Jefferson Township (part 2 of 7)

The first Justice of the Peace was Andrew Coffinberr}', and the first i)rocess issued by him was against his brother George, for chopping on the Sabbath. This was the first introduction of Sabbath-keeping in Mansfield. Prior to that, the day had l)een set apart for hunting, fishing, shooting at a mark and pitching quoits. A iNIethodist societ}^ was organized about this time, which will be noticed hereafter. Much drhiking was indulged in by the early settlers, or some of them. In those days, they had not learned to adulterate their liquors, and, although their whisky caused drunkenness, it did not poison, as is the case at present. The settlers on a certain occasion assembled together, and enacted a law, that any man who should get drunk should dig up a stump on the street or public square. The result was that, in a short time, the town was clear of stumps. One morning after the passage of the law, a man by the name of Henry T. Bell was observed working at a stump on the square, and was asked if he was drunk. He replied that he was not drunk, but expected to be before night, and wanted to pa}' in advance.

For grain and grinding the settlers all went to Fredericktown and Mount Vernon, and horses and oxen were the only means of transportation.* It took two days or more to make the trip, the only stopping-place being at James McCluer's on the Clear Fork, near Bellville. This James McCluer was one of the first Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the county.

The first death in the township was that of Eli Murphy ; he died in a log tavern kept by his father, on the present site of the Wiler House. This differs from the recollection of Henry Newman, who thinks the first deaths were John Coflfinberry, son of Greorge Coffinberry, aged seven or eight years, and an infant child of John C. Gilkison. They died in 1810 or 1811.

The first saw-mill was built by Clement and Robert Pollock ; it was a tramp- wheel mill, propelled b}' three yoke of oxen, and was located a short distance south of the Presbyterian church ; the first carding-mill was built by Robert Pollock, and was propelled b}' horsepower. If Samuel Martin may be considered the first merchant, Levi Jones was the second ; he succeeded Martin in the little cabin on the northwest corner of the square - the first cabin. Jones brought his goods from Canton. Stark Count_y, in wagons, and dealt principally in whisky, tobacco and groceries. The currency was silver ; gold or paper being seldom seen. Coflfee was worth 50 cents a pound, and corn 12^ cents a bushel.

At the first election, there were not enough electors to fill the otfiees - some held two. The first road was opened from Mansfield to Wooster ; the next, to Mount Vernon. In 1812, a mail route was established between Mount Vernon and the Huron River, passing through Mansfield. The mail was carried by one Lewis Facer, on horseback. He made the round trip in four days, Mansfield being the stoppingplace for two nights.

The first post office was estaltlished on a large white-oak log that lay between the two block-houses, on the public square. Here the pioneers gathered to meet the mail-carrier, get their letters and hear the news. If one of them was so fortunate as to get a newspaper, he immediately read it aloud to all his

The first doctor was Royal V. Powers. He came in 1815, tore down that immortal first cabin and erected a frame building, about 18x26 feet and one story high. Here he swung his shingle, kept a few drugs and practiced medicine. Powers afterward settled in the vicinity of New Haven, Huron County, and he and his brother David laid out that place. His sister was the wife of Millard Fillmore.

During the autumn of 1812, Gen. Crooks, with 2,000 men, encamped within the city limits, and assisted the new settlement very materially by clearing oflT about fifty acres of land. They remained until January, and were encamped first on the east side of the square ; but the gi-ound becoming too muddy, they removed to the west side, where they cleared oft' a new camp.

During this winter, a windstorm blew dowii a tree near where the old court house stood, killing two men belonging to the army. It has been erroneously stated that Maj. Wilson was one of the men thus killed. Henry NcAvman says that Maj. Wilson died of disease in his father's cabin, and was buried with the honors of war. Mr. Newman describes the funeral, and says Maj. Wilson's father afterward sent money to his mother (his father, Jacob, being then dead), to pay the expenses of his sickness.

Mr. Weldon, who was one of the earliest settlers, says, regarding these early times : " John Wallace and I went out one day to hunt bees, about a mile north of Mansfield. On the hill, near the Piatt farm, we came on a den of yellow rattlesnakes. We commenced shooting them, and continued to do so until our ammunition failed. The balance of the snakes crawled into a hollow log, and we then went to work and pried it open, killing the balance with clubs. When we had finished our work, we piled up and counted the dead reptiles^ which were 121, all told. One of them had two heads and three eyes. This one we brought to Mansfield and gave to Dr. Bradle3\ * * * He put it in alcohol and kept it several j^ears."

Rattlesnakes were numerous and among the most disagreeable enemies of the pioneers. They were frequently' found in their cabins and even in their beds.

Not more than eight or ten families arrived in Mansfield before the war of 1812, and during that war, few, if anj^, came. Some time during the war, or shortly after, the Coffinberry cabin, on the North American corner, was taken down and a frame building erected, which was occupied by Samuel Williams as a tavern. He kept a good house for those da^s and did a lively business. People were coming constantly, to look at and locate lands. This hotel was afterward moved to the southwest corner of Mulberry and West Market streets, and thence, some years ago, to the southeast corner of Mulberry and Second streets, where it still remains, and is occupied by Dr. Mera as a dwelling. Henry Roop was the next landlord after Williams on that corner, and laid the foundation of the jjresent building.

When the war of 1812 was declared, the settlers, fearing a general Indian massacre, began the erection of block-houses for their protection. The first was erected at Beam's mill, on the Rock}^ Fork, where the first settlement was made. Two others were erected on the public square in Mansfield. The first was erected by a company of soldiers, under a Capt. ShaefFer, from Fairfield Count}'. It stood nearly in the center of the west side of the square. The second was built b}^ a company commanded by Col. Charles Williams, of Coshocton. Its location was a little south of and near the site of the old court house.

Tn 1815, John M. May, the first lawj-er, settled in the new town. He was born in Conway-, Hampshire Co., Mass.; moved to Washington County. N. Y., and came to Marietta in 1811 ; thence to Lancaster, Ohio, where he studied law. When admitted to the bar, he came directly to Mansfield, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1869. His son, Manuel, is his successor in his practice. There were about a dozen families in town when he came. On the east side of the square, a little north of the present Methodist Church, was a little dwelling-house, owned and occupied by James Moore, then Deputy . Sheriff of the count}'. James McCluer, one of the Judges, lived on the northwest corner of Main and Fourth streets. There was a hewed-log house on the present site of the Wiler House, occupied as a dwelling. Andrew Coffinberr}' lived on the southeast corner of East Diamond and Fourth streets ; Samuel Carrothers* and famil}', on the northwest corner, and a little below, on East Diamond, lived David Stevens. John C. Gilkisont lived on Main street, a little north of the Wiler House. Rolin Weldon lived on Fourth street, west of Main. John Gamson lived on the present site of the opera building, and, a few years afterward, opened a store. Joseph Cairns had a rough-log house on the McFall corner, and, soon after, went into the mercantile business. The block-house, on the west side of the square, was used, in 1816, for a school, taught by Miss P]liza Wolf Many of the original forest trees were standing in the square at that time.

The first lawyer who came after Mr. Ma}' was Asa Grimes, father of A. L. Grimes. He only lived a few months after his arrival. The next lawvers were Col. William Cotgi-ave and Wilson

Elliott, who came in 1816. A few years after, James Purdy, Jacob Parker and James Stewart came. The first law student admitted to the bar was Andrew Coffinljerry, who studied with Mr. ^lay. In those da^-s, lawyers traveled with the court from count}- to county. Among those from abroad who attended the courts at Mansfield were William Stansberry,* of Newark ; Hosmer Curtis and Samuel ]Mott, of Mount Vernon, and Charles T. Sherman, of Lancaster. Curtis was the first Prosecuting Attorney, and was followed by Mr. May in 1816.

In 1815, E. P. Sturges came from Fairfield, Conn., and opened a little store in a log cabin, directly opposite the present site of the Wiler House. Soon after, he bought out Dr. Powers, and that corner, where the first cabin was erected, has ever since been known as the "Sturges corner." A Mr. Buckingham Sherwood came with him. They soon did a thriving business. The next year (1816), they enlarged their storeroom, and continued doing business together until 1823, when E. P. Sturges' brother, Edward Sturges, Sr., came, bought out Mr. Sherwood, and the firm became E. P. & E. Sturges. Mr. Sherwood went to Xewark. The Sturges firm continued to do a profitable business, made money rapidly, and became wealthy. In 1862, E. P. Sturges died, the firm was dissolved, H. H. Sturges stepping in and continuing the business. It soon became the wholesale dry-goods house of Sturges, Wood & Witter. E. Sturges, Sr., engaged in banking and various financial enterprises, and in 1869 engaged in the wholesale grocery business with his son, E. P. Sturges, with whom he continued until his death, in September, 1878.

Indians were quite numerous around Mansfield, in its early life, but not hostile until the war of 1812. They frequently came into the village for traffic, bringing game, furs, berries, etc. Huckleberries and cranberries were very plenty in Ashland County, and the New Haven marshes, as they still continue to be. The Indians usually came in companies, and when in liquor, as was usually the case before leaving, were very noisy and troublesome. Their custom, however, was to appoint two or three of their number to keep sober while the others were drunk. The squaws, too, would take away and secrete the knives and tomahawks of those who appeared to be getting dangerous. In these drunken frolics their yells could be heard for miles. The yell of an Indian is peculiar to itself, and cannot be exactly imitated by a white man. It has a shrill and metallic ring aV)0ut it, that is wholly unlike any other sound, and could be recognized anywhere, and at any time. The amusements common among the settlers were feats of strength, running, jumping, wrestling, pitching quoits, pla^'ing l)all, and fist fighting. The crowning daj^ was muster day, as '' fun " would be plenty. A great deal of whisk}' would be drank, and the " more fights the more fun." Different sections of the county seemed to be arrayed against each other, as is the case in all early settlements. The Black Forkers were alwaj's boasting their superiority- over the Clear Forkers, and whenever these two factions met there was sure to be a fight, especially when whisk}- was plenty. The Clear Forkers were happy whenever they were fortunate enough to " clean out ' the Black Forkers, and clcr versa.

