Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 10 (2 of 2 so headed), 1881 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 10

CITY OF nrcVRlS - IT.'! RELIGIOUS HISTORY - THE DIFFERENT CHURCHES - SUNDAY SCIIOOt.SEDrCATIOXU.- PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS - THE UNION SCHi lOLHOUSE.

THE first ministers of the Gospel who visited the pioneer settlements in the vicinitj- of Bucyrus for the purpose of organizing the religious element, were missionaries sent out by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It is probable that the first person to preach the word of God at what is now Bucyrus was a Rev. Mr. Bacon, who visited the place several times during the year 1821. and conducted religious services at the houses of various settlers. It is doubtful if he traveled a circuit regularly organized by the denomination to which he belonged, but, as a missionary, visited in a roving manner many neighb(jrhoods. His appointments were about once every four weeks, but were very irregularly filled. The early Methodists of Bucyrus, when first organized as a station, were attached to the Scioto Circuit. Rev. Jacob Hooper, who was appointed to take charge of this work by the M. E. Conference in the fall of 1821, preached occasionally at Bucyrus. His circuit was about seven hundred miles around, and services were held at each place about once every eight weeks by the regular minister in charge. Stephen D. Rowse states that, in after years. Rev. Hooper told him that he preached the first sermon ever delivered in Bucyrus under a big oak-tree which stood near the present railroad depot. This minister was undoubtedly assisted by others, and it is likely the settlers had religious services more frequently than once every two months. Rev. Hooper was succeeded on the circuit in the fall of 1822 by the Rev. Thomas McCleary. The next year, the M. E. Conference marked out another smaller district for itinerant preachers to travel over, in order to give other new settlements regular circuit preaching. Revs. Thomas McCleary and James Roe traveled this new circuit, and these men were assisted at times by Rev. William Blowers, of Liberty Township. (Revs. John O. and William Blowers were the j first licentiates of the M. E. Church in Craw- | ford County.) The labors of these early circuit riders were almost herculean. Mansfield, Plymouth, Bucyrus, Marion and Delaware were points of their district, with numerous intermediate appointments, all to be visited by each preacher once iu four weeks, occupying nearly every day of the time to make preaching regular once in two weeks at everj' appointment on the circuit. At that early day, there were scarcely any bridges over streams. Some of the way no roads, onlj' Indian trails to follow, and oftentimes the sun, moon and stars, or a pocket compass, were the only guides through the pathless forest. But the unselfish labors of these early circuit riders were fully appreciated by the . sturdy pioneers, among whom universal friendship and unbounded hospitality prevailed. When the weather was fine, the ministers preached in the woods ; but, if otherwise, the services were conducted at the log cabins or schoolhouses. The old brick schoolhouse, erected about 1826, was used for many years as a meeting-house by the M. E. Church. Occasionally an unfinished building answered the same purpose. About 1830, a large revival meeting was held in what is now the Sims House, which building was then in the process of erection. The early Bucyrus Church held several very interesting camp-meetings in the large barn of Samuel Shaflfner, who resided where Daniel Boyer lives at the present time. The first M. E. Church in Bucyrus was erected about 1832. This was the first building dedicated to the worship of God in the village. In those early days of the M. E. Church in Crawford County, the "quarterly conference and love feast" created a much greater impression upon the communitj' than at the present time. The members anticipated these meetings for weeks, and great preparations were made in order to provide food and lodging for those who attended from a distance. Some families, who possessed sufficient accommodations, would entertain on these occasions several dozen guests. It is reported that at times the crowd was so large that tickets were issued on the occasion of love feast, and a doorkeeper appointed for the house of the Lord. These tickets were given to the various Class-Leaders, and by them distributed to church members. This sj'stem was necessarj' in order that those who desired to attend for their spiritual edification could gain admission to the church, and not be crowded out by some of the impious multitude who only assembled out of curiosity. This ticket system also served to keep out the ungodly who came occasionally to have fun by creating a disturbance. For many years, the Bucyrus Church was a station on the Delaware Circuit, and the various congregations contributed to build a parsonage at that place. About the year 1832, the circuit was changed, and funds were then raised for a parsonage at Marion. After 1840, the Bucyrus Circuit was formed, and the parsonage built about 1841. Every fall, the Conference appointed two ministers to supply the stations on each circuit with regular religious services. These men were called senior and junior preachers, and generallj' the one who served in the latter capacity was appointed to the same circuit the next j-ear as senior preacher, with some new man under him, but this was not alwa3'8 the case. The Methodists of Bucyrus were supplied with regular preaching by this system until September, 1855, when the Conference made the congregation a special station. Some difficulty then arose in regard to whether the parsonage was the property of the Bucyrus Methodists or of the other congregations who had also contributed to erect it. The appointments for the circuits of which Bucyrus and Delaware formed two stations for many years were as follows : 1821, Jacob Hooper ; 1822, Thomas McCleary ; 1823, Thomas McCleary and James Roe; 1824, Jacob Dixon ; 1825, James Gilruth ; 1826, Abner Goff ; 1827, James Gilruth and Cyrus Car- penter; 1828, James Gilruth and William Runnels ; 1829, David Lewis and Samuel P. Sliaw ; 1830, Samuel P. Shaw and Alfred M. Lorain; 1831, Alfred M. Lorain and David Cadwallader. These ministers commenced their labors in each of the 3-ears above mentioned about September 1. During this period, the following ministers were Presiding Elders : 1821 and 1822, Jacob Young, of the Scioto District: 1825 to 1828, James McMahon, of the Saudusliy District ; 1828 to 1831, Russell Bigelow and Greenberry R. Jones, of the Portland District. Among the ministers who preached regularly to the Bucyrus churches from 1832 to 1854 were the following persons : David Cadwallader, Zephaniah Bell, Erastus Felton, Harvey Camp, John Kinnear, James Wilson, Adam Poe (son of the great Indian fighter), Thomas Thompson, Samuel P. Shaw, Peter Sharp, - Conoway, Oren Mitchell, - Hazzard, Hibbard P. Ward, George W. Breckenridge, Samuel B. Giberson, Liberty Prentice, Henry Warner, Hobert Dubois and others ; 1849, David Gray, Gabriel M^illiams and Jesse Durbin ; 1850, David Gray and assistant ; 1851, N. Taylor and M. K. Hard ; 1852, Stephen Fant and assistant ; 1853. Stephen Fant and George Moore; 1854, 0. Burgess and E. B. Morrison. Since Bucyrus was made a special station, the following appointments have been made by the Conference, the pastorate commencing after the regular annual session in September: 1855, Uri Richards; 1856, H. S. Bradley; 1858, Dr. H. M. Shafier ; 1860, Dr. L. B. Gurley ; 1861, 0. Kennedy; 1862, Isaac Newton; 1865, A. Harmount ; 1867, Gershon Lease; 1869, D. D. T. Mattison ; 1871, (J. W. Ball ; 1874, Dr. A. Nelson ; 1877, J. J. Henry (died in March, 1878, and J. H. Barron sent as a supply) ; 1878, 0. Badgley. The want of space forbids a more extended reference to the many ministers who, during the past sixtjyears, have preached to the Bucyrus charge. Not a few of these were eminent for their piety, and during their lives exerted much influence in shaping the destiny of the early M. E. Church. It is, however, no disparagement to the rest to briefly tell of one who labored with the church in later years, and, just as he commenced to bring rich harvests to his Master's feet, was called to his reward. Joseph J. Henry was born at Ironton, Ohio, January 9, 1853. He was converted in his eighth year, and, Jul3- 11, 1871, licensed to preach the Gospel by the North Indiana Conference. Desiring to quality himself for the work, he entered the college at Delaware. Before he had completed the course, he was induced to take charge of the Olive Green Circuit, and, in his twentieth year, commenced his short but eventful ministerial course. God l)lessed his labors, and the membership of both congregations was doubled the first year. He was returned, and the conversions were more numei'ous than before. In 1874, he was appointed to take charge of the M. E. Church at Cardiugton, where in three years large revival meetings were conducted by him, which yielded rich harvests of Christians hopefully converted. In the fall of 1877, he was appointed as the successor of Dr. Nelson in the work at Bucyrus. A large revival meeting was held, lasting from January 6 to February 17, 1878, which was blessed by the Spirit. Over two hundred conversions were reported, and one hundred and eighty-three of these admitted to the church. After remaining at the church until 10 o'clock, Rev. Henry would frequently go home and study until past midnight in the preparation of sermons for the next day and evening. The intense mental exertion consequent upon this series of protracted meetings brought on brain fever, and, after sufl'ering for some two or three weeks, he died March 16, 1878. The M. E. congregation of Bucyrus continued to worship in their first brick church until the year 1851. when the present edifice was erected on the same site. It was dedicat- ed Wednesday, October 29, 1851. Elder Poe preached the dedication discourse. In December, 1871, the building was repainted, refitted and improved under the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ball, at a cost of 12,000. The organ was purchased of the Congregational Church about the year 1865. The M. E. Sunday school was established about the year 1834. Among those who have been Superintendent of it during the past quarter-century are Martin Deal, B. B. McVey, W. C. Lemert, G. W. Myers, James Lewis and H. E. Kratz. Of these gentlemen, Mr. Deal has had charge for some fifteen years at different times. Services have been conducted once each week for the Bucyrus congregation since the year 1832.

