Findlay City (part 3 of 28)

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 school 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-storv frame house and lot on East Main Cross Street, of N. Y. Mefford, for the'sum of $500. Here the institute was tirst opened on Monday, October 4, 1847, by John M. Christian, A. B. . principal, and Mrs. P. E. 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 boiight of Dr. \\illiam 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 Hendei'son, 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 a 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 institu.te became non- supporting. In June, 1854, Mr. Spear started the Home Co)njyanion, 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, 18G0, 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. DeAVolfe, secretary; E. P. Jones, treasurer. Executive, finance, b^^ilding, 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, apd 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- oliitiou 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 is a 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 8 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, labpratory, lecture room, museum, a unique library, a novel and well arranged chapel, capable of seating 800 students comfortably, and fom- 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 gi'ound, on all sides of which wnll be a di-iveway 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 Jacol) 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 ediication. 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 1836 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 Thui-sday, 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 Courier 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 it is to-day. In January, 1840, Mr. Rosenberg sold the Courier 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 nothing in the old niTmbers of his paper from which to form such an opinion, as they are made up principally of selected matter, political and foreign 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 number January 24, 1840, as The Findlay Courier, thiis going back to its original title. He began a new series, and published the i^aper 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 condvicted the Farmer until he bought the Courier, when he consolidated the papers as the Democratic Courier, first issued July 1, 1845. From n 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 ol)liged 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 diTties of life. At the close of Case's lease Mr. Mungen rented the office to Benjamin F. Rosenl)erg, a son of the founder, and in January, 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, 1805. 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 siibscription 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 1836. Here his mother died, and his father married Mrs. Delia Holla1:>augh, 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 successfiilly. 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, 1800, 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'' 8 circulation at that time was 1,000 paying subscribers, and in two years this list was swelled to 1,300. In September, 18(58, 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, 1809, 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 in a 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 su^ch 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 j)eople.

The Hancock Republican was established by Arnold F. Merriam, in January, 1838, and was the first Whig pap^- 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 1839, 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 W^illiam Mungen took possession of the office, and issued his first number I'ebruary 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, m 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 Ramacre 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 Ration, and the paper was then

^^^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, 18o0, 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 Joitma^ 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 S, 1854. It was a seven-column folio, printed on a sheet 25x37 inches in size, and pul^lished at $1.50 per annum. In his salutatory Mr. Spc^ar says: "We have no definite line of policy marked out, as our paper will havc^ no party coimection. We shall, however, labor earnestly to sustain the prohibitory liquor law; and will at all times advocate the principles of the temperance cause. W"e will labor, also, to promote the cause of education and the elevation and improvement of our schools, as 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 we established our paper in this county parties had become so completely revolutionized that it was diificult to determine what position would be finally taken. We, therefore, thought it prudent not to identify our paper with any party; hence the title assumed. The formation of the Republican party, subseqiiently, 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 monay 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. Dnring his connection with the press Mr. Spear yras recognized 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 Buc3a-us, Ohio, came to Findlay and resuscitated the Jeffersonian. Under the new management the paper was reduced to a seven -column folio, Ijecause of the m-eat 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 Septemljer, 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 fi'om 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 obtained 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 Journal for some two years before coming to Findlay; was recognized as an incisive, vigorous wi-iter, 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 1st 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, and the De Wolfe brothers thus became associated in editing and piTblishing the paper. After continuing the Jeffersonian as a ten-column sheet until March 13, 1874, 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 fi'om ihe 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. Balsley, 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 Rrvicv\ at Painesville, Ohio; St. Clairsville Independent, Plymouth Advprtiser and Fremont Journal ere coming to Findlay. He was therefore no novice, and was well qualiiied for the work in hand. On the 5th of June, LSSl, 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 Repul)lican 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 opj^onents with an impartiality not often found in the arena of politics.

The Daily Jeffersonian is issued fi'om 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 hundi-eds of homes. In February, 1883, the Daily was enlarged to a six-column paper, at which size it remained till May 10, 1880, when it was enlarged to a seven-column folio. Its present circulation is })laced by Mr. Balsley at about 850 copies, the great majority of which are distributed in Findlay.

The Rejjorter 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 i)ublished 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 subscri})tion 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 conniad 1 , 400 subscribers, but ifi*6titunately 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 supjiorters without getting an equitable return fi-om the Grangers. The name was finally changed to the American Patron, and when the Grange movement cooled off it became the Properf}/ Journal. It was pub lished some five years altogether, and then ceased to exist.

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 Findlay 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 staiied 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 Republicayi to an eight-column folio. On the 8d of 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. ]31ackford 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 bought Mr. Beelman' s interest July 28, 1882, and the firm of De Wolfe & Alban have edited and piiblished 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 measui'es 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 I'un 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 Augiist 21, 1882. 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 22x80 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 ex istence 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 out - stripped 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 Xxxi Findlay Continued

Churches and Societies - First Religious Services Held in Findlay, and Names of Its Pioneer Preachers - Methodist Episcopal Church - First Presf.yterian Chitrcii - Evangelical Lutheran Church - St. Michael's Catholic Church and School - ITnited Brethren ('hurch -

St. John's Congregation - First Regular Rai'tist Church - "Church OF God" - First Congregational Church - St. Paul Church of the Evangelical Association - Trinity Mission of the Protestant Episcopal Church - "Church of Christ " - Secret and Other Societies- Odd 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.

THE hardy itinerants of the Methodist Episcopal Church were the first to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the scattered pioneers of Hancock County, though they were soon followed by the ministers of other denominations. In the spring of 1822 Rev. James Gilruth, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came fi'om the East for the purpose of entering lands in northwestern Ohio. Arriving at Fort Findlay he put up at Wilson Vance's tavern, and the following Sunday preached in Findlay by appointment to quite a good sized congregation, made up of the settlers then living in the county. Five or six years afterward Rev. Adam Poe and a companion, both Methodist ministers, preached in the old log school house, where they also slept overnight. In August, 1828, Rev. Josiah Root, a Baptist preacher, held services in the cabin of Joseph De Witt, a blacksmith of the village, who then lived on the west side of the park. Revs. Arza Brown and Jesse Pryor, of the Methodist Circuit, preached in Findlay in the fall of 1828, and Revs. Jacob Hill and Alvin Billings, of the same denomination, early in 1829. A Presbyterian minister named Barr held several meetings in the old log schoolhouse in the spring of 1829, and organized a Bible Society, with Wilson Vance, Edwin S. Jones and John C. Wickhara, directors. Rev. Barr returned the following autumn and held a two days' service in Findlay, administering communion to a few members of the Presbyterian faith, who then lived in this vicinity. About this time Findlay was visited by several Methodist ministers who were connected with the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky, among whom were Revs. Jacob Hooper and AVilliam Sprague in 1829-30, and Revs. Thomas Thompson, Elnathan C. Gavitt and Benjamin Boydston in 1830-31.

