Findlay City (part 15 of 28)

Maple Grove Cemetery had its inception December 25, 1854, when under an act of the Legislature passed February 24, 1848, "making provisions for the incorporation of cemetery associations," the following gentlemen effected such an organization: D. J. Cory, William Taylor, Hugh Newell, Jesse Wheeler, Aaron H. Bigelow, Benjamin Huber, John B. Hull, Parlee Carlin, George H. Crook. David Goucher, William H. Baldwin, Hanks P. Gage. James H. Wilson, John Ewing, Frederick Henderson, George W. Galloway. M. C. Whiteley and Henry Porch. On_ the 22d of January, 1855, the organization was completed by the election of John Ewing. Hanks P. Gage and Parlee Carlin, trustees, and William Taylor, clerk; and " Maple Grove Cemetery Association" was adopted as the name of the organization. The association purchased of George Biggs twenty acres of land lying in the northwest quarter of Section 13 and the northeast quarter of Section 14, Findlay Township, immediately west of town for the sum of $2,200, which they at once laid out as a cemetery. On the 3d of Aucust. 1860, the association turned over its title in the cemetery to the town and township of Findlay, said town and township assuming an indebtedness of $982, then owing to George Biggs. Twenty-two acres lying south of the cemetery were purchased of Jasper N. Lytle November 16, 1872, at a cost of $2,200. A roadway belonging to Frederick Duduit originally divided the two tracts, but in April, 1875, the trustees of the cemetery exchanged with Mr. Duduit 4.45 acres off the southwest corner of the last purchase for the roadway, which contained the same amount of land, and thus the tracts were united. In July, 1878, the authorities resolved to authorize the cemetery trustees to erect a 'mortuary chapel'' for the reception of the dead before burial, at a cost not to exceed $2,000. The chapel was commenced in the fall of 1878, and the building was completed and accepted by the trustees in May, 1879. Ryland & Wykoff were the contractors, and it is a very substantial, handsome stone structure, with massive iron doors, and adds considerably to the beauty of the grounds. The cemetery occupies an elevated, well-drained level site on the west bank of the Blanchard, along which a winding driveway leads from the village to the main entrance. The newer portion of the grounds surrounding the chapel are handsomely laid out, and the whole cemetery has a profusion of flowers, evergreens and shade trees which furnish an inviting place of rest to the casual visitor. Many artistic and costly monuments attest the devotion of the living, and prove at least a fleeting reverence for those silently sleeping 'neath the grass-covered mounds dotting this beautiful city of the dead.

There are two notable circumstances so closely interwoven with the history of Findlay's progress as to deserve mention in this chapter - the California movement of 1849, and the peculiar workings of the '' Underground Railroad.'' We are indebted for our information on those subjects to Willis H. Whiteley, Esq., of Findlay, who obtained the facts from active participants therein, which we ourselves have verified through the same sources.

'"The excitement,'' says Mr. Whiteley, '' caused by the closing scenes of the war between the United States and Mexico was renewed early in the spring of 1848 by the report of the discovery of gold, on the American Fork of the Sacramento River, in California. The news of the finding of the precious metal spread as if borne on the wings of the wind. The intelligence went flying through the States to the Atlantic and then to the ends of the earth. Adventurers flocked from every quarter to the new El Dorado. Thousands of men were almost crazed with the excitement. Workshops were closed, business abandoned, farms left tenantless, and offices deserted, while moving across the great plains companies of adventurous spirits traveled westward with hungry hearts, like Jason and his Argonauts of old in search of the Golden Fleece. Nor did the excitement and the eager desire to explore the new fields of wealth leave the people of Hancock County unscathed. arly in the year 1849 a company was organized in Findlay for the purpose of crossing the plains and exploring the gold bearing regions of California. The names of the men from Hancock County who were in the company are as follows: Squire Carlin, Dr. W. D. and Elliott Carlin (sons of Squire Carlin), William J. Dunham, George W. Myers, Frederick Duduit, Alonzo D. Wing, Hanks P. Gage, S. B. Harrington, James Predmore, James Porterfield, Samuel Porterfield, James Teatsorth, Garrett Teatsorth, Gid. Nightengale, A. Nightengale, Charles Coffinberry,

Tremaine, Isaac Sharon, Henry Moffitt, Charles Moffitt, William Mofiitt, William Downing. George Downing, John Stagmier, William Worden, Peter Messamore, Jacob Beam, Wagner, Dr. Haggerty (Mt. Blanchard) and Dr. Jesse Beason (Van Buren). There were also in the company Dr. Stanley and C. W. Butterfield (afterward the author of ''Crawford's Campaign Against Sandusky''), from Seneca County, Peter Parks and Lathrop, from Sandusky City, and Messrs. Bagley, Blodget and Hubbard, and two brothers named Allen, from Putnam County.

The party left Findlay on the 3d of March, 1849, going by the way of Carey to Cincinnati, and from there by steamboat to St. Joseph, Mo. From there the company went to Independence, Mo., then the great outfitting point for emigrants crossing the plains. Here they remained until May 3, 1849, when they started westward with eight wagons. While en route William Byal died and was buried on Bear River. He was a brother of Hon. A. P. Byal, of Findlay. In September of the same year, six months after leaving Findlay, the Argonauts reached Weaverville, Cal., where the company disbanded. While at this point Pearson Beardsley, a brother of D. B. Beardsley, Esq., also died, being the second after leaving home. The next year D. Austin died with cholera near Sacramento, Cal. After separating at Weaverville, the members of the company scattered in all directions, some to engage in mining, others to work at their trades, and many to pursue such employment as offered itself. Within two or three years the most of the company had returned, but a few remained on the Pacific slope and made for themselves permanent homes. More than half of the original company that left here for California in March, 1849, with light hearts and bright hopes of wealth, are dead, and of those who are alive a very few are now living in the county. Some are old and fast nearing the '' golden shore,'' and all are far past middle hfe. Yet, withal, they speak with pleasure and recall with fervent interest the scenes and incidents and adventures of the long, long journey, when they were a part of the Argonauts f '49." ; For many years prior to the Rebellion, there existed in this vicinity two 'stations'? on the ''Underground Railroad,'' where runaway negroes were harbored, cared for and assisted on their journey toward Canada - then the slave's goal of liberty. The business of this institution was to aid the fugitives in their escape to that land of refuge. A line of *'stations'' existed at intervals of twenty-tive or thirty miles, and the travel over the line was entirely at night. '* Conductors'? were engaged to pilot the runaways in safety, while agents and sympathizers through the South enticed negroes from their masters, and furnished them with means to escape to the North, where they would be cared for and sent out of the country. The people who aided and abetted this work were called ''Abolitionists,'' and were sincerely hated by the slave owners of the South. The two ''stations"' in this locality are said to have sheltered and furnished means of further flight to over forty fleeing blacks during the ten years preceding the Rebellion. These were worth to their masters at least $40,000. N otice of a runaway's coming was generally sent in advance, so that the sympathizers and prompters of the scheme would be prepared to receive them. The slaves invariably reached Hancock County at night, were kept carefully concealed, and always sent away in the night time. Some of the runaways remained in the county from a week to ten days, so as to throw their eee the track, and none of those who came here were captured by their owners. Late in 1858 one of the parties engaged in the ''Oberlin Rescue'' - the taking of an escaped negro named John from his captors - came to Findlay to avoid arrest by the United States authorities cf the Oberlin District, and remained here concealed for several weeks. But the war put an end to slavery, and the services of the Underground Railroad were no longer needed. Many of the persons who took part in its workings in this county are dead. It is not known that any of those who participated in that scheme of giving liberty to human beings ever regretted their action. Those who are dead did not, those who are living need not. Ii was not ambitious desire nor malicious intent that brought them into the work, but their deep sympathy for enslaved humanity and their earnest zeal for the liberty of the despised race. ;

The fire department is one of the most important and practical institutions of every town, yet Findlay was quite a good-sized village before she possessed a fire engine of any kind. In June, 1850, the *'Tom Thumb," a small square box engine on four wheels, and operated by a hand crank, was purchased. As a fire extinguisher it was a failure, and in the fall of 1851 a second-hand engine, the ''Jenny Lind," was purchased in Cincinnati, where it had been previously used by ''Washington Engine Company, No. 2.'? The Tom Thumb was then thrown aside, and in 1859 its running gear was sold to Ernest Bacher, who now uses it in the business of his bottling works. Prior to the purchase of the Jenny Lind no effort had ever been made to organize a fire company, but the preliminary steps were now taken in that direction. On the 3d of December, 1851, a meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of effecting such an organization. Judge D. J. Cory was called to the chair, and P. D. Bigelow appointed secretary. After the object of the meeting was explained, and the necessity of a fire company fully set forth, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws and report at a meeting to be held at the same place on the following evening, December 4. On that date the ''Findlay Relief Fire Company'' was organized to man the Jenny Lind engine, with Eli Detwiler, captain; William C. Cox, first lieutenant; Henry Guntner, second lieutenant; P. D. Bigelow, secretary; James H. Wilson, treasurer; Jacob Carr, first engineer. This old engine, though almost useless, was a part of the fire apparatus of Fimdlay until the spring of 1866, when the mayor and chief engineer were ordered to sell the brass and copper on the engine and remodel the running gear into a hook and ladder truck, which was completed in July. The Dreadnought Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was then organized, and the truck has since been manned by this company.

Tn October, 1855, the ''Citizens' Gift Fire Engine No. 2'' was purchased by Jacob Carr, then mayor of the village, from L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. The engine cost about $850, largely raised by subscription among the citizens of the town; hence the name adopted. A company was organized to take charge of the Citizens" Gift, and this engine is yet doing good service, having been removed to East Findlay, in June, 1873.

