Shelby County, Ohio - The whole text, 1883 (part 27 of 30)

Their trade for the year 1881 aggregated some $75,000, and so far exceeded their calculations and capacity that they were obliged to build a two-story addition, 50 by 60 feet, and put in additional machinery, and otherwise increase their facilities before the opening of the season of 1882.

The addition of machinery was soon found to overtax their engine, and this necessitated the purchase of a new engine and boiler, and the building of a new engine and boiler house.

After a careful investigation of the various makes, and conferring with P. Smith, Bro. & Co., of Sidney, they contracted with them for a model engine, to be made on an improved plan and from entirely new patterns. The patterns were made by an expert pattern-maker of extensive experience and splendid qualifications, and the engine is second to none, no matter where made.

The contract with P. Smith, Bro. & 'Co. required them to put in the new engine and boiler without interrupting the work of the factory. And, to their credit be it said, they kept their contract, causing but one day's 8 top. To accomplish this the new boiler was first set, and connected with the old engine on Sunday, and thus was the machinery kept in motion till the new engine was set, and connection made and completed.

This was accomplished toward the close of 1882, and a new house erected over the boiler and engine, and the engine, nicely decorated, was splendidly encased in walnut and ash with panels of glass. This case or room inclosed only the engine and fly wheel, and is made dust tight, so that the delicate parts, on which the vitality of the engine depends, are protected from exposure, and the manipulations of "vulgar" hands. The glass casing enables the engineer to see the engine without going inside the case, and likewise allows the curious to satisfy their curiosity at a respectable distance.

Thus have the factory and its appliances been increased to keep pace with the increase of business, till it is now the most completely equipped school furniture factory outside of the largest cities, and is scarcely second to any in facilities and capacity in the Union - in fact is the largest but one engaged exclusiuely in the manufacture of school furniture.

At the time the business was established in Sidney, their trade was confined almost entirely to Ohio, but has sinefe extended to almost every State in the Union. The second year the business done increased over one-half, and the present year promises to double the sales.

The present capacity of the factory is about three hundred desks per day. The average number of hands employed is about forty, and the net-work of agents, who pour their orders into the hopper daily, extends its meshes wherever Uncle Samuel's numerous family -erects the significant school-house, and the prophetic tramp of the pedagogue is heard abroad.

Theirs is the noble task of administering to tfye convenience and bodily comfort of the pupil, while his mind peruses the illuminated page which lightens up the path that leads to fame.

All this vast machinery of factory and agents could not be kept in intelligent motion without extensive, persistent, and systematic advertising. Thousands of dollars are spent in printers' ink, paper, and postage, and a constant stream of circulars flows out and letters flow in to keep the vital current complete. This requires most active, arduous, and unceasing work in the office, where vacations are not known. In fact, except on legal holidays, the wheels of the factory have scarcely ceased to make their regular revolutions since the day they started.

Notwithstanding the constant improvement and extension of their factory and facilities, in order to keep pace with the increase of trade, the prospect now is that another story will have to be added in the near future.

This factory was established by Messrs. Clark & Benjamin, old manufacturers in New England and Pennsylvania, and commenced operations in October, 1879. The manufactures consist only of the " D" Handle; but this is made in every style and length for fork, shovel, spade, and toy purposes. The manufacture is a peculiar one, and involves great exactness and different styles, according to the market. The leading shipments are to Cleveland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Boston, while a large trade at Beaver Falls is also supplied. The monthly average of manufactures is about 4000 dozen, which involves the use of 300 to 400 cords of ash timber. About three-fourths of this material is received at the factory from the wagons of farmers, while about one-fourth is shipped here by railroad and canal. About eighteen men are kept constantly employed, while all useful machinery has been put in operation. The handles turned out are of three grades, which enable the firm to supply the demands so far as the capacity of the works will permit. Mr. Benjamin is himself a practical mechanic and has full charge of this branch ; while his partner, Mr. Clark, keeps charge of another factory of the same kind in Pennsylvania.

In 1876 B. Slusser and W. S. Magill established the American Steel Scraper Works, and commenced the manufacture of the Slusser patent, which soon reached enormous proportions. A few months later Goode was admitted to partnership, soon after which Magill retired from the firm, although the firm style remained The American Steel Scraper Co.

In 1880 Mr. Slusser retired from the company and associated with W. F. McLean, under the firm style of Slusser & McLean, for the manufacture of a steel scraper with the McLean device. Their first step was the erection of buildings, which are constructed entirely of brick and well arranged for light and ventilation purposes. The main building is 107 by 42 feet, two stories high; the blacksmith shop is one story, 60 by 40 feet; the emery-wheel house one story, 18 by 15 feet, and the fuel room 30 by 24 feet. The whole works are suppled with every description of necessary labor-saving machinery, the most of which is the device of Mr. Slusser. Water power obtained from the feeder of the Miami and Erie Canal is used as a motor. The machinery has a capacity of three hundred scrapers per day, and fourteen mechanics are employed. During the first year shipments found their way to twenty six States and Territories, and the market keeps extending from month to month.

This company was organized in 1876 by B. Slusser and W. S. Magill. It was then the only steel scraper factory in the United States. The shops are attached to the Maxwell Flouring Mills, from which the power is derived. Soon after the establishment of the factory it passed into the hands of W. H. C. Goode, who is still the operator and proprietor. The scraper manufactured is of steel, and is known as the Slusser Scraper, being the invention of B. Slusser, now of the Slusser & McLean Scraper Works. The American Factory. being the pioneer institution in this line of manufactures, has become the most extensive factory in the world. The products of this company are shipped to all parts of the United States, and the manufacturing capacity is only limited by the market demand.

This factory was established about the year 1854 by L. Bimel, now of St. Marys, Ohio. In 1860 it passed into the hands of the present proprietor, J. S. Crozier, a practical, experienced carriage-maker. Perhaps no other name has been so long and intimately connected with the carriage business in the Miami Valley as that of Crozier, and the fame \ of Sidney for the manufacture of first-class work is largely attributable ' to J. S. Crozier. The Crozier carriage has been known throughout this section for twenty years, and during that time has proved of reliable and substantial manufacture. Skilled and experienced workmen are employed ; well seasoned or well refined materials are used, and these considerations have done much toward building up a large and lucrative trade. The main building is a three story brick, 36 by 80 feet, with a capacious show-room on the first floor. The blacksmith shop is to the rear of the main building and is 25 by 36 feet. Eight workmen are constantly employed ; each department is in special charge of a skilled mechanic, while the whole business is operated and superintended by the proprietor, whose thirty years' experience has enabled him to turn out work which will not suffer if put in coqipetition with any other manufacturers of the State.

The main building of this factory was erected about 1857 by Jacob Piper as a farm wagon shop. In 1854 Mr. Miller took charge, and for a time manufactured both light and heavy work; but as soon as practicable converted the whole establishment into a light work factory. The old building was 40 by 30 feet. In 1874 an addition 52 by 24 leet was erected, and in 1880 a blacksmith shop 60 by 90 feet was attached with an L 22 by 36 feet. From ten to twelve workmen are employed.

This establishment was founded in 1870 by J. Dann, the present proprietor, and was the first works of this character in Sidney. The building is 36 by 50 feet, and the machinery is operated by a fifteen-horse power engine. All grades of patent and common wheels, spokes, hubs, felloes, shafts, and poles are manufactured and sold to the trade, the chief market being Columbus, Ohio. A warehouse 30 feet square is used in connection with the factory. All the buildings are frame except the enginehouse. Mr. Dann is a practical workman and personally oversees the business, in which he keeps five skilled tradesmen employed.

This firm commenced operations in Nov. 1881, the buildings having just been completed. The main building is 110 by 60 feet, with two full stories and a third floor of eight feet. The engine-room is 28 feet square and two stories, the upper apartment being used for drying purposes. Adjoining this room is an independent dry house 35 feet square. Aside from these buildings two floors of another building are used for storage purposes. Forty-four men are employed in the various departments. The manufactures embrace wheels, spokes, hubs, and rims of every description, which are shipped to all parts of the country. The firm consists of E. Anderson, C. W. Frazer, and J. N. Anderson, under the firm style of Anderson, Frazer & Co.

This enterprise went into operation in 1881, the building having been erected in 1880. During the first season 1200 tons of straw were used in the manufacture of green tow. The building is 124 by 36 feet, including the engine-room, and is intended for two sets of machinery', although as yet but one set is used. Ten men are required to operate, and the mill product finds a ready market in all the principal cities of the Union.

This establishment was started about 1836 by Mr. Neiswanger, after which it passed through several hands until 1869, when it was purchased from Turney & Evans by' R. Given & Co. The building is a three-story brick, 38 by 40 feet, and is supplied with all the appliances necessary to do rapid and satisfactory work. The machinery is driven by an elevenhorse-power engine, and six men are kept constantly employed.

This establishment was started in 1880 by J. E. Wilkinson. In June, 1881, Mr. Wilkinson retired from active connection with the business, retaining one-third interest, while the proprietorship became styled Faris, Birch & Co. On the 1st of January, 1882, Mr. Wilkinson withdrew entirely, and the style became " Sidney Planing-mill Co.," J. S. Faris & P. B. Birch, proprietors. On January 1st, 1883, J. S. Faris sold his interest to W. H. Monroe, who was formerly bookkeeper for the firm. The building is two stories high; the main building 100 by 130 feet, and is supplied with a fifty-horse-power boiler, a twenty-flve-horse-power engine, and all necessary machinery. The store-room is 100 by 40 feet. The manufactures embrace sash, doors, blinds, frames, and mouldings, while building material of every description of timber is handled by the firm. Buildings on Walnut Street, near both railroad stations.