There is no record in existence of the organization of the first Methodist class in Findlay, but it was probably formed in 1829, as, according to Aaron Baker, a leading pioneer of Findlay Township, a class had been organized prior to his father's settlement north of the village in the spring of 1830. Thomas Slight and wife, Jacob Foster and wife, William Hackney, John Boyd and William De Witt were perhaps the earliest members of this class. But among other pioneer Methodists who joined the class soon afterward were -John Baker, Mary Baker, Isaac Baker, Catherine Swapp, Aaron Baker, Elizabeth Baker, Henry Baker, Parlee Carlin and wife, Mrs. Squire Carlin. Daniel Andreck and wife, Reuben Baker, Mary, Elizabeth and Isaiah Hartley, Sarah Foster, Robert Bonham, Nathan Frakes, Benjamin Strother, Johnson and Amos Bonham, Melinda C. Strother, Mrs. Frederick Duduit and Joseph D. Ford. In 1882 Fort Findlay Mission was established, and held its first quarterly meeting November 17 and 18 of that year. At that meeting a committee was appointed to estimate the cost of building a parsonage at Findlay, and another to ascertain the expense of erecting a church in "Greer's Neighborhood " - now Mt. Blanchard. The financial report at this first quarterly meeting of the Mission, from sixteen appointments - including $50 appropriated by the Missionary Society - was IG8.42, the sum of 118.42 being all that was received fi"om the classes.

Revs. El am Day and Benjamin Allen were in charge of the Findlay Mission in 1832-88, and Revs. Day and -Joseph Newson in 1888-84. On August 20, 1888, lot 145 on East Main Cross Street was purchased for |20 by the trustees of the church, and during the fall a small frame building was put up on the rear part of the lot, which was used as a meeting-house until the erection of their first church building in 1886-87. Revs. W. B. Bradford and McKendree Thrapp were the missionaries in charge in 1884- 85, and Revs. Elam Day and Mark Delaney in 1885-86. We find by the church records that in 1886-87 the name of the Mission was changed to the "Findlay Circuit," with Revs. Henry Whiteman and G. ^\. Breckinridge in charge. During this year a frame church, 40x50 feet, was erected on East Main Cross Street at a cost of about $700. The successive ministers for the next thirteen years were as follows: 1887-88, Revs. J. C. Conway and E. R. Hill; 1888-89, S. M. Allen and W. C. Huestis; 1889-40, James Wilson and Richard Biggs; 1841-42, John Tibbies and Henry Warner; 1842-43, Harvey Camp and Philip Start; 184-3-44, H. G. Dubois and Luke S. Johnson; 1844-45, John Orr and J. C. Russell; 1845-46, R. S. Kimber and J. S. Kalb; 1846-47, Wesley J. Wells and Samuel Mower; 1847-48, T. J. Pope and C. W. Brandeberry; 1848-49, T. J. Pope and J. Crabbs; 1849-50, W. S. Lunt and Alanson Foster.

Through the passing years the church had rapidly increased, both in numbers and wealth, and the old building was deemed insufficient in size to comfortably accommodate the congregation. The society therefore decided to take two very important steps in advance, viz. : to ask to be made a station and to erect a new house of worship in a more convenient locality. The request was complied with, and in 1850-51 W. S. Lunt was returned as pastor. Lots Nos. 18 and 19 on West Sandusky Street were purchased in January, 1851, for $450, and a commodious brick building, 48x80 feet, erected the same year at a cost of about $7,000. It faced Crawford Street, and was used nearly fifteen years. But that locality soon became a manufacturing neighborhood, and the congregation* finally saw their error in building on the north end of the lots. Mr. Lunt' s successors up to the erection of the present church were Revs. J. A. Kellam, David Gray, J. S. Holmes, Thomas Parker, L. B. Gurley, Gershom Lease, J. S. Kalb, Joseph Wykes and Isaac Newton. The last mentioned came in 1866, and under his pastorate the building was erected.

The question of rebuilding the church had been agitated during Rev. Parker's pastorate, and during that of Rev. Lease an effort to raise the necessary amount by subscription was made, but the great Rebellion broke out, and the matter rested until 1864-65, when, in consideration of the absolute necessity of expensive repairs in order to continue worship in the old church, it was generally agreed that the wisest and most economical plan was to prepare to build. A subscription was accordingly circulated in the fall and winter of 1865-66, and nearly $15, 000 secured, which, with the material of the old building, gave resources to the amount of $17,500, and at a special meeting of the church it was agreed to proceed at once to build. C. A. Croninger, H. P. Gage and S. D. Frey were appointed a building committee, and James Harsh treasurer. The corner-stone of the new structure, on Sandusky Street, was laid September 12, 1866. Prof. P. S. Donelson, president of the Ohio Wesleyan Female College, Delaware. Ohio, delivering the oration. The same gentleman conducted the ceremonies, in which he was assisted by Revs. Isaac Newton, Joseph Wykes and David Gray. The building was originally intended to cost about $16,000, but ere its completion in 1868, together with its subsequent remodeling, the total expense had reached about $40,000. It is quite a massive, handsome structure, with a towering spire 180 feet in height, and the main audience room will comfortably seat 700 people. The basement is utilized for Sunday-school, lecture room, etc., and the whole building is a great credit to the congregation. The Rev. Newton filled the pastorate three years, and his successors have been as follows: Oliver Kennedy, 1869-72; Isaiah R. Henderson, 1872-73; William Jones, 1873-76; Parker P. Pope, 1876-78; J. F. Davies, 1878-81; E. D. Whitlock, 1881-82; William I. Yingling, 1882-83; Samuel L. Beiler, 1883-84; Andrew J. Fish, 1884-1886. The church now contains a membership of 540, also 60 probationers, and a flemishing Sundayschool with an enrollment of 457 scholars.

