Mercer County, Ohio - Chapter 3: Jefferson Township and Celina, 1907

Chapter 3: Jefferson Township and Celina

In which the county seat of Mercer County, Celina, is located, is 12 miles long from east to west; the east half of the township has an average width from north to south of one and a half miles, while the west half of the township has an average width from north to south of three miles. It is bounded on the south by the Grand Reservoir and Butler township, on the east by Auglaize County, on the north by Hopewell and Center townships and on the west by Washington and Liberty townships.

The proceedings of the Board of County Commissioners of Mercer County, of March 5, 1839, would indicate that Jefferson township was organized at this time. The first election was held in the spring of 1840.

The first settlement of the township was on farms both east and west of the county seat. Of the early settlers of the county and of Jefferson township, we find that Robert Linzee moved from Athens County, Ohio, in the fall of 1832 and located on a farm east of Celina on the north bank of the Grand Reservoir, although at that time the reservoir was not built and nothing in the shape of a road existed save the trails made by the Indians. Mr. Linzee located his son Franklin on a farm now known as the Huston farm, and on what is now known as the Stearns farm he located his nephew, Robert Linzee, Jr. In 1834 Mr. Linzee moved on to the farm, where he spent the remainder of his life. In his lifetime he gave the school district land, the deed for which is in his own handwriting, specifying the fact that it was to be used for that purpose "as long as water runs and wood grows." Among the many early pioneers of Jefferson township was the Riley family, whose members came in at an early day and took a prominent part in the development of the county. We must not forget to mention one member of the Linzee family, who grew to manhood in this county and who is yet living at

Wapakoneta, Ohio - Benjamin Linzee, who was treasurer of Mercer County and held other offices of trust ; upon moving to Auglaize County, he was elected and served six years as probate judge of that county. At the time Robert Linzee settled on his farm, the nearest person to it on the east lived at St. Marys, and on the west at Bluffton, Indiana, 40 miles distant. Soon after, half a dozen of his friends settled near, and within four years a schoolhouse was erected, at which the attendance was from 18 to 24 scholars. A young man by the name of Wesley Herbert was the first teacher employed in the first log schoolhouse built in Jefferson township, and Andrew Jackson Linzee recited the first lesson in the said schoolhouse, in the afternoon of the day when it was finished.

Jefferson township contains 16,526 acres of land. The present selling value of the lands and buildings of the township, outside Celina corporation, is $1,239,450. Twenty-five years ago this same land with buildings was valued at $309,540. The farm buildings of to-day are of substantial make, brick and frame, constructed on modern and up-to-date plans. The farm land is well tilled and well fenced with good wire fencing. The schoolhouses of the township are modern brick buildings, with all the necessary equipments as to health, comfort and efficiency. The soil is well adapted to the raising of cereals. Of late years the farmers have had their attention directed to the raising of peas and tomatoes, the latter of which has proved a valuable crop, on which the farmers can realize from $80 to $100 per acre. Corn is the staple agricultural product of this locality ; with improved machinery to plant and harvest a corn crop, the claim is made that 100 bushels can be raised on an acre of land. In fact, all crops can be raised - corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, hay and all vegetables in abundance.

It is but proper to mention the names of citizens who have contributed to the wealth and growth of the township in the past 30 or more years. While they are not pioneers, in the usually accepted meaning of the term, they are the men who have built up the community with their indomitable energy and pluck; some of them are still here to witness the results of their labors. We refer to such men as the Trenarys, Fangers, Timmondses, Blakes, Ton Velles, DeFords, Craigs, Howicks, Raudabaughs, Crocketts, Feldheisers, Hights, A. P. J. and S. S. Snyder, Christopher and Adam Schunck and their brothers, William Dickman, Six Staeger, Abraham Miller, Adam Baker and John Hole, who were here at an early day. Some of these men lived in Celina and others in the country on their farms. Among the early doctors of the town of Celina was Dr. Milton M. Miller, who came here in 1843, and was one of the first school teachers in the town. At a later date came Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, who practiced medicine in Celina and the vicinity for a long term of years. The places of these enterprising citizens are now filled by a younger generation of farmers, merchants and professional men, but the foundation for this great work was laid by the pioneers, who in many instances built for the future greatness and prosperity of this community. If they could but see the town of Celina and Jefferson township of to-day and then compare it with what it was when they first came here, their hearts would he filled with astonishment and admiration. The history of this township is but the history of the entire county - the forests in other parts of the county were being cleared, houses were being built, farms were being drained, and better schools and larger and better schoolhouses and churches were being erected, for wherever good schools and churches are found, there we find a happy and prosperous people.

Christian Fanger, Harry A. Jewett and Joseph A. Kuhn; clerk, J. M. Winter; treasurer, Andrew Schunck; justices of the peace - Frank V. Short and John M. Schlosser.

Old-Town United Brethren Church

This church society was organized in the Old-town schoolhouse March 29, 1857, by Revs. William McKee and C. B. Whitley with 13 members, viz. : Wesley and Mary Copeland, John Emmerson and wife and their two daughters - Mary and Clara, Margaret Kumpf, Caroline Kumpf, Aquilla Allen, Sarah E. Allen, Jane Bushnell, John Taylor and Calvin Simmons. The first officers of the church were Wesley Copeland, leader and John Emmerson, steward.

In 1906 the church received various alterations and improvements at a cost of about $365. It was given a new foundation of cement blocks, a new belfry, a new roof, was painted without and within, the windows were papered to represent stained glass and the floor was carpeted. The church was reopened on Saturday evening, December 8, 1906, when Rev. William McKee, of Dayton, Ohio, who assisted in organizing the church in 1867, related the story of the events that led 13 sturdy pioneers to unite in Christian service. Rev. D. W. Abbott, of Bluffton, Indiana, who followed Mr. McKee 22 years later, spoke of the success that had come to the church and Rev. J. F. Miller, of Hicksville, Ohio, told of his pleasant relations with the church six years ago and the present. On Sunday, December 9th, the Sunday-school, old-people's and young people's meetings brought large audiences. The Sunday-school was opened by the superintendent, Zura Springer; instead of class work Rev. D. W. Abbott gave an inspiring address on the lesson teaching. The old people's meeting was addressed by Rev. William" McKee ; "Wesley and Mary Copeland were the only charter members present. Rev.

Celina, The Covnty Seat

Is situated in Jefferson township on the northwest bank of the Grand Reservoir - or Lake Mercer, as it has come to be called - said to be the largest artificial body of water in the world. The name was given by James Watson Riley, one of the proprietors of the original town, because of the resemblance of its location to that'of Salina, New York, a town with which Mr. Riley was acquainted, and which was situated at the head of Onondaga Lake. The orthography of the name was changed to avoid any confusion which might arise by virtue of different towns bearing the same postoffice name.

Celina is blessed with all the trades and business that go to make a good town. All of the three steam railroads, which pass through the county, enter the county seat. An electric interurban line connects Celina and Lima, Ohio, which gives the town an outlet to Toledo on the north and to Cincinnati on the south. There are good prospects for the extension of the line further west in the coming summer, which will place Celina in direct communication by rail with all the principal cities of the State of Indiana and other cities to the west and northwest.

In the past io years Celina has made many great and lasting improvements. Large and commodious store-rooms have been built. Streets have been paved and sewers laid, thus securing good surface drainage. The town has also increased in commercial importance and in population. The census of 1900 gave Celina a population of 2,815, but this does not now fairly represent the town, as the past seven years have been most prosperous ones.

The Town Laid Out

The original town of Celina was laid out by Rufus Wilson Stearnes, Robert Linzee, 2nd, Peter Aughenbaugh and James Watson Riley, acting in partnership, who entered into the following agreement.

This article of agreement, made and entered into by and between the undersigned as parceners in common, witnesseth : That for the purpose of mutual benefit we have each of us paid in the sum of one hundred dollars to be laid out in the purchase of lands at the centre of Mercer County, for the purpose of laying out a town, to be called by the name of Celina, and for the purpose of convenience in making sales of said town property, making deeds, etc., we hereby empower one of our number, to-wit, Rufus Wilson Stearnes, to make, if possible, the entries of the land in his own name, to make sales, keep the books of the company, make all deeds, etc., etc., during the continuance of this article, and to make all necessary and proper arrangements for furthering the interests of the company in this matter. It is moreover agreed between the contracting parties that, as such tenants in common, each shall bear an equal p roportion in expenses and share equal profit in dividends, and that when so much money shall be made as to pay the expense and purchase, each shall be entitled to take out his purchase money; and all moneys arising afterwards may either be taken out, or laid out in other speculations for the company's benefit, as may to the county seem proper ; and that this contract shall be as good in law, and to all intents and purposes as binding and valid, as if these presents had been in more ample and better form.

This agreement was acknowledged for record before Hon. Stacey Taylor, one of the associate judges of the county, on the 8th of September, together with a supplemental contract, entered into on August 28th, the whole being entered for record September 8th, and recorded on the same day by James Watson Riley, county recorder.

