Wyandot County, Ohio - Town of Uppee Sandusky - Crane Township, 1884 (part 3 of 3)

Rev. C. Wisner succeeded Mr. Klingler, and was shepherd of the flock for about five years. During this period, he placed the finances of the Upper Sandusky congregation on a firm basis, paid an old church debt and procured a parsonage. Rev. E. D. Miller, the present pastor, succeeded Mr. Wisner April 1, 1881. In the spirit of his predecessors, he is carrying the work successfully forward, and under his charge the church edifice was rebuilded and enlarged in the summer of 1883. The remodeled building was re-dedicated December 9, 1883, which event was noticed in the columns of the IVeekly Chief as follows:

"On last Sabbath forenoon the exercises of re-dedicating the Reformed Church on Fifth street took place. At the allotted hour, people began gathering in, and, after the house was filled to its fullest capacity, the exercises began with an anthem by the choir. The opening address, in English, was made by the former pastor. Rev. J. Klingler, giving the rise and progress of the congregation." Then followed re-dedicatory services in the German by the pastor. Rev. E. D. Miller, and a re-dedicatory sermon by Rev. Dr. Rust, of Tiffin, Ohio.

The Sabbath school in connection with this church numbers four officers, eleven teachers and about one hundred scholars. Its exercises are conducted in the German and English languages. The present Superintendent ib Adam Grundtisch. There is also a flourishing missionary society existing in this church, which is doing a good work both for home and foreign missions. Its present officers are Allen Smalley, Esq., President ; E. F. Miller, Secretary, and Miss Ray Agerter, Treasurer.

The present members of the congregation are 150 in number, of whom John Burkhardt and Adam Grundtisch are Elders; Adam Beinbreck and Joseph E. Altenberger, Deacons; Henry Grundtisch, John Ulrich and U. Schlup, Trustees.

St. Peter''s Roman Catholic Congregation, of Upper Sandusky, is, comparatively, a young organization, its history dating back only to the year 1857, when a few Catholic families, about twelve in number, banded togeiher under the direction of the Sanguinist Fathers of New Riegel, Seneca County, and formed a small but spirited mission. Immediately steps were taken toward the erection of a brick church or chapel, 50x30 feet. In a short time the building was ready for use, and the little congregation felt happy to have a chui-ch of their own, small and plain though it was. The names of the first members who started the congregation were John Gaa, Joseph Gaa, Frank Fleck, Anthony Christen, Fi'ank Keller, Sr. , Frank Joseph Keller, John Osiaus, B. Vogel, John Lauder, Mathias Braun, Frank

Vogel, Anthony Maueb and John Frey, all Germans, also a few Irish families soon joined the small congregation, among whom were John Dempsey, J. Nolan, Michael Moran and ,S. Dolan. The church, when completed, cost about $2,600, of which about $600 was collected from the citizens of the town.

From 1857 until 1865, St. Peter's congregation was attended from New Riegel by the following fathers in the order in which their names are here given, viz.: Revs. Johannes, Anton^ Niclaus Gales, Augustin Reichert, Echardt Glueek, Patrick Henneberry, Henry Engelbert, Mathias Kreusch, Alphons Laux, C. French and Henry Drees. In 1865, the congregation had increased in numbers and strength sufficiently to be able to support a resident pastor. The first priest who served them in this capacity was the Rev. B. A. Quinn, who, however, remained but two months, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. A. Spierings in October, 1865. He remained in charge of St. Peter's congregation till April, 1867, when Rev. Joseph Reinhardt was appointed his successor. Father Reinhardt's useful career was suddenly cut short February 22, 1868, while on his way to Bucyrus to meet Bishop Rappe, who was giving confirmation there. He was rudely thrown from a freight train which he had boarded, no passenger train being available by which he could reach Bucyrus in time for the cei-emony at which he intended to assist. Thrown from the train, he fell under the cars and was instantly killed. His mangled remains were gathered together and conveyed to Upper Sandusky, where, after an imposing and impressive burial service, attended by the Right Rev. Bishop Rappe, many priests and a vast concovirse of people, Catholic and Protestant, they wei'e placed at rest beneath the altar of the parish church. Father Reinhardt was a priest of amiable qualities. During his short pastorate here, he won the love and confidence of his flock and the respect and esteem of the non- Catholics of the community with whom be came in contact. His death was a severe blow to the congregation, who mourned for him as for the loss of a father. Rev. A. Girardin was appointed his successor in February, 1868, but only remained till October of the same year, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. Peter, who had charge of the coQgregation for five years. Under his energetic and zealous administration, the congregation grew in strength and prosperity.