The First Presb3'terian Church of Bucyrus was the second congregation to be established in the place on a permanent basis. It is impossible to give, at this late date, anything like an accurate account of its early history, as all the records of the church, previous to the year 1838, have been lost. Rev. Silas Johnston, one of the former Pastors, in writing a sketch of the church about the year 1857, says : " We can only glean a little information from the few surviving fathers and mothers who were here before the organization of the church. When the community was first settled, there were among the pioneers a few scattered Presbyterian families, who loved the church of their fathers, and looked and longed for some one to break unto them the Bread of Life. When the solemn Sabbath came, they were ready to sit down and sigh for the ordinances of the sanctuary, which they had left behind in the land of their fathers, and these sighs and prayers that God would plant a vine in the wilderness, where their lot was cast, were not in vain. Occasionally, a minister of their faith came among them, and preached in some grove or private house. Probably, the Rev. Shab Jenks was the first Presbyterian minister who conducted religious services at Bucyrus. Rev. Robert Lee, father of Judge

Robert Lee, of Bucyrus, was the first minister, and it is probable that he preached here by the appointment of the Home Missionary Societ}^ and, in an informal way, organized a church. The Columbus Presbytery, whose jurisdiction extended over this section, were not satisfied with the manner of proceeding, and, probably by their advice, in the spring of 1833, a petition was presented their Presbj'tery asking for the organization of a church. This petition, which was signed by thirty -four persons, was granted, and a committee, consisting of Revs. Shab Jenks and E. Washburn, was appointed to visit Bucyrus for this purpose. These gentlemen met the petitioners during the summer of 1833, and the church was organized for the second time. They reported to Columbus Presbyter^' at the next fall meeting, and the Bucj'rus Church was enrolled. It is impossible to learn how many of the thirty-three petitioners were actual members when the church was first organized ; but only four are now living, viz., Mrs. John Moderwell, of Geneseo, 111. ; John Forbes and wife, near Springfield, Mo., and Mrs Andrew Kerr, near Bucyrus. Like most newly organized churches in pioneer settlements, this congregation was for several years destitute of a church edifice. When the weather was pleasant, services were held in the gi'ove under the broad canopy of heaven ; at other times, the meeting would be held in some private house. Afterward, the church worshiped in the brick schoolhouse, which stood on the lot now occupied bj' the Monnett House, and, after the completion of the court house, this church, in common with other denominations, occupied it as a place of worship, and continued to do so until the erection of their first church edifice, which was built in 1839. In the Bucyrus Republican, of May 22, 1839, J. H. Douglas, John Anderson, John Forbes, Josiah Scott and J. A. Gormly advertise that sealed proposals will be received until June 1, for building a frame meeting-house 36x40 feet in dimensions.

A number of ministers labored with this church during the earlj- history of the congregation, both before and after its organization, but at wliat time, and how long each one was here, is not now known. Rev. William Matthews preached to the congregation for some time, and Rev. Robert Lee was a stated supply for several years. Rev. Henry Van Deman labored with the congregation a short time, and also Rev. Erastus Cratta. Rev. James Boggs began to preach to the charge a short time previous to the unhappj' division of 1837, and, as he sided with the new-school party, he soon left for another field, as a large majority of the BucjTus congregation belonged to the oldschool branch of the church.

May 4, 1839, the congregation invited Rev. William Hutchinson to labor among them, and a formal call was extended to him on July 3, He was ordained and installed as the first regular Pastor of the church, September 4, 1839, and for many years faithfull}' labored to build up the charge. Success crowned his efforts, and some were received into the church at almost every communion season. He had the warmest affections of his congi-egation ; was highly esteemed by the whole community, and had every prospect of a long settlement in this field ; but he was suddenly attacked with hemorrhage of the lungs, which disabled him from preaching. He resigned the charge during the summer or fall of 1848, and removed to the mountain regions of Tennessee, where he remained until May, 1859, when he returned to Crawford County with his family. Mr. Hutchinson died February 1, 1860, aged fifty-seven, and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery. In 1849, the church engaged Rev. George S. Inglis to preach as a stated supply, and after eighteen months, Rev. Robert C. Colmory occupied the pulpit for three or four months. Then the pulpit was vacant for nearly two years. April 1, 1852, an invitation was extended to Rev. Silas Johnston, and soon afterward a formal call was tendered him, and he was installed by the Presbytery of Marion, September 8. Mr. Johnston continued his labors successfully for nearly six years, but, toward the close of that period, difficulties and division of feeling arose in the church, concerning the choir, instrumental music, and other matters. Feeling his influence crippled by such a state of affairs, he asked the Presbytery to dissolve the pastoral relation, which was done, with reluctance, September IG, 1857. During his pastorate he preached and lectured 1,006 times. In April, 1858, a call was extended to Rev. George Graham, who remained until his health failed, and, in the fall of 1860, he resigned. Early in the spring of 1861, Rev. John J. Walcott was called to the pastorate, and installed Jlay 8. He remained until October 12, 1862, and when he left, the church was without a regular Pastor until April 1], 1864, when Rev. Alexander S. MilhoUand re ceived a call. After remaining two years, Mr. I MilhoUand resigned, and the church was supplied with preaching bj- numerous applicants , for the pastorate, until January, 1867, when a unanimous call was extended to Rev. John H. Sherrard, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sherrard was installed April 19, 1867, and remained with I the church for over eleven years, until August ' 4, 1878. Numerous candidates were invited ! during the next six months, and, January 19, ; 1879, Rev. J. T. Pollock preached his first ser- [ mon to the congregation as a stated supply for I one year, and, since then, has continued with ! the congregation. It is not certain who were elected and ordained Elders of the church at its organization ; but it is believed that they j were Messrs. Robert Walker, William V. Mar- I quis and James McCurdy. These three persons and ^lessrs. George Welsh, Aaron Carey j and Samuel Andrews were members of the ses- ' sion previous to 1838, but the exact date of I their ordination is not known. December 25, 1838, Messrs. John Dobbins, James Todd, : John A. Gormly and William Robinson were elected Ruling Elders, and the two former ordained by Rev. William D. Smith on Februarj- 1, 1839. At the same time all four were inducted into office, Messrs. Gormly and Robinson having been ordained in another field. As time rolled on, these pillars of the church were, one after another, taken away by death and removal, and, in 1844, the vacancy in the session was filled by the election of Josiah Scott and Nelson Thecker, who were ordained and installed on January 15, 1844, by Rev. William Hutchinson. Mr. Scott was elected three different times to this office before he finally accepted. On November 7, 1852, Dr. Cochran Fulton was chosen and ordained, but Dr. Willis Merriman, who was elected at the same time, would not serve. Messrs. Andrew Ken' and John P. Black were added to the session July 7, 1854, and then, for nearly fourteen years, no additional elections were held for this purpose. Alexander Caldwell and William H. Drought were chosen in Februarj-, 1868, and ordained soon afterward. After another decade had passed away, the session became reduced by death and other causes, and July 7, 1878. the congregation elected Jlessrs. Andrew Walker, William M. Reid and James B. Gormlj', to fill the vacancj'. These gentlemen were ordained by Rev. J. H. Sherrard, July 28. The Session at the present time is composed of the following persons : Messrs. Black. Caldwell, Drought, Walker, Reid and Gormly. Tt is not known what the numerical strength of the church was during its early history ; but it increased gradually, year after year, until the troubles and division of 1837 and 1838 rent it asunder. When Rev. William Hutchinson resigned, in 1848, there were over one hundred members but the congi'egation quarreled in choosing his successor, and the bad feeling in the church had reduced their number to eighty-two by April, 1852 - the date Rev. Silas Johnston commenced his labors. During the next five and one-half years, he received into the church seventy persons on examination and forty-nine by certificate ; the loss by death and removal being sixtj--nine. When Mr. Johnson resigned, in October, 1857, the membership was 132, and during the next ten years this number was increased to 165. During Mr. Sherrard's pastorate of eleven years, 240 were received into the chnrch, and the loss by death and removals was 175, leaving a membership on August 1, 1878, of 230. The church continued to wor ship in their first edifice until 1860, when it was sold to the Roman Catholic congregation, who removed it to their lot on Mary street. The Presb3'terian then, in 1860, erected a fine brick edifice, 72x44feet, which cost about $9,000, and was dedicated May 26, 1861. This was frescoed, repainted and carpeted in the summer of 1873, and the building is now as chaste and attractive as it is commodious and comfortable. The Presbyterian Sunday school was organized in 1835. W. M. Reid has been Superintendent of the school during the past sixteen years.

