Clark County, Ohio - The whole text, 1881 (part 1 of 20)

The whole text

A History of the County; its Cities, Towns, etc.; General and L-oeai Statistics; Portraits of Early Settlers and Prominent Men ; History of the Northwest Territory; History of Ohio;

City Of Springfield

James Leffel started a saw-mill and foundry. Soon after, he and Andrew Richards built and run a cotton-mill and machine-shop, which passed through several different hands, until now it forms part of the great Buckeye Works. Richard Rodgers re-sold his power to James Barnett, who built a linseed-oil mill, which he sold to John Foos. This mill is also part of the Buckeye shops. In 1847, the Barnetts leased land and power to Christie, Muzzy and Andrews, who operated a planing-mill, afterward conducted by Kindleberger, and now also part of the Buckeye shops.

In 1847, the Barnetts sold Babbitts and Olds the land and power for woolenmills, which they and others operated with good success until 1874, when the power was sold to Warder and Barnett, and the mill property is now used by Blount A Wilson for the manufacture of agricultural implements. In 1842, John A. Pitts, inventor of the Pitts separator, removed from Rochester here, and bought land and power from the Barnetts, and built, shops for manufacturing the Pitts separator. After his death, his sons came into possession of the shops, which have passed through different owners, until the present time. They are now operated by the heirs of James W. Rinehart and Charles P. Ballard and L. H. Purs.ell, under the firm name of Rinehart, Ballard & Co. Mr. Pursell, the only living member of the firm, is a young man of ability, and to his special attention is due much of their prosperity. This firm manufacture very largely of threshing machines. The shops of the company are situated on the southeast corner of Limestone and Warder streets, and are well adapted for the manufacture of these machines,. The Pitts separator, as made by them with their modern improvements, speaks in many a farmer's yard of the great manufacturing genius of our city.

In 1840, the Barnetts leased land and power to Oily Taylor, who built a linseed-oil mill, which passed to Smith & Dew, then to Smith A Boucher, then to Steel, Lehman A Co, then through John Foos to the Buckeye Works. Henry Croft, Sr., one of the pioneers of Clark County, claims to have been, the first inventor of the county, and, while his manufacturing ventures have been in a small way, his inventions are quite a credit to him. In 1846, he built a corn shelter that would shell large amounts of corn per day, separating the grain and cobs. This was run by horse-power, and was such a success that he was called upon to make some for his neighbors. The same year, Mr. Croft made a separator, and, as he had never seen one before, the credit of the invention in his case was not small. This machine he put on wheels, and was the very first ever in this county on wheels. This one Mr. Pitts saw. and it is claimed by Mr. Croft that from his machine Pitts got the notion, and ever afterward put his separators on wheels. Mr. Croft also made razor-strops, watch keys and hook combined, and, in 1870, he manufactured the Croft Windmill, which is now in the hands of E. C. Leffel, the youngest son of James Leffel. who intends in the near future to erect large shops and push the manufacture of these engines with his best energy and ability.

In 1829, Henry Bretney, started the manufacturing of leather, which has been carried on by himself and son, at 1.16 East Main street, ever since 18 JO, the time Mr. Bretney established himself. Mr. Bretney gave the business his special attention up to the time of his death, in 1869. At that time, the business passed into the hands of his son Charles, who still runs the tannery and general supply business.

The pioneer carriage manufacturer is David West. He built the first buggies and carriages, in 1837, at or near where his present factory stands, on West High street, between Market and Center streets.

He has pushed every point, and now lias factory room for iOO hands. The business of this concern grew from manufacturing old-style vehicles to the present style of phaetons, side-bar buggies, carriages and coaches, which aiv finished in the best quality of workmanship. Close behind Mr. West came the Driscol brothers, Elias and James, who started at the carriage manufacturing in 1847, James having been connected with John Beal some two years before in the same business, about one block west of their present shop, Xo. 48 West. Main street. The business of Elias and James Driscol has been carried on be them and their sons since 1847, with the exception of three years. In the year 1870, Asa Whitehead and W. D. Cushman bought the business and ran it for three years. During part of that time, George and John Driscol, sons of James, carried on business some three blocks west of the present factory. In 1873, James Driscol and his sons bought the old business and returned to their starting-ground. Since that time, their business has grown so large that it is now considered one of the great interests of Springfield. In connection with their carriage manufactory, they run a planmg-mill, and are manufacturers of carriage wood-work of all kinds. The building of vehicles for the road is very extensively carried on at this time in our city. H. Fell! A Co., of West Main street. Otstot and the Lawrence Brothers on East Main street, are engaged in the same business, besides many other small interests, to add tlieir work to the busy life of this mechanical city.

The number and value of mills, factories and little shops that dot our town can only be understood when it is known that there are over one hundred of them within our city limits that can lay claim to be manufacturing some particular article of daily use. To mention all of these in chronological order would be almost impossible, from the fact that w e have been unable, in many cases, to procure dates and other information regarding them. At the extreme west end are the old furniture factories, used for a long time for making furniture, now used to make the wood- work of the Koval St. John Sewing Machine. On Main street, near Shaffer, is the factory of Evans A Foos Manufacturing Company, formerly the Evans Manufacturing Company, established in 487b by J. M. Evans and three brothers, and run by them to September, 1880, when G. S. Robert and W. F. Foos were added to the firm, and renewed efforts were' put forth in the manufacture of corn planters, corn drills and harrows. Near them are the shops of Woliston. Chambers A Burnett. Mr. Woliston formerly man-, ufactured the Whitelly plow, but in 1870 the present firm began operations for. the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc. Ep to 1880, they also made the I VX L plow, but have discontinued that for the present. The Springfield Malleable Iron Company was incorporated in 1878 by S. C. Warner and eight associates, and their foundry was built in the western part of the city, where that company has very fine shops, and are- well equipped for manufacturing malleable castings. They now make some two hundred tons per month. Mr. S. C. Warner was one of the very first to make malleable iron in this country, first starting in Connecticut, and then at Cleveland, where he started large malleable foundries. From there he came to Springfield, where he started two -concerns. He was one of the few who have made the manufacturing of malleable iron a life study, and, while equipping his last venture, was taken away by death from his friends, with whom he had spent so many busy days. The Eureka Foundry. J. K. Ambrose, proprietor, is one of the busy places of which, this city is so full, running continually, manufacturing parts of the Eclipse engine and doing general job work. This foundry was started by its present owner some two years ago. who, after working as m older and foreman of foundries since 1849, started on Washington, east of Limestone street, in l Sin. From this point he removed two squares west to his present foundry, between Market and Center, on Washington street.

1878, in the alley between High and Washington, Market and Center streets,, as a general job shop. A new shop is now completed, and will soon be occupied by Yakey & Byers, who succeeded Creighton. It is situated on East street,, just south of Mound.

Near Main street, in the alley above mentioned, is the Champion Brass Foundry of J. J. Fawcett. It was first established on Limestone street in 1878. by Kelly A Fawcett, and carried on by them some two years, when Mr. Fawcett bought the business and removed it to the present site.

Many years ago, where the St. John shops now stand, Mr. David L. Croft had a silver-plating shop. From this point he removed to High street, and, after many changes, lie is now established west of Center street, in the' electro plate, belt clamp and blackboard- eraser business.

The early light of our city, furnished by candles, was made by Mr. Robert Thompson, who had. in 1850, bought from James Bean the candle -factory which he had started some two years before. The factory stood on East Main street, at the foot of what was known as Brewery Hill. For twenty years this business was carried on in a large way, until 1879, when it had to succumb to the more civilized blaze of coal oil.

The firm of Peel A Elster began the manufacturing of clash moldings at 182 West Main street in 1873, and removed from there to 78 South Limestone street in October, 1 SYS, where they now make dash moldings, neck-yokes, Buckeye wringers and halters. At the same place, T. R. Way makes mill picks, a business he began in 1872, at (35 South Market street, in connection with a » general job shop.

After many years of activity in the tinware and spouting business, Mr. T. B. Peet took as partner C. A. Schuster, and started, in 187-1, at 28 South Market street, second floor, a shop for making galvanized iron cornice, window -caps and finials, which business has grown to very largo dimensions, and is to-day one of our important branches of industry.

The Springfield Cracker Works, started in 1872 by Stafford & Miller, have passed from hand to hand until Cartmeli & Ertoi\ the present owners, purchased the business in 1878, and removed from No. 46 West Washington street to No. 14 South Center street, where they now have works of the capacity of baking three and a half barrels of flour per hour.

In 1817, Griffith Foos had a small oil-mill on the corner of what is now Linden avenue and Monroe street. This mill is said to have been removed to East street, about where the Common Sense Engine Works now stand, and then used as a cotton- factory, and afterward as a flax-mill. In 1834, the flouringmill known as the FiUar Mill was built on the ground where the Foos oil-mill stood, on tli? corner of Linden avenue and Monroe street. It was run by an overshot wheel, and was operated for many years, until, in 1871, it was bought by E. R. Hotsenpeller & Co., and used by them for n hominy -mill. In 1873, the mill was destroyed by fire. The ground was bought of E. R. Hotsenpeller A Co., by the Champion Bar & Knife Company, in 1874, and the present shops of this company erected on it.

These shops are now under the management of Charles A. Bauer as Super intendent, who has proved his ability as a mechanical expert in the present perfection of the work done in these shops. No one can fully appreciate his skill, or the excellence of these works, without personal inspection.