The fire department was regularly organized under an ordinance passed. April 27, 1856, and Robert S. Mungen elected chief engineer. He served until April, 1859, and his successors have been as follows: J oseph B. Rothchild, 1859-60; G. C. Barnd, 1860-62; Joel Markle, 1862-63; Charles B. Hall, 1863-64; William L. Davis, 1864-65; Mahlon Barnd, 1865-66; Jo-

The L. Button Fire Engine No. 1, was contracted for in the fall of 1858, to take the place of the Jenny Lind, and was also manufactured by L. Button & Co., of Waterford, N. Y. In the Courier of January 21, 1859, the following notice of this engine appears: ''The new fire engine, 'L. Button No. 1,' for the No. 1 Fire Company, arrived last Monday. It is a beautiful machine, and no'douht will do good service in quenching the devouring element. The company had it out practicing on Wednesday, and it performed to their satisfaction generally. In size and capacity it is very near the same as the Citizens' Gift Engine.'' The L. Button cost about $825, which was principally raised by subscription. In June, 1877, this engine was removed to North Findlay, where the company was reorganized, to consist mainly of members residing in that part of the village.

When the ''Jenny Lind" was purchased a room was rented from Ewing & Wheeler, which also served as an engine house for the Citizens' Gift, when that engine was bought. In August, 1854, a lot was purchased on the north side of West Crawford Street; and in the fall of 1857 a brick engine house erected thereon. Here all the fire department apparatus was kept until after the purchase of the first steam engine. More room then became necessary, and in May, 1872, the adjoining lot was bought, and an addition erected to the old building. It is now occupied by the apparatus of the Hook and Ladder Company, and also utilized as a village lock-up. In June, 1872, asite for an engine house was donated in Hast Findlay, by William W. McConnell and Parish W. Rockwell; anda year afterward a room was rented on East Sandusky Street, to which the Citizens' Gift engine was removed. The present brick building east of Eagle Creek was erected the same year, and dedicated by a supper given by the Citizens' Gift Fire Company, December 26, 1873, to celebrate the occupancy of their new quarters.

In the meantime the steam fire engine ''Findlay,'' with two hose carts, hose, etc., had been purchased. On the 3d of August, 1871, Parlee Carlin, J. T. Adams, Peter Kunz and W. H. Wheeler were appointed by the council, a committee, to negotiate for the purchase of a steam fire engine, and on the 7th they reported the purchase of an engine, two hose carts, and 1,000 feet of hose, etc., from the Silsby Manufacturing Company, of Seneca Falls, N. Y., for the sum of $7,300. A company to man the steamer was organized the following year. By authority of an act of the Legislature, passed May 7, 1877, the ''Centennial,'' another Silsby steamer, with hose reels, hose, etc., was purchased, on the 15th of June following, for $3,740, and a second company organized to take charge of the new engine.

Upon the purchase of the last steamer the L. Button Engine was removed to North Findlay, where a room was rented for an engine house. In October, 1877, a lot was bought of David A. Elliott, on Main Street, north of the railroad crossing; and in the fall of 1879 the present two-story brick engine bouse was completed and occupied by the L. Button Fire Com:

The apparatus of the fire department has cost about $14,000, and is kept in excellent condition. Good cisterns have been constructed, convenient to every part of the town, but the supply has sometimes proved insufficient, and the lack of hose to reach the more distant cisterns has ofien been a great drawback in fighting the fiery element. Water-works are now talked of, and, if built, will be a wonderful improvement over the present system. Except the chief engineer, the engineers and firemen of the steamers, and the three messengers, the entire department, which averages about 325 men, is composed of volunteers, whose efficiency has often been fully demonstrated.

The village authorities had been trying for some years to purchase a suitable location for a town building, but no final arrangement was arrived at until June 13, 1881, on which date the present two-story brick, on the southwest corner of ths public square, was bought of James C. Garnett for the sum of $4,500. It was then a livery stable, but was at once remodeled and fitted up for town uses. In the second story are located the council room, and mayor's and marshal's offices, ete., while the lower story is occupied by the two steam fire engines, hose carts and other necessary apparatus of the department. A fire-alarm bell has recently been put up over the building, which is a plain substantial structure in keeping with the wise economy that has heretofore characterized the successive governments of the village. Findlay now owns a good town property, extending from the public square to Crawford Street, and whenever its growth justifies the erection of more elaborate buildings than now occupy the ground there is plenty of room upon which to erect them.

Railroads, express, telegraph and telephone lines came into Findlay in the order named, and furnished conveniences not previously enjoyed by its inhabitants. The branch railroad from Findlay to Carey was opened for business in the fall of 1849, and about eleven years afterward the Lake Erie & Western reached the village in its westward course. The Toledo, Columbus & Southern came in the spring of 1883, and thus have grown up the present railroad facilities of the town. With the advent of the branch railroad, express matter began to be delivered regularly, the conductor of the road also attending to that branch of business.

In August, 1857, Cunningham Hazlett opened a private express office at the Exchange Bank, which he was then operating. But the first regular office was established in April, 1858, by the United States Express Company, with A. R. Belden as agent. The office was at the depot of the branch railroad, and though the Merchants Union had an office in Findlay several years ago, the United States soon absorbed it and has since held the field.

The Western Union Telegraph Company built a line along the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, from Fremont to Findlay, in 1863, the money being furnished by the people living upon its route, to be paid back out of the earnings of the line. It was completed to Findlay late in 1863, and January 4, 1864, the first experimental dispatch was sent over the line by the operator at Fremont, to V. D. Green, the operator in charge of the Findlay office. The first business dispatch was sent from Findlay by Col. William Mungen, and the first one was received by Frederick Henderson, both January 4, 1864. The line was extended no farther until 1878-79, when it was completed to Lima. The successive operators of the Findlay office have been V. D. Green, Hiram S. Shannon, E. J. Totten, Theodore Totten and P. C. Sours, who at present holds the position.

The Findlay Telephone Exchange Company was chartered J anuary 27, 1880, and a telephone line built in Findlay by Samuel D. Houpt, which was opened for business in the summer of that year. Mr. Houpt put in eightytwo "'phones," and conducted the business until August, 1889, when he sold out to the Midland Telephone Company of Chicago, Ill. Early in 1884 the latter company took out the instruments and abandoned the field. Another telephone company has recently been chartered and a franchise granted, and a new line will probably be constructed in the village in the near future.

The greater part of Findlay was originally very flat, wet and muddy, and the lack of proper drainage rendered it impossible to construct cellars of any utility within the village. Ponds and mud-holes were numerous; streets and lots had to be filled up, and surface drainage proved insufficient to throw off the surplus water during the wet seasons. The streets were, therefore, often in a deplorable condition, and though considerable macadamizing had been done through the passing years, yet very little improvement was discernible in many of them. The town authorities at last resolved to put in sewers, and July 5, 1869, the council appointed James A. Bope, E. P. Jones and B. F. Kimmons, a board of improvement to prepare plans for a general system of sewerage. Two weeks afterward the board submitted their report, which was adopted and the work ordered to be commenced at once. The present sewerage system of the village dates from that time, and a wonderful improvement has been effected in every way. From year to year new sewers were put in and old ones extended, until Findlay now possesses very good sewerage facilities, while her streets are much superior to the average town of the State. The health and comfort of the people have accordingly increased, and that much dreaded malarial atmosphere once infesting the village has almost disappeared.

Monumental Park is a small, well shaded plat of ground west of Main Street, between Main Cross and Front Streets, and was originally laid out as Broadway. It has been said that the proprietors intended it for a marketplace, but there is nothing on record to sustain such a tradition, and it is laid down on the original plat as a street and so designated in the surveyor's notes attached thereto. The subject of converting this short street into a park first began to be agitated by the local press in the spring of 1864, but no definite action was taken on the matter for five years afterward. In compliance with a petition of the citizens, the board of improvement, on the 19th of July, 1869, recommended that Broadway be graded, fenced and planted in trees, and on the same date the council ordered the improvement to be made. The work was soon after commenced and carried to completion, a narrow roadway being left on each side of the park, extending from Main Cross to Front Street; but it has not yet been much used as a public resort and it is very doubtful that it ever will be. The park received its present name upon the erettion of the base and pedestal of the soldiers' monument in the fall of 1871.