The Evangelieai Lutherans residing in the village of Bucyrus and surrounding country were organized into a congregation some time during the year 1829, by Rev. David Shuh, at the old brick schoolhouse. This minister, the first Pastor, had received a call from those who proposed estabUshing a Lutheran Church, and many of these persons had belonged to what was known in Pennsylvania as the German Lutheran Church. Samuel Myers, of Nevada, Ohio, is the only person now living who took an active part in organizing this congregation. Mr. Shuh continued as Pastor for two years, and after his departure, in 1831, Rev. John Stough, of Liberty Township, was prevailed upon to hold services. Father Stough was at this time se\'enty j-ears of age, and as he was anxious to retire from active service, the English-speaking portion of the congregation met December 1, 1832, and extended a call to Rev. P. I. Ruth, of Ashland. Previous to this, all services were conducted in the German language, except an occasional sermon in English by Mi"- Stougli, Rev. Ruth came at stated times, from Ashland, and preached to his charge, and in the spring of 1835. removed to Biicyrus. The first record of a Church Council being elected, was in January. 1833, when the following members were chosen : Elders, Abram Mayer and George SchroU. Deacons, Nicholas Pailor and Abram Sehroll. Trustees, Adam Bair and Nicholas Cronebaugh. At the next church election, held May. 1835, four Elders, four Deacons and three Trustees were chosen, and shortly after this the church met with a severe loss by the death of George and Daniel Sehroll, two members of the council, who died with the cholera. July 12, 1835, the congregation convened, and. after showing due respect to the departed brothers, elected John Bremen and Daniel Savage to fill the vacancy. From the time the church was organized, until 1835, services were held in the brick schoolhouse, and then the congregation removed to the court house, which they occupied until their first church building was erected. The latter part of 1835. or early in 1836, the trustees purchased from Adam Mayer, for $400, the corner lot now occupied by the residence and office of Franklin Adams. After perfecting all the necessary arrangements, the cornerstone of the first Lutheran Church in Crawford .County was laid August 20, 1836, in the presence of what was then called a large concourse of people. The walls of the building were finished, and the roof put on before winter, but the church was not completed and occupied until the fall of 1837, or the spring of 1838. At this time, the congregation was composed of two parts, German and English, each being represented in the Church Council ; together they numbered, in 1838, eighty -one communicants. Rev. Stough held services occasionally in German, and Mr. Ruth was the regular Pastor, who continued to preach for the English portion until he resigned in 1852, having watched over the spiritual interests of this charge for twenty years. Father Ruth is still living in Calioii. Rev. A. R. Howbert was his successor, anel he remained until about April 1, 1856. Rev. J. Grouse then accepted a call and acted as Pastor until he resigned in May, 1864. Under his administration the present church building was erected. The German interest in the old building was purchased for about $400, and August 11, 1856, the congregation passed a resolution to build. The pastor and N. Failor were appointed to solicit subscriptions, and by October 31, between $5,000 and $6,000 had been raised. The church was not finished until the spring of 1858, and dedicated bj' Rev. Conrad, of Philadelphia, May 16, of that year. In the meantime the services were held in the small Baptist Church, which occupied the lot upon which Dr. M. C. Cuykendall's residence now stands. After Rev. Grouse resigned, in 1864, Rev. M, W. Hamma was elected, and continued as Pastor until February, 1867. Rev. J. H. Brown was then chosen by the church, and remained until October, 1870, when, with the consent of both congregations, he and Rev. J. B. Baltzly, of Lewistown. Penn., exchanged pulpits. Dr. Baltzly remained with the Bucyrus church for six j-ears, until Octocer 1, 1876, and then for five months the charge was without a regular pastor. Rev. A. H. Studebaker receiviMl a unanimous call from the congregation early in 1877, and continued with the church \intil June, 1880, when he was granted a vacation, and is at the present time making a tour in Europe - the pulpit in the meantime being filled by Rev. J. IMorris and others.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church Sabbath School was organized April 5, 1838. by the more prominent members of the congregation. A constitution was adopted providing that the school should be under the control of a board of managers selected from the church ; and the following persons were chosen : Nicholas Failor, Henry Minich, Abram Myers, Samuel Myers, Christian Howenstein and F J. Untli. This

Board of Managers appointed the following officers for the school : President, Eev. F. A. Ruth ; Vice President, Nicholas Failor ; Secretary, Samuel M3'ers ; Treasurer, Christian Howenstein. At the end of the first 3-ear the Secretarj^ made an encouraging report, which was received and adopted by the Board of Managers. The Treasurer reported " having received during the year $7.25, and of having disbursed for books, etc., $6.75, leaving a balance in his hands of 50 cents, which was transferred to his successor, Nicholas Failor." The second annual reports, made in April, 1840, showed that " there were in attendance seventy-five pupils under the charge of six male and seven female teachers, and that $13 had been collected and $12.35 had been expended during the year.'' Favorable reports are also on record for the years 1840, 1841, 1842 and 1843, and then the records were not preserved until 1862. The last election held for a board of managers was on July 6, 1856, when the following persons were chosen : John Boyer, D. C. Boyer, Joseph Failor, Samuel Failor, Edwin Boyer, Dan Minich and Benjamin R. Boyer. A short time after the year 1857, the modern custom of permitting the teachers to choose the officers was adopted. Since the school was organized, the pastor of the church has always been appointed to act as President or Superintendent of the school, except on two occasions. In March, 1854, the managers elected George P. Seal, who served as Superintendent until July 6, 1856, and George Lauck filled the same position from October 1, 1876, until March, 1877. The Lutheran school is the largest and best-organized Sabbath school in Bucyrus ; not long since the average attendance during one year was 199. In April, 1861, the church purchased a pipe organ, the second instrument of the kind brought to town, which was used for the first time April 14 ; after nearly seventeen years of service this instrument was removed and a much finer one placed in the church ; this organ cost about $1,000 and was dedicated by a grand concert Friday evening, February 8, 1878. At the present time some 230 persons are connected with the congregation.

The early Evangelical Lutheran Congregation organized by Rev. David Shuh, in 1829, contained, during the first five years, many influential members, who afterward united with the Reformed Church. After the English portion of this first congregation organized a separate society, and tendered Rev. F. I. Ruth a call to act as Pastor, the Germans who were left continued to worship together, and services were conducted in their own tongue by Rev. John Stough. This venerable gentleman, however, had been an active minister nearl}' fiftj' years, and was so aged that he could only preach to the Bucyrus congregation at irregular intervals. About the year 1835, those professing the Reformed faith, employed Rev. Frederick Gottleib Maschop to preach for them. In the early day of the German churches in America, the difference between the Reformed and Lutheran doctrines was so slight that some Pastors were styled ministers of the sect " generally called the Lutherans or Reformed Church." Under the administration of Rev. Maschop, these denominations in Buc3'rus were more widely separated, and many German Lutherans would not attend the Reformed services. Finallj' those . Germans who professed Lutheranism, employed a Eev. Mr. Goergens to preach for them. This gentleman did not belong to the same synod of which the Bucyrus congregation formed a part, but his doctrines suited his charge better than those of the Rev. Maschop. In 1839, the church was more fully organized and Rev. John Krauss received a call ; this gentleman for some time preached every fourth Sunday. He continued with the congregation manj' j'ears, and, although a man of considerable ability, could not resist the manj- temptations to indulge too freely in the " flowing bowl." Toward the latter part of his long pastorate, his habits became \evy irregular, for he was frequentl}' on long drunken sprees. The cause he professed to love suffered much by the sad life he led, and, in the interest of German Lutheranism, he was forced to resign his position, which he did in September, ISS-t. He removed to Tiffin, Ohio, and it is reported he sank deeper into vice until he flnallj- started a saloon. In 1855; Rev. August Michaelis received a call from the congregation, which was accepted, and he remained for twelve years, until 1867, when he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Graessle, the present Pastor ; thus.duriug forty-one years, the German Lutheran Church has been organized. Onl^' three ministers have served as Pastors to this large and influential church. For many years the two congregations of this same denomination in Liberty and Whetstone Townships assisted the Bucyrus church in providing funds to paj' the Pastor's salar}', and the minister in charge would hold services at each congregation in succession. Finallj' the Bucyrus German Lutheran Church became so wealthy and influential that this sj'stem was discontinued, and since 1872, Mr. Graessle has labored solely in the interest of this church. In 1842, the congi'egation adopted a constitution, and the nest year sold their interest in the church building erected about 1836, to the English Lutherans ; they continued to occupj' this church, however, until their present edifice was erected in 1857. June 20, 1858, the building was dedicated to the worship of God, and named " German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Good Hope." The Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and other States convened at BucjTus for a six-days session on Thursday, May 23, 1872 ; some 120 ministers and fifty lay delegates were in attendance. In JIarch, 1873, the congregation purchased from G. F. Votteler, of Cleveland, a verj* fine pipe organ, which was dedicated Sundaj', March 16, 1873, with appropriate exercises. The Sunday school of this church was organized abouttheyear 1844.

The early history of the German Reformed. Congregation of Bucj-rus was carefully compiled by Rev. Eli Keller, the Pastor, during 1857, and copied into the Church records. This history is as follows : " Having carefully examined various documents found on hand and questioned certain aged persons with reference to the historj' of the German Reformed Congregation of Bucyrus, it would seem that the same was organized about the year 1829, standing at that time connected with the Lutheran Congregation. Not being able to obtain the services of a Reformed Pastor, they continued under the administrations of Lutheran ministers until the year 1835, and during this period they, in connection with the Lutheran congregation, purchased a town lot with a view of erecting a Union Church edifice. In the year 1835, they procured the services of Rev. Frederick Gottlieb Maschop, a Reformed minister, and held services in the brick schoolhouse. About the j-ear 1840, Rev. Maschop resigned and after some months Rev. J. J. Mdler received a call, and during his pastorate, which lasted about three years, services were held in j the court house. After the departure of Rev ] Miller, the congregation was without a Pastor until Rev. Wendel Wasnich received a call, and he continued with the charge about the same length of time as his predecessor, and resigned during the j'ear 1848. During liis pastorate, another lot was purchased, and the present church edifice erected. When Rev Wasnich resigned, Rev. Abraham Keller was j charge until the fall of 1852, when he was attacked with the cholera and suddenly removed by death. Rev. Keller organized a Sunday school in connection with the congregation, j but this new move was opposed by many | prominent church members, who could not or j would not appreciate the value of tiiis branch j of the church. After Mr. Keller's death, the congi-egation remained about one year without regular services, and then elected Rev. Max Stern as their Pastor, who continued until thes pring of 1856, when he resigned. April 13, 1856, Eev. Eli Keller, a licentiate of the Mercersburg, Penn., Classis, was elected and ordained July 6, as Pastor." During his second year with the congregation, it was reorganized. August 29, 1857, the following officers were elected : Elders - John H. Keller, for two years ; John Brehman, for three years. Trustees - Abraham Schroll, for three years ; Adam Bair, for two years ; George Brehman, for one year ; Clerk, John Miller. September 11, 1857, the church was duly incorporated by the name of the G-ermau Reformed Congregation of Bucj'rus. September 16, the members adopted a new constitution and by-laws for their government. At this time seventy persons were members of the Bucyrus charge- July 24, 1858, a missionary society was formed with the following officers : John Reiter, President ; Aaron H. Keller, Secretary ; Abraham Steiger, Treasurer. Rev. Eli Keller continued with the congregation for over five years, until the fall of 1861, when he resigned and removed to Belleview, Huron County. His successor was Rev. G. Rettig who remained about eighteen months. June 8, 1863, Rev. W. H. Fenneman was called " at a salary of $375 per year and horse feed," and after some two years Rev. W. Wittenweiler succeeded him. This Pastor remained about three years, and then Rev. J. D. Gehring was Pastor. When he resigned, the pulpit was filled by Rev. D. Zimmerman, who came from Gallon and preached for the congregation. Until his pastorate, services were held occasionally in the English language, but in accordance with the wishes of the majority this custom was discontinued. In consequence of the clannishness manifested by this majority, the congregation has lost many valuable members, who have united with the American churches of Bucyrus. In May, 1874, Rev. H. Nau received a call, and during his pastorate of eighteen months, the parsonage was built. Rev. A. Schade was his successor, and he continued until June 29, 1878, and then exchanged pulpits with Rev. H. Korthener, Pastor of the Sixth Reformed Church of Cleveland, who has had, since that date, charge of the Bucyrus congregation. At the preseat time eighty members are subject to the Church discipline.

