Allen County, Indiana - The whole text, 1889 (part 16 of 17)

William M. Dafforn, of Pleasant township, was born in Warwickshire, England, May 12, 1840. His parents, William and Mary (Nichols) Dafforn, were born in England and emigrated when he was fifteen years old. They settled in Allen county in 1855. Mr. Dafforn is one of twelve children. In his native country he learned the baker's trade, and at Sutton, gained a good common school education. At the age of twenty-one years, he became a soldier in the United States service, enlisting April 18, 1S61, as a private in Companj' C, Ninth Indiana volunteer infantry. , July i, 1862, he became a private in Compan}- C, of the Fifteenth Indiana. Among some of the engagements in which he took part were: Greenbrier, Va., Marshall's Store, Va., Stone River, Missionarjr Ridge. At Stone River he was wounded, and because of disabilit}^ he would have been sent to the hospital, but instead he went into the commissary department. He was discharged at the expiration of term of service, June 25, 1864. He returned to AUen county, where he has since remained, following farming for an occupation. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of Elijah and Juliana Ake, early settlers of Pleasant township. Mrs. Dafforn was born in Allen county, December 7, 1848. They have six children : Mary, Samuel, William, James, Delbert and Jennie. When Mr. Dafforn started out in life he had no - capital whatever. He is now prosperous and owns a well improved :farm of eighty acres.

Lafayette Townshi

The remote position of this region with relation to the citj- and the routes of immigration caus'fcd it to be settled much later than other portions of the county of Allen. In the extreme northeast section, Samuel Fogwell, an immigrant from Ohio, settled in 1839, and began a life of industry which he spent on that place. A little later, Frank Morrison and David Overly made their homes in the vicinity, and in 1S43, Anthony Krumme moved here from Pleasant township. In 1S44 William Jobs came here from Marion township, and in 1845, James Wilson, whose son Isaac A., born May 30, 1846, was the first born in the settlement. Others in 1845 wei'e Isaac Alter, Isaac Hatfield, John Akers, Christian Foley, and John Foley, settled. In 1S46 Walter Kress settled, and in 1S47 Henry S. Keele}'. In 1842 the road known as the lower Huntington road was surveyed through the township, but it was not passable for several years. In 1846 the first township election was held at the house of William Jobs, and Isaac Hatfield was elected justice; William Jobs, constable; Isaac Alter, clerk; James E. Wilson, treasurer, and Samuel Fogwell, James Wilson and John Akers, trustees. The first school-house of the township was the Co verdale, built in 1848, and Eli Ward was the first teacher. The Allen county addition to the village of Zanesville, which lies partly in Wells county, was platted on Henry Sinks' land in February, 1854. In 1849, Henry Sinks erected the first saw-mill, with steam power, and in 1852 he became the first merchant of the setdement. In 1875, ^ steam grist-mill was built by Conrad Knight. In 1880 Zanesville had a population, in Allen county of ninety-three, in Wells of 135.

George Lopshire, who settled in Lafayette in 1852, is a son of George and EHzabeth (Bender) Lopshire, who came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1821, and in 1835 moved to Fort Wayne, where the father built a house on south Broadway, and helped clear the brush from that street. Six of the children of these pipneers are living. John and Elizabeth (Ringer) Denis also setded in 1852 and seventeen children were born to them, of whom thirteen survive. A prominent citizen, not scv long a resident of the township, is Adam D. Hill, son of David and Sarah (Fogwell) Hill, who settled in Aboit township in 1837.

Andrew Bowersock, a prominent and well-to-do farmer of Lafaj'ette township, was born April iSth, 1848, in Monroe county, Ohio. Coming to Indiana in 1851, he settled in Lafayette township where he has in since resided. After living with his step-father, William Lahmon, for nine years, he started out for himself, and after buying and selling two farms of forty acres, he purchased the farm on which he now resides. This originalty contained sixty acres but now embraces 192 acres of the best land in the township. Mr. Bowersock was educated in the common schools of this township. He was married on September 26th, 1872, to Mary F. Lopshire, who died February 13th, 1874, of consumption. He was again married, December 3, 1874, to Melinda A. Canon. They are the parents of three children: Rilla C., Bertha B., Charles R. Mr. Bowersock was elected trustee of Lafayette township in the spring of 18S4 and was re elected with a large majority in 1886. He is regarded by many as the best trustee the township has ever had. In politics he has been a life-long democrat, faithfully supporting all the nominees of his party, and at the urgent request of members of his party he has now entered the field as a competitor for the office of county recorder, with strong probabilities in his favor of being the successful one. Mr. and Mrs. Bowersock are active members of the Lutheran church.

George W. Mills, a prominent farmer of Lafayette township, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, March 15, 1828. His father, James Mills, a native of New Jersey, left there at the age of nineteen, and came to Ohio. He was married at Taylorsville, to Ehza Wright, and then moved to Coshocton. They had nine children, eight sons and one daughter, of whom all are living but one son; they are as follows: George W., Robert B., of Oregon; Warren L., of Kansas; Daniel, of Ilhnois; Wilham B., of lUinois; John C, of lUinois; James G., a farmer of Dakota, and Ehza K., wife of Josiah Bays, of Missouri. James Mills died in Morgan county, Ohio, March, 1S4S, and the mother died in Ossian, Ind., at the age of sixty-seven, in 1876. George W. Mills came tn Indiana in 1848, after his father's death, and brought with him his mother and the children, who depended upon him until arriving of age. He settled in Lafayette township and built a cabin where the Coverdale school-house now stands. He entered forty acres of his present farm in 1849, the deed being signed by Zachary Taylor. He has added to his farm until now it consists of 104 acres of good land. He was married in 1848 to Margaret, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Ryan) Hill. They have had eleven children, eight of whom are living: Robert B., John, Ehzabeth, Joseph C, Matilda, Ella, Grant and Jane. Mr. Mills was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1880 and served four years, filling the office very creditabty. In politics he is a repubhcan. He is a member of the Christian church and has been active in church affairs for several A^ears. He was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, Company D, which went into active service in 1864, and was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864. Mr. Mills is a man of honesty and integrity and is well respected by his neighbors and fellow citizens. He is a member of McGinnis post, No. 167, G. A. R., of Roanoke, Ind.

George B. Lawrence, a substantial farmer of Lafayette township, resides on section 10 in the Zeke reserve, about ten and one-half miles southwest from Fort Wayne. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May I, 1835. His parents, Jacob and Margaret (Johnson) Lawrence, natives of Wayne county, were among the early settlers of Lafayette township. The father purchased and settled upon 160 acres about 1848, and farmed there until his death in 1879, ^^ ^^^ ^S^ °^ seventy years. The death of his wife occurred two j^ears previous in her sixty-eighth year. Of their nine children, six of whom survive, George B. was the eldest. In 1863 he came to Allen county and located on a farm of 163 acres in Lafayette township, which he purchased in 1857 from John M. Kinnan and George W. Robison; the land was then entirel}' unimproved. Mr. Lawrence has since added ninety-one acres to the original farm, and he also owns an interest in a fine farm of 140 acres in Wayne township, in compan}- with his son Ohver. In 1S77 Mr. Lawrence erected his large frame residence, and in 1S72 built a fine barn, and he has other substantial improvements, making his one of the finest farms in the township. He was married November 23, 1854, *o Elizabeth Geitgey, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and is the daughter of Adam Geitge}', a pioneer of that county. They have five children: Oliver, a farmer of Wa^'ne township; John, Alice, Ida and Grover C. Mr. Lawrence is one of the leading citizens of Lafayette township, in school, church and public affairs. He has alwa3's been a staunch democrat. In the spring of 18S9 he was selected by Judge O'Rourke as a member of the county board of equalization, a position he filled quite satisfactorily.

Wilham Branstator, a leading farmer and the largest land-holder in Lafayette township, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, INIay 10, 1S24. His parents, Andrew and Frances (Wilkerson) Branstator, were born, the former in Marj-land, June 9, 1782, and the latter in Kentucky, September 13, 1789. Being early settlers of CHnton count}', Ohio, they were there married January 19, 1807. To this union thirteen children were born: Sarah, born August 25, 1809, died February 6, 1864; Elizabeth, December 2, iSio, died July 4, 1866; Matthias, August 24, 1812, died January 11, 1842; Catherine, January 28, 1814, died September I, 1842; Mary, March 17, 1816, died July 13, 1875; James, April 18, 1818, died in summer of 1886; Nancy, January 23, 1820, died July 13, 1875; Andrew, January 12, 1S22, died Februar};- i, 1876; WiUiam,- May 10, 1824; John, September 11, 1826, died April 21, 1871; Marion, November 30, 1828, died June 26, 1847; Frances, November 18, 1830; Thomas, February 22, 1834, died September 29, 1851. Frances is the widow of William O. Jones, of Huntington count}'. The father died June 20, 1848, and the mother May 15, 187S, in Clinton count}', Ohio. In about 1839 ^^^ father visited Indiana and purchased a section of land in Allen county and one in Huntington county, and bequeathed to William the west half of the Allen county section, which is his home farm at the present. This he settled upon in 1848. The land at that time was covered with timber. Mr. Branstator erected a log cabin, and, after getting married, began the work of clearing. The farm is known as the west half of the Branstator reserve, part of sections Nos. i and 2, in Lafayette township, and sections 35 and 36 in Aboit township. Since then Mr. Branstator has added to his land until he has 597 acres in one body in Lafayette and Aboit townships, and also has a farm of 207 acres in section 36, Aboit township, altogether 804 acres in Allen county. He also owns 243 acres in Warren and CHnton counties, Ohio, the old homestead. In 1871 he erected a large two-story brick residence, one of the finest in the township. Mr. Branstator was married on April 16, 1848, to Catherine A. Hill, who was born in Washington county, Md., May 28, 1829. Her parents, David and Sarah (Fogwell) Hill, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland, were pioneers of Allen county, where the father died in 1S47, the mother dying in Clay count}^, Ind., about 1873. Of their ten children, seven survive. Mr. and Mrs. Branstator have had twelve children: Elizabeth Frances, born January 11, 1849, wife of JuHan J. Cron, of Wayne township; Martin L., March 10, 1851, died March 12, 1857; Sarah E., June 4, 1S52, wife of Henry Kress, of Lafayette township; Andrew Dallas, May 14, 1854, farming ^n Wayne township; Anna C., December 3, 1857, widow ot William McNair; William D., November 15, 1S59, farming in Kansas; Jason Douglas, December 15, 1861, living in Aboit township; James, October 22, 1S63, died October 22, 1863; McClellan, July 24, 18*65, residing at home; Charles W., June 23, 1867, residing at home; Rosa J., December 15, 1869, died December 15, 1869, and Delia May, January 23, 1873, died February- 2, 1873. Mrs. Branstator is a member of the Five Points Lutheran church. Mr. Branstator has always been a prominent citizen, broad and liberal in his views, progressive and enterprising. He is a democrat in politics, and in 1867 and 186,8 was trustee of Lafayette township. He is a member of Summit City lodge, F. & A. M., of Fort Wayne.