"The lands bought by virtue of the within contract are the S. W. qr. of N. W. qr. and N. W. qr. of S. W. qr. of section 6, Town 6, S. Range 3, E., in the name of J. W. Riley; the E. half of S. E. qr. and S. E. qr. of N. E. qr. of section 1, Town 6 S., Range 2 E., in the name of Robert Linzee, 2d.; the N. W. qr. of N. W. qr. of section 6, Town 6 S., Range 3 E. ; the N. E. qr. of the N. E. qr. of section 1, Range 2 E., Town 6 S.; the S. E. qr. of S. E. qr. of section 36, Town 5 S., Range 2 E. ; and the S. W. qr. of the S. W. qr. of section 31, Town 5 S., Range 3 E., in the name of Rufus W. Stearnes; and are to be held in common for the benefit of all parties, in the same manner as if entered in each person's name, in equal proportions or in all jointly.

James Watson Riley, as deputy surveyor, laid out the town for the proprietors upon the west part of section 6, township 6 south, range 3 east, and the east part of section 1, township 6 south, range 2 east, with a variation of four degrees to the west of magnetic north. Main and Logan streets were each made six rods wide and all others four rods wide, except Center, which was three. Each alley was laid out one rod, wide. The lots, numbered from 1 to 156, inclusive, were made 10 rods long by five wide. The block called the Public Square, 21 rods long by eight wide, was set apart for public purposes; lots 23 and 119 were donated for the use of schools; and lots 44, 100 and 149 were donated for the use of the Methodist Episcopal. Baptist and Presbyterian churches, respectively, "to be used for no other purposes."

On the 8th of September, 1834, the four proprietors went before Associate Judge Stacey Taylor "and severally acknowledged that they had caused to be laid out within said (Mercer) county a town, which they have given the name of Celina ; that the within plat and description are accurate ; and that in addition thereto they will give three acres of land near said town for a burial ground;, on some eligible situation, free to all denominations." The plat was recorded the same day by James Watson Riley, county recorder.

The out-lots north of Celina, laid out on the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 31, township 5 south, range 3 east, and the southeast quarter of section 36, township 5 south, range 2 east, not having been correctly surveyed, a new plat of the outlots was prepared by John S. Houston, county surveyor, to correct the error in the survey of December 4, 1839, and the same was acknowledged for record on September 5, 1840, by James Watson Riley for himself and as agent for Robert Rogers and Rufus W. Stearnes, entered for record on October 8, 1840, and recorded October 15th, by James Watson Riley, county recorder.

The Town And Its Founders

The seat of justice of Mercer County, Ohio, was surveyed by James Watson Riley, for himself and on behalf of Aughenbaugh, Stearnes and Linzee, joint proprietors of the land. The name given the town was originated by Mr. Riley while on his way to New York to have the map of the town lithographed. While on this journey he paused at Salina, Onondaga County, New York, and was impressed by the similarity of location to that of the town he had just platted. The surface in each case was level, the one town at the head of a natural lake, the other at the head of an artificial lake. Still, to name his new town Salina might give rise to confusion of postoffices, and Mr. Riley resolved to avoid this, and yet secure the name. Both objects were secured by changing the orthography.

In August, 1840, I went out from New York to visit my brother, who was prostrated by congestive fever. He soon recovered, however, and as the political campaign of "Tippecanoe and Hard Cider" was opened he entered the campaign with great enthusiasm. His home was as yet at St. Marys, although the court officers had already been removed to Celina, and so he rode back and forth between these towns, as he held the offices of clerk and recorder. Being a personal friend of General Harrison, and an ardent Whig, he went to Dayton, I accompanying him, to attend the "great gathering," which assembled to hear the General speak. This was among the largest concourses of that memorable campaign. As glee clubs were singing patriotic sons, my brother hurriedly composed the following panegyric, dedicated to the "Hero of Tippecanoe," and which was sung to the air of "The Star-Spangled Banner

But let us return to Celina. There had been a steam saw-mill erected near the reservoir on out-lot No. i. for the purpose of sawing lumber for the centre of the embankment which was there constructing, and also for the Court House then building by the town proprietors. This building was already under, roof. The clerk's office was in a one-story frame building, about 30 by 25 feet in dimensions, and in the north end of which was a store. It stood on the west side of Main street, just south of the Public Square. The store was owned by Mr. Riley, and was the only one in the town. Mr. Rood was deputy clerk, and lived in a log cabin, built of round timber, on the south side of Fayette, near Ash street. Franklin Linzee kept a hotel on the corner of Main and Y§arren streets. It was a two-story frame, with an L kitchen. Another hotel was kept by a Mr. Simmons, on the southeast corner of Sugar and Warren streets. It was a long, hewed-log house of two stories. Benjamin Maurer lived in a log cabin on the southwest corner of Sugar and Logan streets, and Christian Maurer in a small frame house on Market near Mill street. Mr. Smith lived in a two-story frame house on Main street opposite Linzee's. Sheriff Stedman lived in a small log cabin next the clerk's office, and Mr. Magoon in a cabin near Rood's, on Ash street. I think all these men had families. A German doctor lived in a little cabin between the office and Linzee's, and Dr. John W. Fulton moved from St. Marys and had his office in a two-story log house on the northwest corner of Fayette and Ash. There was a cabin on the southeast corner of Logan and Sugar, but it was vacant, as were several others built by Giddings & Bickell, contractors, on the reservoir embankment. Esquire Trenary lived on a farm adjoining the town. He was a blacksmith by trade, and had a family. There were several men boarding at the hotels who were engaged on the Court House. Among them were Henry L. Johnson and his brother, who were carpenters, and a Mr. Jacobs, who was a brick-mason and plasterer. The latter were employed by my brother to build a brick hotel on lots 259 and 260, being the northeast corner of Market and Main streets. An amusing incident is here inserted as illustrative of the prejudice against the negroes then recently located at Montezuma, this county, by the executor of the will of the Hon. John Randolph, of Virginia. My brother had tried for some time without success to get some person to take a contract for making brick. This contract was finally given some negroes, and they at once set about preparing the ground and moulding brick. At this juncture the very white men who had refused to do the work, either for cash or in payment of debts, made pretense of being anxious to work, and then determined to drive the negroes off by warning them out of town as paupers. I had bought the cabins already alluded to as vacant and rented them to the negroes, so that when the malcontents came to warn them out of town they were found to be householders, carrying out a valuable contract to the satisfaction of my brother. The charge of pauperism miscarried, and the negroes completed their work, unmolested. The house was completed by fall, and my brother and family then occupied it.

The trees yet stood in native grandeur, and consisted chiefly of stately white ash, walnut, hickory, sugar and elm, the latter in the depression along the line of Walnut street. The mud was tramped knee deep by the teams engaged upon the embankment, the only walk being a slab one extending between the office, the taverns, and Simmons'. I assisted my brother every way I could, attending to his store, recording deeds and selling lots and lands. Sometimes riding through the woods to show land to purchasers - I had even to go with some to find the land they had already purchased. My father and brother having surveyed the lands, they were constantly sought for informa- tion, and when I could assist the inquirer I did so. Having so recently left the paved streets of New York city, the mud and water did not agree with my patent leather boots, but the mud could not be avoided and the water was everywhere.

I proposed to my brother to have a chopping frolic or "bee," and just cut down the timber promiscuously and give the sun an opportunity to dry up the mud for once. I further suggested that the lumber be given to anyone who would remove it, or else have it sawed into rail timber or firewood suitable for the mill. It was then intended to sow the whole plat in grass and so get rid of the mud. My brother was pleased with the idea, but was too busily engaged on the St. Marys locks to give the matter his attention, but told me that if I would take the whole matter in my hands he would pay all the bills. I accordingly fixed a day in November and issued nearly ioo invitations to a chopping "bee." Those at a great distance came on the day preceding the "bee." and were provided for as well as our accommodations would warrant. On the day of the "bee" all were to be provided with refreshments, consisting of eggnog, sandwiches and doughnuts, and a grand supper in the new brick building, then floored and roofed, but yet unfinished. After supper a dance was to be given. As part of the preparations I sent to Fort Recovery for musicians, and to Piqua for two barrels of whiskey, six dozen tin cups, and the same number of plates, knives and forks, spoons and tin pails. Venison, turkeys, pigs and chickens were procured, and all the ladies engaged to do the cooking. Arrangements were made at the hotels for those who came the day before. The day arrived - a beautiful Indian summer day - and with it came about 70 experienced choppers to Celina, with axes sharp and glistening, reminding one of the descriptions of the axes of the ancient headsmen. These modern axes, however, were for better, holier use; they meant the welfare, not the misery of man, for they produced smiles and not tears. The woodsmen divided into companies of from 15 to 20, under a leader who selected trees in rows, so that by cutting them off and moving in this manner to the east side, the last row was allowed to fall against the others, causing them all to fall with a thunder-crash, at intervals of about an hour. Eggnog was served in tin pails, with all the sandwiches and doughnuts desired. A barrel of whiskey was used, although a few of those present used coffee alone. Isaac Hanley commanded one of the companies ; the other leaders were from a distance, and I have forgotten their names. The men commenced on the corner of Buckeye and Market streets, and felled all timber south of Market to the west line of the town plat.

