mayor. The meeting was called by George W. Gist, N. Goetschius, M. M. Mason, George Park, Charles Lewis, John Baugher, M. D. Cadwallader, Joel Stone, J. W. Miller and David Beck. In May, 1837, two tickets were placed before the citizens of Tiffn, viz.:

WHIG. DEMOCRAT. .

Mayor-Richard Sneath. Mayor-Henry Cronise.

Recorder-John J. Steiner. Recorder-Calvin Bradley

Council-John Walker, J. Goodin, Council-W. D. Searles, J. Goodin,

J. Baugher, James Fisher H. Zimmerman, J. Baugher

and Thomas Lloyd. and .John Pittinger.

The election, which took place May 6, 1837, resulted in the choice of the following officers: Mayor, Dr. Henry Kuhn; recorder, Calvin Bradley; council, Thomas Lloyd, John Baugher, John Goodin, John Pittinger and John Walker.

In 1838-39 Jefferson Freese was recorder, and Gabriel J. Keen mayor of Tiffin. John Goodin, Thomas Lloyd and Henry Zimmerman formed the council.

In 1842 an act amendatory of the act of 1839 amending the original act of 1835 incorporating the town of Tiffin was passed. The Gazette in criticizing the act, stated that a government of the town under the act of 1842 is preferable to the poor government provided for in former acts. A mayor, recorder and five trustees were to be elected annually. The first election under the amended act took place March 29, 1842, when Henry Ebbert was elected mayor; Jesse Stem, recorder; W. D. Searles, George Rummell, U. R. Flenner, Henry Gross and Jacob Fleming trustees.

An election held at Tiffn in March, 1843, resulted in the choice of Henry Ebbert for mayor; Jesse Stem, recorder; Henry Gross, Levi Keller, Fred Singer, W. D. Searles and Jacob Boyer, councilmen.

The Tiffin election took place March 29, 1844. The contestants for offce and vote are given as follows: Mayor--Gabriel J. Keen (D.), 98; Henry Ebbert (W.), 94. Recorder Warren P. Noble (D.), 98; Jesse Stem (W.), 92. Councilmen-Chris. Snyder, Joshua Seney, Samuel Nolan, Jacob Boyer and Fred. Singer, all Democrats, received from 97 to 101 votes; Charles F. Dresbach Jacob Huss, Francis Rife, W. J. Lewis and George Black, all Whigs, received from 88 to 97 votes, Dresbach (W.) being a tie with Snyder (D).

Tiffin election of April, 1845, resulted in the choice of Charles F. Dresbach for mayor, who received 103 votes against ninety-three received by Joshua Seney. Warren P. Noble, 101 votes, recorder; William Campbell, 100; W. D. Searles, 100; F. Rife, 97, and Chris Snyder, 97, a tie vote; and S. Nolan and F. Singer, 96, a tie vote; and, Joseph Gibson, 99 votes.

Tiffin election, 1846, resulted in the choice of Benjamin Pittinger for mayor, W. H. Gibson, recorder; Rolla Johnson, A. C. Baldwin, Jacob Fleming, Jesse Stem and Wilson J. Lewis, councilmen.

The Tiffn elections of March, 1847, resulted in the choice of David E. Owen, mayor; James P. Pillars, recorder; Jesse Stem, W. H. Keilholtz, Andrew Albrecht, Joseph Gibson and Charles F. Dresbach, councilmen.

In March, 1848, John W. Patterson was elected mayor; William Lang, recorder; H. Groff, Andrew Denzer, John Myers, Gabriel J. Keen and Daniel Dildine, Jr., councilmen.

The March election of 1849, for town offcers of Tiffn, resulted as follows:

PAGE 483 - PICTURE OF T. G. VALENTINE

PAGE 484 - BLANK

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 485

Mayor, W. D. Searles; recorder, William Lang; councilmen, Daniel Cunningham, W. H. Gibson, Andrew Denzer, Henry W. Owen and W. H. Keilholtz. There is a second record in existence, which points out very different results for this election.

Under the act of March, 1850, the towns of Tiffin and New Fort Ball were reorganized under one government, and an election ordered to be held April 20, 1850, with Messrs. Pittinger, Keilholtz, Groff, Flaugher, mayor of Fort Ball, Amon Riggs, and Jacob Boyer, judges of election.

The town of New Fort Ball was incorporated under the act of March 19, 1849. The first election was held March 30, 1849, when George C. Small was elected mayor; James P. Pillars, recorder; Christian Yost, L. A. Hall, Jacob Boyer, W. P. Noble and Samuel Mitchell, trustees. Under the act of 1850, the two corporations were consolidated, and the first meeting held April 29, 1850; William Lang received 220 votes for mayor, while George L. Wharton received only 103. The votes for treaurer were: Robert Crum, 225; George Knupp, 74; and W. H. Gibson, 20; for marshal, Samuel H. Kissinger, 132; John Myers, 88; John Knott, 59; and Daniel Creeger, 41. The council elected the clerk W. M. Johnson over Robert C. Scott, the vote standing 4 to 3. The councilmen elected were W. H. Gibson, W. H. Keilholtz' Jacob Flaugher, Jr. and William Johnson, councilmen.

The mayors of the city since 1851 are named as follows: William Lang, 1851; W. M. Johnson, 1853; R. G. Pennington, 1854; Daniel Cunningham, 1855; James M. Patterson, 1857; William M. Johnson, 1859; Alfred Landon, 1863; R. L. Griffith, 1869; George W. Bachman, 1873; J. H. Pittinger, 1877; Harrison Noble, 1880; J. C. Royer, 1883-87. The vote recorded, for mayor in April, 1885, was, for Royer, Democratic, 1,070; for Abbott, Republican, 759.

The clerks of the city since 1851 are named in the following list: R. R. Scott, 1851.; J. H. Pittinger, 1859; O. C. Zeller, 1861; Joseph A. Johnson, 1869; S. J. Kintz, 1871; P. H. Ryan, 1877; Charles J. M. Sullivan, 1879; W. H. Dore, 1885.

Treasurers of the city: Robert Crum, 1851; John Pride, 1852; R. M. C. Martin, 1853; Jesse H. Leidy, 1854; P. Nynam, 1858; John Houck, 1859; F. Wagner, 1861; William Lang, 1873; J. W. Barrack, 18 78; John Heabler, 1882; and the present treasurer, appointed after the death of Heabler, in September, 1885.

City Solicitors.-J. W. Wilson, 1853; W. M. Johnson, 1854; Luther A. Hall, 1855; Harrison Noble, 1857; Elam Willard, 1859; John McCauley, 1863; Frank Baker (now of Chicago), 1867; John McCauley, 18 73; John McCauley, 1875; Alfred Landon, 1877; Perry M. Adams, 1880; Hiram C. Keppel, 1882; Harvey C. Platt, 1883; the name of J. H. Platt appears in 1884 as solicitor. The elections of April, 1885, gave 1,128 votes to James H. Platt, Democrat, against 639 to Pennington, Republican.

Assessors, 1885.-The assessors, elected in 1885, are named in the following record of election. The first five named are Democrats, the latter five Republicans, one of whom, Bowersox, was elected. beating Schwartz, the Democrat. in the Second Ward: Ryan, 197; Schwartz, 156; Silvers, 265; Comely, 191; Halley, 250; Snyder, 106; Bowersox, 216; Sohn, 152; Young, 105; Yerk, 114, .

School Census Enumerator.-Squire Beilharz was appointed enumerator for taking the school census of the city in August, 1885.

Councilmen.--The city council of 1851 comprised W. H. Gibson, William Johnson, Andrew Denzer, Jacob Flaugher, William Keilholtz and Amon Riggs.

1852.-W. D. Searles, Luther A. Hall, William Holtz.

486 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

1853.-Hezekiah Groff, P. Spoilman, Andrew Denzer.

1854.-Lewis Martin, William Holtz.

1855.-John D. Loomis, Robert G. Pennington.

1856.--Hezekiah Groff, W. M. Johnson.

1857.-John Poorman, William Holtz.

1858. -George H. Heming, Arial B. Hovey.

1859.-Cooper K. Watson, Frank Wagner.

1860.-J. M. Zahm, Ariel B. Hovey.

1861.-Jonathan Smith, William Holtz,

1862.-William C. Hedges, Hezekiah Groff.

1863.-Harrison Noble, J. L. Fisher.

1864.-G. W. Cunningham, Isaac Kagy,

1865.-John L. Fisher, Harrison Noble. At. this time Dr. A. B. Hovey and Dr. E. J. McCollum were elected members of the board of health, and Augustus Muetchler, market-master.

1866.-George W. Cunningham, John Fiege:

1867.-Harrison Noble, W. M. Johnson.

1868.-Francis Wagner, J. T. Kaupp. The question of the annexation of territory to the city was approved by the people this year.

1869.-Philip Emich, John L. Fisher.

1870.-Harrison Noble, John T. Kaupp.

1871..--John G. Gross, H. W. Huber, J. Sidt, D. Seeholts, Obadiah Hamers, Simon Snyder, J. M. Hershberger and Michael Myers.

1872.-Simon Snyder, William Johnson, Alfred Landon, Jacob Schieber and Andrew J. Brickner.

1873.-John G. Gross, H. W. Huber. John Silvers, Louis Seewald and Obadiah Hainers.

1874.-Simon Snyder, G. W. Cunningham, Alfred Landon, Jacob Schieber, A. J. Brickner.

1875.-J. G. Gross, H. W. Huber, S. B. Silvers, Lewis Seewald, B. Schinness.

1876.--B. F. Myers, John Gilliland, Alfred Landon, George Ernst, A. J. Brickner.

1877.-Dr. W. J. Crawford, T. J. Kintz, Dr. J. F. E. Fanning, Dr. T. J. Livers, P. Grammes.

1878.--B. F. Myers, Dr. W. J. Crawford, M. Scannel, John Mossoney, Dr. J. F. E. Fanning, C. H. Sting, Dr. T. J. Livers, George Ernest, A. J. Brickner, Peter Grammes.

1879.-B. F. Myers, John Ehrenfried, Josiah Baker, John Mossoney, Dr. J. F. E. Fanning, C. H. Sting, James W. Love, George Ernest, A. J. Bricknor, Peter Grammes.

1880.--J. R. Kinnaman, James Love, Josiah Baker, John Mossoney, Dr. J. F. E. Fanning, C. H. Sting, John Ehrenfreid, R. A. Gray, Benjamin Schinness, Peter Grammes.

1882. -Dr. J. P. Kinnaman, James W. Love, John Cox, John F. Zeller, Jeremiah Rex, George Strausbaugh, John B. Ehrenfried, F. D. Kishler, B. Schinness, John Horick.

1883.-Charles Martin, Dr. Breidinger, John Dore, John Ernest, John Cog, J. W. Love, Dr. J. P. Kinnaman, George Strausbaugh, F. D. Kishler, Benjamin Schinness.

1884.-Simon Snyder, James W. Love, J. A. Norton, John Dore, G. Strausbaugh, John Ernest, F. D. Kishler, Charles Martin, J. N. Williard, J. Bridinger.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 487

The election of councilmen in 1885, shows the following results: Democrat-Holmes, 198; Dore, 209; Baker, 222; Weller, 169; Brickner, 275. Republican-Cramer, 104; Zeller, 161; Strayer, 196; Martin, 131; Stephenson, 97.