Dr. William Nast, the great pioneer of the German Methodists in the Western countrjwas the first minister of that denomination to visit Bucyrus and preach to the Germans in their own language. In the year 1837, this distinguished German theologian, then quite a young man, was appointed on the first circuit laid out in this section of Ohio for German Methodist preaching. The territory covered by this first circuit was so extensive that five weeks' time was occupied in filling all the appointments. Young Nast's route each five weeks was as follows : " He preached at Columbus the first Sunday, then left for Basel, on the canal, then to Thornville, where services were held the second Sabliath ; then to Newark, Mount Vernon and Danville, where the third Sunday was spent ; then to Loudonville, Mansfield, Gallon and Bucyrus, where services were conducted on the fourth Sabbath ; then to Marion and a German settlement near Delaware, reached by the fifth Sunday ; then to Worthiugton and Columbus by the sixth Sabbath, when the route was completed." Services were also conducted, during the five weeks, at many points in the vicinity of these places. This pioneer circuit-rider of the German Methodist Episcopal Church preached in the German language at the English Methodist Episcopal Church each Sunday he was in Buej'rus, but it is uncertain how long he remained on the circuit. Before many years, his talents were appreciated, and he was placed in charge of the German Methodist Church paper at Cincinnati. It was said of him in after years : " Dr. William

Nast is looked upon as the great head and leader of the German Methodists in the United States ; he has frequentlj- surprised the eouiitr}- with his erudition, his ripe scholarship and the vast extent of his knowledge." For man}- 3-ears, the German cougi-egation was very weak, and the English ^lethodists kindlj' tendered them the use of their church, which offer was accepted, and services were held there by the Germans until January, 1855. Among the ministers of this denomination who preached at Bucyrus before the church was erected, are the following : " Revs. Reimsneider (who was the immediate successor of Xast), Haefner, Reuff, Neuffer, Newton, Reihm, Christian Nachtriel), Peter Sneider, Frederick Dcither, George A. Renter, Conrad Gahn and others. Rev. Gabn was appointed in the fall of 1853, and remained two years. During his pastorate, the German Methodist Episcopal Sunday school was organized, in 1854, at the basement of the English Methodist Episcopal Church, and the German meeting-house was erected. The weak church of 1837 and 1840 was strengthened by the addition of man}- from among the Germans who settled in the community and professed the doctrines taught by the ministers of this de- ' nomination. Then the congregation became strong enough to build a house of worship, and, in the fall of 1854, the church was erected by John Sneider. The building was dedicated Sunday, January 14, 1855. In the morning. Dr. Warner, of Columbus, delivered the dedication sermon in English. This was at the request of the German congregation. A collection was then taken up, of $143, to assist in paj'ing for the church. Dr. Nast, who was present, preached in German at the afternoon meeting. Rev, Gahn, Pastor at this time, was a large man, with a strong voice. It is related of him that once, while preaching in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was suddenly seized with bleeding at the mouth, and the services were interrupted for that day.

This minister was assisted in his work by a j'ouug German, of noble birth, by the name of Herman Zur Jacobsmuhlen. Rev. Gaiui left in the fall of 1855, and the following ministers were his successors, the pastorate of each commencing about September 1 of the year they

George Berg ; 1859, Gustave Herzer ; 1860, J' Horst; 18G2, PiiilHp B. Weber ; January 1^ 1864, Albert Vogel ; 1866, Anton Warns ; 1860^ John C. Kopp ; 1871, John S. Schneider ; 1874, August F. Meuler ; 1876, Philip Graessle ; 1879, August Gerlach ; 1880, John Haas. After Dr. Nast left, services were held at Bucyrus every four weeks until a few years before 1850, when the congregation was organized. Services were then held every two weeks, and the Pastors preached at Gallon, Bucyrus, and the Broken Sword church. Some years after tlie Bucyrus church was erected, the churches at Gallon and Bucyrus were made special stations, and. since that time, preaching is held every Sunday, but the Pastors of the church conduct religious services at the Broken Sword church every Sunday afternoon. The parsonage was built in 1863. The memliership at the present time is about sixty.

The records of the First Baptist Church, in Bucyrus, ai"e nearly complete, and it is not a difficult task to compile an accurate history of the congregation since it was organized. The minutes of the first meeting are as follows : "February 21, 1838, met agreealile to adjournment at Brother Kelly's, for the purpose of consulting upon the propriety of forming a conference. Elder White in the chair. When, upon deliberation, we, whose names are hereunto affixed, being Regular Baptists, did resolve ourselves into a Conference, to be known b}' the name of the Regular Baptist Conference of Bucyrus : William White, Charles Kelly, Cyrus Peck, Prudence AVhite, Martha Kelly and Derias Sears." (None of these are at the present time living in Bucyrus. and possibly, the}- are all dead.) This conference adopted fifteen articles of faith, and during the first year held meetings once each month, alternating for the first six months between the houses of Brothers Kelly and White. Services were then held in the brick schoolhouse, until tlieir first church was completed, but before this building was occupied, the small congregation occasionally assembled at William Magers' home. Elder White was the first Clerk, and he imparted religious instruction to those who assembled at these monthly meetings. The little band was increased July 29, 1838, by William Magers and his wife Margaret G. Magers, Sevena Norton and Rachael Magers. Elder William Stevens was present upon this occasion, and preached upon the subject of "Baptism." This was the first sermon on record, delivered to this new congregation, and, after it was concluded, they repaired to the Sandusky River, and the ordinance of baptism was administered to the first three of the new converts bj' Elder White. James Quinby and John Shull were received and baptized February 3, 1839. On February 4, 1839, they decided to call a council of neighboring churches, and February 14, delegates from Auburn and Fairfield, met with the members of Bucyrus Conference, and, " after consultation, it was resolved to proceed to the constitution of a church from the Conference, and next day Margaret Williams was baptized and received, making thirteen members. The early history of this congregation is a succession of trials. Since it was organized, it has passed through many dark days, caused chieflj^ by the difficulty of providing funds to support the pastors who labored with the charge. The church was never strong in numbers, and very few of the members have been men of wealth, but the records prove that many who have been connected with this little band were sincere and earnest Christians. Covenant meetings were held every four weeks, at which the members gave their religious experience, or led in prayer. In August, 1839, an effort was made to secure a regular Pastor. Elder Thomas Stevens was the choice of the congregation, but the amount raised was only $54.50, and he could not promise to visit Bucyrus and preach even once a month for this sum. Shortly after this, William White and wife left Bucyrus. The failure to secure a Pastor and loss of two members did not discourage the remainder, and the next spring Lot No. 1 07 was purchased, and upon it they erected their first church, which was opened for public worship, June 13, 1840. This building stood upon the site now occupied by the residence of Dr. M. C. Cuykendall. William Magers was chosen the first Deacon, January 4, 1840, and April 11, James Quinby was appointed first Treasurer. Elder Newton preached occasionally during the year 1841, but it does not seem that he was considered the regular Pastor, for Elder Samuel Wadsworth was with the congregation many times, and shared the duties and honors of this position. During this j'ear many members were added to the church, among whom were Sophronia Norton, the first person born on the present site of Bucyrus, and Samuel Jones. It is recorded March 7, 1841, that "the church is awake in the cause of religion, and the Lord hath heard their prayer." October 2, 1841, Rev. Jacob Tharp received a call for one year, which was accepted. December 4, 1841, E. B. Merriman, James Quinby and Samuel Jones, were elected first Trustees under the act to incorporate the First Regular Baptist Church of Christ in Buc3'rus, and all business previously transacted was voted legal. December 29, George R. Baker and John Shull were "set apart to the office of Deacons, by the laying on of hands." October 1, 1842, Rev. Tharp was asked to remain as Pastor, laboring half the time during the next year, and Elder Samuel Wadsworth was invited to preach the other half Elder Tharp resigned June 3, 1843, and after six months, on December 2, Rev. Edwin

1845. During- his pastorate, the Baptist Church was in a very flourishing condition, and reported by some authorities to be the strongest of the churches in the village. This young minister ordained in the little church at Bucyrus removed to Illinois, and became eminent throughout the West ; after a successful and honorable ministry for many years, died within the last decade, mourned, not onlj- b}- his own congregation, but throughout the country. It was decided on April 6, 1844, to open a Sunday school, and a collection was taken up to purchase a school library. January 4, 1845, James Quinby presented the church with a communion set. Unfortunately, this worthy member died, September 15, 1845, and, notwithstanding he released, in his will, the congregation from a debt of about $250 due him for money advanced to pay church expenses, his death was a great loss to the earl3' Baptists. In after years, his place was well filled by his brother, George Quinby. who first united with the congregation, December 4, 1842. In September, 1845, Elder J. G. Tunison was called to labor one-half his time, but December 6, it was decided " the church could not support a Pastor. Mr. Tunison was not liked by the members in the village, but the country members of Whetstone Township thought so much of him that they withdrew from the Bucyrus eongi'egation, and formed tlie Olentangj^ Baptist Church, near Parcher's corners, of which Rev. Tunison was Pastor for several years. This action seriously crippled the early church at Bucyrus, and Rev. Tunison, in consenting to a division of the congregation for personal reasons, gave the cause he professed to love a stab from which it has never fully recovered. About this time, flft3'-four members were reported to the Baptist Association. August 1, 1846, eight of these united with the church in the southeastern part of Crawford County, and soon afterward others left to unite with the Whetstone Township Church. February 6, 1847, Elder Pierson was called, and remained some ten months. In February, 1848, Elder Smedmer was called, and preached several months, and for the next five years services were held very irregularly. By the records, it appears only two meetings were held in the year 1 840, seven in 1850, sis in 1851, one in 1852 an<l three in 1853.