Rev. Charles Braschler, the present pastor, succeeded Father Peter in March, 1873. By this time the congregation had far outgrown its first church. Father Peter had already foreseen the necessity of building a new and larger church, and to this end purchased three lots in the most eligible part of town, corner of Eighth and Finley streets, at a cost of $3,000, which he succeeded in paying for in a comparatively short time, having been generously assisted by the greater part of the congregation. To Father Braschler fell the ai'duoiis and difficiilt task of building this much-needed church. Full of courage, and cheered by the liberal response on the part of his people, he went to work. In the fall of 1873, the foundation was begun. In August of the following year, Rev. D. Hannin was commissioned by the Bishop to lay the corner stone. But owing to the monetary panic of the year previous, the dire efi"ects of which were keenly felt by the entire country, the building progressed but slowly. Pastor and congregation struggled along with their burden at times almost disheartened, yet, in spite of financial difliculties, they went steadily on till April, 1879, when the church was so far finished that it could be used for divine service. Much was still to be done, however, in the way of interior work and ornamentation.

The building was finally brought to completion in the early fall of 1880, and on Sunday, October 17, 1880, it was dedicated by Right Rev. R. Gilmour, assisted by a number of priests.

The church is built of brick, ornamented with cut stone. The style of architecture is Roman-Doric. The building is 140 feet in length, and 60 feet in width; the walls are 42 feet in height, and the graceful spire 200 feet high is in keeping with the exceedingly imposing appearance of the church, which, owing to its elevated site, can be seen for miles. The interior is plastered and decorated with stucco-work, presenting a very pleasant appearance. The windows are of stained glass, each presenting the picture of some saint, or religious symbol, and are the gift of some members of the congregation. The pews, made of black walnut, are of excellent workmanship, and are, what cannot be said of the generality of church pews, well adapted to the purpose for which they are intended. The altar in use at present is only temporary, and will be replaced by one in harmony with the church, as soon as the congregation is able. In 1881, two large hot-air furnaces were placed in the basement, which heat up the church comfortably. In 1882, a very graceful pulpit of black walnut was erected, corresponding with the style of architecture of the interior, at a cost of $330. The church is illuminated by seventy gas-jets. As it now stands, it cost about $30,000, and though there are a number of churches in the diocese of Cleveland more expensive than St. Peter's of Upper Sandusky, there are very few excelling it in beauty of architecture or interior finish. St. Peter's congregation and their zealous pastor, who by his untiring zeal brought his task to a successful end, may well feel a pardonable pride in having erected so beautiful a temple to the worship of God.

To the credit of the Catholics of Tipper Sandusky, be it said that, from the beginning of their existence as a congregation, they supported a parochial school, at times even at a great sacrifice. In the beginning, and for many years, till 1880, it was managed by one lay teacher. Now it is in a flourishing condition, under the careful supervision of the pastor and the able management of two lay teachers. At first, it is true, the accommodations for the children were not such as they could find in the public schools, which their parents helped to build and maintain, but on religious ground, for conscience' sake, cannot use. Now, however, since the new church is finished, the old church has been neatly refitted as a schoolhouse, giving ample room to all the children of the parish.

As soon as the debt of the church - about one-third of its cost - is somewhat reduced, steps will be taken toward the erection of a suitable residence for the pastor, as the one now in use is remarkable only for its age and rickety appearance.

The temporalities of the congregation are administered by a body of councilmen. four in number, under the guidance and supervision of the Ordinary of the Diocese and the parish priest. The councilmen in 1857 were. Messrs. John Gaa, Anthony Christen and Frank Keller. The same body in 1883 was composed of Henry Fleck, Frank Vogel, Peter Mong and Charles Rail. They are annually elected by the members of the congregation, from a list of members presented to them by the pastor.

At different times spiritual revivals or missions have been held. Thus in 1863, by the Redemptorist Fathers; in 1871, by the same Fathers; and in 1880, by the Jesuit Fathers. Various religious societies are likewise at-

St. Paul's Congregation of the First German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Upper Sandusky was organized in 1868 by Rev. C. Wernle. Among the first members were John Veith. Philip Tracht, Jacob Reis, Charles F. Veith, Lewis Krauss and Frederick Ritter.

A church edifice was erected on the corner of Sandusky avenue and Bigelow street in 1871. It is built of brick, is 45x60 feet oatside dimensions, and cost $7,000.

Rev. C. Wernle served as pastor for six years. Rev. VV. F. Helle, the present pastor, has been in charge of the congregation during the past eleven years.

The present members are 325 in number. The present church officers are Frederick Ritter and Mars Schmidt, Deacons; Philip Tracht and Jacob Hehr, Elders; Charles F. Veith, Frederick Scheufler and J. Gloeser, Trustees, and William Schwilk, Treasurer.

The United Brethren Church of Upper Sandusky was established in 1850 by Rev. Messrs. Slaughter and Tabler. The early meetings of the society were held in the old Mission Church. In 1858, its members built a brick church on the corner of Finley and Sixth streets. It is 30x40 feet and in a good state of repair. Owing to slight dissensions, etc., the members of this organization only number about thirty at the present time, among whom are Messrs. Marshall, Hough and Harmon, Trustees.