Corporation Statistics.-The valuation and taxation of Tiffin City, in 1884-85, are shown by the following statistics: value of 715 acres in city lots, $2,260,410; value of personal property, $876,200; total value, $3,136,610; total State tax, $8,782.51; total county and local tax, $88,463.53; total of State, county, local and other charges, $99,924.88, together with $196 dog tax. The population of the city, according to the census of 1880, was 7,879, 6.650 being natives of the United States, and 1,229 foreign born citizens. This number has been increased between 3,000 and 4,000 the last five years. From the elaborate report made by the clerk, Charles J. M. Sullivan, in March, 1885, the following review of the revenue of the city is taken:

General purpose fund ..................................... $7,914 44

Street improvement fund . . . .. . . .. .. .. . . ... 3,291 61

Police fund . ................................................... 4,214 74

Gas fund :....................................................... 9,080 22

Fire department fund ....................................... 5,332 84

Poor fund ......................................................... 451 58

Interest fund ................................................. 10,728 84

Water supply fund ..................................... 13,751 49

General sewer fund .......................................... 1,173 70

Machine shop fund ...........................................12,319 23

Washington Street sewer fund ....... . ......... . ..... . 718 47

Main Street improvement fund . . . . . . ......... . . . . 796 81

East Market Street improvement fund ......... .........487 13

Charlotte Street extensive fund . ......................... 290 03

Circular Street improvement fund . . . . . ......... . ...911 02

Greenfield Street improvement fund ..................1,308 40

Third Ward Alley sewer fund ... . ..... . . . ..... . . . . 702 67

Scipio Street improvement fund . . . ... . .... . . .......672 45

South Washington Street improvement fund .. . .1,270 33

Coe Street improvement fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 720 27

The statement of corporation debt, March 1, 1885, gives the following figures:

Machine shop bonds, outstanding ..............................16,150 00

Park refunder bonds, outstanding .. .. .... . . .. . . .. . . .. .7,000 0

Gas bonds .................................................................... 1,500 00

South Washington Street improvement bonds ............ 5,100 00

Scipio Street improvement bonds ............................. 2,800 00

Coe Street improvement bonds ................................... 4,500 00

East Market Street improvement bonds . .. . . .. . . .. . 2,100 00

Circular Street improvement bonds ............................ 1,000 00

Greenfield Street improvement bonds ....................... 3,800 00

Charlotte Street improvement bonds ..... . . . . . . . ... 6,110 00

Stone quarry bonds ................................................... 3,000 00

Total ........................................................................ $47,550 00

The Police Force.-The beginnings of the police force of Tiffin date lack to 1851, when the first marshal was elected. The marshals of the city since 1851 are named as follows: S. H. Kisinger, 1851; A. Nichols, 1852; J. C. Mitchell, 1853; F. Harris, 1855; H. Britton, 1857; J. Zimmer, 1859; L. A. Beilharz, 1861; H. Britton, 1862; C. Muetchler, 1864; R. Nichols, 1871; James George, 1875; W. H. Kisinger, 1883, who was succeeded by Marshal Hummer in 1885 the vote being 974 and 768; Kisinger, the Republican, polling the last named vote. Some years later (1851) a regular body of police was organized with the marshal as chief; but the records of the depart-

488 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

ment give very little information respecting them. It is known that Amos Nichols, now in Chicago, Charles Brish, I. J. C. Shoemaker, George Miller and Isaac Robb were among the members of the old force. From April to November, 1872, the force did not exist, owing to some trouble within the council arising out of nominations. In November, 1872, Brish, Robb and James Hennessy were appointed. Among the number who have served in this department may be named Patrick W. Sweeney, 1873-86; J. C. Lamberson, Henry Schlegel, Michael Cahill, William Hollenberg, Andrew Arnold, Xavier Zints, John W . Stewart, Thomas Falkner, John Hummer and others. Thomas Falkner was added to the force in April, 1885, and in the same month John Hummer was elected marshal. The work of the police, since 1877, shows, in that year, 214 arrests; in 1878, 176 arrests; in 1879, 178; in 1880, 276; in 1881, 236; for the year ending April 1, 1884, 307 arrests, and for eleven months, ending March 1, 1885, 265 arrests. The nationalities represented in this number are Americans, 217; Germans, 26; Irish, 14; French, 3; Canadians, 2; English, 1, and Scotch, 2. One arrest for murder was made, 71 for drunkenness and 80 for disorderly conduct. There were two arrests for chicken-stealing, and 26 connected with houses of evil repute. In September, 1885, the ordinance requiring all houses to be numbered, entailed a new duty on the police.

Fire Department.-In the early days of Tiffin, about the time frame and log-houses began to be overshadowed by the more solid brick structures, the question of organizing a fire department was mooted, but laughed out of all countenance. In later years (1849) a volunteer fire company was organized, with W. H. Gibson, foreman. The first record at hand refers to the Independent Fire Company No. 4, an organization which existed prior to 1859, for on April 12 of that year it was reorganized under State law, with John E. McCormack, president, A. T. Barnes, vice-president, P. Nyman, treasurer, and F. P. Bloom, clerk. Leonard Adams was clerk of the meeting. The men named, together with J. S. York, C. M. York, H. A. Spayth and John D. Arndt were the incorporators. The older companies, too, changed their organic form. In April; 1867, the Young America Hose Company No. 1 was reorganized. William Kisinger was elected foreman January 6, 1868, and in September of that year received a new four-wheeled hose cart. A few days later they carried off the silver trumpet from five competing companies at the Sandusky tournament. At Clyde, in 1869, they won $50, and in July, 1870, they carried off the honors of the upper Sandusky tournament. In September of that year they met with a like success at Urbana. At Findlay, in 1871, they carried off a $100 gold prize, and at Mansfield in 1873, a $125 prize. Then followed the Fostoria tournament, which brought additional honors to this company. 'rho loss of the honors at Kenton, and the defeat at Bucyrus, owing to an accident to their carriage, caused a gloom, which was dissipated by Choir victory at Defiance in 1874. In the great national tournament held at Chicago, they hold a fifth place among forty-five competitors. So early as 1849 this company was recognized as one of the best among the pioneer fire organizations. Since its reorganization, almost twenty years after, it has won many laurels. W. H. Bloom is now foreman. The late J. H. Pittinger was treasurer from 1849 to the time of his sudden death. W. H. Bloom is also foreman of Rescue Hose Company No. 1, and Charles J. M. Sullivan, secretary. The fire department was reorganized in April, 1880. into six companies. Very many changes have taken place in these companies within the last rive years. In May, 1885 the department comprised ninety-eight uniformed men, distributed through the following named companies and under the foremen named: Rescue Hose Com-

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 489

pany No. 1-16 men; W. H. Bloom, foreman. Surprise Hose Company No. 2-15 men; George Transue, foreman. Alert Hose Company No. 3-20-men, 6 honorary; Louis Schouder, foreman. Protection Hose Company No. 4--- 15 men; F. X. Steur, foreman. Crescent Hose Company No. 5---17 men; Conrad Smith, foreman. Union Hook & Ladder Company No 1-15 men; Frank Seinsoth, foreman. In the fire department we have the following list of fire apparatus: Two steam fire engines in excellent working condition, l hand engine, 1 two-horse hose carriage, 6 hose carts, 2 hook and ladder trucks, 14 ladders, 5 axes, 4 picks, 4 hooks, 410 feet of rope and chain, 11 rubber buckets, 5 steel bars, 8 lanterns 10 service pipes, 14 tips or nozzles, 1 spray nozzle. 9 hydrant wrenches, 35 spanners, 100 feet of guard rope, 2 Siamese couplings, 1 hydrant gate, 1 leak stop, 1 ring expander, 68 rubber coats, 24 rubber caps and 3,000 feet of serviceable rubber hose. The cost of maintenance for the year ending May, 1885, was $778. The alarms attended to were 17 and the number of actual fires 10.

The dedication of the Firemen's Headquarters took place August 21, 1884. It was one of those reunions such as firemen alone. can give. The welcome' to the guests on behalf of the "Union Hooks" and the "Rescues" was delivered by Charles J. M. Sullivan, and responded to by J. A. Norton. A few days more than a year after, August 24, 1885, the firemen banqueted their late chief, L. B. Johnson, better known as J. L. Burdette. Their periodical suppers and balls are like their services, esteemed.

In 1874 W. H. Bloom was chief engineer of the city fire department. Joseph P. Myers was elected chief in 1878. In 1879 Fred. Roller was chief; Fred. Troxel first, and Fred. Keshler second assistant;. Roller continued chief in 1880, 1881 and 1882, with Gus Nunaman, first assistant, and Andy Stever second. In 1883 J. L. Burdette was appointed chief engineer. August 12, 1885, he tendered his resignation to the council, and in September, 1885, the present chief engineer, John Roller, was appointed.

CHURCHES.

The existence of a .God or a Supreme Being is doubted by few; even those who remain for a time plunged in doubt, if not in infidelity, return to His worship, and, like the bird singing to Him in the foliage, or the ocean proclaiming His immensity in the trackless waste of waters and everlasting hymn, declare His power.

Tiffin is, in fact, a church-going city, and in its public records is found the proof. There cannot exist a doubt regarding the visits of missionaries to the Indians of the Sandusky during the French exploratory period and the Iroquois invasions, but there are no positive evidences of the residence of such missionaries here.

Rev. Joseph Badger, of the Congregational Church of Blandford. Mass., was appointed chaplain to the northern army in 1812, by Gov. Meigs, and subsequently attached to Gen. Harrison's command. He made his residence at Upper Sandusky, under orders from the Missionary Society, and preached to the Indians of this district after the war (Ohio Historical Collections). The early records of this church are among the unknown quantities.

Methodist Episcopal Church.-Mrs. Sally Ingham, who settled with her father, James Montgomery, in Pleasant Township. in 1819--herself a lady of clear intellect and memory-states that the first services of this church by Rev. James Montgomery, were given in the Hedges building, on Virgin or Rose Alley, now Court Street. Elijah H. Fields was the first regular preacher who organized a class at Tiffin in 1824. Rev. Jolin W. Clark, a young preached.,

490 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY. .

came in 1825. Ezra Brown came in 1827. In 1828 Rev. Alvin Billings came to aid Brown. In 1829 Rev. Ezekiel E. Cooper and Sprague were the preachers until Ezekiel Gavitt replaced Sprague. The first church, a small brick structure, was dedicated when Mrs. Sally Ingham was seventeen years old, in 1828. James McMahon was the first presiding elder. He was succeeded by Bigelow.

In 1830*, when the Fort Ball Circuit extended to Huron County, the preacher was Ezra Brown. E. R. Jewett, born in Middletown, Conn., still living, and Thomas Thompson, deceased, came in 1840. In 1841 William Runneals was preacher in charge. Rev. Starr came in 1842, Shaeffer in 1843, and others served until 1848.

When Harry Cromwell arrived, in 1840, the old Methodist Church stood on Market Street, nearly opposite Loomis' foundry. This old building was purchased by Luther A. Hall, who fitted it up as a theater,, and it was used by traveling companies for several years, Mrs. Drake's and George Powell's companies playing there one whole winter every night, in 1850-51. The company boarded with Col. Patterson, who then kept the Shawhan House. The building was purchased by Harter, and used as a marble shop; was recently used as headquarters of the torch-light companies, and is still standing. The second church was erected in 1849-50, at the southeast corner of Market and Monroe Streets. This building is now used as the postoffice. It was sold to John M. Kaull, and converted into a business block, but even after the sale the society continued to worship therein until the interior of the new church was completely finished.