The Hancock Monumental Association had its inception on the 14th of April, 1865 - the date of President Lincoln's assassination. On that day a large concourse of people were in town celebrating the fall of Richmond and the capture of Lee's army, and a meeting was held in the Presbyterian Church for the purpose of taking steps toward the erection of a monument in Findlay to the memory of the brave men from Hancock County who laid down their lives in defense of the Union. C. A. Croninger was called to the chair, and D. R. Locke appointed secretary. After a free interchange of opinion, Messrs. C. A. Croninger, W. H. Wheeler, J. S. Patterson, Milton Gray, D. W. Clark and D. R. Locke were appointed a committee to devise a plan for raising the necessary funds to build a monument, and report at a meeting to be held April 20. The committee submitted their report at that meeting, recommending ''Hancock Monumental Association' as the name of the society, and that the officers consist of an executive board embracing a president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and five directors, also an advisory board of eighteen members, one from each township of the county. They also recommended that the sum of $10,000 be raised, each township to pay in proportion to its taxable property. The report was adopted and the following officers elected: C. A. Croninger, president; Milton Gray, vice-president; D. R. Locke, secretary; Hanks P. Gage, treasurer; W. H. Wheeler, George W. Galloway, J. S. Patterson, Aaron Blackford and John Ruthrauff, directors; also one member of the advisory board in each township. This mode of raising the money failed, and a lottery scheme was then got up, and an advertising sheet called the Soldiers' Memorial, started to help along the enterprise. On the 4th of January, 1870, after about $2,000 had been raised, ''The Soldiers' Monument Association of Hancock County" was incorporated, with the following board of directors: Stewart Sprague, president; Albert Langworthy, vice-president; Charles E. Niles, treasurer; E. T. Dunn, secretary; H. B. Green, William L. Davis and William McKinnis. It is confidently claimed that about $6,000 were raised by this lottery scheme. During this period considerable trouble came to the surface, and much wrangling was indulged in and bad feelings engendered between some of the parties engaged in raising and handling the funds. Several sites for the monument were advocated, but in May, 1870, the members of the association decided by vote to locate it in the park. In August, 1870, the building committee consisting of George W. Galloway, Milton Gray and William L. Davis, were instructed to contract for the erection of a monument on the site selected the previous spring. They did not find sufficient funds in the treasurer's hands to carry out in full the proposed work, and therefore built a foundation, and contracted with W. D. McKean, of Cincinnati, to erect the Quincy granite bases and pedestal, which were completed in the fall of 1871, at a cost of $1,900. The building committee soon afterward built an iron fence around the monument (which was subsequently taken down and sold), and thus it remained in an unfinished state for nearly five years.

Karly in the fall of 1874 the subject of completing the monument began to be talked of among the people of the town, and on the 14th of November a meeting was held in the court house for'the purpose of effecting an organization, also to make such arrangements as would be deemed necessary to finish the work commenced more than nine years before. Judge S. B. Huffman was chosen chairman, and after a few explanatory remarks and suggestions, Col. James A. Bope, William H. Schuler and William Welsh were appointed a committee to further the objects of the meeting. On the 20th of November another meeting was held, and Col. James A. Bope, Gen. Moses B. Walker, William Welsh, James M. Byal and John W. Davis appointed an executive committee, and empowered to appoint a sub-committee of one citizen from each township. Col. Bope was directed to ascertain the cost of a statue and get full information on the subject for the association. Another object of this meeting was to organize a military company of old soldiers to assist in the production of a military drama. The following permanent officers of the association were elected November 27: Capt. James Wilson, president; Judge S. B. Huffman, vice-president; John Adams, treasurer; Willis H. Whiteley, secretary. The military company effected an organization December 17, with James Wilson, captain; James M. Byal, first lieutenant; William H. Sehuler, second lieutenant. On Monday evening, December 28, 1874, a military drama called the "Union Spy'' was produced in Wheeler's Hall before a large audience, and repeated six times during the week, realizing the handsome sum of $600 toward the enterprise. A small paper called the Monumental Era was issued during this period, to advocate the completion of the monument. Another series of entertainments were given in January, 1875, and in this manner and by such means the association raised the money necessary to finish the work in hand.

On the 23d of April, 1875, the contract for the marble statue now surmounting the pedestal was let tc Thomas O'Hare & Co., of Cincinnati, for the sum of $1,200, the statue to be completed and ready to unveil by the 4th of July following. The work was completed according to contract, and on Tuesday, July 6, 1875, more than ten years after the project was first mooted, the monument was unveiled in the presence of one of the largest assemblies ever seen in Findlay. The day was one of rejoicing, yet mixed with a certain sadness which the memory of the fallen called forth from the depths of every honest heart. The town was crowded; flags were in profusion on every hand; magnificent floral decorations and appropriate mottoes embellished Main Street, and a grand parade preceded the unveiling ceremonies. Addresses were delivered in the court house yard by ex-Gov. R. B. Hayes and Gov. William Allen, followed by Hon. Samuel F. Hunt, of Cincinnati, the orator of the day, who pronounced an eloquent eulogium on the patriotism and noble deeds of the gallant men who fell in the cause of liberty. At the conclusion of the oration the distinguished guests and officers of the association proceeded to the base of the monument, around which the military had formed a hollow square. Here an appropriate song, composed for the occasion by Col. William Mungen, was sung, and as the last note died away the drapery was quickly removed from the statue by Martin L. Detwiler, the audience standing with heads uncovered. The band then broke forth in patriotic strains, the benediction was pronounced, and with cheers for the sculptor, Thomas O' Hare, the large assemblage disrsed. i The monument, as completed, stands on an elevated foundation, formed into a grass-covered knoll, and is seventeen feet three inches in height, consisting of three bases and a pedestal of Quincy granite ten feet high; a plinth or base for the statue of pure Italian marble fifteen inches high, surmounted by an Italian marble statue six feet in height. The statue represents an infantry soldier standing at '' parade-rest," and is a very handsome and lifelike piece of sculpture. On the pedestal, surrounded by a beautifully-carved

Great Rebellion

The four cannon placed around the monument are condemned ordnance obtained from the United States Government through a resolution introduced in the Senate by Hon. John Sherman. They lend to the whole a military aspect in harmony with the statue of the soldier surmounting the pedestal.

The question of lighting Findlay with gas first took definite shape on the 15th of August, 1858, when the council granted a franchise to certain citizens to erect gas works in the village. In May, 1860, this franchise was renewed by request of William Mungen and associates, but nothing further came of it. In 1867 Robert S. Mungen and associates were granted a franchise to build works and light the town with gas, but this effort also fell through, and the village continued to be lighted with coal-oil lamps for more than seven years afterward. Onthe 24th of May, 1871, ''An ordinance to provide for lighting the incorporated village of Findlay with gas" was passed by the council, and the following July ''The Findlay Gas Light Company " was incorporated, with a capital stock of $35,000. Samuel D. Frey, James J. Wheeler, William Anderson, Charles E. Niles and William L. Davis were chosen directors of the company, with Mr. Frey president of the board, and Mr. Niles, secretary. Some attention was given at this time to the probable existence of natural gas in this locality, and Messrs. Frey and Anderson visited the gas regions of New York and Pennsylvania to investigate the subject. On their return they reported, from what they had learned, that sufficient natural gas might be obtained to light the town. In August, 1871, the company leased of George S. Mosher Lot 75, on Hardin Street, east of the Presbyterian Church, with the intention of sinking an experimental gas-well; but, as the State geologists were pronounced in their views against the existence here of natural gas in paying quantities, the enterprise was abandoned, and the company subsequently turned its attention toward the construction of artificial works.

On the 26th of August, 1874, the council passed ''An Ordinance to provide for the erection and construction of gas-works. in the incorporated village of Findlay," vranting the Findlay Gas Light Company the right and privilege of laying gas pipes in any part of the town, also to erect works for the manufacture of gas, the same to be completed and in operation before the close of the year. On the 15th of September the company transferred this franchise to Robert T. Coverdale, who began active operations on the 27th, and vigorously pushed the werk forward to completion. Buildings were erected on East Sandusky Street, and the laying of mains progressed rapidly. On the evening of December 24, 1874, between fifty and sixty citizens of Findlay met at the Joy House, by invitation of Mr. Coverdale, where a ''grand spread'' had been prepared, to celebrate the first lighting of the town on that night with the gas manufactured at the new works. The town then contained fifty-two lamp posts, and two and three-fourth miles of mains, which were increased with the passing years.

In 1875 Mr. Coverdale sold the works to the Findlay Gas Light Company, in which he was a stockholder and director, but continued to manage the business until January 23, 1877, when the works were purchased by Y. Bickham, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who subsequently disposed of stock in the company to J. G. Hull, Charles E. Niles, Samuel D. Frey, William Anderson and George W. Myers. The works, however, were principally owned by Mr. Hull, who continued to manufacture: gas until the development of natural gas, and were closed down February 1, 1885. Nature's gas-works and gasometers were opened up to take their place, and in comparison those of men appear small indeed.

Though the growth of Findlay has not been rapid, its history has been characterized by no backward movement. In 1831 the village possessed about fifty inhabitants; in 1840, 560; 1850, 1,256; 1860, 2,467; 1870, 3,315; 1880, 4,633; and its best informed citizens now claim a population of about 6,000. Comparing Findlay with the average town of Ohio under 10,000 inhabitants she stands pre-eminent. Main, the principal business street of the town, is especially attractive. It is broad, level and well paved, lined and faced upon either side with good buildings, solid and substantial business blocks and modern fronts, and since the development of natural gas it is the most birlliantly illuzainated street in Ohio, as the town is also the best heated. The richness and prosperity of the surrounding country are shown in the large and handsome stores, a few of them being as fine as any in'the State outside of Cincinnati and Cleveland. In this respect the town is indeed remarkable, as her merchants carry larger stocks and duo a larger business than is usually done in country towns. The business interests of Findlay are embraced in two foundry and machine shops, three flouring-mills and another large one now building, a linseed oil mill, a rake factory, a stave and handle factory, four carriage and wagon shops, a woolen-mill, two planing-mills, and sash, door and blind factories, two sawmills, one saw and planing-mill, one furniture manufactory, a novelty works, a hoop factory, a handle and fanning-mill factory, the only mask factory in the United States, an extensive edge-tool works just completed, a factory for working in metals, a glass factory in process of construction, two marble works, one pottery, five cigar factories, two grain elevators, five hotels, an opera house and a good hall, two national banks, one daily and three weekly newspapers, several stone quarries, limekilns and brickyards, quite a number of blacksmith and repair shops, together with about 125 wholesale and retail firms, embracing dry goods, groceries, clothing, notions, stoves and tinware, hardware, saddlery, drugs, books and stationery, queensware, jewelry, farming machinery, musical instruments, furniture, lumber, boots and shoes, commission business, livery stables, liquor stores and saloons, bottling works, undertakers, meat markets, gas fitters, bakeries, restaurants, photographers, fruit stands, barber shops, dress-makers and milliners, and several other kinds of establishments, which, with the members of the well filled agencies and professions, go to make up the material interests of a live, progressive town. Away from the business center the streets are lined on either side with handsome shade trees, and the private residences are generally neat and substantial, a few of them bearing a favorable comparison with the better class of homes to be found in the larger cities. While Findlay has quite a goodly number of manufacturing establishments there is ample room for many more, and her citizens are ever ready to encourage and assist any legitimate enterprise in that line that desires to take advantage of her wonderful resources. Findlay is comparatively free of debt, while her schools, churches and other public buildings are generally large and solidly built structures. fully in harmony with the progressive spirit of the age. The great natural gas discoveries have given to Findlay an inestimable advantage over every other town in the State. so that even her enemies must concede that while secure in her present business prosperity, her future is full of the brightest promise.