On one occasion, when Joseph Cairns kept a small store on the McFall corner, an old Indian chief by the name of Mooney, threw his tomahawk, from Miller's corner, at Cairns. It stuck fast in the door frame, within a few inches of Cairns' head.

The first brick house in Mansfield was built on the site of the Opera House Block. It was first occupied by Clem. Pollock, a wheelwright by trade, and a son-in-law of Judge McCluer.

1820, numbered about two or three hundred inhabitants. The houses were few and far between. There were a few tolerably good frame buildings, and one brick house on the lot where H. R. Smith's store yet remains. - H. R. Smith's Opera Block now occupies the site of that brick house, or nearl}- so. It did not stand on the street, but back some distance. The second brick house was the Hedges dwelling, on the northeast corner of the square, still standing, and the third Avas down on East Market street - it is also standing. There was no building bordering on the east side of the public square, except a round-log cabin used as a butcher's shop, and standing where now stands the brick building of E. Hedges, Esq. The greatest number of houses and shanties were on West Diamond street, and the next greatest number on I]ast Diamond street. There was a log house on part of the present site of the Wiler House, kept by the jovial and enterprising John Wiler, for his own benefit and that of the emigrants, to this county and further west. There were two dry-goods stores ; one on the northeast corner of the square, kept by Sturges & Sherwood, and one a little further north, by Robert McComb. In 1821, there was but one physician. A. O. Miller, until, I think, about the close of that year, when his brother, G. B. Miller, came to this place. They were associated in practice, and were highly esteemed as citizens and physicians."

He thus descriljes the old court house : " In 1820, about the center of the public square, a little south from where the present court house stands, there was an edifice about 30x20 feet, and two stories in height. The lower story was constructed of hewed logs, that had been originally used in another part of the town for a block-house. The second, or upper stor}-, was frame work, and the house was weather-boarded on all sides, both above and l^elow. The stairway leading to the entrance of the second stoiy, was outside the buildino-. on the north side, and the building was not painted eitlier inside or out. This edifice served for various purposes, and was a kind of an omnium gatliprum (this last word is not to be lound in any ancient Latin dictionar}'). People of all denominations, except the Methodists, who had a small frame church in the northeast part of the village as early as 1 820, worshiped in the upper story. There, too, the county courts were held, and public meetings generally. On the east and west sides of this room were fireplaces, and a stove right in the center, and often in the coldest weather, by reason of the flues drawing downwai'd instead of upward, the fuel had to be carried out or the fire quenched, or the inmates suffered by smoke. In that room, I preached every alternate Sabbath for two or three years. The Judge's bench was on a slight elevation above the floor, and the fixtures in front of it, and the appearance around the bar, were in perfect harmon}' with the appearance of the room and house. The lower story was divided into three apartments ; the west half being used as a jailer's residence. and the south apartment of the east half as a cell - a close, tight place - wliere criminals were confined, and were said to sufler considerably sometimes by the rats ; the north part of the east half was a place of confinement for persecuted debtors. ' Mr. Henry Newman, still living at Br3-an, Ohio, adds the following regarding this : -- The hewed-log block-house was built in the fall of 1813, about three rods east of the main street, in the direction of the old court house. The logs that formed the under story were dovetailed ; the under and upper floor laid with hewed logs. The under story, after the war, composed the first jail ; the upper story projected eight inches on every side, and was large enough for a court house for the county. It had one twelve-light window, 8x10 glass, on the gable end (north end), and port-holes above and below. " It ma}' be added that the lower part of this edifice was of double logs, with a space between filled with stones ; at least such is the evidence of several old settlers, though Judge David 3IcCullouh, still living on East ^Market sti-eet, and who came in 1822, thinks this a mistake. He says the logs were nicely hewn, and laid very closely together, but the wall was not double. Mr. Rowland says maple sugar was from 4 to 6 cents per pound ; land from $2 to $6 per acre ; wheat 37^ cents per bushel, and wood from 75 cents to $1 per cord.

Mrs. Mariah H. Smith, still living in a log house (weatherboarded over), on South Main street, came to town in 1823, and moved shortly afterward into that same house. She says the old original Wiler House was moved up on South East-Diamond street, where it still remains. There was a small block-house at that time on South Main street, on the south side of the run, where Roop's, and afterward Ritter's, tanyard was located. Jacob Newman's cabin was further up the hillside, where Mrs. Ritter now lives. Andrew S. Newman, son of Jacob Newman, the first settler in Richland County, died January 31, 1872. He was born in Richland County in 1811, and always resided in ^lansfield. She remembers attending the Methodist Church on Water street, near the big spring, and that she went through the hazel brush to get to it. There was a carding-mill where the waterworks are now located, which carded the wool that was spun and woven into cloth by the settlers for their clothing.

Mrs. Elizabeth Grant, formerly Carothers, who still lives on Fourth street, came in 1815. Her statement is interesting, but as it is a repetition of what has alread}- been written, it is not given fully. She says that on the southwest corner of West Market and Mulberry streets was a pottery, where crocks, etc., were made, kept by a man named Locke, an uncle of '' Petroleum V. Nasby." She has now in her possession some of his pottery ; she has also a small tub made by the first cooper - a Mr. Maxwell, who kept a shop near the big spring. This Carothers family was- one of the earliest in town, and, in some respects, a remarkable one. They are all now living except Rebecca, who died in November, 1879, and with this exception, and that of the father and mother, no death has occurred in the famih' for seventj'- four years. These children were born very near each other, the youngest being now sixty, and the oldest seventy-one.

Mr. James Purd}-, still living on West Market street in the eight3'-seventh 3'ear of his age, and in full possession of his mental faculties, came to Mansfield in 1823. He was born in Hopewell, York Co., Penn.. July 24, 1793. The following are a few of his personal recollections. He has always lieen prominent in the town and city, and, in the active period of his life, identified with its material growth and prosperity' : -'When Gren. Hedges laid out the town, he donated a square of ground on each corner of his plat for public purposes. This square was equal to three lots. The one on the southwest corner (where the First Ward Schoolhouse is now located) was donated to the Presl:)yterians for a grave^^ard. This grave^'ard was abandoned man}' years ago, most of those Ijuried having been removed to, and reburied in, the present cemetery. The square on the southeast corner was donated to the town for a grave- 3'ard ; and those on the northeast and northwest corners, for school purposes. One of the first schoolhouses was erected on one of these - the one on the northeast corner, where the soap works now stand. At that time, Robert McCombs* kept a store on the southwest corner of Third and Main ; Hugh McFall opposite, on the northwest corner ; a Mr. Ewing, opposite the North American, and Sturges and Sherwood on the Sturges corner. There were three hotels - the Wiler House, the Williams House (on the site of the North American) and a small

McOonibs was born February 17, 1797, in Washington Co., Penn., and came to Mansfield in 1817, engaging in the mercantile business. Retiring from this business in 1842, he became interested in railroads, and was a Director of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newarlc Railroad until his death, April 20, 1865.

"In 1816, a bank was started opposite the North American on Main street. It was called a bank, but never had a charter, and closed up in a few months, but lasted long enough to ruin most of its stockholders. The next bank was started in 1846, by Messrs. Patterson & Co., on the west side of the square, on the spot where the Farmer's Bank is now located. It did Inisiness a good many years, Ijut was not permanent. The first permanent Imnk was started by Mr. Purdy himself, in 1847. The lawyers were Ma}', CoflSnljerry, Purdy and Burr. Ma}' had a little 8x10 frame office on the southwest corner of Market street and the public square. There was quite a frog pond in front of his office. It was called Lake ]May. It was occupied extensively by frogs in summer, and used by the boys in the winter for a skating-rink.

"James Moore was Sheriff, and also a Captain of militia. Harry Wilcox was Sherifl[' after Moore. The doctors were Bradley, R. V. Powers, two brothers by the name of Miller, and Dr. Sweney, before the arrival of Dr. William Bushnell in 1828. Ellzey Hedges was Justice of the Peace.

" There were two tanneries, one kept by John Pugh, on Main street just below the site of the City Mill, and the other liy Edward Grant, on the run, west side of South Main street. Three hatters were here - John Mann, the first one, on Main below the Wiler House ; Nattie Bryan, in the hollow on South Main, and Henry Bell, near the southwest corner of the square. The cabinet-makers were James Smart, a little below the Wiler House ; Jacob Lindley, on the northwest corner of West Market and Walnut, where the Baptist Church now stands ; and Samuel Wolf, on the southeast corner of West Market and ^luD^erry, where Mr. John Woods dwelling stands. Lindley afterward, about 1830, built a brick tavern on his lot and called it the Mansion Honse, kept by liimself. In the winter of 1827-28, there were 270 people, men, women and cliildren, in the town, by actual enumeration.

" The early settlers were without transportation for their grain, part of which was worked up into whisky b}' a few small distilleries, and sent by way of Sandusky to Detroit, and sold to the Indians to assist in their civilization. Furs, pelts, gentian, smoked venison hams and rags were taken in trade by Mansfield merchants and sent to Pittsburgh in four-horse wagons. Jen-y Jaques, Jim Downs. Tom Cantwell, Sam and John Creigh were the teamsters in those days." IMr. Purdy gives much other valuable history, which will he found elsewhere in its appropriate place.