Quite important is it, that in an account of the development of that part of the county of Allen which is mainly agricultural in its industries, brief mention, at least, should be made of the rise and growth of the churches. Hand in hand with the school came the church to the early settlers, and both were potent factors in the work of progress. The missionary piercing the trackless wilds, to carry the gospel to the scattered pioneers, could speak with great power to his hearers, for it was apparent that only the love of his cause guided and sustained him. Remuneration he could not hope for, but he never sought in vain for lodging and sustenance for himself and his horse. His reading and preaching and fervent pra3^er and song brought back the old daj's at home to the weary toiler in the forest, and cheered him to renewed exertion, that ere long the advantages of church association and the comfort of its sacred rites might be his again. The early church and school often occupied the same rude log cabin, and frequently the shelter was erected primarily for a house of worship of the sustaining Power that the settlers felt was supreme even in the boundless forests, amid wild animals and Indians not long since in savage warfare against his race. These early church classes exerted a great influence for good, and the distinct methods of various denominations in the development of character can be traced to-dav in the diverse character of different localities. In the following pages of this chapter a brief account will be given of the estabhshment and growth of societies of the different denominations, except those elsewhere treated of, throughout Allen county outside of the city of Fort Wayne.

Methodist Efiscofal Church. - Without the township of Wayne, in which the earliest settlement was made, the first preaching of the gospel to the American settlers of which record can now be found, was in the Maumee settlement in Adams township. There, at the house of John Rogers, services were conducted by Reuben Nickerson, of the Methodist Episcopal church, in 1828, and he was followed by Rev. James B. Austin, James Holman and Richard Robinson, at the same place previous to 1832. In 1834, Rev. Holman held religious meetings at the home of Richard Andrew in Aboit township, and two years later a class was organized there, which is one of the oldest in the county. There were then twelve members, and they were ministered to by Rev. Stephen R. Ball, once in four weeks. He preached at Fort Wayne, with South Bend and Logansport in his circuit. This pioneer died some ten years ago, in Steuben county. In 1S42, a log building was erected to serve alike for church and school. This class is still in existence and now worships at Friendship chapel, built a few years ago, in the Coesse circuit. Another class of similar age is that which was the origin of the Methodist church at Huntertown. Meetings were begun in 1834, at the house of Horace F. Dunten, by Mr. Nickerson, and ministers of various denominations alternated in their visits. In 1836, with six members, the class was organized at the house of James Thompson, by Rev. Ball, and two years later the Caswell school-house became the place of m.eeting. In 1846, a frame church was erected, 30x40 feet in dimensions, at a cost of $1,500, and this has since been the home of the church. Its present pastor, A. L. Forkner, has a circuit including 180 members in Allen county. Another zealous pioneer of Methodism, the Rev. Mr. Black, preached in Lake township at the home of William Grayless, in 1834, but there was no attempt to organize a class here for many years. Jesse Heaton, sr., a faitliful Methodist, had services at his home in Marion township, as early as 1835, conducted by Rev. James Harrison, and their efforts resulted in the formation of a class in 1836, consisting of eight members. At Mr. Heaton's house the little band continued to meet for ten years, and then occupied the school-house at Middletown. In 1852 they erected a comfortable house of worship in the village, at a cost of $Soo, which has served the societ}^ up to the present. To this organization, in its various places of meeting, nearly all the venerable pioneers of Methodism in this region, ministered, and at an earl}^ day the membership was quite large. But the organization of more convenient churches for various neighborhoods has decreased the attendants. One of the oldest Sunday-schools in the count)' was started here in 1837, being first organized b}^ Jared Wharton, asa union school, and it is still conducted on that plan. In 1842, a number of the members organized the Williamsport class, at the house of John Snyder, the meeting teing presided over by Rev. Jesse Sparks. A school-house was soon afterward occupied as the house of worship, but that being destroyed by fire, Mr. Snyder's residence was used until the neat church, now in use, was built in 1869, at a cost of $1,200. Both the Middle- town and the Williamsport churches are in the Sheldon circuit, in charge of Rev. A. G. McCarter. A flourishing pioneer church class was that organized by Rev. Ball in 1835, in Pleasant township. There were fifteen members, and meetings were held from house to house until 1S44, when a log church was erected on land donated b}^ Horney Robinson. This was succeeded in 1866, by Brenton chapel, a commodious frame building, which cost $1,200. It was well attended, but the centers of settlement having changed, and new organizations formed that drew awaj^ members, the church finally was disorganized, and now no services are held.

In St. Joseph township, in 1836 or 1837, meetings were held b)- Rev. True Pattee, one of the first settlers, and Rev. Golthite. About the same time a preacher of much power. Rev. Edward Hickland, of the Methodist Protestant denomination, created a great excitement among his hearers in this vicinity and elsewhere, bj' preaching the speedy dissolution of the universe. Not content with picturing with startling verbal imagery, the reward of the good, and the future torment of the wicked, he displayed colored cartoons to illustrate his texts. When the day of wrath announced by him, March 2, 1838, arrived, some believers, it is said stood read}' in their ascension robes, to ascend to a better world. But the failure of his prophecy ended his influence. The members of the Methodist church in this township kept up their meetings, though irregularl}', until the erection of the St. Joseph church, in 1865. It is a frame building, 34x45, and was dedicated bj' Rev. J. V. R. Miller, Rev. James Greer becoming the first pastor. It is supplied b}- the New Haven pastor and the membership is consolidated with Wayne Street church. Fort Wayne. In 1836 Rev. Hickland preached in Cedar Creek township and the result was the organization of a class, which met until the members of other denominations, which had united in this, withdrew. In 1845 the withdrawal of the Methodist Episcopalian members occurred, and thej- organized a class under Rev. Dowd, which met at Silver's school-house until 185 1, when a log church was erected. This was the parent church from which Mt. Olivet and Robinson chapel societies sprang, but it soon ceased to exist itself on account of these withdrawals. In 185 1 the organization at Leo was effected, and a small frame church was erected, which was used until 1878, when one of larger dimensions was purchased. The Leo circuit includes 203 members, and the pastor is now A. H. Currie. In 1864 the members at Cedarville erected a good frame church, which is included in the Leo circuit.

The beginning of the present flourishing societ}' at Wesley Chapel, Eel River township, was in the winter of 1S37-S, when meetings were held at the home of John V^alentine. In the spring following the class was organized at the house of John McKee, with about twelve members. John Bennett was class leader, and Rev. James Ross made the class occasional visits. Meetings were held in the old hickory schoolhouse, until 1843, when a hewn-log church was erected. The congregation increased, and in 1865 a handsome frame church was erected at a cost of $2,500, which was dedicated February iS, iS66, by Rev. S. N. Campbell. There are now about seventy-five members and B. Sawyer of the Cherubusco circuit is pastor. In Jefferson township Rev. David Pattee preached in 1S3S in the log school-house of the settlement, and several 3'ears later a class was formed, which subsequent!}- joined the New Haven church.

In 183S, Rev. True Pattee began preaching in the township of Springfield, and about five years later, in the winter of 1843-4, a class of twelve members: Marcus Brown, Horace Skinner, William Sweet, Richard Anderson, Alphonzo Pattee, and their wives, and Mrs. M. Johnson and Ahira Pattee, was organized at the school-house on section 28. There meetings were held regularlj^ until 1854, when the old Harlan church was built in the town of Maysville. Since 1843 regular pastors have been in charge, the present minister being T. F. Freeh, and the church has prospered, having now about 114 members, and a handsome brick church, which was built in 1881 at a cost of about $6,000. Two other churches in the count}- are included in the Maysville circuit, East Springfield and Scipio, and includes about 180 members in Allen count}-. The Scipio church is the outgrowth of meetings held at Gehial Park's in 1840, by Benjamin Dorsey.

Brief mention has now been made of the work of the preachers of the Methodist Episcopal church in the township up to 1840, and the organizations which followed their efforts. In the latter named year a church organization was made in Washington township, composed of George Ashley, Daniel Opleger, Uriah J. Rock, James W. Flemming, and their families, and several years later they built a small log church on land donated by Mr. Ashley in the northwest part of the township, and there they first worshipped under the guidance of Rev. J. W. Winans. This primitive building stood many years, and finally became the home of the sexton of the cemetery. In the latter part of 1872 the new church was erected at the village of Wallen, and its first trustees were John Ervin, George Opleger, James P. Ross, George Sunderland and David L. Archer. This prosperous society is part of the Huntertown circuit. The Sunday-school was established in 1844, and has ever since been in existence. In 1841 Rev. Jesse Sparks organized the Massillon class at the house of Charles Peckham, in Madison township. The next year a lot was donated by John Edwards, and a hewn-log church was erected, which was free of debt, as the work was donated by Jabez Shaffer, Charles Peckham, John Edwards, and Adam Robinson. Here the class worshipped until 1856, when the frame church now in use was erected. The membership, at first twenty, increased to seventy-five, but has again decreased. It is included in the Monroeville circuit.