The First Presbyterian Church of Findlay was organized December 21, 1831, by Rev. Peter Monfort, who came that year as a missionary from the southern part of the State, and held numerous services in Findlay and other parts of the county. These meetings were always held in the cabins of the pioneers, as there were then no public buildings of any kind except the old log schoolhouse in Findlay, where the people could gather to hear preaching. This society was organized at the house of Wilson Vance, and embraced the following members: Wilson Vance and wife, Sarah; William Taylor and wife, Margaret; William Coen and wife, Sarah; Ebenezer Wilson; Phoebe Henderson, wife of William L. Henderson; Asa Lake and wife, Chloe, and Mary Gibson. Messrs. Wilson and Coen were chosen and ordained ruling elders of the new organization. All of the foregoing members w6re pioneers of the county, and are fully spoken of in the histories of the townships wherein they resided. Rev. Monfort continued his labors in this field for nearly three years, and the Findlay Church was then supplied by Rev. T. B. Clark, of Logan County, in the latter part of 1833 and the early part of the following year. Mr. Monfort spent some time with this church in 1835, and Rev. John L. Belleville, of Dayton, Ohio, also visited the Findlay congregation the same yeai*.

Rev. George Van Eman, a member of the Redstone Presbytery of Pennsylvania, who removed to Hancock County in 1835, was the first settled pastor of the Findlay Church, and he filled that position until 1841.

Village Of Pindlay

Irregular services were held in private houses, until the erection of the first court house, after which worship was more regular. During the pastorate of Mr.VanEman a plain frame building was put up on Lot 132, East Crawford Street, where the oil-mill of McManness & Seymour now stands. A deed for this lot was made to the trustees of the church December 11, 1837, the consideration being $250, and we presume the building was erected in 1838. It remained unpainted for several years, and was at first supplied with temporary slab seats without backs, and a rough platform fi-om which the preacher expounded the gospel. These benches in time gave place to more comfortable pews; while a square box about 4x6 feet in dimensions and five and a half feet high was constructed for a pulpit. During the passing years quite a number united with the church, among the best known of whom were John Ewing, Samuel Moorhead, John Burns, Frederick Henderson and Paul Sours. All of these men are fully spoken of elsewhere in this work. Mr. Van Eman was succeeded in June, 1841, by Rev. Simon Peck, who remained only one year. In 1842 Revs. F. A. Shearer and Alexander Cowan, both of Richland County, preached in Findlay, but neither became pastor. In the fall of that year Rev. R. H. Hollyday received a call from the church to become their pastor, which he accepted. This relation continued until May, 1854, during which period nearly 200 members were added to the church. Mr. Hollyday is yet a resident of Findlay. In May, 1845. William Taylor presented the chui'ch with a bell - the first one brought to the village - purchased in Cincinnati by Frederick Henderson. It was shipped to Findlay on the canal via Dayton, Piqua and Defiance to Perrysburg, and thence hauled to Findlay in a wagon. It was hung in a belfry erected on the old church and first rang September 11, 1845.

After Mr. Hollyday retired from the pastorate, occasional services were held by visiting ministers, but in January, 1855, Rev. J. A. Meeks took charge of the church. By this time the growth of the congregation made necessary a larger place of worship, and soon after Mr. Meeks became pastor preliminary steps were taken in that direction. Two lots on West Crawford Street had been sold or rather given to the chm-ch in September, 1852, by J. S. Van Eman, the consideration being only 1 10. But these lots did not suit, and in August, 1855, Lot 16, on the northeast corner of Main and Hardin Streets, where the church now stands, was pm-chased for $700. In the spring of 1856 the lots on Crawford Street were sold, and that year the church resolved to enter upon the work of erecting the pi-esent brick structure. The building committee were William Taylor, Frederick Henderson and Albert Langworthy, all well-remembered citizens of the village. The building was completed in the fall of 1857, at a cost of nearly $8,900, and dedicated free fi-om any encumbering debt, December 27, 1857. In May, 1858, the property on East Crawford Street was sold to William Anderson and J. D. McKibben, who converted it into a woolen-mill. Mr. Meeks was pastor of the church more than ten years, retiring in the spring of 1865. He is one of the old and honored residents of the town and is highly respected by all good citizens. During the latter portion of Mr. Meeks' service considerable dissension arose as to his fiu'ther retention as pastor, which culminated in the secession of about forty -three members, who, in 1865 organized the First Congregational Church of Findlay, and called Mr. Meeks to the pastorate. Though he served the new society long and faith- fully he still remaiued at heart a Presbyterian, and finally resigned and returned to his own denomination, accepting a call from the Presbyterian society of Ada, Ohio.

Following Mr. Meeks, the Eevs. L. H. Long and J. M. Cross, of Urbana, Ohio, paid frequent visits to Findlay, and preached with much acceptance, and, in the fall of 1865, the latter was called to the pastorate. Mr. Cross filled the pulpit until October, 1860, and it was afterward supplied by Revs. D. B. Harvey and A. B. Fields occasionally. In November, 1869, a call was extended to Mr. Fields and he was subsequently installed pastor. He served until April, 1872. Rev. Eban Muse was the successor of Mr. Fields and filled the pulpit for three years, commencing with the fall of 1872. In May, 1876, R. R. Sutherland was installed as pastor and held the position until November, 1880. A vacancy of one year now occurred in the pastorate, until the coming of Rev. John C. Watt, in the fall of 1881. The present pastor. Rev. J. R. Mitchell, of Indianapolis, succeeded Mr. Watt in December, 1885. The present membership of this church is 250, and there is also a growing Sunday-school with an enrollment of about 300. In April, 1886, Mr. Mitchell began the publication of The Invitation, a small three-column folio monthly paper, published in the interests of the First Presbyterian Church. The Invitation will no doubt prove an efficient local aid in disseminating church news, to which cause it is exclusively devoted.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church became a distinct organization September 19, 1846, though it had been in process of formation for some years. In 1839 Rev. M. Coi-tex, a German Lutheran missionary, came to Findlay, and preached at intervals for about two years to the adherents of the Lutheran and Reformed churches. His successor was Rev. Charles VVisler, a minister of the Reformed denomination, who served the people of both faiths from 1841 to 1843. In the latter year Rev. J. B. Hoffman took charge of the mission, and remained nearly two years. Early in 1845 Rev. George Hammer succeeded Mr. Hoffman, and the church record for February of that year gives a list of sixty communicants, made up, doubtless, of both Reformed and Lutherans. Pursuant to previous notice a majority of the members of the Lutheran faith met at the court house in Findlay, September 19, 1846, for the purpose of appointing three trustees and a clerk, under the legislative act passed March 12, 1844, entitled "An act to provide for the appointment of trustees for the control of associated religious societies, and to define their powers and duties. " Rev. Isaac Livengood opened the meeting with prayer, when Isaac Teatsorth was called to the chair, and Rev. Livengood appointed secretary. It was resolved that the society should bear the name of the " Evangelical Lutheran Chui'ch of Findlay. " Samuel Snyder, Samuel Reber and George Welker were appointed trustees, and Andrew Newstetter clerk. Early in 1847 Lot 52, on West Crawford Street, was purchased for the sum of $200, and on the 8th of March Abraham Daughenbaugh, Simon Wilhelm and Samuel Snyder were chosen as a building committee, and a subscription taken up toward the erection of a house of worship, which was built that year. Mr. Hammer was pastor of the church fi'om 1845 until his resignation, in August, 1849, and during this period the congregation had largely increased in numbers and acquired a good church property.