Mansfield H. Grilkison is responsible for a few items following : Stephen Curran went out one day, near the spring, to make clapboards, and, while he was at work, left his dinner on a stump. Happening to look in the direction of the stump during his labor, he saw a large black bear helping himself to his dinner. Curran, finding he could not scare bruin away by yelling at him, attacked him with his ax. The bear showed fight, but Curran was also plucky, and finally the bear beat a retreat ; but ran directly toward the public square, where he was overtaken by Curran, who seized him by the tail. The Irishman had, in the mean time, been making considerable noise, and quite a crowd had collected. The bear whirled rapidly about, Curran holding to the tail for some time, until, his hold slipping, he was thrown several feet away, and, notwithstanding the crowd, or. very likely, because of it, the bear ran awa}^ down the ravine behind the North American, and escaped.

He says the first show in town was that of a lion, exhibited in a barn on the alley in rear of the former location of the Farmer's Bank, opposite the North American. He thinks the first sermon was preached by the Rev. Van Eman, a

Presb3'terian. on South Main street, where the Lexington road forks. He spoke in the open air, and stood on a platform made entirelj' of round logs. Other logs were lying about for the use of the audience. Jacob Lindley was first Mayor, and John Gr. Peterson first ^larshal of the town.

At a Methodist Episcopal Conference, held in ^Mansfield in 1872, the famous old Methodist *^ircuit rider, Mr. Harry 0. Sheldon, was present, and made the statement that he assisted in organizing the first temperance society in Ohio. It was organized in the old log court house on the square, and himself and Rev. James Rowland, then living, were the only surviving members of that society. He also stated that he organized the first Salibath school ever held in Mansfield. He was at that time (1872), editor of the Oberlin Xeic Era. He must have followed very closely the Rev. William James (not Jones), who was the first Methodist preacher, and, very likely, the first preacher of any denomination in Mansfield. It cannot be certainly ascertained whether it was James or Yan Eman, the Presbyterian preacher. James was gored by a bull belonging to himself and killed.

Hotel-keeping seems to have been the principal business in those earh- days. About every other cabin was used at one time or another for a " tavern." A great many people were coming and going, looking at and entering lands, surveying, etc., and nearly all the earliest settlers became tavern-keepers. Mr. John Wiler, who is still living, was among the first of these. He came to Mansfield in 1819, a single man. He understood baking and brewing, and rented of a Mr. Styers, who lived in the country, near town, the log building then standing on the site of the Wiler House, probabl}' the same building erected by Murphy. Here he started a bakeshop, and after a time started a brewery, or a small establishment down on the flat, which he called the " Devil's Teapot," where he manufactured ale or Iteer. and perhaps spirits, and kept a saloon in addition to his bakery. He soon did a good business and made money. He was a hearty, go-ahead, jovial fellow, and those who indulged in the -' ardent " (and there were few who did not in those days) liked to patronize Wiler, partly on account of his genial disposition and partly because he always laid a nicely sugared cake on top of each glass as he handed it out. He was thrifty and paid Mr. Styers the rent promptly. After a time, he concluded he could make more money by keeping a hotel in addition to his other business ; but he was a single man, a seriovis obstacle to his plans. He was not a man, howev er. to let difficulties so small as that stand in his wa}'. Mr. Styers, his landlord. had several girls, ' and one day, when j Wiler went to pay his rent, he asked Styers for one of them for a wife. That gentleman brought out his oldest daughter, arrangements were soon made, and in a short time the Wiler House came into existence. This lady proved to be one of the best of wives. The marriage took place in 1819. Mr. Steers assisted the young couple b}' presenting them with the property, and in a short time the enterprising and industrious Wiler added to it, and in 1831 built a two-story brick, which is yet a part of the Wiler House. Additions have appeared from time to time until the building reached its present grand proportions. It has been well managed, alwaj's considered a first-class house, and so remains at present.

St. .James Hotel

The very excellent hotel, now known as the St. James, also has something of a history. Samuel Bukias, before mentioned as the first tinner, had his shop on that corner. He owned two small frame houses then, standing together, in one of which he lived. These caught fire and burned down. During this fire, Mrs. Bukias escaped from the burning buildings and ran through the crowd to the Wiler House ; then, remembering her baby, ran back, caught it up, wrapping it in her apron, and again pushed her wa}' through the crowd to the Wiler. Being greatly excited, she had dropped the liabe in the street, and did not miss it until she came into the house. Almost frantic, she ran back again and found it in the street, unhurt, among the tramping, rush and confusion of the excited crowd. Bukias afterward died, and his widow married a man named Felix Leiter, who started the first hotel there in 1830 or 1831. The building was frame, and was also destroyed by fire. Tn 184:4, a Mr. Teegarden built a small brick hotel there, which he called the Teegarden House, the beginning of the present structure. It has changed hands and names man^- times, lieing called for a long time the Weldoii House, Mr. James Weldon, son of Rolin Weldon, being its owner and proprietor. He died Fel)ruary 20, 1872. He came to Mansfield in 1810, when be was six years of age, remaining here until his death. He learned the l^lacksmith's trade with his father, and afterward dealt largely in stock with John U. Tanner. In early daj^s, he made sugar every spring just east of town, his camp being located j where the Mennonite Churcli now stands. From ! the public square to the creek on the east, was, at that time, one of the finest sugar-tree groves in all this region. Old settlers remember the wooden bowl which he always kept well filled with sugar, free to all comers. After the return of Gov. Bartley from Coii^ress, he and AVeldon engaged in the drj'-goods business together. He was in the mercantile business nearly fort}^ years. The St. James has been remodeled and added to from time to time. Al)out 18G0. it was purchased b}' its present owner and i)roprietor. Mr. Lewis Yonhoff. and some time after its name changed to St. James. It is first class in every particular.

The Phwnix Hotel, which occupied the corner of North Park and East Diamond streets, was one of the oldest in the city. It was destroyed by fire on the night of November 23, 1866. some of its inmates barely escaping with their lives. It had not been used as a hotel for some years before it was destro3'ed, but had, just he- | fore the fire, been repaired hy its owner, H. C. Hedges, and generally been made over into storerooms and offices. After its destruction, Mr. Hedges built a brick block on its site, which was also destroyed by fire soon after its completion, and in 1872 he erected the present substantial and roomy structure.

The old ^Mansion House was among the earliest hotels. >t occupied the corner of West Market and Walnut streets - was erected and kept l)y JacoV) Lindley, the first Mavor of the town. The Baptists purchased it. pulled it down, and erected the present substantial church.

Among the later buildings, for hotel purposes, is the Atlantic House, foot of Main street, erected in 1864. by the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad Company, and was opened for l)usiness in January, 1865, by C. C. Townley, its first proprietor. Four years after, in 1860. Barnard Wolf erected a fine brick hotel, on the corner of East Diamond and Fourth, which he called the Barnard House. It is brick, four stories, and will accommodate about 150 guests. It now bears the name of the Sherman House. In addition to these, there are the Euro"i3ean. Tremont. North American, and several other hotels, of more or less importance. Next to the Wiler, the North American stands without a rival in age. It is a question which is the older of these two. but the probability is. the first " tavern " stood on the site of the North American. This building has been added to. fi'om time to time, until it is quite spacious. Aliout 1873. it was purchased by Mr. Jabez Cook (since deceased) and Mr. Ritter. These gentlemen remodeled and rebuilt it in its present shape. It is still an excellent hotel, kept, at present, by Homer Wright. Mr. Ritter. one of the owners of it, and his brother, came to this countr}- in 1818, landing at Baltimore. William died. Novemlier 8. 1873, aged sixty-one ; Joseph lived nearly a j'car longer, dying October 2<». 1874, aged seventynine. They came from Brakerl. Westphalia, Germany. Joseph worked at his trade (tanner), in Baltimore, until 1822. when he removed to Canton. Ohio, and from there to ^Mansfield, in 1833.

The City Churches

The First Presbyteeian - The Congregationalist - The Associate, Associate Reformed and United Presbyterian - The Methodist Episcopal Church - The First Baptist and Central BAPiist Churches - English Lutherans - Chi'kch of Christ - St. John's - Reformed Presby'tekian - St. Paul German Lutheran - St. Peter's Catholic - Grace Episcopal - African Methodist Episcopal - Church of God - Believers in Christ.

MANSFIELD ought to l)e, and probably is, proud of its churches, and of the interest taken in religious matters. There are sixteen churches in the city ; they are generall}^ plain and su))stantial, but some of them are spacious and beautiful. The Congregational Church, on West Market street, is justly celebrated for its beauty and finish. If churches are an indication of civilization, this city can justly feel that she stands in the front rank.