The Northern Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church established a station at Tiffin, in August, 1848, and appointed Rev. E. S. Grumley its pastor. The first quarterly meeting was held October 14, 1848, at the house of W. D. Searles, with Thomas Barkdull, presiding elder, presiding. The first leader was Jacob Huss; the first stewards, H. Ebbert, Thomas Coe, W. D. Searles, Levi Keller and Elisha Olmstead; H. Ebbert, recording steward; J. W. Patterson, secretary of the conference. In December, 1848, Henry Ebbert was appointed secretary at the second quarterly conference. The third conference was held March 17, 1849, the same officers being present. In June, 1849, N. Redd, an exhorter, and the members of the former conference were present. Two members-Keesy and Brewster-were reported to have moved to California. In November, 1849, Rev. S. L. Yourtree was chosen preacher. S. Arnold and J. Myers were appointed stewards. July 20, 1850, the trustees of St. Paul's Church reported the completion of a house of worship 44 x 66 feet, with gallery, lecture - room, prayer meeting room and the class-rooms, at a cost of almost $5,000. The memorial stone of this building bears date 1848. In February, 1851, S. L. Yourtree, with A. Laubach, L. P. and N. Redd, exhorter, formed the ministry. In November, 1851, W. B: Disbro was presiding elder; Alex Nelson, station preacher; A. Laubacb and N. Redd, local preachers. In November, 1852, L. B. Gurley succeeded Mr. Nelson as preacher in charge. In August, 1854; J. Carney was appointed local preacher; in December, 1854. John Quigley was appointed local preacher, and in March, 1855, the latter was appointed station preacher. In December, 1855, William C. Peirce was presiding older; A. Nelson, station preacher; with Messrs. Redd and Carney, local preachers. In November, 1856, C. L. Foote succeeded Rev. Nelson. E. R. Jewett was appointed in October, 1857; John

*In 1830 the Northern Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, embracing the counties of Logan, Hardin, Wyandot, Seneca, Wood, Hancock , Allen, Putnam and others, ad a membership of 23,844 including 91 coored and 213 Indians. At that time there were but few colored men in northern Ohio, and the majority of these were members of home church or another.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 491

A. Mudge in November, 1858. In 1859 Rev. J. R. Jewett succeeded Mr. Peirce as presiding elder, and in October, 1860, E. H. Bush was appointed. In June, 1861, the name of Ephraim Porter appears as exhorter for the first time, while that of N. Redd is continued as local preacher.

In November, 1861, Rev. G. S. Phillips was station preacher. He was succeeded in the fall of 1863 by Rev. T. F. Hildreth. At this time A. K. Owen was presiding elder. In October, 1864, Rev. A. J. Lyon was station preacher. G. W. Breckenridge was appointed presiding elder in 1865. During the year ending September, 1865, the expenses of the station amounted to $1,003.54, all of which was collected. The salary of Rev. A. J. Lyon for the year 1865-66 was placed at $800. In the fall of 1867 Rev. L. Warner was appointed station preacher. At this time Jacob W. Miller, one of the old members of the church, died. In October, 1868, the name of W. H. Seeley appears as pastor.

The officials of the church at Tifn, in 1868, were as follows: Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church-Elisha Umsted, John Crum, John Park, W. D. Searles, Henry Ebbert, Thomas Coe, John Pittinger, Jacob Huss and John W. Patterson. The trustees of the parsonage lot were Henry Ebbert, John Park, Jacob Huss, Levi Keller and Eli Umsted, and the trustees of the new Methodist Episcopal Church were Elisha Umsted, John Park, Jacob Huss, W. D. Searles, Thomas Coe, John W. Patterson, John Elliott, Jacob W. Miller and Henry Ebbert, appointed by Rev. H. Humphrey, February 14, 1848. In March, 1869, the name of L. B. Gurley appears as presiding elder. John Park died this year, and C. C. Park was appointed to fill his place on the board of trustees. In September, 1869, D. P. Dildine was appointed secretary, Rev. A. Lyon, presiding elder, and Rev. W. H. Seeley still continued as pastor, with E. Porter still exhorter. Rev. L. B. Gurley was presiding elder in December, 1870; Rev. George Collier, pastor, and H. E. Thompson, steward, vice Hewett, who joined the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1871 Rev. A. J. Lyon was again presiding elder, and in May of that year Rev. George Collier's salary was increased from $1,000 to $1,200 per annum. The expenditure of the society for the year ending in 1871 amounted to $1,389.80.

This Mr. Collier was born at Le Roy, Ohio, August 29, 1825; served as chaplain in the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth Ohio Regiments during the war; was a prisoner of Gen. Morgan for four months, accused of being a spy; came to Tiffin in 1870, agent of the O. W. U. of Delaware; presiding elder of Wooster District, and lastly chaplain to the garrison at Fort Pembina. In February, 1875, St. Paul's Methodist Church (begun in 1874), on Madison Street, west of Washington Street, was dedicated by Bishop R. Foster. The estimated cost of the building was $50,000. This is a massive red brick structure, with stone facings, the style Gothic throughout. Its beginning was made by Rev. Collier; some interior improvements made by Rev. J. W. Mendenhall and his predecessors, and its completion effected during the pastorate of Rev. J. S. Reager, who came in 1883 and gave place to the present pastor, Rev. W . F. McDowell in September, 1885.

There is no branch of the church in this country which has been split into as many separate organizations as the Methodists. Early in its history, those opposed to the episcopacy, with its arbitrary power of appointing the preachers, formed the Methodist Protestant Church. In 1844 the main body divided upon differences growing out of the slavery question, and became the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

First Methodist Church, commonly called Methodist Protestant Church, completed a house of worship at Tiffin, on Monroe Street. July 8. 1837, which

492 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

was dedicated by Rev. E. S. Woodward. The building committee comprised John Sender, William Campbell, Joseph Walker and D. H. Philips. In 1872 the large church building on East Market Street was completed and opened for worship. James Montgomery, one of the seceders from the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized this society in 1829, and a year later passed to his reward, leaving fifteen brother members to look after the affairs of the church. Rev. Alvin Coo followed him as visiting pastor,but on John Sender the class leading devolved, until Tiffin was acknowledged a part of the Methodist Protestant Circuit, when many preachers visited the place. Rev. O. V. W. Chandler, the present pastor, entered on his duties here September 20, 1879. Under his administration, and the watchful care of Mr. Sender, the church has grown in membership and usefulness.

The Presbyterian Church may be said to have its origin in the church of Melmore, for, on November, 1828, letters of dismission were granted to a number of communicants to organize a church at Tiffin. In the spring or summer of 1829, the society perfected its organization here. Six years prior to this organization, in 1823, Rev. James Robinson visited Fort Ball and preached in one of the cabins there. In the Hedges building, which stood on or near the Advertiser office, subsequent services were held. This was the first frame building erected in the county, and is still to be seen at the mouth of Rock Creek. The first Presbyterian families here were William Hunter, John Hunter, Samuel Hunter, James W. G. McClure, Milton Jennings, Peter Marsh, John Young, Ezekiel McPherren and Hugh Welch. James Robinson then preached at Republic, Molmore and Tiffin, and erected a house on South Washington Street, which is still standing. Rev. James McCutchen or McCutchan followed Mr. Robinson. While the McCutchen rivival meetings were taking place at Republic, Rev. Mr. Reed, who was then pastor at Tiffin, originated a revival here, which continued in 1838-39. Rev. Mr. Campbell succeeded Mr. Reed in 1842. Gen. Gibson relates a story of the methodical eloquence of the preacher. " One sultry Sabbath morning," says the General, " Brother C. was preaching, and in illustration of some thought, remarked very slowly, `Now there is a house on fire,' then paused. Before he could proceed, a little gentleman named W. D. Scott, probably drowsy and very nervous, not discovering the tenor of the remark, sprang to his feet, and shouted, `Where, Mr. Campbell, where?' Then rushing to the street, he shouted `Fire! Fire! Fire!' The church was empty in a moment, and it is thought that the figure of speech, however misapplied by the audience, was very exciting."

Rev. F. Putnam was stated supply from 1844 to 1849, and held services in the Methodist Protestant Church. Rev. A. S. Dunton and Rev. John Whipple were also preachers here about this time. During Mr. Putnam's term, Josiah Hedges, in 1845, donated the society a lot, on which they erected a church.

In 1834 the State granted a charter to the First Presbyterian Church of Tiffin, with Milton Jennings, Peter Marsh, and Allen Campbell named as trustees.

From 1849 to 1852, Rev. R. Bement and others filled the pulpit. In June, 1852, Rev. James Pelan entered the work as supply, and the last session was held June 24, 1855. On May 16, 1858, Rev. John McLain came and remained until 1862, when he was appointed commissioner to represent the Western Reserve Presbytery in the General Assembly of the church in the United States. He, however, visited Tiffin afterward, and died in June, 1862. Rev. D. S. Logan was pastor from July, 1862, to February 13, 1864.He was succeeded

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in March, 1865, by Rev. J. E. Lapsley, who served until June 7, 1866. Rev. R. B. Moore came in 1866. At this time he preached in the old church of 1845, and continued to preach there until October 20, 1871, when the new church was dedicated. On December 6, 1869, Dr. E. J. McCollum presided over a meeting to consider the question of building a church. It was resolved to secure a site on the Tiffin side of the river. Dr. McCollum, Rev. Moore Prof. S. J. Kirkwood, Robert Lysle, E. C. Boyd, John McCalmont and Joseph Burnsides were delegated to solicit subscriptions, and E. G. Bowe, John McCalmont and Rev. R. B. Moore appointed a building committee. This action resulted in the dedication of the present church, October 20, 1871; twelve days after Rev. Moore tendered his resignation. On April 8, 1872, his resignation was accepted. On August 12, 1872, Rev. J. F. Pollock was invited to preach as a candidate for the pulpit. On March 10, 1873, a call was extended to Rev. W. R. Kirkwood, who declined; on May 18, Rev. E. Buckingham, of Canton, was called, but did not accept, and on July 1, 1873, Rev. J. F. Pollock was called, who accepted and was installed September 7, 1873. In 1875 union meetings were held by Rev. H. H. Wells. Between this year and 1878 the church labored under some financial difficulty, so that the relations of Rev. Mr. Pollock to the church here were dissolved. On June 10, 1878, Rev. D. D. Bigger was called, on motion of Rev. E. B. Moore, and on June 29, 1878, he was installed pastor. At this time a heavy debt and appalling skepticism met the new preacher, but he rose above such difficulties, and led his church safely to the newer and better era of 1885. The deaths among communicants from 1878 to July, 1883, were Mrs. Barbara Ellen Angene, 1878; Mrs. Jane Laird McCalmont, Mrs. Margaret A. Kroh, Miss Imogene Miller, Elder John McCalmont, in 1879; Marie Gries, Helen Frederici, in 1880; Elder John Kerr, Nannie Clark, in 1881; Mrs. Jane Elder St. John, Miss Katie Hobbs, Mrs. L. Russell Dresbach, Mrs. A. A. G. Russell, in 1882, and M. W. Laird, in 1883. The church stands on the southwest corner of Market and Monroe Streets, in the heart of the city. It is a large brick structure, Elizabethan in style. (Historical sermon by Rev. D. D. Bigger, July 1, 1883: Tiffin News.)