Near the corner of Warren and Sugar streets stood a white-oak giant eight and a half feet in diameter and towering to a lofty height. It was a grand old "monarch of the forest," and I tried hard to have the woodmen "spare that tree," but they craved the glory of slaying that giant, and I reluctantly yielded assent. It was attacked by eight men, working on four sides, and the whole company assembled near by to witness its fall. It stood in such erect majesty that there was doubt in which direction it would fall, and it was almost cut clear off before it finally yielded to the ruthless axe and came toppling toward the south with a crash which was said to have been heard at St. Marys. It was 60 feet to the first limb, and in order to saw the trunk into timber it was necessary to split it into quarters. But the frolic ended, supper was served and everything cleared away to give place to the dance. This was kept up by many until morning, when all partook of a hearty breakfast and returned to tbeir homes. There was neither accident nor disturbance occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion, and all departed with pleasant thoughts of the memorable chopping frolic.

The sun looked down approvingly and dried the mud, "a consummation so devoutly to be wished." The timber was first cut and rolled from the road, the brush was piled and burned and fencing and fire timber were procured by all who needed either. Hanley was employed to cut wood , for the mill at 3 1 34 cents per cord, and piled up regularly each day five cords of firewood. By spring a large quantity of the timber had disappeared, and grass came "creeping, creeping everywhere."

During the fall and winter several new settlers arrived. Vincent Beebout, a merchant tailor, came from Fort Recovery. My brother-in-law, John Jay Beach, brought his wife Phebe and their three children here about this time.

Being anxious to complete the Court House, my brother moved here, as already intimated, about the ist of December. A severe winter ensued, and most of the timber calculated for firewood was used from that already fallen. The Public Square was heavily timbered, and the ground wet. Upon it grew a number of large elm, ash and beach trees. The plat contained five acres, and was yet rather unsightly.

We Whigs concluded to celebrate the inauguration of General Harrison by clearing off these grounds. Accordingly, Messrs. Beach, Beebout, Rood, Christian and Benjamin Maurer, Magoon, Henry L. Johnson and myself, concluded to : -

A few days later, without solicitation, my brother received, through the mail, the appointment as register of the United States Land Office at Lima,

Ohio, and to that town he moved in June. I accompanied him as deputy. The canal lands were now offiered for sale at $2.50 per acre, and during the summer and winter nearly all the lands were sold. It is a well authenticated fact, that the signature to my brother's commission was the last official act of President Harrison.

When John Tyler succeeded to the presidency, he re-appointed my brother, but when the President joined the Democracy, James resigned the position of register. I removed to Mansfield, and my brother to Celina. This latter had then commenced to improve. Mr. Beach built a two-story brick dwelling on lots 238 and 255, fronting on Ash street and adjoining the alley.

Benjamin Linzee built a two-story brick on the northwest corner of Main and Anthony streets. Several frame buildings were erected that spring (1841). In order to hasten the completion of the Court House, situated on the northeast corner of Main and Livingston streets, I glazed the windows as my contributions to the county. It was finished in time to be occupied at the spring term of the court, at which Judge Holt presided.

My brother was elected to represent the district in the Legislature, and took the same seat in the old State House, which our father filled in 1823-24. He accordingly moved to Columbus in 1843, where he resided about three years, when he returned to Celina, and devoted his energies to the development of the county. Afterwards he was nominated and made a gallant contest for Congress in a district hopelessly Democratic. His opponent was Hon. William Sawyer. James stumped the district, and reduced the Democratic majority from 2,500 to about 1,000.

Mr. Riley was born at Middletown, Connecticut, February 20, 1804, and died at Celina, January 1, 1870. In September, 1827, at Alexander, New York, he married Susan Ellis and to them were born six children - three sons and three daughters - all of whom survived him. The eldest son, Dr. William Willshire Riley, is located at Judsonia, Arkansas, where he is engaged in the practice of medicine. He has served in the Arkansas State Senate. Calvin Erastus Riley is a well-known resident of Celina, president of the Commercial Bank Company. James Watson Riley, Jr., the youngest son, who is a resident of Celina, distinguished himself in the Civil War. Amelia Ann, the eldest daughter, who is now deceased, was twice married ; her first husband, Capt. William McMurray, was starved to death at Andersonville Prison, in the Civil War; she married as her second husband Clark

Williamson. Susan, the second daughter, is the wife of Hon. E. M. Ashley, of Denver, Colorado; she was the first president of the Colorado Federation of Women's Clubs. Mahala, the third daughter, is the wife of Judge A. J. Hodder, a prominent resident of Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. James W. Riley also reared six orphan children. Mrs. James W. Riley survived her husband many years, spending most of the period of her widowhood with her daughter, Mrs. Ashley.

Mr. Riley's life was a long, eventful one and his name will be found identified with the foundation of towns, the survey of lands, public documents, official rosters and legislative and executive duties. He was one of the proprietors of the towns of Van Wert, Paulding and Celina - all now seats of justice - and was also associated with Horatio Curtis, Samuel Rice and W. Willshire Riley, his brother, in founding the towns of Antwerp in Paulding County. Throughout these pages the local matter will exhibit his name, showing his activity and enterprise in multiform directions and capacities. To those records the reader is referred for the public services, as exemplified by the public spirit of this ever active man, for greater justice will be done him to allow his public services to appear in connection with the enterprises and offices with which he was identified than if his life acts were compressed in one page of biography. To him the citizens of Mercer County are deeply and continually indebted, and his name will ever be found among the records of the territory as one of the leading, influential spirits who knew how to enter the wilderness and carve out villages which should serve as nuclei for growing, enterprising communities. His remains lie in North Grove Cemetery. at Celina. A monument marks the spot of burial, and bears the following inscription : -

Residents Of Celina For 50 Years Or More

We are indebted to P. A. Ellis, of Celina, for the following list of people who were residents of Celina in June, 1853, and are now (January, 1907) living here: Mrs. F. C. Le Blond, Mrs. Joseph N. Hetzler, Mrs. Ann El.

David Overly will have been a resident of Celina for 50 years in March, 1907. John W. DeFord came here in 1858 and in another year will have lived here half a century.

Celina was incorporated as a village June 2, i860. The following have served as mayors: Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, 1861; Noah Bretz, 1862; Alfred

C. Gable, 1887 (appointed vice Kloeb and afterwards elected to succeed himself; Joseph S. Metzner, 1892; August Behringer, 1896; Ralph G. Le Blond, 1900; August Behringer, appointed February 13, 1901, vice Le Blond; Charles R. Bohrer, 1901; Frank Kreusch, 1903; and John M. Winter, 1905.

Velle, George H. Houser, John G. Blake, George H. Houser, John Woods, John Younger, Thomas Houser and Jacob Weber, the present incumbent. Since 1882 the following have been solicitors of the village: Archelaus

D. Marsh, H. B. Landfair, Byron M. Clen Dening, John L. Loree, R. L. Mattingly, C. G. O. Miller, Henry A. Miller and James D. Johnson, the present incumbent.

S. S. Snyder. Later it consisted of five members and still later was composed of six members - an arrangement that continued for a long while prior to 1892, when the town was divided into four wards and one councilman from each ward and two at large made up the Council. In June, 1895, an ordinance was passed, changing the representation from each ward from one to two councilmen. When the new code was adopted in 1902. the Town Council became a legislative body of six members, elected at large. The first Town Council under the new code, elected in 1902 for a term of three years and re-elected in 1905 for another three-years' term, consisted of Henry Lennartz, R. R. Wyckoff, William Cron, Michael Linn, Val. Fortman and Dr. G. J. C. Wintermute. The following have served in the Council from the incorporation of the village : Adam Baker, John Luck, John M. Pohlman, S. S. Snyder, W. E. Baker, Alexander Wyckoff, George W. Raudebaugh, James H. Day, R. W. Small, E. L:. Shepherd, Noah Bretz, J. W. Crockett, H. F. Juneman, Jacob Winter, S. F. Deford, Hiram Murlin, A. P. J. Snyder, A. Danger, Christopher Schunck, R. G. Blake, M. Winter, Gideon Le Blond,

Official Directory Of Celia

Board of Public Affairs - M. J. Hemmert (president), John E. Hamburger (secretary) and James D. Johnson; clerk of the board, George A. Petrie. Jacob Gerlach and S. S. Scranton will take the places of Messrs. Hamburger and Johnson in 1907.

Board of Trustees, Free Public Library - Mrs. Elizabeth S. McKim (president), John M. Schlosser (secretary and treasurer), Patrick E. Kenney, W. E. Ton Velle, and Elizabeth Cook; librarian. Myrtle Crockett.