In 1815, the village of Mansfield consisted of twentj^-two houses and two block-houses. That year the Rev. George Van Eman, the first Presbyterian minister here, began his labors. The services were held in the upper room of the block-house, on the square, which was then used as a court house. The following extract is from an address of Rev. S. W. Miller, published in 1876. He says, referring to Rev. Van Eman : " He was certainly the first Presbyterian minister, and, in all probability, the first minister of an}- denomination who preached in Mansfield." Mr. John Weldon says : " I think Dr. James (evidentl}- referring to William James, the well-known pioneer Methodist), was the first preacher that settled in Mansfield. He was a Methodist, and built a log house on the corner of Third and Water streets." On the other hand, the following positive statement is preserved, made in 1838, by Henry Newman, who is still at Brj-an, Ohio, in full possession of mind and memory : " The first man who held religious meetings in Madison Township was Rev. Bowman, a pioneer missionary. The neighbors met at my father's cabin, three miles down the Rocky Fork from Mansfield ; in all there wei'e about eight or ten hearers, including work-hands. The place is now better known as Beam's Mill. The second preacher in Madison Township was Rev. Ceorge Van Eman, a Presbyterian. He collected a congregation in 1814 or 1815, in Mansfield, and served the people until Rev. James Rowland came ; and, about the same time, Rev. William James came. The Rev. Charles Waddle, and the Rev. Somerville, of the Methodist Church, came to Mansfield in 1816. About the same time, or soon after, the first Methodist Church was built, a little southeast of the Big Spring, and, shortly after, the Presbyterians built a church on tiie hill on East Diamond street, where the new church now stands." It will be observed that the above statement is clear on two points : first, that the Rev. Bowman was the first minister who preached in the township ; and, second, that the Rev. George Van Eman was the first minister who preached in the town of Mansfield. There is abundant testimony that Mr. Van Eman was preaching here in the fall of 1815. The First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield was organized some time in the year 1816, by James Scott and George Van Eman, who were directed to do so by the old Presbytery of Lancaster. At the organization, there were six male members and seven female. Two Elders were elected - George Coffinberry and Richard Hoy, the former of whom had been an Elder before coming to Mansfield ; the latter had been a member of the Associate Presbyterian Chnrch. In 1820, when the Associate Presbyterian Church was organized in Mansfield, he transferred his membership thereto, and was at once intrusted with the. same important office. In 1817, G. BerryJiill, Mathias Day, and Noah B. Cook, were elected and ordained Ruling Elders.

Mathias Day, Sr., was born in Chatham, N. J., in 1791, and came to Mansfield in 1816. He was a master carpenter, and superintended the erection of nearly all the early buildings in Mansfield. In 1817, he married Sophia Grimes, who then held the office of County Recorder. After their marriage, the office was transferred ' to ^Ir. Dsiy, who held it foui'teen years. He was long a member of the Presley terian Church, and a strong antislavery man. He died JMarch 21, 1866.

Mr. Van Eman was installed by the Presliytery of Lancaster. The exact date is unknown, but it was prior to October, 1817, the date of the erection of the Presbyter}' of Richland b}' the Synod of Ohio. Mr. Van Eman applied for a dissolution of the pastoral relation in May, 1820, but was not dismissed until August the same year. There was no church edifice in his time, the services lacing sometimes held in .private houses, but generally in the court house. In his report to the Presbytery in April, 1818, he says : " Mansfield Church consisted of fort}'- five members, April 1, 1817. Since added, on examination, fifteen ; on certificate, ten ; total now in communion, sevent}"." In 1867. he writes to Mr. Davis : " When I came to Mansfield, there were about ten communicants ; when I left, about forty."

request of the church, then consisting of about twent3'-five members, the Presbytery appointed him stated supply for one-half of his time for one year, the church promising him $200 on subscription, at the same time allowing him onehalf his time for suppl^-ing other churches contiguous to Mansfield. He was ordained June 26, 1821, and installed April 8, 1823. During his pastorate, which continued over seventeen years, being from April, 1821, until November 25, 1838, one-half his time for seven years, and the whole of his time afterward, he preached within the bounds of this church thirteen hundred and seventy sermons ; baptized fort3'-eight adults, and three hundred and thirty-two infants ; solemnized two hundred and fiftj-seveji marriages, and received into the communion of the church, on examination and profession of faith, two hundred and twenty-two. and on certificate one hundred and fifty-seven. After the dissolution of the pastoral relation, in 1838, Mr. Rowland continued as stated supply until April following ; and also supplied the pulpit at subsequent times, as occasion I'equired, living among them i;ntil his death in 1 872. as a prudent and loving father and friend. Sometime during the earl}^ part of his ministry, a frame church was erected on the spot where the present edifice stands.

Mr. Rowland was succeeded in April, 1839. by Alexander M. Cowan. His was a stormy pastorate, and was terminated in August, 1842. In the autumn of 1840, a second Presl\yterian Church was organized, as the result of a long and bitter controversy between two factions. The church was al>out equallv divided, and the fire only burned higher and waxed hotter by virtue of the oil that the Presbytery poured upon it. until, for the sake of peace, a second organization was granted. This organization erected and occupied the building on Mulberry street, now used by the Roman Catholics as a school. Of that church, Mr. Rowland was stated supply for a time. and. after him. the Rev.

F. A. Shearer, who was installed in November. 1843, and continued to hold that relation until the two churches were re-united by act of the Presbytery, in 1846. After Mr. Cowan, the pulpit was supplied for a longer or shorter time in succession, b}' S. M. Templeton, in 1842 ; Evan Evans, in 1843 ; W. C. Kniffln, in 1844 ; T. F. McGill, in 1845; James W. Dickey, in 1847 ; J. E. Marquis, in 1854 ; J. W. McGregor, in 1857. The latter resigned in October of the same year, and was succeeded by J. R. Burgett. His labors, though brief, were greatly blest to the church, lifting them to new life and vigor ; and the months of January and Feliruruary of the following year were made memorable by the addition of seventy -five new members. The people said, '-Let us arise and build."

The corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid on the 17th of Septemlier, 1858, and the first service held in the basement February 25, 1859, Rev. John Loyd preaching on the occasion. Mr. Burgett was followed, in November, 1859, by Hemy R. Wilson, D. D., who continued until September, 1860, when Mr. Rowland again officiated until March, 1861. At this time. Rev. Greorge Morris received a unanimous call, and occupied the pulpit until November, 1863. During Mr. Morris" time, the audience chamber of the new church was occupied for the first time, dedicatory services being held August 20, 1862, the congregation having worshiped several years in the basement. Following Mr. Morris, came Thomas K. Davis, who was installed Septemlier 21.1865. He remained until January 1, 1867, when he resigned, and, in the following May, David Hall, of Brady's Bend, Penn., became Pastor. During his pastorate of six years and eight months, much good was accomplished, and 181 members added to the church. He was a man of great ability and energy, and much beloved by his people. On the retirement of Mr. Hall, the Rev. S. W. JNIiller, was chosen Pastor.

Mr. Miller was elected Pastor March 30, 1874 ; preached his first sermon May 8, 1874, and was installed June 9, 1874. The growth of the church has, under kind Providence, been rapid and encouraging, and now numbers about three hundred members.

During the five years ending April 30, 1879, 175 persons were added to the church, 95 on examination and profession of faith, and 80 b}' certificate from other churches ; $19,388 has been contril)uted, being an average of $3,879 annually, distributed as follo^'s, viz., $2,179 to the missionary work of the church at large, and $17,219 to the work of the church at home. During the past year, the ladies have refitted the interior of the church, the expense being about $1,600, making it in beauty and comfort second to none in the city. Rev. Miller resigned the pastorate in April, 1880. and the pulpit is now vacant.

The officers of the church are : Ruling Elders, Joseph Smart, Thomas McBride, J. J. King, John Simpson, Ph. D., L. J. Bonar and William McCoy ; Trustees - Thomas McBride, J. J. King, E. J. Forne}', Joseph Hedges and A. C. Patterson.

The Presbyterian Salibath School was the first organized in Mansfield, and is therefore the pioneer. The exact date of its organization cannot be ascertained, but it was between the years 1816 and 1819. It was organized where the finst meetings of the Presbyterian Church were held, in the block-house on the square. The Presbyterians claim to have organized this school, but it was attended for some years by Christians of other denominations. Scholars were then too few to divide up, and all worked together for the general good. Mathias Day came to Mansfield in 1817, and it is supposed he was the first Superintendent. When Mr. James Purdy came in 1823. he was elected Superintendent. At that time, there were no Sunday-school books, the Bible and hj-mn-book onl}- being used. It was the onl}' school of this kind until

1826, when the Methodists felt strong enough to have one of their own. The Presbyterian school was continued without interruption in tlie old frame church, on the corner where the present church stands, until 1857. when the frame building was taken awa^' to make room for building the new church, and the Sabbath school was held for awhile in the P]piscopal Church and in the old Baptist Church, on East Third street. About this time, there being some division in the church, the school was discontinued for a short time. In October, 1857, it was again organized, and a Mr. Furgeson elected Superintendent, followed shortly l)y a Mr. King. It was held in Melodeon Hall, ])ut soon removed to Sturges Hall. Here it continued until the lecture-room of the pres6nt church was completed. In 1861. Hon. William Johnson was Superintendent. He was followed by Mr. Vance ; the Pastor. Thomas K. Davis, and Mr. Crawford Spear. Mr. Vance was re-elected in 1865. and served until some time in 1866, when L. J. Bonar. the present Superintendent, was elected. Mr. Bonar has filled the important position long and laithfully, and the school has greatly prospered and grown under his judicious management. He entered upon the work with great zeal, which has not flagged for a moment. Not only has the school been kept in a prosperous condition. Init other schools have grown out. and are considered part, of it. In 1869, a school was started at Canton, China, through Miss Hattie Noyes. ^ The collections of this school were sent out to Canton, and were used in sustaining the branch Sunday' school, with a membership of twentyfive girls. In the summer of 1865. the Union Colored Sunclaj' School, of Mansfield, was organized, mainly through Mr. Bonars efforts. Its meetings were held on Sabliath afternoons, and Mr. Bonar was for some time its Superintendent. This was an undertaking of much difficult}', as many of the members, having been recently freed from slavery, were unable to read. A night school was established, in which these people were first taught the rudiments of the English language. ^Ir. Isaac Pleasants, a colored man, was afterward elected Superintendent, and the school was continued some years under his charge, when it was placed under the care of the Young Men's Christian Association. In the fall of 1869, a Sunda}' school was organized in John's Addition, under the auspices of the Presbj'terian Sunday School. Its first meeting wai^ at the house of Mr. A. W. Lobach, there being no church in that part of the city. By permission of the Board of Education, it was held for some time at the schoolhouse. Mr. Bonar was Superintendent of this Sunday school until 1870, when Mr. Hamsher was elected.