Trinity Chiuxii of the Evangelical Association, Upper Sandusky, was organized with fifteen members by, Revs. John Hanneker, C. M. Reinhold and Elder Daniel Strohman, on the 15th day of August, 1860. Prior to that time, however, meetings had been held at the house of Christian Rief in the fall of 1858, and at the Methodist Church in 1859, by Rev. Messrs. Freck, Lambert, Freese and Downey. Only two members of this denomination lived in the town in 1858, four in 1859, and fifteen in August, 1860. Among the last-mentioned members were Christian Rief, Frederick Rief, George Stecker, Mrs. Stecker, Jacob Burkhardt, Mrs. Catharine Biirkhardt, Mrs. Littly, Frederick Mosner, Mrs. Mosner, Magdalena Marqarth.

The pastors have been as follows: John Hanneker, J. Rosenberg, Fredrick Zeller, J. G. Theuer, Charles Ehrhardt, C. Kuntzle, - Dick, - Wise, - Holdeman, - Plantz, W. H. Pfiefer, Samuel Hippert, Daniel Stoll, C Munk, Daniel Stoll, - McCauley, D. H. Wender and Daniel Strohman.

The present mem.bers are fifty two in number, of whom Conrad Stephan, Christian Rief and David Newmeister are Trustees; David Newmeister, Class Leader; John Senferly, Exhorter; Conrad Stephan, D. Newmeister and Dr. Davis, Stewards; Superintendent of German Sunday School, Conrad Stephan: Superintendent of English Sunday School, Dr. Davis. The average attendance of Sunday school pupils, including classes in German and English, is about fifty. A Ladies' Aid Society has been in operation three years. Its officers are Mrs. C. Stephan, President; Mrs. J. W.Davis, Secretary, and Mrs. J. Lowry, Treasurer.

The history of The Universalist Church of Upjoer Saudusky only dates back to the early part of the year 1870, at which time Mr. T. E. Beery cir- culated a subscription paper for the purpose of obtaining money with which to purchase a lot upon which to erect a church structure. Twenty-seven names were attached to the list. Those who subscribed $10 and upwards, were: The Kenan family, $100; T. E. Beery, $50; Mrs. I. H. Beery, $50; C. R. Fowler, $50; Orrin Ferris, $25; J. M. Smith, $25; John Smith, $25; Lewis Straw, $25; J. C. Groff, $25; H. H. Smith, $20; Henry Myers, $10; Thomas McClain, $10; W. McClain, $10; Barton Shoots, $10.

This subscription was collected and the lot upon which the present neat and beautiful little church edifice now stands was purchased. Subsequently, at a meeting held in Beery 's Hall, February 6, 1870, and which was presided over by Rev. George R. Brown, Samuel Kenan, C. R. Fowler and T. E. Beery were appointed Trustees; Samuel M. Worth, Treasurer; and George Kenan, Secretary.

In May, 1877, at a meeting held in Beery 's Hall, the association known as " The Universalist Church of Upper Sandusky " was organized with fifty-three members, by Rev. Benjamin F. Eaton, assisted by Rev. A. A. Thayer and George W. Arbuckle. Among those mentioned as early members of this church were Mrs. Leefe Fowler, Samuel Kenan and wife, Alvin Kenan and wife, George Kenan and wife, Mrs. George W. Beery, Mrs. John Ayres and sun Walter, Miss Esther Eggleston, Mrs. S. M. Worth, Mrs. I. H. Beery, Scott M. Fowler and wife, Samuel S. Pettit, wife and daughter, Mrs. Burton, Mrs. H. Waters, Mrs. William Ayres, George W. Beery, Jr., Mrs. Gordon, Miss Anna Osborn and T. E. Beery and wife.

The church edifice was erected in the fall of 1877, but it was not fully completed and dedicated until Sunday, May 13, 1883. It is neatly finished and cost $5,000. The present members of the society are sixty in number. The pastors have been Revs. Benjamin F. Eaton, for one year; Mr. Fitzgerald, for six months; and M. D. Shumway for two years. Various other ministers have preached here at irregular intervals.

W^e deem it proper to add in this connection that the friends of Universalism are especially indebted to Mr. T. E. Beery for his untiring efforts in building up this church and congregation, and to Mr. L. B. Harris for his successful attempt to liquidate the church debt.

This society, an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, was organized at a meeting of the citizens of the County of Wyannot held in the court house - the old Indian council house - at Upper Sandusky, December 3, 1845. It was then j^rovided that the Bibles and Testaments to be circulated by the society be printed in the English and German languages, and in the version " now in use." The officers to consist of a President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary, Treasurer, Depositary and Auditor, " who, together, should constitute a Board of Managers."

The society began its existence with 107 members, and at the first meeting Rev. George Sheldon, agent of the American Bible Society, served as temporary Chairman, and Rev. James R. Bonner as Secretary jyro tern. Subsequently, a permanent organization was effected by the choice of the following officers: Henry Peters, President; Joseph McCutchen, Robert McKelly, Rev. Charles Thayer, Rev. James R. Bonner and Rev. Robert S. Kimber, Vice Presidents; Guy C. Worth, Secretary; Andrew M. Anderson, Depositary; John McCurdy, Auditor; and Robert Taggai't, Treasurer.