Since 1872, L. Patrick A Co., 12 South Center street, have manufactured the Patrick hot-air furnace, for heating dwellings, churches, storerooms and halls, the Star wind-mill, force pumps and lever spring beds. This business is carried on by L. Patrick and I. W. Rodgers. The planing -mill of T. L. Arthur was built by Yoorhis A Arthur in 1807, and operated by them until 1870, when

Jolm IL Voorhis bought the interest of his partner. In 1871, it was Voorhis. Hayward Sc Co.; in 1872, Yoorhis Sc Spencer ; in 1873, Arthur & Lightfoot; and in 1874, Thomas L. Arthur took full control, and is now operating it as a sash, door and blind factory.

William II. Bauroth, general job shop, on west side of Fisher's alley, between Main and High streets, has been run by him since 1874, manufacuring pulley, shafting and hangers. Ou North street, between Spring and Factory streets, the cement, drain and sewer-pipe factory was built by A. Y\\ Eichelberger in 1875, where many necessities in house building are made, besides drain and sewer piping.

Springfield has had a book-bindery since 1S44. At that time, J. D. Smith started in this business on Trapper's Corner. This establishment was sold to a Cincinnati man, who removed the tools to Cincinnati, Ohio. J. W. Kills A Son commenced same business in I860, and took the place of the one removed. In 1869, the Smith concern, which had a^ain stalled, in the building known. as the old Protestant building, just south of High street, on Limestone, was removed to the Republic building, where it was carried on by different firms until 1880, when J. I). Smith & Co. withdrew and started a bindery at the corner of Main and Limestone streets, and tlie Republic Printing Company continued the same business in their building.

There are in this city two breweries - Yorce A Blee, on East Columbia street, and Engert Sc Dinkle, corner of Penn and Section streets. Both are very large concerns, and have been in operation for many years. The Yorce Sc Blee - brewery was established in 1840; that of Engert A Dinkle in 1849.

W. Burns' distillery, on East Main street, has been in operation since 1857, doing a very large business for so small a concern. It now has a bonded warehouse in connection with the stillhouse.

James Lowry Sc Co. (consisting of James Lowry, J. W. Kills and Dr. Ambrose Blount, father of A. A. Blount, dentist) commenced building a paper-mill in the fall of 1827, on Mill Run, between Columbia and North streets, just northeast of the Columbia street burying- ground. This mill was finished and put into operation on June 21, 1828, as a hand paper-mill, and was run as such until 183(5, when it was changed into a machine-mi Ih with a wet machine only, and in 1840 a drier was added, and so run until May, 1861, making all kinds of paper. In 1836, the mill changed handstand J. W. Kills A So -s operated it until May. 1861, at which time they made an assignment to "William D. Hill.

Baker W. Peck laid the stone foundation of the above mill. In 1S64, Marshfield Steel purchased this mill property and remodeled it into a tobacco factor), which was run by M. Steel Sc Co. up to 1S67, when J. L. Kidder took possession and manufactured tobacco until 1869. Since then it has been used as a foundry, machine-shop and general job-shop, up to 1880, when it was rebuilt and occupied by J. Y. Elster, who manufactures the "Wright extension table. This business was started by Wright Sc Elster at the Stringtown shops, now used by the St. John Company for the manufacture of the wood-work ot their sewing machines. The unoccupied shops of the Taylor Paint Company on South Limestone street were built in 1877. by Caleb Taylor and W illiam Pimlott, and used in the manufacturing of dry paints by them and their successors, Taylor Sc Judson, who had worked up a thrifty business, but which wu> suddenly stopped by the death of Mr. Taylor on April 15, 1878, and who had been the manufacturing chemist of the firm. In 1869, Thomas Roberts purchased of Thompson Sc Kingsbury, boiler-makers, their busiiu-ss on Limestone street, just south of the United Presbyterian Church, which lie removed to Monroe and Gallagher streets, and with his brother, B. F. Bober ts, carried on the boiler-making business until 1876, when tne brothers parted, each starting separate shops - one on Washington street, the other at the new shop on Bridge street, between Spring and Gallagher streets. Thomas now has the Bridge streetshop, also a shop near James Leffel A Co.'s works in East Springfield. B. F. Roberts has a shop at No. 30 West Washington street. The Springfield File Works, on Bridge street, near Spring, was started by A. Noelp, at 155 Limestone street, and afterward removed to 331 East Main street, when C. Unglaub became owner, in 1875, and removed to present place in 1879.

The Springfield Brass Foundry was started by McLaughlin A Shilling, at CS South Limestone street, in June, 1880, and bids fair to be a business of some proportion.

The Ludlow Soap Manufacturing Company started business in the fall of 1880, on Washington street, between Spring and Limestone streets. This business is the outgrowth of a small concern started many years ago by James W. Ludlow, of this city. Mr. Ludlow was with the Proctor A Gamble soap establishment, of Cincinnati, a number of years ago, and then became enamored with the business - so much so as to follow it in an intermittent way ever since. Nearly two years ago he determined to devote his entire attention to making a fust-class soap, and out of that determination has developed the Ludlow Soap Manufacturing Company of Springfield, a combination that unites an abundance of capital with the energy and skill requisite to a large business. The firm is now A. B. Ludlow, J. W. Ludlow, J. S. Ludlow and T. W. Ludlow. J. S.

, Ludlow and T. W. Ldulow are sons of A. R. Ludlow, who is a member of the firm of Thomas, Ludlow A Rodgers, of this city. This company manufactures laundry and toilet soaps of various kinds.

The soap- factory of Mark Smith A Sons, was started in 1861 at their present place of business, on Buck Creek, just west of Market street. They first made potash and a small amount of soap until 1868, when they started to make both toilet and laundry soap in large quantities. They have now in hand the erection of a large three-storv brick building, so as to enable them to meet the large-increased demand for their various productions of soap.

The saw-mill of I. B. Rawlins A Son, erected by them in 1875, is the only mill of this kind within the city limits. It is used to saw all kinds of hard lumber, and has a capacity of many thousand feet pei day.

The- Springfield Curved Elbow Company, on "Washington street, started in IS 73 by James Brand, as the Curved Elbow Company, and by M. L. Rice, its present owner, changed to the Springfield Curved Elbow Company in 1876. This concern manufactures curved stovepipe elbows in large quantities, and ship them for sale to all parts of the United States.

The collar -factory of S. T. Irvin, 64 Main street, was started by him in 1862. All kinds of horse-collars are made at this place, and in large quantities, for shipment.

In 1870, Deardorfi, Mellon A Co., manufacturers of coffins and caskets, began business at 116 and 118 South Spring street. They manufacture and ship to all parts of the United States many thousand coffins, and caskets of all kinds, from the cheapest painted to the most costly rosewood.

Boyd Hotsenpiller A Co., the pioneer manufacturers of cloth-covered caskets in the West, started on Washington street, east of Limestone street, in 1876, in the mill formerly used by Hotsenpiller A Co. for making hominy. This company make cloth-covered caskets of the very finest quality.

Boyd's burglar- proof grave-vault is manufactured by a company organized for that purpose. Its buildings are on "Washington street, along the railroad.

The company have placed considerable capital in the concern, and propose t-j push the vault with vim. As it is a new thing, it needs presentation to the people, but it will soon win public favor.

The Champion City Manufacturing Company, John A. Blount and A. MeWilson, proprietors, was started in 1875, by Kissell, Blount & Co., in the old woolen -mills on W ardor street. This concern is now doing a thrifty business in manufacturing cultivators, hay -rakes, double-shovel plows, post -hole diggers and garden tools of various kinds. They also have, in connection with the agricultural implement business, a number of knitting machines, making large quantities of woolen stockings of all kinds, which they furnish to largo dealers in woolen goods.

The Bobbins & Myers Foundry was removed by them from the old Kills paper-mill property, in 1879, to their new foundry, on East Springfield, near the shops of James Lefl'el & Co. They began in 1877 to do foundry and machine job work. This increased so fast that they had to build new shops of large size to be able to meet the demand on them. They are now melting from eight to ten tons of iron per day, and the superior quality of their castings and work brings them large custom from abroad.

In 1801, Mr. John Foos purchased the Barnett oil-mill, which they had built in 1842 on Warder street, and in 1863 he bought the Steel, Lehman & Co. oil-mill, which was built by Oily Tayler in 1840, also located on Warder street. The machinery in the mills he removed, in 1870, to his present place of business, on the cliffs overlooking Buck Creek, just above Plum street. This is one of the most successful industries of our city, and one of the leading oil-mills of the West.

The St. John Sewing Machine Company, organized in 1875, is also one of Mr. John Foos' projects. This company made for some time the St. John sewing machine, which has been improved into the Royal St. John, the name it now justly bears. The extensive shops of this company are situated at the corner of Main and Center streets, and are fully equipped with the very best of tools for special work. The cabinet work of the machines is done at their wood-shop, west of Stringtown, just north of the National Road. Mr. Johu Foos is President of this company, and 1C. W. Mullikin Secretary, and F. W. Foos Treasurer. The Directors are John H. Thomas, S. A. Bowman, J. S. Goode, C. FL Bacon and John Foos.

The Cottage Color Paint Company also belongs to Mr. John Foos. It was established in 1865 by Henry C. Barnett, Henry E. Folger, T. B. Peet and Leander Mudge, and removed in .1870 to its present place in the Foos oil-mill-

The Republic Printing Company, whose building occupies the site of the old National Hotel on Main street, is a joint-stock company, with a capital of $125,000. It not only publishes a daily, tri -weekly and weekly paper, has an extensive bindery, large job and press rooms, with all the facilities for accurate and modem work, but it also has a paper-mill at Enon, Ohio, of large capaci ty, which is in constant operation. Its job room has five cylinder presses, three jobbers, and three ruling machines in bindery. Its legal blanks have long had an extensive reputation throughout the State for accuracy and adaptability- In addition to its own publication, it prints the Live Patron, the Wittenhcrgev. Evangelist, etc. It does a business of $150,000 per annum.