1854, wliea he was sudcooded by Rev. Morris Officer. In December, 1850, the record shows 101 communicants, and in 1853, 118. Rev. Officer held the pastorate only one year, and in the fall of 1855 Rev. A. J. ImhofP became his successor, and remained pastor of the church ten years. Prior to April, 1858, the Findlay charge embraced the whole county, but at that time the Findlay and Eagle Township (Zoll's) congregations became one charge, separating fi-om Arcadia and Fostoria. In 1860 a bell was purchased, which is now doing good service in the new edifice. Mr. Imhoff resigned October 15, 1865, and Rev. S. A. Ort was the next pastor, and served until the spring of 1867. Rev. H. B. Belmer held the pastorate for the succeeding two years, resigning in March, 1869. Rev. Kiusell tilled the pulpit during the next three months, and was then succeeded by Rev. P. S. Hooi)er. In November, 1860, Lots 5 and 6, on the southeast corner of Main and Lincoln Streets, were purchased at a cost of $1,200, and a small frame parsonage erected thereon the following year. Mr. Hooper resigned in December, 1871, and in February, 1872, Rev. George W. Miller was chosen pastor. An eflPort was made by the congregation, in 1873, looking toward the erection of a new church, and also to unite the Lutheran and Congregational societies, but both failed. In January, 1874, the connection with the Eagle Township society was severed, and the pastors of the Findlay church have since devoted their entire attention to this congregation. Mr. Miller resigned at the close of 1876, and in March, 1877, Rev. C. S. Sprecher was chosen as his successor, and filled the pulpit three years. Rev. J. W. Goodlin was the next pastor, coming in July, 1880, and serving about one year.

On the 29th of November, 1880, the council of the church resolved to take steps toward the erection of a new building, as a larger and more modern structure had now become an actual necessity. The parsonage was moved to the east side of the lots on the corner of Main and Lincoln Streets, and ground was broken for the new edifice May 9, 1881. The corner-stone was laid on Monday evening, August 8, 1881, Rev. J. F. Davies, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, delivering the oration, and on Sunday, June 4, 1882, the church was dedicated to the service of God. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. A. S. Ort, D. D., who was then president of Wittenberg College, Springfield, Ohio. The old property on Crawford Street was sold in April, 1882, to John Shull for the sum of $1,300. In the meantime Mr. Goodlin was succeeded, in 1881, by Rev. E. K. Bell, who served until October, 1884. Under his pastorate the new building was carried to completion. His successor was the present pastor, Rev. William M. Smith, who came to Findlay in January, 1885. This chui'ch has a membership of 200, and a Sunday-school enrollment of 225. The congregation are especially proud of their house of worship, the total cost of which was about $15,000. It is a substantial, handsome brick and stone edifice of composite architecture, with a large sqiiare tower gracing the northwest corner, and possessing a beautiful, massive, stained-glass window in each end of the main audience room, and a similar one in the west side of the Sunday-school room. Large sliding doors separate these rooms, which can thus be thrown into one, giving a seating capacity of 600 - 400 for the audience room and 200 for the Sunday-school room. In harmony of design and finish, this building is regarded as superior to any other church of Findlay.

St. MiehaeVs Catholic Cfuircli comes next in the order of time. In the fall of 1840 mass was celebrated in John Engelman's house by the Rt. Rev. John B. Purcell, bishop of the Cincinnati diocese, while on one of his missionary tonrs through the State. Michael Price, a deceased pioneer of Pleasant Townshi}), and Mrs. John S. Julien, yet a resident of Findlay, were the first practical Catholics who located in this county, both coming in 1834. Mrs. Martin Hollabaugh and Mrs. John Engelman were the next. The former, now Mrs. Jacob Carr, settled south of Findlay in 1835, and Mrs. Engelman came to the village with her husband in August, 1836. In 1853 Mr. Engelman became a convert to the Catholic faith, and is yet among the most worthy members of the church. Mrs. Ellen Green, Mrs. James Fitzgibbons and John S. Julien came to Findlay soon after Mr. Engelman effected a settlement. Mr. Julien married Miss Mary C. Seacker in 1838, and the sacrifice of the mass was occasionally celebrated by Father McNamee. of Tiffin, and other visiting priests at the houses of Mr. Julien and Mr. Engelman. Other pioneer Catholics were Mrs. Jacob Barnd and Caroline Grate (sisters), Louis Adams and family, Michael Adams, John Hines and wife, Joseph Davis, Mrs. Peter Krebs, Hiram Vagley and family, Joseph Fleck, James Sheridan and family, Patrick Sweeney and family, and Martin and Peter Karst and families, of whom Frank and John B. , sons of Martin and Peter, respectively, were young men, all coming between 1837 and 1850. Of these Mr. Engelman, Mr. Julien and wife, Mis. Jacob Carr, Mrs. Fitzgibbons, Caroline Grate, Mrs. Louis Adams. Mrs. Hines, Joseph Fleck, Mr. Sheridan, Mrs. Sweeney and Frank and John B. Karst are yet living in Findlay and members of St. Michael's Congregation. Services were held at intervals, generally at the house of Mr. Julien and in a room fitted up by Mr. Engelman in a frame barn erected by him in 1848. Father Howard, a well remembered missionary priest, also preached in the court house to a large audience during one of his periodical visits, for the purpose of explaining Catholic doctrine, and thus assist in breaking down the strong prejudice which then existed against members of that faith. Rev. P. A. Capeder. now at New Riegel, came occasionally throughout 1850, and Rev. L. Molon in 1851.