In 1845 the first religious meeting in Milan township was held by Rev. True Pattee, but no organization was formed. The Monroeville Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1847, with fourteen members. They met at the house of John Barnhart, and were ministered to by Rev. John Palmer. The church hved and prospered, and in 1865 their present handsome church at Monroeville was erected, during the pastorate of A. C. Curr}', and dedicated by Rev. John Hill. The present pastor is B. S. Hollopeter, and he ministers to a circuit including about 200 members. In 1849 another class was organized by Rev. Palmer, at the house of William Gra3'less, in Lake township. In 1850 they erected Lake Chapel, five miles north of Areola. But the growth of the village of Areola led to the organization of a class there in 1867, and four years later the latter organization erected a neat frame church, at a cost of 1,600, which was dedicated in September, 1871, by Rev. A. Marine. This drew to some extent from the membership of Lake Chapel. But both are still flourishing and are now in charge of Rev. I. W. Kemberling, of Coesse. In 1850 another society was organized in Perrj' township, and in the following j-ear a donation of land was made by Andrew Byers, upon which in 1852 a frame church was erected, and dedicated by Prof. Robinson, in honor of whom it was named Robinson Chapel. It is included in Leo circuit.

In 1852, the first class in Lafaj'ette township was organized by Rev. Almon Greenman, at Beach school-house. Meetings were held there, and afterward at Hoosier school-house, but during the time of civil war the membership was much reduced. In 1869 a reorganization was made, and during the next year, a good frame church, 36x50 feet in dimensions, was erected at a cost of $2,200, and was dedicated as Munson chapel. There are now about seventy-five members who are ministered to b}- J. B. Allemann, of Roanoke circuit.

The class at New Haven was organized July 7, 1861, by Rev. E. W. Erick, of the Massillon circuit, there being but five members, Rev. True Pattee, Lorenzo Pattee and wife, Mrs. Sarah Pattee and Miss Emil}^ Tinkham. The class remained in the Massillon circuit until 1863, when it was assigned to Harlan circuit, and in 1865 it became a separate charge known as New Haven mission, with an appropriation of $125. The building of the Methodist Protestants was used until 1S66, when a brick church was erected b}- Henry Burgess. This was dedicated by Rev. R. D. Robinson, February 24, 1867. The pastor now in charge is J. C. Dorwin, who also has in charge Bower's chapel, in St. Joseph township, which society was organized many years ago, and the circuit includes ninety-five members.

In 1877, as a result of meetings held by Rev. C. H. Brown, at East Liberty, Monroe township, a class of forty members was organized, which held services at first in the United Brethren chiirch. In 1879, a neat brick church, Shiloh, was erected, 32x40 in size, about a half mile north of East Liberty, which is a point in Monroeville circuit. The church at Sheldon is a flourishing one, and A. G. McCarter, now stationed there, has a circuit with 137 members. At Hoagland, in 18S8, a society was organized, which now meets in the Baptist church. The various churches of this denomination in Allen count}- are now under the care of Elder M. Mahin, a veteran pastor.

Baptist Church. - In 1835, the courageous and enterprising ministers in the mission work of this church held meetings at various places throughout the county of Allen. At the house of Joshua Goheene, under the ministration of Rev. Gildersleeve, a society was organized which met at the residences of the member named and of John Ross, until 1850, when the Eel River church absorbed the membership.

In Marion township Rev. Robert Tisdel and Rev. William Corbin labored, and so effectually that in 183S, on Februar}^ 6th, six Baptists, under their leadership, Margaret Rock, Michael Rock, Christopher Lipes, Susanna Lipes, Sarah Morton and Bada Morton, formed an organization and began holding meetings at the house of Christopher Lipes. In 1S49, they erected a small church at a cost of $400, which was used twenty-one years. In 1S70 the creditable edifice now used. Bethel church, above the village of Williamsport was built, at an expense of $1,200, but the church is not active at present, and there is no regular preaching. The members of this church and the Methodists in union organized a Sunday-school in 1835, on the west bank of the St. Mary's, south of Williamsport.

The Eel River church, above alluded to, was organized December 21, 1844, by Elder Wedge. At the first regular meeting, Appleton Rich was chosen deacon, and John Ross clerk. Rev. A. S. Biiigham became pastor Ma}- 16, 1846, and was retained in that position more than twenty-five 3'ears. In 1850, a frame house was erected near Heller's corners, and dedicated September 28. This was insufficient in later j-ears, and a substantial brick church was built at a cost of $4,400. This was dedicated by Rev. Rider, August 25, 1S78.

In Washington township meetings were frequently held by ministers of all denominations, but it was not until 1S46 that the First Baptist church was organized by Rev. Alfred Bingham. He remained in charge one year, was succeeded by Elder Adams for a similar period, and then that worthy pioneer of the township, Thomas Hatfield, acted as minister until about the beginning of the civil war. After his resignation, interest in the organization soon flagged,, and in a short time it was abandoned.

On the fourth Saturday in October, 1854, *^" members of this denomination met at the Beech school-house, in Lafayette township, and organized an "Old School" Baptist church, of which Mark S. Gaskill was chosen deacon and clerk, and Rev. Joseph Williams, pastor. Four years later fourteen members withdrew to join another organization, and the society was therefore much crippled.

United Brethren Church. - Some of the most prominent of the pastors of this church who labored in this county during the early years of the organization here were, John Hill and his son, J. W. Hill, M. Johnson, C. B. Whitley, L. S. Parver, F. B. Hendricks, W. S. Bay, W. Miller, W. McKee, J. L. Luttrell, S. T. Mahan and Z. H. Bonnell.

Rev. John Hill, a devoted circuit preacher, who died at Monmouth about 1876, held services at the barn of Samuel Clem, in Monroe township, in 1845, and a church was organized with six members. For several years meetings were held at the houses of members until an arrangement was made b}^ which this society and the Methodists erected a building to be used in common. In 1873 the Bethlehem church was erected at East Libei-t}', in dimensions 34x46, which cost $1,600. It was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Grosbrenner. The present pastor is W. L. Waldo.

In 1854 a class of sixteen was organized, at the house of John Miller, in Pleasant township, which was the beginning of the congregation which now worships at Liberty chapel. The first church building, a log structure, was erected in 1S59, ^"^ dedicated by Rev. P. Landen, and served as a place of worship until 186S, when the chapel was erected at Five Corners. T. M. Harvey is now the pastor of the congregation.

The society of this denomination which now meets in a neat church at Cedarville, was organized in Februar}', 1861, at Hamilton, with fifty members, by Rev. Jonathan Thomas, pastor. They erected a church at Hamilton at a cost of $1,200, but sold it in the same year, 1S75, to the Methodist Episcopal church, and built a new edifice at Cedarville, which was dedicated by Elder David Holmes in April, 1S77. Rev. T. Q. Tussing is now in charge of this and the Maysville church. The house of worship of the latter was erected about 1858.

The society which meets at Prairie Grove chapel, in Wayne township, was organized in 1888, but is really a re-organization of an older societj', which worshipped there a number of years ago, but had become disorganized. The re-organization was with twenty members, and a local minister, G. W. Carder, is now in charge.

About 1 87 5, the Nine Mile society in Marion township, which met in a log church on the Wayne trace, was disorganized. It was one of the early organizations in the county. The Williamsport church was organized in 1868, with four members. The house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1874, Rev. J. L. Luttrell ofliciating. At present the membership is thirty, and Rev. J. P. Stewart is in charge.

Presbyterian Church. - In 1836, and subsequently. Rev. Rankin, of Foi-t Wayne, an able minister of this denomination, held services at a cabin on the site of Huntertown, at the house of Christian Parker, in St. Joseph township, and elsewhere; and several years before, Rev. Chute, of Ft. Wayne, had in 1829, first carried the gospel to the new homes of the settlers of Washington township. But no organizations within this church weie made, except near Hoagland, in 1859. This society was organized with fifteen members, and James English and John McConahy as elders. In 1S69 a church building was erected at a cost of about $1,000, but the organization is now dissolved.

Christian Church. - In 1S65 a society of this organization was formed in west Lafayette township, with eleven members. Rev. E. W. Hammond was the pastor, Stephen Wilson and Thomas Wilkerson, elders, and Isaac B. Dawes and WiUiam Jobs, deacons. In 1872 the neat frame church near Beech school-house was erected at a cost of $i,575) '^"d in December of the same year it was dedicated by Elder Smith, of Huntington.

The next church of this denomination to be organized was that in Monroeville, in 1867. For several years meetings had been held at Pool's hall, which was used after the organization for ten years. In 1877 the handsome brick edifice in which the congregation now worships, was built at a cost of $3,500, and dedicated by Rev. L. L. Carpenter.

Univcrsalist Church. - A societj' of this denomination was organized at the house of Dr. D. Vanderhyden, in 1850, with seventeen members, and William Chaplin of Kosciusko count}', visited the church as pastor. In 1851 their house of worship at Huntertown was erected, and dedicated by -Mr. Chaplin, who was engaged in 1855 as pastor, th'e first of a series of able ministers. The society now has no regular minister.