At most of these conferences a general desire was expressed to have regular preaching. During the latter part of 1850, Elder W. C. Shepherd was a member, and he was ordained Pastor January 2, 1851, but, after remaining another five months, resigned May 31. For over a year the record is silent, and at the only recorded meeting, held June 5, 1852, George Quinby, Samuel Jones and John Shull were elected Trustees. At this meeting, the propriet3' of emploj'ing a Pastor in connection with the Olentangy Church, was discussed. After three recorded conference meetings in 1858, the church was silent for I'egular Baptist meetings for five years, but occasionall}- a minister visited the place and called the scattered flock together. In August, 1858, the church and weekly prayer meetings were revived, and after six mouths, on February 5, 1859, the following eight members ' agreed to renew their covenant :' Samuel Jones, John Shull, George Quinby, Mary IMc- Lean, Derias Sears, Mary Aiken, Elizabeth Sharp and Dolly Cook P]veritt. Elder Wood was engaged to preach one-half the time, and meetings were continued during 1859. Tiien the church was silent for another period of over four years. In the spring of 1864, Rev. S. 1). Bowker was invited by several members to \isit Bucj-rus, and at the first meeting, held in (^uinby's Hall, June 4, it was resolved to oi-gauize a Sabbath school and establish a weekly prayer meeting. The use ofthe Congregational Chinch was tendered, but for reasons refused, and Quinby Hall rented, in which regular meetings were held. During the three-jears pastorate of Rev. S. D. Bowker, several revival meetings were held, and manj* united with the church, which numbered, when he resigned July 6, 1867, nearly one hundred members. After a vacancjof several months, on December 19, 1867, a call was tendered Rev. J. Huntington, of Sardinia, N. Y., who remained until July 2, 1871, when he removed to Niles, Mich. During his stay with the congregation, they removed from Quinby Hall to their present church edifice. This building, originally erected by the Congregationalists. was purchased from the Board of Education for $2,750, and fitted up by the Baptists at an additional cost of $2,000. The church was re-dedicated for religious purposes September 27, 1868. Rev. Walter N. Wyeth was Pastor from November 4, 1871, to May, 1872, when he resigned to take a position on the editorial corps of the Journal and Messenger, of Cincinnati. May 4, 1872, Rev. L. G. Leonard, the present Pastor, received a call, and since that time he has been with the congregation. In the spring of 1876, he resigned, and Rev. J. S. Covert was em(3loyed, but, after remaining about one jear, difficulties arose, and Dr. Leonard resumed the pastorate. Since the church was organized, in 1838, the following persons have been elected to the office of Clerk : William White, 1838 ; James Quinby, June 3, 1839 ; John Shull, October 2, 1841 ; George Quinby, December 31, 1842; John Shull, February 6, 1847 ; James H. Reichenecker, July 3, 1847 ; George Quinby, August 31, 1850 ; BL V. Longworth, January 4, 1868 ; Clark Ludwig, January, 1873 ; M. V. Longworth, the present incumbent, January, 1874. The number connected with the congregation at the present time is sevent3'-nine. The Baptist Sabbath school was re-organized in 1864, and William P. Rowland served as Superintendent ; his successor, W. B. Bennett, held the office nine 3-ears, and

The first Roman Catholic services in Buejrus were held about the 3'ear 1837, at the residence of Dr. Joseph Beohler, who lived north of the Sandusky River, on the lot now occupied by Christian Wingert, and formerly the site of his brewery. Rev. F. X. Tscheuheus, C.S S.R., the first priest who visited Bucyrus, came about 1837, for the purpose of gathering the few Catholic families in this section of the county, and mass was said at Dr. Beohler's for several years at irregular intervals, once in two or three months, until he removed to Tiffin, Ohio. The services at Bucyrus were then discontinued until about the year 1849, when, Catholic families becoming more numerous, the fathers of this societj' made the town one of their missions. During the next eleven j'ears, until 1860, mass was said in private houses. These services were not always held at stated times, but generally at irregular intervals, and the priests did not reside in the place, but came from Norwalk, Huron County, and New Reigel, in Thompson Township, Seneca County. Among those who visited the town during this period were Revs. Amathias Dombaugh, G. Arnold, J. Albrecht, August Reichert, Peter Kreusch, Mathieus Kreusch, - Jacob, - Gebhart and Barnhart Gwinn. In 1860, the old Presbyterian meeting-house was purchased for $200, and removed by A. Kronenberger, Sr., at an additional cost of $100, to their present lot on Bast Mary street. The building was re-dedicated by Bishop Rappe, May 26, 1861. The deed for the real estate, worth $350, was made out in A. Kronenberger's name, but afterward transferred to Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe. Rev. Uerhart Kleck celebrated the first mass and preached the first sermon in their new church. In 1863, a successful mission was held by the Redemptorist Fathers Giessen and Jacobs, and some time afterward another was conducted by Revs. Neitliard and Seelus ; each mission lasted about one week.

The congregation was then attended until the j'ear 1865, b}- Rev. S. Falk and V. Arnould, Pastoi-s of the Shelbj- Settlement, and also Rev. J. F. Gallagher, of Wooster. From 1865 to 1869, the congi-egation was attached to Upper Sandusky as a monthly mission. During this time the Pastors were : Rev. A. Spieriiigs, from November, 1865, to Maj-, 1867 ; Rev. Joseph Reinhardt, until February 2, 1868, and Rev. G. Peter until 1869. Rev. Reinhart was killed, how, or b^' whom, was never known, while on his way from Upper Sandusky to meet Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, who had visited Bucyrus to give confirmation. From 1869 to 1871, the congregation was without a priest, except once about Easter time, on account of difficulties arising between the German and Irish portions of the church. Finally, peace was restored, and Maj- 5. 1871, Rev. D. Zinsmayer was appointed to the Bucyrus charge. He was the first resident Pastor, and during his staj' with the congregation many improvements were made. The church was thoroughly renovated, frescoed, provided with furniture, and a fine bell, weighing 1,000 pounds, placed in the belfty. Rev. G. Peter had purchased for $1,000 the lot east of the church, but, during bis Pastorate, only .$600 were paid upon this real estate. The congregation, under Father Zinsmaj-er, raised sufficient funds to settle the debt, and also erected upon this lot a very fine parsonage. Several fairs were held, and, although the congregation numbered about thirty two paying families and forty-five in all - the people, though mostly poor, assisted their Pastor by liberal subscriptions. April 27, 1877, Father Zinsmayer was appointed to take charge of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at Shelby, and Rev. H. D. Best, the present Pastor, was sent to Bucyrus. During the past three years, the debt left by his predecessor has been paid. The church has received, at diflferent times, about $1,300 from the -- Ludwig Missionsverein " of Munich, Bavaria. May 19, 1878, Rev. H. D. Best purchased of Florian Loew, for $200, one and threefourths acres of land, situated one mile east of Bucyrus, and this has been laid out for a cemeterj'. The first person interred in it was Mrs. Martha Doerfler, who died August 17, 1878. This cemetery was consecrated by Bishop Gilmore, of Cleveland, Tuesday afternoon, October 19, 1880. It is the custom of this church to establish independent schools, and this will, undoubtedly be the next project of those in charge of the congi-egation. Two attempts have already been made in the past - the first under Father Spierings, and afterward for four months under Father Zinsmaj-er - but for lack of means, these schools were discontinued. Considering the limited financial resources of most members of the Bucjtus charge, the congregation is in a flourishing condition. Success has crowned their labors in the past, and the future looks bright.