By this time quite a number of Catholics had settled in Findlay, and in the summer and fall of 1851 a small frame was built on Lot 65, on the southwest corner of Hardin Street and Farmer's Alley, and subsequently dedicated as St. Michael' s Church. This lot was purchased by Bishop Rappe, of D. J. Cory, for the sum of $75, though a deed was not obtained until 1861. In 1852 Rev. Michael Sullivan was appointed to take charge of the Findlay Mission, and came regulai-ly until 1855. Rev. T. J. B. Uhlmann also visited the congregation in the latter year. Rev. Joseph L. Behn, of Tiffin, began visiting Findlay in 1856, and continued about two years. Revs. W. Bally and N. Gales celebrated mass here and baptized childi-en of the congregation in 1858, but Rev. J. M. Roetzer was the first resident pastor of St. Michael's Church. He came in 1859, and the same year opened a parish school in an old frame building on East Sandusky Street, and subsequently in a room erected for that purpose adjoining the Church. A Frenchman named Pettee was the first teacher. Father Roetzer was pastor until February, 1862, and was succeeded by Rev. A. Behrens. The latter remained about a year, and in 1863 Rev. M. Dechant took charge of the congregation. The building in the meantime had been enlarged to meet the grow- ing wants of the cliiTrcb. Early iu I'ebruary, 18(30, a fine Ijell, weighing 1,800 pounds, was purchased at an expense of |1,0()0, and set upon a low trestle near the church ; but on the 1 6th of the same month the building was burned to the ground, the fire starting in a defective flue in the school room. The weather was extremely cold, but a united eflPort on the part of the citizens present saved the bell, which hangs in the belfry of the present church, and is regarded as the best bell in the county. Father Dechant began at once the preliminary work toward the erection of a new church, but the old lot was considered too small, and the present site of the church and pastor's residence on West Main Cross Street was donated for the purpose by Louis Adams. The foundation was commenced in the spring of 1866, and on Sunday, August 19, of that year, the corner-stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Amedeus Rappe, bishop of the Cleveland diocese, assisted by Father Dechant, Rev. Joseph L. Behu, of Tiffin, and Messrs. A. S. Siebenfoercher and M. Pietz. two students of St. Mary's Seminary of Cincinnati and Cleveland, respectively, subsequently ordained to the priesthood. (Father Siebenfoercher has been pastor of the Kenton Church since his ordination, and Father Pietz held services in Findlay after becoming a priest, and is well remembered by the congregation. ) Mass was celebrated in the morning in Wheeler's Hall, and in the afternoon Bishop Rappe laid the corner-stone and delivered an impressive discourse to a large concourse of people, many of whom were from neighboring towns. The building was so far completed as to be occupied in the fall of 1867, though it is not yet entirely finished, and has not beon dedicated. During the process of erection services were held in a room in the Central House building.

Rev. Edward J. Vattmann became pastor of St. Michael' s in the spring of 1867, and the building was erected under his pastorate, which lasted two years. The old lot on Hardin Street was sold to James Sheridan in 1868 for $325. Rev. N. Flammang came in 1869 and left in 1870. Rev. M. Pietz also visited the congregation in the latter year. In 1871 Rev. JohnB. Jung (pronounced Young) was appointed pastor, and soon after coming partitioned off a small room in the church and re-established the parish school, which had not been in operation since the burning of the old frame church in 1866. In 1875 he built the present brick schoolhouse southwest of the church. Father Jung was an earnest, hard-working priest, and accomplished a great deal of good dui-ing his pastorate. He was removed to Defiance in 1878. and Rev. M. Arnoldi, of Fostoria, ministered to the spiritual wants of the congregation until the advent of Rev. George Rudolf in 1879, who remained two years. The present pastor. Rev. Hemy Doerner, succeeded him in 1881, and has ever since continued to labor in building up the church in this portion of God's vineyard. St. Michael's congregation embraces some eighty families, and the parish school has an average attendance of seventy pupils. The usual branches of study tauo-ht in the primary public schools are taught in St. Michael's, and in connection therewith the pupil also obtains a thorough religious instruction iu the fundamental principles of Christianity. The congregation own a small cemetery of two acres adjoining Maple Grove, which was purchased in February, 1863, at a cost of $400. Though not entirely fi-ee of debt, St. Michael's may nevertheless be regarded as a prosperous congregation. A number of societies are connected with the church to assist in the promotion of charity and good works. St. Michael's Benevolent Societv, organized in

1868, is one of these, but only practical Catholic m^iles between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years are eligible to membership. Mr. Frank Karst, Sr., has been president of this society since its organization, and it has accomplished much good during this period in rendering devoted attention and assistance to the sick, and in distribution of weekly benefits.

1853, when Henry Hartman. Nimrod Bright, Joel Pendleton, Jesse Wheeler and J. T. Crites were trustees in charge of a subscription to raise funds to purchase a lot and erect a house of worship. At this time services were occasionally held in the little brick schoolhouse then standing on West Front Street. In May, 1854. Lot No. 78 on the southwest corner of West and Crawford Streets, was purchased for $250, and the present brick building commenced that year and carried to completion in 1855. Rev. Chester Briggs was the minister in charge during the erection of the building. Joel Pendleton and wife, Robert Owens and wife, Jacob Powell and wife, and H. Van Gundy were among the first members of this society. The successors of Mr. Briggs have been Revs. Michael Long, William Mathers, Case, Dunn, Percy Moore, J. French, Alvin Rose, R. French, William Glancy, T. J. Harbaugh, T. D. Ingle, James Long, M. Shestler, A. W. Holden, J. P. Macklin, E. A. Star key, J. Kirk, E. B. Mam-er, I. Crouse and S. H. Raudebaugh, the present pastor of the church. The membership is about 160, with a Sunday-school enrollment of about 120. The society has now in contemplation the erection of a new house of worship during the present year, and is therefore in a prosperous condition.