The First Universahst church of New Haven was organized in April, 1865, at the house of H. W. Loveland. The first officers elected were Mrs. Col. Whitaker, president; Mrs. Nancy McDonald, vice president; Mrs. Jane Phelps, treasurer, and Mrs. O. D. Rogers, secretary. In 1878 a lot was purchased for the erection of a church, but it was never built and the society is abandoned.

Evangelical Association. - A society of this denomination was organized in 1850, in the northeast part of Lafayette township, and soon afterward a log church was built, in which meetings were held regularly for many years.

Apostolic Christian Church. - In the fall of 1862, two members of this denomination met at the house of Jacob Schwartz, and organized a society, of which these two were the only members for some time. The first sermon was preached by Rev. John Craybill, of Illinois. The society grew, and in 1878 a house was erected near Hamilton, which was dedicated by Revs. Henrj' Sanders and Joseph Conrad, who served as pastors afterward.

Church of God. - Ten members of this denomination organized a society at Potter's station, in Eel River township, in 1875, with Rev. John Parker as pastor. In the spring of 1S76, a handsome house was built, 40x52 feet, costing $1,360, which was dedicated May 12, 1876, by Rev. Mrs. McCauley, and christened Ari chapel.

Union Chafcl, near the center of north Pleasant township, was founded as the resuU of a meeting held at Prayer Grove chapel in June, 1874, ^o adopt measures for the building of a place of worship in Pleasant township which should be open to all denominations. The building was begun in August and completed in December, 1874, ^"^ ^^'^'^ dedicated by Revs. Robinson, of Fort Wayne and T. H. Bernau of Wells county.

Methodist Protestant Church. - An organization under the ministry of Rev. Edward Hickland was effected in about 1838, at New Haven. Among the prominent earl}' members were: Abram Miller and wife, Jeremiah Bateman, Rev. Isaac Bateman, Mrs. Julia Green, E. W. Green, Mrs. Sarah Bateman, Sallie Studebaker, ^Iaria Do3'le, Ann Miller, Joseph Young, Abram Hughes, Miss Jane Whitley, Susan McDougal, Mrs. McDougal, Monroe Norton. The congregation used the schoolhouse at first, and in 1857-8 erected a church building, which is still in use.

' The Cuba church of this denomination was organized in the winter of 1851, with fourteen members, by Rev. R. S. Widney. In 1854, ^^''" ing the pastorate of Rev. David Pattee, a frame church building, 30x40, costing $500, was built. This building was removed to Maysville in 1866, and was used there until 1S78, when a handsome frame structure was erected, which involved an expenditure of nearly $3,000. It was dedicated January 19, 1879, by Rev. McKeever.

Wesleyan Methodist Church. - In 1853 a society of the United Brethren church was organized at Eel River township, with ten members, and it prospered for over twent}- years, a neat frame church being erected in the west part of the township in i860; but about 1874 doctrinal differences between the pastor and congregation resulted in a division, the greater part of the society uniting in the organization of a Wesleyan Methodist church. The meetings of the old church soon afterward ceased, and in 1878 the new organization purchased the old building.

German Baptists. - The members of this church who settled in the northern part of the countv at the period of the German immigration, worshipped at a church in DeKalb county for a considerable period.- The members in Eel river township withdrew in 1874, chose Jeremiah Gump as pastor, and in 1875 built ^ frame church 36x50 feet, on section 9, at a cost of $1,500. In Cedar Creek township, a societ}- was organized in June, 1876, which purchased a building formerly used at Hamilton by the Methodists. This was re-dedicated by Rev. Jesse Calberd.

Mennonite Church. - Rev. Kraber held meetings in 1852, at the house of Jacob Saunders, preaching the doctrines of this church, and a society was organized which met at the residences and barns of members until the building of a church east of Hamilton, in 1874. In i860 there was a withdrawal by a number of members, who met at their private houses.

The Lutheran Church History Of The German Evangelical Lutheran

The Lutheran church is the church of the Reformation. There were reformers in the church before Luther, but there was no successful reformation except which Luther led. It is not necessary to tell the reader who Luther was. As long as history shall be told, and wherever the blessings of religious and civil liberty shall be enjoyed, the name of Luther will be remembered with veneration and gratitude. Of him more than of any other mortal of modei'n ages, it may be said : Though

Dead, He Still Liveth

But what is popularly known as the Lutheran church, is not so-called because she is founded on Luther. None can honor and revere the great reformer as a witness for the truth more than does the church that bears his name, but " our faith does not rest upon Luther's authority." Far from it. A pious German prince once said: "We are not baptised in the name of Luther. He is not our Lord and Savior. We do not rest our faith in him. In that sense we are not Lutherans. But if we be asked whether with heart or lips we profess the doctrines which God restored to light through the instrumentality of his blessed servant, Dr. Luther, we neither hesitate nor are we ashamed to call ourselves Lutherans." This is the reason wh}^ our church has so cheerfull}' adopted the name which was first applied to us, by way of derision and contempt, by our opponent, the Roman Catholic church.

Our first name, however, and the name of our own choice, is Evangelical. No other word can better characterize our church than this. For the gospel of Jesus Christ, the glad tidings of the Savior of sinners, is the doctrine with which our church must stand or fall. And we hold that the blessings of that gospel are continually presented to us as free as the air we breathe, through the means of grace, God' blessed Word and his holy sacraments. And in accepting them we renounce all dependence upon ourselves, all ideas of human merits, and with a firm and faithful trust cHng and cleave inseparably to Christ alone and his merit. Another distinctive trait of the Lutheran church is this At the head of all authority we place the Bible. That book alon determines all questions of doctrine and duty. " It is written,'' is th only argument to which we submit in matters of religion, our reason feelings, and experience to the contrary notwithstanding.

maintain that liberty of conscience and private judgment are inalienable rights of man. With a conscience free from any state authority, we are equally unfettered by any high church order in our church government. We receive our ministers not as masters of our faith, but merety as our pastors, preachers, brethren, and counsellors. One is our master, even Christ, and we are all brethren, and are bound together only by the eternal ties of God's Word. Such are the fundamental principles of the Lutheran church.

Since the da3's of the apostles, the great object of the Christian church, as an organization, has been " to go into all the world and preach the gospel to ever\' creature." She is appointed to carry the light, libert}^ and hope of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Her work is not done until the cross is planted in ever}- soil, the banner of redemption unfurled in ever}^ breeze, and the wretched and dying of all lands are pointed to the "lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world." In this great and glorious work the Lutheran church, from the earliest period of the Reformation, took a conspicuous part, as the mother church of Protestant Christianity, she felt that she must lead the van in the work of missions. Accordingl}^, we find Lutheran princes and church patrons, already centuries ago, directing their attention to the spreading of the gospel among the heathen. Gustavus Vasa, the Lutheran king of Sweden, has the illustrious honor of instituting and establishing the first effective Protestant mission. The great Lutheran hero, Gustavus Adolphus, was of the same mind in these matters, and man}' other names might be added, that shine forth from the brilliant constellation of Lutheran missionaries and missionary institutions.

It was this missionary spirit tirst of all, that led to the planting of the Lutheran church in this country. "The English first came hither as adventurers in search of notoriety and gain. The Dutch first came hither uTipelled by the spirit of mercantile enterprise. The Puritans first came over to escape from religious persecution. But the Lutherans first came hither chiefly moved with the inspiring idea of planting on these newly discovered shores, the pure church of the living God. The plan was conceived by Gustavus Adolphus, and carried into effect by his on this continent landed in Virginia in 1607. Seven years after the Dutch commenced their settlement along the Hudson. Six years later the Puritans landed at Plymouth Rock. And but thirty years after the first permanent settlement of Europeans upon this continent, the Lutheran colonists, sent forth by royal favor from the kingdom of Sweden, took up their abode in the name of Christ, on the banks of the Delaware. Among the first, if not the very first Christian churches ever built and consecrated in this new world, were those they built. Five years before the arrival of Wilham Penn, a Lutheran minister was preaching the gospel in the neighborhood of where Philadelphia now stands. On Trinit}' Sunday, 1699, the first Lutheran church in America was consecrated at Christina, Del It is also an interesting reminis- cence, that the first missionaries who ever taught the gospel of Jesus to the Indians of America, were Lutherans; and that the first book ever transhited and printed in the Indian language, was the Lutheran Catechism."

The special mission and work of the Lutheran church in this countryhas always been chiefl}' among the Germans and Scandinavians and their descendants. And as the Lutheran church began with the Reformation in Germany, the great majority of Lutherans in this country are Germans and their descendants. It was religious persecution that caused' many of them to emigrate from their fatherland and to seek an asylum in America and a home where they might find " freedom to worship' God." This was the beginning of a number of Lutheran colonies in Georgia, South Carolina and other states.

But by far the greater number of German emigrants left their homes and all that was dear to them because poverty and starvation stared them in the face in their native country. They entered upon a long and tedious voyage across the Atlantic and endured the perils and hardships which often greeted them upon their arrival in this country, because they knew that with industry and frugality, better prospects and better opportunities for making a living awaited them here than in their own country. There came the titled nobleman who, by misfortune or mismanagement, had lost that affluence which once surrounded his ancestral home. There came the unfortunate merchant who by unwise investments and lack of success in his commercial affairs brought himself and family to the verge of ruin. There came the industrious mechanic who could scarcely maintain a large and increasing family on the small pittance which was his daily support, and who could never hope to get beyond the point of keeping the wolf from the door. There came the sturdy peasant and tenant who was so' overburdened with tithes and gatherings that he groaned over the profitless labor he daih' performed. There came the strong and promising youth, to escape the demands of his country upon him for military service. There came, in the blush of fife, young and unmarried men and women, who could see nothing before them but overcrowded situations; whose circumstances forbade them ever to arrive at the condition of competency in the ordinary pursuits of life, and who therefore felt but too keenlj^ that the Old World had Httle employment to offer and less bread to spare. Thus //cccss/h' induced the vast majority of German emigrants to seek their fortune in America. And this class of peoplehas furnished chiefly the field for the mission of the Lutheran church in America. And it was this class of emigrants that laid the foundation to, and built up, the various Lutheran congregations in Fort Wayne and AUen county.