The manufacture of automatic vises is conducted in Sidney' by Bartholomew & Henson, the latter being the patentee of the device. It is claimed for this vise that it possesses several points of superiority over all other devices for a like purpose. These points may I>e said to be : the saving of twenty-five per cent, of time by the automatic action ; the preservation of the parallel of the jaws at all widths; the equality of pressure regardless of the shape of the material clasped, and their simplicity, cheapness, and durability. They are made in different sizes, and furnished with either wood or iron screws, the latter being two dollars higher in price.

These works were started early' in 1883 under the firm name of Crane & McMahon, James O'Neil, general manager. Mr. O'Neil has charge of the Sidney branch works, in which about thirty men are employed. The Company labors to make the best spokes in use, of second-growth white-oak. The machinery is of the most perfect and complete patterns, and lumber is taken from the wharf, and after passing through the factory is turned out in first-class finished spokes. About 2500 spokes are daily turned out, being of different kinds according to orders. The Company also ships wagon material to New York in large quantities. Their business in all its branches is rapidly growing, and although among the infant establishments of Sidney, it promises to become an important factor in the future of the town.

The lime burning industry of W. A. Hall & Co. was started about 1869, and has been in successful operation ever since. The stone i ts quarried about a mile from the kiln, and transported by canal. ie quarry is the property of the Lime Company, and comprises about three and a half acres. The capacity of the kiln is about 175 bushels per day, and the quality of the lime is equal to that produced anywhere in the State. The company also owns its own boats for canal transportation of stone to the kiln and lime to the market.

The plow factory of W. M. Toy was established in 1848 in the shop now occupied by George Robbins as a blacksmith shop. About twelve years later the business was moved to the Kingseed shop, but five years thereafter the proprietor moved to a farm, abandoning his old business. Not finding farming very agreeable, he returned to town and built two shops for the manufacture of plows, on North Main Street, where he worked two years. He then began working for the Siusser Sulky Plow Co., and remained in this position until the company dissolved. He then went into partnership with Mr. Haslup, under the firm name of Haslup & Toy, for the manufacture of plows. An accident, resulting in the crippling of Mr. Haslup's arm, caused him to retire from the business. In 1878 Mr. Toy moved to the south end of Main Street, where he continued the manufacture of plows under the firm name of W. M. Toy & Co., his son standing at the head Of the firm. In 1881 this son bought the whole business and machinery, and has since conducted the business at a rate of manufacture of from 250 to 300 plows annually.

This establishment was founded in 1879 by Samuel Chism, and operations commenced in June of the same year. The building is 50 by 36 ft. and two storied. About twenty-three hands are employed in the manufacture of every description of horse-collars and fly-nets, which find a market in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. In February, 1881, Cornelius Bausman entered into partnership with Mr. Chism, when the firm became Chism & Bausman. Factory in West North Street, at crossing of 1). & M. Railroad.

Prior to the 2d day of January, 1857, all the schools of Sidney were taught in private houses or churches in different parts of the town, except one that was taught in a log house erected on the school lot given by the proprietor of the town (Mr. Sterrett). They were supported by private subscription, with the exception of a small fund from the State and a fund arising from the rent of a farm donated to the Sidney schools by Wip. Covill in 1843. There was no system of graded schools until after the erection of the present Union School Building in 1856. In 1855 the Board of Education of the School District determined to take steps toward the erection of a Union School Building. Accordingly it was ordered that the Clerk of the Board should give the requisite notice to the voters of Sidney and the territory thereto annexed for school purposes, to assemble at the court-house and vote upon a proposition to levy a tax of twelve thousand dollars, payable in three annual instalments, commencing in 1856, and to issue corporation bonds therefor, bearing seven per cent, interest, for the purpose of building a schoolhouse in said village and buying the necessary grounds upon which to erect it. It was also stipulated in the notice through the public prints that if the school tax should carry, the qualified voters of the district should have the right of voting on the location of the school building. Accordingly, as per notice, a vote was taken on the 30th day of April, 1855; the result of the vote was 134 in favor of school tax and 79 against. There was a great strife in the selection of the site. A number of propositions were made by different persons in different parts of the town, and it was some length of time before a site was selected: finally, lot No. 106 and the west half of lot 105 were selected and purchased from Birch & Peebles at a cost of about $2100. The east half of lot 105 had been given to the town by its proprietor for school purposes. Upon these lots a brick building, 90 by 64 feet and three stories high (beside basement) was erected at a cost of about $18,000. The building was not ready for occupancy until the 1st of January, 1857. At the completion of the building only eight rooms (four in the first and four in the second story) were fitted for school-rooms; the third story was used as a hall for several years. As soon as necessity demanded, the third story was divided into four rooms, making in all twelve rooms. In the year 1828 Win. Covill came from England to the United States, and for a few years stopped in the State of New York, but prior to 1840 he came to Shelby County, O., and bought the northeast quarter of section 26, in Clinton Township. Some time prior to his death (which occurred in July, 1843), he bequeathed to the common schools of the town of Sidnej' this piece of land, which the Board of Education accepted, and gave a lease of the same for ninety-nine years. The fund arising from the lease of said land has, since that time, been used in the maintenance of the schools in the town of Sidney.

In the fall of 1860 Gideon Wright (an early settler of Shelby County) gave to the Sidney school district (by verbal will) five hundred dollars, with the expressed desire that the principal should be safely invested, and the interest arising from the same should be used by said district for tuition purposes. The condition of said donation was, that the schools were to grant to the descendants of said Wright one perpetual scholarship in the Union Schools of said district. This donation was accepted, and the clerk was ordered to issue a certificate of scholarship in favor of the heirs of Gideon Wright. The above five hundred dollars were invested in United States bond No. 9427, bearing six per cent, interest.

The first superintendent employed in the schools was Joseph Shaw, of Bellefontaine, Ohio, at a salary of $800 a year. The schools were opened on the second day of January, 1857. The following are the names of the first corps of teachers: Mathematical Department, J. S. Driscoll. Sixth Department, Miss Harriet H. Chapin. Fifth Department, Miss Louisa Knox. Fourth Department, Miss Mary A. Nettleton. Third Department, Miss Charlotte Swan. Second Department, Miss Martha A. Crowell. Primary Department, Miss Arnett.

Prof. Shaw was superintendent until the beginning of 1859, when he resigned, and Ira W. Allen completed the school year. In 1859 W. H. Schuyler was elected at a salary of $75 per month. He filled the position two years. In 1862 Benjamin S. McFarland filled the position at $65 per month. In 1863 the board secured the services of S. S. Taylor and wife, of Joliet, 111., at $100 per month. In 1864 they paid S. S. Taylor $720 for his services (his wife not teaching). N. L. Hanson filled the position during 1865, '66, and '67. He received $1000 per year. W. C. Catlin was superintendent in 1868 at $1000 a year. In 1869 J. M. Allen was elected at $1200 per year, but resigned before commencing the school, and II. T. Wheeler, of Springfield, O., was elected, but resigned rather than go before the local board of examiners. J. D. Critchfield, of Mt. Vernon, was tendered the position, which he accepted. He served but a few weeks, and resigned, when A. S. Moore, of Piqua, filled the vacancy for the remainder of the year. Prof. J. C. Harper was superintendent for 1870 at a salary of $1500 per year. In 1871 George Turner filled the position at $1200. In 1872 R. E. Page was secured at $1200. He also served the following year at $140 per month. He was succeeded by A. B. Cole, who held the position until 1877, when Van B. Baker was elected, and served until 1880, when the present superintendent (J. N. Bearnes) was elected.

At the present time there are 800 scholars enrolled, with an average attendance of 675. There are sixteen schools in all. Twelve in the High School building, two in the South Main Street Primary, one in' the North Main Street Primary, and one colored school. There are seventeen teachers employed, beside the superintendent and teachers in penmanship, drawing, and music. The school year consists of thirtysijf weeks.

The Catholics also have a school with 185 scholars enrolled, the history of which will be found incorporated in the history of the Catholic Church.

The history of Methodism in Sidney begins with the year 1825, at which time the first Methodist sermon was preached in the house of Joel Frankenberger, by the Rev. Levi White. Under his pastorate a class was organized, consisting of Joel Frankenberger and wife, George Poole and wife, John Bryan and wife, Mother MeVay and Father Defreese.

Sidney was then a part of Bellefontaine circuit, which extended from Sidney to Bellefontaine, thence to West Liberty and Westville, including all the intervening territory. At the time of the organization of the church in Sidney, Rev. David Young, whose name is as sweet incense to the memories of those who knew him, was the presiding elder.

There was no meeting house in Sidnej' until 1831, and the services during the six years preceding that time were held in the house of Joel Frankenberger in the winter, and in the summer under the wide spreading branches of a large elm tree that grew on the river bank just below the present bridge. Here protracted meetings were held, and under the mighty influence of primitive preaching and singing souls were converted and the church strengthened.

At the quarterlj' conference, held at Bellefontaine November 10, 1827, while James B. Findlay was presiding elder and Joshua Boucher pastor, a committee, consisting of Joel Frankenberger, George Poole, and John Hollingshead, were appointed to inquire into the practicabilitj' of building a meeting house in Sidney. This committee did not make a report until January 31, 1829, when the}' announced that the}' had purchased a lot on which to build a church. This lot is the one on which the Baptist church now stands, and cost $16, and was paid for by the committee together with Mr. Persinger, each paying $4. On this lot a small church was erected in 1831. This house was built "without money and without price," some furnishing material, while others did the work.