1854, when they and the German Lutherans organized a society with Charles Dietsch, president; Henry Matthias, superintendent; John Schneyer, treasurer; Abraham W. Schwab and Peter Roszmann, trustees. They jointly purchased Lot 54 on West Front Street February 3, 1854, for the sum of $278, and worshiped at intervals- in the old Presbyterian Church on Crawford Street, and sometimes in the court house. This state of things continued until the spring of 1858, when a separation took place, and each subsequently formed a distinct organization. The members of the Reformed denomination were at once organized by Rev. H. Kortheuer, the society then embracing some fourteen persons. On the 6th of November, 1858. the following members met in Schwab's new building for the purpose of incorporating said society, viz. : Abraham W. Schwab, Michael Guntner, Samuel Schwab, William Gassman, Abraham Newhouse, ITlrich Weiger and Sebastian Baker. Michael Guntner was chairman, and William Gassman, secretary. The society adopted "German Reformed Congregation of Findlay " as the official name of the church, and elected Abraham W. Schwab, Samuel Schwab and Ulrich AVeiger trustees, and William Gassman, clerk. On the 21)th of the same month the society sold its interest in the lot on West Front Street to the German Lutherans for $114.50; and in February, 1859, purchased ground on East Main Cross Street at a cost of $300, upon which the present brick building was erected, in 1860, at a total expense of about $2,000. Rev. Mr. Schuette was then in charge of the congregation (having succeeded Rev. Kortheuer), which had usually worshiped in the court house prior to that time. The successive ministers since Mr. Schuette have been Revs. Martin Miller, John G. Ruhl (who came in 1863, served the society eleven years, and is yet a resident of Find- lay), A. Knotzky, George Behrents and C. Badetscher, the present incumbent, who has filled the pulpit semi-monthly during the past eight years. The society embraces about fifty members, and has a Sunday-school with some thirty-five pupils. Sebastian Baker, Samuel Schwab, Christoph Vollweiler, Abraham W. Schwab, Jr., John Weiss and Gottlieb Schwab are about the only members of the original society now belonging to the Findlay Church.

The German Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation. - The original members of this society formed an organization with those of the Reformed faith in February, 1854, and worshiped together up to the spring of 1858, when they separated. The same month the joint organization was formed Lot 54 on West Front Street was purchased at a cost of |278, but after each faith had organized a separate society the Lutherans purchased the interest of the Reformed Church (November 29, 1858,) foi the sum of 1114.50. On the 29th of August, 1858, the German Lutherans held a meeting in the court house, with Ernest Kempf, chairman, and Michael Glauuer, secretary. /'At this meeting the " German Evangelical Lutheran St. John's Congregation" was organized; and Charles Dietsch, Peter Roszman and Michael Glauner chosen trustees, and Ernst Kempf, clerk. Rev. M. During was the minister who effected the organization, and the society met for worship in the court house semi-monthly. In 1862 the present brick church on West Front Street was built upon the lot purchased by the Reformed and Lutherans in 1854. The building committee was Charles Dietsch. Charles Hahn, Henry Lannert, Ernst Kempf and Edward Dietsch, and the structure was completed at a total expense of $2, 500, and dedicated and first occupied on Whit Sunday in 1863. Revs. M. During, H. Lang and G. Crownenwitt conducted the dedicatoiy services. A good bell has since been procured, and a parsonage bought on Front Street, not far from the church, at a cost of $1,900. Rev. Martin Buerkle succeeded M. During, and served the congregation eleven years. His successors have been Revs. J. T. Groth. J. B. Webber and E. L. T. Engers, the present pastor. St. John's embraces some eighty- three families, and has a flourishing Sunday-school of about 100 scholars.'

The First Regular BaptiM Church of Findlay, though now a defunct orgamzation, forms a part of the church history of the village. In the fall of 1854 a series of meetings were held in a schoolhouse on Chamberlin's Hill, by Rev. G. D. Oviatt, and those who then embraced the Baptist faith attached themselves to the Baptist Society in Amanda Township, and organized a Sunday-school on the hill, of which Job Chamberlin was chosen superintendent. On the 2/th of January, 1857, they withdrew from the Amanda Township society, and February 21 following, organized the First Regular Baptist Church of Findlay, with Rev. G. D. Oviatt as pastor; Samuel A. Spear and Charles Swap, deacons, and Job Chamberlin, clerk. The organizers were Samuel F. Hull, Charles Swap, Job Chamberlin Samuel A. Spear, G. D. Oviatt, Emanuel Phifer, John Bechtel, Solomon Wolf, Joel Routson, ^John Dyche, Charles Twining and Irvin S. Chamberlin. Job Chamberlin, Charles Swap and Samuel F. Hull were elected trustees on the date of organization. The society then embraced forty-one members, and also a good Sunday-school, with Job Chamberlin. superintendent. The meetings were held in the court house, as the society never owned a building. Soon after the Rebellion broke out the church became disniem-

The "Church of God" is one of the later religious organizations of Findlay. Elder AVilliam Adams was the pioneer minister of this denomination in Hancock County, and a small society was organized by him in 1848, at the house of John Bolton, six miles west of the village. For the succeeding eight years occasional services were held in the county, though very little progress was made. In August, Elder E. H. Bolton {son of John Bolton) began to preach, and a year afterward he was appointed assistant to Elder J. M. West, on the Blanchard Circuit. The following year (1857) Elders W. McCormick and R. H. Bolton traveled this circuit, which included Findlay. Occasional services were held in the old Presbyterian Church on East Crawford Street, a few adherents of this faith having previously located in the village. Here, on the 18th of January, 1858, a society of twelve members was organized by Elders George W. Harn, of Wooster, Ohio, and R. H. Bolton, of Findlay. who, for ten days, had been holding a series of meetings. Among the members of this society were J. C. Sherrick and wife, George M. Grauel and wife, Jacob Grose and wife, John T. Grose and wife, Emernder Geyer and Elizabeth Cunningham. Meetings were afterward held fi-om time to time in private houses, but the organization finally became extinct, and Findlay was abandoned as a regular preaching place.

In the fall of 1861 Elder R. H. Bolton was again appointed to this field, and took up his residence in Findlay. He held a series of meetings in the winter of 18(31-02, in the North Findlay schoolhouse, which resulted in the formation of a society of nineteen members. The work was continued, and in the winter of 1862-63, the membership was swelled to sixty. Mr. Bolton was succeeded, in 1864, by Elder W. P. Small, who preached every two weeks until the fall of 1865, when Elder G. W. Wilson came on the circuit. From 1863 to 1866 the society met in the United Brethren building. In April, 1866, Lot 37, on West Front Street, was purchased for 1350, and the erection of the present brick church commenced. The building was completed at a cost of about $4, 000, and dedicated December 30, 1866, by Elder J. B. Soul, of Wooster, Ohio, and the minister in charge, Mr. Wilson. The church had been incorporated in the fall of 1866, and James Ferguson, Peter Sherrick and David Funk elected trustees, John Ferguson, treasurer, and John T. Grose, clerk. A Sunday-school was organized, January 5, 1867, and is still in successful operation. In the summer of 1867, Elder W^ilson resigned and Elder Adams came at intervals until October, when Elders J. W. Aukerman and W^arner were appointed to serve the Findlay society in connection with McComb Circuit. In October, 1868, Elder Aukerman took charge, and his successors have been as follows: Elders T. H. Deshirie, 1869-70; J. M. Cassel, 1870-72; J. W. Aukerman, 1872-73; W. P. Small. 1873-75; Solomon Kline, 1875-76; J. V. Updyke, 1876-78. Large accessions to the church occxu-red under Mr. Updyke; but in January, 1878, he " professed to receive and began to teach the doctrine of sanctification, " which was regarded by many members as an innovation, and he was replaced by W. P. Burchard, who served till the following autumn. Then came W. P. Small, 1878-80; S. Dickerhoof, 1880-1881; J. M. Cassel, 1881-82; R. H. Bolton, 1882-84; Charles Winbigler, 1884, and is the present pastor. In December, 1884, the society took possession of the Congregational Church, held services there until the spring of 1886, and then returned to their own "Bethel," on Front Street. This society has had a steady, healthy growth, and, from small beginnings, it has gradually increased to a membership of 180, with a Sunday-school enrollment of 100. Besides their church building they also own a ' good parsonage on Main Street, in North Findlay, which was purchased in 1879. The opening of the new college during the present year will, doubtless, give fresh impetus to the growth of this church in Hancock County, and under the labors of Elder Winbigler, its present able and eloquent minister, the Findlay sfciety will, we predict, go forward on a still more prosperous career.