Thereupon, it was resolved to furnish each family in the county with a Bible. " in which there is none, on such conditions as circumstances may require; also to fiirnish each youth under sixteen years of age who cannot read, and for whom there is neither Bible or Testament in the family, with at least a new Testament, before the close of the present year." At this meeting also the board of officers received from Rev. George Sheldon, agent, etc., the following bill of books:

At a meeting of the society held December 29, 1846, a report was received from the Secretary of the Carey Bible Society, which had been organized November 26, 1845, and on application of the Secretary the Carey Society was admitted as an auxiliary of the Wyandot County Bible Society. The Carey Society, it appears, during its brief and independent career, had rendered efficient service in the distribution of Bibles and Testaments. That an early and active interest was aroused throughout the county in this respect is shown by the following statement of the dates of organizations of Branch societies: Sycamore Bible Society, December 16, 1846; Wyandot Bible Society, December 16, 1846; Little Sandusky Bible Society, December 7, 1846; Marseilles Bible Society, December 9, 1846; McCutchenville Bible Society, - , 1846; Carey Bible Society, November,

On the 1st of May, 1848, the society purchased additional Bibles and Testaments, of the value of $176.07. These were supplemented on the 11th of October, 1850, by another lot, for which the sum of $291.35 was paid.

On the 11th of March, 1883. the thirty-seventh anniversary of this society was held in the Presbyterian Church at Upper Sandusky. During the preceding year, the county was thoroughly canvassed, and the following is a condensed report of the year's work: Families and business places visited during the canvass, 3,022; families found destitute, 235; destitute families supplied, 211; individuals supplied, 41; expense of the canvass, traveling expenses and postage, $11.68; compensation earned, $136.50; amount paid to the Treasurer by canvasser, $73.97; amount paid to the depositary, $251.08; donations from churches and individuals during the year, $217.99; personal sale of books, $251.08; from local agents and collections, $4.16; number of books sold, 938: value of same, $251.08; number of books donated, 158; value of same, $49.01.

The present officers of the society are: Rev. Mr. Belmer, President; R. H. Tyler, Secretary; J. McCahon, Treasurer; and Robert Atkinson, Depositary,

Wyandot Sabbath School Union

At a meeting held in the Methodist Episcopal house of worship, at Upper Sandusky on the 25th of June, 1872, for the purpose of organizing a County Sabbath School Union, the following church organizations were represented: The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, German Reformed and English Lutheran, of Upper Sandusky; the Methodist Episcopal, Evangelical and English Lutheran, of Carey; the Methodist Episcopal, English Lutheran and Advent Christian, of Nevada; the Presbyterian, of Marseilles; the Methodist Episcopal, of Crawfordsville; the Union Sabbath School, of

Thereupon, Rev. D. S. Truckenmiller, of Carey, was chosen President; Heni-y W. Peters, Vice President; Rev. D. Edgar, Secretary; and Rev. D. A. Knhn, Treasurer. The following persons were also chosen as Township Vice Presidents: Antrim, Dr. Junkin; Crane, D. D. Hare; Crawford, John Conrad; Eden, W. D. Miller; Mifflin, A. J. Swartz; Marseilles, Dr. Gates; Pitt, Adam Pontius; Sycamore, Enoch Eyestone; Tymochtee, John Biggs; Ridge, Isaac Harpster; Richland, J. S. Bott; Salem, M. W. Larkins; and Jackson, John F. Sanford. This society, however, did not survive long. The first, last and only annual convention was held in June, 1873, and soon after it died a natural death.

On the 23d of May, 1876, the present Wyandot Sabbath School Union was formed at a meeting held in the Presbyterian Church at Nevada, by the election of the following officers: Temporary officers - Rev. R. C. Colmery, Chairman; Rev. D. A. Kuhn, Secretary. Officers of permanent organization: Rev. R. C. Colmery, President; Rev. S. Cook, Secretary; Rev. D. A. Kuhn, Treasurer; Revs. C. Baldwin, D, W. Downing. D. McCullough, S. Fenner and Robert Pool, Executive Committee; A. J. Flaharty, of Antrim; Rev. S. Fenner, of Crane; Rev. J. M. Dustman, of Crawford; W. B. Miller, of Eden; Joseph Kingman, of Jackson; J. S. Demarest, of Mifflin; Thomas Clark, of Pitt; Martin E. Kaler, of Ridge; Rev. S. H. Raudebaugh, of Sycamore; and F. F. DeTray, of Tymochtee, Vice Presidents.