The organization of the Congregational Church of Mansfield was first agitated in 1833. In the autumn of that year, James B. Walker, then a layman, happened in 3Iansfield on business, and was requested, by Mathias Day, Sr., and others, to draft a paper, containing the reasons for and articles to the organization of a new ecclesiastical societj^. This paper contained, in part, the following : '-ResoJced, That we will form ourselves into a new ecclesiastical societ}', whose oliject shall be to employ an evangelical minister, of the Presbyterian or Congregational denomination, and to use all other means to promote the influence of the Grospel in the town and county of which we are residents."

To the articles of association were appended the following names : Thomas Smith, Thomas Taylor, Daniel Cook, Williamson Carothers, Samuel Smith. William Maxwell, Thomas Smith, A. Sutherland, Luther Cook. Robert Bowland, Robert 3IcComb, E. P. Sturges, Jedediah Smith, Edward Sturges. J. ^I. May, Jacob Parker, M. Douglas, Jr., Edwin Grant, Davitl AVise. John Walker and Robert Lowry.

In 1835, this association resolved to have a church building, and formed a meeting-house association, of which Thomas Smith was President ; P]. P. Sturges, Treasurer ; Williamson Carothers, William Maxwell, C. L. Avery, C. T. Sherman and Robert McComb, Directors. The}' proceeded to purchase four acres of ground, on West Market street, upon which they erected a substantial brick l;)uilding, with basement for lecture and Sabl)ath-school purposes. April 8, of the same year, the Congregational Church of Mansfield was organized, by the Rev. P]. Judson and Rev. Enoch Conger, memljers of the Presbytery of Huron, Ohio. The}' made the following minute of the organization : " We, the undersigned, being present at Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, on the 3d day of April, A. D. 1835, as missionaries of the American Home Missionary Society, proceeded, in compliance with their request, to organize the persons whose names follow, into a Congregational Church of the Lord Jesus Christ : George L. Hovey, Elizabeth Hovey, Sarah G. Nelson, Belinda Curtis, Jerusha M. Sturges, James Loughridge, John E. Palmer, Edwin Grrant, Mariah B. Sutherland, John Walker. Sarah Hoy and Nancy Smith."

Thus, in brief, was founded the church, which has made for itself a history, has become an ornament and honor to the city, and whose channel of usefulness is broadening and deepening with each succeeding year.

Shortly after l)uilding the church, a comfortable frame parsonage was erected on the same lot. During the first year, more than forty members were added to the church, most of whom had counseled its organization, and part of whom joined by letter from other churches. Thomas Smith, Daniel Cook, William Maxwell, John E. Palmer and 3Iathias Day were chosen Deacons. The following are the names of the Pastors: Seth Waldo, from August, 1835, to

August, 1836 ; Theodore Keep, from October, 1836, to May, 1837 ; Leonard Parker, from November, 1837, to September, 1840. Rev. Parker was succeeded by John Keep, who labored during a portion of the year 1842, and was succeeded by James B. Walker, who remained four years. Greorge M. Maxwell was in charge from 1846 to 1850, when Mr. Walker was recalled, and remained several years. During his absence in Europe, in 1854, Rev. Mr. Ely, of Rochester, N. Y., occupied the pulpit. Following Mr. Walker, were W. W. Woodworth, Starr H. Nichols, J. G. W. Cowles. J. E. Twitchell, E. B. Fairfield and S. B. Bell. The latter was not installed, but supplied the pulpit for eighteen months.

During Mr* Fairfield's pastorate, occurred some of the most important events in the history of the church, by which it gained a national reputation. The Pastor's stand regarding the troubles of Plymouth pulpit is well known to the reading world. On the 18th of August, 1870, the old church, around which clustered many tender memories, was destroyed by fire. This fire seemed almost to have been a providential occurrence. The old church was somewhat dilapidated ; seemed, as it were, to have outlived its usefulness ; was not up to the requirements of the time, or the needs of the congregation, and }'et was too good to abandon. Some of the members were in favor of building new, but many yet clung to the old ; the fire .came to end this controversy. Subscription papers were immediately circulated, money pledged both inside and outside the organization, and, in the course of time, the present magnificent edifice .was an accomplished tact. Mr. Fairfield was an incessant worker in the building of this church. It was dedicated June 8, 1873, and is a building of which the entire city is jvistly provid. One thing only remained to mar the pleasure and dampen the hopes which the building of this church brought with it ; a debt of $40,000 hung like a pall over it ; and, when the panic of 1873 burst suddenly upon the countiy, no midnight storm-elond, hanging continually above its graceful steeple, could have been more depressing in its influence. Five years passed under this cloud - years of alternate hope and despair ; and, meanwhile, Mr. Fairfield and Mr. Bell had retired, and the Rev. Frank Russell, the })resent Pastor, was installed May 15, 1878. The church liad been somewhat divided li}- internal dissensions, which seriously impaired its progress and usefulness. Earnest efforts were at once inaugurated to remove the one great cause of trouble. A correspondence was opened with Mr. Kimball, of Chicago, the celebrated church-debt Extinguisher ; Jiis services secured, and, on the 29th of September, 1878, he made his appearance in the pulpit of the church, in his favorite role. In one week from that day the entire amount had been pledged ; the pall was lifted, and the church stood in the sunlight of freedom. Mr. Kimliall started the ball rolling, and it was kept rolling through the heroic efforts of a few influential members, until the end was reached.

At this date, these subscriptions are being rapidly and promptly paid (good times having returned), and the future outlook for the church is as bright as its friends could wish.

The church has shown its enterprise by bringing the telephone into practical use within the last few months. To enable invalid members to enjo}^ divine service at their homes, a Blake transmitter is neatl}- attached near the platform occupied by the minister. Invisible wires reach out to the residences of those desiring telephonic connection, where, by appl3ing a Bell receiver, every word uttered by the Pastor. as well as the vocal and instrumental music, is distinctly heard. It is believed this church enjoys the distinction of being the first to successfully appl}- electrical science ia this manner.

when ' the first was issued, but the second one made its appearance in 1851, when the Rev. J. B. Walker was Pastor. There were 95 members at that time. A third manual appeared in 1856, while it was still in charge of Mr. Walker. The membership had increased to 289. In 1869, a fourth manual was brought out by the Pastor, Rev. J. E. Twitchell. The membership was 38-1:. A fifth is now in course of preparation b}' Rev. Frank Russell, and promises to be more complete than any yet issued. It will contain a complete digest of all matters pertaining to the church, and will make a valuable book for study and reference. The present meml>ership of the church is 557.

In 1852, the Congregational Church of Marietta issued a call for a general conference of the Congregational churches of the State. This Conference was held here on the 23d of June of that year, during the pastorate of 3Ir. Walker. He was Moderator of the conference. Fortythree churches were represented by 73 delegates. It was ascertained that there were 33 English and 12 AYelsh churches in the State, with a meml)ership of 2.515. Since that first conference, it has continued to meet regularl}- on the first Tuesday, Wednesdaj^ and Thursday in Ma}' of each ^ear. At present, it is composed of 14: local conferences, representing 229 churches in the State, with 170 ministers and a membership of 23,392. These churches report 26,690 pupils in their Salibath schools. The Centi-al North (local) Conference, with which it is connected, was also organized in this church.

One of the most actiA'^ and eflficient organiizations in this church is the Ladies" Aid Society. During all the struggle for the building and payment of the debt, it has distinguished itself for zeal, carefulness of management and wisdom of expedients. They have raised over $19,000 during ten years, and. at the meetings for raising funds for the payment of the debt, courageously assumed 14.5(10 more. Avhich, l)y continued effort, they are surel}' canceling.

A Sabbath school has been connected with the church since its organization, and is now strong in numbers, with an efficient and active corps of teachers. H. L. Reed is Superintendent.

The Associate Churcli was called the Associate Congregation of Mansfield, and was organized in 1826 by the Rev. John Walker, of Harrison County, Ohio. The Finneys were prominent and influential in the organization. Before the erection of the church, meetings were held in the upper story of the old court house, as was the case with other early religious societies. Rev. Samuel Hindman was installed Pastor at the organization, and continued until 1841. when he resigned. During his pastorate, a pleasant lot was purchased on West jNIarket street and the frame church erected, which is yet standing. It was built in about 1834. The early members were John, James and William Finney. Samuel Craig and Mathew Morrow - the latter doing the carpenter-work.

In 1843. Rev. J. L. McLean was settled Pastor, and continued until 1853. In 1854, Rev. D. W. Collins was installed, and continued until the union of this church with the Associate Reformed, in 1858, at which date the numl»er of memliers was fifty-two.

The union left a few members in this church, who would not go into the union. The}- remained as a church, but have not been al)le to support a regular Pastor. Services are still held, however, about once a month. There is no Sabbath school connected with the church.