Fire Department

Henry Weisman is chief of the Celina Fire Department, at a salary of $50 per month; he was appointed to this position October 15, 1906, and bas served in the department since 1904. Val. Freeman is driver of the team and is a paid employee of the department at $45 per month. The equipment consists of a team, wagon, hose and ladders. The department does not have a steam engine as a sufficient pressure is maintained in the water mains.

Postmasters Of Celina

The names of those who have served as postmasters of Celina from the time the postoffice was established to the present time are as follows: Samuel

Ruckman, Levi Dibble, William McMurray, John J. Rickley, James Bell, Thomas Williamson, A. LeBlond, J. Broadwell, A. J. Linzee, William Dickman, Jacob Hight, Charles McKee, P. Guffey, John Dickman, John W. McKee, W. E. Tou Velle, Jacob Kreusch, C. A. Wyckoff and C. A. McKim, the present incumbent.

Public Buildings And Improvements

Until 1884, when it was destroyed by fire, the Court House that preceded the present one was used as a Town Hall. In 1890 the present handsome Town Hall, or "City Building'' as it is usually called, was constructed at a cost of about $20,000, the contractors being Kreusch & Fanger, residents of Celina. The structure is a large, commodious building, constructed of brick with red sandstone trimmings. A considerable portion of the building is given up to the City Opera House, a nicely decorated assembly room with a seating capacity of about 500. A large council chamber, mayor's office, township office, city bastile, water works and electric light plant offices, and quarters for the Celina Eire Department take up the remaining space in the structure. At the time it was erected, Joseph May was mayor; Charles C. Gable, clerk; H. F. Juneman, treasurer; while B. M. Clen Dening, William J. Maehlman, Fred J. W. Laudahn, George W. Winter, D. Pifer and C. Schlosser constituted the Town Council.

In 1895 the present water-works building in the north end of town was erected and plant installed at a total cost of $50,000, under the supervision of J. P. LeBlond, John Milligan and C. D. Hierholzer, who constituted the first Board of Water Works Trustees elected. The water supply is obtained from drilled wells.

In 1900 in connection with the water-works plant and in the same building an electric light plant was installed at a cost of nearly $50,000. Both the water and electric light plants are owned and operated by the city under the immediate control of the Board of Public Affairs, on which board the following named gentlemen have served : J. P. LeBlond, John Milligan, C.

Celina Free Public Library.* - To the Shakespere Club the credit is given for establishing a library here. One evening in the spring of 1897, the club invited those whom they thought would take kindly to the library move-

*For much of the information respecting the early history of the Celina Free Public Library appearing in this article, we are indebted to the Celina Daily Standard.

ment to meet them at the Calvin E. Riley home. There papers were read and a general discussion of the suggested work followed. The same season the club conducted a lecture course, from which the surplus funds were to be expended for books. While the course was a success, the surplus funds were not extensive and so a book "shower" was given at Riley's Hall. The booksobtained that night, together with a donation from E. M. Ashley, of Denver, Colorado, formed the nucleus of Celina's first permanent library. Miss Grace Riley, now Mrs. Griffith, Miss Cora Snyder and J. T. Kenney carried the books to the Town Hall and then and there the library assumed shape and form in the township trustees' room. Miss Riley and Miss Snyder had charge the first afternoon it was opened. The library was maintained through the efforts of the Shakespere Club from that time until the new Public Library was opened. Among those who have made important donations of books: to the library may be mentioned the following: W. L. Blocher, of Dayton,,

Ohio, W. F. McDaniel, of Washington, D. C, and W. S. Lipps, former residents of Celina; and Mrs. Olivia Paul, Ford Lewis and Dr. Joseph Sager, of Celina. Aside from these books, the major portion of the volumes that now stand upon the shelves of the new library have been bought bv the Shakespere Club.

The History Club of Celina, which had always been in sympathy with a free public library and which had aided in supporting the one started by the Shakespere Club, brought forward the idea that Celina ought to have a librarybuilding, so the members of this club started in to secure a building for the stock of books that their younger sisters were gathering together in such goodly numbers. After hard work the sum of $500 was raised by variousentertainments given by the club. About this time the Shakespere and History clubs held a joint conference to discuss the subject of a library building, which was caused in a large degree by the report that the village authorities needed the space occupied by the library in the Town Hall. The Shakespere Club reported that they also had a surplus of $500 to be devoted to the project. As the $1,000 of the two clubs was not a large enough amount to buy even a site for a library, it was decided to ask Andrew Carnegie for assistance. He promised to donate a sufficient amount to build and furnish a buildipg, provided a site was assured and a guarantee made that the library would be maintained by the town authorities. There was considerable trouble in securing an eligible site, but finally there came a chance to secure the property on the corner of Main and Fulton streets, where the building now stands, for the sum of $2,200. In order to secure this site meant the raising by the ladies of $1,200 more and they at once started upon their quest for subscriptions. The Altrurian Club entered into the movement at this time and assisted in other citizens of Celina began to interest themselves in the movement, as the enthusiasm and faith of the members of the clubs rose. The Board of Education, through whom the funds for the maintenance of a public library are obtained under the Harris library law of Ohio, agreed to make the needed levy. At last the site was bought, the levy was assured and the Town Council guaranteed that the library would be maintained.

On January i, 1904, Andrew Carnegie's secretary, Janies Bartram, responded to the appeal of Samuel J. Vining, acting as clerk of the Board of Education, for a library donation by writing that the sum of $10,000 had been set aside for the Celina library fund. The work of erecting the building was intrusted to a board of trustees elected by the Board of Education and made up as follows: W. E. Ton Velle, S. A. Bowman, Patrick E. Kenney, J. M. Schlosser, Mrs. Elizabeth S. McKim (president of the History Club), Elizabeth Cook (president of the Shakespere Club) and Mrs. J. F. Dysert, succeeded by Mrs. W. C. Stubbs (president of the Altrurian Club). Andrew DeCurtin designed the building and John Tennent was the contractor. The new building and its furnishings represent a total cost of $12,000, Mr. Carnegie having generously added $2,000 to his original gift of $10,000. It is a model structure with all modern conveniences, built of Bedford stone with tile roof. The annual levy made by the Board of Education- maintains the library and the citizens have access to the books without any charge. It was formally opened on Tuesday evening, January 1, 1907. The work of cataloguing the books and getting them in order was performed by Miss Myrtle Crockett, Celina's first librarian, under the supervision of Miss Alice Smith, of Van Wert.

In 1902 Fayette street was paved with brick and the following year Livingston street was paved, after which Walnut and East Market streets were improved in like manner. Main street, upon which most of the business of the town is done, was paved in 1905. All these streets were paved with a hard-burned brick except East Market, which was paved with asphalt block. In 1906 the contract was let for the paving of West Market street. With this street paved, all the principal streets of Celina, so far as business is concerned, will be paved. No nicer or better thoroughfares can be found in a town of its size anywhere in the country.

Manufacturing Establishments

Celina has a limited number of manufacturing establishments, chief among which is that of The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company, manufacturers of both medium and high-grade extension dining tables, who give em- ployment the year round to 125 men in the factory and 10 traveling salesmen on the road. Shipments are made to nearly every State in the Union and to Canada, the annual business amounting to over $200,000. The business was established in 1900 by J. B. Mersman, who at that time manufactured beds and parlor tables. At a later date the manufacture of dining tables was added and this has been the specialty of the company ever since. Before many months will have passed, the company will have the largest table factory in the United States. In 1901 J. B. Mersman sold the business to his sons, Edward H. and Walter J. Mersman, and Henry Lennartz, who conducted the business under the firm name of Lennartz & Mersman Brothers. In 1904 Edmund Brandts purchased one-half of Mr. Lennartz's interests, but the firm name was continued until May, 1906, when the Mersman brothers and Mr. Brandts purchased the remainder of Mr. Lennartz's interest, the firm becoming Mersman Brothers & Brandts. In September, 1906, the business was incorporated as The Mersman Bros., Brandts Company, under the laws of Ohio with a paid-up capital stock of $150,000 and the following officers: Edward H. Mersman, president and manager; Walter J. Mersman, vicepresident and superintendent; and Edmund Brandts, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors consists of five members and includes the officers above mentioned, together with Albert Mersman and Hugo Brandts.

Buggies, surries, stanhopes and bikes are manufactured by William Cron, who has been in business at Celina for many years and has built up a lucrative trade. His is the largest carriage factory in Mercer County. A large force of men is employed in building carriages and also in general blacksmithing.

A. B. Grothjan conducts an extensive business in general blacksmithing, in connection with the building of carriages, buggies and all kinds of vehicles.

John Leifeld has also built up a large trade in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, surries and all kinds of vehicles, in connection with general blacksmithing.

The wood- working factory of the Ames Bending Company was brought here from Indiana some five years ago. The company enjoys a nice business^and gives employment to quite a force of men. The plant has a capacity of two car-loads per day.

The Crampton Canning Company recently established a factory here for the canning of tomatoes, peas, sweet corn and other vegetables, for which this locality is justly noted. Employment is given to a large force in the canning season?