This organization retained Rev. R. C. Colmery as its President until 1881, when he was succeeded by J. W. Foucht, who was in turn succeeded by Dr. J. A. Stockton in 1883. Mr. Cook served as Secretary until May 7, 1879, then came Dr. J. A. Stockton, who was succeeded by R. H. Tyler in 1883.

From the annual report made May 81, 1883, we gather the following information: Number of Sabbath schools in the county, 63; number of officers and teachers, 748; number of scholars, 4,589: average attendance of scholars, 3,370; whole number of conversions reported for the year, 329: number of schools maintained during the entire year, 42; number of schools which held sessions only part of the year, 21.

At the annual meetiug held at Carey May 6 and 7, 1884, Dr. J. A. Stockton was elected President; Rev. J. M. Dustman, Vice President; R, H. Tyler, Secretary; and Henry Kuenzli, Treasurer. -

Oak Hill Cemetery

The Oak Hill Cemetery Association was organized and incorporated on the 26th day of February, A. D. 1876, in accordance with the provisions of the general laws of the State. The members at that time were David Harpster, S. "Watson, S. H. Hunt, John Thompson, T. E. Grisell, R. A. Henderson, Jacob Kisor, Jacob Stoll, Cyrus Sears, S. H. White, James G. Roberts and Gen. 1. M. Kirby. Of these members the following were elected officers, viz.: T. E. Grisell, President; James G. Roberts, Clerk and Treasurer; David Harpster, T. E. Grisell and Isaac M. Kirby, Trustees.

For several years prior to its organization, many of the people of Upper Sandusky and vicinity had deeply felt the want of a suitable place for the interment of-the dead, and much examination and inquiry and some effort had from time to time been made to procure such place; but no effective measures were taken to secure the end until about the 5th day of August, 1874, when Messrs. S. Watson, D. Harpster, S. H. Hunt and J. G. Roberts, with the view of oi'ganizing an association and establishing a cemetery, purchased of John Bnser the principal part of the gi-oiinds now occupied.

After the association became incorporated, these parties convej'ed this ground to the trustees, which with small tracts purchased of Messrs. Hedges and Reber, making thirty acres, constitute the cemetery.

The location is on the Radnor road, one and a half miles south of Upper Sandusky. It is situated upon a tract of high table land bordering and overlooking the Sandusky Valley. Its elevated position furnishes it perfect drainage, which with a subsoil composed mainly of sand and gravel and an undulating surface covered with an abundance of native forest trees, highly qualify it as a fit i-esting place for the dead, and make it a most picturesque and beautiful place.

The grounds were surveyed and platted by William T. Harding, of Columbus, Ohio, and were formally opened and dedicated on the 4th day of October, 1876.

Secret Associations, Etc

Wyandot Lodge, No. 110, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 7, 1848, under a dispensation issued by the officers of the Grand Lodge, of date April 20, 1848. The first officers and members of this (Wyandot Lodge) were John D. Sears, N. G. ; Samuel Henley, V. G. ; Frederick S. Anderson, Secretary; Josiah Sigler, Treasurer; Samuel M. Worth, Jonathan Ayres, John Wilson, Anthony Christen, Joel W. Garrett, Josiah Smith and Jacob Juvinall,

The early meetings of the lodge were held in the upper part of the present jail building. The present members number twenty-six, and regular meetings are held in Odd Fellows' Hall Wednesday night of each week. The financial condition of the lodge is good.

Warpole Lodge, No. 176, F. & A. M., was organized in October, 1850. The first members and officers were Joseph McCutchen, W. M. ; Moses H. Kirby, S. W. ; George T. Freese, J. W. ; Michael Ruch, J. D. ; Dr. Hartz, Treasurer; John N. Reed, Secretary; Andrew Dumm, Tyler, and Abel Reuick.

The early, meetings of this lodge were also held in the garret of the jail building. Col. M. H. Kirby became the second Master of the lodge, and contiuued to occupy that position for a period of twenty years. He is today probably the oldest Mason in the State of Ohio.

The present members of the lodge are fifty-four in number, and their officers are J. F. Rieser, W. M. ; W. A. Gipson, S. W. ; Henry Reisig, J. W. ; J. K. Engel, Treasurer; Jacob Tribolet, Secretary; S. L. Walters, S. D. ; W. S. Metz, J. D. ; and J. Oppenheimer, Tyler. Regular meetings are held in their own hall on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Council No. 271, Royal Arcanum, was instituted February 26, 1879, by L. A. Entriken and William Shuler, acting under the authority of the Grand Council of Ohio. The officers first elected were George G. Bowman, Regent; Dr. F. J. Schurg, Vice Regent; Allen Smalley, Orator; D. D. Clayton, Secretary; D. D. Hare, Past Regent; George W. Hall, Collector; John Pausch, Treasurer; S. J. Wirick, Chaplain; William M. Kail, Guide; James Greek, W^arden; C. Oliver, Sentry; Henry Waters, William M. Thompson and J. J. Stoll, Trustees. Among others as original members

The council now numbers twenty- nine members, and the present officials are Charles F. Shuler, R.; J. M. Houston, V. R; R. A. McKelly, P. R. ; D. D. Hare, Orator; J. W. Gibson, Secretary; Alexander Little, Collector; D. D. Clayton, Treasurer; S. J. Wirick, Chaplain; M. H. Brinkerhoff, Guide; Jacob Von Blun, Junior Warden; J. J. Stoll, Sentry.