The Transcript Printing Company, composed of B. O. Elifritz, C. E. M inters and J. P. Winters, have a capital of $75,000, invested in real estate, machinery, etc., in their business. Their building on High street has a troutage of fifty feet, including an ell recently added, and extends back 220 feet. The firm have one of the largest job rooms in the State, and a press room which has seven cylinder presses, three power jobbers, folder, paster and coverer for the book department, and a wire stitcher for pamphlets. Their printing arrangements are unequaled. None of the late improvements are wanting. They employ sixtv-two persons regularly, and have a force of thirty-five girls for the folding and other rooms. Their business amounts to $100,000 per annum, and includes large contracts in many parts of this and other States.

The very large and thrifty concern now known as the Springfield Agricultural Works grew out of an old establishment by the same name, carried on by the firm of Ferrell A Ludlow, the partners being Mr. Alphonso Ferrell and Mr. Abram It. Ludlow. Afterward, the firm was known as Ferrell, Ludlow A Co., and afterward as Ferrell, Ludlow A Rodgers - Messrs. II. II. and I. W. Rodgers being the junior partners. In January, 1ST 2, the firm of Thomas, Ludlow A Rodgers was organized, Mr. Ferrell retiring and the Thomas brothers supplying his place. Mr. I. W. Rodgers also retired, and went into another branch of manufacturing. In 1873, the firm was organized, under its present management, into a joint-stock company, with a capital of §200,000. The buildings are very extensive, occupying the greater portion of an entire square, embracing 80,000 feet of floor, besides the foundry. Here, also, next the smith-shop, is the American Tire-Setter, which fits cold tire to the wheels with such exactness and rapidity as to be really astonishing.

The shops of this company were almost totally destroyed by fire June 2, 1873, just when most needed to get out work for the fall trade. They were rebuilt at once, and newly equipped in the very best manner. They manufacture grain drills, cultivators and cider-mills.

J. H. Thomas A Sons, manufacturers of hay-rakes and portable engines, built their shops at the corner of Monroe and Limestone streets, in 1874.

' They removed from this site the frame shops long used by different companies for plow shops, brass foundry and general job work. Mr. J. H. Thomas, formerly senior partner of Thomas A Mast, has been long connected with the manufacturing interests of this city. When, in 1871, he withdrew from Thomas A Mast, it was only to look for a new business site for himself and sons, who .are now connected with him in his present business.

J. H. Thomas A Sons have, from year to year, built additions to their shops, until now they cover almost half a block. Their horse hay-rakes and portable engines, like all other agricultural implements manufactured in Springfield, are champions of the world.

The Buckeye Agricultural Works is one of the mammoth manufacturing establishments of the great interior of the United States. It is owned by Messrs. P. P. Mast A Co., and it is located on both sides of Warder street, in Springfield, Ohio. The structures are compactly built, varying from one to three and five stories in height, and cover two acres of ground.

The concern had its birth nineteen years ago, the original proprietors being Mr. Phineas P. Mast, who came to this city from TJrbana in 1856, and Mr. John H. Thomas, who was at that time a rising young lawyer.

In a very few years, the firm of Thomas A Mast became famous throughout the country. They invented and manufactured the Buckeye Grain Drill, the Buckeye Cultivator and the Buckeye Cider Mill, making improvements each season and enlarging their operations each year.

In 1871, Mr. John H. Thomas withdrew from the firm, his interest passing into the hands of Mr. P. P. Mast, who at once gathered about him a number of the leading and most efficient men, who, as travelers, or as designers or artisans, had been connected with the establishment, and organized the firm of P. P. Mast A Co. The machines from time to time were radically improved, the purpose of Mr. Mast and his associates being to produce the very best possible results, and to put into the market the best-made and the must useful, servicea-

Year by year the works grew to their present dimensions, and now the s»>v era! departments constitute one of the grandest mechanical and manufacturing enterprises of the day.

In the season of 1875 was erected, between Main and Columbia streets, in the West End. of Springfield, Ohio, near the Institute buildings, one of the finest manufacturing establishments ever erected in the city. These buildings were erected by Messrs. Mast, Foos & Co., for the manufacture of tubular boilers and portable boi lei's and engines. This company furnished a 400-horse power boiler to make steam for the engines of the Industrial Exposition at Philadelphia in 1876, since when the company has been incorporated as a stock company, and now manufactures Buckeye and lawn mowers, iron turbine wind engines, and Buckeye force pumps.

The old shop of James Lefiel & Co., that stood on the corner of Limestone street and the C., S. A C. R. It., was one of the first manufacturing interests of the place, built as it was in 1852, by Winger A Anderson in the wood work, and Whiteley A Hatch in iron work. These two firms built box and flat cars, and in the season of 1852 they built twenty-one of the Jackson Cook reapers, the first ever built in this city. One of these reapers was sold to Mr. Andrew Whiteley. They did not prove a success as harvesting machines. After many changes in management, John Pitts, Jr., bought the greater part of the buildings, and sold his entire interest to Mr. James Lefiel. In 1864, Mr. Winger also sold his interest to Mr. Lefiel. These shops at that time stood on ground j leased of Mr. William Whiteley.

James Lefiel, the pioneer fomidryman of Springfield, built his first foundry west of Springfield, on the south side of the National Road, near the Buck Creek bridge. This foundry was completed in January, 1840. These buildings are now in a very dilapidated condition. In 1846, as before stated, he and Mr. Richards built a cotton-mill on Warder street. In 1858, the foundation of the present extensive business of James Lefiel & Co. was laid. At thL time, Mr. Lefiel was busy on a water-wheel, which he completed and had patented in 1862. This proved to be the very best turbine water- wheel ever invented, and a vast improvement over the old style of wheels.

The business of James Lefiel & Co. was conducted, up to 1878, by Mr. William Foos, Mrs. Lefiel and Mr. John W. Bookwalter, when Mr. Foos retired and Mr. Bookwalter took full control of the business, and in 1879 commenced the erection of new shops in East Springfield, where he now manufactures turbine water- wheels and the Bookwalter engines. The shops first occupied by James Lefiel A Co., corner of C., S. A C. R. R. and Limestone street, was built by Mr. Jacob Winger in 1852, and used as a car-shop and planing-mill. Large additions were made to this building by the Lefiel company, until no more ground was left to build on, and Mr. Bookwalter was compelled to move bishops, as he has done, just outside of the corporation limits of Springfield.

The vast manufacturing interest known as the Champion Reaper manufacturers of Springfield, is, when taken as a whole, by far the largest industry of our city. This interest has five very large factories, and employ many hundred men in building their reapers and mowers.

The Champion machine was invented by William N. Whiteley, a native of Clark County, Ohio, who was raised a farmer - or at least he spent his boyhood days with his father on a farm near Springfield. At a very early. age, he manifested remarkable mechanical talent, together with inventive genius, and soon determined to abandon the farm for mechanical pursuits, which were better suited to his taste, and to that end he served an apprenticeship as a machinist.

At about the age of eighteen, while he was alternating between the work shop and the farm, his attention was especially directed to harvesting machinery.

In the year 1852, an exhibition of reaping aud mowing machines was held, under the auspices of the State, on the farm of J. T. Warder, near Springfield, and all of the reaping and mowing machines then, manufactured were represented. It maybe safely said that no one present at that exhibition, not even the inventors or manufacturers of the respective machines, took more interest in the exhibition than did Mr. Whiteley. Immediately thereafter, he began a series of experiments, which were continued through the years 1852, 1853 and 1854. during which time the different factors of the machine were conceived, machines made, placed in the field and tried, improvements made and further tested, and, in the year 1855, the first successful Champion machine was produced. The manufacture of the Champion machines for the trade was commenced by Mr. Whiteley in 1856, at which time he associated with Mr. Jerome Fassler, who, like Mr. Whiteley, was without capital, but he possessed great mechanical ability, and together they commenced, under the firm name of Whiteley & Fassler, the manufacture of the Champion machines with their own hands. The shop, or factory, first occupied by them, wras a wooden structure 20x35 feet, consequently the first production of machines wras on a very limited scale.

The manufacture and sales of the first season aggregated about twenty machines, which was increased each successive year. In the fall of 1857, Mr. O. S. Kelly, a skilled mechanic, with limited means, was associated with Whiteley & Fassler, under the firm name of Whiteley, Fassler Sc Kelly, which name , has been maintained for nearly a quarter of a century, up to the present time.

As is usually the case in building up new enterprises, they met wfith many reverses and passed through many "hard trials and tribulations." In fact, to depict the vicissitudes through which they passed while the business was in its infancy would be too great a task. Howrever, not excessively elated with apparent success, or daunted by discouragements, but with unanimity of mind and determined to succeed, they overcame all obstacles, and the results arising: from their perseverance will be readily noticed as we pass along, endeavoring to follow7 them, step by step, to the present time.