The Disciples, or Church of Christ, erected their chui-ch edifice in Bucyrus during the summer of 1876, and organized the congregation in November of that year. Many prominent members of this church, however, were formerly connected with the Disciple Church, organized over forty years previous in Whetstone Township. About the year 1828, Oliver and Isaiah Jones, then residents of Whetstone, having heard the doctrines of the church taught in Wayne Count}', invited Disciple preachers to their neighborhood. At that time there were no members of this denomination in Crawford County, and the ministers who accepted the invitation, were the first to sow the seed of their religious faith in this count}'. The two men who extended this invitation, were for many years the strongest supporters of the Whetstone Church , they were in no way related to each other, notwithstanding they both removed from Wayne County, bore the same name, and professed the same religious faith. Harrison Jones, son of Isaiah, and also one of the early members, is still living and an eminent minister among the Disciples. The first services held in Whetstone Township by Disciple ministers was about the year 1828, at the log cabin of Oliver Jones, by Elders Comer and John Secrist. After the first meeting, Elder Comer went on to Michigan and Elder Secrist returned to Stark County, where he had been preaching. Secrist had formerlj' been a resident of Kentucky, and several years after 1828, he again visited Crawford County and preached in the Campbell Schoolhouse, which was located at that time on the southern part of what is now the farm of W. L. Ferall. In those days members of this denomination were Icnown as Campbellite Baptists. Elder Secrist was a very able man, and continued to preach the doctrines of his faith in the township at stated periods for some five years. When he left. Elders A. Burns and Millison came occasionally and preached in the neighborhood ; this was after the year 1840. Elder Burns is a brother of Hon. Barney Burns, of JIansfield ; he is now minister of the church at Shelby. Elders Burns and Millison conducted services at the schoolhouses or private residences in the neighborhood, and sometimes at the barn of John Campbell, who was a prominent member of the church. Campbell represented Crawford County in the Ohio Legislature during the winter of 1833, 1835 and 1840. The Disciple meetinghouse in Whetstone was built about the year 1845, and during the next thirteen years Dr. Lucjf, John and Thomas Rigdon and Jonas Hartzell were elders of the congregation ; services were conducted during this period at very irregular intervals. Hartzell it still living at an advanced age in Iowa. About the year 1858, Elder Belton preached at stated periods and continued to do so until shortly after the war broke out ; since that time. Elders Riciiard Winbigler and Hathawaj', have had charge of the church at different times ; services were also conducted occasionally by Charles E. Van Voorhis, who was raised in Whetstone

Township, and has for manj' years been an active Disciple minister ; he is at present living in Knox County. John Cornell also went out from the Whetstone Church, and is now a Disciple minister in Iowa. Fortj' years ago the Whetstone Disciple Church was a very strong and influential congregation, but the losses by death and removal reduced the membership to such an extent that for many years religious services were held very irregularly. Finally about December 5, 1875, eight persons met at the residence of Jeremiah Correll, in Bucyrus, and resolved under God to bnild a house of worship in the town and to re-orgauize the church. These seven persons were James Kerr, J. W. Bogan, Samuel Keiffer, B. F. Keiflter, Edward Ferrell, Edward Campbell, William Arbuckle and Jeremiah Correll. A few days afterward the lot on the southeast corner of Lane and Warren streets was purchased, and Edward Campbell, Jeremiah Correll and B. F. Keiffer appointed a building committee. The foundation of the edifice was laid in the spring of 1876, and the basement completed by November of that 3'ear, at which time thirty-three persons assembled and resolved to form themselves into a church of Christ, " taking no creed but the Bible, and no name unknown to the Scriptures." A Sabbath school was organized ; Elder George T. Smith was called to preach, and has continued with the congregation since that date. His labors have been blessed, and, during the past four years, 100 additional members have united with the church. The upper room of their church edifice was completed during the summer of 1877, and the building dedicated to the service of Almightj- God September 2, 1 877, Elder Isaac Errett officiating. This house of worship is designed after the Gothic style of architecture. The building is sixty-five feet long, forty feet wide, and two stories high. The basement is eleven feet, and the audience room above has an arched ceiling nineteen feet above the floor at the sides, and twentj'-seven feet in the center of the room. This is the only arched ceiling in town. The church is surmounted with a tower and spire which reach 120 feet from the ground. The cost of the entire building- was about $11,000, and the entire amount was raised by the members by the time the church was dedicated.

The United Brethren in Christ congregation was organized about August 15, 1879, with the following members : John Carson and wife, Anna, Charles and Robert Carson, Edward Sheckler and wife, Nettie Sheckler. Mrs. Eliza Monnett and daughters Lulu and Vertie, H. A. Raub. Lillie Raub. Henry Couts and wife, Jacob Yeagle and wife, J. G. Hull, John Slagle, Miss Kate Steelsmith, J. G. Wert and wife, Mary and Joseph Wert. These persons were all connected with the " Holiness Movement," which had, previous to this time, received its support in Bucyrus from members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Ball, this movement in the interest of " Christian Holiness." was organized, and most of the active members of the Methodist Episcopal congregation showed their sympathy by their presence and influence at the special "Holiness" meetings. After a few months some withdrew, declaring they could not acquiesce in all that was said and done by those who professed to believe the doctrines taught ; other prominent members were removed by death, and, after Mr. Ball left the advocates of " Christian Holiness " in the Methodist Episcopal Church, they were not so numerous and influential. Their special Tuesday evening prayer meeting, however, was continued for many months under Dr. Nelson's pastorate, and the venei-able gentleman kindly attended and led many meetings, although he could not coincide with all that was said at them. But the members of the " Holiness Band" were afterward denied the right to have the church basement for their special meetings, because a few refused to subscribe to the general church fund, and, after suffering for some time what they considered other persecutions, quietly withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and formed a United Brethren in Christ Congregation, which denomination contains more members professing their views on - Christian Holiness." The first trustees were John Carson, Jacob Yeagley, Henry Couts, J. G. Hull, and Barney Saylor. The store-room on the southwest corner of Main and Warren streets was rented and fitted up for a meeting-house. In the fall of 1879, the United Brethren Conference appointed Rev. Moses E. Spahr, Pastor of the Bucyrus charge, which is at the present time attached to Bucyrus Circuit. Rev. 0. H. Ramsey was placed on this circuit in the fall of 1880. August 25, 1879, a United Brethren in j Christ Sabbath School was organized with the following officers : John Carson, Superintendent ; Mrs. J. G. Wert, Assistant ; Charles Carson, Secretary ; H. A. Raub, Treasurer ; Annetta Sheckler, Librarian. A lot has been purchased at the corner of Walnut and Lucas streets, and the congregation contemplate erecting a church building in the near future.

During the past sixty years, several attempts have been made to establish other denominations in Bucyrus, and the religious services held by two of these churches were continued many years. Rev. John Pettitt, a Congregationalist minister, removed to Bucyrus about 1840, and for many years preached in various neighborhoods of Crawford County. Through his efforts, mainly, a society of this denomination was organized in the village. For some years their services were held at the Protestant Methodist Church. In the spring and summer of 1855, the brick church, which is now owned by the Baptists, was erected by the Congregational Society. The building was dedicated September 28, 1855, and about this time Rev. Oliver Burgess, who had l>een pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the preceding year, was employed to preach in the new edifice. Burgess re- inained one j'ear, and then Rev. Pettitt supplied the pulpit until July, 1859, when the society extended a call to Rev. Gideon Dana, formerly of Oberliu ; this gentleman remained two years ; during his pastorate tlie church purchased^ December, 1859, the first pipe organ ever brought to Bucyrus. Rev. Robert McCune was the immediate successor of Mr. Dana. He continued as Pastor from July, 1861, to July 1862, and then resigned to accept the position of Chaplain at the National Military Hospital, on Johnson's Island, near Sandusky City. Rev. I. C. Kiugsley received a call in July, 1862, and remained until about January 1, 1864. Several ministers came occasionall}- and preached, but after a few months the church was sold to the Board of Education for $3,000. The organ was afterward sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. John Pettitt, the founder of the chui-ch, and the most active member of the congregation during the many years it continued, removed, about 1866, to the northern part of Michigan. During the many years he was a citizen of Crawford County, he always took an active part in building up the moral interests of the community. For the last five years of his life, he rode regularly through summer's heat and winter's snows to his appointment five miles distant, and, when the weather did not render the frontier schoolhouses untenable, he had from two to three appointments each Sabbath. On the last day of his life, Sunday, May 11, 1879, he rode on horseback to his appointment, but, upon his return, complained of being sick, and in half an hour passed from his labors to his reward, in the eightieth year of his age, after laboring as an active minister of Christ for more than half a century.

Some fortj- years ago, ministers of the Pz'otestant Methodist Church visited Bucyrus and conducted religious services ; possibly the first member of this denomination to preach in the village was Rev. Seeley Bloomer. About 1845,

Rev. Dalby organized a congregation at the house of John Morfoot, who resided at that time on the lot now occupied by Mrs. Doll, just north of the northeast corner of Walnut street and the Middletown road. Among the early members of this church were John Morfoot and wife, now Mrs. John Boyer, John Kelly and wife, John Fralic and wife, David Holma and wife, Matthew Fulloon and wife. Shortly after the congregation was organized, the lot on I the northwest corner of Rensellaer and Walnut ' streets was purchased, and a meeting-house j erected. Rev. Bamford was the first Pastor. Services were conducted once everj' two weeks. The congregation in the village was a station on I Bucyrus Circuit, which included the neighborhoods of Wingert's Corners, Bear Marsh and 1 Grass Run. Among those who had charge of I this circuit during the decade from 1845 to 1855, were Revs. John W. Case, Jeremiah Jack, Aaron D. Abbott, Samuel Catlin and James Duff^-. It is possible that other ministers preached regularly to the Bucyrus church dur- ! ing this period. Rev. I. C. Thrapp was Pastor I in 1856, and, after he left, services were discontinued in the Bucyrus church. Tlie building was removed, several years afterward, to the site now occupied by the Eagle Foundry, and I used as a work-shop until destroyed by fire in i August, 1867.

During the latter part of 1869, Rev. Alexander M. Cowan, a minister connected with the Southern Presbyterian Church, visited Buc3rus for the purpose of establishing a congregation of that denomination. Among those who aided and encouraged this minister during his labors in the place, by attendmg his services, were Dr. C. Fulton and wife. Judge James Clemens and wife, Judge Thomas Beer and wife, George L. Saulsbury and wife, Hon. C. D. Ward, Hon. William M. Scroggs, Hon. William Larwill, Samuel Hoyt, Dr. George Keller and others. The first sermon was preached in the court house, October 31, 1869, and shortly afterward

Qiiinby Hall was rented, in which were held everj' Sabbath, morning and evening, for several months, but the outlook for a strong and prosperous congregation was not flattering, and the meetings were discontinued.

