Butler Township (part 2 of 3)

George Graham was one of the first to open a grocerystore. The oldest firm in that trade is John S. Morrow & Son, who have followed the business about thirty years. Ezra Frost has conducted a similar establishment about twenty-five years. J. W. Brown, J. Bowman & Son, C. L. Frost, and William Kently are all doing a legitimate business as grocers.

The first regular hardware store was opened by Samuel Small about 1842. The Pritchard Brothers established a trade in 1854, which is now carried on by King & Young. Mahlon Briggs' hardware business was begun twenty years ago, and is yet continued by himself and son. In 1842, A. D. Cushman opened a hardware-store, which was discontinued after a few years.

Long ago what are called hotels were denominated taverns, and they were numerous on every road of importance, - as many as a dozen, sometimes, in the distance of fifteen miles. The first hotel at New Lisbon was in a story-and-ahalf log building on Washington Street, which was put up in 1803 by Christian Smith. Near by, in 1805, Smith put up the stone building for a hotel which is yet standing in that locality. It was the favorite stopping-place of the attorneys of that period, and it is related that on one occasion, when Judge Pease, of Warren, presided over the courts of the county, he was assigned to the post of honor at the head of the table to do the carving. The chicken being unusually tough, after making repeated efforts to sever the bird, he dropped the knife and fork, and, looking over the table, exclaimed, " Well, this must have been the chicken that crowed when Peter denied his Lord and Master !" The landlady never forgot this caustic remark.

In 1806, John Watson built a very primitive log house on Walnut Street, having a loosely-laid floor and windows hung with bed-quilts, which served to admit a little light and kept out much cold. This house had the first brick chimney in New Lisbon. Tradition says that David Watson was the first male child born in New Lisbon, and that the event transpired in the cellar of this building. There being no cradle, a maple-sugar trough was used instead. In this building Mr. Watson kept tavern until his death, in 1815, when his good wife continued the business. The place is remembered by Western travelers as one of the best on the road to Philadelphia. After Mrs. Watson's death, Samuel Watson became proprietor, and erected the sign bearing the cross-keys. The large three-story brick building which now occupies the same site was erected by the Watsons in 1836. For nearly sixty years the Watson family kept a public-house on that spot. When Gen. Harrison visited New Lisbon he stopped at this hotel, which he highly commended. Until it passed into the hands of Andrew Cowan, it was headquarters for the Whigs, afterwards for the Republicans, and many of their prominent men were here entertained. In a renovated and much improved condition, it is now kept as the Central Hotel, by II. H. Bowman.

The next most prominent hotel in the place was built in 1806, on the corner of Walnut and Beaver Streets, by Mordecai Moore, and was afterwards kept by David Hostetter, Michael Seydel, John Morrison, Gabriel Daley, Joseph Maus, and many others. The brick part was built in later years. The place is now kept by D. V. Hyde, and is known as the Sherman House.

About the same time, John Ilessin opened a hotel on the corner of Market and Washington Streets, which passed out of existence soon after his death, in 1S29. In 1806, George Duck kept a tavern in New Lisbon, and between this period and 1810 public-houses were kept on Walnut Street by Reuben P. McNamee and Michael Wirtz. The place has had other hotels, but the foregoing constitute the principal ones.

New Lisbon Banks

The first bank organized in Columbiana County was the Columbiana Bank of New Lisbon, under a charter granted by the Legislature for that purpose. The first meeting for the election of directors was held on the 7th of March, 1814, and Thomas Gillingham, Thomas Moore, James Craig, William Harbaugh, Holland Green, Alexander Snodgrass, George Endley, Horace Potter, Martin Helman, Joseph Richardson, John Street, Elderkin Potter, and Gideon Hughes were elected directors, books having been opened previously for the subscription of stock at Steubenville, Pittsburgh, Canton, Beavertown, Greensburg, Salem, Beaver Mills, Petersburg, Poland, Sandy Store, Fairfield, Yellow Creek, and New Lisbon. Martin Helman was appointed President of the bank ; Elderkin Potter, Cashier ; and Fisher A. Blocksom, Attorney. The old stone house east of the Methodist Episcopal church was soon after erected for a banking-house, and used many years for that purpose.

The bank, having ceased to do business for many years, owing to the monetary troubles of the times, was again reorganized in 1834 and 1835, and Andrew W. Loomis elected president and B. W. Snodgrass cashier. A new board of directors was also elected. The banking-house was in the two-story brick building on the corner of Beaver and

Walnut Streets. The directors under the new organization were Horace Potter, George Graham, George Endley, Chas. D. Coffin, William Carey, Joshua Hanna, John Burns, David Begges, David Small, George Garretson, Holland Green, and Benjamin Hanna.

In 1846, B. W. Snodgrass and John McClymonds engaged in banking, and continued until the early part of 1852, when Dr. Snodgrass died, and the bank soon after closed, although McClymonds carried on a broker's business several years longer.

The village has another private bank, which was opened, May 21, 1879, by S. J. and D. W. Firestone, under the firm-name of Firestone Brothers, Bankers. The office formerly used for the county treasury is now their place of business.

The First National Bank of New Lisbon. - This bank was established Nov. 7, 1874, with a capital of $50,000. The first board of directors was composed of John McDonald, B. B. Pritchard, J. F. Benner, 0. W. Kyle, and Ezra Frost. John McDonald was chosen President; R. B. Pritchard, Vice-President; and O. W. Kyle, Cashier. On the 4th of December, 1878, Mr. McDonald, the president, died, and J. F. Benner was appointed to fill that position. Dr. William Moore was elected to fill Benner's place as director. On the 9th of January, 1878, Cashier Kyle resigned, and Mr. I. Child was appointed to fill the vacancy. There has since been no change of officers. The present directors are Ezra Frost, J. F. Benner, R. B. Pritchard, John McVicker, and George H. Huston. The capital of the bank remains as originally fixed, and its business is transacted in a convenient office on Market Street, near the public square.

Insurance Company

The Columbiana County Mutual Insurance Company of New Lisbon was incorporated March 2, 1837. The first directors were George Endley, John Armstrong, Samuel Shriver, William Carey, William Helman, Joshua Hanna, George Garretson, Mathew Adams, and George McCook. The officers were John Armstrong, President; George Endley, Treasurer; D. B. Pentecost, Clerk; Benjamin Pritchard, Peter Spiker, and Mahlon Briggs, Committee for the Appraisement of Property.

The company met with considerable favor and at once became prosperous, but in a few years it suffered heavy losses which greatly impaired its vitality. At this time Benjamin Pritchard became treasurer and agent of the company, and under his skillful management the prosperity of the company was not only restored, but greatly increased. For nearly thirty years he ably discharged the duties of these offices, and achieved the reputation which his son, B. B. Pritchard, acting in the same capacity since 1868, has successfully maintained.

ness was begun until June 10, 1879, was 26,060, of which about 6000 are now in force. The property insured amounted to about $8,800,000, and the premium notes to about $363,570. No extra or special hazards are taken.

The present board of officers and directors of the company are as follows : Directors, John Burns, Wm. M. Hostetter, D. A. Pritchard, Wm. Baxter, R. B. Pritchard, Wm. Myers, John Way, J. F. Benner, Ezra Frost. Officers: J. F. Benner, President ; R. B. Pritchard, Agent and Treasurer ; John Burns, Secretary.

New Lisbon Post-Office

This office was established about 1809. Wm. Harbaugh was tbe first postmaster, and kept the office in his saddlers' shop, - a small log building which stood near the site of Myers' carriage-shop. Soon after, his partner, Capt. Thomas Rowland, was appointed, and kept the office at the same place. When Capt. Rowland left on his military duties in 1812, Fisher A. Blocksom was appointed deputy, and removed the office to a small building which stood on Market Street, and there kept it a few years. At that time the mail was supplied once a week, and was carried from Pittsburgh via New Lisbon to Cleveland on horseback.

In 1815, George Endley became the postmaster, and kept the office at his store on Walnut Street. David Begges was next appointed, and also kept the office at his store on Walnut Street. During his administration John Depue was the mail-carrier, and used two horses, - one to carry him, the other to carry the mail-bags, well strapped on. He announced his coming by blowing a small horn in such a way as to produce various pleasing notes. Its signal was regarded as a warning for the people to clear the way and let the carrier have an unobstructed passage. Soon afterwards the mails were carried by the different stage-lines passing through the place.

Since the time when Mr. Begges' connection with the post-office ceased the postmasters, in the order of their appointment, have been William D. Ewing, Nathaniel Mitchell, Benozet F. Thompson, Alfred McCaskey, John Robertson, H. W. Brown, William M. Hostetter, and B. S. Young. The last named was appointed in February, 1870, and soon after moved the office into the basement of the new courthouse, where it is now kept.

Since September, 1867, the office has been a postal money-order office, and since 1871 the postmasters have been appointed by the President direct. The following is a time-schedule of mails for June, 1879 : at New Lisbon presents a brilliant array of names of those who resided here or maintained offices in the place. It is believed that the appended list of attorneys embraces nearly all those who established themselves in their profession, and that the dates given in connection with their names will at least approximate the time when they began to practice at New Lisbon.

The first lawyer in the place, and also the first prosecuting attorney, was Obadiah Jennings, of Steubenville, who was appointed in 1803. It is not known whether he lived in New Lisbon. Very probably the first permanent lawyer was Fisher A. Blocksom. He came in 1805, and was in practice until about 1852, but resided in the place until his death, Dec. 14, 1876, at the age of ninety-five years, three months, and three days.