It was on Saturday, October 14, 1837, when a number of German immigrants met in a room of the court-house of Fort Wa3ne, and byadopting the formula of the discipline of the Evangelical Lutheran hurch organized the first German Evangelical Lutheran Church F Fort Wayne. This was the first Lutheran church in the state of

Indiana. There were present twenty-three heads of families whose names were entered upon the records of the newh' organized congregation. The pastor was the Rev. Jesse Hoover, and the first election resulted in making Adam Wefel and Henr\- 'I'rier, elders, and Henry Rudisill and Conrad Nill, deacons. Such was the humble origin of St. Paul's church, now on Barr street.

The man who was most active in bringing about this event was Henry Rudisill, who, born and bred in Pennsylvania, had moved to Fort Wayne in the year 1829, when the village had but 150 inhabitants, mostly French and Indians. Mr. Rudisill and his familj' were the first Germans and the first Lutherans in this part of the country. No happier man than he when, after j-ears of patient waiting, he at last saw the German Lutherans in this frontier village united in a church organization, and supphed with a Lutheran pastor.

Rev. Hoover entered upon his duties with indomitable zeal, serving his people as their pastor and preacher, and sharing with them their hardships and privations. Not content with his work in the settlement, he extended his mission circuit over the greater part of northern Indiana. But unfortunately, after a successful ministry of not quite two years, he died, when but twenty-eight years old. His remains were recently removed from a neglected spot and deposited in the Lutheran cemeter}' where they have found a prominent and permanent resting place. Blessed be his memory.

The little flock of Lutherans was now without a shepherd. But soon God in His providence led into their midst a man who was not only to supply St. Paul's, but who was to become the patriarch of Lutheranism on this continent west of the Alleghanies. This was the sainted Rev. Wyneken, who only recently hai'' left his native land, and risked the dangers and exposure of a sea voyage, and cast his lot in a new countr_y with its many inconveniences. And why did he do this.'' For no other reason than to bring the gospel to his German brethren that were scattered over this new country which was then in a most chaotic condition. Nothing but his great love for Christ and His church could furnish the motive. In the autumn of 1S38 he came to Fort Waj-ne and at once entered upon his labors which were many and arduous. The perils and difficulties, trials and exposures which beset him, can scarcely be conceived at this day. And yet his confidence in God remained unshaken. He frequently undertook distant and irksome journeys as far as the states of Ohio and Michigan; sometimes these missionary tours required an absence from home for weeks and months, and subjected him to much persoual inconvenience; yet he cheerfully submitted to all. He was willing to make any sacrifice, endure any suffering, and render any service, however toilsome, that he might advance his mission and bring souls to Christ. He never grew weary in well-doing, but his left hand never found out what his right did in "that direction. He had the unbounded confidence of his people, and no man ever deserved it more than he did.

What a hard life many of those early German'settlers must have had! After a long and stormy passage, worn out with the toils and sufferings of an overland journey in this wild country before the days of the railroad, they finally reached their destination, only to be disapointed in their expectations. Soon, however, they would gather courage, and many of them began to swing their axes and hewed out the timber foV their rude dwelHngs, and laid the foundation to some of the most valuable farms and estates in Allen county. Bread for themselves, their wives and httle ones was all they could expect in the beginning from the fruitful soil of their adopted country. And in many cases the poor immigrant had first to work to paj' the expense of his passage to America, as he had to borrow the money to cross the ocean. But we shall not rehearse the touching story of the hardships and strugglings of these heroic men and women, the pioneers in the Allen county wilderness! In spite of it all, wood fires, the only comfort that was plenty, blazed bright, and around the warm hearthstone often was heard the prayers of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Ay, those were men and women of strong faith. They were deeply attached to their church. They read and studied the Bible, and were accustomed to family prayers. They laid the foundation of our Lutheran churches both deep and strong, and deserve to be held in grateful remembrance to all future generations.

After having had their services for years in the court-house, and afterward in a small brick building, on the corner of Harrison and Superior streets, the St. Paul's congregation bought some ground and in 1S39 erected a small frame building where the new St. Paul's is rearing its magnificent spires to the skies to-da}'.

For some years after the first little church had been built. Rev. Wyneken continued to labor among his people with the same untiring zeal, submitting himself to self-denials and deprivations from which most men would recoil. But a call to a Lutheran church in Baltimore, which he accepted, put an end to his work here in Fort Wayne. This occurred in 1845. We can well imagine the scene of leave taking, as the saddened group of people gathered to bid him good-bye and wafted their parting blessings to him. Afterward the reverend gentleman became one of the founders and leaders of the Missouri synod, now one of the largest Lutheran organizations in the country; and for many 3'ears he was the president of said synod, where he was frequently and successfully engaged in church difficulties, in restoring peace among the brethren, in encouraging feeble congregations and in performing many other labors in the interest of the Lutheran zion. He died in San Francisco, Cal., in 1877, and was buried in Cleveland, Ohio. The debt of gratitude to him can never be repaid. Wherever his name is spoken his services shall be recounted and his memory hallowed, and his praises dwell hving upon the lips of men.

The next pastor of St. Paul's was Rev. W. Sihler, who was installed in 1845. Under his faithful and fostering care the congregation continued to grow and flourish. Soon it became necessary, for want of accommo-

One of the leading events during the pastorate of Rev. Sihler was the establishment of a theological seminary, of which he was appointed the first professor and director. This institution, years afterward, was tranferred to St. Louis, and the present Concordia college took its place.

In the course of time the congregation became solarge that it became necessar}' to divide it into two parishes. Accordingly, the Emanuel's Lutheran Church was branched off, and a noble and imposing church edifice erected on the corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets, and Rev. Stubnatzy, who, for years had been Rev. Sihler's most highly accomplished and immensely popular assistant, was made pastor of the new charge. This was done during the years 1868 and j:869.

Rev. Sihler now continued to perform the duties of his sacred office alone until 1875, when the ever increasing work and his decreasing strength induced him to ask for another assistant. Accordingly, Rev. H. G. Sauer, a highly talented Lutheran minister of Mobile, Ala., was called and installed to labor by the side of the venerable senior pastor. The growth of the church was such a rapid one that it soon became apparent that another division would also have to be made. In 1882, therefore, the Zion's Lutheran Church, in the southern portion of the city, was established, with Rev. Dreyer as her first pastor. In June, 1885, Rev. Sihler, who for forty years had so faithfully ministered to the spiritual wants of St. Paul's, was constrained, in view of extreme old age, to resign the pastorate. He lingered on for some months, and died on October 27th of the same year. He went to his grave most highly honored and respected. His stern integrity, his intense earnestness of purpose, his simple and child-like faith, his sense of dut}^, and his fidelity to the doctrines of his church will always bear honorable mention.

The year 1887 was a year of special interest to the members of St. Paul's, and to the Lutherans of Allen county in general, for it brought the fiftieth anniversar}', which was celebrated in a manner becoming the occasion. It was a jubilee of joy and thanksgiving and it was resolved that, though the old church building was still in fairly good condition, to erect a new and more commodious house of worship, and through the extraordinar}' liberality and devotion of the German Lutheran people, a new church has been built, on the site of the old building that, by universal consent, is one of the handsomest and most imposing structures of the city. At writing of this sketch preparations are being made for consecrating the new building to the service of the Triune God. The present pastor is Rev. Sauer, who assumed the full duties of the pastorate ever since the resignation of Rev. Sihler. That his position offers him no sinecure may be gathered from the fact that no less 3,000 souls belong to his parish. A man more affable in manners, more genial in disposition, and better gifted for pulpit and other ministerial work, than Rev. H. G.

The Lutheran Church. 47 1

Sauer, it would probably be difficult to find. May this faithful pastor and his good people long continue to enjoy God's choicest blessings in the new temple, and may the means of grace used there redound to the glory of God and the salvation of many souls.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran congregation was founded in the year 1853. Besides being small and weak, the congregation contained an element that would not tolerate church discipline and order. Consequentlj', dissensions and confl^icts of all kinds that retarded the congregation's growth were not wanting during the first fifteen years. Besides this, frequent change of ministers was a great drawback, for during the time mentioned the congregation was served by four pastors, namely, Hochstetter, Kleineggers, Kuhn and Baumann. This and some other things were the cause why the congregation did not prosper at first as might be expected. In the year 1868 the congregation called the present pastor. Rev. J. Kucher, at that time of Pittsburgh, Penn.

The congregation is now in a flourishing condition. It owns a beautiful church, a school-house, in which 160 children are daily instructed by two teachers, a large parsonage, a dwelling house for the teachers, and a farm near the city. A beautiful cemetery is laid out on the farm. The congregation numbers 1,000 communicants. St. John's church is not in a s\'nodical connection with the other German Lutheran churches of Fort Wayne, but a member of the Evangelical Lutheran synod'of Ohio.

St. Paul's, at Fort Wayne. - This is the oldest Lutheran church in the state, and the parent church of the five following. Rev. H. G. Sauer, pastor. The congregation has its own parochial school in which the following teachers are employed: Messrs. J. H. Ungemach, C. Grahl, E. Gerberding, B. M. Hemmann, I. Riedel, C. Strieder and H. K. Mahlich.

The Emanuel's Lutheran Church. - The first pastor of this congregation was Rev. W. Stubnatzy, who, through his polished and pleasant manners, his ardent Lutheran spirit and his eloquent address exerted a most important influence upon the development of the Lutheran church at Fort Wayne. This great and popular preacher died in 1880, and was succeeded by Rev. C. Gross, the present pastor of the congregation. The teachers are: Messrs. G. Kampe, D. Lindemann, D. Roscher, G. Hormel and G. Grimm.