St. Mary's Catholic Church may be said to have been founded at Tiffin in 1826, but not for five years later was the district set off as a station. Father Moynahan and Bishop Fenwick visited Fort Ball and Tiffin in 1826, and there met John Julian and Jacob Bonar, old members of the church. In 1829 Bishop Fenwick purchased lands in rear of the present Ursuline Convent. On May 15, 1831, Rev. Edmund Quinn came here, and held services in Julian's house, near the old St. Mary's Cemetery, and on the same day solemnized the marriage of John Nott and Henrietta Dickey, and baptized Henrietta Arnold, daughter of William and Anna (Noel) Arnold. Among the members in 1831 were Bartholomew and Patrick Kenny, one of whom was drowned; Daniel Shea, who died in 1859; Michael Volmer, Michael Rinebolt, John B. Massenet, the Dougherty family, one of whom donated a farm of eighty acres to St. Mary's; Robert Montgomery, who was received into the church June 16, 1831. Among the old members, also, were John Whelan, Michael Martin, Daniel McLaughlin, Samuel Nolan, Frank Fanning, Henry Kelly, Peter Kintz, all living; John McCarthy, Elias Hanley, Phil. Staub, James Cahill, C. McNamee, Balthazar Huffling, Phil. and Patrick Hennessy, John Knott, David Leah-, James Leahy, Owen Fanning, John Guiot, Michael Strausbaugh, Thomas Elder, Philip King, Michael Coughlin, John Smith, Timothy Nolan, Lawrence King, William Johnson, Michael Tuomy and Michael Coleman, all numbered among the dead. There were also John Gipson, 1833, John and Margaret Montgomery, 1831 (the latter now Mrs. Michael Kellar), William Arnold.

496 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

John Noel, Daniel Martin, Gabriel La Point, the Frey family, Joseph, Peter and Louis Lonquin or Lonsway, the Drurons, Roseti Borough, Mathias Panwell, Michael Annesser, and others. A brick church was erected in 1832-33, by Rev. Edmund Quinn, the same which formed a part of St. Mary's School, over thirty years ago. The present church, on the western terrace, Sandusky and Miami Streets, was built in 1856, by Rev. M. Sullivan. Rev. Quinn died in 1835, when Rev. Schonhenz came, dedicated the first church in 1837, and was transferred in 1839. Revs. McNamee and Macheboeuf were then appointed, the former remaining nine years, and the latter three years. On June 21, 1846, the late Bishop Purcell attended St. Mary's. Rev. Michael Howard and Rev. M. Molon were priests of the mission from 1847 to 1852, when Rev. Michael Sullivan took charge of the parish, and Rev. Molon, of St. Joseph's Parish. In 1859 Rev. Michael Healy, a native of Ireland, was appointed priest, and has administered the affairs of St. Mary's since that time. The bell, purchased in 1858 by P. H. Ryan (one of the trustees) for $1,000, is still in use. The congregation numbers about 1,200.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church was founded in 1845, and the first services were held by the Sanguinists of the church in Thompson Township; none of whom resided here permanently. In January, 1852, Rev. M. Melon was appointed to the charge of this parish; he was also priest of St. Mary's; but in September of that year Rev. J. B. Uhlmann took charge. Rev. Joseph L. Bihn succeeded him in 1856 and continued until 1873, Rev. Nicholas Sintz assisting from the fall of 1870 to the fall of 1872, when Rev. A.. M. Meile was appointed. He was succeeded in the summer of 1873 by Rev. J. A. Michonfelder. November 13,1873, the late Rev. Charles Everard arrived. He found St. Joseph's Church closed under an order of the bishop and the affairs of the parish in very poor condition. He was peculiarly successful as a financier, and his management has told in each of the churches to which he was assigned. A heavy debt was resting upon St. Joseph's when Father Everard was installed, but it was all wiped out and the church saved nearly $11,000. Besides at Toledo he built St. Mary's Church and St. Joseph's Chapel, and many changes and improvements have been made under his supervision in this city. The funeral of this truly good man was held May 15, 1885, Bishop Gilmore presiding; ministers of all denominations were present at the sacred ceremonies, while thousands participated in the last honors to departed worth and holiness. A short time prior to his death he resigned his charge, when Rev. Martin Puetz of Monroeville was appointed pastor. In June, 1885, a brother of the pastor was appointed assistant priest.

In the spring of 1839 John Julian agitated the question of erecting a large church at Tiffin; but owing to the jealousy of a few, who charged him with collecting such moneys for his own use, he allowed the subject to drop, but did not deem it worth while to prosecute the libeller. In 1845 the people of St. Joseph's Parish, under the lead of Michael Kirchner, Dr. Joseph Boehler, Joseph Kueblor, John Houck, John Bormuth, Joseph Volmer, Mike Theissen, Frank Gruelich and others, including a few English speaking members, built a brick church on the site of the present stately edifice, which continued in use until April, 1861, when it was torn down. In that month the building of the present church was begun, under the superintendence of Father Bihn, and completed in September, 1862, at a cost of $25,000, and the first purely Gothic house of worship was added to the buildings of the county. The dedicatory services were carried out on September 14th, that year. He who conceived the building, and under whose direction it was carried out, has since established an institution which is an honor to the age and people, and has also built an-

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 497

other church, known as St. Francis' Chapel. The German Catholics, numbering 150 in 1845, now count by thousands.

St. Francis' Chapel was founded June 4, 1868, and one part of the building completed in 1869, another in 1878, the third in 1883. This church is in connection with the Citizens' Hospital and Orphan Asylum, and has been under the care of Father Bihn since its establishment. The building is 70x40 feet, beautifully finished, and contains an Italian marble altar, said to be one of the finest pieces of such work in this part of Ohio. The church forms a central figure in that grand pile of buildings which the energy and zeal of Father Bihn, aided by the approving support of the people, have given to the city.

The Church of our Lady of Lourdes is within the Ursuline Convent on Madison Street. It forms only a small part of the building, but is fully characteristic of convent life in ornamentation and neatness. The church dates back to 1863.

First Baptist Church was organized October 20, 1857, by Rev. Lyman J. Fisher, with the following named members: Eliza Harriet and William J. Crawford, William Gallup, F. Brownell and Benjamin Tomb. H. Housel arid J. H. Cole were also early members. The first house of worship was erected oil the south side of Perry Street, just east of Washington Street, in 1860, and dedicated December 2, that year. This is a nondescript building indeed, and appears to be built solely for the purpose of shelter without any attempt to surpass the pan-doric style. In September, 1861, Rev. Addison Jones succeeded Mr. Fisher, and the church made its first advance in numbers and importance. Revs. J. M. Davis, G. G. Harriman and many other preachers have filled the pulpit here up to January, 1885, when the first pastor, Rev. L. J. Fisher, received an unanimous call and responded to it. He is now the pastor. This church was reorganized under State law February 9, 1864, with B. Tomb, William Jordan and William Gallup, trustees; E. Mills, moderator, and W. Gallup, clerk.

Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church was reorganized under State law April 7, 1856-Rev. W. H. Cooper, presiding, and John G. Kennedy, clerk--when R. G. Pennington, Dr. F. Franklin, Peter Furgeson, Henry Zahm, Dr. E. Pennington and William Neobbs were elected trustees. The name " Trinity Church " was adopted at this meeting. Prior to this time, however, services were held at Tiffin, by missionary preachers, so that the society may be ;aid to have continued down to the present time. Under the administration of the present rector, Rev. J. H. W. Blake; the church here has made great advances. It is proposed to erect a pretentious brick and stone building instead of the present old but neat frame church, at the corner of ,Jefferson and Market Streets.

German, Evangelical St. John's Church was organized March 5, 1836, as the United German Evangelical Lutheran and German Evangelical Reformed St. John's, with ten members and Rev. Adolph Conrad, pastor. The first members were Andrew Albright, Philip Wenz, Valentine Seewald, Francis Sauter, Andrew Bloom, Andrew Denzer, John Ditto, Jacob Boyer and William Lang. The pastors of the church have been Rev. A. Conrad, 1836-41 ; J. Beilharz, 1842-53; John F. Escher, 1854; H. Rtitenick, 1857; J. G. Non schmidt, 1860 ; W. Rein, 1870 ; Ferdinand Weissgerber, 1871 ; G. V. Luternan, 1875; Christopher Zimmerman, 1875; and Rev. Francis Bolz, ill(, present pastor, in 1881. The secretaries of the society have been Hartman 1.. Braun, J. Florer and Will. Morgenroth. The church society was incorporated March 15, 1870, with Andrew Albrecht, Pbilip Wentz, Valentine Seewald, Frank Santer, Andrew Bloom, Andrew Deneer, Philip Seewald, John Ditto,

498 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Jacob Boyer and William Lang, members, with their associates. Louis Braum was secretary, Henrich Schmidt and Andrew Degen, trustees. The first logchurch was erected in 1836, on the site of the present brick church, which was built and dedicated in 1857. The parsonage was erected in 1859. The congregation is made up of about 100 families.

North Washington Street Evangelical Society, or Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical Association, was organized in 1876, with forty members, by Rev. J. Lerch, the first pastor. The building of a church was projected and commenced in 1876, and, according to original plans, was completed, all but the auditorium. The basement of the church was dedicated by Bishop R. Dubs, and has since been occupied by the society for church and Sunday-school services. In July, 1883, steps were taken to complete it, and June 15, 1884, the building was finished at a cost of $11,000, and dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman; Rev. J. A. Hensel, a former pastor, preaching the sermon. The association was incorporated May 4, 1876, with the following members: A. E., C. M. and Sarah Dresbach. F., E. and Jennie Nicolai, H. W. and M. A. Huber, Daniel T. and Sarah Shubert, William Coupp, Benjamin F. Lutz, Eli Loose, Gideon Martin, M. S. Paynter, Louisa Albert, S. C. Hankey and Clara Freadrick, members. The pastors have been Revs. J. Lerch, J. A. Hensel, A. C. Stull, A. Vandersall, and N. Shupp, the present pastor. The secretaries have been Fred. Nicolai, B. F. Lutz and J. S. Dryfus. This church has not at any time had any great advancement in membership, but has enjoyed a steady growth and is in a healthy condition. The membership is now 110. At the organization of the church a Sunday-school was also established, which has had a steady growth, numbering in the last quarter 175 scholars. The following have served as superintendents in the order in which they appear: Ezra Nicolai, Winfield Six, G. W. Ellenberger.

Salem German Evangelical Church dates back to the conference of the association held in 1856, when Tiffin was set off as a station, with Rev. Leonhard Scheuerman, pastor. The original members were Jacob Schneider, Louis Schubert, Jonas Huber, J. G. Zinser, William Negele, Sr., A. E. Dresbach and Joseph Beidleman. The pastors succeeding Mr. Scheuerman were J. G. Theuer, J. G. Zinser, C. Tramer, G. Hasenpflug, J. Frankhouser, C. F. Negele, E. B. Crouse, F. Frech, C. G. Koch, W . Schupp, G. Schneider, W. F. Zander, and the present pastor, C. Gahn. The secretaries have been J.G. Zinser and William Negele, the latter now holding the office. The church was erected March 28, 1858, at a cost of $2,400, on Sandusky Street, near Perry. The society was incorporated October 11, 1876, with the following named members: William Negele, Charles Werner, Got. Meister, L. and Juliana Schurtzes, John Samuelt, Jonas Huber, Peter Schneider, C. G. and Catharine Koch, L. Shuber, John Lechti, G. Behler, Reuben Harris, Thomas Dixon, William Tiansed, Christina Endel, Susan Miller, Rosa Shubert, Angelina Heelman, Caroline Behler, Hannah Fishbaugh, Mary Strauss, Lottie Endell, Margaret Stahlschmidt, Margaret Samuelt, Sarah Becher, Eliza Morlech and Lena Stahlschmidt. Five trustees were elected at this time.

The First Reformed Church was organized as the German Evangelical Reformed Church, July 21, 1833, with the following named members: Frederick Cramer, Thomas Derr, Joseph Ogle, George Stoner, Christian Stoner, Jacob Kroh, Joseph Foncannon, John Kime, John Martin, Enos Cramer, Ezra Derr, Jonathan Foltz, John Lydey, Christian Ramsburg, Frederick W. Shriver, William Baugher, John Ditto, Elizabeth Ogle, Catherine Cramer, Catherine Shriver, Susannah Ramsburg, Rosanna Derr, Mary Lydoy. The names of pastors since 1833 are given as follows: Rev. John L. Sanders, Frederick

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 499

Rahauser, Daniel Kroh, Hiram Shaull, George D. Wolff, William K. Zieber, E. E. Higbee, L. H. Kefauver. Thirteen secretaries have served the society down to this time, including William H. Good, the present secretary. The number of members is 225, and the value of property $18,000. In 1834 the old society purchased the lot on which the church stands from Josiah Hedges, and entered at once on building a house of worship, which was completed in 1835. The present church was erected in 1860, during Rev. E. E. Higbee's pastorate, and repaired in 1883 at a cost of $4, 500.