John H. Reddick came about 1810, and remained four or five years. He is best remembered for his efforts to secure the release of soldiers in 1812 on writs of habeas corpus. William E. Russell came about 1820, and remained until his death, thirty years later. John Laird was an attorney for eight or ten years before his death, which occurred in 1830. Andrew W. Loomis was an attorney from 1825 until his removal to Pittsburgh, in 1840 ; Charles D. Coffin, for about the same length of time, when he removed to Cincinnati ; and David E. Harbaugh, from about 1828 until his removal to Detroit, about 1834. The two last named became judges at their new homes. A. L. Brewer practiced law at New Lisbon from about 1826 until his death, which occurred while in service as a paymaster of the United States army during the Rebellion. About the same time came William D. Ewing, who remained until 1850, when he removed to Pittsburgh. Dorsey B. Pentecost was in practice from 1827 until 1830. Charles M. Aten located as a lawyer at New Lisbon in November, 1828. He remains in the place, but does not follow his profession.

Isaac Stetson and a man named Loyd were among the resident lawyers from 1829 till 1832, and E. T. Merrick from 1830 until about 1839, when he removed to Louisiana, where he became chief-justice of the State. About the same time William S. McKaig removed to Missouri. David Small was admitted in 1838, but died soon after he began practice. James L. Yallandigham became an attorney in 1839, but in 1843 abandoned that profession for theology. He is now a resident of Delaware. J. R. Vanatta was a lawyer in the village about the same time. Alexander Curtis came probably in 1839, and was a partner of Theo. Umstaeter until bis death, in 1840. Mr. Umstaeter then formed a partnership with Edwin M. Stanton, which was continued until the firm removed to Pittsburgh, about 1850. James Mason was in practice from about the year 1839 until 1852, when he removed to Cleveland. Joseph E. Vance settled at New Lisbon about 1840, and practiced until 1855. He died in 1871. A short time before 1840, Thomas J. Morgan practiced law in New Lisbon as an attorney, and subsequently went to Brazil as a United States officer.

Clement L. Vallandigham became an attorney in 1842, but in 1845 removed to Dayton, where he achieved renown as a politician. He died June 17, 1871. His brother, John L. H. Vallandigham, became a lawyer at New Lisbon, but removed to Hanover. James B. Blocksom, a native of New Lisbon, practiced there as an attorney about 1845, but soon after located at Canfield.

From about 1845, for terms varying from three to fifteen years, the following were of the New Lisbon Bar : E. J. Estep, John E. Clark, James Summers, John Watt, James H. Reeves, Samuel W. Orr, Moses D. Stallcup, William K. Upham, Jabez Beaumont, John M. Gilman, Thomas E. Fubrick, George M. Lee, II. D. Hartshorn, Lyman W. Potter, John W. McCord, John Reed, and Seth L. Wadsworth.

J. H. Wallace came in 1849 to New Lisbon, where he continues in practice. Simon Wisden, who came one year later, is still in practice. Thomas S. Woods practiced in New Lisbon from 1851 until his death, in 1867. James L. Smith also practiced in New Lisbon from about 1851 until his death, in 1874. William K. Gaston practiced law in New Lisbon from 1854 until 1859, when he removed to St. Paul. Robert G. Woods, who became a counselor at New Lisbon in or near the year 1854, continued there until his death, in 1873. James Clarke was admitted to the Bar in 1850, but has not confined himself to the practice of his profession. Attorneys named Lemoyne, Randolph, Curry, P. C. Young, and O. W. Kyle practiced law at New Lisbon after 1860, but have all removed.

The following attorneys, besides those already named, have practiced law at New Lisbon since the dates given, respectively : John W. Morrison, 1861 ; Solomon J. Firestone, 1861; W. A. Nichols, 1862; Conrad Hume, John McVicker, and Harvey Morrison, 1864; John M. Dickinson, 1865; Henry Frost, 1866; W. J. Jordan, 1870; N. B. Billingsley, 1873; Harmon Brown and W. S. Potts, 1875 ; Cyrus B. Dickey, 1877 ; and John H. Clarke, 1878.

The Press Of New Lisbon

Early in life, W m. D. Lepper, a native of Hanover, Germany, came to Pennsylvania, and in the latter part of 1808 to New Lisbon. In December of that year he issued the first paper in the county, a small German sheet, which he called Der Patriot am Ohio. As it was but poorly patronized, it was soon discontinued. Early in the spring of 1809 he began the publication of Y/te Ohio Patriot , in English. It was originally a small four-column sheet, and was issued by Mr. Lepper until 1833, - having been enlarged in the mean time to five columns, - when it was sold to Joseph Cabell, who made a further enlargement. In 1835,

Messrs. Hettzell and Gregg purchased the concern and issued the paper until 1839, when it became the property of Wm. D. Morgan, who continued as editor and publisher until 1852. That year Wm. H. Gill became the owner of the paper, and soon enlarged it. He was succeeded in 1857 by Mathew Johnson, who, early in 1858, was succeeded by Thomas S. Woods, upon whose death, in 1867, the paper passed to R. G. Woods, brother of Thomas S., who continued the publication until his death, in 1873. George H. Yallandigham and others then had control of it for a year or two. when the Patriot became the property of W. S'. Potts, by whom it has been edited and published until the present, time, - June, 1879. Ever since it was founded the Patriot has been a sturdy advocate of Democratic principles.

Columbiana American and New Lisbon Free Press. - This paper was established in June, 1827, by Wm. Campbell. In 1828 it became the property of Daniel Harbaugh, who employed John Watt as editor. The latter changed the name to Western Palladium and continued editor until 1835, when Nathaniel Mitchell became owner and retained possession until 1839, when G. W. Harper and S. Corbett became proprietors. In 1842 they sold the paper to Joseph Wilkinson, who issued it until 1854, when it was absorbed by the Buclceye State. It was an advocate of the principles of the Whig party.

The Aurora. - John Frost, in March, 1832, began the publication of the Aurora, which was continued by him until November, 1856. It was an outspoken anti-slavery and temperance sheet, and during the last few years of its existence was issued from an office on West Walnut Street, uniquely constructed in circular form. The office was, as the editor expressed it, " built round, so the devil could not corner him." In its way the Aurora aided materially in moulding the sentiment of the community, and after the Republican party was formed, its mission being ended, it ceased to exist.

In 1852, R. D. Hartshorn, a young lawyer of the village, began the publication of the Buclceye State to advocate the principles of the Republican party. In 1854 he purchased the old Palladium, aud in 1856 sold the united interests to Robert C. Wilson, who continued the Buclceye State until his death, in 1863. His son James succeeded him, and also died at the head of the paper, in 1866. Col. Garrcttson S. Young then became the proprietor and editor until his death, in 1871. His widow continued the paper a few years, when it became the property of E. F. Moore and P. C. Young. In 1875, Mr. Young relinquished his interest in the paper, which has since been edited and published by E. F. Moore. It is the leading Republican paper in the county.

temperance paper called the Ocean Wave. Other educational and temperance monthlies have had a brief existence, but no further particulars can here be given.

Musical Bands At New Lisbon

Various bands of musicians have been among the notable features of the place. The first band consisted of a few voluntary performers about 1813. William Hillman and Jacob Clapsaddle were the violinists ; John Crafts, flutist ; William D. Lepper blew the piccolo, and Dr. John D. Gloss played the triangle.

The next band was organized Oct. 22, 1832, and was known as the Polymian Band. Thomas Lewis, of Pittsburgh, was the teacher. The roster was as follows : Leader, Joseph Way, clarionet; David Schultz, C. F. Ilelman, A. J. Begges, William Collier, John Beaumont, and Hiram Medill, clarionets; Ed. F. Lepper and Frank Richardson, bugles; Robert Hanna, Jacob Ewing, Adam Endley, and Ed. Collier, flutes ; James McElroy and J. Casper, bassoons; William A. Hoover and Matthias Nace, violins; Thomas Small and Thomas Beaumont, French horns ; William Till, trombone ; Samuel J. Hoover, ophicleide ; and Pat. Murphy, bass drum.

For those days this band made a splendid appearance, but its organization was allowed to go down prior to 1840. In the fall of that year were organized Whig and Democratic bands, which were finely equipped by the party managers, and in the exciting campaign which ensued did good service. The rivalry stimulated them to practice until they had attained considerable proficiency. Removals and other causes soon led to their dismembership, and after a few years the place was again without a band. Since that period there have been several bands, but their existence has generally been of short duration, and at present the village is without such an organization.

Notable Days In New Lisbon

First among the marked days which characterized the history of New Lisbon was the anniversary celebration of the fiftieth year of American independence, July 4, 1826. Elaborate preparations had been made for the occasion, aud the programme was faithfully carried out. The military was present in gorgeous array, and a speech was made by the most eloquent lawyer of the place, Andrew W. Loomis, Esq. This was followed by firing of cannon and other demonstrations of joy, which were heartily engaged in by a large concourse of people. In 1840 political matters ran high at this place, and on the 29th of August the Whigs held a grand demonstration. Such a large, good-humored throng of people had never before been seen at New Lisbon, some estimating the number at 10,000. There were displayed all sorts of queer emblems, which were made the vehicles of fun, wit, and sarcasm. Log cabins, canoes, skiffs, and other queer devices were moved on wheels. The processiou disbanded in the northwestern part of the village, and there listened for two hours to Thomas Corwin, who entertained the people in a peculiarly fascinating way. He was followed by Thomas Ewing, a great man at that time. Half a dozen bands furnished the music. There have since been a number of similar demonstrations, but none which left the impressions of 1840. On the 19th of September following, the Democrats had a huge gathering, which was addressed by Benjamin Tappan, Wilson Shaw, and William Allen, and at which the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. In some respects the effect was fully equal to that produced by the Whig meeting, and for many years the partisans referred to these occasions as marking an epoch in the history of their parties in Columbiana County.

An elephant was first exhibited at New Lisbon in 1820, large numbers flocking into the village to see the show. The accompanying band consisted of a violin and tambourine.