In the ye^r 1800, the firm had overcome many of the obstacles encountered, and succeeded so far as to establish the reputation of the machine, and increase their business to that extent that greater facilities for manufacturing wrere imperatively necessary. Accordingly, the original establishment, together with adjacent rooms which had been temporarily leased, were abandoned for a part of their present location, a two-story brick building. 50x80 feet, which was equipped with machinery, and to which additions were made yearly, until their main building encompassed the extensive proportions of 400 feet in length by 52 feet wide. A portion of the building is four stories; and the remainder three stories high, with wings attached, "embracing foundry, blacksmith-shop and material rooms, all thoroughly equipped with machinery. But, notwithstanding the firm ha t increased their facilities yearly, the} had been unable, up to this time, to supply the demand for machines, and having occupied all the available space that could be procured in that locality, and in order to make further provisions to supply the rapidly increasing demand for the Champion, in the fall of 1867 an arrangement wras entered into with \Varder, Mitchell & Co. to manufacture the Champion machines for a Northern district of territory. The lastnamed firm, having been for several years engaged in the manufacture of various reaping and mowing machines, embracing the Ketch um mower, Densmore self raker, New York reaper, Ohio harvester, Buckeye, Marsh harvester, etc., had large shops, which were situated about one and a half miles from the city, at a point called Lagonda, now a suburban village of Springfield, and in 1808 the firm of Warder, Mitchell Sc Co. first began the manufacture of the Champion machine, and abandoned, the manufacture of all other machines previously man ufac tured by them. During each successive year, they have been compelled to greatly increase their facilities, until their manufactory is now one of the hugest in the country. The capacity of their shops, warehouses, etc., has been more than doubled since they commenced the manufacture of the Champion machines.

About the same time, during the fall of 1807, and in order to provide further facilities for supplying the prospective demand for the Champion machines, the Champion Machine Company was formed for the purpose of manufacturing machines for the Southern and Western States and Territories.

The company was organized and placed under the management of Amos Whiteley. its President (who had been for ten years prior connected with the firms of Whiteley Sc Fassler and Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly, as their principal business manager). Mr. Robert Johnson, the Secretary and Superintendent, is a skillful mechanic, who was formerly successfully engaged in the business of contracting and building in this city. His indomitable energy and perseverance eminently qualify him for the position he occupies. Mr. William W. Wilson, the Vice President, formerly resided at Cadiz, Ohio, where he was largely engaged in milling, mining, merchandising, etc., and was noted for his sound judgment, perseverance and sterling character.

Immediately after the organization of the company, suitable grounds were purchased and buildings erected and equipped with first-class machinery. The ' buildings were the largest in the country at that time, but proved inadequate to the wants of the company. Hence, large additions were added, embracing one warehouse covering 65,000 square feet of floor space, erected for the purpose of storing machines to economize space in the manufactory; and an office building, 50x100 feet, with repair warehouse attached, the main part of the first floor of which is used for offices, and the second floor for sample rooms, printing rooms., etc.

Thus the manufacturing was conducted up to 1874 by the three firms composed of Whiteley. Fassler Sc Kelly, Warder, Mitchell & Co., and Champion Machine Company, known as the u Champion Interest." All manufacture the same machines from the same patterns, so that the duplicate parts made by one firm could be used on the machines made by either of the other parties, which forms a system of exact duplication, which has ever since been maintained.

A large amount of malleable iron having been adopted in the construction of the Champion machines, it was found necessary to provide for the manufacture of same, and in 1874 the Champion Malleable Iron Company was formed by the three firms (before referred to) as equal partners. This company purchased the factory and fixtures originally owned by the Springfield Malleable Iron Company, and, by the purchase of additional grounds and the erection of very large additional buildings, have increased the capacity of the works until they are now the largest malleable iron works in the world, producing annually over three thousand tons of the best quality of malleable iron. The officers of the company are: Jerome Fassler, President; O. S. Kelly, Vice President. Robert Johnson, Secretary. The business of this company is skillfully managed by Mr. Fassler, its President and Superintendent, and O. W. Kelly, his assistant.

The manufacturers referred to, further realizing the importance of providing for the manufacture of all the component parts which enter into and are used in connection with the Champion machines, especially the knives, sickles and sections, under their own supervision, decided to make such provision by building a separate manufactory for that purpose, and to that end the Champion Bar & Knife Company was formed in 1874, on the same common basis of contribution and ownership as the Champion Malleable Iron Company. Daring the years 1874 and 1875, grounds were purchased, extensive buildings erected and equipped with the most approved machinery for the manufacture of cutter bars, guards, knives, sickles, sections, etc. The buildings w'ere planned and erected, and the machinery purchased and manufactured, under the immediate supervision of Mr. Jerome Fassler.

The main building is of brick, two stories and basement in height; is upward of 200 feet in length. The northern wing extends east a distance of 400 feet, in two rooms, one of which is occupied as a machine-shop and the other as a blacksmith- shop. The southern wring is divided into six rooms, used for grinding guards, tempering sections, case-hardening guards, machine-shop, etc., extending a distance of 500 feet. The machinery with which it is equipped, wdiich is the very best that can be procured, is driven by a low-pressure engine of 275 horse power capacity. The simple manufacture of knives may not appear, at first sight, as a field for the exercise of much ingenuity. But an examination of the different shapes and different processes through which they pass, and the skill and care necessary to insure success, will readily produce a contrary opinion.

In addition to the manufacture of cutter bars, guards, knives, sickles and sections, the necessary machinery has been added for the manufacture of rivets of all kinds, shapes and sizes, and a new line of machinery is now being added for the manufacture of nuts and washers, chains, etc., sc that in the future every factor of the Champion machines will be manufactured from the raw material by one of the firms or companies referred to.

Springfield Southern Railroad, extends from Springfield through South Charleston, Jeffersonville, Washington C. H., Greenfield, Bainbridge and Waverly (a distance of 110 miles), to Jackson, Ohio, which latter point is located almost in the center of the Jackson County coal-fields, from wdiich the best coal in Ohio, and perhaps the best bituminous coal in the world, is mined; also, the central portion of what is known as the Hanging-Rock region of Ohio, which introduces the best charcoal foundry iron and also the best mill iron in the country. Hence, it wdll be seen that the manufacturers of the Champion have assured to themselves an unlimited supply of the best quality of materials.

The capital stock of said Springfield Southern Railroad is $1,000,000. owned almost exclusively by members of the "Champion Interest." The officers of the company are William N. Whiteley, of Springfield, Ohio, President; H. L. Chapman, of Jackson, Vice President; George A. Barnes, of Springfield. Secretary; Amos Whiteley, of Springfield, Treasurer; William Thornburgh, of Springfield, Superintendent.

The road has connections at J ackson, Ohio, wdtli the Portsmouth Branch of the Marietta & Cincinnati road; at Waverly, Ohio, with the Scioto Valley road; at Greenfield, Ohio, with the main line of the Marietta & Cincinnati road:, at Washington C. H, Oiiio, with the Muskingum Valley road; at South Charleston, Ohio, with the Little Miami division of the Pan Handle road; and at Springfield, with the Springfield & Columbus; Cleveland, Columbus, Cinein nati & Indianapolis; Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland; Atlantic & Great Western and Pan Handle roads, which fiumish a ready market for all of the surplus coal and iron. The company also contemplate extending their line of road from Jackson, Ohio, to Huntington, W. Va., connecting at that point with the Chesapeake & Ohio road, which connection would make the Springfield

Whiteley, Fassler & Kelly also have a large shop on North street, used for experimental work only. Here much time is spent improving and inventing either new machines entire or parts for those already in use. The most extensive shops ever built in this city are now being erected on East street for this company, and when finished will be the largest, finest and best -equipped -agricultural factory in the whole country.

In the year 1806, Simon Kenton moved from his home on the TJrbana Pike, near the present Hunt farm, to the rapids of Buck Creek, at the point where the village of Lagonda now' stands. Here Kenton built a grist-mill, and attached thereto a carding machine, which did not prove a success for want of perfect machinery.

The -grist-mill was a small and . rather inferior concern. The bolting machine was run by hand-power, which was usually furnished by those waiting for meal. Kenton left this mill and his home in 1812 to join the army of this country, then at war with England. This property belonged to William Ward, Sr., in 1814, at which time Nicholas Pricket and William Breezely bought the same and built what was known as the Pricket Mill. This was a woolen-mill, and the first one in this county of any pretensions. With regard to this, Mr J. T. Warder has kindly furnished the following:

Dear Sir - Your note received and contents noted. As I hare understood, Simon Kenton built the first mill at Lagonda, on the north side of the creek, where, after several fruitless efforts to dam the creek at the gorge through the limestone formation at that * point, he made a dam with logs and loose stones 100 rods to the east of the first location (a part of which still remains), and carried the water of the creek by race to the mill, which stood about the middle of the present main shop at Lagonda. He also built the first saw-mill upon the same site, being the first one in the county. This was understood to be a squatter's right, and, about 1810 or 1812, his friends induced Congress to donate to him for his know'll services to the Government, a tract of -thirty acres laid out in a square, and covering all his improvements. The title was in some way in the hands of William Ward as trustee of Simon Kenton. Ward sold to Priekett & Beezley, who increased the size of the mill. Both of these parties died previous to 1830, in which year, after proceedings of the court, the property was sold by the heirs to Jeremiah Warder, who in the same year employed Oliver Armstrong, one of our most noted millw fights of that day, to construct a heavy timber dam just above the gore, still maintaining secure rock foumlatiofi, and build a three-story mill on the south side of the crock. ThL was one of the first nierj chant mills in the county, so styled from having two runs of buhrs and a separate set of

There were also wheat and corn buhrs, with necessary bolting and cleaning machinery, devoted entirely to custom trade ; farmers then, as now. thinking their own grain superior to their neighbors', and the custom was to go with a load of wheat, often many miles, to some noted miller, and returning with the proceeds in Hour and offal, less the toll for the grinding - one-eightli of corn and one-tenth of wheat. In 1840. the dam last mentioned was washed out. and, with the view of obtaining more power, the Warder Brothers secured the right of Thomas Merrick to construct a race-way and dam through a part of his lands to the east, to one they were constructing on the former mill property, on the north side of the stream, and carried the water over the creek in a wooden trunk. In 1852, the present manufacturing of agricultural implements was begun in a very modest way, and, after a few 3-ears of -growth, this power being so much more valuable in this line, that the milling interest was given up, and the old structure was taken down and its timbers put to other uses. Truly, J. T. W.