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of this church was organized in May, 1880, with twenty members. At one time the membership was ninetyeight; now it is thirtyfive. The amount expended since organization aggregates $366.64.

Second Reformed Church (German) was organized December 14, 1850, with the following named members: Henry Trumbor and wife, Ed. Swander and wife, Isaac Strauss and wife, Philip Yon Blon and wife, J. Steinbach and wife, William Sohn and wife, William Steckel and wife, John Schneider and wife, Valentine Trumpler, Moses Kramer and wife, John Swander and wife, Lydia Koch, Philip Sender and wife, Jonas Seiple and wife, Ed. Andre and wife, Jacob Zimmer and wife, F. Reif and wife, Elis. Reif, J. Bauer and wife, J. Miller and wife, H. Huntz and wife, P. L. Riem and wife. It was reorganized as a corporate body April 17, 1854, with twenty-six members. Philip Yon Blon, Sr., was re-elected president, and Rev. E. Y. Gerhart, clerk. The constitution of the society was adopted December 19, 1850, about which time it was first organized. The pastors of the church were Revs. Fred. Wahl, 1850-54; E. Y. Gerhart, 1854, and J. H. Good. Rev. H. Rust is the present pastor. The secretaries of the society kave been F. Wahl, Franz Reif, Philip Emich, G. A. Lautermilch, J. Schildknecht, A. Marksthaler, Philip Hyman, Adam Hade. In 1858 their first house of worship was erected. Now the church property is valued at $2, 500. The number of members is 285.

Grace Reformed Church is one of the latest, as it is one of the most important, additions to the churches of the city. The corner-stone of the building was placed June 24, 1883, the sermon being delivered by Rev. J. H. Good. Rev. H. H. W. Hilshman is the first and present minister of this church. The following officers were elected in May, 1885: Edward Swander and Edward Andre; deacons, Joseph W. Burnside and Dennis Holtz. The building, which stands on the northeast corner of Perry and Jefferson Streets, is of red brick, with heavy stone facings, and is of modern English in style of architecture. The stained glass windows are very fine pieces of workmanship.

The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in the smmer of 1844, by Rev. J. Livengood, with David Rickenbaugh, Samuel Rule, Jacob Bowser, John Bowser, John Secrist, George Ritzman, Simon Snyder, M. Rosenberg, and their wives.

The first house of worship built by this organization was a plain frame structure, 30x40, and one story in height. The building was commenced in the summer of 1844, and dedicated by Rev. J. Crouse, D. D., May 25, 1845, under the name of "Luther Chapel." After having been occupied for twenty years, the old frame church was moved away, and the present brick edifice erected in its place. This was solemnly devoted to the service of God in May, 1866, and given the name: "The First English Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Tifn, Ohio." The dedicatory sermon was preached, and the principal financial effort for the liquidation of its indebtedness conducted also by Rev. J. Crouse, D. D. The church was reorganized under the State law, December 25, 1866, with Rev. William AV. Criby presiding, and 1.. Wider. clerk; John

500 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Zeigler, Abram Horsberger and George Snyder, trustees, and Conrad Yingst, clerk. The preachers since organization have been J. Livengood, Thomas Hill, Isaac Cutler, W. W. Crilley, J. W. Goodlin, J. F. Reinmund, D. D., Jacob Stick, D. D., J. Crouse, D. D., and Rev. Samuel Schwarm, the present pastor. In March, 1885, Dr. Crouse retired, having served almost forty-three years in the ministry of his church. He began his labors in Crawford County in 1842. During that time he has preached in Galion, Leesville,, Plymouth (seven years), Sulphur Springs, DeKalb, Bucyrus (eight years), Tiffin (eight years and two months), and many other points. He was also connected with Wittenberg College for seven years as financial secretary.

The Open Door Sunday-School Society, instituted some years ago, holds Sunday services in the city hall. H. G. Day is superintendent of this religious association, and H. J. B. Ford, secretary.

The Universalist Church claims a small membership here, but is without organization. This form of Christian worship was introduced into Tiffin, March 15, 1839, by A. A. Davis, who held "Universalian" services at the court house.

The Mormon Church.-The number of natives or settlers of this county who became members of the church of Latter Day Saints is uncertain. Oliver Cowdery, a lawyer of Tiffin, who settled here over forty years ago with his family, was one of the better minds in the church. In 1847 he joined Jesse Strang's monarchical colony of Mormons, moved from Wisconsin in 1847, and died in Missouri in 1848.

Other bodies of Christians, including the Spiritualists, exist here without organization; while, in connection with the churches, a number of missionary and aid societies are in being.

The Hebrew Society is well represented at Tiffin, but there is no synagogue here. The more important holy days of the Jews are, however, observed.

SCHOOLS.

The first schoolhouse erected at Seneca county seat was that old landmark which stood at the northwest corner of Market and Monroe Streets, on land donated by Josiah Hedges in 1828. This was a brick structure completed in 1832. Benjamin Crockett was the first teacher in this building. George Donaldson, Jacob Plane (who was appointed postmaster in 1829) and Richard Sneath were the school trustees in 1828. The schoolhouse of 1832 continued in use twelve years. In 1844 the pioneer schoolhouse gave place to a more pretentious building on the north side of Market Street, near Monroe, in which four teachers were employed. William Lang, Rev. Mr. Collins and Mrs. Gibbs were the principals. In .1847 Harrison Noble was appointed teacher, and during the following three years no less than a dozen different persons presided over the classes in those four old rooms, which constituted the Tiffin schools.

In October, 1850, the first board of education was elected. The successful candidates were W. H. Gibson, William Lang, William D. Searles, A. C. Baldwin, W. H. Keilholtz and George Knupp. The first board of examiners was appointed in November, 1850, namely: J. H. Pittinger, R. G. Pennington and R. R. Bement.

The school board elections since 1876 have resulted in the choice of the following named citizens: 1876-Warren P. Noble. 1877-Dr. E. B. Hubbard and O. C. Zeller. 1878-N. L. Brewer, Judge J. F. Bunn, Henry Brohl, E. B. Hubbard, W. P. Noble, school board; B. B. Hall, superintendent of schools; B. F. Myers, assistant superintendent. 1879-William Lang, J. F. Bunn, W. P. Noble, Henry Brohl. E. B. Hubbard, Charles O. Knepper, school board;,

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Prof. B. B. Hall, superintendent of the public schools; Prof. B. F. Myers, assistant superintendent. In 1880 and 1881 the board remained unchanged, but Prof. J. W. Knott, superintendent of the public schools, was elected vice Hall, and Prof. B. F. Myers, assistant superintendent, was continued as assistant. The board of 1882 and 1883 comprised the same members as that of the three preceding years. In 1884-Dr. J. A. Norton, W. P. Noble, Sylvester J. Kintz, Lewis Seewald, J. M. Hershberger and Charles O. Knepper formed the board, with Prof. Knott and Prof. B. F. Myers holding their positions. The election of 1885 resulted in the re-election of Kintz and Knepper over the Republican candidates, Gibbon and Baldwin, the vote standing 1, 065 and 1,095 against 702 and 670, respectively.

In 1850 the board of education adopted a school system very far above that in vogue previously, and employed a corps of eight teachers, viz.: William Fitzgerald, Thomas J. Cronise, Samuel Nolan, Mrs. Sarah Sands, Miss E. Augsperger, Miss Eliza Cronise, Miss C. Coffin and Miss Andrew. The high. est salary paid was $24 per month, but the regular salary was $15. Rev. R. R. Bement was the first superintendent, serving for $2 per month. The next superintendent, S. S. Rickley, was more fortunate, as he received $33.33 per month, for the year ending May, 1852. During this year the Union Schoolhouse was erected, near St. Mary's Church, at a cost of $6,000. It was not, however, until 1859 that the high school building was opened, although a high school classt graduated the previous year. In 1871 two large school buildings were added to Tiffin, one in 18 78, and one in 1883.

Tiffin High School Alumni Association was organized May 20, 1881. The graduates from 1863 to 1885 numbered 167, of whom 132 were ladies. In the following record the address of all graduates, other than residents of Tif.. fin, is given

Class of 1863.-Mrs. Theo. Whitney, nee Beilharz, Northeast, Penn. Mrs. Nora Tomb, nee Benham; *Delia Bowe, Anna Gibson, Mrs. Retta Lucas, nee McLain, Marion, Ohio; Mattie W. Shawhan, 1024 McGee Street, Kansas City, Mo.; *Jennie Smith, Mrs. Maggie Dunscome, nee Weirick, Aspin, Col. ; Dallas P. Dildine, Payne, Ohio; Omar Wilson.

Class of 1864.-Mrs. Maggie Lloyd, nee Gardner, Defiance, Ohio; Mrs. Emma Yingling, nee Tomb; *Mrs. Emma Hill, nee Vicroy, Elmer White, Defiance, Ohio.

Class of 1865. -*Ella Davis, Mrs. Isa B. Frost, nee Dildine; Mrs. Addie Jones, nee Gallup; Mrs. Mary Wheeler, nee Hinnaman, Lima, Ohio; *Mrs. Hattie Kagy, nee Weirick.

Class of 1866.-Mrs. Elvira Yockey, nee Beilharz, Xenia, Ohio; Frank Dildine, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Charles J. M. Sullivan, Louis Ulrich.

Class of 1867.-Mrs. Bertha Pomeroy, nee Bowe; Mrs. Libbio Davies, nee Bowersox, Clyde, Ohio; *Mrs. Laura Bunn, nee Groff; Mrs. Eva Fowler, nee Gross, Lafayette, Ind.; Mrs. Anna Shields, nee Lamberson; Mrs. Eva Baldwin, nee Phillips, Plum Creek Neb.; Mrs. Mattie Saurber, nee McLain, York, Penn.; Mrs. Julia Hays, nee McAllister, Knoxville, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Zartman, George W. Tomb, Virginia City, Nov.

Class of 1868.-Mrs. Ella Webb, nee Corbin, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Leora Conn, nee Flenner, Virginia City, Nov.; Mrs. Sarah Meacham, nee Gallup, Carrington, Dak. ; 'Mrs. Augusta Fleu, nee Snyder: Dr. William H. Baldwin, Sacramento, Cal.

T Class of 1858.-Anna Augsperger, Toledo, Ohio; Am Amelia Benham, Mrs. Anna J Lawton, we Cooper, Ashland Avenue and Batavia Street, Toledo, Ohio; Mary M. Ebbert; Mrs, Mary Hall, nee Stoner, Tiffin, Ohio; Lizzie Stoner, Tiffin, Ohio.

* Deceased.

502 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Class of _1869.-Mary Gallup, Carrington, Dak.; Mrs. Mary E. Groff, nee Noble; Ella Harriett, *Tirzah McCormack, Mrs. Idella Ranshaw, nee Reeme, Chicago, Ill.

Class of 1870.--Mrs. Mary Myers, nee Childs; Mrs. Philla Knapp, nee Snyder; Mrs. Emma Sweadner, nee Travis, Fredonia, Kas. ; Ella Webb, Carey, Ohio; Harry Buskirk; Irvin Graves, Sandusky, Ohio; William H. Knight.