Through the efforts, mainl}-, of Robert Mac- Leod, civil engineer of the Atlantic & Lake Erie Railroad, certain Episcopal ministers were induced to conduct services at Buevrus during the j-ear 187-t. The first meeting was held May 3, by Rev. J. M. Hillyar, of Mansfield, and Rector of the church atG-alion. This gentleman continued the services during the summer. He was assisted occasionallj- by other ministers. The meetings were held at the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, and among those Episcopalians who gave Mr. Hillyar aid and encouragement during the summer, in his efforts, were Robert MacLeod and familV; AViUiam Ecclestou and family, W. T. McDonald, J. Hopley and others.

The Sunday school cause early enlisted the attention of tliose pioneer settlers who desired to improve the morals of the community. James McCracken, Esq., for many years a prominent citizen of the village and township, is authority for the following statement : " In the year 1827 or 1828, at the instance of an Episcopal missionary from Mt. Vernon, the first Sabbath school started in Bucyrus was organized at the little brick schoolhouse. Abel Gary was elected President, and Dr. Hobbs, Secretary. There were also four Directors chosen, John Moderwell being one of them. These officers constituted an executive committee for the government of the school. They appointed James McCracken Superintendent." Although most of the working members in this school were connected with the early Presbyterian Church, yet it was not established in the interest of that denomination, but as a union school ; and it was attended and supported by members of the Methodist, Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches. This moral SLgency was continued several j-ears, but, after the Methodists erected their church, they organized a separate school, about 1834, in the interest of their congregation. The Presbyterians organized their school in 1835, and the Lutherans in 1838. Since then, the other denominations have established Sabbath schools, in the following order : Baptist, in 1844, and re-organized in 18G4 ; German Lutheran, about 1844 ; Reformed, about 1850 ; German Methodist, about 1854; Disciple, 1876; United Brethren in Christ, 1879.

During the latter part of 1869, a Young i Men's Christian Association was organized at I Buc} rus. Tile first meeting held for this purpose j assembled at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1 Tuesdaj' evening, November 2. The audience i was addressed by Christian gentlemen from i Mansfield. The Association was organized a't I the M. E. Church, Friday evening, November I 5, 18G9, with the following officers : President, William 31. Reid ; Vice Presidents, W. B. Benj nett and B. F. Lauck ; Corresponding Secretary, M. Deal ; Recording Secretary, George C. Gormley ; Treasurer, James B. Gormley ; Board of I Managers, E. P. Penfield, G. W. Myers, JI. V. ' Longworth and J. J. Fisher. A daily prayer i meeting was established, which continued for i some months ; the association rented the secj ond story of No. 8 Quinby Block, and fitted it j up with a library and entertaining newspapers, and, for several years after, the praj'er meeting was discontinued ; the organization maintained a special hall for the general use of all acceptable public meetings. For some three years, the Y. M. C. A. Hall was in the second story of Birk's Block.

Although the pioneer settlers of Bucyrus and surrounding country suffered many hardships, and often sighed for the comforts and luxuries of their former Eastern homes, they did not forget that the minds of their children needed instruction, and at an early day the cause of education enlisted their attention. Unfortunately, a pio- neer settlement, sixty years ago, did not possess, and could not obtain, the many modern educational improvements. It is not surprising, then, that, in a community deprived of many conveniences of life, the early schoolhouses were rude buildings, poorly furnished and illy adapted to the purpose for which they were used. But, in these rude log school buildings in those early pioneer days, many children, who afterward became good, substantial citizens of the country, received the only school instruction they ever obtained. And some, who, in after years, became distinguished citizens of the nation, not only for their high moral worth, but also for their intellectual attainments, received the foundation of their education in these pioneer schoolhouses.

The first school taught on the site now occupied by the town of Bueyrus, was held in a little log cabin situated on the south bank of the Sandusky River, just north of the lot occupied by Silas Bower's residence. This cabin was erected by the Beadle family on their land, and had formerly been occupied by them as a residence. It has long since passed away, but at that time was west of the town plat, laid out on Norton's land after this cabin was built. William Blowers taught the school held in this rude building during the winter of 1822-23. He was fully competent to take charge of it, as he possessed a very good education. The attendance was not large, and nearly all those who were pupils in this first school at Bueyrus are dead and gone ; however, Horace Rowse and Mrs. A. M. Jones, two of them, still remain citizens of Buc}'rus. Blowers charged a tuition fee of 11.50 per pupil, for a term of three months and " boarded around." His text-books were Pike's Arithmetic, Dillworth's Spelling-book and the Columbian Orator. The next winter. Blowers taught a school in Liberty Township : he was one of the first two licentiates of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Crawford County, and for many years an active minister of that denomination. Butterfield, in his history, relates the following in regard to this first school : "An incident of this school is remembered, the heroine of which is now one of the most respected matrons of our town - then a sprightly lass of half a dozen summers. Once upon a time, this 'pretty, winsome, wee thing' made her appearance in the school-room promptly at 9 o'clock, A. M., with, a pair of new shoes upon her feet, an event calculated to produc a - profound sensation ' in those pioneer times ; but in preparing the leather for these shoes, the blacking of the tanner gave out, and, as there was none to be had nearer than Zanesville, the consequence was, that, rather than send so many miles for an additional supply, only one shoe was black ; the other was quite red. In those days, ' despotic fashion ' had not swayed her scepter over the heads of the mothers of Bueyrus." Shortly after this first school, Altie Kent taught another near where Samuel Ludwig now lives, and some of her pupils resided in the new town. Miss Elizabeth Norton, now Mrs. A. M. Jones, one of her scholars, relates that the teacher furnished her good pupils with " rewards of merit." These tokens were home-made ; designed by the instructor, and highly colored with goldenseal and blood-root. Joseph Newell also taught in the same building after Miss Kent.

The first public schoolhouse built in Bueyrus was erected soon after the passage of the act of 1824, establishing free schools in Ohio. The site occupied by this building was at the east end of the lot, on the northeast corner of Walnut and Mary streets. This lot is now owned and occupied by Charles Vollrath. The schoolhouse stood on the spot just west of where the Roman Catholic Church now stands. " The building was of logs. The builders had no need of an architect ; hence there was no plan and specifications. It was ' to be of logs, and twenty feet square ;' a summary understood by all without the aid of an elevation." - BiUterfield. " It was furnished in the cheapest and most simple style.

All the children of the district who could be ' spared from work ' attended. A Board of Directors controlled or managed the school ; that is, they hired the teacher and drew orders on the Treasurer of the township for the paj'- luent of his salarj-, which was §15 per month. Zalmon Rowse was the first teacher in the first schoolhouse, and, though not a professional teacher, his labors were entirely' satisfactorj' to his neighbors. When the public fund, which at that time was small, became exhausted, the school was dismissed ; this generally occurred after a three-months term. During the summer months, a school was opened for the younger children by some one who charged a small tuition fee." - Scroggs. Rowse continued his school during the summer one time, his neighbors agreeing to do his harvesting rather than have the school stop during that season. Jonas Scott and Horace Pratt also taught in this first log schoolhouse. Butterfleld says of Pratt : " He is remembered as a good teacher ; but, notwithstanding his fine chirography, made his mark, as a few of the boys, now our old and respected citizens, have still a striking and vivid recollection. Like the memory of joys that are past, a recollection of him is pleasant, but a little mournful. Debating societies and teachers' institutes had never, at that day, discussed the question as to whether corporal punishment ought to be abolished from schools." In this old log schoolhouse the benches were placed around the sides ; windows were formed by sawing an aperture through the logs at the side, and the fire-place at the end furnished heat during the winter. The population of Bucyrus was soon increased by new settlers to such an extent that all the scholars could not be accommodated in the twenty-foot-square log schoolhouse, and arrangements were made by the citizens to construct a more suitable building. Samuel Norton deeded to the district for school purposes the lot now occupied by the Monnett House, and upon this was erected a brick schoolhouse,

18x36 feet in extent, and one story high. Algebertus Buckliu burnt the brick for this building about the year 1826. His brick-kiln was situated near where Thomas Hall's barn now stands, northeast of the present railroad junction. This building was not only used for school purposes, but served in those early days as a court house, town hall and meeting-house for the diflferent religious societies. When used as a court house the jury had to be accommodated in shops or vacant buildings in other parts of the town. It was used as a meetinghouse by the Methodists, both Protestant and Episcopal, the Lutherans, both English and German, the Presbyterians, Old School and Seceders, Reformed Baptists and possibly other congregations. In this schoolhouse were taught orthography, reading, writing, arithmetic and geography, and, when the teacher was qualified, a few of the larger boys and girls were taught English Grammer and Natural Philosophy. Among those who taught in this building at an early day were Horace Pratt, Sallie Davis, Dr. Horton, Mrs. Espy and two daughters, Maggie and Elmira, Mr. White and others. After several years, this brick schoolhouse could not contain all the children of the town, which received each year additional accessions, and schools were established in other parts of the village. The public school fund was not sufficient to employ teachers all the year round, and, consequently, between 1826-50, many private schools were started at different times. While the American House, erected about 1830, and now occupied by William Shaw, was in an unfinished condition, a school was taught in what is now the hotel oflRce. A frame building on the northeast corner of Perr}" and Walnut streets, torn down several years since, a log house on Main street, south of what is now Blicke's store, and other buildings, were used for school purposes. The old log district schoolhouse, erected as earl}' as 1833, at the west end of Warren street, and now occupied as a wood-house, on the same lot, was

The progressive citizens, knowing that the interests of their children demanded more and better accommodations, made arrangements for a larger building. Mr. Scroggs sa3'S in his historical sketch : " In 1839, the brick schoolhouse, which was then too small to hold all the pupils, had to give waj^ to a more imposing structure. A frame building, 50x30 feet, two stories high, divided into four rooms, with closets and suitable stairs, was erected upon the school lot near where the old brick had stood. The house was finished in good style, and was furnished with the best kind of schoolhouse furniture then in use, made of black walnut plank, the value of which at this time would be a small fortune in itself The house was provided with a belfty and fine bell, and, when entirely finished, it was painted white with green blinds, and was the best and most imposing public schoolhouse in this part of the State. School was first opened in this building, October, 1840, and was. in a qualified sense, a graded school. The first teachers were S. Fry, J. B. Squier, Misses Marshall, Gary and Espy.