Estry & Stephenson operate a planing-mill and lumber business, which has been established for over 30 years. In 1880 Timmonds & Estry came into possession of the plant. In 1892 Edgar E. Stephenson purchased Timno monds' interest and the firm became Estry & Stephenson as at present. The business includes dealing in lumber and planing supplies and all kinds of building materials.

The town has three banks, which furnish all the capital that the town requires for the ordinary purposes of carrying on its trade. All are recognized as safe depositaries for the money and valuables of its customers. Each and every one of them are looked upon as being honestly conducted by safe and reliable men.

The Citizens' Banking Company, the oldest of the banks, was organized on May i, 1873, as the Citizens' Bank of Celina. In 1897 it was incorporated as the Citizens' Banking Company. The bank is capitalized at $5<T°oc>> a surplus fund of $10,000, and has over $500,000 on deposit. John W. De- Ford was cashier from the organization of the bank for 25 years, when he became president, which position he now holds. Henry Lennartz is cashier.

The Commercial Bank Company is the successor of the Celina Building & Loan Association, the first building and loan association organized here, on February 2, 1870. Two years later, Thomas J. Godfrey, with Dr. D. Milligan and his son, bought the entire stock of the association, surrendered its charter and proceeded to organize a banking house, which came into being in February, 1874, as Milligan, Godfrey & Company. This was later succeeded by Godfrey & Milligan, which firm continued until 1888, when Calvin E. Riley became a partner. The business was incorporated in 1893 and on January 1, 1901, it was merged into the Commercial Bank Company. This financial institution is capitalized at $50,000 and has a surplus fund of $10,000. Calvin E. Riley is president and J. B. Pulskamp, cashier.

The First National Bank began business January 1, 1901, and is the first and only national bank in the town or county. The deposits of this bank on September 4, 1906, were $639,419.42. The bank is capitalized at $50,000 and has a surplus fund of $17,500. James H. Day is president and C. H. Howick, cashier.

The first newspaper was established in Celina, August 4, 1848, and bore on the first page, "J. S. Millard, Printer, L. G. Smith, Publisher." In 1850 the paper passed into the hands of W. L. Blocher and S. S. Snyder and was published by this firm under the name of The Western Standard until -1854. A. P. J. Snyder came to Celina in 1851 and worked in the office as compositor until 1854, when he bought Judge Blocher's interest in the paper. The partnership lasted until 1865, when the paper was sold to D. J. Callen. In

1866 A. P. J. Snyder again took the office and became sole owner of the newspaper that has attained long life under the name of the Mercer County Standard.

In December, 1905, the publication of the Daily Standard was begun in connection with the Weekly and this marked a new era in local newspaper enterprise.

The Standard points with pride to the fact that it is one of the oldest newspaper plants in Northwestern Ohio and that its long career has been devoted exclusively to the upbuilding of Celina and Mercer County.

The Western Democrat, now the Mercer County Observer, was established in September, 1874, by J., B. Perwessel & Company, D. J. Callen being the editor, who was succeeded by J. G. Loughridge.

J. E. Blizzard purchased and took possession April 27, 1876, and changed the name to the Mercer County Observer. L. S. Jameson & Company, in August, 1880, purchased the establishment. They sold it in 1893 to G. S. Harter, who sold it to the present owners, Gilberg & Chapman, in July, 1895. The paper is Republican in politics and the only Republican newspaper in the county.

The Bote, a weekly German paper, was established in 1883 by Mr. Stelzer, who was owner and proprietor for a long time. It is now edited and published by George J. Pulskamp.

The Democrat was established in 1895 and is a weekly sheet, Democratic in politics. It was formerly published by Carlin & Phillipps, but is now owned and published by Charles Carlin.

The Advocate was established a few years ago by the present proprietor and publisher, George Phillipps, who was formerly interested with Charles Carlin in publishing the Democrat.

Until the fall of 1859, school in Sub-District No. 4, of Jefferson township, at Celina, which sub-district was established some years before by virtue of a public meeting held for this purpose, was taught in various buildings, chiefly, however, in the old Presbyterian Church 011 East Fayette street. Two teachers were usually employed in the winter season and one in the summer. In 1859 a brick schoolhouse on the west side of town, containing four rooms, was built and two teachers employed. This house answered the purpose for 15 years. In the early '6o's an agreement was entered into, by the terms of which the territory in the sub-district lying outside of the incorporated village was attached to the village for school purposes. An agreement was also entered into with regard to the Union schoolhouse. In June, 1871, the board resolved to have the German language taught and accordingly appointed Theodore Geithouse as German teacher.

The original schoolhouse of four rooms proving inadequate for the needs of the growing town, the board, on August 16, 1873, awarded to Rouzer & Gill the contract for making certain desired changes and additions, which added eight rooms to the first structure and made it a three-story building. On February 27, 1874, the Board of Education passed a resolution to close the school early that spring for the purpose of building the new schoolhouse, with the understanding that all teachers then employed should have the preference when school should be resumed. Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler was appointed superintendent of construction, to see that the contractors took no privileges that the contract did not allow. Shortly after this, in April, Rouzer & Gill disposed of their contract to Gable, Sanders & Company. On June 10, 1874, the board awarded the contract for a slate roof to Bovinger & Brothers. Seats for six rooms were contracted for at a total cost of $1,155. On September 19, 1874, the board contracted with Mr. Long for a fence, similar to the one put around the Court House. On October 5, 1874, the building was accepted from the contractors as being finished in accordance with the plans and specifications, and bonds were accordingly issued. The whole amount of bonds was $24,892 ; these bonds were refunded some years later and were finally paid off in 1899.

Twenty years later, in 1894, the growth and progress of the schools making another schoolhouse a necessity, a model two-story brick schoolhouse was built on the east side of town, at a cost of $13,034. With this addition, ample room was secured for all the school children of the town as well as a great many pupils from all parts of the county, who were educated in the common and high school branches and also fitted for entrance to colleges and universities. But finally, in 1906, after many years of service, the West school building, erected in 1874, was condemned by the State building inspector, who ordered it torn down.

For the purpose of building a new, modern, two-story, brick schoolhouse on the site of the old West school building the Board of Education was authorized at a special election held for this purpose to issue bonds to the amount of $35,000. Wilbur T. Mills, of Columbus, submitted plans for this building, which were accepted and bids for the construction of the same were received from various contractors. The contract was awarded to John P. Tennent & Son, of Celina, their bid being $41,586.73, which included bid of $300 for the old building. As this bid exceeded the amount of money that the Board of Education could apply for this purpose and as about $6,ooo* more would be required to install a heating- apparatus, besides the amount required for necessary furnishings, the board has decided to submit a proposition to the people to issue an additional amount of bonds in the sum of $15,000 in order that the building may be erected according to the architect's plans. This additional amount will also pay for the furnace. It is confidently expected that this additional issue of bonds will be authorized by the people. When this new building is complete, it will indeed be a credit to) the to\Vn and will at the same time be large enough to meet the requirements of the school children for a number of years to come.'

The total enrollment of the Celina schools is in excess of 600, of which amount 100 pupils attend the High School. Sixteen teachers, of whom four are in the High School, look after the interests of the children. The schools at the present time are under the superintendency of Prof. Sylvester Wilkin, while Prof. J. W. Pogue is principal of the High School. The following have been the superintendents of the public schools of Celina since 1857: M. C. Culver, S. F. DeFord, Stephen A. Armstrong, Edward Landfair, I. F. Raudabaugh, Frank J. Barnard, John W. Brock,' Professor Clippinger, John W. Loree, Van B. Baker, Professor Kennedy, George S. Harter, R. W. Mitchell, P. C. Zemer and Sylvester Wilkin, the present incumbent, who has held the office since January 11, 1905.

A High School has been maintained at Celina for at least 40 years, for on September 14, 1866, S. F. DeFord was elected superintendent of the Celina schools and teacher of the High School. The Celina High School is classed as a first-grade school and its diplomas receive as much recognition from the leading colleges of Ohio as diplomas from schools in larger towns and cities of the State. The territory of the Celina schools reaches beyond the limits of the corporation and the school district for school purposes alone takes in additional territory much larger than Celina corporation. For several years past the smaller school districts in* the vicinity have been hauling their children to the Celina schools, thinking it cheaper to follow this plan than to hire teachers and maintain their schools at home.

Loree, Samuel J. Vining and William Pumphrey. The following are the names of most? of the school directors for the period embraced by the years 1859 and 1880: Joel K. Brandon, John Luck, Dr. Milton M. Miller, Abner Davis, Hiram Murlin, W. E. Baker, A. W. Wyckoff, S. S. Snyder. George Petrie, James H. Day, Joseph May, F. C. LeBlond, R. G. Blake, George Stuck, J. B. Perwessel, Thomas J. Godfrey, Dr. Joseph N. Hetzler, Chris-

Mention of the Immaculate Conception Parochial School, of Celina will be found on another page of this volume, in the chapter devoted to the Roman Catholic churches and institutions of the county.