The second Methodist Church edifice in Sidney is the one owned and used by the Baptist congregation of this place. It was erected in 1838, and dedicated by the Rev. Edward Gehon, who has since become prominent in the Church South. Rev. David Warnock and Rev. William Sutton were then preachers on the circuit. In 1834 the Bellefontaine circuit was divided, and Sidney circuit formed. Sidney remained the centre of Sidney circuit until 1843, when it was made a station, and Rev. David Warnock was returned as the first stationed preacher of this church. In 1867 the present church edifice was erected under the supervision of the Rev. W. J. Wells, but was not completed until 1874, under the management of Rev. J. Wykes. It was dedicated by Rev. Bishop R. S. Foster August 11, 1874. Sidney held its first quarterly conference on the 19th of April, 1828, while John W. Clark and James W. Findlay were preachers on the circuit. Sidney has three times been the seat of the annual conference; first in 1847, when Bishop Janes presided; the second time in 1874, when Bishop Andrews preaided; the third time in 1882, when Bishop Warren was the presiding bishop.

From 1825 to 1880 forty-five preachers have been appointed to the Sidney charge, whose names we will give in chronological order, though some of them have served the charge the second time: Levi White, George Gatch, Thomas Beacham, Joshua Boucher, John W. Clark, James W. Findlay, Thomas Simms, William M. Sullivan, William Morrow, John Stewart, Peter Sharp, Daniel D. Davidson, James Smith, W. C. Clark, George W. Walker, David Kempler, Wilson Smith, Silas Chase, L. P. Miller, David Warnock, Madison Hausley, Samuel Lynch, George Taylor, L. W. James, Jacob A. Brown, William M. Spafford, M. L. Starr, Elmer Yocum, W. G. Wells, Joseph Wykes, William Lunt, Lemuel Herbert, S. H. Alderman, L. C. Webster, Jacob Holms, C. W. Keteham, J. W. Alderman, J. L. Bates, Franklin Mariott, Gershoin Lease, T. C. Reade, Oliver Kennedy, and Louis M. Albright, who is the present pastor, May, 1880.

Sidney has been favored with the preaching of the following presiding elders, in the following order: David Young, John Collins, James B. Findlaj', John F. Wright, William II. Raper, Robert O. Spencer, William S. Morrow, Samuel P. Shaw, Wesley Brock, H. M. Shaffer, J. S. Kalb, Alexander Harmount, Joseph Ayers, Joseph Wykes, Wesley G. Waters, and S. L. Roberts.

In one half century Sidney has sent out from its number fourteen preachers, viz., Isaac Hunt, Joseph Park, George M. Bond, George W. Taylor, P. G. Goode, John H. Bruce, A. C. Shaw, David Bulle, N. B. C. Love, H. Maltbie, A. Clawson, D. Rhinehart, Elanson Barber, and Levi Moore.

The semi-centennial of Methodism in Sidney was held in the M. E. Church November 26, 27, and 28, 1875, when the Rev. T. C. Reade was pastor. The opening sermon was preached by Rev. David Rhinehart. On Saturday, November 27th, at 2 o'clock P. M., the Rev. J. R. Colgan preached, after which a tea party followed. One hundred and twentyfive of the congregation and visitors sat down at the social repast together. This was followed by r toasts and responses from laymen and ministers. Wesley G. Waters preached on Sunday, and T. C. Reade read a short historical sketch of Methodism in Sidney.

At the beginning of the year which closed September 8, 1880, there was a debt of $3300 on the church, which had encumbered and impaired its energies for many years. The pastor, L. M. Albright, by personal solicitation, succeeded in raising the whole amount needed to pay the debt. The subscriptions were at once converted into money or negotiable interest bearing notes.. The notes were sold, and the money applied on the debt, and the last dollar of the indebtedness wiped out.

At the Annual Conference of 1880 Rev. L. M. Albright was appointed presiding elder of Lima District, and Rev. P. P. Pope succeeded to the pastorate of Sidney charge. A jubilee of thanksgiving service on account of the liquidation of the debt on the church was held September 19, 1880, conducted by L. M.' Albright, and participated in by Rev. David Bulle, Judge Conklin, and others. At the close of the service the following resolution was offered by L. M. Albright, and unanimously adopted : -

Resolved, That it is the sense of this congregation that no debt shall ever be made on church or parsonage property, and that the trustees be requested to indorse this resolution, and record it in their books.

During the years 1880 and 1881, under the pastorate of Rev. P. P. Pope, though resting from the payment of its heavy debt, which paid in negotiable notes the close of the year previous was yet to be paid by the members individually, added improvements to the amount of $525, including a stone pavement and a bell weighing 1526 pounds, one hundred dollars of this sum being a legacy left for that purpose by the late Irwin Nutt. During the second year additional improvements to the amount of $750 were made in ventilation, painting, new carpets, frescoing, water privileges, etc., and for the first time in twenty-five years the financial report at each quarterly meeting conference showed a balance in the treasury after the quarter's expenses were paid.

The twenty-seventh session of the Central Ohio Annual Conference was held in Sidney September, 1882, Bishop Henry W. Warren presiding. Rev. Joseph Ayers was returned to the Bellefontaine district, and Daniel G. Strong, after ten years on the Pacific coast, was, by special request, transferred to this conference, and stationed at Sidney. He entered upon his work Sunday after conference, and up to this date, January, 1883, reports an aggregate increase of 57, and a total membership of 421.

The Presbyterian Church in Sidney had its beginning in 1820 or P er " haps 1821. Then the first missionary effort was ma.de to establish preaching. In a year or two an organization was effected, which for some reason had a brief existence. The first permanent organization was in the month of September, 1825. Through tlie efforts of the Rev. Joseph Stevenson, a little band of people was gathered together in the old court-house, standing where stands now the house of H.. C. Barkdul] and formed into a church called the Presbyterian Church of Sidney* That old court-house is used now as a blacksmith shop, by George L* Robbins, standing on the bank of the canal, immediately west of the place where it stood sixty years ago. J e ing and his wife Elizabeth, John Fergus and his wife Af argraret, Willj a ' McClintock and his wife Sarah, James Forsythe, and Sarah Graham 01 Of these eight Mrs. Elizabeth Fielding alone survives, ing and James Forsythe were the first ruling elders. I 1 * re was furnished by the Rev. Joseph Stevenson for a few by the Rev. Sayers Gaylay. Uniting with the church at in its history were Joseph Cummins and his wife, Sam n and his wife, Hugh Wilson and his wife, Allen Wills and Ills wife ' the year 1833 the little congregation built its first house of wor s m* 1 costing the round sum of $900 ; the house standings on the rear of lot on which the new house now stands. In this little structure the people worshipped for thirteen years. The house still stands on the same street north of the railroad, doing service for the " Steel Scraper Company."

During the year 1834 the Rev. Samuel Cleland became a stated supply to the church, which position he filled for five years. A ftcr him ministerial services were rendered for longer or shorter periods by the Rev.

Rev. W. B. Spense, who was then preaching in Troy, which call j 1 ® rc |, cepted, and labored as the first regularly installed pastor of \vife»

In 1845 the congregation resolved to build a larger and better eftrs of worship; and the brick church which stood for more than thi J was the result of their effort. . . rzriclg 0

After the resignation of the Rev. W. B. Spense the Rev. Pan ie * ,. n j n e was called, and accepted the pastorate of the church, preaching ^ ^hat months, when, owing to ill health, he resigned the charge, and the ministry, and engaged in other work. R*

On the 1st day of October, 1866, the present pastor, the * little McCaslin, came to this church, where he has been laboring, wit interruption, ever since. Ijetter

A few years ago a move was made to build, not a larger, but house of worslyp. With unity and zeal and liberality the w<? r j a f undertaken, and the present house, complete in all its parts, a ro °, c>vvll s beauty and convenience, costing twenty-five thousand dollars* cl the people's efforts.

Although services were held at Sidney under the direction *>f denomination prior to 1829, that year must be taken as the fonodati date of the Sidney congregation. During this year Rev. John Reynolds was sent here as a half-time supply by the First Associate Reformed Presbytery of Ohio. In October of the same year he organized a congregation of twelve members. The last survivor of the organization membership was Mrs. Abigail, who died Feb. 12, 1879. The first ruling elders were Mr. Rob't W. Stephenson and Mr. Samuel Gamble,, tiie latter having held the same office in the Associated Reformed congregation of Xenia, Ohio. During the first few years the congregation only had occasional preaching, but in October, 1834, Rev. James Porter was appointed stated supply for Piqua and Sidney, one-fourth of his time being given to the latter place. After two years' labors in this field the pastor was called elsewhere, and the congregation was again dependent upon occasional supplies until October, 1837. In this year the congregation extended a call to Rev. Samuel Sturgeon, who accepted and entered at once upon his labors. He remained until 1840, and saw the membership of the congregation increase to seventy. In March, 1841, Rev. C. T.

. McCaughan was appointed stated supply, and in the following J une accepted a call to the pastorate, entering upon his pastoral duties J uly 10th. During his labors, which continued until the close of the year 1857, he received one hundred and two into church membership on profession, and sixty-three by certificate. Eleven adults and one hundred and thirtyseven children were baptized. Thirty members died, fifty-one were dismissed by certificate, and four were suspended. Prayer-meetings and a Sabbath-school were organized, and the building now occupied erected.