The agricultural shops mentioned above were the start of the present extensive business of Warder, Buslmell & Glessner, before mentioned as Warder, Mitchell & Co.

The collection of information in reference to the manufacturing business of a city, to be minute, requires much time and great space to present it in a proper shape, and the scope of this work will not allow more than has already been done.

City Of Spuing Fi Eld

It will be proper to add that the following different kinds of business have all along been successfully prosecuted in Springfield, to wit: Brick-making, broom-making, carpet-weaving, cigar-making, cooperage, woolen goods, baking powder, plow-making and lime- burning.

The quality of both brick and lime is fully equal to any produced in the country, and the White ley plow was the pride of the farm, but, like other implements, had to give way to machine-made work.

The Printing Press

The inventive genius of mankind has been taxed to the utmost to supply the demand upon it for rapidity and accuracy in printing newspapers. From the old Franklin hand- press to the modern Hoe, there has been successive growths as marked as those we trace in geological formation. The first printing press used in Springfield, in the year 1S20, was a clumsy, awkward machine, but a representative of the art then in its infancy. The press which printed the first newspaper here was worked by hand by two persons. One man stood by the side of the press holding in each hand a large ball covered with sheepskin, and fastened to a small handle. One of these balls was applied to the ink lying upon a board. The balls were then pounded together until the ink was evenly distributed on their surface, when the workmen commenced pounding the balls over the form, of types until a sufficient amount of ink was applied for an impression. The pressman then placed the blank sheet of paper in a frame covered with stout linen cloth; this frame was then folded down upon the form in which the type were locked, and the whole was rolled with a crank under an upright screw, attached to a horizontal lever, similar to the cider press; this screw was then brought down upon the forms of type with the use of the lever, in doing which the pressman used both hands and seemed to bring into exercise all the muscles of his body. The lever was then shoved back, the form rolled out from under the screen by a reverse motion of the crank; the frame containing the printed sheet thrown up: the paper taken up with the fingers of the pressman and laid aside as finished.

The year 1S20 marks an important point in the history of Springfield - that of the establishment of a newspaper. The first pre ss in the city was owned by George Smith, who commenced the publication during the year of a paper called The Farmer , which advocated the principles of the Madison administration. In size it was a little larger than a foolscap sheet, printed on dark coarse paper. Diming the ''jumble of parties," through the quiet administration of Monroe, its successors kept along, in the even tonor of their way, coming out at the end of Mr. Monroe's term, with the Whig party and Mr. J. Q. Adams, and against the Democratic party and Gen. Jackson. Smith had his office in a small log house, which stood on the southeast comer of the lot, on which the First Presbyterian Church now stands. There was also a religious paper started during this year, by Rev. Saul Henkle, called the Gospel Trumpet , and was issued monthly in pamphlet form. It was, however, soon removed to Dayton, Ohio, where its publication was continued a short time. Smith did not continue the printing business more than a year. He sold the press to Henry Rogers, who changed the name of the paper to the Farmers' Advocate. He had his office in a small, one-story frame, built in the place of Smith's log cabin. After Henry Rogers it fell in the hands of his brother, Benjamin H. Rogers. who continued the paper with the same name, and in the same office, a year or two, and then changed the name to the Floater.. On December 18,

1824, B. H. Rogers' interest ceased in the Pioneer by his death. The paper was published by Simeon Rogers after the death of his brother Benjamin. No name, however, appeared in the paper, as editor or proprietor, until April, 1825, when the name of George AY. Jewett, Esq., was announced as publisher.

July 25, 182S, Messrs. Benjamin and Moses M. Henkle assumed the publication of the Western Pioneer. This partnership was continued until December 20. 1828, when Moses M. Henkle became its sole proprietor. He removed the office from the public square to a large frame house on the southwest corner of Market and Columbia streets. On the 30th of May, '1829, Col. William- A. Camron purchased the interest of M. M. Henkle in the Pioneer. Although the Colonel was publisher, yet it was edited principally by William Y. H. Cushing, whose name, however, did not appear in print.

On the 10th of April, 1831, Edward PI. Cumming became the editor of the Western Pioneer, the press and materials being owned by Jeremiah Warder. On the 14 th of May following. Francis and John M. Gallagher assumed its publication, Air. Cumming still editor. On the 24th of September of the same year, it was printed and published by Edward H. Gumming and John AI. Gal - lagher, and, on the 17th of November, 1832, F. and J. AI. Gallagher again became sole editor and managers of the press.

The first literary paper in Springfield, called the Farmers' Chronicle, made its appearance on Tuesday, January 1, 1833. It was edited by AI. AI. Henkle and AVilliam Y. H. Cushing, and published weekly by the firm of, Stacey, Nichols & Stacey. The partnership existing between Stacey, Nichols A Stacey was -dissolved on the 22d of June following, and the subscription list added to that of the Western- Pioneer. When the union of these papers was effected, the name of the . Pioneer was changed to Pioneer and (Jin o-t iPe. On the 2/th of July following, John AI. Gallagher became sole proprietor of this publication. On the 31st of August of the same year, the paper underwent another change, and it appeared as the Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer and, Clark County Advertiser, under the firm of 0. AI. Gallagher and Francis Harris. They had their office on the southeast corner of Alarket and High streets. On the 14th of June, 1834, J. AI. Gallagher again became sole proprietor of the Springfield Pioneer.

On the 29th of April, 1836, James P. AYilliamson purchased one-half of the Pioneer and Chronicle office, and became a partner in the firm of Gallagher Sc Co. The office again met with another change in name, the latter part of the former name being dropped, and the heading Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer being adopted.

During the Presidential campaign of 1836, a paper called the Calumet and War Cfnb. favorable to the election to Gen. AVilliam H. Harrison to the Presidency, was published by J. D. Nichols, and edited by the. Whig Central Committee, which consisted of the following persons: AVilliam Y. H. Cushing,

AVilliam A. Rogers and James S. Halsey. It. was published the last three months of the campaign, at 20 cents a copy to clubs of five. The number of subscribers was about two thousand five hundred.

On the 24th of February, .1837, the name of Thomas Harrison was added to the firm of Gallagher A AVilliamson, in the publication of the Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer. This partnership existed until the 12th of May following, when it was dissolved by Air. Gallagher's removal to Columbus, Ohio. The business was, however, continued by T. Harrison and J. P. Williamson - -James S. Halsey acting as editor. This last-named firm was changed A lay 18, 1838, to Thomas Harrison and William Williamson.

As uear as we can ascertain the first paper in Springfield, advocating the principles of the Democratic party, was issued during the year 1839, under the title of Mad River Democrat. It was continued a few weeks over a year, when its publication ceased, on account of embarrassment by debt of its editor and propietor, J. II. Nichols, who absconded in the winter of 1839 - 40. During a part of the year 1839, W. A. Rogers, Esq., edited the Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer.

In August, 1849, John M. Gallagher, having associated himself with 0. B. Halsey, again became connected with the press in this place. They changed the name of Springfield (Ohio) Pioneer to that of the Republic, the present name, and this was the first paper of that name in the United States. They removed their office to Linn's Building, on Main street, on the. evening of February 21, 1S40. This building was destroyed by fire, with nearly all the printing materials of the Republic office. As a consequence the publication of the paper was suspended four weeks.

During the Presidential campaign of this year, the publication of the Calumet and 1 Van Club was renewed by J acob and J ohn A. Crain. It advocated the election of Harrison and Tyler, and was edited by the Whig Central Committee as before, with an increased circulation - the number of subscribers amounting to about four thousand. John D. Nichols was the agent.

A new and religious journal, entitled the Presbyterian of the West, made its appearance in the town on the 22d of September, 1841. It was published and edited by Rev. J. A. Dunlap and Rev. W. D. Smith. It was printed at the Republic office, and was issued every other Wednesday, at 81 per annum in advance.

During the fall of 1843, they purchased a press and fitted up an office of their own in " Linn's new building," where they continued the publication until the fall of 1845, when they removed their establishment to Cincinnati. There they continued its publication a few months over a year, when they disposed of it to Mr. H. C. McGrew and Rev. W. L. Rice, the latter being its principal editor.

The Gospel Herald, a semi-monthly journal in pamphlet form, was published a£ New Carlisle, in this county, October, 1843, under the direction of the Ohio Christian Book Association - edited by Isaac N. A Valter - and printed by a man named Edwards. Li the summer of 1845, R. R. Pope purchased this press and removed it to Springfield, where the publication of this paper was continued. In the spring of 1847, Elders James Williamson and James W. Marvin became editors of the Gospel Herald. The press and materials having been sold to John M. West, an arrangement was made this year "or printing the paper in the Republic office. A year from this last date it was changed from a pamphlet form to that of a folio. In the year 1849, the Ohio Christian Book Association bought material and fitted up a printing office, in Rinehart's building, on Main street, where the Herald was afterward printed. This paper circulated throughout the different States of the Union.

J. B. Halsey disposed of his interest in the Republic to John A. Crain, August 29, 1845, and the business was conducted under the firm of Gallagher A Crain.

A paper advocating the claims of the Democratic party made its appearance in May, 1849, bearing the title of Union Democrat , edited by John M. West, and was printed at the office of R. B. Pope. In December following, Mr. West purchased this office of Mr. Pope, and changed the name to that of Clark County Democrat.

In June, 1848, Edwin P. Stephenson became connected with Mr. West in the publication of this paper. In May of the following year (1849), they sold their press and material to Messrs. William Mosgrove and E. G. Dial, who removed the same to Urbana, Ohio, where the Depositor of the Fourth Conyressional District , appeared in the place of the Democrat.