The St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran Church at Hoagland, Allen county, Ind. This congregation was organized October i, 1849, and has grown from small beginnings under the faithful ministry of Revs. Husmann, Fleischmann, Bauer, Karrer, Rosenwinkel, Zschoche, and of the present pastor. Rev. G. Th. Gotsch, and is to-day in a flourishing condition, having a neat church and a school building and a parsonage, all of brick.

No sketch of Lutheranism of Allen county would be complete without including a description of Concordia College. In the " east end " of Fort Wayne, between Maumee avenue and Washington street, there is a tract of land covering twenty-five acres, on which are a number of large buildings and several family residences. The grounds are those of Concordia college, one of the largest German Lutheran educational institutions in this countr} . This college is mainlj^ a preparatory school for the Concordia Theological seminary at St. Louis, Mo., where from thirty to forty students are graduated each year, to suppl}' pulpits mostly in the Missouri Lutheran synod. Hence almost every clergyman that holds a diploma from the St. Louis seminar}' has also been graduated at the college at Fort Wayne.

Concordia college was founded in 1839, by a few theologians, in Perry count}'. Mo. The first college building was a log cabin, and the beginnings were very humble. In 1849, ^^^ college was removed to St. Louis, and at the outbreak of the war of rebellion, in 1861, Fort Wayne became its permanent home.

At the time of the change Concordia had but three chairs in its faculty, and these were filled by Professors Schick, Saxer and Lauge. The number of students there was only seventy-eight. In the night of December 28, 1869, the main building of the former seminary was destroyed by fire. Soon, however, not only this part of the institution was rebuilt, but, in time, such other structures were erected as the growing needs of the college required. The main building to-day if 150 feet long by eighty feet wide, and is three stories high. The lower floor is used for class rooms, the second floor for living rooms, and the upper floor for sleeping apartments. Among the latest additions is the gymnasium, built with funds raised by the students, and well equipped with the proper apparatus.

dation at the college at a surprisingly small cost. No tuition fee is charged to those who propose to enter the service of the church, and as ninety-eight per cent, of the graduates become theological students, very little revenue goes into the college treasury from this source. Concordia college exists and flourishes without one cent for a fund; it depends on the voluntary contributions of the German Lutheran people, upon wise and economical management, and, tirst and last, upon the Giver of all good things. Thus the German Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri places within the easy reach of its youth all the advantages of a superior education. Thus she supplies her churches with men thoroughly equipped for the arduous duties of the ministry.

On the 25th and 26th days of June, 1889, Concordia was decked and arrayed in her holiday garments. It was her fiftieth anniversary. It was a joyous occasion - one never to be forgotten by those hundreds of students and alumni and guests who were so fortunate as to be present. May Concordia college continue to grow and multiply, and to accomplish great good in the land.

The following is a list of the college faculty: Rev. A. Baepler, director, or president, of Concordia college; Rev. F. Schick, professor of the Latin and Greek languages; Rev. H. W. Diederich, professor of Enghsh language and literature. Prof. H. W. Diederich, who for years has been suffering from failing eye-sight and a serious throat affection, was, on July 9, 1889, appointed consul to Leipsic, Germany, by President Harrison, which appointment the professor has accepted, thus creating a vacanc}' in the chair of English language and literature, which he has filled for sixteen years. In point of service, therefore, the professor was the second oldest member of the faculty. Prof. G. Schick being the senior. Rev. A. Crull, professor of the German and French languages; H. DuemHng, Ph. D., professor of mathematics and natural history; Rev. F. Zucker, professor of the Greek and Hebrew languages; O. Siemon, Ph. D., professor of the Latin language; H. Schuelke, Cand. rev. min., assistant professor of the Latin language.

Rev. Henry G. Sauer, pastor of St. Paul's German Evangelical Lutheran church, Fort Wayne, was born in St. Louis, Mo., June 14, 1845, son of Christopher G. and Julia (Waldhauer) Sauer, natives of Germany, who were married in St. Louis in 1844. Both are now deceased. He attended the parochial schools of St. Louis, and at thirteen years of age entered Concordia college, which was then located at that city. While he was a student the college was removed to Fort Wayne, in 1861. He was graduated in 1865, and in the fall entered Concordia seminary, at St. Louis, at which he was graduated in June, 1868. He began his ministerial labors in St. Louis, taking charge of Christ's church for a year and a half, and during the same time teaching the parochial school connected with his church. In February, 1870, he accepted the call of the German Evangelical Lutheran church at Mobile, Ala., and thence in November, 1875, he was called to the position of second pastor of St. Paul's church of Fort Wayne. He acted in that capacity ten years, the late Rev. Dr. William Sihler being the first pastor during the time. Upon the death of Dr. Sihler, in 1 885, Rev. Sauer succeeded him, and has filled this position in a very able and scholarly manner. Mr. Sauer was married February 4, 1869, to Maria T., daughter of Rev. Carl and Emma Tuercke. She was born in Fiierstenwalde, German}^, September 18, 1845. The)' have had eight children: Henry T., Herman, Paul E., Charles, Emma, Martha, Maria and Adele, of whom Henry and Charles are deceased. For several years Rev. Sauer has been a member of the board of trustees of Concordia college, and since the death of Rev. Stubnatzy he has been president of the board.

Rev. Charles Gross was called to the pastorate of the Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran church of Fort Wayne in the fall of 1880, coming with the prestige of thirteen years' successful service as the the pastor of the First Lutheran Trinity church of Buffalo, N. Y. He is of German nativity, born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, September 26, 1S34. ^^ came to America with his parents in 1847, and settled with them at St. Louis, where his youth was spent and where the parents remained during the rest of their lives. He began his studies in the parochial schools of St. Louis, and then, at fourteen years, entered Concordia college, then located in Perry count}', Mo. He completed his collegiate course in 1853 and graduated from the theological department in 1856. On the 22nd of June, of the year last named, he was ordained a minister and took charge of the German Lutheran congregation at Richmond, Va. He remained there during the tr\'ing scenes of civil war, and until 1867, when he removed to Buffalo. This distinguished divine has now for nearly a third of a century labored efficiently in the vineyard of his Master. On May 3, 1857, he was united in marriage with Augusta Westerfeld, a native of Bielefeld, Germany, who died April 7, 1871, at the age of thirty-four, leaving seven children: Charle.s, Otto W., Martin C, Theodore, Anna, Augusta, and Eddy. The eldest died in his seventeenth year, while a student at Concordia college, and the last child died at the age of three months. Mr. Gross was married June 6, 1872, to Mary, daughter of Rev. John Her, and by this latter marriage has had six sons: Paul (deceased), Gerhard (deceased), Charles Edwin, Walter' and Arthur (deceased). The last two were twins. Otto W., the oldest child living, is a member of the firm of Thieme & Gross, Fort Wayne; Martin C. is book-keeper for the firm of Coombs & Co. ; Theodore, a graduate of Concordia college, has charge of a Lutheran congregation at New Britain, Conn. Anna is the wife of Louis Hagemann, of Fort Wayne.

Rev. Henr}' Juengel is a native of Germany, and was born May 13, 1829. At the age of twenty-one he accompanied his parents, Henrj' and Margaret (Magold) Juengel, to this country, and made his home with them at St. Louis. Two years later, in 1852, he entered the Concordia seminary, then at Fort Wayne, but now located at Springfield, 111., and after two years' attendance, he began his ministerial labors at Peru, Ind. Six months afterward, he became pastor of a German Evan- gelical Lutheran church at Liverpool, Ohio, and remained there six years. His next field of labor was at Gootch Mills, Cooper county. Mo., where he was engaged six years and three months. From 1867 he was pastor of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran church, near Jonesville, Bartholomew count}-, Ind., until February i, 1887, when he was called to his present charge, Zion's German Evangelical Lutheran church. For thirty-five years he has been a faithful and efficient worker in the cause. Rev. Juengel was married July 9, 1S54, to Sophia M., daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Vajen) Fruechtenicht. She was born in Germany, April 2, 1S33, and came to America with her parents when she was nine years of age. This marriage has resulted in the birth of twelve children: Herman, Emma, Elizabeth, Sophia, Johanna, Ernst, Clara, Henry, Paul and Lina, living, and two deceased.

Rev. John J. Kucher was called to the pastorate of St. John's German Evangelical Lutheran church in 1868, and has ever since ministered faithfully and zealously to the spiritual needs of that congregation. This gentleman was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, February 9, 1835, the son of John J. and Elizabeth Kucher. His early education was received in his native country, and when eighteen years of age he entered the missionary institute at Basel, Switzerland, where he pursued theological studies five years, graduating in 1858. He was immediately ordained, and sent by the missionary society, soon afterward, to preach the word among the Germans of the United States. He arrived in this country in October, 185S, and at once began his labors, having served since then congregations at Harrisburg, Penn., Wilmington, Del., Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, before coming to this city. He was married in 1859 to Anna Mueck, v.'ho was born at Stuttgart, Wurtemberg, September 21, 1834, and came to America in 1859. They have eight children: OttiHa, Martha, Hermann, Paul, Theophile, Theodore, Otto and Nathanael.