New Lisbon experienced many days of excitement, and some of rejoicing, at different periods, during the inception, building, and completion of tbe Sandy and Beaver Canal, from 1834 to 1846, when it was opened.*

After a few years of doubts and discouragements, the village enjoyed another gala-day when ground was broken for the Niles and New Lisbon Railroad. The ceremony took place in the summer of 1856, Judge Newton, of Canfield, performing the principal part. Soon after, work was commenced, and much of it was done by Henry Springer as contractor. Various causes delayed the completion of the road until 1866, since which time trains have been run with considerable regularity, and, with good prospects of another railroad, the place is rapidly recovering from the disappointment occasioned by the failure of the canal.

Market-Houses

Soon after 1812 was built on the south side of the public square a market-house, which consisted of a simple roof supported by two rows of brick pillars. Here market was held twice a week, early in the morning. In 1830 this building was displaced by a more comely structure, built after the style of the old house. The council voted $14 to be paid for ornamenting the columns with bases and capitals. William Hillman was appointed clerk and weighmaster at $8 per year, and for many years served in that capacity. Articles lacking the proper weight were confiscated, and on a certain occasion, when a spirited young woman was charged with shortage in the butter which she had exposed for sale, she snatched the butter from his hands and smeared it freely over his face. In 1832 curb-stone market-places were provided, and in 1834 a Fairbanks hay-scale was erected near the market-house, and a place constructed near by to house the fire apparatus. The history of owing to the loss of the records, is disconnected and incomplete. The town authorities delegated Joshua Hanna in 1829 to purchase a small engine, which required sixteen men to propel the brakes. It was called " The Tiger," and was placed in charge of the " Phoenix Fire Company," after that body had provided thirty-three feet of hose. The whole was placed under the direction of fire-wardens appointed by the council. The little machine proving inadequate for the wants of the place, Mr. Hanna was again authorized, in 1835, to purchase an engine of greater capacity in Philadelphia. This he did at a cost of $485,391, and as he passed through Pittsburgh, on his way home, he also purchased a dozen fire-buckets. The following year a fire-company was organized, of which Henry Janney was captain and served several years. He was followed by Mahlon Briggs, and under tbeir leadership " The Relief" had numerous hot contests with the destroying element.

To insure better protection and to prevent a general conflagration, steps were taken in 1836 to so amend the charter of the village as to empower the council to construct water-works. After considerable controversy the proposed improvement was made. A stone reservoir about 40 feet square and 10 feet deep was constructed at the head of Market Street by William Jellison about 1840. This supplied conduits along Market Street to Washington Street, branching east and west on Walnut so as to reach Beaver and Jefferson Streets, the whole costing $10,000. In 1874 a new and much larger reservoir was constructed, and the smaller one dispensed with. This improvement required a large increase of water-pipes, which were extended on Washington Street and Lincoln Avenue, and hydrants were provided at convenient distances. To secure these additional advantages a further expenditure of $12,000 was made.

In 1837 a lot of land was leased of Benjamin Hanna, on the northeast corner of the public square, on which was erected an engine-house and council-chamber, which are yet in use to house the " Eagle" fire apparatus. These were purchased in 1867 in order to supply the demand for better protection against the fires which threatened the place. To man the engine a company was formed which is yet in existence, and has an effective organization. About 1850 the "Vigilant Hose Company" was formed to co-operate with the Relief Company, and in 1870 a new engine-house was built for these companies on the hill, from which that part of the village can be reached with greater ease than when all the apparatus was in the business part of the place.

The Cemeteries

Early in the history of New Lisbon the people were sorely afflicted with a fever, which, in 1808, proved fatal to many adults. During the visitation of this sickness Reasin Beall set aside two acres for a cemetery on the south side of the creek, which was cleared up by Gen. Beal, Capt. Rowland, Fisher A. Blocksom, and a few others who were well enough to engage in this work. For many years this was the reposing-place of the dead, but after 1835 its general use was discontinued. That year Henry Springer began what constitutes a part of the present cemetery iu the northeastern part of the village, and which, since 1876, has been controlled by a board of officers appointed for the purpose. It has been enlarged to contain fifteen acres, and has been improved to a considerable extent, presenting already an attractive appearance. The first interred here were the remains of Dr. Springer, the father of the founder of the cemetery, who died in November, 1834. At present several hundred dead repose there.

In the western part of the village the German Reformed and Lutheran churches established a cemetery in 1815. It was laid out by Michael Stock, and is yet occasionally used for sepulture. The Friends' cemetery, in the eastern part of the village, was laid out by John Briggs, probably about the same time as the above, and like it has fallen into a dilapidated condition from infrequent use since the village cemetery has become the principal place of interment.

Educational Interests

As near as can be learned, the first schools in the township were established at New Lisbon, and that place has always retained the most conspicuous position in educational affairs. The following history of

The New Lisbon Schools

" We cannot give a full and satisfactory history of the schools of New Lisbon without going back to the beautiful spot of ground originally chosen by the first settlers of New Lisbon to rear the old log cabin school-house in which to educate their children.

" According to the testimony of the venerable Fisher A. Blocksom, who came to New Lisbon in November, 1805, the lot or square of ground on North Market Street, on the hill, occupied from the commencement of the town for school purposes, was originally a beautiful grove of whiteoak saplings or bushes, in the midst of which was constructed a rude log cabin school-house, of round logs and clap-board roof, and, according to the testimony of one who attended school in the rude building, light was admitted through oiled or greased paper, used in place of windowglass. The school-furniture of that day was not made of cast iron and varnished wood, in large factories, as at present, but was generally constructed of slabs, flat side up, adjusted by fixing pins in the wall, and desks to suit, and the teacher sat on a stool of primitive style, and desk the same, with rod near at hand to insure peace and obedience to his mandates. Inside of this rude but humble building the light was extracted from Dilworth's and Webster's Spelling-books, the English Reader, and Daboll's and Jesse's Arithmetics and the 1 Western Calculator,' and other ancient school-books long held in remembrance by the older class of people.

" And Mr. F. A. Blocksom says when he first came to New Lisbon this primitive log cabin school-house was presided over by a teacher named Wilson, and he thinks David Wilson was his full name, and that he continued to teach until the year 1808, when he died of a fever which prevailed and proved fatal in many cases at the time. He was succeeded by Reuben P. McNamee, who was afterwards county commissioner, and also by the Rev. Thomas Rigdon, a Baptist preacher, who was elected a representative in the State Legislature from 1813 to 1816.

" This primitive log cabin school-house was succeeded by a hewed log house, which was at the time considered a great improvement in architectual style, and from the further testimony of Mr. Blocksom the school-board about this time was composed of Gen. Reasin Beall, Maj. Thomas Rowland, Daniel Harbaugh, and Fisher A. Blocksom.

" In the last-named house John Whitacre taught school ; also Do Lorma Brooks, who was a representative in the State Legislature in 1826-27, and now resides at Beloit, Wis. And of the early teachers I will name Thomas Morrel, long a citizen of New Lisbon, and also a man named McKinley. And in later years Robert Whitacre and Jacob G. Williard taught school in this house, - the former for six years auditor of this county, and the last named treasurer and county surveyor, and is at this time county surveyor of Stark County.

" The last teacher, however, who occupied the old building was the late David Anderson, who, for about thirtyseven years, well and faithfully served the people of New Lisbon as a teacher of youth. In fact, it was not until September, 1849, that the board of school directors declared the old hewed-log house ' no longer tenantable,' and Mr. Anderson and his school were compelled to abandon the premises and occupy a building on West Walnut Street which had been rented for them.

" But many persons who graduated from this old log cabin school afterwards made their mark in the world. Three became distinguished in the medical profession at Cincinnati, - two of them eminent medical professors, - and one of the three served for several years in Congress. And a fourth became distinguished for his legal knowledge in the southern part of the State, and for his eloquence and distinguished ability as a representative in Congress. And in Cleveland are two bank presidents and one cashier, as well as an editor of a daily evening paper, who graduated from the old building ; and in Detroit, Pittsburgh, and St. Paul are legal as well as business representatives, and one holding an important official station, who can claim to have gone forth from the old log cabin school, or received their first lessons in the same. And I can also add the names or refer to several eminent ministers of the gospel who received their first lessons in the old school-house on the hill, - one of them, the Rev. Henry C. McCook, once superintendent of our schools, and now a distinguished minister of the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. I would also name members of the press in several States, as well as a recent governor of Colorado, but it would make my address or history too lengthy.

"The old log cabin era, however, although useful in its day and generation, and productive of most excellent fruits, cannot strictly be called a public-school system in the sense of later years. The expenditure of the public-school funds only lasted a few weeks or months, when the schools were compelled again to fall back upon private subscription to keep or maintain an existence, and, as a consequence, those scholars whose parents were unable or unwilling to subscribe and pay had to cease their efforts at an education just, in fact, as they had commenced, and then fall back into the next class, and lose the position which they had striven to maintain while the public fund held out.

" But this inequality ceased when, about the year 1848, our schools were organized under what was called the ' Akron law,' and $1603.78 were levied and collected for school purposes ; but, the records being lost or mislaid, we cannot give more particulars, only to say that the law was passed for the benefit of the town of Akron, and made general in its application.

" In consequence, however, of the law being repealed or changed in its application to other places, on the 16th of April, 1849, the qualified electors of the school districts composing the town of New Lisbon met according to previous notice, and adopted the act recently passed by the Ohio Legislature, entitled 1 An act for the better organization of public schools in cities, towns,' etc. On the 28th of April of the same year an election was held for school directors under this new organization, which resulted in choosing Th. Umbstaetter, Daniel Dorwart, Robert Hanna, William D. Morgan, B. W. Snodgrass, and IL H. Gregg as directors.

" Under this organization a tax of $1350 was assessed upon the property embraced within the limits of the New Lisbon union school district, said tax to be in addition to the moneys accruing under the general school laws of the State.