This paper returned to Springfield again in the fall of 1852, where its publication was continued by E. P. Stophenson & Co., until May, 1S53, when it came under the control of William F. Boggs, an able Democratic writer, who was called by the Whig press " Parson Boggs." This paper afterward passed through the hands of AV. D. Hill, Oldham & Lemon, Charles Gould, George F. Stayman, McGaffey Sc Eli fritz, Elifritz & Balentine, Elifritz & Winters, and finally to Transcript Printing Company. The name of the paper had been changed by Elifritz Sc Balentine to the Springfield Transcript. D. C. Balentine is now the editor of this paper, which is the Democratic organ of the county, and of great influence in that party.

A neatly printed paper advocating the cause of temperance was commenced on the 12tli of March, 1847, bearing the title of the Moss Covered Bucket. It was published and edited by Augustus C. Lawrence and William D. Runyan. It was printed at the Democrat office, but was discontinued, after the publication of six numbers, in May following.

On August 27, 1847, D. AY. Halsey, having purchased the interest of J. A. Crain in the Republic, became connected with that paper. Soon after Mr. Halsey became one of the proprietors, Mr. John M. Gallagher, its principal editor, was seized with that fatal disease, consumption, which terminated his life November 23, 1847. In the Republic of November 25 following, an appropriate notice of his death appeared from the pen of its junior editor, Mr. II.. from which we make the following extract: "Mr. J. M. Gallagher has been identified with the press of this county for seventeen years, within which time he has represented the county in the lower branch of the Ohio Legislature two sessions, during both of which he filled the Speaker's Chair, and gained an enviable reputation from political friends and foes by the impartiality with which he discharged his duties." These words were nearly his last: "This world must

' excuse me - let us meet in a bettor." The Lyceum, of which he was an activemember and one of its founders, met on the day of his death, and passed resolutions showing their regard for his talents and usefulness.

On February 19, 1848, George D. Emerson purchased the interest of the late Mr. Gallagher in the Republic office, and the business was conducted under the firm of Halsey & Emerson, the former of whom was principal editor. O.u the 6th of May following, they commenced the publication of the Tri- Weekly Republic.

In May, of the same year, there was a press brought to this place, on which a paper was printed bearing the title of the Present Age. It was under the control of Rev. Air. Turner, and had for its motto, "Independent in all things; neutral in nothing." There were but two numbers of this paper issued.

George D. Emerson sold his interest in the Republic to Robert Coulter, and the firm became Halsey Sc Coulter, which continued until May 24, 1850, at which time Richard McNomar purchased Air. Halsey's interest in the Republic and became its editor. In December, 1850, ALXemar Sc Co. placed in their office the first power press, an Adams, which had for its motor a colored man at the wheel. It was a great improvement on the old hand press. Theodore A. Wick succeeded Air. Coulter as a partner of Air. AIcNemar in August, 1851, Air. Coulter having previously conveyed his interest to Air. AIcNemar, and the firm became AIcNemar Sc Wick. In 1853. the Republic was purchased by "Wick, Frey Sc Alayn. George H. Frey was the editor. The following year George II. Frey purchased his partners' interest and became the sole owner.

George W. Hastings and J. J. Green, in the summer of 1853, commenced the publication of a newspaper called the Non pan- il . The interest of Air. Green was sold at Sheriff's sale in 1854, and was purchased by his partner, Air. Hastings, who sold the same to C. M. Nichols. The name of the paper then under the management of Hastings Sc Nichols was changed to the Mad Rin r I alley News and Clark County .Journal.

In 1853, Isaiah Thomas published the Mad River Valley Gazette. He was a man of some prominence. He received the appointment as Minister to Algiers, but while he was on his voyage there, the ship on which he with his beautiful daughter and a promising son had taken passage foundered and went down with all on board.

The American Rural ist , a family quarto, was a paper devoted to education, agriculture, the hue arts, published by J. R. Hodge. The first number was issued on April 3, 1858, and presented a handsome appearance. It suspended publication after a vigorous existence for two years.

"When the Methodist Protestant Church had been in existence for about ten years, she sorely felt the need of an organ in the Northern and Western States. During the fall of 1838, the subject was thoroughly canvassed, and, in July, 1839, the first number of the paper was issued, edited and published by Rev. Cornelius Springer - office located on Meadow Farm, six miles southwest of Zanesville, Ohio. Mr. Springer conducted the paper for six years at his homestead. Health failing him, the paper was issued one year on the <£ farm" by Rev. A. H. Bassett, Rev. Springer, associate.

In 1846, the Western Recorder was purchased from Rev. C. Springer, by Rev. A. H. Bassett, and by him the office of the publication was removed from Meadow Farm to the town of Putnam- - now the Ninth Ward of the city of Zanesville, Ohio. 511'. Bassett edited and published the paper as an individual enterprise till September, 1855, when, by act of a convention composed of Ministerial and Lay representatives of the Methodist Protestant Church, two Commissioners were appointed, Rev. J. M. Flood and Rev. George Clancy, to negotiate with Mr. Bassett for the purchase of the paper. The purchase was made, the office of publication ordered removed from Putnam, Ohio, to Springfield, Ohio, and the name of the paper changed from that of Western Recorder to- that of Western Methodist Protestant. The removal took place in September, 1855. Mr. Bassett was elected editor and publisher by the convention. It was first issued at Springfield, October, 1855. Mr. Bassett was continued editor and publisher, by the church, till 1860.

At the General Convention of the Methodist Protestant Church, of 1-860. Rev. George Brown, D. D., of Pennsylvania, was elected editor for two years, and Rev. Bassett continued publisher and book agent In November, 1862, Rev. D. B. Dorsey, of West Virginia, was elected editor for two years. Rev. Bassett continued as publisher and book agent till November, 1864, when he resigned the office. At this time the Board of Publication assembled in Springfield, Ohio, and elected Rev. John Scott, D. D., of Pennsylvania, editor, and Rev. J. S. Tlirop, of Ohio, publisher and book agent, each to serve for the term of two years. The General Conference of 1866 re-elected Dr. John Scot t, editor, and again re-elected Rev. A. 1L Bassett, publisher and book agent. At the same time the name of the paper was changed from that of Western Methodist Protestant to that of the Methodist Recorder.

In September, 1870, Dr. Scott resigned editorial control of the paper, and the Board of Publication elected Rev. Alexander Clark, D. D., editor, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Dr. Scott. The General Cenference of 1871, re-elected Dr. Clark editor, and again re-elected Rev. A. II. Bassett publisher and book agent. In November, 1871, by act of General Conference, the office of publication w'as removed from Springfield, Ohio, to Pittsburgh, Penn. In July, 1872, Rev. Bassett resigned the position as publisher and l>ook agent, to get clear of petty annoyances, and open the way to official position for parties who could not ascend while he stood in the way. James Robison succeeded Rev. Bassett as publisher in 1872. In 1875, the General Conference re-elected Rev. Alexander Clark, D. D., editor, and James Robison publisher and book agent.

Rev. Dr. Clark died July 6, 1879, at Atlanta, Ga., while visiting Ids friend, Gov. Colquitt, of that State. Rev. John Scott, D. D., was elected to till the vacancy by the Board of Publication. In May, 1880, the General Conference re-elected Dr. Scott editor, and James Robison publisher and book agent.

The Sunday School, a paper for children, was first issued at Springfield, Ohio, in 1873. It has ever been a very popular paper among the children of the Methodist Protestant Church. The Methodist Recorder , since its first issue, lias been an influential journal in the religious world. Rev. George Brown, D. D., was widely known as an educator, author, editor and an able theologian. He resided at Springfield from December, 1.860, till his death, October 35, 1871. His remains lie in Fern Cliff Cemetery, Springfield. Ohio.

Rev. Alexander Clark, D. D., lived in Springfield about two years. During his residence here, although editor of a Methodist Protestant journal, he served the members of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield as their Pastor some six months. Dr. Clark was widely known as a thorough educator, fascinating author, an eloquent minister, and accomplished editor. His remains rest in peace at Wellsville, Ohio. Rev. Dr. Scott, present editor of the Methodist Recorder , resided in Springfield, Ohio, for several years. Dr. Scott is a profoimd theologian, a popular author, and ranks with the able religious editors of our country.

Rev. A. H. Bassett served the Methodist Protestant Church of Springfield as Pastor in 1837 and 1838. He came to Springfield, with the press, from Zanesville, in 1855, and has had his home in said city until the present time - though transient the past year or two. Rev. Bassett has filled all the offices within the gift of the Methodist Protestant Church- - a successful editor and publisher, author of church history, a thorough student, an entertaining preacher, and a true Christian gentleman.

William R. Calhoon, a resident of Springfield, Ohio, arid from whom we gather the above facts, was an active participant in all the changes pertaining to the Recorder, from 1845 till 1878. He remained with the concern until, through long- continued application to business, his eyesight failed him.

The Springfield Daily Evening Telegram was established January 21, 1861, by Henry C. Craft, a practical printer of considerable experience, its office of publication being in the old Methodist Protestant build 'rig on South Limestone street, on the site now occupied by Bookwalter's Opera House. The editors of the Telegram were J. R, Dodge, afterward statistician of the Agricultural Bureau at Washington, and D. Brainerd Lathrop, a young man of brilliant talent, who was killed r year or two later while in the telegraph service with Gen. Mc- Clellan's army. Mr. Dodge had another journal under his charge called the American Rural is t, and the two papers were under one management to some extent. The Daily Telegram was subsequently sold to E. R. Gard, and by him to Dr. J. Kost. Dr. Kost had been in possession of the paper but a short time he disposed of it to Messrs. Hastings A Nichols, by whom it was consolidated with their own paper, the Springfield Daily News.