The sixteen years' ministry of Rev. McCaughan was attended by great congregational growth and development. On Maj r 25, 18o8, the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed churches was consummated,

A call was afterward extended to Rev. J. G. Armstrong, and he was ordained and installed Nov. 15, 1859. During his ministry of nearly four years the congregation gained thirty-three members. Rev. Armstrong was released to take charge of the First U. P. Church at St. Louis, and subsequently withdrew from the U. P. ministry to enter that of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia. On the 31st of July. 1864, Rev. M. M. Gibson, a licentiate of Philadelphia Presbytery, was installed as the successor of Rev. Armstrong. During his labors the congregation enjoyed an accession of thirty-three members. In 1866 the Assembly saw fit to transfer Rev. Gibson to the mission field at San Francisco, where his subsequent labors were heralded with great praise by the whole church. On November 19, 1867, Rev. J. W. Bain was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregation. He was a preacher of great force, and gave promise of adding new life to the congregation; but at the end of about a year he was released to take charge of the U. P. congregation at New Castle, Pa. He was subsequently transferred to the Mission Church of Chicago, and finally to Hamilton, Ohio. He was soon succeeded at Sidney by Rev. J. A. Bailey, who began his labors on the first Sabbath of February, 1869, and was installed pastor on the 15th of the following June. He remained with the congregation until May 16, 1876, when he was released, at his own request, to accept the pastorate of the U. P. Church at Wellsville, Ohio. During his labors in Sidney about ninety persons were admitted into church membership, and a young people's prayer-meeting was organized. On April 2, 1878, Rev. R. J. Miller was ordained and installed as pastor of the congregation, in which capacity he labored until December, 1880. He was succeeded by Rev. J. T. Wilson on the 1st of January, 1882, who served until October of the same year, when failing health admonished him to ask his release. He was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Sharp on June 1, 1883; who is pastor at this writing. The present membership of the congregation is 152. The ruling elders are, Andrew Ritchey, J. C. Fry, J. T. Cunningham, R. Ewing, H. Wilson, aud A. Leach. Deacons, H. Wilson, Andrew MeClean, David Ritchey, George Hutchinson, and J. T. Fry. Trustees, J. T. Fry. M. Bonner, and D. Ritchey.

The Sabbath-school, organized in 1842, has been maintained ever since, each year only serving to renew and increase its vigor and vitality. It is now under the superintendence of Samuel Gamble. Of the houses of worship it may be said, the old court-house was first used ; in 1835 a fnfme building, now occupied by the German Lutherans, was erected at a cost of about $700. This was followed in 1854 by the building now used, which was erected at a cost of $10,000. Altogether the church has enjoyed temporal prosperity and growth from the period of its organization up to the present. It has never suffered any decimation through dissensions, and can fully realize the meaning of the Psalmist when he exclaimed : "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."

At a meeting of the Miami Union Baptist Association, held with the Fletcher Church in Aug. 1869, the attention of that body was called to Sidney by W. M. Whitaker, who had recently settled in the place.

On the 13th of the following Nov. E. M. Thresher and G. N. Bierce, of Dayton, visited Sidney as a missionary committee of the association. They, together with W. M. Whitaker, visited every Baptist family known in the town. On the evening of that day prayer meeting was held at the house of Mary Whitman, and on Sabbath morning a meeting of like character was held at the home of Elizabeth Fletcher On Sabbath afternoon a Bible-class (out of which a Sabbath-school afterward grew) was organized at the home of John Grey. It was agreed to meet every Sabbath for the study of the Scriptures, and on every Thursday evening for prayer and conference. Thus foundations were laid for a society.

After Dec. 1, 1869, preaching was frequently supplied by the ministers of the association, who voluntarily took turns in paying us these much needed visits.

At this time the meetings were held in what was then, and is still known as, Union Hall. On Thursday evening, Jan. 27, 1870, a small company of members of different Baptist churches met at the home of Mrs. Mary Whitman. The result of that meeting was the organization of what has since been known as the First Regular Baptist Church of Sidney, Ohio.

The names of the seven original members are as follows : W. MWhitaker, Mary Whitaker, John Grey, Anna Perrin, A. S. Moore, John Holverstolt, and Callie Holverstolt. At this meeting was adopted a church covenant, and also what is generally known as the New Hampshire Articles of Faith. At a subsequent meeting suitable officers were elected.

On the 20th of May, 1870, a council convened with us, by which the society was recognized as a regularly organized Baptist church. On that occasion the sermon was preached by Dr. J. R. Banners, now editor of the Baptist Review.

preaching one-half of the time. But this arrangement did not long continue. On account of declining health the pastor offered his resignation, so that on Feb. 7, 1871, the little society was again without a pastor.

In June, 1870, the little Bible-class alluded to above had assumed the proportions of a Sunday-school, and, under the pastorate of Bro. Snyder, the school was quite largely attended. But after the pastor's resignation it declined, and finally a brief suspension. But those most interested in the work felt ill at ease so long as nothing was being done in this important department of the Lord's work.

About this time help came through J. Dann, of the Methodist Church, who agreed to aid in reopening the school. This was June 18, 1871, since which time there has been no suspension.

On Feb. 4, 1872, having been without a pastor for just one year, a call was extended to Rev. T. J. Shepherd of Clyde, Ohio. This call was accepted, and he entered the pastorate March 1, 1872. Up to this time there was no permanent house for worship. After occupying Union Hall for one year, the lecture-room of the German M. E. Church was secured for a few months. But with the coming of Bro. Shepherd a new energy was infused among the brethren, and they began to look about them for a church home of their own. It was ascertained that the old M. E. Church property could be bought. On the 25th of March a committee was appointed to purchase the property, and on April 20th the first payment was made, and a deed was executed in favor of the trustees by J. W. Carey, who was the owner of the property at that time. The amount paid for the property was $1700. The contract called for five hundred dollars to be paid in cash, and the balance in five annual payments with eight per cent, interest.

The financial ability of the church was very weak at this time. The entire membership was only fifteen, and the only male members were Deacons W. M. Whitaker and J. Grey. But, led by an efficient pastor, and aided by numerous friends, the little church bore herself nobly.

During the first year of Bro. Shepherd's pastorate almost $1200 were raised for different purposes and from various sources, and year after year the payments on the church property were met until the debt was cancelled.

On May 1, 1876, after laboring four years and two months Bro. Shepherd closed his labors, and the church was without a pastor for eight months, when on Jan. 28, 1877, Rev. J. C. Tuttle, of Bellefontaine, accepted a call, and served for six months, when they were again left pastorless for eighteen months. During this interval preaching was enjoyed only occasionally, by visiting brethren.

At a meeting of the society, held on Feb. 28, 1 878, a call was extended to Perry W. Longfellow of Jamestown, Ohio. This call was accepted, but on account of protracted illness the pastor did not enter the field until Jan. 3, 1879. He served until June, 1882.

Oct. 1, 1882, Rev. E. B. Smith accepted a call, and is the present pastor. The present membership is forty-seven, with a Sabbath-school of eighty scholars and teachers. The present deacons are W. M. Whitaker and R. R. Blue. Trustees, W. M. Whitaker, Jos. Herbert, and W. A. McAdoo.

The history of this congregation is but a repetition of others that have formed themselves in America. In the year 1848 only a small number of Catholics resided in Sidney, but they formed themselves into a society. Poor and few as they were, they were obliged to assemble in a private dwelling-house and there hold their religious services. In 1850 Rev. Thomas Shehan ministered to these few; he was succeeded by Rev. John Quinlan, the lately deceased Bishop of Mobile, Alabama, who then resided at Piqua, but looked after, and cared for, the spiritual wants of the Catholics of Sidney. About this time a frame building, which had served as a cooper's shop, was purchased and soon converted into a place of worship. It was here where the small band of Catholics assembled to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. Although humble and poorly furnished as this house of worship was, yet the then few members prided themselves in having their own church building. But this quiet and pleasantness was to be only of short duration, for in. the year 1855 this was blown up with powder and stone, totally wrecking it. This again was a terrible stroke for the few members, but they felt determined that they must have a place to hold their religious service, but what could they do? For almost three years were services held in different halls of the town. The mission was during these years attended to by the then resident priests of Piqua, Fathers Hemstegger and Kennedy. In 1856 a subscription list was opened, and the site upon which the present church stands was purchased by Messrs. Mathias Wagner, Peter Wagner, aud John Smith, trustees of the congregation, and the building of the church was at once begun, and in 1858 it was read)' for service. Fathers Andrew, C.P.P.S. and Jacobs, C.P.P.S. were attending this mission at that time.

At this time the few Catholics began to consider the necessity of a school in which to instruct their children; but to or with what to do this was a problem difficult to solve. They knew that unless their children were reared up in their religion the future congregation would be neither increasing in number nor zeal. To solve this difficulty, a parti- tion was run across the west end of the church from north to south, which gave a room 23 bv 50 feet, and here the school was opened with an attendance of twenty children. The mission was in charge of (from 1800-1862) Revs. N. Thisse, Hennyberry, and Prendergast, who resided at Wapakoneta. Rev. Florentine D'Arcy succeeded in 1862, and was the first resident priest in Sidney ; he set to work and had the church finished as it now stands. It became necessary to remodel the partition and also to get other school localities. Many perplexing questions presented themselves. At last it was resolved to fit up an old frame building which stood on the west end of the church lot; work was commenced, and in a few days it was all ready, a good, large and comfortable room, with thirty-two pupils in attendance. In 1865 Rev. Florentine D'Arcy was succeeded by Rev. William D'Arcy as pastor of the congregation, and he in 1866 by Rev. William O'Rourke, who remained only a short time. In 1867 Rev. John D. Kress became pastor and remained three years. In 1870 Rev. William Sidley took charge of the congregation, and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Rowecamp, and in March, 1875, Rev. Francis M. Qnatinan became the rector of Holy Angels' Church. At this time the church consisted of 110 families, and the pupils on the school roll numbered 95. He at once went to work with an iron will, by calling a meeting of the congregation, which was getting able to stand alone, he explaining his plans, infusing courage to all, he commenced by enlarging the gallery in the church and having the building to undergo a thorough renovation.