" The schools were divided into three departments : first, the principal ; second, the secondary ; and third, the primary, - the teacher of the principal school to be, ex officio , superintendent of all the schools. And under this new organization we appointed William Travis as principal and superintendent; Miss Harriet M. Converse, assistant ; David Anderson, male secondary ; and for the primaries, Mrs. Mary Tabor and Misses Harriet Canaan, Mary Ann Craig, Martha Thomson, and Rebecca J. Lee.

" Rules and regulations were then adopted for the government of the schools, text-books selected, rooms rented in which to open schools ; and still the log cabin schoolhouse was called into requisition for Mr. Anderson's secondary school. On Monday, the 14th of May, 1849, the schools were put into operation under the new organization, graded to suit the different departments, and a very general attendance of the children in all the sub-districts was reported. The high school or superintendent's department was located in the basement of the Presbyterian church, the two rooms having been rented for that purpose.

" We must confess, however, that in the reorganization of our schools some opposition was manifested. The first school funds, $1603.78, having been collected under what was called the 1 Akron law,' with the boundaries of the district somewhat different, injunctions were applied for, both in the Common Pleas and before Judge Spalding of the Supreme Court, and notices served to enjoin the school board from applying the said funds to the union schools as organized under the later act of the Legislature of Ohio. The applications for injunctions, however, were overruled in both the Supreme and Common Pleas Courts, and the school board was left free to apply the funds to the payment of the teachers' salaries and other expenses in the newlyorganized district.

" At the close of the first term, July 21, 1849, our progress under the new law stood as follows: number of schools and teachers, 7 ; scholars enrolled, 456, - males 227, females, 229 ; average daily attendance, 321.

" The second term of our schools commenced on the 3d of September, 1849, and in renting rooms and preparing for the same the old log cabin school-house was declared by the board ' no longer tenantable,' and a new room was rented for the male secondary, under David Anderson ; and thus passed out of use, but not out of recollection, the venerable old public log cabin school-house, which so long in early times stood as a beacon-light to knowledge and education on the hill.

" At the close of the term, in July, 1851, under the superintendence of Reuben McMillen, the whole number of scholars reported as enrolled was 447, with an average daily attendance of 326.

" On the 14th of June, 1851, propositions were submitted to the voters of the union school district of New Lisbon, and adopted, authorizing the board of school directors to raise by taxation the sum of $5000, running through 1852, 1853, 1854, 1855, and 1856, with the privilege to borrow all or any portion of the above amount, and also to raise a sum sufficient to pay interest on the same.

" The people seemed determined to have good and efficient schools in which to educate each and every child of lawful age in the district, and for that purpose they were willing to be taxed, as well for the erection of buildings as for other school expenses.

" On the 5th of March, 1853, a vote was also taken as to whether there should be one or four school-houses built; at which election 166 votes were given for building one school-house, and 92 votes for building four school-houses, thus putting our schools all under one roof, where the head can supervise the different branches, and thus make the system more uniform and efficient.

" During the year 1856 a plain but substantial brick school-house was built on the beautiful location on the hill, and just where the early inhabitants of New Lisbon located the original log cabin school-house. The building is 55 by 80 feet, three stories high, having four rooms on the first floor for the smaller class of children, and four on the second, counting the recitation-room, for the more advanced scholars, and a fine large hall, covering the whole of the third story, for examinations, lectures, or any other legitimate or useful purpose, and which, if necessary, can be divided and used for school-rooms. And I will add, the contractor was James Scott, who put up the building in the most substantial manner. And the members of the school board under whose administration this building was erected were as follows : Erastus Eells, James H. Shields, William Dorwart, Simon Spiker, George S. Vallandigham, and Wm. D. Lepper.

" On the 6th of April, 1857, the New Lisbon union schools were opened in the new brick school-house, under the late David Anderson as superintendent; J. B. Harris, teacher of the high-school; Miss Lucretia Cole, female grammar-school ; Miss Sarah E. Roach, intermediate ; Miss Harriet Dibble, advanced primary ; and Misses Mary Ann Eells and Mary L. Watt, primaries.

" This was really a new and eventful era in our publicschool system, - a fine, substantial public building, where all the children and youth of the town could gather and receive instruction under the same roof, with an able instructor for each room, and all under the supervision and control of one superintendent.

established that no person could think of abolishing or changing it in any manner in order to cripple or render it less effective in the education of our youth. All parties join in its support, and we have the good sense to elect our directors free from partisan bias, and to so manage and administer the affairs of our schools that nothing of the kind shall creep in and corrupt the fountain and source of knowledge and education. Within a very few years we have expended about $3000 to modernize and improve our schoolbuilding, and it is now surrounded by a beautiful grove of evergreen and forest trees, to which the minds of our youth will wander back many times in years to- come while in pursuit of their destiny in the outside world.

" The branches regularly studied in the primary schools are reading, spelling, writing, arithmetic, and geography, and, in No. 6, grammar. The following branches were studied last term by scholars attending the high-school : reading, spelling, higher arithmetic, physical geography, English grammar, primary and higher algebra, geometry, geology, physiology, rhetoric, history, and bookkeeping.

"On the first opening of our schools, in 1849, under the union-school system, the wages of teachers were low, ranging from $14 per month to $450 per year for Mr. Travis, the superintendent. In later years salaries were gradually raised, and at one time the school board paid the superintendent as high as $1200 to $1500 per year. At this time the teachers of Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4 receive $35 per month ; No. 5, $40 ; No. 6, $50 ; assistant in high-school, $45 ; and the superintendent, $1000 per annum.

The present teachers and the number of pupils enrolled in each school are as follows: G. W. Henry, high-school, 78 pupils; A. R. Martin, grammar, sixth grade, 42 pupils; Miss Lena Lindsay, grammar, fifth grade, 38 pupils ; Mis* Mary Sinclair, primary, fourth grade, 45 pupils ; Miss Lydia Ogden, primary, third grade, 63 pupils; Miss Bella Child, primary, second grade, 73 pupils ; Miss Adelaide 11. Young, primary, first grade, second division, 73 pupils ; Miss Lou Roach, primary, first grade, first division, 57 pupils. Total enrollment, 469 ; average daily attendance, 355.

The present board of education is composed of J. II. Wallace, President; John Way, Secretary; John Burns, Ti ; II. II. Gregg, David C. Schultz, and George B. Corbett.

Cold Run Academy was organized in the spring of 1867, by Joshua and Samuel Bowman, C. M. Miller, Hiram Chandler, and John Mason, to secure the privileges of a high-school for members of their families. A building was procured in the Bowman neighborhood, in which the school was opened, April 15th, with sixteen pupils, under the instruction of W. R. Smiley. The first term closed July 3d, and, the school having been successful, the fall term was opened with fifty pupils, twenty-four of whom had come from abroad to attend this school. Mr. Smiley left at the end of the year to become the principal of the New Lisbon schools, and the academy was placed, the second year, in charge of D. M. and J. R. Carey, of Salem, who also conducted it successfully.

The last term was taught by Ashbell Carey, and ended Feb. 25, 1870, with a reunion at the house of Joshua Bowman, of those who had attended the school. An aggregate attendance of 126 pupils was reported; and, the mission of the school being fulfilled, so far as the founders were concerned, Cold Run Academy was discontinued.

The Schools of the Township. - An early school was taught on the present Infirmary farm by Philip Athee, and where is now the house of Wm. Rudisill. John Stough, John Mason, George Rudisill, and John J. Bowman put up a building very early for a school in that neighborhood. Among the pioneer teachers were Jonas Bowman, Jesse Hoops, Wm. D. Ewing, and Jemima Reed. No satisfactory record of the early condition of the schools is in existence. In 1878 the exhibit was as follows :

- Most of the districts are provided with comfortable school-buildings, and, in a few instances, they are above the average condition of school-houses in the country.

The Presbyterian Church Of New Lisbon

This is the pioneer religious society in the township. Its organization appears to have been effected in 1806, but wbo were the constituent members and by whom the body was formed cannot be learned from the meagre records kept at that time. Some time during the latter part of that year, or early in 1807, the Rev. Clement Vallandigham was invited to become the pastor of the congregation, and, accepting the call, arrived with his family at New Lisbon, May 22, 1807. lie had been licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Ohio about a year previous to that time, but does not appear to have been ordained to the holy office. He was properly ordained and installed pastor of the New Lisbon congregation June 24, 1807. He was then in the prime of his life, and entered upon his mission with great zeal, faithfully discharging the duties of his pastorate, which embraced also several congregations in the southern part of the county. Of his life and character little can be here said. How well he succeeded in his ministerial office is shown by the large congregations which he gathered, and which remain to this day to pay tribute to his worth and attest Lis many excellent qualities of heart and mind. He died at New Lisbon, Oct. 21, 1839, in the sixty-second year of his life, and in the thirty-third year of his pastoral connection with the congregation.

The meetings of the New Lisbon congregation were first held in the old log court-house, and in a preacher's tent which had been put up for use in fair weather in a beautiful grove a little west of the present stone mills. Probably at the latter place, on the 17th of August, 1807, Hugh McClaren and Patrick McKaig were chosen the first ruling elders, and soon after were ordained. Jonathan Hamilton, Cornelius Dorland, John Travis, and John Moore were likewise ordained elders in a few years, but the exact dates cannot be given.

In the month of September, 1807, occurred the first baptism of which there is any record, - -James, the son of Davidson and Agnes Filson, living in the western part of the township.