Iq 1861, the Republic was sold to W. F. Coggswell, who, in 1864, sold the same to George W. Hastings and C. M. Nichols. The Republic and Mad River News were consolidated and published as the Republic.

The Weekly Advertiser was started in 1867 by A. D. Hook, who sold it in 1869 to Jesse O. Thomas and others, who published it under the firm name of Advertiser Printing Company, and isssued a morning daily. This paper became a strong rival to the Daily Republic in influence and patronage. \Y. W. Beach was the superintendent of the publishing department, and Oscar T. Martin was the editor. It failed to support itself, and, in the summer of 1872, was sold to 4. J. Snyder and William Williamson, who, a few months thereafter, sold it to the Republic Printing Company.

The Springfield Daily Leader was a small daily, published during the excitement of the woman's crusade, by D. C. Balentine and others. Its short-lived mission was to restrain the zeal and enthusiasm of the crusaders. It was published but a few months.

The Republic is as we have seen the oldest as well as the largest and most influential paper in the county. Through various changes of name and proprietorship its ancestry goes back almost to the time when the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. It was incorporated in 1807, with a capital stock of $50,000, which, in 1872, was increased to $125,000. George W. Hastings is now as he was at the beginning the manager of the institution. Under his prudent guide and it has attained an influential position. G. M. Nichols occupies the editorial chair. He is vigorous in his advocacy of all improvements which will advance the interests of the city, and his labors have always been earnest and unceasing. Springfield has received great benefit from his fluent pen. C. E. Folger has been his associate for has contributed much to the

The Champion Reaper an d Mower Companies publish and distribute gratuitously from 150,000 to 175,000 a month copies of a paper called the Illustrated Champion, which represents the Champion interests, and is creditable in typography and editorial arrangement. It was started in 1870. Charles Rowley is the editor.

Rinehart, Ballard & Co. also publish the Illustrated Springfield Thresher , which is devoted to the enlightenment of the public upon the qualities of the threshers, separators and . powers manufactured by that firm.

The Daily and Weekly Times was inaugurated as a newspaper experiment in November, 1879, by Wells S. Trader as editor. It did not continue through the first volume, although its proprietor spared no expense to make it profitable.

M The Sunday News , a lively local paper, and circulated only on Sunday, commenced its career in June, 1879. It was the successor of the Daily Morning News, which had been started a few months before. The Sunday News is owned by the West Brothers, with D. Thornton West as editor. Its publication has been attended with the greatest success. T. E. Harwood, on May 15, 1873, connnenced the publication on a small scale of the Commercial Gazette, which he afterward changed and enlarged to the Springfit Id Gazette . It is a small but sturdy paper, with daily and weekly forms, and deserves to succeed. 11. T> Nelson is the editor, who has made the paper a newsy sheet.

In March, 1871, the first number was issued of the Lejfcl Mechanical News , published by James Leflel & Co., Springfield, Ohio - a journal which has since become widely known throughout the United States, and, indeed, in all parts of the world, as one of the leading periodicals of its class, having in fact hardly any rival in its special field. Its projector and controlling manager was John W. Bookwalter, then a partner in the house, and now sole proprietor both of the immense manufacturing concern conducted under the name of James Leflel

Sc Co., and of the Mechanical News. The firm having acquired an extensive reputation through the sale of the celebrated Leflel Double Turbine Water Wheel, and having a very large acquaintance through their business correspondents and otherwise with the manufacturing and milling public, Mr. Bookwaiter was convinced of the feasibility of establishing, by means of these facilities, a journal which should deserve and thereby achieve a permanent success. The result proved his belief to be well founded. The Mechanical News, from its first issue in 1871, was a complete success in circulation, in influence, and in the public favor attending it. Eor the first ten years of its existence it was published monthly, the subscription price being 50 cents a year, and its circulation ranging from ten thousand to thirty-five thousand copies per month. In

March, 1881, it was made semi-monthly, the price increased to 81 per annum, and the circulation has risen to 50,000 copies. From 1871 to 1875, the editorial associate of Mr. Bookwalter in the enterprise was Quincy A. Pctts, previously associate editor of the Springfield Daily Republic. In 1875, ?vlr. Pelts was elected County Auditor, and his place on the Mechanical New. s was filled for the ensuing five years by Mr. Charles S. Kay. In 1881, Mr. Pelts resumed his editorial and business relations with the paper, resigning the lucrative office of Auditor for that purpose, and Mr. Kay also retained his connection with the News , which was now enlarged to double its original size. The paper has also on its staff, in various departments, Mr. Owren 11. Perkins formerly city editor of the Springfield Daily Times ; Capt. D. C. Ballentine, formerly editor of the Springfield Transcript ; VY. H. H. Blackman, late of the American Agriculturist ; Messrs. F. M. Bookwalter, Fuller Trump, William Jayne, of New York City, E. L. Bucliwalter, Warren C. Leffel and others. Through all these changes, however, Mr. John AY. Bookwalter has remained the master spirit and director of the enterprise, infusing into all parts of tlm wmrk the zeal, energy and enthusiasm, combined with sound and deliberate judgment, which he himself possessed.

The Mechanical News with its recent increase of size, has also enlarged the scope of its design, and now embraces in its topical field all branches of practical science and manufacturing and mechanical industry. It is conducted on the theory, which events are rapidly confirming, that the true interest of the country, politically, financially and morally, lies in the fullest and speediest development of its material resources; and that the more thoroughly the energies of its people, in every section and State, are concentrated in this effort, the more perfectly will they be harmonized, the sooner will past differences be forgotten, and in the unity of purpose which will naturally follow, the more brilliant and prosperous wrill be the future thus wrought out for the nation.

The Farm and Fireside is a sixteen page agricultural and home journal the first number of which was published October 1, 1877, by P. P. Mast & Co. It entered at that time a new field, and for a time there wras doubt of its success. On June 1, 1879, Messrs. P. P Mast, J. S. Crowell and T. J. Kirkpatrick, purchased the subsription lists anti good wrill and removed December 1. 1879, to commodious quarters in the Republic building on Main street, of which they occupy about one- third. The paper was originally an eight -page, but was increased in 1880 to a sixteen-page paper, and is now issued in the highest style of the art preservative, with machinery of the latest pattern and from stereotyped plates.

It has a circulation of 103,000 copies, and goes twice a month into every State and Territory in the Union. Over five tons of paper are used on each edition. This journal has had rapid development, and bids fair to outrank any journal of its kind in the country.

The Live Patron , a weekly now' published by R. S. Thompson, was originally started January 1, 1875, by E. L. Barrett Sc Son, as a monthly magazine entitled the Grange Visitor and Farmers' Monthly Magazine. At the close of th<* year, a joint-stock company was incorporated under the style of " E. L. Barrett *& Co." In November, 1876, E. L. Barrett A Co. transferred the publication to T. II. Edwards, of Cincinnati, the paper being under the management of R. 8. Thompson, the present publisher.

In August, 1877, John S. Rice, of this city, became a partner, and, in December, 1877, the Live Patron was started as a weekly, and both publications were continued till the end of 1878, when the Visitor list was all turned over to the Patron.

It is now one of the most prominent organs of the order of patrons of husbandly in the State. Its circulation has gradually increased, until at the close -of 1880 it had 1 1,000 paid subscribers.

Springfield Public Library

Searching for the history of persons and institutions is very much likeinquiring for the age of the elm at the gate, or the willow by the spring. Now and then some one remembers when it was only " so high,- and what was said about it then, and how from a mere twig in some traveler's hand, planted as a careless experiment, it grew and gave beauty and shade.

In tracing the origin of the Springfield Public Library, we find this thought verified. First the project of having a library for public use manifested itself in the early efforts to form library societies in the years 1820-21 , and again in 1828-29. The idea grew, and with the Springfield Lyceum that existed from 1841. to 1853, there came better accommodations and a larger collection of books and papers for the use of all citizens who were willing to pay 83 annually. Following on came the Ladies' Library Association, which existed between 1855 and 1868, with its small and choice selection of books, which was circulated at 5 cents a volume per week. Then the Young Men's Christian Association from 1868 to 1872, gathered into its neat and attractive rooms the libraries collected by the Springfield Lyceum and Ladies' Library Association, and added other books by purchase, and again gave many of our citizens access to a creditable collection of literature.

But, in 1872, we come to the formation of the present public library. After struggling along for years with the circulating libraries - already noticed - which were supported by the labor and generosity of a few citizens, a movement was made early in 1872 toward the establishing of a free public library by which the increasing demand for books and literature among all citizens could be supplied, and an educational institution made permanent that would be the pride of our city. The movement which culminated so successfully originated among the workingmen of Springfield, and was speeded on to success by the liberal encouragement and active co-operation it received from the business men and noble women of the city. Articles of incorporation were filed, the Cisy Council appealed to for help, and finally the Springfield Public Library was placed on a secure basis. The library commenced its existence with about three thousand three hundred volumes, and was formally opened Saturday night, June S, 1872, by a promenade concert in the opera house which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Additional exercises were an address by the President of the Board of Trustees, John TI. Yorhees; Music under the direction of Andrew Watt; Songs by Miss Macbeth and Miss Barbara Fassler; brief addresses by the prominent citizens and. refreshments furnished by Hutcheson & Co. The library room on the same floor was also arranged so as to present a pleasing appearance. An admission of 10 cents was charged to this opening entertainment and about 8100 realized.

The first annual report made in March, 1873, showed the total number of volumes to be 3,840; number of patrons, 1,780; and the circulation for the nine months for which the library had been accessible to the public was 3,840; an average of 139 daily.