Chapter Xxx Findlay Continued

SCHOOLS AND NEWSPAPERS - FIRST SCHOOL OPENED IN THE VILLAGE - THE OLD LOG SCHOOLHOUSE AND ITS SUCCESSOR - PIONEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS OF FINDLAY - PROGRESS OF EDUCATION - PAST AND PRESENT SCHOOLS OF DisTRICT No. 9, AND THEIR SUPERINTENDENTS SINCE 1864 - ORGANIZATION OF THE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT - ITs FIRST TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS - EARLY MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION - SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE UNION SCHOOLS SINCE 1854 - GROWTH OF TITE SCIIOOLS AND THEIR PRESENT EFFICIENCY - FINDLAY ACADEMICAL INSTITUTE - HANCocK WESLEYAN SEMINARY - FINDLAY COLLEGE - HISTORY OF THE NEWs- PAPERS OF FINDLAY - THE HANCOCK COURIER--HANCOCK REPUBLICAN - HANCOCK FARMER - WESTERN HERALD - HANCOCK WUIG AND JOURNAL - Hom COMPANION, AND FINDLAY WEEKLY JEFFERSONIAN - DAILY J EFFERSONIAN - THE REPORTER - FINDLAY WEEKLY REPUBLICAN - FINDLAY of every community, and without it man is not far removed from the brute creation. An intelligent, well educated, moral man or woman is the highest example of an enlightened civilization, but even a limited education is a wonderful stepping-stone in the battle of life. The pioneers fully recognized this fact, and, thongh generally uneducated themselves, took advantage of every legitimate means to educate their children, as the first public building we find erected in every village or settlement was invariably the little log schoolhouse. Findlay was no exception to the rule. The first school in the village was taught in the winter of 1826-27, by Joseph White, in a small log cabin east of the Sherman House site. Squire Carlin, then a young busijness'man of Findlay, attended this school, and is, doubtless, its only surviving scholar now living in the county. White settled down the Blanchard, in Liberty Township, in 1823, and three years afterward removed into Findlay. Soon after the winter term had closed he left for parts unknown. In 1827 a one-story hewed-log schoolhouse eighteen feet square was built on the northwest corner of Crawford and Kast Streets, on Lot 141, donated by Vance & Cory for that purpose, and here a school was opened by John C. Wickham in the winter of 1827-28. This old log building was used about eight or nine years, Miss Melinda V. Strother, Edson Goit and a few others, whose names are not remembered, teaching there after Mr. Wickham. The building was utilized for various purposes, such as schoolhouse, court house, church and private residence, and seems to have been admirably adapted to the wants of the struggling settlers. About 1839-40 it was sold to Abraham Daughenbaugh, who moved it to the rear of Henderson's store, where it stood for several years.

In 1836 a school was taught in the court house by Charles W. O' Neal and Miss Sarah Eldridge, and in 1837, 1838 and 1839 school was held in the same building. The whole village then composed one school district of Findlay Township, and the directors paid to the county at the rate of $20 per annum for the use of a room in the court house. Miss Sarah A. Baldwin taught in the public schools of the village about this time, and also some years afterward as Mrs. Merriam; and in 1839 George Patterson taught in a room on the east side of Main Street, immediately north of Sandusky. Alexander Adair taught in the old Methodist Church on Main Cross Street about 1840, while the old Presbyterian Church on Crawford was occupied for a public school in 1839-40, with Daniel Woodward and John Sours as the teachers in charge. In 1840 a two-story frame of four rooms was built upon the same lot on Crawford Street, where the log schoolhouse formerly stood, by Abraham Daughenbaugh and Jonathan Parker, which was opened in the winter of 1840-41. This was used some six or seven years, and for reasons now forgotten was then abandoned. Besides those teachers previously mentioned, Miss Hannah Rawson, Rev. Simon Peck, Erastus Thompson, Aaron H. Bigelow, Abel F. Parker and daughter Julia A., Miss Phcebe J. Wilson, William P. Wilson, Enos W. and William Thomas, Eunice Wade, Mr. Washburn, Miss Terry, Aaron and John Blackford, Miss Jane E. Bigelow, Miss Clarinda Green, John M. Christian and wife, John H. Reid, Levi J. Flenner, Miss Ruth, A: Wilson, Mr. Lowry, Miss Mary Vail, John Bowman, Miss Sarah Smith, Miss Ann Wright, Thomas Caton, Mr. Ballard, David Lamb, Samuel A. Spear and wife, P. D. Pelton and wife, James Hayes and wife, Alonzo L. Kimber, J. B. Hall and wife, John E. Morris, Hugh L. McKee, Miss Clara J. Henderson, Miss Mary Parsons, Abraham Harritt, Miss Sarah Peck, William Russell, and, doubtless, others, taught in either the public or private schools of the village at quite an early date, and may be classed among the pioneer teachers of Findlay.

A few years after the frame on Crawford Street was built, Alexander Adair put up a building on Sandusky Street, and opened a private school. In 1847-48 the academy occupied this building, and it was subsequently utilized by the public schools. It was small and inconvenient, and, to increase its seating capacity, a gallery was built along the south and west sides. The Rummell Block now stands upon the site of this old schoolhouse.

In the meantime the village had been divided into three or four districts, but upon the abandonment of the old frame schoolhouse on Crawford Street, which all had previously patronized, none of the districts possessed a separate building. A school was then opened in the rear part of J onathan Parker's frame, which stood on the site of Patterson's Block, and taught. by a Mr. Lowry, who was succeeded by Miss Mary Vail and John Bowman. The children of

District No. 9 attended this school,until the erection of the brick on Hardin Street. In 1850 a proposition was submitted to the voters of the town to organize the schools under the graded system, and to repair and reoccupy the old building on Crawford Street, which had been vacant for several years and fast going to ruin, but the scheme was defeated. District No. 9 then decided to organize under the Akron School Law, and erect a schoolhouse in that district. On February 24, 1851, the directors of No. 9 purchased of John B. Hull, Lot 54 on West Hardin Street, built a brick house of two rooms and opened a two-teacher school, in the fall of that year with James Hayes and wife in charge. Two years afterward the Union School District was organized, but No. 9 refused to become a part thereof. School was held in the Hardin Street building for thirteen years, and it was then sold to Michael Gaudert, and, remodeled, is now the home of Miss Julia A. Parker. In the spring of 1864 the directors of No. 9 bought an acre of ground on West Lincoln Street of D. J. Cory, and built a large two-story brick of four rooms, which was completed and opened October 5, of that year, with J. S. Vanhorn, as superintendent. His successors have been Wallace Taylor, F. H. Tufts, A. G. Crouse, C. N. Vanclove, J. N. Doty and ©. B. Metcalf. In 1870 a mansard-roof was put on, furnishing the building with a good hall, while the heating apparatus in the basement heats the whole building. This school is ina very flourishing condition, and is regarded as equal to those in the Union School District. The site, building and furniture of No. 9 schoolhouse cost about $20,000.

In April, 1851, the directors of District No. 11 purchased Lot 45, on West Front Street, of D. J. Cory, and erected a small brick schoolhouse the same year. The balance of the village, outside of District No. 9, rented rooms for school purposes, and thus the school interests dragged along till the passage of the act of March 14, 1853, which gave an impetus to the cause of education all over the State. Under that law a general reorganization took place, and graded schools were established on a firm basis.

The Union School District of Findlay was organized soon after the passage of that act, and a board of education, consisting of Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown and N. Y. Mefford, elected. In October, 1853, the board divided the district into three subdistricts, viz.: 1, 2 and 4, which embraced all of the village except that portion included in the independent District No. 9. They employed Alonzo L. Kimber to teach No. 1, John Bowman in No. 2, and John E. Morris in No. 4, each receiving a salary of $28 per month. Miss Clara J. Henderson was hired at $18.66 per month to assist John E. Morris, and Miss Martha O. Main as the assistant of John Bowman, at $12 per month. 'The schools opened under the new regime in the fall of 1853, in the old Methodist Church on East Main Cross Street, and the little brick schoolhouse on Front Street, and the term lasted four months. The twostory frame schoolhouse on Crawford Street, which by agreement had become the property of the Union District, was in a badly wrecked condition, and considerable repairing was necessary before it could be occupied. In 1854 the building was repaired and fitted up by the board, several hundred dollars being expended upon it, and in the fall of that year, the schools took possession. Alonzo L. Kimber was appointed superintendent of the Union District at a salary of $35 per month. John Bowman was assigned to the Front Street building at $28 per month, and Mrs. Malinda Vance and Miss Martha J. Powell were engaged as assistants at $22 per month each. The schools kept open for seven months in 1854-55, and the following year the full school term of ten months was adopted. The schools were now on the road to success, and it was only a question of time when they would attain a high degree of efficiency.