The original membership of the congregation began to be augmented early in 1808, and that year there were received into the church David Graham, Rebecca Beall, Susannah Hamilton, and Agnes Stewart. In 1809, John and Isabella Montgomery, Ebenezer and Sarah Martin, Win. Davitt, Hugh Stewart, Nancy Mathews, Katie Hamilton, Mary McLaughlin, Betsey Jolly, Rachael Harper, John, Rebecca, and Robert Travis, John Moore, Eleanor McLane, and Mrs. and Mr. Scott. In 1810, Jeremiah McLaughlin, John and Ann McMillan, Andrew and Rachel Armstrong, Benjamin Paul, Charles and Mary McDavitt, Elizabeth Gibson, Jane Fife, Doretha Bowman, and Rebecca McCready. In 1811, Robert and Polly Ramsey, Peggy, Jonathan, and Sally Paul, Mr. and Mrs. Cross, James and Polly McKinley, Wm. McLaughlin, Eleanor Rose, David Scott, Wm. Crane, Wm. Shelian, John Hessin, Polly Davis, Polly Hamilton, Nathaniel and Jane McCracken, Susannah Burbeck, Betsey Stibbs, Wm. McCready, John Gibson, Betsey Crane, Thomas King, Joseph Fife, Juda McKee, Peggy Graham, Nancy McMillan, John, Robert, and Sarah Whan, and Thomas Pollock. In 1812, Hannah Hamilton, Margaret Ewing, Arthur Burbeck, and Polly Gibson.

On the 1st of April, 1814, the communicants numbered 137, and, of this number, about 60 had been received on confession. In 1820 there were 239 members, and probably at no period since then have there been less than 200. At present the membership is nearly 300.

In 1814 the first meeting-house of the congregation was put up, nearly west of the present jail. It was a large, plain, one-story building, and in these days would be called very uncomfortable. The seats were high, and the aisles were paved with brick. Below the quaint pulpit was a seat for the clerk, who led the singing. This office was performed many years by Alexander Mathews, who lined the hymns or psalms, generally repeating two lines at a time, and then pitched the tune with a device somewhat like the tuningfork at present used. Of course he did not always succeed at first, but the congregation was patient, and heartily joined in the singing after he was properly attuned. Around the church-yard was a high fence, along which were posts for the farmers to hitch their horses.

On the 7th of March, 1836, the congregation was incorporated by an act of the Legislature as " The First Presbyterian Church," with the following corporators : George Lee, James McKaig, Joseph Hamilton, Samuel Martin, William Crow, Davidson Filson, and John Armstrong. Power was conferred to hold property not to exceed in value $6000, and provision was made for the election of a board of trustees. The purpose to build a new house now assumed tangible shape, and in February, 1837, Gen. John Armstrong, Elderkin Potter, David Begges, Horace Potter, and James McLaughlin were appointed a building committee. But the edifice which is now the place of worship was not erected until 1840, and not fully completed until the fall of 1841, when the pews were sold. The church is attractive, having been improved at an expense of $2500, and is controlled by the following trustees: John Ramsey, John Way, C. B. Dickey, Wm. Burbeck, Henry W. W. Bough, James Dorrance, and James Charters.

After Mr. Vallandigham's decease the pulpit was supplied a short time, but in March, 1840, the Rev. A. O. Patterson began preaching, and on the 9th of December entered upon a pastorate which continued until the spring of 1852. The year's vacancy which followed was supplied by the Revs. Wm. C. Stratton, James L. Vallandigham, and John B. Graham.

In the spring of 1853 the Rev. Wm. Y. Brown became the pastor, and continued that relation until June, 1856. The same month the Rev. Edwin R. McGregor began a pastorate which was terminated Feb. 16, 1858. From Feb. 6, 1859, till 1866 the Rev. O. M. Todd was the pastor ; from 1867 till 1871, the Rev. Robert Dickson ; from Jan. 6, 1872, till February, 1878, the Rev. George N. Johnson ; and since Jan. 1, 1879, the pastor has been the Rev. A. B. Marshall.

In 1812, John McMillan was ordained to the office of ruling elder ; in 1816, John Thompson, Robert Ramsey, and Samuel Dickey ; in 1820, Davidson Filson ; in 1822, James McKinley and Wm. Crow; and since that period Samuel Martin, John McKaig, John Armstrong, John Hamilton, Joseph Hamilton, Jonathan Hamilton, George Lee, Thomas McClellan, Hiram Myers, Robert Rankin, George S. Vallandigham, B. K. Roach, Robert Whitacre, John M. Todd, John Ramsey, Stephen Todd, James Hall, Thomas P. Thompson, C. B. Dickey, Wm. Mathers, John McDonald, and Wm. Burbeck.

The United Presbyterian Church Of New Lisbon

may be said to be an outgrowth of the West Beaver congregation of Associate Presbyterians. In 1829 that congregation had five members living at New Lisbon, who were occasionally supplied with preaching by the Rev. Wm. Dantiett, the meetings being held in the old log school-house. In April, 1836, one of these members, Erastus Eells, presented a petition to the "Associate Presbytery of Ohio," asking that body to supply them with preaching, and in response the Revs. David Thompson, James McSell, Edward Small, and others occasionally ministered for the next three years. In March, 1839, the Presbytery was petitioned to organize and receive the congregation at New Lisbon as one of the Associate churches. That body honored the request, and delegated the Rev. David Goodwiller to perform the mission. This was accomplished April 22, 1839, when the congregation was formally constituted of the following persons: Mathew Adams, Mary Adams, Erastus and Janet Eells, Anthony Shafer and wife, Thomas, Susan, and James Starr, John Fugate, Mary and Samuel McKinzie, Mary Calhoun, Martha Livingston, and Alexander Patterson. The organization was completed by electing Mathew Adams, Erastus Eells, and Wm. Wallace ruling elders.

The old brick Methodist meeting-house, on High Street, was purchased for the use of the congregation, and served it as a place of worship for many years. It was duly conveyed to the trustees, May 1, 1839, by the officers of the Methodist Society.

In April, 1840, the Rev. J. W. Harsha became the pastor of the congregation for one-third of his time, the other two-thirds being allotted to the West Beaver congregation. He remained two and a half years. From the time of his departure, for the next three years, the pulpit was supplied by the Presbytery; but in May, 1846, the two congregations called the Rev. S. F. Herron to the pastorate, and the following September he was installed. His connection with the New Lisbon congregation continued twenty-two years. When he became pastor the congregation numbered 26 members ; during his connection 89 joined, 35 on profession. It has now about 100 members.

A vacancy of two years ensued, in which the Presbytery sent supplies, but on the 2d of November, 1869, the Rev. T. A. Scott entered upon a three years' pastorate. From 1873 to 1875 the Rev. W. G. Nevin was the pastor, and after a vacancy of more than a year and a half, most of which time the pulpit was regularly supplied, in January, 1877, the Rev. A. H. Elder became the pastor, and is yet serving in that connection.

In January, 1856, James Sterling and Wilson McLaughlin were elected ruling elders, and in 1870 David Bower was chosen. Both the first and the last died in 1875. The present elders are Erastus Eells, Wilson McLaughlin, J. T. Brewster, Stacy Wallace, John B. Clark, Moses Everitt, and James K. Frew.

In the spring of 1859 a new church-edifice was begun on Walnut Street, on lot 276, by James Scott, for the society, and by the 1st of January, 1860, was ready for occupancy. It is a commodious brick building, and cost $4000. The building committee were James Sterling, E. B. Smiley, Benjamin Dilworth, James Scott, and Rev. Mr. Herron.

April 15, 1859, the congregation became incorporated with the name and title above given. The present trustees are J. T. Brewster, James Scott, Moses Everitt; James K. Frew, treasurer. There is a flourishing Sunday-school under the superintendence of the pastor.

About 1813 the Friends living at New Lisbon and vicinity began holding meetings in a dwelling which was near Joseph Shawk's residence; but about 1816 a small meeting-house was built on Jefferson Street, which was used thereafter as long as worship according to the customs of the Friends was kept up in the place. No records of this meeting have been preserved, but among those who attended there are remembered John Neil, John Briggs, Joseph Richardson, Benjamin Hanna, George Garrettson, Oliver Griffith, Samuel Myers, Harmon Fagan, Joshua Chandler, and Nathan Baldwin, some of whom were not strictly Friends. In 1829 the society embraced the doctrines of Friend Hicks, and, after a short period, became so much reduced by removals and other causes that the meetings were but poorly maintained, and finally were altogether abandoned. The society has long been extinct.

The German Meeting-House At New Lisbon

THE GERMAN MEETING-HOUSE AT NEW LISBON was built about 1833 by the united efforts of the Lutheran and German Reformed congregations, which were organized here at an early day. William Helman, Peter Brinker, and Jacob Cublins served as the building committee. It was with some difficulty that enough means could be secured to prosecute the building to successful completion. Some of the funds used were collected by M. H. Shultz in Philadelphia, and friends in other localities responded with aid. Through the efforts of John Brinker and others a steeple and bell were added, some time after the church was built. This house yet stands, but presents a somewhat dilapidated appearance. It was the first church in the place that was not erected on the " Gospel Knob," as some people irreverently called that part of High Street on which all the other churches stood at that time. Concerning the congregation which worshiped in this house not much can be said. What little recorded history they had has been destroyed, and none of the original members remain to tell the story of their struggles for a permanent place, - now with hopes of success, and then with declining interests, - until their future existence as an organization became impossible. Among those who attended divine worship in this house, and in the old court-house before the church was built, may be mentioned families bearing the names of Brinker, Simonds, Crowl, Blecher, Worman, Bricker, Hill, Spiker, Walter, Bowman, Frederick, Springer, Mason, Stock, Arter, Small, Cublins, Rees, Clapsaddle, Nace, Schultz, Helman, Lepper, Adam, Rudisill, and Miller. Among the pastors were the Revs. John Stough, Mahnesmith, Sonnendecker, Harter, Swissler, and a number of others whose names appear in the sketches of congregations in the northern part of the county, and no attempt is made to introduce them here.

About 1860 regular services were discontinued, but lately a small Lutheran congregation has agaiu been endeavoring to establish regular worship. The preaching is supplied by the Rev. Sylvanus Schillinger.