The financial condition of the council is good, and regular meetings are held in the Knights of Honor Hall on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month.

Imperial Lodge, No. 671, Knights of Honor, was organized on the 15th of June, 1877, by C. W. Fisher, of Bucyrus, Ohio, Grand Dictator. The original members are named as follows: Adam Kail, D. D. Hare, G. G. Bowman, John Pausch, J. A. Stockton, G. H. Henderson, W. A. Gipson, Landline Smith, C. H. Holdridge and R. N. McConnell.

Of these members, as officers at the first organization. Adam Kail was elected Dictator; D. D. Hare, Past Dictator; G. G. Bowman, Vice Dictator; John Pausch, Assistant Dictator; J. A. Stockton, Chaplain; G. H. Henderson, Reporter; W. A. Gipson, Financial Reporter; Landline Smith, Treasurer; C. H. Holdridge, Guide; R. N. McConnell, Guardian; John Pausch, Landline Smith and D. D. Hare, Trustees.

The financial condition of the lodge is good. The present members are fifty in number, and their officers are J. A. Stockton, Dictator; Henry W. Peters, Vice Dictator; James A. Nelson, Assistant Dictator; D. D. Hare, Chaplain; F. J. Hoffman, Guide; E. A. Gordon, Reporter; John W. Henderson, Financial Reporter, and D. E. Hale, Treasurer.

R. Robbins Post, No. 91, G. A. R., was organized June 20, 1880. Its first members were W. A. Gipson, Allen Smalley, William M. Thompson, M. C. Mealey, J. F. Rieser, Moses Wagoner, John M. Ewing, W. A Baringer, G. W. Ragon, Alonzo Haven, J. S. Barkley, E. B. Ragon and Ed A. Gordon.

The officers first elected were J. F. Rieser, Commander; E. B. Ragon, Sr. Vice Commander; Allen Smalley, Jr. Vice Commander; John Pausch, Adjutant; W. A. Gipson, Quartermaster; A. Day, Chaplain; J. S. Barkley, Officer of the Day; John Healy, Officer of the Guard.

The present members number 108, and the officers now serving are Ed A. Gordon, C. ; Allen Smalley, S. V. C. ; Daniel Hartsough, J. V. C. ; Henry Peters, Chap.; J. S. Barkley, O. D. ; George Healy, O. G. ; Adolph Billhardt, Surgeon. Meetings are held every Monday evening in Knights of Honor Hall, Beery Block.

The first members were L. P. Walter, E. A. Ward, Avery Henderson, William G. Dumm, Charles Plumb, A. K. Smalley, George Tschanen, Joseph Kerr, J. W. Grisell, F. J. Childs, S. D. Buckles, W. A. Baker, Robert Carey, J. L. Van Marter, R. G. Atkinson, B. R. Young, Frank Beery, I. A. Chew, J. Altenberger, E. Carter, F. P. Kenan, John M. Frey, H. P. Tracy, Charles Jaros, H. M. Tiarney, J. D. League, N. G. Frazier, George D, Byron, E. C. Houston and J. A. Hare. Of whom the following were

The Biisi7iess Men's Union of Upper Sandusky was organized November 27, 1883, in response to a call signed by 100 business men of the town. Its officers are: S. J. Wirick, President; P. Cuneo, Vice President; John H. Von Stein, Secretary; David Moody, Treasurer; J. A. Maxwell, G. W. Kenan and Frank Myers, Board of Commissioners. Regular meetings are held in H. P. Tracy's office on the last Monday evening of each month. The objects of the association are to protect each other against the class of customers termed "dead beats."

The Wyandot Mutual Relief Association was organized in June, 1874, by a few farmers of Tymochtee Township, who mutually agreed to protect each other against loss by fire and lightning. It is a farmers' organization exclusively. Among the original members were L. S. Walton, Peter Baum, Levi Ekleberry, William Corfman, Joel W^ininger, John Row, D. M. Bope, Peter Benisderfer, Silas Baker and a number of others. The first officers were: Benjamin Copley, President; William Corfman, Seci'etary; George Van Pool, Treasurer; Silas Baker, Enoch Eyestone and John Row, Directors.

This association began operations October 13, 1874, with fifty members and with about $60,000 worth of property insured. For three years they operated successfully upon the honor of members. In 1877, however, the association was duly incorporated under the laws of Ohio. At the present time the members are nearly 600 in number, and have about 11,000,000 %vorth of property insured. The present officers are: Benjamin Morris, President; M. B. Case, Secretary; Robert Lowery, Treasurer; Irvin Bacon, Noah Stoneburner and John Young, Directors. The regular meetings of the association are held at Upper Sandusky on the first Friday in each year, although special meetings are held about once in three months.