Class of 1871.-Mrs. Anna Bodenstein, nee Boos, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Mrs. Lola Van Tyne, nee Hovey, Sandusky, Ohio; Mrs. Mattie Reed, nee MeAllister; Mrs. Allie B. Searles, nee Nyman; Mrs. Emma O. Hale, nee Ogle, Xenia, Ohio; Mrs. Laura Barnhart, nee Schinness; Aurilla Sohn, Mrs. Medora J. C. Gaines, nee Sprague, Melmore, Ohio; Dr. R. B. Benham, Brownsville, Tex.; Edgar J. Gross, Louisville, Ky.; Charles W. Hedges, Galveston, Texas

Class of 1873.-Mrs. Minnie B. Cunningham, nee Holt; Mrs. Rachel Neligh, nee Martin; Flora V. Poorman, Arthur A. Cunningham, Edward S. Ebbert, Covington, Ky.; George M. Huss, Western Springs, Ill.

Class of 1874.-Mrs. Katie Gilkerson, nee Bibb, Sandusky, Ohio; Mrs. Kate Acre, nee Boyer, Greenville, Penn.; Mrs. Ida Lynch, nee Nyman; Mrs. Cora B. Bradley, nee Pew; Minnie Smith, Mrs. Mary E. Lepper, nee Williams, Attica, Ohio; Mrs. Celia I. Shaw, nee Williams, Republic, Ohio; Amos W. Knight, Attica, Ohio; John A. Spielman.

Class of 18 76. -*Lizzie It. Kefauver, Jessie L. Poorman, Amelia D. Sauer, Roland M. Barbour, Socorro, N. M.; Warren E. Brinkerhoff, Detroit, Mich.

Class of 1878.--Laura V. Freyman, Mattie Gibson, W infield, Kas. ; Mary A. Hartman, Minnie L. Jones, Emma C. Merkelbach, Laura Stricken

Class of 1879.-Clara A. Barnes, Mrs. Florence M. Livezey, nee Barnes, Denver, Col.; Mrs. Belle M. Myers, nee Byrne; Amanda C. Clouser, Mrs. Jennie Horn, nee Fishbaugh, Shenandoah, Iowa; Mrs. Lettie Wilcoxson, nee Wilson; Dr. H. L. Wenner.

Class of 1880.-Gertrude H. Adams, Eva E. Bacher, *Lisetta C. Berger, Julia Brewer, Amelia A. Byrne, Fannie C. McLain, Corinne Spayth, Josie L. Spiers, Frank W. Wenner, Bellaire, Ohio.

Class of 1881.-Mrs. Ella E. Kerstetter, nee Frank, Louisville, Ohio; Mrs. Nora Neligh, nee Keller; Lillian M. Kreader, Mrs. Rosa P. Kiessling, nee Lemp; Susie Martin, Mrs. Emma O. Krammes, nee Ruess, Denver, Ind.; Mabel Spayth, G. Edward Boos, Jackson, Mich.; William H. Dore, Willis E. White.

Class of 1882.--Georgia A. Clarke, Jessie D. Keller, Fostoria, Ohio; Jennie Martin, Esther Mosier, Carrie A. Myers, Lucy Seinsoth, Carrie V. Steninger, Pauline Stricker.

Class of 1883.-Jessie Burkhalter, Mrs. Julia Boyer, nee Cain, Chicago, Ill.; Hattie Crooks, Ella S. Emmick, Mary E. Good, Jennie E. Martin, Annie McCauley, Alberta J. Metz, Mattie I. Newson, Theresa Pittenger, Josie E. Ward Addis O. Wiseman, Theodore Brohl, Elmer E. Hershberger, Albert L. Norton, Annapolis, Md.; Frederick L. Wenner.

Class of 1884.----Clara L. Dresbach, Mrs. Mary Shedenhelm, nee Frederici, Watson Station, Ohio; Emma Huss, Cora A. Lem p, Jennie Nighswander, Clara E. Shawhan, Louie C. Stricker, Ella Weiss, Henry Adelsperger, Theodore W. Day, James Hershberger James S. Koppel.

Class of 1885.-Ella Crooks, Lillian M. Grendon, Lizzie M. Keller, Cora J. Lease, Olive L. Lysle, Emma A. Short, Morristown, Minn.; Emma M. Sneckenberger, Maggie M. Spayth, Aland T. Stanley, Alary B. Tomb, Jennie Weiss, Willis Bacon.

* Deceased

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Profs. Knott and Myers are honorary members of the association. The present officers axe Dr. H. L. Wenner, president; E. E. Hershberger, Amelia D. Sauer and Mabel Spayth, vice-presidents; Mrs. A. A. Cunningham, treasurer; Mary L. Hartman, corresponding secretary; F. L. Wenner, recording secretary.

The teachers of the public schools of Tiffin, in August, 1885, are named as follows: J. W. Knott, superintendent; B. F. Myers, assistant superintendent and principal of the Second District Schools; Miss S. R. Platt, Mrs. M. E. Zartman, Kate Sughro, Hallie Levitt, Josie Spiers, Eva Bacher, Mollie Good, Theresa Pittinger, Clara Shawhan, Carrie Myers, Fannie McLain, Lissette Herbig and Emma Merkelbach, teachers in First District; Leonora Mitchell, Mary Hartman, Corinne Spayth, Josie Ward, Mary F. Van Pelt, Ids R. Smith and Lucy Seinsoth, teachers in Second District; Celesta Stoner, Clara Barnes, Mattie Newson and Jessie Poorman, teachers in Third District; Flora Poorman, Amelia Sauer and Mabel Spayth, teachers in Fourth District, and Laura Freyman, teacher in Fifth District.

The statistics of the schools of Tiffin for the year ending August 31, 1884, are as follows: Local tax, $15,998.08; State tax, $4,479; irreducible school fund, $4,035; balance from 1883, $12,079.48; amount realized from sale of school bonds, $18,000; from fines, licenses, etc., $3,734.08; total revenue, $54,330.99; amount paid teachers, $13,319; managing and superintending, $1,350; cost of grounds and buildings, $12,270.92; fuel and sundries, $6,602.47; total expenditure, $33,542; balance to credit of year 1885, $20,788.60. Five school buildings-value of property, $90, 000, including schoolhouse of 1883-84 erected at a cost of $20,000; number of teachers, 32; average salary, $63 and $38; number of pupils, 1,347-653 boys and 694 girls-of whom 96 are enrolled in high school classes; rate of local school tax, 62 mills. The school enumeration made by Alber Beilharz in September, 1885, credits the city proper with 1, 304 male and 1,357 female children, and the first and fourth sub-districts with 109 male and 83 female children, or a total of 1,413 males and 1,440 females, with two colored males and four colored females; 2,859 youth between six and twenty-one years of age, an increase of 47 over the enumeration of 1884. The number of unmarried youth between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years is 819, an increase of 50 over the number recorded in 1884.

The Catholic Schools were established by Rev. Father Molon. P. H. Ryan succeeded John Crowley in charge of the school. This John Crowley was truly as great a Latin scholar as he was a whisky drinker. He could speak Latin the day long, keep from strong drink for a term, but when he would drink he was a terrible character, sacrificing everything to satisfy this awful craving. In 1855 or 1856 Warren P. Noble remarked jokingly to Crowley that he would help him in securing the nomination for mayor. Crowley looked athim steadily and said; "Quid, quid, id est, timeo Denaos et, Bona ferentes." He left Tiffin prior to the war, but of his whereabouts nothing is known. Mr. Ryan had charge of this school until the winter of 1853-54. At this time school was held in the vestibule of the old St. Mary's Church. Cornelius Hennessy took charge of the school in 1854, and was succeeded in 1855 by a daughter of John Britt. During her term the old church, in which school continued to be held, was burned to the ground (1856). That same year, Mr. Ryan, as a trustee, purchased the old frame Union School building of the Second Ward, which stood where the present St. Mary's Schood now is, moved it eastward, and placed it on the north side of Miami Street, two lots south of Franklin Street, in Fort Ball. There were two male teachers employed in this building prior to the coming of the sisters, and the sisters continued school in that same.

506 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

building east of Franklin Street, until 1884. In 1856 the Union School erected a brick schoolhouse where the old Union School stood, and in this teaching was carried on until 1884, when the sisters, who purchased the building and grounds for $5,000, opened it in 1884 as St. Mary's School.

The Ursuline Convent, Schools and College.-The convent was founded at Tiffin in 1863, by members of the order from Cleveland, Ohio, at the request of the congregations of the parishes of St. Mary and St. Joseph, who subscribed about $3,000, and purchased the lot on which the present convent now stands. This society, as now established at Tiffin, was reorganized under State law, September 7, 1864, with Sister of St. Josh, Sister of the Sacred Heart and Sister St. Maxime, trustees, holding the offices of superior, treasurer and secretary respectively. From the beginning of the convent the sisters have conducted the academy and have also attended the common schools of St. Mary's and St Joseph's Parishes. May 29, 1878, the college of the Ursulines was incorporated, the articles being signed by the following named sisters: Catherine Leahy, Louisa Brickner, Mary Hanley, Ella Johnson and Mary Bormuth, trustees. This act granted to the faculty the power of conferring degrees and all the powers of a collegiate institution. The studies are divided into three classes, primary, preparatory and senior; the last named being a three years' course of elocution, composition, rhetoric, foreign history, botany, higher arithmetic, Bourdon's algebra, geometry, ancient history, literature, philosophy, Bible history, trigonometry, astronomy, chemistry, geology, logic, essays and public recitations. The Latin, French and German languages are optional branches. Classes in book-keeping are formed for such pupils of the higher grade as wish to make it a study. Besides these studies, music in its various branches, drawing, art painting (Lustra, China silk and velvet) in oil and water colors, are taught to great perfection; also waxwork, embroidery, fancy work, plain sewing, cooking, mending, darning, knitting and all kinds of domestic accomplishments. The editor of the Fremont Messenger speaking of the college, says: "Not the least commendable feature of this academy is the attention that is given to those graceful accomplishments which throw a charm over domestic life and tend toward elevating society. Readings and lectures on etiquette are given weekly. Simplicity of manner and dress is encouraged, and economy enforced. Particular attention is paid to the necessary parts of the study of physiology and the laws of health. Perfect uniformity is observed in retiring, rising, study, proceeding to the different exercises. Difference in religion is no obstacle to the admission of pupils; those of all denominations are received and no influence is in any way exerted over the conscientious opinion of non-Catholics, but in the reception of pupils good reference is required. Special attention is given to young ladies wishing to qualify themselves as teachers. A library of choice standard works is free of access to the pupils."

The plans for the new convent building are made and the grounds purchased. The grounds lie on the face of the terrace of the Sandusky, on the southwestern limits of the city, one of the most beautiful locations in all northern Ohio. The buildings are to be in keeping with the location and the high objects for which they are destined.

The schools of the Franciscan sisters are carried on in connection with the Citizens' Hospital and the Orphan Asylum, on the south side of the city. There are no less than 115 orphans cared for and educated in this true home of Christian charity. The Orphanage dates back to 1868, as told in its history; while the coming of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis dates to June 4, 1878. The number of the community is fifty-four. Of them twenty-four sisters are principally occupied in the schools:.

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Miscellaneous Schools.-In the early days of Tiffin it was the rule to bring a few children together in one of the houses and impart to them the rudiments of an education. In 1832 this system gave place to the very common school education, which was continued almost to 1850, when the board of education was established and the school took a first place among city institutions.

A music school was opened at Tiffin by J. A. Schickell November 6, 1840. Since that year the teaching of music has become a part and parcel of a firstclass education, and the citizens leave nothing undone to foster the music teachers' enterprise.