First Presbyterian Church. - The original proprietors of the town of Celina donated, for the use of the Presbyterian Church, lot 149, which was to be used for no other than church purposes. Rev. I. N. Taylor was the first pastor of the New School Presbyterian congregation, whose church building was erected in 1840. The eldership consisted of Andrew Crockett; and the members were Maria M. Crockett, Samuel Jackson, Nathan E. Mead, Abigail Mead, Ezra Hyatt, Mrs. John Brown, Mrs. Davenport, Mr. Ruckman and wife and Mrs. C. Maurer and sister. Mr. Taylor resigned his charge and moved to Indiana in 1844, having been elected to a professorship in Liber College. The church building was occasionally occupied by Methodists and other denominations until 1847. For the period between 1844 and 1847 the Presbyterian congregation had no regular minister. In 1847 it was re-organized by Rev. Templeton. The elders were Samuel Ruckman and Stephen Higlit; the members: Mrs. Catharine Timmonds, Miss Frances A.

Timmonds, Catharine Hight and William Hight. Preaching was held part of the time by all denominations until 1854; in this period Rev. Boggs and Rev. Plalliday were pastors of the Presbyterian congregation. Rev. Smith, who came after them, remained with the congregation one year, after which the organization was disbanded.

On June 12, 1870, the presbytery appointed a committee of ministers, consisting of Rev. A. Telford and Rev. Samuel Cunningham Kerr, to reorganize the church at Celina. The sermon was preached by Rev. A. Telford and the following persons produced letters of dismission and recommendation for membership : William Hight, Teresa Hight, M. C. Culver,

Helen H. Culver, Lydia J. Miller and Mrs. G. W. Timmonds, of the St. Mary's Church, who were organized as the First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Catharine Miller, on June 4, 1871, Mrs. Mary Eriton, on March 6, 1875 and Mrs. Susan Snyder, each produced certificates and were received in membership. William Hight and M, C. Culver were elected and ordained ruling elders.

On July 19, 1878, Rev. E. S. Scott, of'Delphos, Ohio, and Elders Oliver Jay, of St. Marys, and B. W. Roebuck, of Center Presbyterian churches, re-organized the church, which ceremonies were held in the Lutheran Church. The following persons were admitted : M. Schuyler, Mrs. M. Schuyler,

Mrs. Eliza Schuyler, Miss Mahala Stevens, Mrs. Helen Smith and John P. McAfee, from the United Presbyterian Church. On July 20, 1878, M. Schuyler and J. P. McAfee were elected and ordained ruling elders, and were ordained by Rev. E. S. Scott and Rev. Thomas Elcock on the following clay. Rev. Lawson took temporary charge as pastor on April 1, 1879. On October 2, 1879, James Broadwell, L. S. Jameson and Mrs. Matilda Jameson were admitted as members.

On January 15, 1881, the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church of Celina met to organize. Those present were Gideon ' LeBlond, Davis Guy, Thomas J. Godfrey, J. P. McAfee and A. P. J. Snyder. Davis Guy was elected chairman, J. P. McAfee, secretary and Gideon LeBlond, treasurer.

The first Presbyterian Church was erected on lot 149 and was 20 by 30 feet in dimensions. The ceiling was finished with planed boards instead of plastering and it was weather-boarded. After the church was dissolved, it was used as a schoolhouse and the following teachers occupied it as such : In 1842-43, Dr. Milton M. Miller; in 1854 and subsequent years, L. D. Carlin, Cynthia Prouty, Jemima Breckon, Annie Armstrong and Miss Timmonds.

The new brick church, which is the one now in use, was erected in 1882 on lot 305, on the corner of Walnut and Fulton streets. The church was dedicated in August of that year and is nicely finished and furnished. A new house for the pastor was built a few years ago and is an up-to-date dwelling, costing about $3,000. The estimated value of the church property is $7,500. The ministers who have filled the pulpit since 1878 are: Revs. Lawson, J. M. Anderson, Thomas Elcock (supply for a short time), J. S. Axtell (who served the church longer than any other minister), John Wilson, Bartlett, A. Barber, F. J. Kreager, John McMurray and F. M. Kumler, the present pastor, who recently moved here from De Graff, Ohio. The present membership of the congregation is 60. The average Sundayschool attendance is 60. The Sunday-school was organized June 23, 1878, with 80 scholars and five teachers, by Rev. La Porter.

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first Methodist class formed in Mercer County was in 1832, in a log schoolhouse, and consisted of seven members, namely : Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hanson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rider and George Parrott, who was the leader of the class.

In 1838 a Methodist class was organized at Celina by Revs. George Armstrong and Greenburg Vincent, the members consisting of Thomas Martin and wife, Enos Hays and wife, Susan Riley, William Dibble, Alonzo Hays and wife, William Allen and wife, Zophar Williams and wife and Samuel Dellinger. The establishment of the Celina Church, however, did not really take place until 1843. In the preceding year Rev. Edward Williams, of. the St. Marys Circuit, held a meeting in Celina, which resulted in the establishment of a church in the following year. David Gray was appointed class leader and exhorter. The members of the class were : George Allen and wife, Ellen Culbertson, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Kable and Levi and Eliza Dibble.

In 1856 the first Methodist Episcopal Church was built at Celina. The present structure known as St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church was erected in 1892 under the supervision of the pastor and trustees, being built on the site of the old frame church. It is a handsome brick structure, 50 by 104 feet in size, and cost about $15,000, which includes furniture and organ all complete. It is nicely furnished with up-to-date furniture and has a fine pipe organ, which cost $900. The seating capacity of the auditorium and the large Sunday-school room is 850 people. The parsonage, adjoining the church on East Fulton street, with the lot, is valued at $3,000. St. Paul's has a membership of. 430 and the average attendance at Sunday-school is 215.

The following pastors have served the church since 1842 : Revs. Edward Williams and J. W. McNabb, Samuel Beatty and Amos Wilson, Alexander Harmount and C. H. Owens, John R. Jewett and James M. Barr (succeeded by Thomas W. Bowdle), C. B. Brandebury and Elisba Hock, Samuel L. Yourtee, Samuel P. Guiberson, N. O. Conn and Samuel P. Guiberson, Ralph Wilcox, Joseph W. Wykes, G. Lease, Wesley Brock, George O. Mc- Pherson, Samuel Boggs, James F. Mounts and Amos Lee, Lemuel Herbert and James F. Mounts, Philip A. Brown and Caleb Hill, David Bull and A. J. Frisbee, David Beull and Amos Lee, E. G. Longsworth and Harrison Maltbie, E. G. Longsworth and John F. Miller, Cornelius Weaner, John C. Clemens, O. A. Palmer, P. Le Masters, J. S. McKean, Reuben Rauth, Peter Biggs, Caleb Hill, Lyman E. Prentiss, Joseph H. Cater, Alexander Harmount, W. R. Seuman, A. E. Smith, Daniel Carter, Joseph H. Bethards, Stewart Baumgardner, Clayton Smucker and Parker P. Pope, who has been pastor since 1903.

Free Methodist Church, - A class of this denomination has held services for some time past in the church building formerly the home of the Evangelical Lutheran and, Reformed Church. The membership of the congregation is 20. The pastor at the present time is Rev. Ollie Judy.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church 'was organized in Celina in 1868 and the church building was completed in 1872. This is a- frame building, 40 by 26 feet in dimensions, with a steeple and bell. It was erected at a cost of $1,800. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Conrad Eppens, in 1872, who served one year in Celina and in Liberty township. He was succeeded by Rev. Burkhardt, who in turn was followed by Rev. Crouse, who also preached at St. Marys. The fourth pastor, Rev. Charles Bohner, served three years ; he was followed by Rev. J. G. Schwemley and he by Rev. A. J. Fager, who served in 1878 and 1879. From the latter date to 1892 there was no regular pastor and services were only held occasionally. In 1892 Rev. Ernest Shultz became pastor and filled the pulpit until 1898, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Lehne who served from 1898 to 1900. After his departure there was no regular pastor for a year or so. In 1901 Rev. William Emch became pastor and served to 1903, Rev. E. J. Mack followed, 1904-05, and Rev. J. E. Harman, the present pastor, assumed charge in 1906.

During the ministry of Rev. Ernest Shultz a parsonage was built on the church lot at a cost of $1,500. The church property itself is estimated to be worth about $1,000. The congregation has a membership of 120 and the average attendance at Sunday-school is 74.

Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church. - This church was organized January 6, 1868, and continued in existence for quite a number of years but it is now extinct and for many years the church building has been used as a meeting place for other denominations. The church structure was commenced in 1868 and finished in 1870, being 26 by 40 feet in ground dimensions, 20 feet high and with a steeple 45 feet in height. It cost about $1,800. It was dedicated January 14, 1871. The lot upon which the church stands was donated by Mrs. Maria BreO'. The trustees at the organization of the church and who took subscriptions were: John M. Pohlman, Frederick

Schwaberon, William Dickman and H. H. Klare. F rom 1853 to date of completion of the church - 1871 - Lutheran services were held in Celina by various pastors from other towns, the preaching being held in the schoolhouse, in private houses and in the Presbyterian Church. Subsequent to the erection of the church the following were t*he first pastors : Revs. Conrad Eppens, Newschmidt, Rehsteiner (a Jewish convert), Krauser, Burkhardt and Charles Bohner.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. - The history of this flourishing Celina church will be found elsewhere in this work, in the chapter devoted to Roman Catholic churches and institutions of the county.