The First Congregational Church was organized October 21, 1865, in Gage's Hall, by Rev. Robert McCune, of Kelly's Island. The society had its inception in the spring of 1865, through the disagreement of the members of the First Presbyterian Church over the further retention of Rev. J. A. Meeks as pastor of that body, those opposing that gentleman being subsequently upheld by the Presbytery. His friends then applied to the Presbytery for authority to organize a "Second Presbyterian Church," but the application was refused, the result of which was the secession of about forty-three members, with the old pastor, and the formation of the First Congregational Church. On the day of organization the following officers were chosen: Paul Sours, John Eckels, James Davidson and Aaron Hall, deacons; J. S. Ballentine, treasurer, and James A. Bope, clerk; while Rev. J. A. Meeks was called to the pastorate. In March, 1866, the church was incorporated as "The First Congregational Church of Findlay," and Lot 27, on the west side of the public square, was purchased for the sum of $2, 500. The erection of a building thereon was commenced in the spring of 1867, the committee in charge being Paul Sours, James P. Kerr, Jesse Guise and J. C. Powell, and the following December the present commodious brick structure was completed at a cost of about $17,000. Mr. Meeks served the congregation faithfully about five years, and left the church in a flourishing state. He was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Peterson, under whose pastorate, in January, 1872, a chime of bells was put into the belfiy at an expense of over $1,000. During Mr. Peterson's term of service considerable trouble arose in the church, which was the entering wedge of its present disorganized condition. His successors were Revs. Thomas Gordon, H. D. Kutz, D. F. Davies and E. B. Chase. The last mentioned left in 1884. since which time the congregation has been without a pastor. In December, 1884, the "Church of God" took possession of the building, and occupied it until the spring of 1886.

St. Paul Church of the Evangelical Association dates back to the annual conference of said association held in May, 1870, when an English mission consisting of the Findlay, Fellar's, Porter's and Union Chapel societies was organized, and Rev. E. B. Crouse placed in charge. Services were generally held in the United Brethren Church. On the llth of July, 1870, "The Findlay Society of the Evangelical Association of North America' ' was incorporated, and John Powell, John Crites and L. W. Hankey, elected trustees, and L. W. Hankey, clerk. At this time it was decided to erect a house of worship, and Lot 137 on East Sandusky Street was purchased for $1,000. The present brick building was at once commenced, and in October, 1870, was completed and dedicated at a total cost of about $6,000. The congregation have recently built a neat frame parsonage upon the same lot but facing on Crawford Street. Mr. Crouse served the society until 1872

Trinify Mission of flit' Protestant Episcopal Church was organized on the 19th of July. 1 88 1 , ' by Rev. D. W. Coxe, of Fremont. This gentleman held the first Episcoi)al service in the old Lutheran Church on West Craw ford Street, May 16, and in June he and Rev. J. L. Taylor, of Lima, began holding alternate services in Findlay, which culminated in the organization of " Trinity Mission. " Thirty-four names were signed to the request sent to Bishop Bedell. On the 8th of November, 1881, Rev. Dr. AVhite and L. S. Osberne held services in Findlay, and on that day the congregation resolved to rent a room in which to worship. A room in the Courier Block was accordingly procured, and February 19, 1882, Rev. George Bosley, of Kenton, Ohio, was appointed rector of Trinity Mission. He served until September 30, 1882, on which date he held his last service in Findlay, and resigned the charge the following November. Since that time no service has been held, and the mission has gone out of existence.

The " Church of Christ, " better known as the Disciples, was organized with twenty-eight members December 14, 1(^84, under the direction of Rev. William J. Lhamon, of Kenton, Ohio. Prior to this various ministers of this denomination preached incidental sermons in Findlay, viz. : Revs. ^^'. M. Broader, M. Riddle, Alanson Wilcox and William J. Lhamon. During the spring and summer of 1884, Mr. Lhamon preached frequently on weekday evenings. In December he held meetings for several days, which resulted in the organization of the society. At the time of organization the work was placed under the direction of the following committee: Henry Shank, Jr. , Henry C. Lanning, A. A. Dillinger, Mrs. Kate M. Kagy, Mrs. Hannah Ross and Mrs. Orpha L. Humason. Services have been held in the Reformed Church, on East Main Cross Street, up to the present. Mr. Lhamon continued to preach for the church until the spring of 1886, when the services of Rev. S. M. Cook, of North Eaton, Ohio, were secured, who now preaches for the congregation, which has a membership of thirty-six.

Secret and Other Societies. - Hancock Lodge, No. 73, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 17, 1846, the charter members being Abraham Younkin, Jacob Carr, Edson Goit, Abel F. Parker and James H. Barr. It is the oldest secret society in the village, and now contains about 210 members. On the 12th of June, 1872. the lodge dedicated their fine hall, located in a substantial three-story brick building, on the east side of Main Street, which they erected that year at a total cost of over $10,000.

The Golden Rixle Encampment, No. 92, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 21, 1866, under a charter granted May 2, 1866, to L. G. Thrall, Charles E. Niles, Sylvester M. Geyer, William McKinnis, Charles J. Krause, William L. Glessner, Henry B. Green and George W. Neeley. The Encampment has a membership of 105, and holds its meetings in the Odd Fellows' lodge room.