In January, 1876, a subscription list was started for the purpose of raising funds for the erection of another school building, and in a few weeks the old frame school-house was removed to make place for the present building. In September of the same year it was opened, with 112 pupils. The cost of the building was $4756; the outside walls measure 40 by 60 with cupola and cross : two stories high, with basements; contains four school- rooms, a library-room and entry, hails in both stories. At this date there are 185 names on the roll for the year 1883. It is a well-graded school, the course ten years - comprising six years primary, two intermediate, two years higher studies. There is also a department of music connected with the school in which instrumental and vocal lessons are taught; this department is taught in the Sisters' residence. The rector of the church is ex-officio director of the school. All the branches of the school are taught by the Sisters of Charity from Cedar Grove, near Cincinnati. There are at present five Sisters engaged in teaching. The school is supported by a small monthly fee for tuition, by collections and donations from the members of the church; those parents who on account of obvious reasons cannot contribute towards maintaining the school, no charge is made.

In January, 1876, a lot north of the church grounds was purchased, and in the summer of 1880 the old frame building which had stood there for years was removed, and the present brick dwelling erected and occupied by the Sisters of Charity. The cost of the building alone amounted to over $3000.

The seating capacity of the church is about 400 on the main floor, and the galleries will seat 150. The church building is 80 by 50 feet, 35 feet high, with a tower of 110 feet, which contains a peal of three bells.

There are belonging to this church 610 communicants - 160 families, and over 800 souls, counting men, women, and children. During 1882 there were 23 burials and 29 baptisms.

Societies. - Branch No. 215 Catholic Knights of America. Sacred Heart Married Ladies' Sodality. Immaculate Conception Sodality for Young Ladies. St. Aloysius' Sodality for Boys. Children of Mary Society for Girls Society of the Holy Childhood for Children, and orphan society for support of diocesan orphan asylum.

of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted at Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, March 3, 1825. The officers of the R. W. Grand Lodge, who granted the charter, were W. W. Irwin, Grand Master; David R. Miller, Deputy Grand Master; Samuel Wheeler, Grand Senior Warden; G. R. Fitzgerald, Grand Junior Warden; A. McDonald, Grand Secretary.

The petitioners were Dr. William Fielding, Robert Blakely, John Lenox, James Wells, Elisha Williams, John Blakely, James DePuy, John MeCorkle, Abraham Kensinger, and Lemuel Loughrcy. William Fielding was installed Worshipful Master ; Robert Blakely, Senior Warden; and John Lenox, Junior Warden. It was named Temperance Lodge, after the first cardinal virtue of a mason, which teaches every brother to place a due restraint upon his passions and his appetites.

Temperance Lodge No. 73 celebrated its fiftieth anniversary at SvO rie >' - Jan. 10, 1875. The attendance from the neighboring lodges amoun tet ^ to four hundred brethren. Brother A. L. McKinney, or Troy, made the address. He was followed by Dr. Keifer, of Troy. A fter these speeches the brethren were invited to a magnificent banquet at the Odd Fellows Hall. Toasts and speeches followed the banquet. The impromptu speakers were Rev. T. C. Reade, Brothers John E. Cummins, Robert Me. Murray, A. B. Cole, N. R. Burress, and A. L. McKinley.

The first lodge was held in the old hotel kept L»y Brother Ilai] man, and now occupied and owned by Mr. Wagner on the north side of Poplar Street next to Messrs. Zinn & Hoover's store. The second w« in the Union Hotel, on the south side of Poplar Street between Oh' 8 and West streets, near the stone bridge, when an article of agreeing '° was entered into between James Blair and the locijge for six years f fo 1 September, 1845. The third lodge room was in H. JL,. Fry's bui],^ 0 * on the southeast corner of Main and Poplar streets, which tlle lias occupied since 1855.

On account of the antimasonic excitement consequent on the death r William Morgan, the lodge suspended their labors in 1 835, to be res Um at the call of the Worshipful Master. God in his I > i*o violence spared .the life of their beloved Worshipful Master, William Field ing, to call the craft in 1845 to resume labor, and from that time forward the principles and tenets of the masonic order have been cultivated and promoted in Sidney and the surrounding country. We desire also to state in this connection that Brother W. Fielding had the honor of presiding ns Worshipful Master for a period of twenty-seven years, to which maybe added the nine years of the suspension of the lodge, making in all thirty-four years. During its suspension Bro. Field ing was de facto the Worshipful Master. We may state that the lodge never siirrendei ei its charter, and the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, at a meeting; * ® in October, 1845, heard all the facts of the case from Brother Fie who was present, and they unanimously passed a resolution 101 73 to resume their labors, as the charter had never been suspei and during these nine years. the brethren had carried out the p* *^^<1 n o of the order, being compelled by circumstances over which they control to suspend their labors. . for a.

Grand Master John Snow. The fraternity formed a processi o |jq c ;er» marched to the lodge room, when the hall was consecrated a,lCl >rT1<> n » ea installed according to ancient usage. After these imposing cere ftrC liefl the brethren and the visitiqg brethren and officers reformed and * ptuto Mr. Blake's hotel, where the ladies and brethren partook of a s j0 n<lod ous dinner prepared by the committee. Toasts were read and re-S * ^<1 by to. Brother John Johnston, Indian agent of Piqua, being P , ' e t v * < Vr the indisposition from attending, sent the following sentiment: it f a cti ve glorious immortal principles of Freemasonry ever continue 1,1 operation to the latest posterity !" .

Resolved, That Brother James DePuy be appointed to com 1 * 1 111 j jetic to our worthy Brother John Johnston, the brotherly and symp® olJJ . feeling of this lodge on account of his privation, and to return In 111 sincere thanks for his active aid in forwarding some of the necess y preparations for this solemn occasion. ,

Whereas , Our beloved institution has recently been assailed in this place by the enemies of our most ancient order in the most unjust and cruel manner: And

Whereas, Those assailants were most ably and successfully met, and completely overwhelmed by the ability and eloquence displayed in the defence of our venerable fraternity by our worthy Brother William Fielding; therefore

Resolved , unanimously, that the thanks of this lodge be tendered to the Worshipful Master Brother Fielding, for the ability, zeal, and eloquence displayed by him in successfully defending the masonie institution against the repeated, violent, and, as we sincerely believe, perfectly unjustifiable attacks of the enemies of our order.

Brother Fielding took an active and efficient part in acquiring a full and perfect knowledge of masonry, its origin, and its principles. To understand one particular part of the order he wrote a letter to the celebrated Rev. Brother George Oliver, of England - the learned Masonic historian - whose name is familiar to every brother. From him he received an answer, with his views. This autograph letter Temperance Lodge 73 directed to be framed to adorn the hall of the lodge and preserve its sentiments, as well as hand down the names of Brothers Fielding and Oliver. We give it in full : -

"technically correct" in the 33d of the Rite Anciens, I am sorry to confess altho' many years ago I was tolerably au fait at them, yet when I inform you that I am nearly seventy years of age, and that it is thirty years since I occupied the chair of a lodge, chapter, or consistory, you will not wonder that much of the technical lectures has escaped my recollection. It is probable that with some trouble I might succeed in recovering a considerable portion of them, but other pursuits will scarcely leave me sufficient leisure for the purpose.

Besides even in symbolic masonry our lodges are not uniform in their system of lecturing. It is true our Grand Lodge imposed a series of lecturing at the great reunion in 1813, but they are not in general use, nor do I see how they can be, for some portion of them are scarcely orthodox. Many lodges, therefore, prefer the old formula which was introduced by Brother Preston about the latter end of the last century - in fact our lodges not only differ in working but also in recognition.

In Scotland the system varies considerably from ours. They have no rough or perfect ashler - nor any allusion to the Masonic Ladder, or to Faith, Hope, and Charity. They have no deacons, and their mode of opening and closing a lodge is different.

- In like manner the Irish lectures offer many varieties, and with respect to the higher degrees the discrepancies are still more multifarious. To name only a single instance. The degree called "Kadosh" assumes many anomalous forms. As originally constituted at Lyons in 1763, it was for overturning both civic and ecclesiastical government, at least so I am informed, for I have not seen a copy of the Petit Elu, as it was first called. It was afterwards converted by the Jesuitical Chapter, or College of Clermont, into a degree, where the candidate was taught to imprecate vengeance on all the opponents of the Templars. This was the original degree of Kadosh in the Rite Anciens; but for many years in France Kadosh has been changed into a philosophical and very stupid degree, with nothing of the old Kadosh but the secrets. The Kadosh of Baron Hunde is the same as was practised in London before 1782, which I suspect is the ladder of seven steps alluded to in the certificate formerly given to Knights Templar by the Grand Conclave of England.

In the College of La Rouge there is a Philosophical Kadosh, or Grand Elu Chevalier de L'Aigle blanee et noir, and another in that of Peyroc. The twenty-seventh degree of Misraim is called Kadosh Prince de la Mort. Sometimes Kadosh is given as a separate order, and then it is composed of three steps or degrees : 1. Illustrious Knight of the Temple. 2. Knight of the Black Eagle. 3. Grand Elected. The Kadosh in Holland is totally different, and is rather a religious degree. It consists of three steps, the last being honorary and without secret. This is traditionally said to have been carried to the Cape of Good Hope by a Scotchman, and brought from thence to Amsterdam.

Under these circumstances I am afraid you will find great difficulty in rendering the various lectures in every system of Freemasonry to any degree of uniformity, nor are you likely to succeed in finding any person who will be able to devote sufficient time and attention to the task of collating all the various modes of working, so as to form one consistent and uniform course of lectures which may invest Freemasonry with the dignity of a progressive science. 1 think there is not a man in England at the present time who would be both able and willing to accomplish this great undertaking satisfactorily.