The successive members of the board of education of the Union District, up to April, 1861, were Parlee Carlin, Ezra Brown, N. Y. Mefford, John Custer, Henry Guntner, Henry Porch, George W. Galloway, W. K. Pray, G. J. Rogers, Daniel B. Beardsley, David Goucher and Henry Byal. These may be called the pioneer members of the board, which is the only reason we have for yiving their names.

With the growth of the schools more room soon bevame necessary, and an old salaratus factory on the corner of Hardin and East Streets was rented and fitted up for school purposes. In 1855-56 a school was opened here in charge of Miss Ruth A. Wilson, who taught there four years, and was then succeeded by Miss Mary Mungen. This old schoolhouse was a low frame building with but one room, yet, poor as it was, there are many men and women now living who remember with liveliest pleasure the days they spent there acquiring the rudiments of an education. Remodeled and rebuilt it is now occupied by Mrs. Kimmel as a residence.

Mr. Kimber was succeeded as superintendent by a Mr. Thomas, and then came Profs. William K. Leonard, Samuel A. Spear, Ephraim Miller, William S. Wood, C. F. Palmer and J. W. Zeller in the order named, and these have been the superintendents of the district since its organization. Mr. Spear was appointed in 1859, and his assistants were John Bowman, Miss Harriet Alban, Miss Mary J. Watt, Miss E. Paisley, Misses Eliza J. and Mary Mungen and Miss L. Coffinberry. Mr. Spear is best remembered as principal of the Academical Institute, and subsequent founder of the Home Companion, of which the Jeffersonian is the lineal successor.

In May, 1860, the board decided to establish a primary school in North Findlay, and the following July Lot 18, in Taylor's Addition, was purchased, upon which a small brick building was erected, at a cost of $650, and occupied in the fall of the same year. The old academy building on West Sandusky Street was subsequently rented from Mr. Galloway, who had purchased the property, and this building was utilized by the Union District a few years.

The time had now arrived when the Union Schools demanded better accommodations. But the board concluded to first try and unite the whole town under the Union School system, and in 1865 the authorities of District No. 9 were approached on the subject. That district again refused to unite, and replied that the people of No. 9 possessed good schools and ample aecommodations, and had no desire to enter the Union District. In September, 1865, the electors of the Union District, by a vote of 156 to 63, authorized the board to purchase a site and erect a two-story brick building estimated to cost $18,000. June 28, 1866, a plat of ground, then known as ''The Park," located on East Sandusky Street, was purchased for the sum of $2,000, and the foundation constructed during the following autumn. Karly in 1867 the work was pushed vigorously, but in August the plans were so changed as to include another story, wherein a fine exhibition hall is located, and in September, 1868, the structure was completed and occupied by the Union Schools. George W. Myers, George W. Galloway and James Harsh were the board under whose administration the building was erected.

It is a massive three-story brick with a fine basement and a mansard roof, and, including the heating apparatus and furniture, cost about $36,000. Two towers, each ninety-one feet in height, grace the front of the building, which it is claimed will accommodate 500 pupils. It is known as the " High School Building," and ten teachers are now employed in this school, which takes a leading rank among the educational institutions of northwestern Ohio.

The old brick schoolhouse and lot on Front Street was sold to B. F. Hyatt in May, 1868; and the same year the frame on the corner of Crawford and East Streets was removed to the west end of Crawford, where some lots for a school site had been previously purchased. The old lot near the depot was sold in March, 1869, to George H. Crook, and thus, after being used for more than forty years as a school site, it passed beyond such staid purposes and is now the site of a saloon. The building, however, was destined for a much better fate. It was occupied as a school for about twelve years longer, and then removed to the rear of Buck & Reimund's carriage factory, where it is yet doing good service as a part of that establishment.

February 12, 1877, the district voted in favor of erecting a new school building in North Findlay, as the old one had become too small for the growing wants of that part of the town. In August, 1872, two lots adjoining the old site had been purchased by the board of education, and a good roomy site was now ready for a new building. In March, 1877, the contract was let to S. H. Cramer, to be completed the following August at a cost of $5,547.41. Its school capacity is about 200, and it is a substantial twostory mansard-roofed brick building of four rooms, with heating apparatus in the basement, and is fully adequate to the school needs of North Findlay.

' Another school building was still necessary, to replace the old frame at the west end of Crawford Street, and in May, 1881, Joseph Fleming, of Toledo, was awarded the contract for the sum of $13,012. The structure was finished in the spring of 1882, and will compare favorably with any of the older buildings. It is a two-story brick with mansard roof, and contains eight rooms, all finished and furnished in the best and most approved style. It has a capacity of about 320 pupils. In the basement is the heating apparatus which cost $2,000, and from basement to garret comfort and convenience pervade the whole building.

The public schools of Findlay need not fear comparison with any other town of its size in the State. Twenty-three teachers are employed therein throughout the full school year, including the two superintendents. The enumeration in the Union School District is 1,363, and the average enrollment 960; while that of No. 9 is 217 and 160, respectively. The total noe enumeration of the village is thus 1,580, and the total enrollment, 1,120.

The Findlay Academical Institute and the Hancock Wesleyan Seminary were two of the pioneer schools of Findlay. The former was chartered March 4, 1845, the incorporators being as follows: John Ewing, William Taylor, Frederick Henderson, William L. Henderson, Dr. David Patton, Hiram Smith, Edson Goit, Hugh Newell and Squire Carlin. On the 4th of September, 1847, the board of directors, of which Hugh Newell was president and Dr. Patton secretary, purchased a two-story frame house and lot on East Main Cross Street, of N. Y. Mefford, for the sum of $500. Here the institute was first opened on Monday, October 4, 1847, by John M. Christian, A. B., principal, and Mrs. P. EK. Christian, assistant. A highsounding prospectus was issued in August, 1847, giving terms and setting forth the merits of the institute, from which we make the following quotation:

"The course of instruction will embrace every branch of a complete English and Classical Education, and no efforts will be spared to furnish the pupils with every facility for acquiring a correct and thorough knowledge of those studies usually pursued in our best seminaries of learning. Students who may be desirous of entering college may be fitted for an advanced standing of one or two years; and particular attention will be given to the preparation of teachers for the various and responsible duties of their profession. It is confidently believed, in view of the experience of the instructors, the well known, moral and religious character and healthy situation of the village, that the institution will be found worthy of the confidence and patronage of the community.''

The building on Main Cross Street was soon found unsuited for the purpose, and the school was removed to the frame schoolhouse built by Alexander Adair, on East Sandusky Street, where Rummell's Block now stands. Upon the expiration of its first year, in the summer of 1848, the academy was closed, and not again opened for three years. In July, 1848, four lots on West Sandusky Street were bought of Dr. William H. Baldwin; and in February, 1849, the property on Main Cross Street was sold to Jesse Wolf, and is now the site of C. A. Croninger's residence. A twostory brick of two rooms was subsequently erected on the lots purchased of Dr. Baldwin, and April' 28, 1851, the academy was again opened with Samuel A. Spear, principal, and his wife, Mrs. M. L. Spear, assistant. The board of directors at this time were Hugh Newell, William Taylor, Jesse Wheeler, John Ewing, Frederick Henderson, Dr. David Patton, Jesse Wolf, Edson Goit and William L. Henderson. Mr. Newell was still president of the board, and Dr. Patton secretary. In the spring of 1853 the institute was reorganized under a legislative act for the incorporation of colleges, academies, etc., as '"The Findlay Male and Female Seminary.'' The academy at this time contained a large number of students, and was in &@ very prosperous condition, as the Union School District had not yet been organized, and the children attended the academy; but with the organization of that district, in the fall of 1853, the attendance dwindled away, and the institute became non-supporting. In June, 1854, Mr. Spear started the Home Companion, and a year afterward resigned his position as superintendent of the academy. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law, Hugh L. McKee, who conducted the school one year, and it was then closed; the history of the academy ending at the same time. In November, 1860, the property was sold to George W. Galloway for the sum of $800, and was subsequently rented for a few years by the board of education of the Union School District. The building was afterward torn down, and the material used by Mr. Galloway in the erection of his present business place on Main Street. :

The Hancock Wesleyan Seminary was started in the spring of 1851, by the Methodists, in opposition to the academy, which they regarded as a Presbyterian school. The seminary was held in the old Methodist Church on East Main Cross Street, with Prof. P. D. Pelton and wife as principal and assistant, respectively; but though they were excellent teachers, the school had a brief career, yet it contributed its mite toward the cause of education during the year or two of its existence. Findlay College, the most recent addition to the schools of Findlay, will open its first term September 1, 1886, and we believe it is destined to be one of the leading educational institutions of Ohio. While the establishment of a college, under the auspices of the ''Church of God,'' has been in contemplation for many years, the initial movement looking to that end took definite shape in a resolution introduced at the general eldership held at Findlay in 1881. That body authorized the committee on education to take the proper steps to form an incorporation and to select a location for the proposed institution. Findlay was selected as the most appropriate site for the college, and on the 23d of January, 1882, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State, ''Findlay College' being the name adopted. The incorporators were Jeremiah M. Carvell, Robert L. Byrnes, Isaac Schrader, Tobias Koogle, Jacob M. Cassel, Anderson C. Heck, John C. Strickler and George F. Pendleton, the four last mentioned being citizens of Hancock County. The board of incorporators met at Findlay, February 8, 1882, and the board of trustees, previously recommended by the executive board of the general eldership, appeared and signed their names to the articles of incorporation, and were duly qualified. The board then organized by the election of the following temporary officers: Isaac Frazer, president; Eli G. DeWolfe, secretary; E. P. Jones, treasurer. Executive, finance, building, library and cabinet committees were appointed at the same time. The first annual meeting of the board was held at Findlay, June 21, 1882, when a permanent organization was effected, by-laws adopted, and a large amount of preliminary business transacted.