In the northern part of the township, Andrew Brinker and others were instrumental in the erection of a parsonage for the use of the ministry of the church in Salem township, which received the surviving interests of the New Lisbon congregations when they went down.

The New Lisbon Calvinistic Baptist Church

The records of this body have been destroyed, and but few meagre and disconnected accounts of its history can be obtained. It was organized some time after 1812 by a minister named Azariah Hanks, who was also the first preacher, and had among its early members Joab Gaskill, Obadiah and John Campbell, William Paul, Benjamin Pritchard, Joseph Powell, Lewis Kinney, Henry Beck, Stacy Pettit, Ira Dibble, Susan Whitacre, and Eliza Lepper, and, in most instances, the wives of the male members. The two first-named brethren served as deacons.

About 1815 a frame meeting-house was built on the corner of High and Jefferson Streets, which had an elevated pulpit, and a small desk below for the use of the leader in singing. The house was used by the Baptists and the society which took their place - the Disciples - until 1841 . The Rev. Hanks was followed by the Revs. Thomas Rigdon, Jehu Brown, Clark, and Francis W. Emmon.

In 1827, 41 members were reported at the Association meeting, which assembled with the church, and which closed its career as a Baptist society. Soon after, a movement was here inaugurated which caused nearly all the members to connect themselves with what is now known as

The Discples Church

The reformation here begun forms such a prominent feature of the religious history of the county that an extended account of its inception and a full sketch of the church which cradled it into existence have been prepared from the memorial discourse of the Rev. William Baxter, the poet, evangelist, and pastor of the church when the sermon was delivered, March 7, 1875 :

" But the point before us at present is the relation of this congregation to the great reformatory movement to which attention has been invited, which can best be understood by a brief history of the case. In the month of August, 1827, the Mahoning Baptist Association met in this village. Among other matters which engaged the attention of this body, it was proposed to select an evangelist to labor among the fifteen or twenty churches composing the Association ; this was deemed necessary on account of the languishing condition of many of the congregations, and the great lack of efficient ministerial labor in many localities within its boundaries. Among the preachers present were A. Campbell, then a Baptist, already giving promise of future greatness ; Adamson Bentley, the foremost Baptist preacher in the Association ; Sidney Rigdon, who afterwards became the right-hand man of Joe Smith, the founder of Mormonism, a man of great eloquence and at that time a shining light in the Baptist brotherhood ; John Secrest, of the Christians, a very successful evangelist; Joseph Gaston, of the same body, a man of deep religious feeling and a powerful exhorter ; and last, but not least, from Steubenville, the teacher of an academy there, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, one of the best-educated men in the West, a natural orator, a born genius, who had abandoned the religious views in which he had been brought up, and was seeking diligently by the light of God's word the old paths : his name was Walter Scott. On this man, though not a member of the Association, but occupying a place by courtesy, fell the choice of the ministers present as the proper man to go forth to arouse the churches to a sense of their duty and sinners to a sense of their danger.

" This unexpected choice caused the subject of it to look upon it as providential, and, regarding the call of the Association as a call from Heaven, he entered at once upon his work. His first resolve was that he would not preach any of the peculiar doctrines of the Baptists, but would make the apostles his models, and thus reproduce the ancient gospel. Full of this purpose, he came to New Lisbon about the middle of November of the same year, and, in the Baptist meeting-house, began a series of meetings during the week which were intended to continue over Sunday. The novelty of his mode of preaching and his rare and impressive eloquence soon gained him a large audience. The entire village was aroused and excited ; the preacher brought strange things to their ears, and on Sunday the crowd was greater than ever before ; the church was crowded, the entrance thronged, and the preacher somewhat excited by the great desire manifested to hear him. His theme was the confession made by the apostle Peter, in the words, 1 Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Matt. xvi. 16), and the promise made by Christ to him that he would intrust to him the keys of the kingdom of heaven, or the high privilege of first unfolding to men the gospel plan of salvation. In proof of the correctness of this view, he led his hearers to Jerusalem, and portrayed as they had never heard before the wonderful scenes of the day of Pentecost. He followed Peter through his discourse after the descent of the Holy Spirit. They seemed to hear the voice of the apostle as he charged on his hearers the guilt of the Saviour's death, which forced from their lips the heartfelt, agonizing cry, ' Men and brethren, what shall we do?' and then, with startling power and emphasis, gave the apostle's reply : ' Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.' None of his hearers had ever listened to such preaching before ; and those who accepted the Bible as true felt that they could not gainsay it, for he presented no view or theory of his own, but uttered the very words of the inspired apostle. Just as he had closed his description of that wonderful scene, a gentleman well known and highly respected came to the door of the church and joined the interested group of listeners, and heard the preacher make the declaration in reference to the truth he had preached, that the word of God meant just what it said, and briefly repeat the scene above described, with the earnest cry of the multitude, and the full, clear, and convincing answer ; and when the preacher asked if there was any one present who believed what he taught, and was ready to take God at his word by instant obedience, the audience and preacher were both surprised to see this man press his way through the throng to where the preacher stood, and say, 1 1 do,' and express his willingness to be baptized at once for the remission of sins. The preacher for a moment was at a loss how to understand the meaning of the stranger's course ; but, on making inquiry, he found that he was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and highly esteemed by his neighbors. He yielded to his wishes, and publicly baptized him according to the apostolic command for the remission of sins, in the stream which flows almost in sight of where I now stand.

" Sudden conversions arc generally looked upon with suspicion, but this, as the sequel proved, was no sudden fancy, but the carrying out of a purpose long and earnestly cherished. The doctrine he embraced was not one heard of for the first time and adopted without investigation, but one that had long been entertained from his own independent reading of the word of God ; and up to that day he was under the impression that he was alone in that belief. His name was William Amend, a calm, meditative man, whose life was such that he enjoyed the confidence and respect of the entire community, and was regarded by the religious people as an Israelite indeed. His own account of the matter, contained in a letter addressed to the writer of this article, is one of interest ; and, as one of the most important features of the reformation was inaugurated in his case, we insert it here. His letter is dated Hiawatha, Kansas, July 23, 1872, and is as follows:

"Dear Sir: In answer to yours of the 16th, I will begin with myself. My parents were Presbyterians, my wife a Methodist ; we married April 18, 1818. In 1822 we joined the Presbyterian Church. In the fall of 1826, Mr. Vallandigham, the pastor of that church, commenced preaching on election, foreordiuation, total depravity, etc., which soon disturbed my mind. I did not believe that man was so bad as he said ; neither did I believe that God was partial, - that he must have just so many, no more and no less. So I began to investigate these things. I soon found that God was no respecter of persons, - that the election was in regard to character; and by this I also learned the ancient gospel. I now discovered that I was not a baptized person. I went to see Mr. Vallandigham about these things, and he told me that I wanted to pry into God's secrets that I could not know, - that I was tempted, and he was afraid it was of the Evil One. He then asked me if I ever had any correspondence with Alexander -Campbell, or if I had ever read any of his writings. I told him that I had not. ' Well,' said he, 'you have got hold of Campbell's dootrine.' Said I, ' If that is so, he must be an ancient gospel man, but I learned these things from the Bible.' So, after many hard struggles to overturn my arguments, he said, 'Well, if nothing else will do you, I will immerse you, but I do not like to adopt the plan.' ' Why ?' said I. He said, ' If I immerse you, some more will want to follow your example. I will immerse you, but it is not essential to salvation.' I then told him that he should not immerse me ; that I would wait until I could meet a man who believed the gospel. So we agreed to part. After that I sometimes went to the Baptist meeting; it was asocial prayer-meeting; Bro. Joab Gaskill was bishop. I took part with them that day. I lived five miles from Lisbon, and Gaskill four miles, and Gaskill wished me to go home with him. I went, and we conversed upon these things and upon the ancient order of the gospel, which was altogether new to him. Just two weeks after that, Bro. Scott commenced preaching the ancient gospel; and on the Friday night before, I was reading the seoond chapter of Acts to my wife at home. I said to her, ' This is just what we need to make us fit subjects to wait upon the Lord.' She said>

' Well, you had better go and preach it;' and I replied, ' The first man I meet that will preach this gospel and promise to live it, I will go with him, let the world say what it will.' On Saturday, Bro. John Campbell sent one of his sons to tell me that a very smart man by the name of Scott would preach the next day at eleven o'clock, and that he wished me to hear him. I promised to go, and did so. When 1 got there the house was full ; I went up the steps to the door, but could get no farther. Bro. Soott had the commission for his text, and went to Jerusalem as the Lord commanded. Very soon I found that this was the man I had promised to go with. When ho got to the place where they cried out to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ' Men and brethren, what shall we do to be savod ?' he asked, ' What did Peter tell thorn ?' He paused as if waiting for an answer, and then said, ' I will tell you asooret.' He then repeated Peter's reply : ' Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit;' and said, ' This is the socrot.' He then cried out, ' If thero is any person present who is willing to take God at his word, now is the time to come.' I then went forward, pressing through the crowd till I got to him. He took me by the hand and said, ' Is there any person present who knows why this man should not be baptized for the remission of sins? If so, let him tell it now, or forever hold his peace.' Bro. Gaskill then spoke up and said, 'I can receive and fellowship him with all my heart.' 'Thank the Lord !' said Scott; ' you shall be immersed for the remission of sins.' The meeting closed, and I went with Joseph Powell to get a change of clothes; we then went to the water; I was baptized, and came up out of the water. Bro. Scott delivered a beautiful address on the ancient gospel, after which I went to Bro. Powell's, changed my clothes, and went on my way rejoicing.

" The events narrated in the above letter, beyond all question, establish the fact that Mr. Amend was the first man of whom we have any knowledge who, in modern times, so clearly and fully complied with all the gospel conditions of pardon as required by the apostles. The course he adopted, from that time forward, was required from all converts, and formed one of the most marked features of the reformation, and that order was restored here.