In August, 1877, the library was moved into its present location in Union Hall Building, on Market street, and was then enlarged, re-arranged, classified and catalogued anew, and gained also bv the change a fine reading room.

Tlie ninth annual report gave the net increase in the number of volumes for the year ending March 1, 1881, to be 639, making a total of 6.439 volumes, while the increase in the circulation for the same time has been 7,328 volumes - the entire circulation for the year being 54,899 volumes, a -daily average of 194. Number of patrons enrolled, 3,933. Total amount received from the city for current expenses was §3,327.59, leaving a balance after expenses were paid of §108.84. The patronage of the reading room, supplied with a fair list of leading periodicals and papers, also showed a similar increase of patronage. The present Board of Trustees are E. 7V. Mullikin, President; E. L. Buch waiter, Vice President; G. 777 7Vinger, Secretary; James L. Bodgers. Treasurer; and Amos TYhiteley and 777 A. Scott, Executive Committee.

Persons in charge the past year were B. C. 777oodward, Librarian: Mrs. H. A. D. Woodward, First Assistant; 7Iiss Jennie F. Bice, Second Assistant; John Thrasher, Janitor.

In 7Iarcli, 1868, the Young 7Ien's Christian Association was re-organized, and the financial year began April 1, 1868. It was found at the organization that there was a nominal library appendage a relic of a former body of similar character of which we have no trace, but there were no books. A Librarian and a library committee was appointed, and, after a few months, the association appointed a committee of young gentlemen to canvass the city and solicit donations of books. This work was partially done and quite a number of valuable books were given to the association. Among others the following gentlemen contributed liberally:

The old Lyceum Library was turned over to the association with the understanding that it should be preserved, and that the organization do all it could to accumulate a public library. The ladies' library was also turned over to the association upon the following conditions set forth in the agreement:

TVheueas. An arrangement having been concluded between this Association and the Young Men's Christian Association, by which the Ladies' Library Association have agreed to put their library into the possession, care and management of the Young Hen's Chris tian Association, with the understanding and agreement of both associations that the latter will receive it. and endeavor to extend the sphere of its usefulness by new purchases of standard books, and widening the circulation of books among those who have not heretofore availed themselves of the benefits of the library : and it is further understood that the Ladies' Association shall be permitted to have and enjoy the same right and privileges in the use of said library and the enlargement thereof which they have heretofore had under their constitution and by-laws ; it is therefore

Resolved, That the officers of the Ladies' Association, viz., the President, 7rice President, Secretary and Librarian, be, and are hereby authorized and instructed, to deliver said library and appurtenances to the said Young 7Ien's Christian Association, on the termsand conditions aforesaid.

The books were assorted, classified, labeled and re-numbered, constituting a library of 870 volumes. On the 12th of November, 1869, J. 777 Gunn sub mitted the following report to the association: "The number of books is now nearly two thousand, and the patronage is greatly increasing; a number of new books have been lately added, and the library is on such a basis as hence- forth to bo a great public good." The receipts of the library had been used in paying the Librarian and purchasing new books. The library was increased by donation and purchase from 870 volumes to 1.610 since it was received from the Ladies' Library Association. Early in the spring of the year 1871, the association finding that the lecture course was not going to return sufficient profit to clear it of debt, determined, very reluctantly, to close the readingroom as it was the chief source of expense, but to continue the library in the rear room. It was found that the front room could not be readily rented separately from the back one, and the association was notified that it must either rent both or give up both. No other room being found which was suitable for the purpose of the association, and, at the same time, within means, the association determined to store away its library, pay off its debt by the sale of the furniture and the voluntary subscriptions of its working members, and thereafter attempt no work requiring financial support.

The present organization of this body began in Mechanics Hall, on West Main street, -March 16, 1878. The reasons for such an organization are well given in the following preamble of the association: "AVe, the young men of

Springfield, actuated by a desire to promote evangelical religion among the young men of this city and its vicinity, and impressed with the importance of concentrated effort to aid in accomplishing that object, and desirous of forming an association in which we may together labor for the great end proposed, hereby, etc., etc."

Provision is made under the constitution of the association for three classes of members, namely, actiive, associate and sustaining. The active membership consisting of young men, who are members, in good standing, of some evangelical church, and been elected by a two-thirds vote of the members present at the business meeting following that meeting at which their names have been proposed.

Any person may become a sustaining member by the annual payment of $5 into the treasury of the association. Only active members have the right to vote and hold office. Ail resident Pastors of evangelical churches are entitled to active membership.

The first officers of the association were James Caldwell, President: Ralph Atkins, Vice President; E. A. Coombs, Recording Secretary; L. M. Miller, Corresponding Secretary; E. E. Limbocker, Treasurer. Officers for the year 1879-80: John A. Rice, President; I). Mitchell, Vice President: J. F. Mitchell, Recording Secretary; Thomas King, Corresponding Secretary: Samuel Kirkpatrick, Treasurer; and Francis Cunningham, General Secretary. The present incumbency are: Thomas J. Kirkpatrick, President: E. P. Christie,

The association continued to occupy, for a time, the hall in which its organization was effected, then removing to Freid's Hall, on East Main street, remaining until about January 1, 1880, at which time they moved to the furnished room in the city hall building, corner High and Market streets. On April 1, 1880, they made another change, going to No. 13 East Main street, having two rooms on the second floor, which rooms they now occupy. The main room in which the meetings are held while not elegantly, is very comfortably furnished, making for the young men a very pleasant and inviting place to assemble.

evening, Thursday afternoon and Saturday evening. The association, yet in infancy, is giving daily evidence of the great and good work it is destined to accomplish.

Secret Societies

There were early manifestations of the tendency of man to associate himself with others in bonds of secret fellowship. The mystic symbols, the grip and the password of fraternal feeling followed the pioneer to the settlements on the frontier. We therefore find an early recognition of the Masonic order, the oldest of fraternities. The members of the order were scattered, and it was difficult to obtain a sufficient number, during the early years, to organize a lodge at one place. The scarcity of membership made it necessary to have one lodge for Springfield, Dayton and Urbana. This was Harmony Lodge, No. 9. The earliest record that we find of this lodge is of a communication held in the court house in Dayton on the 1st day of September, 1809. A number in the margin of the record indicates that this was the third communication that it ever held. Harmony Lodge then held its regular meetings alternately at Dayton, Springfield and Urbana, at least once a month at each place. At the first meeting held, there were but four persons present - one officer, two officers pro tom., and one visitor.

At the first Masonic Lodge ever opened in Urbana, at a meeting convened in the court house on September 20, 1809, Samuel Simonton and Jonah Baldwin, of Springfield, were present in an official capacity. During the fall and winter of 1809, meetings were held about every two weeks, alternately in the towns of Urbana, Springfield and Dayton. Those in Urbana were held in the court house; iu Springfield, at Samuel Simonton's residence; and in Dayton, sometimes at the residence of Hugh McCullum, at other times in the court house.

As this was at a period prior to easy locomotion and the railroad, and also the stage-coach was unknown, it was quite difficult for the Master to travel from place to place to hold meetings. In view of this, at a stated communication held in Springfield December 9, 1809, there was a resolution proposed and adopted that Harmony Lodge, No. 9, F. & A. M., be divided, and accordingly the warrant was surrendered to the Grand Lodge.

Those members of the fraternity at and in the vicinity of Springfield and Urbana petitioned the Grand Lodge for a warrant empowering them to hold meetings at Urbana and Springfield alternately, and those brethren residing near Dayton and Troy likewise petitioned for authority to hold lodge at those places respectively, the name of their lodge to be St. John. These petitions were accordingly granted by the Grand Lodge, in session, January 1 to 5, IS 10. During the years 1810, 1811, 1812, 1S13 and 1S14, the meetings were held alternately at Urbana and Springfield, with tolerable regularity, and had work in conferring degrees at almost every meeting.

At a stated commuicat ion, held in Springfield March 11. 1811, the petitions of Joseph Vance Gunn, George Fithi an and James M. Reed were presented and referred to proper committees, and at the next regular communication, held in Urbana April 10, 1811, they were all duly initiated as Entered Apprentices. During the latter part of the year IS 14, the brethren of Harmony Lodge proposed to surrender their charter, on account of the inconvenience of holding t lie lodge alternately at Urbana and Springfield, and they accordingly petitioned the Grand Lodge, for two new charters - one for Harmony, No. 8. to be held at Urbana, and one of a new lodge to be held at Springfield.

In 1815, a dispensation was granted to those members of the order in Springfield to hold a lodge, which was called Morning Star Lodge, No. 27, the charter for which was granted in 1818. That lodge seems to have been discontinued, as there is no record of what became of its charter, or what was done thereafter. The meetings of this lodge were held over Dr. Needham's drug store.

In 1825, a new dispensation was granted for the restoration of Morning Star Lodge, and in 1820, the charter was issued to Charles Anthony and others for the permanent establishment of this lodge, but the number was changed to 80 in the charter.

In 1828, Morgan was abducted, and the storm of opposition to secret societies which broke out in Western New York rapidly spread to this locality. The popular feeling upon the subject became intense. From almost every pulpit. Freemasonry was denounced as being allied to Satan and opposed to Christianity and good morals. And politicians, being ever ready to profit by any popular excitement, promptly made anti-Masonrv a political issue. Old party ties and affiliations were ignored, and there were but two factions - Masons and Anti-Masons. Such was the popular indignation that it was deemed prudent to disband the lodge, temporarily at least. This was done by Morning Star Lodge in 1820.

Clark Lodge, No. 101, was chartered in 1848, and has always been in a flourishing condition. Its appointed officers were Charles Anthony, M. ; 4. M. Kills, S. W.: A. M. Taylor, J. W.