Tiffin Select Ladies School was opened by Mrs. L. M. Lathrop in February, 1844. This was the pioneer of the select schools of Tiffin. The system, however, has been overshadowed by the advantages which the city schools and denominational colleges offer.

The Seneca County Academy claimed seventy-five pupils in the winter of 1846, and may be classed as the beginning of "higher education" in Seneca County. The history of this academy is given in that of Scipio Township.

The Gossman classes are presided over by George Gossman, A. M., whose experience of over twenty years in the study and teaching of English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Greek, Latin and Hebrew, fit him to preside over special classes.

The newspaper press of the city is well conducted and supported, and all literary and scholastic enterprises are fostered with a liberal hand.

HEIDELBERG COLLEGE.

The beginning of the establishment of this college at Tiffin dates back to November 4, 1850, when Benjamin S. Schneck, D. D., president and professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy; J. H. Good, A. M., professor of Mathematics, and Reuben Good, A. M., rector of the preparatory school, opened a collegiate session in three rented rooms of the building once known as Commercial Row,, with seven students present. The actual beginning antedates the beginning of the college. An address signed by W. P. Noble, H. Shaull and R. B. Bement asking the co-operation of the people in establishing a grammar school at Tiffin was issued September 13, 1850. William Lang, William H. Gibson, A. C. Baldwin, Wilson Yourtee, Barkdull Souder, - St. John, - Lee and others were among the originators of this movement. The history prepared in 1884 by the college authorities, gives the following facts:

" Early in the year 1850 a special meeting of the Synod of Ohio was held at Tarlton, Ohio, to provide for the establishment of a college for the Reformed Church in the West. Proposals from the citizens of Tarlton were accepted, and the name of Tarlton College given to the proposed new institution. At the regular meeting of the synod in Navarre, Ohio, September 26, 1850, it was decided to change the location of the new college to Tiffin, Ohio, in view of inducements offered by the citizens of this city (a donation of $11,000). Here, in rooms rented in Commercial Row, the college was formally opened November 18, 1850, with seven students in attendance. The number of students increased during the year so that the catalogue for 1850-51 bad an enrollment of 149 names. The smallest number in attendance in any year was 105. This was in 1860. The highest number was 227, in the year 1868.

"The name Heidelberg was given because of its historic significance, when the synod in Navarre decided upon the location of the college at Tiffin. It was incorporated by an act of the General Assembly of Ohio, February 13, 1851, under the name of Heidelberg College. * * * * The

first faculty consisted of Revs. E. Y. Gerhart, J. h. Good, ii. S. Rickley, R.

508 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Good and Mrs. A. M. Lee. As President Gerhart and Prof. Rickley were engaged in other duties, the work of instruction at first mainly devolved upon Revs. R. and J. H. Good and Mrs. Lee. The advocacy of the principle of co-education was shown by the appointment of a lady principal at the foundation of the college. The theological seminary has been intimately connected with the college from the beginning. * * * * The literary societies of the college have been important factors in promoting intellectual growth and ability in debate and public speaking. The Excelsior Society was organized in 1851, and the Heidelberg Society in 1859. On the lists of honorary membership in these societies are the names of nearly 1,000 of the leading literary men of the day, and two-thirds of as many active members who have since proven their efficient training in filling varied important and responsible positions.

" The presidents of the college have been Rev. E. Y. Gerhart, 1850-55; Rev. Moses Kieffer, 1855-63; Rev. George W. Aughinbaugh, 1863-64; Rev. George W. Williard, from 1866 to the present time.

"Of the present faculty Profs. R. and J. H. Good have been in the institution since 1850; Dr. Rust since 1861; Dr. Williard, 1866; Prof. Hornung, 1868; Prof. Knepper, 1873; Dr. Zerbe, 1879, and Prof. Lowe, 1883. Miss Mary E. Andrews is teacher of vocal and instrumental music; Mrs. M. E. Calhoun, matron of the ladies' boarding hall. The resident trustees are Revs. G. W. Williard, D. D., L. H. Kefauver, D. D., J. H. Good, D. D., W. P. Noble, B. F. Myers, U. F. Cramer, Dr. G. P. Williard, and N. L. Brewer, trustee and treasurer. The old college building was built in 1852, the president's house in 1868, and the boarding hall in 1873."

The resident officers of the board of visitors of the theological seminary are Rev. R. Good, president; Rev. L. H, Kefauver, secretary and treasurer; Rev. H. H. W. Hibshman. The faculty comprises Rev. J. H. Good, D. D., Professor of Dogmatic and Practical Theology; Rev, Herman Rust, D. D., of Exegetic and Historical Theology; Prof. A. S. Zerbe, A. M., librarian. The annual expense of a male student is stated at $150 to $170; of a female student about $200, it being understood that reasonable economy be exercised.

College Buildings.-In 1852 what is now known as the old college was opened, and is still in use, awaiting the completion of the new buildings. In October, 1880, the subject of erecting a house becoming the importance of the educational enterprise was mentioned by Dr. G. W. Williard. In the winter of 1883---84 the college board asked Peters & Burns, of Dayton, Ohio, for plans, and in the summer of 1884 the contract was sold to Chamberlain & King, of Tiffin, for $46,558, who agreed to complete the building by June 15, 1886. September 24, 1884, the work on foundations was begun, and April 6, 1885, the first brick was laid, and sixteen days later the corner-stone was placed with appropriate ceremonies. On the small front of the corner-stono is cut "Heidelberg College, Founded 1850. Rebuilt 1885." On the other front is cut in two columns (one column at each end of the stone), the names of the class of 1883, and in the center of the stone is cut "Presented by the class of '83." The corner-stone is a block of the finest Italian marble, 12x16 inches, and two feet eight inches in length. The building will be large and commodious, and of architectural beauty.

CEMETERIES.

Green Lawn Cemetery. - This silent "City of the Dead" was laid off in 1860, and in March of that year Mrs. N. D. Brewer was interred there. The first sexton was Fred Bloom, who was succeeded by Enoch Clouser, who was

CLINTON TOWNSHIP. - 509

succeeded by Aaron Clouser (who settled near the present cemetery in 1847), ten years ago. The Green Lawn Cemetery was purchased by a company of Tiffinites, who organized as an association January 25, 1871, with the following members: Warren P. Noble, John M. Naylor, R. W. Shawhan, Henry Ebbert, T. H. Bagby, H. A. Buskirk, R. G. Pennington, John D. Loomis, Luther A. Hall, John T. Huss, A. G. Sneath, John M. Kaull and John C. Lee, and reorganized February 20, 1874. R. W. Shawhan and John T. Huss were president and secretary, respectively. The former holds his position still, while J. M. Naylor is the successor of Mr. Huss, with Mr. Hartzer assistant secretary. The annual average of interments is seventy.

The soldiers of the war of the Rebellion interred here, by record, are H. F. Arndt, L. D. Arnold, Percey Arnold, T. Bentley, Charles W. Bowe, James T. Beck, J. A. Bowland, N. M. Barnes, Charles Barnes, Leander Coe, Eli Deppen, John Dontzer, Isaac Davis, L. Dutrow, Samuel H. Dildine, Jacob Debusman, James W. Ebbert, George W. Gallup, Silas W. Groff, D. Herring, James Heffelfinger, Henry Harbaugh, Thomas A. Kaup, Henry Kuhn, F. S. Kieffer, J. Keating, James Kuder, George W. Lowe, John D. Latimer, L. W. Ladd, Charles L. Maule, Austin W. Miller, James Mitchell, Joseph Mason, William L. Myers, Thomas McBride, Jacob Menzer, Henry C. Myers, H. B. Martin, Frank McBride, C. M. McAllister, Joshua Newson, J. Offenhouser, W. F. Pieffer, Charles Rouch, Jacob Rouch, John W. Reese, Albert Rohn, Enos Sell, S. K. Slanker, W. R. Smythe, Charles M. Stone, Jay C. Stone, Michael Sullivan, Oliver Startzman, Henry A. Spayth, Jesse Shriver, John Staub, J. Snyder, Jacob Seitz, W. Six, S. Sawhill, Edmond Shelt, C. M. Sneath, Alfred Trexler, E. R. Toll, Jacob U. Wilcox, Joseph Walker, W. Whiteman, Jacob Wolf, Henry Windsor, John Wick, Conrad Yingst, Louis Zimmer.

The soldiers of the Revolution, war of 1812 and Mexican war interred here are F. K. Shawhan, 1776; Jacob Adams, 1812; Jacob Bacher, 1812; B. Biggs, 1812; F. Cramer, 1812; Henry Cronise, 1812; Thomas Derr, 1812; A. Flenner, 1812; H. Hershiser, 1812; John Park, 1812; Ephraim Porter, 1812; Jacob Wilcox, 1812; C. Millhouse, 1846.

City Cemetery.-This dates its establishment back to the early days of the city. When the bodies were transferred to Green Lawn, the greater number of graves were left untenanted here; but enough remains to warrant the place being kept in good order. The soldiers of 1861-66, buried here, are Frank Bernard, J. W. Emich, W. Fry, G. Kestner, A. Raunk, Charles Seewald.

Rock Creek Cemetery, another old home of the dead, contains its quota of old and new soldiers; John Frees, a soldier of the Revolution, is buried here; D. Lambertson, William Murry, Joseph Richards, Eli Thornburgh, all soldiers of 1812; David Butler and Isaac Wolf, soldiers of 1848, and the following named soldiers of the Rebellion; David Herrin, Homer Phillips, Charles Richardson, John D. Williams, Jefferson Wolf.

Stoner's Cemetery.-Here are buried the following named soldiers of 1861-66: A. Dundore, W. Horner, William Moser, M. Repp, J. W. Wilson.

Fairmount Cemetery Association was organized at Tiffin, August 11, 1877. with the following members: D. C. Stoner, J. W. Martin, M. E. Kemp, John Souder, Jacob Zimmerman, Abe Zook, Joseph Loose, Fred Crum, Charles Gangmer, J. W. Crum, Joseph Huber, C. W. Doran and Henry Stoner.

St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery was established in 1854. Dr. J. M. Lecher, who died of cholera, July 22, that year, was the first interment, and Elizabetb Harter, who died of this dreadful disease July 31, 1854, was the second person buried. The soldiers interred here are named as follows: Jacob Bearly, J. Bessler, J. Gnau, D. Hasenbeler, J. Harsenbeler, M. Herby, Dr. Landcried,

510 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Fred Rentz, C. Sebold, Bruno Smidt, Peter Thom, J. Weiot; Henry Wolf, all of 1861-66, and F. J. Wagner, 1846.

(The Everard Monument was erected in this cemetery in 1885, by John B. Vermont, of Massillon. The rock was taken from Bronhelm, Worthington's quarry, and the entire sculpture work was completed in the cemetery. The height is twenty-one and one-half feet, including the heavy Roman cross of the twelfth century. The whole monument is based on the style between the old Roman and Gothic. On the cross is a fine sculptured figure, representing the crucifixion. The cost was about $800 or $1,000. The congregation paid for it.)

St. Mary's Old Catholic Cemetery is on the west bank of Rock Creek, in the rear of the Ursuline Convent. Many of the pioneers are interred here, and also a number of soldiers of the late war, among whom are the two Coonrads, M. Price and D. S. Redmond. St. Mary's New Cemetery is east of the city. One soldier, M. O'Connell, is interred there. The pioneers, who find a home in these cemeteries, are mentioned in the pages devoted to a notice of old settlers in the histories of the townships.

HOSPITAL AND ASYLUM.