On the 18th of October, 1882, the board again met for the purpose of considering plans for a college building, when those submitted by M. Rumbaugh were accepted. The architect was directed to prepare complete plans and specifications, and sealed proposals for the erection of said building were ordered to be advertised for. The bids were opened March 6, 1883, but none were accepted for the reason that they were not within the $50,000, to which the board had by previous resolution limited the cost of the building. The contract was finally let June 20, 1883, to Pierce & Coleman for the sum of $49,000, to be finished according to the plans and specifications. The work was soon afterward commenced, and on Sunday, the 25th of May, 1884, the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies in the presence of a very large assemblage. Under the contract the building was to be completed by April, 1885, and the college opened the following autumn, but unforeseen obstacles prevented the consummation of these plans until the present year. The total cost of the building has largely exceeded the estimate, and when finished and furnished throughout will, doubtless, reach the sum of $60,000. In comparison with other institutions in their infancy, Findlay College is unsurpassed in the rapidity of its growth and fortunate escapes from reverses, which threatened the very existence of some of our oldest and best institutions. From the beginning the work has moved steadily on, though perhaps not quite as fast at times as some not experienced in such work had anticipated. During the last year work upon the building ceased, owing to the pressure of the times and the unswerving res- olution of the board to keep free from debt by paying as they went. But even during this time, other departments of the work went steadily forward. When we consider what has been already accomplished, together with the fact that one hundred cents have been paid on every dollar of indebtedness, and that no encumbrance whatever rests upon the college property, there is room for congratulations upon the success already achieved.

The college is located in North Findlay, about one mile from the postoffice, being conveniently near the business part of the city for all practical purposes, and sufficiently removed to secure proper attention to college work. From the third floor of the building one may get a commanding view of Findlay and its surroundings. The building isa large, commodious and elegant structure, and when fully completed will not only be massive and imposing in its appearance, but its convenience and adaptability cannot help but provoke favorable criticism. It is 171 feet 8 inches in length, 107 feet 3 inches in depth, four stories in height, exclusive of the attic and including basement, with a main corridor in each story running the entire length of the building, from which other corridors lead to the various apartments. The building affords sixteen recitation rooms, laboratory, lecture room, museum, a unique library, a novel and well arranged chapel, capable of seating 800 students comfortably, and four large society rooms, 40x50 feet, besides double parlors and well arranged public and private offices. It stands in about the middle of a campus including ten acres of ground, on all sides of which will be a driveway 50 feet in width, except Main Street, which is 100 feet wide and on which the college building faces. The campus is to be nicely graded, laid out with walks and drives and ornamented with shrubbery, when it will be at once an attractive and inspiring place for the admirer of learning and art.

The press and the school are so closely allied in the cause of spreading knowledge and enlightenment, that it will not be inappropriate to give the history of the newspapers of Findlay in the same chapter with its schools. The Courier was the pioneer newspaper of the county, and is now in its fiftieth year. It was established by Jacob Rosenberg and first issued, as The Findlay Courier, November 10, 1836. Mr. Rosenberg was a native of Bedford County, Penn., born October 13, 1811, and there received a fair education. He learned the art of printing in the office of the Farmer, in Millersburg, Ohio, whence he had removed from his native place, and in the fall of 1886 took up his residence in Findlay. The Courier was first a five-column folio printed on a sheet 18x26 in size, but after a few months it was somewhat enlarged. From a copy of the paper handed us by its present editor, dated '' Findlay, October 12, 1837,'' and headed '' Volume I, No. 41," the average reader might infer that the Courier had its inception in January, 1837, but the paper was issued very irregularly during the early part of its existence, which accounts for the seeming contradiction between the number spoken of and the date of the first issue. As a matter of some interest to the investigating reader, we here give a verbatim copy of the terms under which the Courier was published in 1837: ;

'"'The Findlay Courier will be printed every Thursday, at the moderate rate of 2 dollars per annum, payable within the year, or two dollars and fifty cents will invariably be charged if payment is delayed until the year has expired. No subscription will be taken for a shorter period than six

'' Advertisements not exceeding one square will be inserted three times for one dollar; and twenty-five cents for each subsequent insertion. A fair deduction will be made to those advertising by the year.

Upon the close of the first volume the name was changed to The Findlay Courier and Hancock and Putnam Democratic Shield, a title sufficiently lengthy, no doubt, to satisfy its readers. But it was then the official organ of Putnam, as well as of Hancock County, and the name was adopted to please its patrons in both. The Cowrier was also enlarged at this time to a six-column folio, 21x31 inches in dimensions, but printing paper was then very scarce, and the Courier would occasionally be issued at a reduced size, though for several years it remained a six-column paper. From 1836 to 1840, and perhaps longer, printing paper was .$7 per ream delivered in Findlay, and difficult to purchase at that price, while the sheet was not half so large as itis to-day. In January, 1840, Mr. Rosenberg sold the Courter to Henry Bishop, and subsequently started the Hancock Farmer. He possessed considerable local influence in the Democratic party, and was elected sheriff in October, 1838, and re-elected to the same office, serving until November, 1842. It is said that he was a ''plain, terse and forcible writer,'' but there is nathing in the old numbers of his paper from which to form such an opinimn, as they are made up principally of selected matter, political and foreigh news (copied) and advertisements, with occasionally a few lines of local news, or brief editorial comments. Mr. Rosenberg married Mrs. Delia Hollabaugh, widow of Martin Hollabaugh, and in the fall of 1840 opened a hotel in the old frame court house, which he had previously purchased and remodeled, and here died in October, 1844. His widow married Jacob Carr, a pioneer dentist of Findlay, and is still a resident of the village.

Mr. Bishop issued his first ngmber January 24, 1840, as The Findlay Courier, thus going back to its oylginal title. He began a new series, and published the paper until July 1, 1845, when he was succeeded by William Mungen. In 1850 Mr. Bishop was elected to the Legislature to represent Hancock and Wyandot Counties, and in 1851 he-was re-elected under the new constitution as the representative of Hancock. He had previously removed to a farm in Eagle Township, and was drowned in Eagle Creek, June 18, 1855. His brother, John D. Bishop, was one of the pioneers of that township, and both have descendants living in the county.

Mr. Mungen, prior to purchasing the Courier, in June, 1845, had been engaged in publishing the Hancock Farmer. He took charge of that office in February, 1845, the paper, through the death of Mr. Rosenberg the previous fall, being for sale, and conducted the Farmer until he bought the Courier, when he consolidated the papers as the Democratic Courier, first issued July 1, 1845. From a file of the Courier of 1846 and 1847, now in possession of Col. Mungen, we find that during those years a vigorous political and personal warfare was waged between the Courier and Herald, the latter being the Whig organ, and then edited by James M. Coffinberry, now of Cleveland, Ohio. In January, 1849, Mr. Mungen rented the office to W. M. Case, who began a new series with many promises, but Mr. Mungen was finally obliged to do most of the editorial work, as ''Mood'' Case was one of those good-natured, lazy cases, who bother themselves very little about the active duties of life. At the close of Case's lease Mr. Mungen rented the office to Benjamin F. Rosenberg, a son of the founder, and in Jantiary, 1851, sold the paper to Henry Brown and Aaron Blackford. Col. Mungen is yet a resident of Findlay, and a brief sketch of him will be found in the chapter on the judiciary.

Messrs. Brown & Blackford intended to make their paper sufficiently Democratic without retaining that title at the head of their columns, so they at once changed the name to The Hancock Courier, and began a new series. The present name and numbering date from that time. The Courier was a six-column paper from the fall of 1837 to July 28, 1852, when it was enlarged to a seven-column folio, printed on a sheet 24x36 inches, and so remained up to December, 1865. In January, 1854, Mr. Brown sold his interest to Mr. Blackford, who, in partnership with his brother, John, ran the paper one year, and then disposed of it to Mr. Brown. The Courier was printed by Alpheus M. Hollabaugh (a step-son of Jacob Rosenberg) from May, 1851, to July, 1852, when he was succeeded by W. F. Gilkison, who ran the office until the close of 1855, and Benjamin F. Rosenberg then bought whatever interest he had in the material of the office. Mr. Brown conducted the Courier until December 20, 1856, and then sold out to Mr. Rosenberg. It had at that time a circulation of nearly 900 copies, and was a vigorous exponent of Democratic principles. The annual subscription price was $1.50, $2 and $2.50, according to the time paid. A perusal of the files during Mr. Brown's editorial control will convince the most skeptical that he believed in no half-way measures in politics. His blows were dealt with that earnest, peculiar vigor characteristic of the man, and if his articles did not always convert they generally implanted a large grain of doubt in the minds of his political opponents as to the justice and honesty of their views. Mr. Brown soon became quite popular with his party, and has received many favors in recognition of his services.

Mr. Rosenberg was sole proprietor of the Courier until July 18, 1857, on which date Alpheus M. Hollabaugh bought the office. The latter published the paper until its purchase by Lewis Glessner & Son, in March, 1861. Mr. Rosenberg died in Findlay in 1869, and Mr. Hollabaugh in 1871. . The former was a son of Jacob Rosenberg, and came to Findlay with his parents in the fall of 1886. Here his mother died, and his father married Mrs. Delia Hollabaugh, widow of Martin Hollabaugh, a pioneer of 1835, and mother of Alpheus M. Hollabaugh. The boys thus grew up as members of one family, and both were practical printers.