The Associate Reformed Church is almost as old as the city, a few persons having met to consult about its organization as early as February 2. 1818. At this preliminary meeting, Andrew Ritchie was Cliairman : John Stewart, Secretary, and Richard Hoy. Corresponding Secretary. The latter was instructed t(^ write to the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky regarding the organization. A committee was also appointed to ascertain the number of persons willing to enter the organization. The petition for an organization was granted b}' the Associate Reformed Presl\ytery of Monongahela. and the Rev. William Taggart appointed to officiate. This was in June, 1820. Twenty-seven persons connected themselves with the organization ; of these, Richard Hoy, Robert Finney and James Larimer were chosen Ruling Elders. Mrs. Margaret Stewart only remains of this original congregation. Like other earh- religious societies, their first meetings were held in the old court house, and aftenvard in the old Methodist Church on Water street, between Third and Fourth ; also, part of the time in a building on South Main street. Their first minister was Rev. James Johnson, who entered upon his duties in November, 1821. He was called by this congregation and the one on Clear Fork, afterward Troy, and divided his time between these and a church at Utica, Ohio. In the same year (1821), measures were taken to erect a building. Money was scarce, and the congregation generally helped b}- giving materials, time and labor. The brick for this church was made on the east part of the lot on which it stands, b}^ a Mr. Ridgeway, who came from Pennsylvania for that purpose. Services were held as soon as the outside walls, floor and roof were in place, the building being warmed by iron kettles, filled with charcoal ; the windows, being open, permitted the escape of gas.

When this church was finished, it was the finest and most substantial building in the town. It is yet standing on West Third street, plain, solid and comfortable. The church seems to have prospered under Mr. Johnson's preaching, and many members were added from time to time. His pastorate extended over a period of moi*e than thirt}' 3-ears. He retired in 1850, but his pastoral relation was not dissolved until 1852. He was rather a remarkable man, being of fine presence, address, and very eloquent. He was a graduate of Washington College, in 1814. At the time of his retirement, about sixty -five or seventy families were connected with the church. He received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1850. He died in 1858.

Rev. William Dalzell was called in 1853. and remained about three years, when he resigned to connect himself with the Old School Pres-. l)yterian Church, and the pulpit was vacant until April 2-i, 1858, when the Rev. David Paul was called.

In 1838, negotiations were commenced for the the purpose of uniting the Associate and Associate Reformed denominations into one organic bod}'. By various steps, and especially by mutual consideration of a variety of propositions and terms of union, the two churches became gradually more harmonious in their views, until 1856, when a general basis of union was proposed for the consideration of both churches. In May, 1857, this basis of union was adopted hj both bodies as the terms on'which they were agreed to unite. May 26. 1858. the union thus agreed upon was formally consummated in Pittsburgh, Penn.. the united body assuming the name of The United Presbyterian Church of North America."

After this consummation, the Rev. David Paul and the Rev. David Collins, of the Associate Church of Ontario, labored as copartners in these two churches. This relation continued aliout a year, when the congregation at jNIansfield gave a call to Dr. Paul for all his time, and the church at Ontario called Dr. Collins. Mr. Paul filled the pulpit very acceptably until 1864, when he resigned to accept the presidenc}' of the Muskingum College. Rev. Joseph McKee followed Mr. Paul, and was Pastor until 1866.

In June. 1867. the congregation, in connection with that of Monroe, made out a call for the Rev. D. H. French, the former taking two-thirds, the latter one-third of his time. In 1870, the congregation petitioned the Presbytery for the whole of their Pastors time, w^hich was granted. Mr. French lalv ored faithfully, eft'ectively and acceptably for twelve years. When he entered upon the pastoral charge, there were sixty -three members on the roll. In the Sabbath school were three classes, three teachers, and seventeen scholars. The membership is aljout one hundred and ^ixty, and the number of pupils in the Sundayschool 133. ,

The Ruling Elders are James Clark, Samuel Hill, Robert B. Maxwell. Dr. D. R. Johnston, R. G. Wallace and David Sturgeon. Trustees - John Neel. William Johnson, John P. Ferguson, William Rusk and R. N. Stewart. Mr. French resigned November 3, 1870. having accepted a call in Dayton, Ohio. His last sermon was preached December 7. He was much beloved by his people, and, in his retirement, was followed by their prayers and benedictions.

It is to be regi-etted that the larger part of the history of the ISIethodist Episcopal Church is involved in obscurity, and that those immediately interested in it have foiled to keep a record, especially one tliat would throw light on its early history. The history of no other church in the city would, perhaps, be so full of interest as this ; yet, while the history of the others is comparatively complete, no official record has l)een kept. or. if kept, either lost or neglected ; and all that is left for the historian is to collect the few scattered items in old publications, which occasionally crop out in the history of other churches, and which still live in the memory of its older members. These extracts are very meager indeed.

Of one thing, however, there is no doubt : that is, that the first church erected in the town of Mansfield was a Methodist, and the organization was one of the earliest, if not tlie earliest, in the town. Dr. William James, a Methodist missionary, settled in Mansfield soon after the town was laid out, probabh' between the years 1810 and 1814. It is a question whether he or Rev. Mr. Van Eman. of the I'resbyterian Church, was the first to preach in the town, Init the fact that the Methodists erected the first church building and that their missionaries, generally", were in advance of the early settlements everywhere, may be taken as evidence that Dr. James was the first preacher of any denomination in the town. John Weldon, a well -remembered pioneer, says that William James was the first preacher that settled in Mansfield ; and the historian of the Presbyterian Chui'ch, while conceding this, still claims that Rev. Yan Eman preached the first sermon in the town. This, howe^-er, is not known ; there is no proof of it, and it is reasonable to suppose that, as Mr. James came here for the purpose of preaching, and was here before the others, he preached the first sermon.

Mr. Weldon says that Rev. James was followed by Charles Waddle and Rev. Mr. Somerville. and that all three were here before 1816. Rev. James built a log house on the corner of Third and Water streets, which would indicate his intention of settling here permanently. He did not live long, being horned 1)y his bull, from the effects of which he died. Henry Newman says the first Methodist church was built about, or before, 1816. It stood on Water street, between Third and Fourth. At that time, other buildings had been erected around the big spring, and this was one of the most important parts of the new town. This church was frequently used by other denominations during those early 3'ears. Mrs. Smith, who, in 1823, was living on North Main street, where she now resides, remembers picking her way through the hazelbrush to this church. The well-known circuitrider, Harry 0. Sheldon, was one of the earliest preachers in this church ; it is certain that he pi'eached in it as early as 1818, and that, ten years later, he was stationed here. He claims to have formed the first Sal)l)ath school ever held in Mansfield, and while he does not say that it was formed in this church, the probal)ilities are that such was the case, as it would be natural for a ]Methodist preacher to select a a Methodist church in which to organize a Sal>- bath school, if such a church existed at the time. This is about all the earh^ history that could be gathered of this church.

After using this old church many years, they sold it, in 1837, to the Lutheran and German Reformed organizations, Avho occupied it until 1852, when it was abandoned.

The Methodists built a new frame church, yet standing, on the corner of East ^Market and Water sti-eets. This church must have been erected about the year 1836 or 1837, when the old one was sold. This building they occupied more than thirt}' j-ears, commencing the erection of the present fine, substantial brick edifice, on the east side of the square, in 1867. which, however, was not finished until 1870. Dedication services were held on the 3d of July in that year, by Bishop Clark and Rev. Dr. Pershing. The cost of the building Avas $35,- 000. On the day of the dedication, $8,000 of this remained unpaid, but the amount was raised the same day, and the new church started on its career of usefulness free from debt. ReA'. J. A. Mudge, since deceased, was a hard worker in the building of this church.

The histor}' of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield dates back to 1818. In November of that year, Elder French, a missionary, visited jMansfield and held meetings in private houses. Some of these meetings were held in the house of ^lordecai Bartle^', two miles northwest of Mansfield. Mr. Bartley was received for baptism by Revs. French and Matthew Cunen and his mother, who had l)een members of the Baptist Church before they came to this country. Afterward, they received WilHam Van Horn and wife. Charles Stewart and Elizabeth Bartley. These formed a conference for divine worship, and constituted the first organization of the Baptists in this part of the country. The first minutes of their meetings appear April 17, 1819. Mr. Bartlej' was Moderator and Mr. Cunen, Clerk, and, on the 15th of Ma}' following, they agreed to be constituted into a church, to be called the Mansfield Church. The number of names at that time enrolled in the organization was fifty -three, among the most prominent of which were Mordecai Bartley, D. I. Swinne}', Nehemiah Storj*. Matthew Cunen, Eliphalet Flint. John Palmer. John C. Gilkison, John Rigdon, Robert Bentley, Baldwin Bentle}-, Charles Spoouer, Richard Woodhouse, Peter Ogden. James M. Gilkison and their wives. This membership was scattered through all the townships adjoining Madison, and meetings were held in different places in the county to accommodate the membership. This organization continued many j'ears, but, as the county grew and increased in population, organizations began to be formed and churches Iniilt in the diflferent townships, and this organization was thus divided, the memliers withdrawing and joining the organizations in their respective townships.

It was not until 1838 that an organization was formed in Mansfield, called the First Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield, but which was constituted the Second Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield. p]lder Isaac Bloomer was first Pastor of this church. He came as a missionary from the Home Missionary Society in the fall of 1838, and held services in schoolhouses and in the court house during the winter. The council, which was called to recognize this organization as a chui'ch, met Mai'ch 16, 1839, and consisted of Elders Jones, Going, Sage, Cosner, Converse and Cox. Nineteen persons united with the church, either b}' letter or

Benjamin Thomas, Luther L. Hill, S. B. WelDster, Lewis L. Still, J. M. Winn, George Wilson, R. Newton. David E. Thomas and John Fulton. The latter occupied the pulpit in 1859, and, in December of that year, the church was divided, thirty-nine members withdrawing and forming the Central Baptist Church of Mansfield.