Rev. Simon Frederick Conrad Ferdinand Stock, the able pastor of Martini Evangelical German Lutheran church, of Adams township, Allen countj^, Ind., was born in the village of Friedrichshoehe, Kur Hessen, German}', October 3, 1844. He was the son of Frederick William and Florentine (Distelhorst) Stock, the latter of whom died in Germany when he was a little child. In 1851 he came to America with his father and step-mother, and on reaching New York city the family came out westward to Dark county, Ohio, and located near Greenville. In the fall of 1853 they removed to Manitou county. Mo., and located on a farm where both his father and step-mother spent the rest of their lives and where he spent his youth. At the age of seventeen he entered Concordia college of St. Louis, in which, in addition to his other studies, he completed a full course in theology, graduating June 2, 1866. In the meantime, during the last year of his college course, he spent six months at Prairietown, Madison county. 111., where he performed the duties of pastor of a church and teacher of a parochial school. Shortly after graduating he came to Allen count}', Ind., having received a call to the pulpit of Martini Evangelical German Lutheran church of Adams township. He entered upon his charge immediately after his arrival, preaching his first sermon to the congregation on the 8th da}- of July,

1866. He has filled the pulpit of that church ever since - a period of twenty-three years, and during his pastorate the church has been highly prosperous. During the first twelve years of his pastorate, in addition to his ministerial duties Rev. Stock also taught the parochial school that belongs to his church. Rev. Stock was married November 7,

1867, to Sophia Margarette Wiese, who is a native of Adams township, born January 24, 1849, and was the daughter of Charles and Eleanora (Meyer) Wiese, who were natives of German3\ Rev. Stock and wife are the parents of eight chileren, as follows: Florentine Sophia Wilhelmina, Otto Frederick Ferdinand, John Henry Martin, Ferdinand William Paul, Frederick WiUiam Otto, Sophia " Mary Wilhelmina, Clara Helene Christena and Christian John Rudolph, all of whom are living. Rev. Stock is an earnest and successful worker in the cause of Christianit3% and he is deservedl}' popular, not only among the members of his own congregation but among all who know him. Rev. Stock's eldest son is now a student in Concordia college of Fort Wayne, preparatory to taking a theological course at Concordia seminar}^ at St. Louis.

Rev. George Theodore Gotsch was born in Leipsig, Germany, December 21, 1825, son of George Mauree Gotsch, D. D., of Leipsig, who emigrated to America in 1852 and afterward served a congregation of the Lutheran church at Memphis, Tenn. He spent the earljpart of his life as principal of the cit}- schools in Waldenburg, Saxon}-. He died at St. Louis, Mo., in 1878, after a hfe of usefulness. Rev. Gotch, the son, emigrated to America in 1851, one year before his father. He came to Fort Wayne and entered Concordia college, and in 1S56, began the ministerial work, to which and teaching, Jie has devoted his entire time. After leaving the college. Rev. Gotsch was called to Jonesville, Bartholomew county, Ind., where he served for some years and then in 1861, removed to Olean, Ripley county. In 1S64 he removed to Akron, Ohio and in 1S72, to Lombard, 111., near Chicago, and served as minister and teacher until 18S4, when he removed to near Hoagland, where he continues his work as pastor and teacher. He is at present sixty-four years of age, but has the vigor of mind andbody of his younger years. His wife is still living and they have eight children: Christian, married in 1875 to the daughter of Rev. H. Juengel. is a teacher in the school at Columbus, Ind. S. M. Gotsch is a teacher in a parochial school in Cleveland, Ohio. He was married in 1883, to Emeline Goltermann. Three of the sons: Emil, Charles and Martin are engaged in business at Altenheim. Oscar is a resident of Altenheim, 111.; Clara and Bertha live with their parents.

Rev. Andrew Ba;pler, director of Concordia college, was born in Baltimore, Md., July 28, 1850, the son of Henry and Catherine (Reuwer) Baspler, natives of Germany. He entered Concordia college at the age of thirteen years, and was graduated in 1869. In the fall of the latter year he became a student in the Concordia seminar}- at St. Louis, where he was graduated in 1874. ^^ ^'^^ ^^'^^ ^^ Dallas, Tex., in the following September, and with his home at that place, he performed missionary work in northern Texas and Louisiana, during the following year. In 1875 he took charge of a circuit in Benton county, Mo., and was pastor of the three churches comprised in it until the spring of 1879, when he was called to the pastorate of the German Lutheran church, at Mobile, Ala. He remained there until January, 1882, and during the greater part of the time also had charge of an English congregation at Moss Point, Miss. Following this pastorate, he was engaged as a missionary in southern Missouri, northern Arkansas and eastern Kansas until January-, 18S4, when he was chosen director of St. Paul's college at Concordia, Mo. This he held until January 9, 1888, when he was called to the directorship of Concordia college. In this position he has proven eminently qualified to advance the interests of this important educational institution. Rev. Bajpler was married Juty 15, 1875, to Josephine S., daughter of Charles and Charlotte (Miller) Ax. She was born at New Orleans, December 16, 1857, and died May 19, 1881, leaving two sons, Charles H. and Otto J. April 12, 1883, Mr. Bccpler was married to Sophia E., daughter of Joachim and Caroline (Buetner) Birkner. She was born at Long Island, December 10, 1858. The}^ have two children, Louisa M. and Edwin S.

Rev. Henr}^ W. Diederich, for sixteen years professor of EngHsh language and literature in Concordia college, Fort Wayne, was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., November 13, 1845. His parents, Nicholas H. and Mary E. (Wesseller) Diederich, were natives of Germany, where the}^ were married. Immigrating in 1S45, the}- settled at Pittsburgh, but now reside at Allegheny City. Henr}- W. Diederich was graduated at Concordia college. Fort Wayne, in 1866, and at Concordia seminary at St. Louis, in 1869. He entered upon ministerial labors in the Evangelican Lutheran church in central Illinois, and in 1870 was called to the pulpit of St. John's German Lutheran church, of New York city, where he was stationed three years. In 1873 he was appointed to the chair of English language and Hterature in Concordia college, a position he has since filled in an able and highly satisfactory manner. In 18S9 he was appointed by President Harrison counsel to the city of Leipsic, German}', a pleasing recognition of the professor's high attainments and rare qualifications for service in such capacity. Professor Diederich was married August 23, 1870, to Margaret G,, daughter of Frederick and Catherine Stutz, natives of Germany, who now reside in Washington, where Mrs. Diederich was born April 10, 1852. They have two children: Henry Frederick Theodore, born Septemper 2, 1871, and Clara M., born July 25, 1885.

Rev. Otto A. Siemon, Ph. D., professor of Latin and history in Concordia college, is a native of this city, born May 25, 1856. He is the son of A. F. Siemon, of the well-known book firm of Siemon & Bro. Prof. Siemon's education was begun in the parochial schools of his church, in this city, where he remained until he entered Concordia college. This institution he attended from 1867 to 1S73, graduating in the latter 3'ear. The following autumn he entered the Concordia seminary at St. Louis, and there graduated in theology in 1876. His studies were continued during the following year in the university of Neew York, and in the fall of 1877, he went to Berlin, Prussia, and studied three j-ears in the famous university of that city, perfecting himself in philological acquirements. In March, 1881, the degree of Ph. D. was conferred upon him by the university of Berlin. Upon his"return to this city he was selected to fill a vacancy in the chair of Latin and historj-, at Concordia college, and was made professor in that department in February, 1882, a position he has since hlled with much credit to himself as a scholar, and to the good of the institution.

Prof. Gustave Kampe, principal of Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran school, is a graduate of the Evangelical Lutheran seminary of Addison, 111., which he attended five years, ending his course in 1873. He has ever since been connected with the parochial schools of Fort Wayne, five years with St. John's Evangelical Lutheian school, and since 1S78 with the Emanuel's Evangelical Lutheran school, having been principal during the past four years. He is an accomplished teacher, is a man of sterling character and exemplary habits, and is esteemed as a good citizen. Prof. Kampe was born in Cleveland, Ohio, September 3, 1854, the son of Adolph and Rosina Kampe, who, when their son was eight years of age, removed with their family to Fort Wayne. He was married June 22, 1880, to Clara S. Sulzer, and they have four children: Alma, Clara, Adolph and Frieda. Mrs. Kampe was born in Milwaukee, Wis., October 21, 1857, the daughter of Adolph and Susan Sulzer.

The able and popular principal of Zion's parochial school, Prof. Frederick A. Klein, completed at fifteen years of age a thorough five 3-ears' course in the gymnasium at Wiesbaden, Germany, his native land. He did not at that time contemplate teaching, and began the study of pharmacy and chemistr}^, which he pursued two years at an institution at Brunswick, clerking during the same time in a drug store. In 1878 he he landed at New York, and then held for two years and a half the position of assistant chemist in a large wholesale drug house. While there he was importuned by the pastors of the Lutheran churches of the city to prepare himself for teaching. He accordingly took a course of instruction in Addison college. 111., graduating in June, 1S84, and then took charge of a primary school at Logansport, Ind., remaining there three years. He accepted his present position in June, 1887, and being a thorough and zealous instructor, of wide attainments and fertile in resources, he has achieved notable success. Prof. Klein was married October 27, 1887, to Clara Wefel, who was born in Fort Wayne October 31, 1864, daughter of John W. Wefel, formed}' of this cit}', now of Logansport. Prof. Klein was born July 17, 1861, the son of Leo and Helen Klein.

The efficient first teacher in St. John's parochial school, Prof. Carl C. G. Bez, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 2, 1861, the son of Christian and Mary Bez. He received his education in German}', graduating from a college at Rottweil, at seventeen years of age, and in his twentieth year, from a seminary at Esslingen. In 1882, he came to America, taught school first at Allegheny, Penn., then at Briar Hill, Ohio, and accepted his present position September i, 1885. Pie is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, and officiates as organist and leader of the church choir. He was married October 28, 1886, to Miss Elizabeth Huebner, daughter of Rev. C. Huebner, of Toledo, Ohio. She was before her marriage a teacher. After a married life of but little over a year, she died November 15, 1887. Mr. Bez is a successful teacher and a worthy gentleman.