With the advent of the Messrs. Glessner the Courier entered upon a more prosperous career than it had previously enjoyed. The first number under L. Glessner & Son was issued March 8, 1861, and a little more than a month afterward the civil war broke out. That was a trying period for newspapers, especially those of Democratic proclivities, but the new proprietors were experienced newspaper men, and the Courier buffeted the wave of political passion and prejudice successfully. With the close of 1864 the father retired from the paper, disposing of his interest to his son and previous partner, W. L. Glessner, and removed to Newark, Ohio, where he purchased and published the Newark Advocate. In December, 1865, with the beginning of Volume XVI, the Courier was enlarged to an eight column folio, 26x38 inches in size. It, was successfully conducted by W. L. Glessner until May 3, 1866, on which date his last number was issued. His father again took the editorial helm, this time as sole proprietor, the son removing to Toledo and purchasing the Record of that city. The Courier's circulation at that time was 1,000 paying subscribers, and in two years this list was swelled to 1,300. In September, 1868, the paper was enlarged to a nine-column folio, and has so remained up to the present. Mr. Glessner conducted.the Courier until his death, March 13, 1869, previous to which event he had erected the ''Courier Block,'' on Sandusky Street, and occupied a portion of the building with his printing office. Since the death of Mr. Glessner the paper has been published by his widow, with Fred H. Glessner as editor and business manager. The Courier is ina prosperous and flourishing condition, claims a circulation of 1,800 copies, and a first-class job office is run in connection with the paper. It is the only Democratic paper published in the county, and as such is the official organ, and receives the support of that party. The history of the Courier goes back to the days when Hancock County was just emerging from its primitive condition, and Findlay a straggling hamlet of cabins. It has published the obituaries of several opposition papers during the period of nearly fifty years that it has been doing battle for the Democracy, but it has never wavered in its allegiance to the best interests of the party, and from its infancy up to its present vigorous manhood has ever battled for what it regarded as the rights and liberties of the people.

The Hancock Republican was established by Arnold F. Merriam, in January, 1838, and was the first Whig paper published in the county. We have been unable to find a copy of the Republican, but Mrs, Sarah A. Strother, who was then the wife of Mr. Merriam, says it was issued about one year and was about the size of the Courier. Mr. Merriam was a bright young lawyer who came to Findlay in the spring of 1835, and practiced law until his removal to Mansfield, Ohio, in 1889, where he sold the press and material of the Republican. He married Miss Sarah A. Baldwin, of Findlay, sister of Dr. William H. Baldwin, and died in Kentucky in 1844. His widow returned to Findlay and taught school for many years, subsequently becoming the wife of Judge Robert L. Strother. She is still among the old and honored residents of the town. From a column of comments on the early press, published in the Journal, in 1852, we learn that the general appearance and typography of the Republican was very good for the time, and its columns singularly free from personal abuse.

The Hancock Farmer was started by Jacob Rosenberg, in 1842, as a Democratic paper in favor of nominating candidates by the delegate system instead of by popular vote, the latter system being then advocated by Mr. Bishop, of the Courier. The Farmer was published by Mr. Rosenberg until his death in October, 1844, and afterward by the administrator, Jacob Barnd. Early in 1845 William Mungen took possession of the office, and issued his first number February 19 of that year. Toward the close of June Mr. Mungen purchased the Courier and consolidated the papers as the Democratic Courier, The Farmer was a six-column folio, published at $2 per annum, but it did not have a very large circulation, as the county could not support two Democratic papers at that time.

The Western Herald was the second Whig paper started in Findlay. It was established by John T. Ford in January, 1845, in the second story of the old frame building yet standing on the southeast corner of Main and Sandusky Streets, and known as the Baldwin Corner. The Herald was edited and published by Mr. Ford until October 5, 1845, when James M. Coffinberry obtained an interest in the paper. Mr. Coffinberry was then a talented young lawyer of Maumee City, and had previously edited the Maumee River Times. In a copy of the Courier now before us, of October 7, 1845, the new editor of the Herald is spoken of in complimentary terms. In a letter received from Judge Coffinberry, who has been a resident of Cleveland since 1855, he gives the following account of his first connection with the Herald: ''When I made the acquaintance of the Herald, in the fall of 1845, it was owned and conducted by John Tivis Ford. I purchased a half interest and we ran it jointly - he as publisher and I as editor. I subsequently bought him out and conducted it alone as long as I had money or credit to keep it going. I vainly hoped to convert the Democracy of Hancock County from the error of their ways; now I am glad to believe that they with their party everywhere will stand by their colors and live and die in the faith of true Jeffersonian Democracy. When I purchased Mr. Ford's interest the Herald was printed on a little, old, decrepit wooden Ramage press. I bought a Franklin press of John C. Gilkinson, of Mansfield, Ohio, which was quite an affair at that time and place. My predecessor, Ford, was an intelligent, sensible man, and afterward became a conductor on the Findlay branch of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad.'' In January, 1846, the name of the paper was changed to the Findlay Herald, and it was edited and published by Mr. Coffinberry until January, 1848, when he sold the office to Dr. David Patton, and the paper was then suspended.

In September, 1848, Robert Coulter came to Findlay, purchased the Herald office, and began the publication of a six-column folio paper called The Hancock Whig. He conducted the Whig until February, 1850, and then sold out to William P. Resznor, a man of good education and considerable ability, but who at times would become demented and unfit for business on account of a serious injury to his brain caused by the kick of a horse. Mr. Resznor ran the Whig only about seven months, disposing of it to George G. Lyon in September, 1850. Mr. Lyon possessed great energy, and, with the hope of benefiting the paper, changed its name to The Hancock Journal. In July, 1851, Mr. Coulter, who on selling out to Mr. Resznor, had removed to Springfield, Ohio, returned to Findlay, and again became editor and publisher of the paper. In his salutatory, July 25, 1851, he says: ''We shall not change the heading of our paper to what it was under our former administration, but let it remain as the Hancock Journal. But this much we will say, let no one imagine that we are less a Whig than if it was entitled the Hancock Whig. The paper now contains four columns of matter more than when we published it, and the columns are considerably longer, thus increasing at least one-third the amount of reading matter.'' The Journal was at this time a seven-column folio 24x36 inches in size, and its annual subscription was $1.50, $2.00 and $2.50, according to time of payment. Mr. Coulter was a man of some talent, and was postmaster of Findlay about six months, but he was rather fond of the intoxicating cup, and after publishing the paper until July, 1852, he got ''to the end of his rope" and the Journal suspended publication. On the 21st of August, 1852, the office was sold by James M. Coffinberry, attorney for

The Home Companion was established by Samuel A. Spear, and its first number issued June 8, 1854. It was a seven-column folio, printed on a sheet 25x37 inches in size, and published at $1.50 per annum. In his salutatory Mr. Spear says: ''We have no definite line of policy marked out, as our paper will have no party connection. We shall, however, labor earnestly to sustain the prohibitory liquor law; and will at all times advocate the principles of the temperance cause. We will labor, also, to promote the cause of education and the elevation and improvement of our schools, ag we feel deeply interested in both those subjects. We shall oppose most strenuously every measure calculated to establish a debasing sectional interest at the expense of moral principles and the common good of the country; and, of course, will be found ever ready to combat anything of the character of the Nebraska bill.''? .Mr. Spear came to Findlay in the spring of 1851, as principal of the Findlay Academical Institute, with which he was connected four years. He was a finely educated gentleman, and established the Companion with the idea of building up an independent, literary journal; but with the beginning of Volume II, in June, 1855, the Companion came out in support of the new-born Republican party. In the spring of 1856 his brother-in-law, Hugh L. McKee, obtained an interest in the paper, and was associated with Mr. Spear about one year, retiring April 24, 1857. Previous to his connection with the Companion Mr. McKee was superintendent of the academy, having succeeded Mr. Spear in 1855.

On June 19, 1857, the name of the paper was changed to The Hancock Jeffersonian, which came out as an eight-column folio, 26x38 inches in dimensions, but remained at the old price, $1.50 per annum. In announcing the change of name Mr. Spear made the. following explanation: ''The title we have adopted we consider more in conformity with the position we occupy on questions of a political character. When weestablished our paper in this county parties had become so completely revolutionized that it was difficult to determine what position would be finally taken. We, therefore, thought it prudent not to iderttify our paper with any party; hence the title assumed. The formation of the Republican party, subsequently, having in view the propagation of principles essentially Republican, met our entire approbation, and we therefore gave it our hearty support, as we intend to do in future, as long as it preserves its integrity.'' The Jeffersonian was conducted by Mr. Spear until November 22, 1861, when it suspended, the editor giving as the reasons therefor the experiencing ''to the fullest extent, the pressure which the local press has been suffering since the outbreak of the present war,'' and his patrons seeming '' not to realize that money is essential to the success of a publisher.'' "In 1859 Mr. Spear became superintendent of the Union School District, and filled that position while at the same time conducting his paper. His last teaching was a private school in the Joy House Block. He died in Findlay, in 1863. During his connection with the press Mr. Spear was reeognized as a high-minded, talented, scholarly writer of varied and wide information, while his social character was above reproach.