" But the question may be asked, How can this be made to mark the beginning of a new era in the religious history of the times, when the doctrine confessed and obeyed is, in theory at least, the doctrine of all Christendom ? That it is in accordance with nearly all the creeds of the greater portion of the religious world may be learned by an examination of the most orthodox creeds, ancient and modern. The Nicene Creed, one of the most ancient and orthodox, declares that there is ' one baptism for the remission of sins,' and many modern creeds are scarcely less explicit, and the wonder only grows when we find the Scriptures teaching the doctrine in language even less liable to mistake than that of the creeds. The truth is, however, that, notwithstanding the teaching of both Bible and creed upon the subject, the doctrine was practically as utterly disregarded as if both creed and Bible were silent upon the subject; of which no greater proof is needed than the fact that Mr. Amend, though a devout man and a constant attendant at church, and even a member of one of the popular religious parties, had never heard it before; and an additional proof that it was practically denied is found in the fact that the preaching of it was everywhere denounced as heresy, and those who embraced it were made the objects of persecution, as far as the spirit of the age would allow it. That such a state of things should exist is no stranger than that the Church of Rome should have become what it was when Luther arose, or that formalism should have almost wholly usurped the place of vital piety when Wesley began his work.

" But to return to our theme. Soon after the baptism of Mr. Amend quite a number of others followed his example, among them his sister, Mrs. Conover, of Massillon (still living), Mrs. Elizabeth Lodge, Mrs. Watson, and many others. The Baptist church, almost to a man, embraced the views presented by Elder Scott, and, dropping the name Baptist, were known as Disciples of Christ; and the meeting-house, now a dwelling, the first building east of R. B. Pritchard's, passed into the hands of the new body. Here they were ministered to occasionally by Elder Scott and others, mainly from the Western Reserve, and their numbers were greatly increased.

" About 1838, Benjamin Pritchard became one of the elders of the congregation, and rendered faithful and efficient service for nearly thirty years. His house for many years was the preachers' home, and nearly every preacher among us in those days shared bis hospitality.

" In 1841 the present house was built, and, though under another roof, we are under the same foundation yet, with the same God for our God as those who worshiped here before us and have gone home, and with the same Bible for our comfort and guide.

" Before the building of this house most of the preaching was by traveling evangelists, but for a season the church enjoyed the regular labors of Wesley Lanphear and Wm. Beaumont. Since the erection of this house the pastors have been Isaac Errett, five years; P. H. Jones, three years; Joseph King, five years; Philip Galley, about one year and a half; and Wm. Baxter, about twelve years. Since October, 1875, Rev. A. Martin has been pastor.

" A list of the brethren who have preached here at various times would be interesting, but it would perhaps be impossible to give such a one now. The following, though incomplete, will not be without interest : Alexander Campbell, Walter Scott, William Hayden, A. S. Hayden, John Henry, Cyrus and Marcus Bosworth, Eli Regal, Jonas Hartzell, E. Hubbard, John Shafer, A. Allerton, John Applegate, C. E. Van Voorhis, J. H. Jones, D. S. Burnet, James and Joseph Gaston, George Lucy, Warrick Martin, Robert Forrester, W. S. Gray, A. B. Green, C. L. Loos, S. E. Pearre, Robert Graham, Frank Green, R. T. Davies, Alanson Wilcox.

" During the year beginning with the labors of Elder Walter Scott, to which attention has already been called, about one thousand converts were made under his earnest and efficient advocacy of the ancient gospel. Every succeeding year since then has witnessed the spread of the work with unexampled rapidity. Not a single congregation of this body was in existence when he first began his plea, in 1827 ; now there are between three hundred and four hundred congi'egations in this State, and even greater numbers in several of the States farther west ; for instance, over four hundred in Illinois, a still larger number in Indiana and Kentucky, large numbers in Tennessee and Missouri ; they are to be found in nearly all the new States and Territories, in California and Oregon ; numerous congregations are also to be found in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and even in Australia, Yan Diemen's Land, and New Zealand. During the year 1874, 30,000 additions were reported in one newspaper, and there is no doubt but that the entire number of accessions was 50,000 ; the whole number is variously estimated at from half to three-fourths of a million.

" Such success never attended any previous efforts at reformation, and no other people ever had greater reason than we to thank God for the past, and to take courage for the future.

" Nothing has ever occurred in the history of this town of such importance to the world as the sermon delivered by Walter Scott in that unpretending frame building on the hill north of us. Its echoes have gone round the world ; myriads of hearts have been gladdened ; the teachings of other religious bodies have been modified by the truth which he and his fellow-laborers so ably and earnestly presented ; and, great as the visible and direct results have been in the gathering together of a great and influential religious body, I have no doubt but that the indirect results have been equally great. These consist in part in weakening the authority of human tradition, calling attention to a neglected Bible, insisting on a teaching and practice which has express warrant in the word of God, and, more than all, in promoting the spirit of Christian union, which now prevails to an extent and degree unknown before. This latter work was a marked feature in the public efforts of all our early public teachers ; next to the conversion of souls, they labored for the fulfillment of the Saviour's prayer for the unity of his people ; and had the disciples done nothing save this, they have been a blessing to the world.

" Their platform of union - the Bible, and that only - is that to which all parties are tending, and where they must at last meet and unite. The tokens of this desirable consummation are cheering, and we say, God speed the day !

" Having recently returned to this house of worship, which for months has been undergoing a renovation, we feel as if we had got home again, and realize that it is a fitting time to review our past history, and draw from it hope and encouragement for the future.

" God, in his providence, has given us at last an historic prominence in this the most advanced religious movement of our times. Let us see to it that we are faithful to the high trust committed to our hands. By the example of those of our number who have died in the faith, we are urged to an emulation of their virtues. Their God is ours ; and if, like them, we persevere to the end, we shall gain the rest into which they have entered."

For the past sixteen years Abel Lodge has been the superintendent of a flourishing Sunday-school. It has an average of over 100 members, and maintains a good library.

The services of the church were held in New Lisbon as early as 1847 and at later periods, but no organization was effected until April 13, 1863, when thirty persons were formed into a society. On the 5th of May, 1863, Fisher A. Blocksom was elected Senior Warden ; John Clarke, Junior Warden; and Joseph E. Vance, Belus Lounsberry, John H. Morrison, Seth L. Wadsworth, A. J. Blocksom, Wm. Hostetter, Henry T. Aten, and H. H. Gregg, Vestrymen.

The Rev. A. T. McMurphy became the rector of the society, and remained until 1866. Lay services were then held until 1871, when the Rev. George S. Vallandigham became the rector, continuing until his death, in March, 1873. Since then services have been supplied by neighboring rectors and by laymen.

The meetings were first held in the German church, and then in the court-house until the fall of 1876, when a chapel was secured in a building standing on lot 161. It has been fitted up in a neat manner, is owned by the society, and is free from debt.

The present vestry is composed of John Clarke, Senior Warden ; M. N. Hamilton, Junior Warden ; William Vallandigham, John H. Clarke, and John H. Morrison, Vestrymen. The communicants number 12.

The Methodist Episcopal Church Of New Lisbon

Methodism was first proclaimed west of the village, near the borders of Hanover township, about 1812, by a local preacher named James Caldwell, who held services there occasionally, preaching without authority from any Conference. He soon after had a co-laborer in John Cecil, a man of athletic frame, who had but one eye, but who possessed many qualities to make him a successful missionary. He was not only able to expound the word, but willing, if occasion demanded, to take his place as a common laborer in the harvest-field, where he wielded the sickle as skillfully as any of his fellows. Such conduct naturally won the hearts of the simple pioneers, who ever welcomed the visits of these plain preachers. In due time Methodism was firmly established here, and had taken a foothold at New Lisbon. About 1818 the place was recognized as a regular appointment on what was then known as Beaver circuit, which embraced several counties in the eastern part of Ohio and a part of Pennsylvania, preaching being supplied about once a month.

The ministers about that time were Jacob Hooper and a young man named Dowler. The former had a stentorian voice and preached in an earnest manner, sparing not the evil where he conceived it to exist, but fearlessly denouncing all manner of wrong. His zeal to promote the welfare of the church never abated, and, when necessity demanded, he started on foot to fill the appointments on his circuit.

The bounds of the circuit remained as comprehensive as above indicated until about 1840, when New Lisbon was designated a station in the Conference, and has since maintained that relation to Methodist work in Columbiana County.

It appears that not until about 1822 was the society at New Lisbon fully organized, but, in the absence of the official records, it is impossible to give the original membership. The first place of meeting was in a small frame house which stood a little west of John Arter's tannery. It had previously been occupied for other purposes and was unsuitable as a church, yet in this house preached Martin Ruter and James B. Findley, at that time eminent ministers.

About 1826 a more appropriate place of worship was provided on the hill half a square east of Market Street. It was a plain brick edifice, with accommodations ample for those times, and in this house, in 1827, a Miss Miller, probably the first woman-preacher in New Lisbon, addressed crowded congregations. Here, also, Bishops Hedding, Soule, and Chase, of the Episcopal Church, sometimes preached. The house was used until 1838, when the present place of worship was erected on the southwest corner of the square. It was built, after the custom of those times, with galleries on three sides, but the side-galleries have been removed, and the house has been otherwise modernized and made more comfortable and attractive.

Harbaugh, Thomas Corbett, Robert S. McKay, Benezett F. Thompson, and Simon Spiker elected trustees. The present board is composed of Jacob Harbaugh, G. W. Nelson, William Huston, William Hoover, J. F. Benner, William Jordan, Nicholas Way, and Richardson Arter. John Burns is the recording steward.

The clergy who ministered to the church from its organization to the present time have been as follows, the years given being the dates of their appointment to this charge

Among the local preachers of the Methodist Church living at New Lisbon are remembered Thomas Kinkaid, J. J. Estill, Thomas Boardman, and Dr. Johnson.