Mr. Fry taught the more advanced boys and had a general supervision of all the schools though he spent no part of his school hours in supervising, and never taught in a place other than the room under his immediate charge. Mr. Squier taught the smaller boys, Miss Marshall the more advanced girls. Miss Gary and Miss Espy the younger girls. All of these teachers, unless it be Miss Marshall, are still living, honored and respected members of society. There was no regular course of study prescribed. The common English branches were taught, and, when bo^^s or girls desired instruction in Natural Philosophy and Algebra, they could be accommodated ; but, if they became extravagant in their desires, and wanted to get still higher, they had to be sent from home. The text books then used were ; Webster's Elementary Speller, McGuffey's First, Second, Third and Fourth Reader, Porter's Rhetorical Reader, Golburn's Mental Arithmetic, Adams' Practical Arithmetic, Olney's Geography, Kirkham's Grammar, and Gomstock's Natural Philosophy. Declamations and compositions were in order each week. Some of our most substantial citizens received all their school education in the old brick and frame schoolhouses."

In those early days, it was seldom that the village school, supported by the public school fund, off'ered facilities to those scholars who wished to obtain a knowledge of the higher branches usually taught in normal schools and academies. In order to supply this want, experienced teachers would occasionally establish a higher school and charge tuition. The Peoples Forxim, of March 23, 1849, contains a card from E. (x. Chambers, announcing that he had permanently located in the place and is prepared to teach, in the most thoroughly scientific manner, the various branches of science usually taught in high schools and colleges." My. Ghambers occupied for some months, one of the four rooms in the old frame schoolhouse, now the Monnett House. He did permanentl}' locate in the count}', for he is at present a resident of Whetstone Township. Some eighteen months previous to this, Joseph R. Whitham conducted a high school in the village. The I'roph-s Forum, of October 29, 1847, contained the following notice, which is given as a specimen of the educational system as it was just before the imion schools were organized :

High School. - The undersigned, a graduate of .Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, would respectfully inform the citizens of Bucyrus and vicinity, that he proposes to commence a High School in the town of Bucyrus. Having had considerable experience in teaching, he ilatters himself that he will not prove unacceptable to those who may see proper to lend him their patronage.

The Session will commence November 15. Pupils commencing at any time before the middle, of the session, will be charged a full term ; those not commencing until the middle, or after the middle, of the session, will be charged half a term. Joseph R. Whitham. BucvBus, October 25, 1847.

This gentleinau taught in the frame building, and was employed several times to teach the regular school, which he did as long as the public funds lasted, and then charged tuition of those scholars who desired to continue. It is reported of him that he possessed a good education, and liked the company of young ladies, but was somewhat "green." His admiration for one who is now the wife of a distinguished citizen of the town, and still admired by all her friends, was not disguised. One evening he called to see her and spend the evening. About 9 o'clock, the old folks, sensible, good old souls as the}' were, bid the j^oung people good-night and retired. But Whitman very foolishly could not appreciate their kindness, and did not hour (we fear the lady If we should say a longer time) tendered him, and left for home. He appeared uneasy, and his mind must have troubled him, for, after going a very short distance, he returned, and when the young lady again answered his knock at the door, he was so profuse in his apologies " for keeping her up so late, and for staying so long after the time at which she usually retired," that she told her most intimate friends how " green " he acted ; these intimate friends would not keep still, and told it as a " good joke " on Whitham.

I private schools in the \'illage. It would be a I difficult task to secure the names of all these j teachers, and a much greater one to describe the many particular incidents which occurred during the administration of each. Among those who taught during this period, and not I previously mentioned are : Of the gentlemen, j Messrs. McMullen, McGill. Wallace. Jacob Hofman, Yost, Myers, Lee, Camp, Davis, Plants, Kiskaden, Bowse, Sears, Squier, Fry. Needham, 1 Everson and Martin ; of the ladies, Emily Rowse, the Misses Gary, Margaretta Williams, the Misses Davis, Ann JlcCracken and Hannah J. Dunn. Man}' of these names will doubtless I recall to the memory of old settlers, pleasing I recollections of the times that are past. Of all ; those who were teachers in Bucyrus, previous to 1850, only one is at the present time a resident of the town. This is Mr. Horace Rowse, who was also a scholar in the first school taught I in Bucyrus Township. " Many of the rest have long since been piloted over the river by the grim ferrj'man."

Until the year 1849, the common schools of Ohio with but few exceptions, were conducted ' upon the general plan of district schools. The I General Assembly of the State on February 2 1 of that year, passed an act " for the better regulation of the public schools in cities, towns and villages " which permitted the oi;ganization of graded or union schools. Many towns throughout the State immediatel}' took advantage of this law, and the citizens in Bucyrus were not slow to avail themselves of the opportunity to secure a better school system, which was then offered by this act of 1849. But all public improvements, however necessary and beneficial to a community, are opposed by many citizens, and, when the question of graded schools was submitted to the qualified electors of the village in April, 1849, they rejected the new system. The friends of education were not discouraged, but continued to agitate the ! matter, and, after the new plan had been ex- plained to the " intelligent voter," the question was again submitted some weeks later, about July, 1849. The result of this election was a victory for the present graded school system by a fair majority. Jacob Scroggs, Esq.. says, in his Centennial History : " The persons most active in securing this plan were Hon. Josiah Scott, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Dr. Willis Merriman, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Hon. L. W. Hall, J. B. Lai-- will, Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, John Moderwell, M. P. Bean, editor of the Forum, and Col. Zalmon Rowse. There were no doubt others who were active and efBcient in producing the desired result, but the above named are at this time prominent in the mind of the writer. The most serious and obstinate opposition came from a few men of wealth, who had no children to educate, or who cared but little for any education beyond what was necessary to compute interest at 12 per cent." Shortlj' after this system had been adopted, the citizens assembled and elected the following persons as the first Board of Education of the Bucyrus Union Schools : Rev. John Pettitt, John Anderson, Aaron Cary, Dr. Jacob Augenstein, Dr. Willis Merriman and John Moderwell. These were all active and zealous friends of education and of the new plan, and the union school was in the hands of its friends. The board was organized by the election of Dr. Merriman as President, Aaron Cary as Secretary, and Dr. Jacob Augenstein as Treasurer. For some reason, the board was delayed in getting everj'thing arranged, and the organization of the schools was not completed until the spring of 1850. Tlie board then published in the People's Forum of April 26, 1850, the following announcement :

School Notice. - The Bucyrus Public Schools will commence on the first Monday in May, under the Superintendence of I. Booth, Principal. He will be assisted by Miss Taylor, of Syracuse, N. Y., assistant to the Principal in the High School ; Mr. Bowles, of

Ashland, to take charge of the Secondary or Grammar School ; Mr. Schepf, of this place, to conduct the German department, and Miss McCracken and Miss Fitzsimmons the primary scholars not entitled to admission to the school under the law, will be received on the following terms, viz. : For tuition in Primary Department, per quarter of

In the above notice, the name of N. P. Tarr, teacher of the Junior Grammar, was for some reason omitted, and the grading during the first term was not as advertised by the Secretary, but as follows : High School, Senior Grammar, Junior Grammar, Secondary and Primary. Miss Diana Taylor, the first High School teacher, was employed at $25 per month ; T. C. Bowles received the same amount for teaching the Senior Grammar ; N. P. Tarr, taught the Junior Grammar for a short time, but he took sick, and the board employed Jacob Scroggs to take his place at $20 per month. Misses Ann McCracken and Maria Fitzsimmons (now Mrs. Dr. Byron, of Upper Sandusky) iiad charge of the Secondary and Primary Departments and received $13 per month. Prof. Israel Booth, the first Superintendent, was employed at a salary of $600 per anuum. A special tax was levied b}^ the board sufficient in amount, when added to the State fund, to pay these teachers and current expenses.

Prof Booth had a difficult task to perform. It was necessary for him to organize and reduce to a system the adverse elements of the old district schools. Butterfield says: "His fault was eccentricity and forgetfulness, but he succeeded and succeeded well." In the Centennial sketch, it is stated : " He was a painstaking and conscientious gentleman, who taught about one-half his time and had his regular classes ; the remainder of the time was spent in supervising the subordinate teachers and in instructing them in the best way to teach." Booth conducted for some months an educational department in the Peoples Forum, and this was greatly instrumental in enlisting the attention of citizens to the work being performed. The Board adopted rules for the regulation of all departments ; eight to guide the Superintendent, nine for the teachers, and six special and twenty-five short general rules for the pupils. The lower departments were held at the frame sehoolhouse, and in them the common branches were taught. The High School, during the first j'ear occupied the Odd Fellows' Hall, situated in the second story of Anderson's Block, now the residence of C. K. Ward and George C. Gormly. Their room was not provided with any school furniture, and the facilities for teaching and the convenience of the temporary occupants were not first-class. But in this lodge-room were taught Algebra, Natural Philosophy Latin, French, Drawing and all the common branches. After the first term, public examinations were held and exhibition.? given for two nights, October 10 and 11, in the Lutheran Church. The school grew rapidly' in favor with the people, and after the first year all open opposition died out. Saturday, October 26, 1850, the citizens voted to levy a tax of §4,000 for the purpose of building a new sehoolhouse. The new building erected soon after was made to accommodate the high school and grammar schools, as the old frame was barely sufficient to accommodate the primary and secondary grades. As the number of pupils increased, such changes were made in the grading and classification as the exigencies of the time appeared to demand. For several years only two terms were held each year ; the spring term, continuing during the summer, and the fall term, which extended through the winter.