Of Virginia, in 167 1, it was said that " the almost general want of schools for their children was of most sad consideration, most of all bewailed of the parents then." " Every man," said Sir William Berkley in his report to the home government, " instructs his children according to his ability. The ministers should pray more and preach less. But I thank God there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have these hundred years; for learning has brought disobedience and heresy and sects into the world, and printing has divulged them and libels against the best government. God keep us from both." Most loyal subject of Jack Cade who tells Lord Say, " Thou hast most traitorously corrupted the youth of the realm in erecting a grammar school; and whereas, before our forefathers had no other books but the score and the tally, thou hast caused printing to be used; and contrary to the king, his crown, and dignity, thou hast built a paper mill." Under this same wise governor, Berkle}^ on reference of the subject to the king, a printing press was destroyed, and public educanon, and printing all news or books forbidden. Yet when this same Virginia ceded to the general government her territory northwest of the Ohio river, the congress of the confederation, in accordance with the spirit of the deed of cession, declared in the celebrated ordinance of 1787, for the perpetual government of the ceded lands, article 3, " Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government, and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." And Washington, in his farewell address, before leaving the presidency, said, "Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to pubhc opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened."

Guided by these wise and judicious views, the framers of the first constitution of Indiana, in 1816, adopted as a fundamental principle the following which was verified by the people. " Knowledge and learning generally diffused through a community being essential to the preservation of a free government, and spreading the opportunities and advantages of education through the various parts of the country being highly conducive to this end," " it shall be the duty of the general assembly," " to provide by law for a general sj'stem of education ascending in a regular gradation from township schools to a state university, wherein tution shall be gratis, and equally open to all." The language of the revised constitution of 185 1 differs slightly from this, but is essentiall}- of the same import. It makes it the duty of the general assembly " to encourage by all suitable means, moral, intellectual, scientific and agricultural improvement; and to provide by law, for a general and uniform, system of common schools, wherein tuition shall be without charge, and equally open to all."

In the enabling act authorizing the state of Indiana, congress, ta ensure the carrying out of the directions of the ordinance of 1787, provided that section sixteen in ever}- township should be granted to such township for the use of schools, and also provided that two whole townships should be appropriated to the use of a seminary of learning.

Private and Church Schools. - There is a tradition that the earliest school, in what now constitutes Allen county, was established at a very early day by the Society of the Friends, but no records or reminiscences whatever, concerning such school can be found. In 182 1, while Allen county still formed a part of Randolph county. Rev. Isaac McCoy was sent as a missionar}- and teacher to the Indians by the Baptist missionarysociety. Opening a school in the old fort for these, he also received the children of such white parents as desired his services. In this school, which was small, he was assisted at various times by Matthew Montgomery, by Mr. and Mrs. Potts, and Mr. Hugh B. McKean.

In 1825, after the organization of the county, the first school-house built in Fori Wayne, was erected on a lot adjoining the old grave-yard, in the rear of the present jail, and was known as the County seminary. In this building for many years, under the old ideas so admirably and tersely put by " Pete Jones," the young of the place, male and female,, were taught by Mr. John P. Hedges and his successors in office. About the same time Henry Cooper, afterward well-known as a law3^er, taught in an upper room in the old log house on the southwest corner of the public square. The barred windows of this primitive school-house must have served to depress the spirits of the scholars in the bright spring weather, while the rough floor and seats could have had Httle resemblance to the comfortable and even elegant apphances now provided for the scholar.

Mr. Aughinbaugh, afler teaching in the old Masonic hallof that day, had charge of the seminary in 1832-3, being followed in 1834 b}^ Smallwood Noel, who died mmy 3'ears later an honored and respected old man. He in turn was followed by Mr. James Requa in the following year. About the same time Mr. Beggs taught in a small building on Columbia street.

In 1835-6 Mr. Myron F. Barbour, a most popular and successful teacher, still living, had charge of the seminary where he laid the foundation of a soHd and practical education, to the benefit of many of the best business men and citizens of the town. He was followed by Mr.. John C. Sivey, afterward well-known as a civil engineer engaged on the Wabash & Erie canal, who became a resident of Wabash.

An anecdote still lives in the memor}' of the old men of the cit}-, concerning an applicant for the position of teacher in the seminary, against whose moral character the examineers entertained suspicions, and want of moral character being apparently no ground of action, they endeavored to defeat him by a strict and thorough examination in the essentials, an examination, however, which in less than an hour resulted in the utter defeat of the entire board, and the issuance of the license.

In the spring of 1S36, Miss Mafin, now the honored wife of ex-Secretary of Treasury McCulloch, and the mother of Charles McCulloch, president of the Hamilton National Bank, and Miss StabbeU, the late Mrs. Royal Taylor, came from the east and opened a school in a room in the old court-house, but after teaching there for a short time joined the Rev. Jesse Hoover, who had, on August 2, 1S36. opened a school in the basement of the Presbyterian church, near the corner of Berry and Lafayette streets, then the first and only church in the town. Mr. Hoover was succeeded bv the Rev. W. W. Stevens, with Alexander Mcjunkin, as assistant. Mr. Stevens subsequently built a school-house on West Berry street, where with his wife, he taught for many years.

Probably no teacher of Fort Wayne, certainly none of the earlier ones, has so impressed himself upon the memories and respect of his pupils, as did Alexander Mcjunkin. After leaving Mr. Stevens, he built a house, now standing on Lafayette street, between Berry and Wayne streets, where he most successfully taught school for many years, until in 1852, when he became the treasurer of the Fort Wayne & Chicago railroad company. A fine scholar, a good instructor, and a stern, strict disciplinarian, he most forcibl}' impressed his ideas and teachings upon the minds "of his scholars, and not infrequentl}' with equal force upon their bodies.

In the fall of 1845 the Presbyterian church opened a ladies' seminary, under the charge oE Mrs. Lydia Sykes, which promised great usefulness, but after a year and a half's very successful work, Mrs. Sykes' health failed, and she was succeeded by the Rev. James, who came to the town in 1S46. Prion to teaching in the seminar}^, this gentleman had no permanent school-house, but taught in various buildings successively. Many other small schools were taught in Fort Wayne, with various success, by residents of the town, amongst them the present Mrs. Barbara Ronan.

The Methodist college, now the Fort Wayne college, at the west end of Wayne street, was opened in 1849, for higher education, under the charge of Prof. A. C. Huestis, still living an honored retired life. Mr. Huestis was possessed of marked abihty and great originahty as a teacher and educator, and it is impossible fully to estimate the good seeds that were sown by his labors, or the fruits that have grown from them. The institution, with a hfe of varied success and depression, has continued, with some interruptions, tiU the present time. Under the judicious management of its present president, Dr. Herrick, its promisCg to regain much of its former strength and importance, and do much vaj_ uable work. It is an institution much needed in such a country as ours, and cannot fail, under wise direction, to produce an immense amount of Q-ood beyond the reach of the larger and more expensive institutions of the land.

In August, 1853, the Presbyterian academy was re-opened, on the site of the present Central grammar school, in charge of Mr. Henry McCormick, with Jacob Laniers as assistant. This school was continued under various teachers, with varying success until 1867, when it was abandoned as the public schools were more economically carrying out its objects, and the lots sold to the board of school trustees.

In the year 18S3, Miss Carrie B. Sharp and Mrs. Delphine B. Wells, two of the strongest and best qualified principals of the public schools, opened the Westminster seminary. This institution has had a career of usefulness and success which the writer earnestly hopes may continue till the present principals and their successors and pupils for many generations, have passed to their higher rewards. Large and well organized parochial schools have, from time to time, been organized under the care and direction of the Roman Catholics, Lutheran and other churches, which are well managed, well appointed, and successful in teaching their pupils the fundamental elements of religion as held by the respective churches, in connection with the more secular subjects of education. So extensively are these parochial schools patronized by the families connected with the respective religious bodies, that in connection with the private and the public schools, no excuse whatever, can exist for an ignorant child or an illiterate adult. Excluding those above the age of fifteen years who are at work, and those out of school on account of ill health or youth, the scholars of the parochial, private and public schools, together, make up nearly ninety-five of the children of school age.

One oi the most famous schools outside the city before war times was the Perry Center seminary, incorporated and established in Perry township in 1856, by Nathaniel Fitch, Jacob Kell and George Gloyd. They were moved by a laudable desire to establish a worthy institution of learning, and, with that end in view, erected near the center of the township a large frame building, and in the winter of that vear, secured the services of T. W. Tilden as teacher. In 1S60 there were formed three departments or grades, and Prof. Tilden was retained as principal with two assistants in the other grades. The pupils of this institution came from Noble, DeKalb, Allen, LaGrange and other counties. The course was academic, including the languages, higher mathematics, philosoph}', astronomy, etc. It was a prosperous institution until 1862 or 1863. Then a number of its pupils enlisted in the army, and its principal resigned. Though it never rallied, and the building is now a ruin, its work still lives, and is commemorated in the useful careers of those who studied there.

Public Sc/iooh. - The constitution of 185 1, which so fully recognized the principles of the ordinance of 1787, in its article 8, section 2, on education, declares that the common school fund shall consist of the con- gressional school fund and the lands belonging thereto; the surplus revenue fund, the saline fund and the lands belonging thereto; the bank tax fund, and the fund arising from the 114th section of the charter of the State Bank of Indiana; the fund derived from the sale of county seminaries and all properties held for the same; of all fines and forfeitures under state laws; all escheated lands and properties; all lands and the net proceeds of the sales thereof, including swamp lands; and taxes on the property of corporations that may be assessed by the general assembl}' for common school purposes. Section 3 declares that "The principal of the common school fund shall remain a perpetual fund, which may be increased, but shall never be diminished; and the income thereof shall be inviolably appropriated to the support of the common schools, and to no other purpose whatever."