Canton Findlay, No. 31, Patriarchs Militant, I. O. O. F., was chartered, with forty-two members, February 1, 1886. It also meets in the lodgeroom on Main Street.

Findlay Lodo-e, No. 227, F. & A. M., was organized under a dispensation January K^'lSo^. On the 22d of October following a charter was granted to Abraham Younkin, AbelF. Parker, Edwin Parker, David Patton, James M. Coffinberry, George Arnold, Adolphus Morse, Eli S. Reed and Cloys B. Wilson, with Abraham Younkin, W. M. ; James M. Coffinberry, S^ W. ; George Arnold J VV The lodge was duly instituted November 9, 18o2, with the followikcr officers: Abraham Younkin, W. M. ; George W. Springer, S. W. ; William L Henderson. J. W. ; Eli S. Reed, Treas. ; David Patton, bee. ; Thomas McKee. S. D. ; John E. Rosette, J. D. ; George Arnold, Tyler. The meetings were hi'st held in the old Jonathan Parker building, on the site of Patterson's Block, and subsequently in the " Old White Corner, " and Joy House Block In 1 878 the lodge obtained their present quarters, on the east side of Main Street north of Crawford, which they fitted up and have since occupied. The membership in good standing is about seventy-five.

Findlay Chapter, No. 58, R. A. M., was organized by dispensation granted March 22, 1854. On the 16th of October, 1854, a charter was granted to Abraham Younkin, James A. Kellum, William L. Henderson, Beniamin Metcalf, S. T. Heffner and George Arnold. The membership is now' about forty, and the Chapter meets in the lodge-room on Main Street.

Findlay Council, No. 50, R. & S. M., was organized by dispensation June 19 1867 and on the 12th of October following James Wilson, H. D. Ballard, B. F. Kimmons, W. E. Snyder, D. B. Beardsley, J. M. Huber, William Anderson, M. B. Patterson and Isaac Bonham were granted a charter. The membership is now fourteen. ^ _ . ,

Findlay Lodge, No. 85, K.of P., was instituted May 27, 187o, with twentynine charter members, '^he charter was surrendered February 24, 1879, and the lodo-e reorganized under the old charter September 21, 1883. It now embraces a membership of forty, and meets in the G. A. R. Hall, in the Patterson block. . . ,

The Harmonia Society, a German musical association, was organized May 12. 1875, with eight active members. This society has fitted up a small hah over Herman Rogge's grocery store, on West Main Cross Street, where they meet for social pleasure. A few concerts are given in this hall during the year, which are well attended by the German population of the

(fharity Lodge, No. 770, K. of H., was chartered September 11, 1878, by D C Connell, Henry B. Green, F. W. Entrikin, Ernest Bacher, W. H. Shuler H W Blecker, J. M. Beelman. G. H. Wheeler, E. G. DeW^olfe, William Edwards, J. C. Bushon and Timothy Fellers. The membership is now only nineteen, and the lodge has not been meeting for some time.

Hancock Council, No. 187, R. A., was instituted in November, 1878, with thirty-four charter members, and has now thirty-eight. Dr. J. H. Roger s dental rooms is their place of meeting. . -, - ^r iooi

Stoker Post, No. 54, G. A. R., was chartered April 7, 1881, with thirty-two members, and has since increased its membership to 120. Ihe Post has a fine room in the Patterson Block, and has accomplished much good since its organization. ^

Stoker Relief Corps, No. 72, G. A. R., was chartered March / 188o, with twenty-eight members. It is composed of ladies, who assist and work in harmony with the Post.

Fort Fiinllay Council. No. 79, N. U., was organized April 18, 1884, with thirty nine members. It meets at the I. O. G. T. Hall, on Main Street.

Rescue Lodge, No. 80, I. O. G. T. , was chartered with thirty-nine members March '21, 1884, and has now over '200. Their lodge-room is located in the Henderson Block, on Main Street. There are two temples connected with Rescue Lodge, and that work in harmony with it, viz. : Mason Juvenile Temple, No. 8U, chartered September 8, 1885, with sixty members, and now has 17'"); and Juvenile Temple, No. 15, chartered November '20, 1885, with twenty members, and now has forty-five. The principal object of the I. O. G. T. is to further the cause of temperance, and rescue fallen humanity fi'om the thraldom of strong drink. To this noble work thousands of earnest men and women all over this broad land are devoting their energies, fighting the demon that has destroyed so many happy homes and wrecked the lives of millions of God's children.

Chapter Xxxii Findlay Continued

Hotels, Manufactoimes, Banks and Public Places of Amusement - ProNEEK Taverns and Present Hotels of Findlay - Leading Manufacturing Establishments of the Past and Present - History of the Successive Banking Institutions of the Town - Building and Loan associations - Early Amusements and Public Halls of the Village - Brass Bands.

AS hotels, manufacturing establishments, banks and places of amusement occupy a prominent place in the business and social life of every town, it is fitting that a chapter in the history of Findlay should be devoted to the past and present of such institutions. The first hotel, or rather tavern, on the site of Findlay. was kept by Benjamin J. Cox, who located at Fort Findlay, in 1815, and took possession of a story and a half hewed-log house, erected and occupied by a man named Thorp during the war of 181 '2. This fi'ontier tavern stood on the east side of Main Street, immediately south of the bridge, and was kejyt by Cox till the coming of Wilson Vance, in November, 1821, whou he had to give it up to the latter, whose brother, Joseph, and Elnathan Cory had previously entered the land upon which it stood. Mr. Vance continued the tavern until 1831, when he abandoned the business. In 1827 board at Vance's tavern was $1.50 per week, and even at that price good, plain, substantial meals were always set upon the table. In 1828 AVilliam Taylor opened the " Findlay Inn" in a small building on the site of Rothchild's liquor store, which he carried on in connection with his store until 1833, when he sold it to Abraham Daughenbaugh, who ran it about four years, and then rented the property to M. M. Nigh. The latter kept tavei'u here a couple of years, and was succeeded by Alonzo D. Wino;. This tavern was conducted a number of vears.

John Bashore erected a large two-story kewed-log building in IS^-^-SO on the site of the Carnahan Block, in which he opened a tavern. In the spring of 1832 the property was purchased by Maj. John Patterson, and Bashore soon aft,erward removed to Lima. In the spring of 18d4 Mr i'atterson located permanently, and traded this property to James H. \N lison for a two-story frame on the site of the Humphrey House, where a tavern had previously been kept by Jeremiah Case, who leased the property from Mr. Wilson. The building was erected by Thomas F. Johnston, who sold it to Mr. Wilson in 1882, before its completion.