This church was organized Jan. 7, 1860. at the residence of George Armentrout, by George Armentrout, Mary Armentrout, B. Dunn, Fanu}' Dunn, Isaac Hedrick and wife, W. S. Hickox and wife, and othei'S. The fine, substantial brick church, now standing on the northwest corner of West Market and Walnut streets, was erected in 1862, at a cost of about $25,000. It was dedicated January 17, 1863. J. W. Osborn was first Pastor, and continued preaching for the congregation eight years. He was followed by S. A. Collins, J. Barstow, E. D. Hunt, John E. Chessore, T. J. Seigfried and J. W. Davis. The present membership is 125. The organization of the Sundaj' school was coeval with that of the church, and now numbers about 100 pupils. H. Colby was first Superintendent.

The S^mod of ^laryland and A'irginia sent the Rev. F. J. Ruth, the founder of the English Lutheran Church of Mansfield, to this city, where he preached the first sermon in the Presbyterian . Church, October 1, 1831. He found but six persons in the town at that time who were Lutherans ; but, in the summer of 1832, he organized the church with fifteen members. Some of these were Jacob Hammer and wife, George Coher, George Peterman and wife, JMr. Flory, wife and daughter, Samuel Startzman and wife, Mr. Shroeder and wife, and a few others whose names are not now known. Their first meetings were generally held in the old coui-t house. Having seen the church fairl}- on the road to prosperity and permanence, Mr. Ruth left it in 1835, and was followed, in 183G, l)y George Leiter. He preached for both the Knglish and Cxerman Lutherans, at that time united in one congregation, under the title of the English and German Lutheran Congi'egation of Mansfield. For some time, the congregation worshiped in a schoolhouse situated on the southwest corner of the lot upon which the market-house is l)uilt. In 1837, the}' united with the German Reformed congregation in purchasing the old Methodist Church on Water street - the first church erected in the town. This they jointly occupied until the fall of 1852, when, l)y mutual consent, the property was sold, the building having become unfit for use. In 1849, the English and German Lutherans separated, and the societ}- was incorporated under its present title. The Pastors were : George Leiter, six years ; H. K. Henick, one year ; George Leiter, recalled, two years ; J. H. Huflfman, four years. In 1849, the Rev. S. Fenner was installed, and remained seventeen years. During Mr. Fenner's pasto;i'ate (1851), the lot was purchased, on which a substantial brick church was erected, which was dedicated October 16, 1853. Rev. :M. J. Firey followed 3Ir. Fenner. and, during his pastorate of six years, the church was enlarged to its present dimensions. The present Pastor, Rev. D. ^\. Smith, followed Mr. Firey. and has filled the pulpit very acceptably nearly eight years. During the year 1879, a society was organized within the chui'ch, -for church work." It is divided into the following committees : (1) on visitation. (2) on sick, (3) on poor, (4) on missions, (5) on Sabbath school, (6) aid society. It promises to be very efficient.

The present membership of the church is 350 ; the Deacons are A. J. Bortz, Elias Troutman, 31. D. Harter and Samuel G. Eyerly. Elders are B. Bair. Daniel Gerberich, Abraham Small and S. S. Balliet. Trustees - David Bell, Lewis Bowei's and Leonard Sheets.

A Sabbath school was organized in 1849. The Superintendent is James Livingston, and present membership, 355. The contributions of this school, for the last 3'ear. for missionary purposes were $177.82.

The Church of Christ, in 3Iansfield, was organized about the year 1834. James McYay was doing the work of an evangelist in the West at that time, and was influential in the organization. He arrived in Mansfield in 1833. At the organization, James and John Gilkison, and. soon after, Benjamin Gass and William B. Hammett, were chosen Bishops. Their first meetings were held in the old court house, and in the ballroom of the old Wiler House. This church was founded by Alexander Campbell, and has been known as the Campbellite and Disciple Church. In 1836. they occupied the building belonging to the Disciples, at the foot of Walnut street, on the present site of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad freight depot. In addition to the Bishops, abovt named, John Read, John Rigdon and James Porter took part in the dedicatory exercises, and John Read preached part of the time for the three years immediately following the ministry of James McYay.

In 1837, William Gass Avas chosen Bishop, and preached irregularly for a number of years. In 1850, he was induced to move to Mansfield, preach three-fourths of the time and take pastoral charge of the church. This relation continued one year. In addition to the alwvenamed ministers, the following gentlemen preached at various times for a number of years : William Dowling, James Porter, John Rigdon, William B. Hammett. John Moody, C. E. Yanvoorhis, Daniel Swinney. J. H. Jones, Isaiah Jones, George Lac}', Jonas Hartzel, William Moody and Henry Dixon.

In 1840, a church was erected on the corner of Mulberry and Bloom streets, and was occupied until 1870, ,when the present comfortable brick building, on East Third street, was

From ISGO to 1862, W. H. Maitin was Pastor. He was followed by N. A. Walker, 1865 ; Robert D. Gardner, 1866, and John Darnell. In April, 1867, Rev. A. Moore commenced preaching in the church, and continued irregularly until February, 1879, when he resigned. In 1867, the membership w-as 107. Protracted meetings were held at various times - one in 1866, by J. W. Lowe ; one in 1869, by N. A. "Walker ; one in 1870, by A. B. Green and J. H. Jones, and others later, by which many members were added to the church. Hiram Woods was called by the church in 1870, and continued preaching two j'cars. He was followed by A. C. Read and Henry Cogswell. The present membership of the church is 125. and the present Pastor, Rev. G. W. Kemp. A Sunday school was organized in 1854, by John Neal, who was an active and efficient Superintendent for several years. It is still continued under the Superintendency of ^I. W. ^Mason, with a membership of sixt^'-five.

St. John's Church, located on the southeast corner of First and ^lullierry streets, was erected in 1865, and cost about $16,000. This organization was effected January 1, 1845, Rev. Mr. Hundsch being the first minister. April 3 of the same 3'ear, the corner-stone of the old frame church was laid. This church cost al)out $2,000. and occupied the same ground upon which the present substantial brick building was erected. The old building is still doing duty at the soap-works on Fourth street. At the first organization, George Bauer and Theobold Allvater were Elders, and Simon Kauffer and Phillip Piester, Trustees. Some of the original members were Frederick Volkert, Heinrich El)ler, Peter Sauch, Christian Brimkman, Leonard Balliet, Jacob Heldman and Peter Ptemy. The following were the ministers, in the order named : Rev. ^Messrs. Weiscotten,

The congregation now numbers 103 families, and is a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America. The Sunday school was organized aliout the time the old church was erected, and has been in an active and healthy condition since ; it now numbei'S 125 children. Tlie Supei'intendents have lieen L. Wolfart. P. Rissler. William Durr and A. Kallmerton. The library numbers about one hundred and twenty volumes.

The meetings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church are at present held in Philharmonic Hall. northwest corner public square. The church was organized October 10. 1878, by H. P. McClurken. D. D., and Elders J. Ptobinson and R. Johnston,- a commission sent for this purpose by the Ohio Presbytery. The names of the original members are William P. and p]lizabetli Clarke, James Raitt, William Gregg, John Anderson, Sr., Elizabeth Anderson, Johnston McKee. Mrs. Mary McKee, John Anderson. Jr.. W. J. Anderson, Rol)ert B. Adams. William H. Garrett, James Reynolds, Mrs. Snodgrass, ^liss Walker, Mrs. ^IcKibbon, ^Irs. E. O'Neil, ^Irs. ^lary Thomas. Renwick Thomas and Miss E. Bowden. The first meetings of this organization were held in the Young Men's Christian Association rooms. Sturgis Hall building, corner of ^lain and Thirtl streets. It is the expectation that a church building will be erected during the coming- year (1881).

The St. Paul German Evangelical Lutheran Church is on West Third street. The Grerman Reformed and Grerman Lutherans were united in the first organization of this church, which occurred on the 5th of March, 1852. The principal members of this society were Christian Bruckman. Henry Balliet, John Krause, Sr., Phillip Beck and a few others. The minister was Rev. Mr. Hess. The present comfortable brick church was erected in 1860, at a cost of about $2,000, and the present organization effected in 1863. The principal members of this original oi*ganization were John Krause, Sr., Coonrod Berg, Adam Risch, Henry Schmunk, Phillip Beck, Balthaser Ahlheim, John Mathias, Peter Ackerman. Adam Beck and John Steiner. The first minister was Herman A. Schmidt, who was also the founder of the church. He was followed b^- Conrad Kuchn, Gottfried H. Trebel, Ludwig Krebs, the present Pastor. The membership includes 108 families.

The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church. Phillip Beck was first Superintendent, Peter Ackerman is now Superintendent, with a membership of about one hundred.

St. Peter's Catholic Church is located on the corner of First and Mulberry streets. It was organized in 1855, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rappe, of Cleveland, Ohio. The first Pastor waa Rev. P. Krensh. Some of the first members were Jacob Sholl, Barnard Yeager and Matthew Shambs. The first church, a wooden structure, was purchased from the Presbyterians in 1853, and used until 1872. when it was taken away and the present beautiful brick building erected. The first Pastor was Rev. J. Maloney, followed by F. Gallagher, F. Kuhn and others, each of of whom remained two or three years. The present Pastor, Rev. A. Magenhann, took charge September 7, 1869. Two hundred families are included in the congregation. The Pastor is supported by a pew rent and ^'oluntary contribution. The church has been honored during the present pastorate by many noted Catholic visitors, among whom were the Archbishops of Milwaukee, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Denver City, Colorado.