The Citizens' Hospital and Orphan Asylum Association, referred to elsewhere, dates back to 1868, though it was only organized December 2, 1869, with the following members: Rev. Joseph Bihn, J. B. Greifeldinger, Widow Elizabeth Schafer, Anna Maria Schafer, Kolmgunda Schmitt and her daughters and Mary Ann Schafer. The first three named were elected trustees. December 30, 1873, a second record of incorporation was made. June 4, 1878, the Sisters of St. Francis came to take charge of the asylum, and December 2, 1879, they incorporated with the venerable Sister Mary Frances superior. The conception of this remarkable charity is credited to Rev. Joseph L. Bihn, who is the chief director of the asylum. Gradually he brought into existence a home for the friendless orphan and aged, which in its extent and conduct compares with some of the largest State institutions, and in its results exceeds them. The number of inmates is placed at 206, who, under the direction of the superior, make the asylum self-supportingcultivating the asylum farm, while the larger boys engage in teaching parochial schools or in taking care of the aged, of whom there are thirty-six. The buildings show a frontage of 250 feet, 44 foot deep with commodious wings, containing 150 rooms. The church of St. Francis, the school rooms and the convent of St. Francis, with the asylum proper, form one immense monument to Christian charity.

SOCIETIES.

Masonic History.-Sandusky. Lodge, No. 77, was organized October 19, 1842, under charter, with the following named members: Rufus W. Reid, Charles F. Dresbach, Uriah P. Coonrad, Joseph Walker, Ely Dresbach, Robert Crum Agreen Ingraham, Israel Bentley, Samuel Mitchell, John Baugher, Henry Kuhn, Evan Dorsey, Thadeus Wilson and Vincent Bell. This lodge was organized under State law November 17, 1848, with R. Crum, R. W. Reid, H. Kuhn, R. Williams, trustees, and Henry W. Owen, clerk. The Worshipful Masters of this lodge have been: R. W. Reid, from organization to 1850; R. Crum, 1850; J. E. McCormack, 1858; Henry Kuhn, 1862; C. C. Park, 1864. The secretaries of the lodge have been Joseph Walker, 1842; . W. Green, 1843; G. J. Keen, 1848; H. W. Owen, 1849 J. P. Pillars, 1850; T. C. Tunison, 1851; R. Williams, 1852; George E. Seney, 1853; James Pelan, 1854 J. G. Kennedy, 1855; George H. Homing, 1856; J. M.

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Stevens, 1857; M. H. Church, 1858; J. D. Arndt, 1859; L. M. Loomis, 1860; J. G. Gross, 1864. Sandusky Lodge was consolidated with Tiffin Lodge October 16, 1866. The officers named above, up to the elections of 1864, were officers of Sandusky Lodge after that date of Tiffin Lodge.

Tiffin Lodge, No. 320, was chartered April 5, 1858, with the following named members: F. D. Benham, William Gallup, James Pelan, John G. Kennedy, E. B. Searles, Robert Crum, H. C. Spindler, W. P. Noble, L. A. Hall, E. W. Reeme, Leander Stem. Robert Crum was the first Worshipful Master and F. D. Benham the first secretary. J. G. Kennedy was elected secretary in 1859 and E. W. Reeme in 1860. In 1861 D. F. DeWolfe was elected W. M., and L. Adams, secretary. A. F. Barnes was chosen secretary in 1862, and W. M. in 1864; Robert Lysle was secretary in 1864; C. Cronise was elected secretary in 1865, and G. F. Hertzer in 1866. In the latter year F. E. Franklin was elected W. M The consolidation of this lodge with the pioneer Sandusky Lodge took place October 16, 1866.

Seneca Chapter, No. 42, R. A. M., was chartered February 7, 1849, with the following named members: John J. Steiner, R. W. Reed, Alexander Smith, Joseph McCuteheon, Agreen Ingraham, Abner Root, Henry Kuhn, Robert Crum and Peter Van Nest. R. W. Reed was the first H. P. In 1850 the chapter was permanently organized with F. W. Green, H. P., and J. S. Barber, secretary.

Clinton Council, No. 47, R. & S. M., was chartered April 9, 1867. The charter members were C. K. Watson, C. C. Park, G. K. Brown, Charles Martin, J. F. Marquardt, H. H. Byers, J. G. Gross, Jonathan Smith, Peter Van Nest, E. Dorsey and H. H. Souder. C. K. Watson and G. K. Brown were president and secretary, respectively.

De Molay Commandery, No. 9, K. T., was organized at Republic, Seneca County, under charter, August 10, 1848. The original members were Josiah Roop, John P. Worstell, H. Benton, Platt Benedict, Daniel Watersons, Daniel Brown, Hiram Humphrey, M. V. Bogart, Edward Winthrop and H. L. Harris. The eminent commanders at Republic were Edward Winthrop, 1848; Platt Benedict, 1853; M. V. Bogart, 1858, and H. Bromley, 1865 to 1870. The recorders during this time were H. P. Benton, 1848; E. T. Stickney, 1850; J. S. Smith, 1855; H. Bromley, 1856, and D. M. Neikirk, 1868. By resolution of the commandery and with the consent of the General Commander, the headquarters of No. 9 were transferred to Tiffin, H. Bromley and D. M. Neikirk holding their respective positions. In 18 70 J. W. Chamberlin was elected to succeed H. Bromley, and in 1872 J. 14I. Stevens was elected vice D. M. Neikirk. The officers elected in December, 1884, are named as follows: E. C., T. H. Robbins; Generalissimo, F. K. Holderman; Captain Geril, Robert Lysle; Prelate, William Gallup; S. W., Charles Martin; J. W., George R. Huss; treasurer, J. F. Marquardt; Roc., R. L. Knapp; St. B., H. W. Yeager; 5. W. B., Jacob Beigh; War., J. W. Schaufelberger; Son., John Park.

Independent Order of Odd Fellows.-Seneca Lodge, No. 35, was instituted February 20, 1845, under charter from the Grand Lodge granted to H. G. W. Cronise, R. R. McMeens, James Sivels, B. D. Chapman, Thomas H. Sheldon and James Oyler. At the evening meeting Richard Williams and R. P. Ward were admitted on cards, and John E. McCormack, Rolla Johnson, Nathaniel Redd and Warren P. Noble were admitted members. The lodge was incorporated September 28, 1846. The noble grands since 1841. are named as follows: T. H. Sheldon, B. D. Chapman, H. G. W. Cronise and Richard Williams, 1845; Rolla Johnson, John G. Breslin, George Knupp, 1846: F. Don Benham, Thomas H. Sheldon, 1847; John E. McCormack. William Lang, 1848; Jacob M.

512 - HISTORY OF SENECA COUNTY.

Ebbert, L. M. Loomis, 1849; John Poorman, John H. Pittinger, 1850; William H. Gibson, Samuel Curry 1851; Michael Wall, George Sprague, 1852; N. N. Spielman, Nathaniel Redd, 1853; George C. Small, J. H. Leidy, 1854; J. W. Wilson, E. G. Bowe, 1855; W. A. Hershiser, A. Brown, 1856; William M. Patterson, Leonard Adams, 1857; J. H. Merchant, J. W. Bradley, 1858; John Horn, N. O. Spielman, 1859; Simon Snyder, John Young, 1860; Philip Spielman, J. J. Cronise, 1861; Michael Wall, A. R. Van Dorn, 1862; William H. Webb, J. H. Nighswander, 1863; W. J. Merchant, James W. Love, 1864; Levi Weirick, Simon Snyder, 1865; M. Wall, J. S. Harrison 1866; S. S. Kisinger, David C. Tunison, 1867; Robert Nichols, H. F. Fiege, 1868; Edward Lepper, H. Whiteman, 1869; William Mattison, H. J. Stolzenbach, 1870; Robert Nichols, D. Bowersox and George C. Small (to fill vacancy), 1871; John H. Ridgely, A. M. Campbell, 1872; Sam Stricker, S. C. Lamberson, 1873; B. F. Myers, H. D. Snyder, 1874; J. C. Ogle, Sam Cromer, 1875; A. L. Flack, Theodore F. Baumgartner, 1876; D. Wineland, William Benner, 1877; S. C. Lamberson, H. Gugenheim, 1878; L. D. Arnold, Joseph Secrist, 1879; Henry J. Weller, P. J. Gries, 1880; Jocob Biegh, H. S. Root, 1881; Ed Wenner, Fred P. Bloom, 1882; T. S. Falkner, Charles Schauss, 1883; Thomas J. Livers, E. J. Seaman, 1.884; John F. Rief, January, 1885.

The secretaries of the lodge since 1844 are named as follows: H. G. «-. Cronise, James Sivels, R. R. McMeens, John G. Breslin, George Knupp, F. D. Benham, J. M. Ebbert, Richard Williams, William Lang, William H. Gibson, L. M. Loomis, John Poorman, H. F. Dewey and John E. McCormack; these served up to the close of 1849. M. Wall, S. Curry, George Sprague, J. H. Pittinger, N. N. Spielman, N. Redd, George C. Small, J. H. Leidy, J. W. Wilson, E. G. Bowe, W. A. Hershiser, A. Brown, W. M. Patterson, Leonard Adams, J. H. Merchant, J. W. Bradley, John Horn, Philip Spielman, Simon Snyder and John Young were secretaries from 1850 to 1860. Samuel Sailor, H. J. Crouse, W. J. Merchant, A. R. Van Dorn, W. H. Webb, John H. Nighswander, James W. Love, G. S. Feighner, Levi Weirick, Ed Wenner, A. R. Van Dorn, J. S. Harrison, S. S. Hisinger, D. C. Tunison, Robert Nichols, H. F. Fiege, Ed Lepper, Harman Whiteman, W. Mattison, H. J. Stolzenbach, Peter J. Gries and D. Bowersox served from beginning of 1860 to the close of 1870. John H. Ridgely, 1871; Ed Lepper, 1871-76; James W. Love, 1876 to July, 1879; S. C. Lamberson has served the lodge as secretary from July, 1879, to the present time. The number of members January 5, 1885, was seventy-six. The trustees are Samuel Stricker, Edwin Baker and Charles Schauss. John H. Bennehoff is recording secretary. No less than 321 members have belonged to the lodge since its organization, many of whom (referred to in Chapter III) have gone to that better land where all good fellows go.

Hobah Encampment, No. 19, was organized under charter November 19, 1846, with the following named members: Warren P. Noble, John G. Breslin, H. G. W. Cronise, George Knupp, F. D. Benham, L. M. Loomis, R. Williams and R.. Johnson. With the exception of Messrs. Noble and Loomis, those original members were elected first officers of the encampment.

Oakley Lodge, No. 317, was organized June 10, 1857, with the following named charter members: F. D. Benham, Erastus G. Bowe, Benjamin Pennington, John T. Huss, T. H. Bagby, T. W. Ourand, John Poorman and L. M. Loomis. The Past Grands are E. G. Bowe, S. Chamberlain, Cook Frank. John Ernest, B. Falkner, William Fleming, J. L. Fisher, S. W. Fast, G. F. Hutzer, O. Homer, T. Hall, J. W. Kintz, Aaron Kreader, B. Pennington, Bergert lint and Daniel L. Lott, elected in January, 1885. Benjamin Pen-

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nington has served the lodge as secretary for twenty-seven years; T. W. Ourand and E. G. Bowe, for one year each. The membership at the beginning of 1885 was eighty-four.

Progress Lodge, Daughters of Rebecca, No. 169, was organized October 6, 1885, with the following named officers: Noble Grand, Mrs. Rachel Gilbert; Vice Grand, Mrs. Elizabeth Love; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Mary Emicb; financial secretary, Mrs. Ella Reif; treasurer, Mrs. S. Fast; Warden, Mrs. H. Stoltzenbaugh; Conductor, Mrs. William Coup.