Indeed we look to you (Americans) as our authority for the working of the thirty-three degrees of the Rite Anciens, and accepted as our Supreme Council derives its existence from the United States, altho' I received and conferred the degrees many years ago, and del vered a series of lectures upon them, which differ essentially from those now in use. If, however, 1 can be of any assistance to you on particular points I shall be most happy.

The following Companions were the officers of the M. E. Grand Chapter: C. F. Kieffer, Grand High Priest; Reuben C. Lemon, Deputy Grand High Priest; I. P. Hovey, G. King; James W. Underhill, G. Scribe; James Nesbitt, Grand Secretarj'.

The first officers of Sidney Chapter, No. 130, were, Eli B. Honnell, High Priest; John G. Stephenson, King; Thomas A. Dutton, Scribe. The charter members were, Companions John G. Stephenson, Thomas Dutton, J. R. Kendall, B. C. Epler, Jos. Wykes, W. H. Mitchell, Richard D. Bell, S. Verdier, and Alexander Green.

since that time not only maintained its organization, but also gave evidence of continued prosperity and usefulness. The initial steps of its establishment will appear by the following entry, taken from the lodge records : -

I. Kell}', of Piqua Lodge No. 8, was duly appointed with full powers to carry said charter into effect. Accordingly', a number of brothers from Springfield, Troy, and Piqua Lodges met the petitioners at the Masonic Hall for the purpose of instituting Sidney Lodge, No. 60. Bro. I. M. Kills, of Springfield Lodge, was called to the Noble Grand's chair; Bro. Webb, of Piqua Lodge, was appointed treasurer; Bro. Tullis, of Troy Lodge, secretary ; Bro. Marlay, of Troy Lodge, guardian ; and Bro. Powers, of Troy Lodge, marshal.

The Lodge then proceeded to initiate and elect the necessary officers, which resulted as follows: Noble Grand, Jonathan Hailman; Vice Grand, W. M. Ross; Secretary, A. G. Wilder; Treasurer, T. M. Carey. Bros. T. M. Carey and O. Pretzman applied for the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degrees, which were granted and dispensation issued for the conferring the same forthwith. The Lodge then adjourned till after the meeting of the Degree ,Lodge. After the above degrees were conferred the body again organized. The officers were then regularly installed into office by special deputy P. G. Kelly.

The following petitions were then received and referred to Brothers Rodgers, Carey, and Ross, with instructions to report forthwith : Samuel Hutton, occupation, saddler; residence, Sidney : H. A. Stevens, occupation, boatman; res. Sidney: Samuel Lamb, occupation, clerk; res. Sidney: B. McClain, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney: Titos. Blake, occupation, carpenter; res. Sidney: D. Bulle, occupation, portrait painter ; res. Sidney : B. W. Carey, occupation, merchant ; res. Sidney : H. S. Conklin, occupation, physician ; res. Sidney: James Irwin, occupation, cabinetmaker; res. Sidney: W. B. Brown, occupation, saddler; res. Sidney : J. Fracker, occupation, saddler ; res. Sidney : F. A. Hardy, occupation, cooper; re9. Sidney: A. Coon, occupation, tailor; res. Sidney: T. C. McQuilty, occupation, merchant ; res. Hardin.

The committee on above petitions reported favorably in each case. The report was accepted, the committee discharged, and candidates balloted for separately. Dispensations were then granted by special deputy Kelly for the initiation of the above candidates, and all, with the exception of James Irwin, were then introduced and regularly initiated into the mysteries of Odd Fellowship.

Brother A. G. Wilder tendered his resignation as secretary, which was accepted, and Bro. E. Pretzman was nominated, elected, and regularly installed in the office of secretary.

Pursuant to adjournment, the Lodge met and organized. On motion, the following orders were issued to pay bills : To It. F. Cole, for painting, $5 ; to J. Keely, $5.80; to J. Keely, for M $8.50; to R. Rodgers, for hat, $3.50; to R. Rodgers, for stationery, 20 cents; to Mrs. Carr, for regalia, $2 ; to Mrs. Oglesby, far regalia, 75 cents.

Brother Blake was appointed to procure a plan of Piqua Lodge-room and furnish Mr. Updegraff with the same. Brother Bulle was appointed to paste the songs of the Lodge on cards. Brothers Conklin and T. M. Carey were appointed to procure a seal for the use of the Lodge.

A. J. Edwards, Jacob Praeker, D. W. Stockstill, W. W. Skillen, S. Alex. Leckej', John Sinks, George W. Metzker, George Kraft, A. J. Rebstoek,

The Lodge now embraces one hundred and twenty-nine members, and is in a prosperous condition. The lodge-room is well adapted to its uses, and is well and tastefully furnished. The Lodge meets on Tuesday evening of each week.

R. W. G. Sec., J. Greswold, specially deputized by the M. W. G. Patriarch, being present, proceeded to the initiation of Osceola Encampment No. 63, and declared the same duly instituted.

The following is the list of officers elected and installed : J. E. Bailey, Chief Patriarch; David Bulle, High Priest; Wm. Snevely, Senior Warden ;

The Grand Patriarch granted a dispensation to receive the proposition of the following brethren: J. L. Roberts, Joseph Conner,'!'. M. Phillips, and J. Haise, who were then introduced and initiated into the order.

This society consists of an active membership of seventy-eight, and is in a good working and prosperous condition. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Fridays of each month.

A Temple of this order was instituted in Sidney on May 18, 1882, by Deputy Supreme Oracle, II, M. Innis, of Columbus, Ohio, assisted by L. W. Sherwood, Oracle of Ohio Temple No. 1., P. C., with the following patriarchs as charter members: D. L. Bush, A. J. Robertson, J. S. Laughlin, Levi Ewing, Frank Fruchey, J. Newton Nutt, C. E. Bush, G.

The appointed officers for the same term were as follows: A. S. Lanpher, First Aid ; J. G. McCune, Second Aid ; B. W. Joslin, Guard ; Frank Fruchey, Sentinel ; G. W. Hendershott, Chaplin.

Representatives to the Supreme Temple have been elected as follows: For the year 1882 Hudson Gartley, and for the year 1883, G. E. Allinger.

The Temple has gained membership slowly but cautiously, until the present time, June, 1883, when the roll shows a membership of forty-one live, working members. Regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month.

This Temple, together with Miami Temple No. 2, of Piqua, and Golden Temple No. 13, of Troy, were united in an organization known as Ohio Battalion No. 1, P. C., in August, 1882, with the following Battalion officers: J. S. Laughlin, Colonel; J. R. George, Lieutenant-Colonel; Franklin Ellis, Major, and Hudson Gartley, Adjutant.

Summit Lodge No. 50, of Knights of Pythias, was organized April 25, 1873. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, March 13, 1873. The charter members were: Tobe Weinstein, 0. O. Mathers, H. H. Sprague, S. A. Leckey, Robt. Given, H. Wagner, M.D., A. J. Rob-- ertson, Daniel Toy, B. F. Martin, J. A. Stipp, II. Guthrie, W. H. Goode, C. R. Joslin, and W. W. Robertson.

The lodge met for organization in the Odd Fellows' Hall. Grand Chancellor, A. O. Emerson, presided at the first meeting, initiated and passed the charter members through the several degrees.

In the spring of 1883 the trustees of the lodge remodelled their hall, papered and painted it, and have made it one of the most pleasant and beautiful halls in the town. There is a membership of over fifty.

C. E. Fielding, C. R. Joslin, Sami. Silvers, W. A. Nutt, Wm. M. Van Fossen, J. E. Wilkinson, G. S. Harter, J. S. Laughlin, II. S. Ailes, Thomas Wright, II. B. Neal, W. II. Taylor, R. Smeltzer, J. A. Montrose, J. C. Hainse, H. Stahl, W. A. Skillen, Dr. A. Wilson, H. Wilson, and P. B. Birch.

This monument to the fallen soldiers of the late civil war is worthy of a proud and grateful people. It is also a worthy tribute to the men who kept their country's flag above them whether they stood in life or lay in death. It was in 1865, just at the close of the war, that a town meeting was held in Sidney to consider the proposition of erecting a suitable monument in memory of the martyr dead of Shelby County. Various speakers advanced various ideas, and numerous plans were suggested, but the meeting dissolved without taking any definite action. Here the matter rested for a time, but finally Messrs. C. W. Vandegrift, F. B Carey, and C. W. Frazier organized as a private association under the firm style of Carey, Vandegrift & Co., for the purpose of conducting a lottery, the proceeds of which should be devoted to the praiseworthy object of erecting a suitable monument to the deceased soldiers of the county. Before definite steps were taken Mr. Frazier withdrew, and J. R. Fry became his successor in the association. A lottery was soon after established, with real and personal property as a basis, and the price of tickets fixed at one dollar each, thus enabling every citizen to assist the laudable enterprise. It was resolved to raise sixty thousand dollars, and after the publication of a prize list, the sale of tickets was commenced. When $40,000 had been realized from these sales, $30,000 was invested in real and personal property, which was judiciously divided into prizes, according to the original plan. When the sale of tickets was exhausted the lottery was drawn, the prizes distributed, and Messrs. Carey, Vandegrift & Frazier appeared before the City Council and delivered to that body the proceeds of the lottery, amounting to $11,473.97. This ended the responsibilities of Messrs. Vandegrift, Carey & Frazier; but their efforts received, as they deserved, the grateful encomiums of a whole community.