Celina Cemetery Association

articles of association, bearing' date of September 26, 1870, read as follows; "We, the undersigned citizens of Celina, Mercer County, Ohio, hereby associate ourselves together for cemetery purposes, to be known as the Celina Cemetery Association, to purchase, in the aggregate, not to exceed fifteen acres of land, to be held and controlled by said Association exclusively for cemetery purposes, in pursuance to the statute in such case made and provided." These articles were signed by Henry L. Johnson, M. Bailey, Gideon Le Blond, H. H. Klare, Keepers Alberrv, John M. Pohlman, Hiram Murlin, S. S. Snyder, F. C. Le Blond, J. K. Baker, A. P. J. Snyder, John Shepherd,

Milton M. Miller, N. A. Meeker, P. P. King, S. F. DeFord, R. W. Small, Adam Baker, N. P. Guffey, Calvin E. Riley, William Nickel, S. N. Tou Velle, George Stuck, Joseph N. Hetzler, T. G. Tou Velle, S. B. Shipley, James H. Day, S. L. Ehret, Thomas J. Godfrey, Davis Guy, Alexander Wyckoff, Abner Davis and J. W. Riley. The by-laws, adopted October 22, 1870, provided for five trustees, a secretary and a treasurer, who were elected on the same day, as follows: Trustees - Gideon Le Blond (president),

Thomas J. Godfrey, Joel K. Brandon, William Dickman and Henry L. Johnson; secretary, Keepers Alberry; and treasurer, Abner Davis. The trustees and officers for 1906 were as follows: Trustees - Charles Fanger (president), John M. Pohlman, P. A. Ellis, Dr. D. H. Richardson and Thomas J. Godfrey; secretary, R. R. Wyckoff; and treasurer, Calvin E. Riley.

Fraternal And Benevolent Organizations

Celina Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 241. - The Masons residing in Celina, believing it to be their duty as well as their desire, presented a petition to the M. W. William P. Hubbard, Grand Master, on May 28, 1853. The petition was signed by Smith H. Clark, Robert L. McGinnis, E. T. Williamson, F. C. Le Blond, L. C. Finley, Daniel Hartkopf, M. M. Miller and William Hunter, and was granted by the Grand Master. The first meeting under the dispensation was held June 16, 1853, in a hall prepared for the occasion. The officers named in the dispensation were : Smith

H. Clark, worshipful master; Robert L. McGinnis, senior warden and E. T. Williamson, junior warden. F. C. Le Blond was appointed treasurer; William Hunter, secretary; L. C. Finley, senior deacon; Milton M. Miller, junior deacon ; and Daniel Hartkopf, tyler.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio, in annual session October 20, 1853, at Chillicothe, Ross County, Ohio, granted the charter prayed for in their dis-

Under the charter the following brethren have filled the office of worshipful master of Celina Lodge, and accordingly rank as past masters : Smith

Celina Chapter, No. 120, Royal Arch Masons. - A dispensation was granted December 3, 1869, to Companions F. C. Le Blond, Philo Le Blond, Joseph N. Hetzler, Theophilus G. Ton Velle, Gideon Le Blond, John W. De Ford, A. P. J. Snyder, James Johnson, Hiram Shaw, S. R. Mott, J. M. Davidson, C. W. Alexander, John D. Ralston, John P. Dysert and N. P. Shanklin. The officers under the dispensation were: Joseph N. Hetzler, H. P. ; Gideon Le Blond, K. ; James H. Day, S. The charter was issued September 14, 1874, and signed by the following grand officers: Charles C. Keifer, G. H. P. ; J. A. Riddle, D. G. H. P. ; W. F. Rudensten, G. K. ; J. A. Retteg, G. S. ; John D. Caldwell, grand secretary. The officers installed under the charter were the following: Joseph N. Hetzler, H. P. ; F. C. Le Blond, K. ; James Johnston, S.

Companion Joseph N. Hetzler served as high priest from 1870 to 1886, inclusive, with the exception of a single year, when James H. Day filled the office. Companion Gideon Le Blond .served as secretary from 1870 to about 1886. The following companions have served as high priest of Celina

Celina Chapter, No. pi, Order of the Eastern Star, was granted a charter at a meeting of the Grand Chapter of Ohio, held October 14, 1898, having worked under dispensation from January, 1898, to October 14th. The grand officers at this time were Mary C. Gladding, grand worthy matron; John Blythe, grand worthy patron; and Ella B. Shearer, grand secretary. The charter members of the chapter were the following: Susan Snyder, G. J. C. Wintermute, S. S. Scranton, Martha E. Scranton, Henry Morningstar, Emma Morningstar, P. A. Ellis, Harriet Ellis, Lorinda Godfrey, J. E. Hattery, Mary Hattery, W. F. McDaniel, Mary McDaniel, William Hassman, Rhetta Harring, Elvira Marring, Mary L. Tou Velle, Mary E. Ton Velle, Savella Ton Velle, Lizzie Feldheiser, Tennie Zay, Sarah J. Roop, Evelina Riley, Susan A. Riley, Mary Schuyler, Emily P. Le Blond, Alice Brownlie and Anna Struckman. The first officers of the chapter were Susan A. Riley, worthy matron; G. J. ,C. Wintermute, worthy patron; Harriet Ellis, associate matron; Tennie Zay, secretary; and Emily P. Le Blond, treasurer. The following have served as worthy matrons: Susan A. Riley, 1898, 1899; Lydia

Lisle, 1900; Gabrilla Dickman, 1901, 1902; Mary Schuyler, 1903; Alice Brownlie, 1904; Kate H. Bretz, 1905, 1906; and Agnes Snyder, elected for the year 1907. The officers for 1906 were the following: Kate H. Bretz, worthy matron; S. S. Scranton, worthy patron; Anna Struckman, associate matron; Ida Stubbs, secretary; Mary L. Richardson, treasurer; and Beryl L. Scranton, pianist. The following are the officers elected for 1907: Agnes Snyder, worthy matron; B. R. Shipp, worthy patron; Martha E. Scranton, associate matron ; Gabrilla Dickman, secretary ; Mary L. Richardson, treasurer; and Beryl L. Scranton, pianist. Celina Chapter, which has a membership of 125, holds its meetings in Masonic Hall. Gabrilla Dickman, past worthy matron of Celina Chapter, No. 91, was elected grand worthy matron of the State of Ohio at the meeting of the Grand Chapter held at Toledo in October, 1905.

stituted at Celina by M. W. Brother, John A. Lee, grand master of the State of Ohio, on July 20, 1867. The grand officers' names attached to the charter of the lodge are: John A. Lee, M. W. grand master; James A. Semple, R. W. deputy grand master; Henry Lindenberg, R. W. grand warden; G. D. Winshall, R. W. grand treasurer; and W. C. Earl, R. W. grand secretary.

The following are the names of some of the brethren who have served as noble grand of Celina Lodge and by reason of such service are members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Eellows of the State of Ohio : Milton M. Miller, Keepers Alberry, Jonathan . Shepherd, Stephen A. Armstrong, M. Schuyler, J. F. Timmonds, Charles Fanger, William Dickman, A. Fanger, S. P. McGriff, J. P. McAfee, M. Feldheiser, George Smith and M. B. Alberry.

The officers of the lodge for 1907 are as follows : O. D. Wagner, N. G. ; S. M. Fisher, V. G. ; Frank J. Pierstorf, recording secretary; J. S. Pumphrey, financial secretary; and Charles McComb, treasurer. Judge C. S. Younger is the representative to the Grand Lodge for District No. 29, comprising 10 lodges in Mercer and Auglaize counties. Celina Lodge has a present membership of 175 and meets in the I. O. O. F. Hall, which is located at the corner of Main and Fayette streets in the third story of the building erected by Messrs. Dickman and Hellwarth.

Celina Encampment, -N 0 . 231, Independent Order of Odd Fellozvs. - The present officers of the encampment are: Charles McComb, chief patriarch; Otis Monroe, senior warden; J. S. Pumphrey, recording secretary; A. C. F. Gilberg, financial secretafy; and James F. Monroe, treasurer.

Queen Rebekah Lodge , No. 245, Independent Order of Odd Fellozvs, was instituted May 18, 1888. The following were charter members: William Krenning, E. F. Krenning, D. J. Roop', Sarah J. Roop, L. S. Jameson, Mattie Jameson,. William Dickman, Ettie Dickman, Phene Shepherd, Clarinda Clark, John Raudabaugh, Stephen A. Armstrong, M. McDaniel, Jennie Mc- Daniel, George S. Smith, Ella Smith, Mollie Timmonds and Lizzie .Feldheiser. The officers for 1907 are as follows: Nora Bryan, P. N. G. ; Blanche Andrew's, N. G. ; Anna Ayers, V. G. ; Savella Staeger, R. S. ; Jessie Raudabaugh, F. S. ; and Lizzie Kistler, T. The lodge has a present membership of 125 and meets in the I. O. O. F. Hall.