It should be added, perhaps, that great credit is due to William Corfman for his efficient work in futhering the interests of the association. He served as Secretary nine successive years, and solicited the larger portion of the membership.

The Wome7i's Christian Temperance Union of Upper Sandusky was instituted December 4, 1882, by Col. George Woodford, of Illinois. Among the first members and officers were Mrs. Belmer, D. R. Cook, King, Byron, Craig, Davis, Dippery, Owens, Beery, Foucht, Crise, Keller, Fairfax, Mc- Connell, Clapsaddle and Peters. Regular meetings have been held on the first Monday of each month since the date of organization. The present members number 101. The financial condition of the Union is good.

The Wyandot Saengerhund, known at the beginning as the Uj^per Sandusky Maennerchor, was, after a preliminary meeting, held on the 22d of July, 1858, under the auspices of Dr. A. Billhardt, formally organized on the 26th day of July, 1858. The first meeting was held in John K. Engel's residence, then situated on the southeast corner of Wyandot avenue and Eighth street.

According to the records which are yet preserved, the by laws, etc., then adopted were signed by M. W. Bliicher, Friedrich Agerter, Friedrich Kern, August Jahr, Christoph Schmidt, Adam Katzenmeier, Frederich

Schneider, Adolph Billhardt, Ewald Brauns and John K. Engel. The first ofificers elected were Friedrich Agerter, President; Dr. Adolph Billhardt, Musical Director; M. W. Blucher, Secretary; and August Jahr, Treasurer. At a subsequent meeting, Benjamin Liebenthal, Casper Daub, John Seider, Dr. Rodig and others joined the society.

Thereafter the Saengerbund had its ups and downs. It gave concerts, balls, even theatrical performances, and celebrated faithfully the birthdays of its respective members. During the late war, however, which was so pernicious to all societies, the younger members seceded, but the old and true continued steadfast in the support of the original society, and have prospered, with but short intervals between the meetings, until to-day.

The most eventful periods, perhaps, in the history of the Bund, was the participation of its members in the German Saengerfeste, held at Buffalo, N. Y. , in 1860; at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865; at Louisville, Ky. , in 1866; at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1870; at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1874; at Columbus, Ohio, in 1878; at Akron, Ohio, in 1880; at Dayton, Ohio, in 1882, and at Springfield, Ohio, in 1884.

The present active members are twelve in number, of whom H. Altstaetler is President; A. Martin. Secretary; John K. Engel, Treasurer, and Adolph Billhardt, Musical Director. Of the original founders there are at present only three active members living, viz.. Dr. A. Billhardt, John K. Engel and John Seider. Respecting the present and future existence of the Bund, an original member of the society says: " If chances had been favorable, the Saengerbund would have celebrated, in 1883, its twenty-fifth anniversary. The financial condition of the Bund is rather slim, the income hardly covering expenses. The time of meetings and rehearsals is Sunday and Thursday evenings, and the objects of the society, the cultivation of vocal music, especially the German quartette, and enjoyments in their social gatherings. The prospects of this society and all others similarly situated, are not bright, and the future existence questionable, on account of the insufficient support received from their German -American successors who will not or cannot appreciate the efforts and endeavors of their German- born fathers, in the direction of this preservation of musical gifts presented in the voice and the offerings of real pleasure and joy."

Other Organizations. - Among other well-known organizations existing in the town of Upper Sandusky are the Kirby Light Guard, the Little Six Cornet Band and the Wyandot County Pioneer Association. The Kirby Light Guard, or Company B, Second Regiment, O. N. G., is one of the best military organizations in the State. During the spring of 1884 it rendered efficient service in suppressing mob violence in the city of Cincinnati, and at Ashland, Ohio. The company is well drilled and equipped, and can take the field ready for arduous service at thirty minutes' notice. The Little Six Band, an excellent musical organization, frequently entertains an appreciative public with music almost perfect in its execution. The Pioneer Association* has performed one action at least which will perpetuate its name and memory for many years - the erection and dedication of the Crawford Monument August 30, 1877. However, since its most active worker and Secretary, Hon. Curtis Berry, Jr., became an invalid, interest in the association seems to have waned.

The Public Schools

A. Morrison, James V. S. Hoyt, Charles G. Ferris, Adelia Chaflfee, Jennie Jackson, a gentleman by the name of Chambers, another by the name of Mason and a Miss Wigton. For a number of years the old Council House was the chief and only temple of learning in the town, and it seems that had not the Wyandots left that building for the use of their white successors, that the latter must of necessity have gone without courts, religious meetings, political meetings, schools, etc., for years, as the Indian Council House was the only resort for all such purposes, until it was carelessly destroyed by fire. A little old log shanty, however, which stood opposite Gloeser's tanyard, only a little more to the south of it, also did duty at an early period as a rendezvous for master and pupils.