The Protestant Methodist Church Of New Lisbon

Some time about 1828 the Protestant Methodist Church was constituted of those opposed to episcopacy, but who had, prior to that period, given their allegiance to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The movement, instituted at Baltimore, rapidly grew in favor, and societies were soon formed in various parts of the Union. In New Lisbon, Henry Springer and others espoused this cause, and in November, 1831, the Rev. Reeves began preaching in the place. He was followed by Revs. Dighton, Guthrie, Miller, and other missionaries, whose labors induced the formation of a small society. The meetings were first held in a small brick house on Chestnut Street, but about 1837 a more commodious and appropriate church-edifice was erected on the northwest corner of the public square, which became well known as the " White Church." In this the society flourished ten or twelve years, then lost its influence and strength to such an extent that in 1848 it was practically extinct. In 1841 the Conference of the denomination was held with the church, and was largely attended, about two hundred ministers being present. In the fall of 1837 the church was taken up as a regular appointment, and was served by the Revs. Joel Dolby and Hugh Kelley. Other preachers, in addition to those already named, were the Revs. Browning, Reeves, Ragan, White, Flowers, Dorsey, Hubbard, Lacock, Hughes, Cushing, Beatty, and Clancy.

The Wesleyan Methodists also held meetings in the village after 1842, but did not succeed in effecting a permanent organization. Among their ministers were the Revs. Edward Smith, John Trego, Jesse McBride, and one or two others.

Another branch of the Methodists - the Evangelical Association, or Allbrights - held services in the place in former times, usually at the residence of those who held the Allbright faith, but it is believed that no organization followed their labor. The preaching was probably maintained in connection with the class at Franklin Square.*

Several ministers of the Bible-Christian Church - the Revs. Henry and Jacob Stambaugh - resided in Centre township about 1825, and occasionally held meetings, but did not awaken enough interest to form a separate society. Judge Harbaugh, of Detroit, relates an amusing episode in the ministerial career of one of the Stambaughs. On one occasion, as he was immersing a very portly woman in the waters of the Beaver, she slipped from his grasp, and was in great danger of being drowned. She was at last grasped by the frightened clergyman as she arose to the surface pale and having many indications of one who had been at death's door. Soon her lips began to move, and she faintly uttered, " Praise the Lord !" " That's a very good sign !" shouted the relieved minister as he bore her to the shore, thankful that he had not been made responsible for the death of the devout sister.

The Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

THE MOUNT ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, on the southeast corner of section 8, was erected in 1844, under the direction of a building committee composed of Chas. Mason, Samuel Bowman, and Joshua Bowman. In 1877 it was remodeled and made quite attractive. In the church lot is a burial-ground containing many handsome monuments. A year or two before the church was built a Lutheran congregation of 25 members had been organized in this locality, which held its first meetings in the school-house, but for whose use this house was provided. The Rev. John Henry Hoflman was the first pastor, preaching here until 1846. From that period until 1854 the Rev. William Thompson ministered to the congregation, and since then the preachers have been the Revs. S. Wegner, S. P. Herrington, I. J. Delo, A. B. Kirkland, J. H. Stough, and J. W. Swick.

* Among other celebrated ministers who visited New Lisbon are numbered Nathan Kent in 1816, and Elias Hicks in 1828, both Quakers. The latter preached in the public square, and it is said the concourse completely filled it.

In 1817, Lorenzo Dow preached to vast audiences, and, in 1833, Asa Shinn, another celebrated Methodist, visited the place, preaching several times, and delighting the masses with his overpowering eloquence.

Since April 1, 1879, the pulpit has been vacant. Charles Mason was the first elder and Samuel Bowman the first deacon. The present consistory is composed of Elders Joseph Lindersmith and Joshua Bowman, and Deacons Samuel Bowman and Harvey W. Lee. The congregation has 55 members and supports a good Sunday-school, which is at present superintended by E. M. Crowl.

The Point Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church

THE POINT PLEASANT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was erected on a beautiful little knoll near the fork of the West Beaver and Cold Run, in the early part of 1876, and was consecrated the first Sabbath in July by Elder S. F. Miner. It is a plain but attractive frame house, standing on a lot procured for this purpose from James Pollock and Robert Hastings. The committee under whose direction it was built were Charles Chandler and Robert McClellan. The controlling trustees are Charles Chandler, Philip Barker, I. R. Hastings, Samuel Koffle, and Robert Hastings.

The society which worships here was organized many years ago in the township of Hanover, and held its meetings until 1876 in the "Old Frost Church," when the interest was transferred to Point Pleasant. The Rev. L. B. King was the pastor. Since September, 1878, the pastor has been the Rev. E. A. Williams. The society has 50 members, and maintains a good Sunday-school, of which J. R. Hastings is the superintendent.

The New Lisbon Temperance Alliance

THE NEW LISBON TEMPERANCE ALLIANCE was organized Jan. 31, 1874, with President, John Mc- Donald; Vice-President, John Way; Treasurer, Daniel A. McIntosh ; Secretary, Lizzie 0. Nelson ; Executive Committee, James Scott, John T. Brewster, John Arter, Jerome B. Nelson, Nicholas Way.

This society and other bodies gave encouragement to the " Woman's Crusade," which was inaugurated the following March. For a number of days prayer-meetings were maintained in the churches, and from thence the women, to the number of sixty or seventy, would proceed to the places where liquor was sold, aud pray, beg, and entreat the proprietors to cease the iniquitous traffic. The first to give a promise to close up his saloon was John Parks, under the Cowan House ; but after a few days all yielded to the importunities of the movement and promised a compliance with the request. These happy tidings were announced to the public, March 24,1874, by the Women's Executive Committee, - Mrs. G. N. Johnson, Mrs. B. F. Frederick, Mrs. M. A. Vallandigham, Mrs. J. K. Frew, Mrs. C. L. Fawcett.

At the same meeting the ladies produced a paper which contained the signatures of the druggists and physicians of the village, promising to limit the sale or use of liquor in their business to such cases where it is absolutely demanded for medicinal purposes ; and for a short period following, New Lisbon was, in the strictest sense, a temperance village.

Division Of Sons Of Temperance

DIVISION OF SONS OF TEMPERANCE was instituted, with the following charter-members : Kersey Hanna, Thomas H. White, George Crowell, J. F. Ben- was organized on the 11th of April, 1857, with the following charter-members : J. F. Benner, T. H. White, Fred. Byers, Fred. S. Whelan, H. K. Lee, A. F. Adams, S. B. Keffer, W. H. Vaughan, John Rodebaugh, J. B. Nelson, John Vinaca, Auzey White, and J. Adams. J. F. Benner was the first W. C. T. The society was very prosperous, initiating several hundred members in the course of its existence, which was terminated in 1878.

Secret Orders

The oldest society belonging to a secret order was instituted Jan. 21, 1822, under a dispensation granted for this purpose, as The New Lisbon Lodge, No. 65, F. and A. M. On the 16th of January, 1823, George McCook, Elderkin Potter, Andrew Jerome, and others received a charter, under which the meetings of the Lodge were held until Jan. 12, 1843, when it was declared forfeited and taken back by the Grand Lodge.

The village was without a Masonic Lodge until Dec. 28, 1854, when Wm. H. Gill, S. L. Wadsworth, John Burns, John Watt, John Clarke, John Morrison, James Peeples, A. McClain, and Samuel Lindesmith received a dispensation to organize. The effort was only partially successful, and on the 20th of October, 1856, the dispensation was returned to the Grand Lodge. A third effort to establish a Lodge was made, and on the 23d of August, 1859, a dispensation to revive No. 65 was granted. The first meeting was held September 10th, when the following officers were chosen: J. E. Vance, W. M. ; A. McLain, S. W. ; R. B. Pritchard, J. W. ; 0. L. Lodge, Treas. ; A. T. Snodgrass, Sec. ; and John A. Morrow, Tyler. The meetings were held under the dispensation until Oct. 17, 1860, when the Lodge received its present charter, the members named therein being, besides the foregoing, Wm. J. Jordan, J. R. Arter, John Arter, and John Charters.

Since its organization, in 1859, the Lodge has had an aggregate membership of 162 Master-Masons, and has at present 70 belonging. Twelve Masters have died in the village, and have been buried with Masonic honors ; the remainder have removed.

Since the organization of the Lodge the Worshipful Masters have been J. E. Vance, R. B. Pritchard, R. R. Brown, Wm. M. Hostetter, J. F. Benner, H. E. Frost, Nicholas Way, and Wm. J. Jordan. The Secretaries for the same period have been A. T. Snodgrass, J. F. Benner, A. McLain, A. J. Blocksom, John Sturgeon, Wm. J. Jordan, W. A. Nichols, II. W. Brown, H. E. Frost, J. II. Arter, and E, L. Randolph.

New Lisbon Chapter, No. 92, R. A. M., was instituted April 17,1865, with the following charter-members: Wm. W. Orr, J. R. Arter, John Clarke, R. B. Pritchard, J. B. Morgan, Wm. M. Hostetter, Jas. S. Orr, A. J. Cowan, and John W. Fife. Wm. W. Orr was the first High-Priest, and served one year. R. R. Bourne was the High-Priest from 1866 till 1870 ; R. B. Pritchard, 1870-72 ; Wm. M. Hostetter, 1872-74 ; D. W. Pomeroy, 1874-76 ; and, since 1876, R. B. Pritchard. The other present officers are Nicholas Way, K. ; Johnson Calhoun, Scribe; Jacob L. Wellington, C. H. ; David C. McMichael, P. S. ; Henry E. Frost, R. A. C. ; Wm. Myers, Treasurer; and C. C. Davidson, Secretary. It has 42 members, and its meetings, as well as those of the Lodge, are held in a very fine hall in the Benner Block, on the east side of the public square.