On the 2d of May, 1871, the General Assembly of Ohio passed an act providing for the appointment of trustees and the disposition of moneys or other property held in trust for the erection of soldiers' monuments. This act provided for the appointment of trustees by the Court of Common Pleas, who should give bond for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office: that such board of trustees should not exceed seven members, each of whom should be a resident of the county in which a monument was to be erected : that the board, or a majority' thereof, should determine whether to erect a monument or a monumental building: that permanent tablets should be provided, on which should be inscribed the name of each soldier who lost his life in the service of his country': that vacancies in the board should be filled by the Court of Common Pleas: that all monuments or monumental buildings should be forever free from taxation.

On the 27th of May r , 1871, W. P. Stowell, Esq., presented a petition to the Court of Common Pleas, asking that the funds held by J. F. Frazier, George Vogle, and J. II. Fry', being the proceeds of the lottery, be placed in the hands of trustees under the act of May 2, 1871. Messrs. Frazier & Vogle appeared in court, waived service, and on June 12th the Court determined, after due examination, that there were in the hands of said persons money, property, and assets to the value of $11,473.97, the same being a fund set apart for the erection of a soldiers' monument. The Court thereupon appointed a Board of Trustees, consisting of Levi C. Barkdull, Nathan R. Wyman, II. S. Gillespie, Daniel Staley, Hugh Thompson, Joseph C. Haines, and R. R. Lytle. . The Court further directed the original trustees, Messrs. Frazier, Vogle, and Fry, to bring said amount of $11,473.97 into court on the 17th of June inst. This order was complied with, the new trustees gave approved bonds, and received the property' in trust with instructions to loan the same in good and sufficient security. The trustees met on the same date and organized by electing Hugh Thompson, President; N. R. Wyman, Secretary; and Hugh Thompson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull, Executive Committee.

On May' 27, 1873, the trustees purchased the corner lot, known as the Ackerly corner, and being the south half of the lot on corner of Court and Ohio streets, Sidney. The consideration was $4500 and possession until the 1st of April, 1874.

On February 15, 1874, A. J. Robertson and Col. Harrison Wilson were appointed members of the Board of Trustees vice R. R. Lytle and H. S. Gillespie, who became non-residents. The property was then rented to John Mather for one year at $50 per annum.

In the autumn of 1874 Mr. Robertson suggested the idea of requesting an additional legislative act to authorize the town and township to raise a joint fund which, with the amount already in the hands of the trustees, should Ire applied to the erection of a monumental building. This action was approved by the legislature, and the people were authorized to hold an election to determine whether the town and township should contribute to the project. Under this provision the corporation of Sidney and Clinton Township each voted $13,000, and issued bonds for said amount.

On March 21, 1875, the Board had resolved to erect a monumental building if sufficient aid could be obtained from Sidney and Clinton Township to make an aggregate fund of $40,000, and as noted above, said fund was raised by taxation.

On May 30, 1875, Hugh Thompson and Col. II. Wilson were appointed to take proper measures to have another amount of $12,000 voted by- Sidney and Clinton Township, or a tax of $6000 each. This was done March 15, 1876, the same having been changed to $7500 each, or an aggregate of $15,000.

On the 14th of April the trustees rented a room for office uses in the residence of Hugh Thompson, and authorized A. J. Robertson to act for the Board in arranging terms with the town and township as to the rights and privileges of each concerning the proposed building. Levi C. Barkdull, Harrison Wilson, and N. R. Wyman were appointed a committee on plan of building, subject to the approval of the full board. Hugh Thompson and L. C. Barkdull were authorized to dispose of the building which occupied the lot already- purchased. The trustees, town council, and township trustees elected represen tatives to report plans and confer in joint session. A. J. Robertson was chosen by the building trustees, Samuel McCune by the town council, and John Wagner by the township officers, as representatives of the three bodies concerned. Plans were received, and, after a full examination by the joint bodies, the plans submitted by Samuel Lane of Cleveland were adopted, and on May 10, 1875, a committee on contracts was appointed, consisting of A. J. Robertson, L. C. Barkdull, and N. R Wyman, their action to be subject to the approval of the whole Board. A J. Robertson was appointed to superintend the construction of the building.

Description and Contracts. - The size of the building is 165 feet on Court Street and 44 feet on Ohio Street; three stories high, with basement in front 35 by 41 feet, and a cellar under the whole building, which is so arranged as to be converted into rooms if any necessity of this character should arise.

The brickwork was let to W. W. Robertson for $9259.82. The cellar wall to Jacob Hopler for $954.26. Cut stonework to Thomas Jones for $9650. Additional work to Thomas Jones for $473. Woodwork to Mr. McCoy for $11,500. Painting and glazing to F. Gierman for $2963. Galvanized iron, tin, and slating to W. M. -Service & Co. for $1915. Plastering to Fullers & Pecks for $6508. Iron columns to Manning & Son for $2887-29. Gas fitting to P. Smith & Bro. for $225. Frescoing and scene painting to E. F. Harvey for $1200. Steam heater to Brooks, Leight & Co. for $3397. Stage carpenter work to F. Fowler for $430. Cost of stone for cellar and area walls for $1479.85.

Laying the Corner-stone - The following order of exercises was observed on Thursday, June 24, 1875, being the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone of Monumental Building. Prayer, by Rev. T. C. Reade, after which the square, level, and plumb were masonically applied to the corner-stone, and the corn, wine, and oil sprinkled upon it; whereupon the Grand, Master struck the corner with his gavel, and the whole ceremonies were masonically explained. A box was then deposited in the corner-stone, containing the following-named articles: Programme of the day; list of discharged soldiers of Shelby County; list of officers and members of Company M, 1st Ohio Light Artillery of Shelby County-; copy of Shelby County Democrat of June 24, 1875; copies of Sidney Journal of April 21, 1865, and June 18, 1875; list of Summit Lodge, No. 50 K. of P. ; A $500 monumental bond of the village of Sidney, of issue of June 14, 1875; Wide-awake badge of J. C. Jacobs, Lieut.-Coionel of the 24th New York Cavalry; list of Silver Star Cornet Band; copy of Cincinnati Gazette . , Commercial, and Enquirer of June 24, 1875; charter of Orange Lodge, No. 152, and names of charter members; name of the former owner of the building site, George Ackerly; names of survivors of the Mexican War, A. J. Robertson, George Ackerly, Amos Woaley', and W. H. Howell; names of building committee, A. J. Robertson, N. R. Wyman, and L. C. Barkdull; name of architect, Samuel Lane, associate member of American Institute of Architects.

It may here be observed that after this part of the ceremony, Sergt. W. M. Tan Fossen, who in the procession was color-bearer of the 99th Regiment, veiled the corner-stone with the flag, saying, " Done in memory of the fallen heroes of Shelby County, in the State of Ohio and town of Sidney, June 24, in the year of our Lord 1875."

On April 14, 1877, the trustees were authorized to issue bonds for the completion of the building, and H. Thompson and J. G. Stephenson were appointed to procure printed bonds. Messrs. Haines and Stephenson were instructed to collect $670 from Sidney and $100 from Clinton Township, to be applied to the payment for heating apparatus.

On the 4th of May the trustees submitted a report to the Court of Common Pleas. Moneys received consisted of real estate, notes, <fec., amounting to $59,538.32. Disbursements, $58,289.08. Balance on hand, $1249.24.

On February 1, 1879, the trustees met to consider a proposition to receive the books and other property from the Library Association Trustees, and on February' 10th the proposition was accepted on the following conditions: That the library be free to the clergy, their wives and minor children; to soldiers and sailors of the civil war and their wives and minor children; to the widows and mothers of such soldiers or sailors who may have died in the service ; to all others upon such terms as the trustees may prescribe; the whole institution to be governed by such rules and regulations as the board may- adopt. The Monumental Association, by the Board of Trustees, bound the corpora-

Uses of the Building . - The front basement is occupied by the Sidney Wheel Club; the first floor on Ohio Street is occupied as two storerooms, one of which is 112 by 19 feet, and the other 75 by 19 feet. These have entrances on Ohio Street, as have also the library and hall, while the storeroom occupying the ground corner has also au entrance on Court Street. Next this is an entrance to the hall and second story. Adjoining the Court Street entrance is the room formerly occupied as the post-office, being 18 by 43 feet. West of this room is the engineroom of the fire department, this being 44 feet square, while One corner room, 18 feet square, is occupied as a polling-room.

Oh the second floor is Library Hall, 42 by 75 feet, with a librarian's office and museum, 35 by 18 feet. In Library Hall are preserved the marble tablets upon which are inscribed the names of the illustrious patriots who died that the nation might live. Its splendid alcoves, arches, and decorations make it a fit place to enshrine the names of a county's dead.

On the third floor is the Opera Hall, 42 by 126 feet, complete in ornament, scenery, and furniture, and capable of seating seven hundred and fifty people. West of this, on the same floor, is the Town Hall, 40 by 33 feet, which is used for public meetings of every character.

Present Board of Trustees: Hugh Thompson, President; A. J. Robertson, Col. Harrison Wilson, J. C. Haines, Daniel Staley, N. R. Burress, C. W. McKee.