After a few weeks Mr. D. R. Locke, of Bucyrus, Ohio, came to Findlay and resuscitated the Jeffersonian. Under the new management the paper was reduced to a seven-column folio, because of the great increase in the price of printing material. Soon after taking charge of the Jeffersonian Mr. Locke commenced writing the ''Nasby Papers,'' which won for him a national reputation. These letters first appeared in the Jeffersonian, and were extensively copied by the Republican press all over the Union. Mr. Locke is now editor and proprietor' of the Toledo Blade, and one of the wealthy men of that city. In September, 1864, Irvin S. Chamberlin, of Findlay, purchased an interest in the Jeffersonian, and in February, 1865, Mr. Locke sold his remaining interest and removed to Toledo, Otis T. Locke and Irvin S. Chamberlin becoming editors and proprietors of the paper. The following April C. N. Locke's name appears in editorial connection with the Jeffersonian; but November 17, 1865, Mr. Chamberlin and C. N. Locke retired, and Messrs. L. G. Thrall and Otis T. Locke became sole proprietors, the former coming here from Columbus, Ohio. For some years he had been one of the editors of the Columbus Gazette, and was afterward connected with the Ohio State Journal. The new firm at once enlarged the paper from a seven to an eight-column sheet, the same size as it had been under Mr. Spear. In July, 1866, Mr. Thrall disposed of his interest to his partner, and C. N. Locke again became one of the editors. W.G. Blymyer bought an interest in the Jeffersonian in December, 1866, and the firm was then Locke & Blymyer. In June, 1867, they enlarged the paper to a nine-column folio. C. N. Locke obtainad an interest in February, 1868, and Lockes & Blymyer were editors and proprietors until the following autumn, issuing their last number September 4, 1868.

E. G. De Wolfe and Dr. A. P. Miller, under the firm name of E. G. De Wolfe & Co., then purchased the office. Mr. De Wolfe was an old, practical newspaper man, and understood the business in all its details. He had occupied a responsible post on the Ohio State Jownal for some two years before coming to Findlay; was' recognized as an incisive, vigorous writer, of an extensive experience in newspaper work, and well fitted to fill the position of editor and publisher of one of the leading Republican papers in northwestern Ohio. On the Ist of April, 1870, the paper came out as The Findlay Jeffersonian, and enlarged to a ten-column folio. In referring to the change the editor says: ''Our paper is now the largest country newspaper in the State, and we shall work hard to make it the best.'" In January, 1873, O. J. De Wolfe, a brother of the editor, bought Dr. Miller's interest in the Jeffersonian, andthe De Wolfe brothers thus became associated in editing and publishing the papes@s After continuing the Jeffersonian as a ten-column sheet until March 13; TR 4, the publishers decided to reduce the paper to its former size, viz.: a nine-column folio, Two years afterward (March, 1876), O. J. De Wolfe sold out to his brother and removed to Fostoria. where he has since resided. E. G. De Wolfe continued to edit and publish the Jeffersonian until April 28, 1876, after which issue he retired from the paper, having previously sold it to his old partner, Dr. A. P' Miller. During his eight years' connection with the Jeffersonian Mr. De Wolfe largely increased its influence and value, and labored earnestly and faithfully for the best interests of the town and county, the dissemination of Republican principles, and the success of his party.

Before issuing a single number Dr. Miller sold the office to A. H. Bal. sley, and May 5, 1876, the paper came out with the name of the latter at the head of its columns as editor and proprietor. Mr. Balsley is a practical printer and has for many years been in the newspaper field, as editor of the

Grand River Review, at Painesville, Ohio; St. Clairsville Independent, Plymouth Advertiser and Fremont Journal ere coming to Findlay. He was therefore no novice, and was well qualified for the work in hand. On the 5th of June, 1881, the name was changed to the Findlay Weekly Jeffersonian, because the Daily was then called the Findlay Daily Jeffersonian, but no material change has been made in the size or general appearance of the paper, except that it has kept well up with the growing wants of the people. Mr. Balsley now claims a circulation for the weekly of about 2.000 copies. and a good job office is connected with the paper. The office is located in the Jeffersonian Block, on the south side of the public square, erected by Mr. Balsley since taking possession of the Jeffersonian. The Jeffersonian is a good family newspaper, and politically devoted to what its editor regards as the best interests of the Republican party. Under Mr. Balsley's management the Jeffersonian has not been so extremely partizan as previously. and while giving its support to its party, has usually treated its political opponents with an impartiality not often found in the arena of olitics. The Daily Jeffersonian is issued from the same office, and was established as an experiment November 15, 1880, and then called the Findlay Daily Jeffersonian. The little five-column folio was received with such warm favor that Mr. Balsley soon decided to make the Daily a permanent institution. Considerable credit is due to the former local editor, W. S. Hammaker, for his efforts toward building up the Daily, and making it a newsy, readable little sheet, welcome in hundreds of homes. In February, 1883, the Daily was enlarged to a six-column paper, at which size it remained till May 10,1886, when it was enlarged to aseven-column folio. Its present circulation is placed by Mr. Balsley at about 850 copies, the great majority of which are distributed in Findlay.

The Reporter was the next journalistic enterprise established in Findlay. Its first number was issued June 18, 1872, by C. G. & J. K. Barnd, editors and proprietors, and was a five-column quarto paper published at $1.50 per annum. The Reporter was started as an independent, literary paper, and in their salutatory the editors say: '' We shall reserve the liberty and exercise the right to comment upon all subjects, commending what we believe to be right and condemning what we regard as wrong, without stopping to ask what may be the effect upon the personal or political prospects of any man or set of men whose conduct or position bring them within the legitimate province of the journalist.'' It was a well conducted, bright paper during the early part of its existence, and soon attained a very respectable circulation. In October, 1872, it increased its subscription price from $1.50 to $2, and the following December J. K. Barnd sold out to his brother and subsequently removed to Kansas. At the close of the first volume The Reporter counted 1,400 subseribers, but unfortunately a large percentage of th em were bad pay. Nevertheless the paper was a brilliant success until early in its second year when it drifted into the Grange movement, hoping thereby to become a great organ and attain national celebrity among the farming community. But the change finally proved a mistake, as in dropping, to a great extent, its independent, literary character, it also lost the majority of its paying supporters without getting an equitable return from the Grangers. The name was finally changed to the American Patrén, and when the Grange movement cooled off it became the Property Journal. It was published some five years altogether, and then ceased to exist.

G.L.Turner.M.D.

_Das Ohio Volksblatt, a German Democratic weekly paper, was started in 1877 by Adolph G. Zwanzig. After publishing the paper about one year Zwanzig removed the office to Lima, where it was subsequently sold by his creditors.

The Findlag Weekly Republican was established by J. M. Beelman and James E. Griswold, and the first number issued February 6, 1879. It was then a seven-column folio and was started in opposition to the Jeffersonian, many Republicans not regarding that paper as sufficiently ''stalwart'' to satisfy their ideas of a party organ. In July, 1879, Mr. Griswold sold his interest to his partner, who soon afterward enlarged the Republican to an eight-column folio. On the 3dof January, 1881, E. G. De Wolfe, then postmaster of Findlay, and Jason Blackford, a member of the Findlay bar, purchased an interest in the Republican. The following October Mr. Blackford sold out to Mr. De Wolfe, and the paper was subsequently enlarged to a nine-column folio, printed on a sheet 28x44 inches, at which size it has since remained. Capt. H. H. Alban bonght Mr. Beelman's interest July 28, 1882, and the firm of De Wolfe & Alban have edited and published the paper up to the present. The long newspaper experience of Mr. De Wolfe and his well known unswerving devotion to his party, brought many supporters to the Republican, while the wide acquaintance of Capt. Alban largely assisted in building up a healthy subscription list. The editors of the Republican evidently believe in no half-way measures or weak-kneed policy, and while giving a large amount of local news and lending the aid of their paper to all public or private enterprises, which they look upon as a benefit to the town or county, they never forget their allegiance to those Republican principles of which their paper is such a vigorous exponent and defender. The Republican now claims a circulation of about 1,600 copies, and its proprietors run a good job office in connection with the paper.

The Findlay Daily Star was the last newspaper enterprise of the village. It was established by W. S. Hammaker, and first issued August 21, L852. The Star was then a five-column folio, 20x24 inches in size, but November 6 following it was enlarged to a six-column folio, printed on a sheet 22x30 inches. It was a live, progressive little daily, thoroughly Democratic in politics, and during its career of less than two years became a welcome friend in 550 homes and business places. ''Scott'' Hammaker was a very popular editor, and possessed considerable experience in newspaper work. He labored hard to furnish his patrons with a good, readable paper, and during its existence it was generally recognized as such. On the 21st of April, 1884, he sold the Star to A. H. Balsley, of the Jeffersonian, and until his appointment to the postmastership of Findlay, in the fall of 1885, was local editor of that paper. , -

The growth and improvement in the newspapers of Findlay within the past thirty years have been fully in keeping with the increase in population and general wealth of the county at large. But we think the press has outstripped all other institutions of the county; and if the quality and size of its newspapers are accepted as indications of its prosperity, Findlay need not fear a just comparison with similar sized towns throughout the State.

Chapter Xxni Findlay Continued

CHURCHES AND SOCIETIES - FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES HELD IN FINDLAY, AND NAMES OF ITS PIONEER PREACHERS - METHODIST EPISCOPAL CItURCH - First PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH - ST. MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL - UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH - GERMAN REFORMED CONGREGATION - GERMAN -EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN St. JOHN's CONGREGATION - FIrst REGULAR BApeTist CHURCH - * CHURCH OF Gop" - FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - ST. PAUL CHURCH OF THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION - TRINITY MISSION OF THE PROTESTANT EPIs- COPAL CHURCH - " CHURCH OF CHRIST" - SECRET AND OTHER SOCIETIES - Opp FELLOWS - MASONS - KNIGHTS OF PyTHIAS - HARMONIA SOCIETY - KNIGHTS OF HONOR - ROYAL ARCANUM - AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR - GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC - NATIONAL UNION - GOOD TEMPLARS.