About the year 1853, the Council House was destroyed by tire. Soon after, a proposition to levy a tax of $1,000, with which to build a schoolhouse, was submitted to the people of the town, but was voted down. About this time a law was enacted, authorizing the issue of bonds on the credit of the corporation, for school purposes, and in accordance with the provisions of this act, bonds were issued to the amount of $4,000. With the money thus obtained a two-story brick structure, 40x50 feet, with four rooms, two above and two below, was erected on Inlot No. 108, near the site of the Council House, in 1854 or 1856. Subsequently an addition was made to this building, and later still, a separate building was built to the south, but near the original structure, of about the same style and dimensions as the addition above mentioned.

A sidewalk extending along Johnston street, from Sandusky avenue to the then new Union Schoolhouse, was built by I. H. and A. Beery, in the summer of 1857, for |149. The last building erected near the site of the Council House is still in use. A number of years ago, the date of which, like those first mentioned, cannot be ascertained, a brick schoolhouse, for the accomodation of pupils residing in the north part of the town was erected on Fifth street. It also is still in a good state of repair.

The present elegant new school building, which stands well out in the northwest quarter of the town, was built during the years !1882 and 1883. It has cost, including grounds, heating apparatus and furniture, about $50,000, and is a structure of which any city in the Union might feel proud. It has twelve rooms for schools, a dry, well-lighted basement, spacious corridors, stair cases and cloak rooms, and is furnished with the latest and most approved styles of school furniture.

The'school board of the present is composed of R. A. McKelly, President; J. D. Drum, Secretary; Joseph Gloeser, Henry Grundtisch and Jonathan Hare. The present enumeration of the school population of the town is about thii'teen hundred, including about 120 in the Catholic parochial schools.

The present Superintendent and teachers are as follows: W. A. Baker, Superintendent; Miss K. M. Smith, high school; Mrs. R. L. Jones, A grammar; Miss Hattie McCutchen, B grammar; Mrs. Maud Kilbourn, C grammar; Miss Ella Bowman, D grammar; Miss Agnesse Adair, D grammar; Miss S. R. Craig, A Primary; Miss Bella Swift, B Primary; Miss Maggie Garwood, Mrs. Zanders and Miss Emma Colmery, C Primary; Miss Carrie Myers and Miss Mame Wineman, D Pi'imary.

Under the efficient management of Prof. Baker during the past four years the interest in the schools has largely inci'eased. The attendance is at least 15 per cent greater, and the per cent of absence and tardiness has correspondingly decreased. A marked interest in the literary culture of the school-going population is manifested by the parents generally, and, with the continuance of Prof. Baker's able policy, the Upper Sandusky Schools are destined in the near future to take rank amonoj the first of the public schools of the State.

This township, which derives its name from the Wyandot Chieftain, Tarhe, or "The Crane," was organized as now constituted in 1845. It lies wholly within the limits of the Wyandot Reserve, and for that reason its lands, with the exception of those embraced by the original plat of the town of Upper Sandusky, were not placed in market until the autumn of 1845. True, a considerable number of men with their families, who are mentioned in the sketch of Upper Sandusky, settled outside of the town limits, before the lands were ofifered for sale, but, for a few months at least, they were only "squatters."

The surface is of a level character, and the soil remarkably fertile. The increase in population has been gradual. Its inhabitants in 1880, outside of the corporate limits of Upper Sandusky, being 1,487 in number. Among its points of interest, which are frequently pointed out to strangei's, are the Indian Mills on the Sandusky, Crawford's Battle Gi'ound,* on Section 17, and the Indian Mission Church, just north of Upper Sandusky.

Although the village of Upper Sandusky was clothed with corporate powers in the spring of 1848, it appears that no separate assessments regarding town and township were made until a number of years later. Nevertheless, the tax-paying inhabitants of Crane Township in 1848, including those of Upper Sandusky, were as follows:

* Near this place are the Nine Oaks which are famed for being the spot where the Indian Court convened that tritd and convicted Col. Crawford.

Townshif Officials

The Church of God at Rock Run, in Crane Township, was organized by Rev. William Adams in the winter of 1847 at a meeting held in the dwelling-house of John Fernbaugh. The original members, five in number, were John Fernbaugh and wife, John Hart and wife, and Isaac Hoaglaud.

Those who have officiated as pastors of this church were D. Shrimer, William Shafer, David Nidig, J. W. Senseny, William Adams, William McCormick, James George, R. H. Bolton, George Wilson, L. Ensminger, J. H. Basore, W. P. Small, T. Deshire, J. Neal, W. H. Oliver, J. A. Smith, S. Tilly, T. Koogle and J. V. Updyke.

The present members of this organization are about fifty in number, among whom are Daniel Hale and G. Fernbaugh, Elders; William Fernbaugh and Charles Hottman, Deacons; D. Hale, James Crawford and J. B. Fernbaugh, Trustees.