Republics are not always ungrateful, as shown by such magnificent tributes of love to those who went down in death beneath the old flag we love so well. These buildings are more than mere monuments, for they tell the history of that struggle which ensued when the arbitrament of logic gave place to the arbitrament of the sword, and the nation's life was suspended in the scales of war. It was when this shock of war burst upon our land, that these men, whom the nation delights to honor, threw down the implements and ornaments of peace to grasp and wield the weapons and agencies of war. It was at that period when the nation was paralyzed, industry prostrated, plows and spindles idle, and men gazed bewilderingly into each other's faces, fearing to hear the worst, that these men left the farm, the office, the counting-room, and the shop to rush to the rescue of the nation's honor, and prove themselves giants, not only willing but also able to grapple with the proudest species of the rebellion. At the roll call they rallied beneath the flag, and from Pilot Knob to Washington, from the misty lowlands of Vicksburg to the cloud-capped summit of Lookout, from the Ohio to the Gulf and the Ocean they carried their flag to victory, or lay in the embrace of death. From the midnight slumber of quiet to the continent-shaking thunders of Gettysburg; from Sumter to Appomattox, when the failing hearts of men, the desolation of women, and the sobs of children told how fearful was the strife; when the heart strings of society were palpitating at their highest tension, and the pulse-beats indicated fever heat; through that season of doubt and fear and death, the soldier of the Union stood at his post, with almost more than human fortitude and endurance. Living, the land for which he fought was still beneath his feet, her flag still floated above him, while the terrors of death could not assuage his love of country. Dead, he lay upon the same field, beneath the same flag, while mortality, with just scales, found his life a crowning effort, his death a glorified triumph. So it is that no holier trust is confided to any nation than that reposed in the United States for the veneration of her martyrs and the protection of their comrades, their widows, and their orphans. As a tribute these buildings form a vigorous protest against the clamored theory that republics are ungrateful, while the deeds of those who are thus commemorated stand as a reproof of that other theory that republics are not self-preservative, but are calculated only for the olive season of peace. The lives of these men vindicated the stability of popular government, and its vitality to survive not only the evolutions of peace, but also the revolutions of war. By their heroism they taught us it is not necessary to look to Marathon or Waterloo for deeds of martial courage, while they taught the world that freemen are boru warriors, and cherish principles higher than life itself. Their history is not written in the hearts of their countrymen alone, but of every lover of freedom throughout the world, for the nobility of their deeds, the grandeur of their achievements, and the devotion of their heroism have called forth the plaudits of the world. They fought as men for man, and their lives did not end when they fell upon the field. There is an immortality on this side of the grave, and the immortal element of these men lias gone forth carrying cheer to the dependents of European potentates, Asiatic despots, and even of African chiefs. They exploded the European theory of free institutions, and proved the violent assumption of those who proudly exclaimed across the water, "You must not judge of the structure while the scaffolding is up," for they removed the scaffolding to exhibit a finished temple with pillars of strength as well as pillars of beauty.

But no words of ours can do justice to the soldier living, much less add to the glory of the soldier dead. The names of the latter are written on the thousand monuments and tablets of brass and marble, but when these shall crumble before all-destroying time, their acts will be seen emblazoned on the pyramid of glory, their deeds will be chanted in the upper corridors of the temple of fame, while the animating spirit of their dust will stimulate posterity to renewed life and courage should wrong for a moment become triumphant, or the rights of man be invaded. By their devotion, sacrifice, and death let us learn fidelity to principle, and duty to our country and its future. It is enough to know they secured for themselves the grateful benedictions of a liberty-loving people and a place on glory's roll, while for us they secured a land of liberty, a land of unity, a land of peace.

The monument is here, and on each recurring Memorial Day appropriate and touching tributes are carried to the graves of those who rest in the village cemeteries. It is fit, too, that once each year we

Tablet Roster

The soldiers' tablets in Monumental Hall contain the roster as given below. The inscriptions at the head of the three tablets are also reproduced.

At Rest In Peace

The officers of the incorporated village of Sidney feeling the necessity of a better protection against the destruction of property by fire, took into consideration the purchase of a fire engine of some kind. After investigating the utility of the different kinds of engines and appliances used for extinguishing fires, they believed that waterworks would be of the greatest utility to the town, not only as a protection against fire, but for street and household purposes.

Accordingly, in the winter or spring of 1 873, they made an arrangement and entered into a contract with B. W. Maxwell to furnish the water for said works for a term of fifteen years at $800 per year. Said Maxwell agreeing to furnish the full capacity of Mosquito Creek, a stream largely supported by springs. The supply of water is sustained by two reservoirs, which are supposed to hold a supply for every emergency.

An agreement was made with the Holly Manufacturing Company of Lockporl, N. Y., to furnish two engines and water-wheels, with all the necessary machinery for the same, for the sura of $10,000, they agreeing that the engines should have the power and capacity to throw four one and a half-inch streams of water over the highest building in the town of Sidney.

A brick building was erected on the east bank of Miami River for the works. The works were put in complete and pipes laid in the fall of 1873. After the completion of the works a test was made; four streams were thrown over the Taylor building and the spire of the Presbyterian Church. The works stood the test and proved satisfactory, and were accepted.

There is at the present time 4^ miles of main pipe laid, with 42 fireplugs and 147 hydrants for private use. The main pipe was bought at $55 per ton, and was laid down at $5 per ton. The total cost of the works, together with the building, pipes, etc., was $55,000.

L. C. liarkduli, James Lamb, and F. E. Hoover were elected as the first board of trustees. L. C. Barkdull had the principal supervision during the construction of the works. The present trustees are G. W. Hendershott, Pres., J. W. Skilleu, Sect., and Joseph M. Nutt.

The fire department consists of one Ahrens No. 2 Steam Fire Engine, four hose and one hook and ladder companies. Each of the hose companies being located in different parts of the town, and one in the first, one in the second, one in the third, and one in the fourth ward. They

These companies are composed of young, energetic, and reliable men, who are ever on the alert for the sound of the fire-bell, and are always prompt to respond to every call.

Sidney is as well protected against fires, perhaps, as any town of its size in the State. Her waterworks have mains leading to almost every part of the town. Her steam fire-engine has access to the canal and river, while reservoirs (built expressly for that purpose), can be reached at all points not accessible by the waterworks. In from three to five minutes from the time the alarm is given, a stream of water can be thrown upon almost any building in the town. " Vigilance" is the motto of every fireman.

was incorporated as a stock company Jan. 1873. The original petitioners for the incorporation were Conrad Ritter, F. E. Hoover, John H. Mathers, N. R. Wyman, J. C. Haines, R. L. Fry, Charles Timeus, and L. C. Barkdull.

The following were the first board of directors : N. R. Wyman, Pres., John H. Mathers, Jacob Piper, F. E. Hoover, and H. Guthrie. The capital stock subscribed was $16,000, in shares of $25 each. Only about $14,000 of this stock was collected. After the completion of the works there was found to be an indebtedness of about $8000. This indebtedness was assumed by the stockholders and paid by the revenue of the works; no dividends being made by the company for several years. Additional pipe was laid from year to year until the capital stock was $25,000, consisting of 1000 shares of $25 each.

The works were completed and put in operation in the fall of 1873, since which time they have been in successful operation. There are at the present time over three miles of main pipe, 160 meters, 67 street lamp-posts.

The present directors are: L. C. Barkdull, Pres., W. P. Metcalf, Treas., D. W. Parapell, H. Thompson and A. J. Robertson ; G. A. Hyde, Jr., Sect, and Superintendent.

At the A pril election, 1880, the question of building a new court-house was submitted to the people of the county, and resulted in a vote of 2024 for and 1786 against building the same. The old court-house was sold to Henry Guckes for $295, he to remove the building by the 10th of March, 1881.

On the 14th of August, 1880, the commissioners entered into a contract with G. H. Maetzel, architect, of Columbus, O., to furnish plans, specifications, detail, and working designs for the contemplated building! Maetzel was to have the sole superintendency of the work, and to see that all materials were according to specifications. * His compensation was to be five per cent, of the whole cost of the structure. The total cost of the building was estimated at $140,000, but will largely exceed that amount. Original contracts for material and work were let as follows: cast and wrought iron -work to H. P. Clough & Co., of Middleton, O., for $30,050; brickwork to Henry Guckes, $13,623; carpenter work to John Rouser' $10,086.30; cut stonework to Wittenmeir Bros., $35,500; tin, galvanized' iron, and slating to W. R. Kinnear & Co., $9998; painting and glazing to Philip Knapf, $4977 ; plastering and stucco-work to Michael Hayes $2900; gas-piping to Andrew Shwartz, $330; plumbing, same, $998- drainage, same, $392. The building is located in the centre of the public square, Sidney, and at this date, June, 1883, is rapidly nearing completion. The site is a beautiful one, and is richly ornamented by forest trees, which make it one of the most desirable sites in the State. The building is substantially built, very commodious, and will be elegantly furnished and finished. Being centrally located in the public square, it fronts all the cardinal points. It will be heated by air conducted in pipes from the heating building at the rear of the jail. The whole structure is theoretically and practically fire-proof. The four corners rise into towers, while the central tower, about one hundred and seventy feet in height, looks down upon all other buildings and spires within the city. It is furnished with a clock which presents a dial on the four sides or faces. Each side of the upper square of the building presents the emblematic and significant goddess, blindfolded, holding the sword and scales of justice. When fully completed it will be the finest structure in this section of Ohio.

Touching the ceremonies at the laying of the corner-stone, July 4, 1881, we insert the following account furnished the readers of the Shelby County Democrat in the issue of July 8th.

"The celebration of the 4 th of July was the most imposing ceremony of the kind ever held in Sidney. The laying of the corner-stone was an important attraction, and brought a large number of persons from the surrounding towns. The ripening fields kept many farmers and their families at home, and the horrible tragedy at Washington was discouraging to all who love their country ns they ought, and cast a gloom over the celebration which every person felt. There was a fine display of flags from offices, stores, and many of the private buildings, and everybody felt it a duty to honor the National birthday, notwithstanding its Chief Magistrate was approaching death through the relentless act of an assassin. From early dawn the boys made things lively by using fire-crackers. At Heiser's shop two anvils were improvised, and used in place of firing the cannon. Tappe's Band was on hand early and put in a hard day's work, and the band from Anna came in early. The efficient Committee of Arrangements did their work faithfully and were promptly at their posts.