Celina Lodge, No. 129, Knights of Pythias, was organized and instituted at Celina on the 8th day of September, 1881, by C. D. Iddings, P. G. C., of Dayton, Ohio. The charter members of the lodge were : J. C. Porterfield, J. P. McAfee, Charles P. Winslow, John W- DeFord, John W. Loree, J. W. Dickman, J. W. Riley, G. E. Nungester, A. J. Knox, G. W. Williams, Ed. Shaffer, S. R. Kimble, Wm. C. Snyder, C. H. Snyder, Harmon Myers, W. W. Timmonds, V. N. Estry, C. C. Gablei Eli Bryson, G. W. Smith, John

Celina Temple, No. 197, Pythian Sisters, was organized in 1903. The first officers, who were also charter members, were: Kate Estry, past chief; Alice Brownlie, M. E. C. ; Mayme Arbaugh, E. S. ; Lela Thompson, E. J. ; Anna Howick, manager; Laura Dysert, M. of R. ; Minnie Bretz, M. of F. ; and Minnie Applas, secretary. The temple has a present membership of 50. The officers for 1907 are as follows : Ada Vining, M. E. C. ; Kate Estry, E. S. ; Hannah Brumm, E. J. ; Hazel Dull, manager; Nora Kistler, M. of R. ; Nora Bryan, M. of F. ; and Mrs. John Raudabaugh, secretary.

Le Blond Post, No. 17 5, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized December 7, 1881, with the following charter members: D. J. Roop, Frank M. Work, J. W. Riley, L. B. Robbins, Peter Cegrand, James Hedrick, Israel Cook, John A. Walter, L. S. Jameson, G. J. C. Wintermute, J. H. Murphy, Gideon Le Blond, D. Rush, M. V. B. Greek, John Hess, J. F. Timmonds, S. R. Beam, S. C. McBarren, John Hoppel, J. Charter, W. H. Smith, Hiram Long-, C. H. Hitchens, C. W. Bodkin, C. R. Coate, D. D. Keller, Abraham Stephens, S. H. Clark. The first officers were the following: D. J. Roop, commander; J. W. Riley, senior vice-commander; J. H. Murphy, junior vicecommander; J. F. Timmonds, adjutant; G. J. C. Wintermute, surgeon; L. S. Jameson, chaplain; Peter Cegrand, quartermaster; C. W. Bodkin, officer of the day; John Hoppel, officer of the guard; Israel Cook, sergeant major; Hiram Long, quartermaster sergeant ; and S. R. Beam, aide-de-camp. The post surrendered its charter some time ago.

German Independent Aid Society of Celina, - This society, which was organized for the mutual benefit and aid of its members in case of sickness and death, was chartered February 6, 1881. Tfie charter members were 35 in number, as follows: John E. Hamburger, Peter Schunck, John Hoppel,

Leifeld, Henry Walter, John H. Gast, Mathias Winter, Charles Wehrle, Mathias Kreusch, Joseph Kreusch, Frank Miller and Michael Linn. William Dickman was president for many years in the early history of the society. The following have served as officers from 1902 to the present time: John Beiersdorfer, president; John E. Hamburger, vice-president; Barney Otting, recording secretary; Fred Laudahn, financial secretary; and O. H. Andreas, treasurer. The board of trustees consists of five members, namely: Val. Fortman (president), Anton Schunck (secretary), Frank Wolf (treasurer), Charles Muther and Edmund Brandts.

White Oak Camp, No. 41, Woodmen of the World, at Celina, was instituted January 25, 1898, with the following officers and charter members: Leonard B. Pumphrey, consul commander; Milton M. Betz, adviser lieutenant; P. T. Waters, banker; Dr. Frank E. Ayers, clerk; William Ayers, watchman; Thomas B. Clark, sentry; Dr. D. H. Richardson, John S. Gooden and George Orr, managers; Dr. Frank E. Ayers, physician. The present officers are as follows: W. H. Conner, consul commander; Lewis Colton, adviser lieutenant; Charles Franks, banker; Leonard B. Pumphrey, clerk; Harry Weamer, escort; Newton Miller, watchman; Luther Baucher, sentry; and Lewis Hoel, C. J. Ivistler and Charles Hoel, managers. The membership is 107.

Celina Home, No. 68, Home Guards of America, was organized in 1899 with the following charter members, 30 in number: Abraham Burris, Charles Fox, A. J. Richardson, Fred J. Laudahn, John C. Moore, John C. Kistler, John Q. Mesarvey, Simon Krigel, Peter Krigel, Philip Linn, S. F. Hixon, Minnie B. Stemen, Joseph F. Stemen, L. J. Brandon, E. J. Ley, Firmas Miller, Charles E. Slusser, George A. Brown, Cyrus C. Major, J. E. Hattery, Katie Krigel, W. B. Jackson, Mary J. Jackson, Richard Betz, Henry F. Knoth, John B. Krigel, George A. Petrie, Elmer Baisinger, Joseph F. Tebben and Joseph J. Krigel. The officers for 1907 are as follows: William Curry, W. C. ; Charles Schlosser, Jr., P. C. ; Nelson Hoenie, V. C. ; Attie Hoenie, chaplain; Francis Bils, secretary; S. J. Pumphrey, treasurer; Joseph Huesing, collector ; Dr. P. E. Riley, medical director ; Abraham Burris, guide ; Laura Karr, conductor; Nobe Weaver, 1st shield; Josephine Mesarvey, 2nd shield; Alvenia Kistler, musician.

Celina Aerie, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted January 16, 1906, and has a present membership of 108. The following are the officers for 1906: A. J. Zender, worthy president; J. J. Bedell, worthy vice-president; L. L. Marsh, chaplain; William Pumphrey, conductor; Philip Linn, inner guard; Urban Hinders, outer guard; Frank J. Wolf, treasurer; W. E. Reynolds, secretary; and P. H. Schunck, Ed. Ungerer, Joseph Depweg, trustees.

was chartered February 14, 1897, with 69 charter members, by Gen. H. J. Werst, supreme president of the Knights of St. John. There were 30 uniform members and 39 non-uniform members. The first officers were: President, T. B. Pulskamp; secretary, Frank C. Stark; captain, Lawrence Schunck. The present officers of the commandery are: Spiritual director, Rev. George Hindelang; president, J. H. Winkeljohann ; 1st vice-president, Joseph F. Meyer; 2nd vice-president, J. H. Pulskamp; recording and corresponding secretary, John M. Schlosser; financial secretary, John B. Schmitt; treasurer, Peter Stachler; trustees - W. F. Schunck, John Dorsten, Joseph F. Tebben,

' Joseph Schmitt and J. B. Pulskamp; commander and captain, J. H. Pulskamp; 1 st vice-commander, Joseph F. Meyer; 2nd vice-commander, John B. Schmitt ; delegates - John M. Schlosser and W. F. Schunck. The commandery is in a fairly prosperous condition, although the membership is only about 35 at this time. It has accomplished much good for the sick and needy and has helped out many a brother knight in times of affliction and death.

Literary Clubs of Celina. - The History Club was organized in 1892 and was federated in 1900. Mrs. C. A. McKim served as president or leader of the club until 1906. Mrs. Landfair served as the first secretary and continued as such for a number of years. Mrs. R. R. Wyckoff and Mrs. W. E. Ton Velle have also served as secretary. No calendars were printed until 1898, informal meetings having been held previous to that time. The membership of the club is limited to 20. The present officers are as follows : Mrs. B. H. Griffith, president ; Mrs. G. W. Struckman and Mrs. C. H. Howick, vice-presidents; Mrs. W. E. Ton Velle, secretary; and Mrs. J. O. Schuyler, treasurer.

The Shakespere Club was organized in 1894 and was federated in 1900. The following were members in 1894: Elizabeth Cook, Grace Riley, Elizabeth Crockett, Kate Crockett, Ella Raudabaugh and Zora L. Smith. The club is limited to 20 members. The officers at the present time are: Myrtle Leiser. president; Jessie Snyder, vice-president; Nellie Winter, secretary; and Effie Fanger, treasurer.

The Altrurian Club was organized in 1899, the first officers elected being Martha E. Scranton, president; Alice Brownlie, vice-president; Jessie Raudabaugh, secretary ; and Sue Raudabaugh, treasurer. The club was federated in 1902. It has a present membership of 23 active members and six honorary members. The regular meetings are held on Thursday of each week. The present officers are : Ida Stubbs, president; Ella Leiser, vice-president; Minnie Bretz, secretary; Tabitha Nichols, treasurer; and Alverda Shipp, corresponding secretary.