Grace Episcopal Church, situated on AVest Third street,was organized by Rev. J. W. Cracraft in 1846. Benjamin Johns was the principal founder and was mainly instrumental in organizing the parish and erecting the church. The principal original members were Benjamin Johns, Philip Bartley, Uzziel Stevens, H. B. Horton, John Harvey, Mr. and Mrs. Barrett, Mr. Beach and Mrs. Sherman. Two years after the organization, the present neat, comfortable brick church was erected. J. W. Cracraft served from 1846 to 1850 ; Rev. Austin, 1851 ; H. Blackaller, 1851 to 1856 ; P. H. Jefl'ries, 1856 ; R. L. Gauler, 1859 ; T. G. Wells, 1862 ; James Trimble, 1864 to 1869. In 1870, the present able Pastor, S. A. Bronson, D. D., was installed. The Sunday school was organized soon after the church was erected, and now numbers about fifty pupils ; C. S. Doolittell is Superintendent.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church is located on East Diamond street. It is not at present owned by the congregation, which is small, numbering only about twenty members. It was organized at that place in 1875, the principal members being George Conley, Philip Harris, Judge Sheffield, William Steward and Mrs. Rachel Steward and Mrs. Isaac Pleasants. The ministers have been Rev. Armhouse, Neely Jackson, William Mackedew, N. L. Bray and J. W. Jackson. The Sunday school connected with this church was organized by Mr. L. J. Bonar, in 1865, in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bonar was Superintendent for several years. After him Mr. Isaac Pleasants has occupied that position acceptably. The membership is about thirtyone.

The Church of (lod. located in Jolms' Addition, corner of Orchard street and Maude avenue, was organized in 1870, In' Rev. J.AV. Senseuney or Sencsenny. of Upper Sanduslcy . Some of the first members were John F. Miles. J. W. Myers and John Foreman. The church (a frame) was erected in 1871. at a cost of $G,600 ; before this, the meetings were held in the schoolhouse. 8ome of the Pastors are (). H. Betts. G. W. Wilson. M. Coates and J. S. 3IcKee. The present Pastor is Solomon Cline. The membership is fifteen. The Sunday school was organized in the fall of 18(j9. by L. J. Bouar. Superintendent of the Presbyterian Sunday School. It first met at the dwelling of Mr. A. W. Lobach. and afterward in the schoolhouse until the church was

A society calling themselves Believers in Christ worship in a small church located on East Market street, erected about 18G3. at a cost of $1,500. It was first organized in 1850. and the early meetings were mostly held at the private dwellings of Mr. Frederick Lautz and .Mrs. ]Minn. These, with Mrs. Case, Mrs. Brehm and a few others, formed the first society. Their first minister was Joseph Bella. The present membership is about sixty ; and the present minister, S. Sorg. A Sunday school was organized in 1868. and is still in a healthy, condition, with a memliership of alwut twenty-five.

Chapter Xlix Schools, Press And Post Office

The Pioneer Schools and Teachers of the City - The First Schoolhouses - Division into Districts - The Present System of Teaching - The Female College - The Superintendents of the Schools

Press - The Olive - Mansfield Gazette - Western Hfrald - Ohio Spectator - Richland Whig - Ohio Shield - Shield and Banner - Richland Jeffersonian - Mansfield Herald - Morning Pennant - Richland Bugle and Independent Press - Mansfield Courier - Ohio Liberal - Richland Democrat - Sunday Morning Call - The First Post Office - The Early Mail Routes - Stages - Postmasters- Location OF Post Offices - The Business of the Office.

Ypt he was kind ; or, if severe in aught, The love he bore to learning was his fault. The village all declared how much he knew, 'Twas certain he could write and cipher too."

THE present system of public schools in the citj^ has been in operation more than twenty years, during which period great advancement is supposed to have been made over the old system of public teaching ; manj- of the best citizens of Mansfield having put their shoulders to the wheel and kept them there until the schools of this city have been pushed to the front rank of the public schools of the State. A complete history of these schools and their progress would be interesting, but of the early schools veiy little is known, and that little is unwritten, existing only in the memory of " the oldest inhabitant."

In gathering the general history it is found that wherever half a dozen families settled near each other (and from one to five miles was called near in early days), they first established a school and a place of worship. So deeply rooted and firmly established in the American heart is the fundamental idea that the common school is the hope of the Republic, that every opportunity for establishing a school was improved. Hence the early schools were taught years before the settlers were able to construct schoolhouses, and before any puljlic money could be obtained for that purpose. These were " subscription " schools. The teacher, or '- schoolmaster," as he was more frequently called, carried around his subscription paper ; parents of children agreeing to give so much per scholar for a certain time, or a certain number of weeks or months, and the teacher recei^-ed his pay when the work was done ; teaching the future statesmen wherever he could find an empty room or cabin. Thus it was with the early schools of Mansfield. Among these first schools was one taught by Eliza Wolf in one of the block-houses on the square. This lady was the sister of John M. May's wife and the mother of W. W. Drennan, of Plymouth. Her school was probabl}' the first in the town, and it may be proper to say here that she was also the custodian of the military stores which occupied one of the block-houses during the war of 1812, and \)j reason of her connection with this position, became intimately acquainted with a number of the leading officers of the army. She seems to liave-l)een a lady of rare tact and ability.

These block-houses were for several 3ears used for schoolhouses, churches aud public halls. Among the first calling built in the town was one on the east side of the square where Hedges" new block now stands. John 3Iull taught school in this cabin in 1817. Mull taught several years in the town. In 1821, he is found on West Third street teaching in a one-story dwelling house, directl}' opposite the United Presbyterian Church - the building standing between the McFall dwelling and J. H. Cook's dwelling. A few of his pupils were John Stewart" s two ])oys. Mansfield, Hiram, G-eorge and Eliza Gilkison. John Loge, Perry Walker and Jane Lindley. Mull was a cripple, but a verj' good teacher for that day. He used to sit on a stool in the center of the schoolroom with a whip in his hand sufficientl}- long to reach every scholar. In this wa}', he managed to keep order without leaving his seat. The younger scholars of those days were taught their letters and their multiplication table in a rather novel manner - the letters being pasted on one side of a little board made in the shape of a paddle, and the multiplication table upon the other side. This paddle had a small hole bored through one end. and was hung up when not in use. It may fairly be presumed that it was occasionally used for other purposes than those mentioned.

John Lowery taught one of the earliest schools in a two-stor^' frame building, which occupied the site of Dougherty's tailor-shop on South Main street. This building had been put up by Elijah Lake for a warehouse. Lake kept a store in it for some time ; and was afterward Clerk of the Court, the same building being used for a court house while the late structure was in course of erection on the square.

A ver}' earl}' school was taught in a onestory log cabin, which had been erected and used for a dwelling, immediately south of the log house occupied by John Wiler for a tavern, on Main street. James Russell taught one term here, and, during this term, an incident occurred illustrative of the customs of those times. It was customary to bar the teacher out on Christmas, and require him to treat before he could again take possession. It may be remarked that this custom is still in vogue in ueai'ly all the more Western States to-day. When 3Ir. Russell found the door barred, he attempted to capture the place by assault, but, failing, climbed to the roof with the intention (probably not serious), of entering by the chimney. A hot fire in the huge fireplace beneath, however, drove him l)ack ; he was compelled to retreat, and, it may he inferred, in some confusion. The most surprising part of the business was the demand of the future sovereigns, which was fico (/ii/h)us of irJn'xki/. some cakes, apples, etc.

AVhen Judge McCluer kept a kind of tavera on the old Lamberton corner - site of the savings bank - being, probably, unable to keep up the supply of pork and cornbread his numerous guests demanded, without some outside assistance, he concluded to rent part of his building for a schoolroom, and placed a board partition across one room for that purpose. Alexander Kearn taught here one winter. ^Irs. Or ant remembers going to school to him. and that she could look through the cracks of the board partition and study anatomy on the numerous hogs the Judge had slaughtered and stored in the next room. Kearn taught a select school of about a dozen scholai's.

Judge Stewart, in his younger days, was among the" earh' teachers in 3Iansfield. He taught a select school in a dwelling-house on the corner of Second and Wahuit streets. The lot is now owned by Dr. W. H. Race. The Judge also taught a select school on Market, between Walnut and 3Iulberry, in a two-story log house, owned and occupied by John C. Gilkison. Stewaits school was in the upper part of the house ; a stairway being erected on the outside of the buildino-. The house stood on the east half of the lot now occupied by Dr. Craig. He only taught here one winter, as the children made so much racket over Mrs. Gilkison's head, that she concluded to dispense with the school. During the next season, however, the Judge succeeded in having a small frame schoolhouse erected on the next lot east of Mr. Gilkisons, where he continued his school. This is believed to have been the second schoolhouse erected in the town, and was built mainly by the efforts of the Associate Reformed Church, of which Rev. James Johnson was Pastor. One of Stewart's pupils was a young lady, very prett}', it is said, b}- the name of Loughridge. She lived somewhere in the woods, a mile or two from town. The Judge fell in love with, and married, her. Their onh* child is now the wife of Secretary Sherman.

M. H. Gilkison says the first schoolhouse of which he has any recollection, and, he believes, the first in Mansfield, was located on East Diamond street, west side, lietween Third and Fourth, on the northwest corner of East Diamond and the alley which connects East and West Diamond. It was a frame, about fifteen feet square. He thinks John O'Brien was the first teacher. O'Brien, in common with several other early teachers, drank too much, but was a very good teacher for the times. A man by the name of Timberlick, a lady named Emil}^ Ann Teny, and James Russell also taught in this house - the latter several years. Some of the pupils were George Carothers, Hannibal Pugh, Alexander Mann and sister, Mr. Neal, Alexander Curran, Ralph Hedge, Mansfield H. and George Gilkison, Joseph Cairns, Orin Terr^', and Joseph and Andrew Newman.

Church. David Bright, afterward Sheriff of the count}', taught there at one time. James Brice also taught there in the winter of 1830-31. A school was taught at an early day on South Main street, near where Dr. Race now resides.