Jefferson Township (part 6 of 7)

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 Chairman; John Stewart, Secretary, and Richard Hoy, Corre- The latter was instructed to write to the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Kentucky regarding the organization. A committee was also appointed to ascertain the | Pp . . number of persons willing to enter the organization. The petition for an organization was granted by the Associate Reformed Presbytery of Monongahela, and the Rey. 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 early religious societies, their first meetings were held in the old court house, and afterward 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 Rey. 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 by. giving materials, time and labor. The brick for this church was' made on the east part of the lot on which it stands, by 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 more than thirty years. 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.

Rey. William Dalzell was called in 1853, and remained about three years, when he resigned to connect himself with the Old School Presbyterian Church, and the pulpit was vacant until April 24, 1858, when the Rev. David Paul was called.

In 1838, negotiaticns were commenced for the the purpose of uniting the Associate and Associate Reformed denominations into one organic body. 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 by 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. ' about a year, when the congregation at Mansfield 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 presidency 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 Pastor's time, which was granted. Mr. French labored faithfully, effectively 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 about one hundred and sixty, 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, 1879. 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 regretted that the larger part of the history of the Methodist Episcopal | Church is inyolved in obscurity, and that those immediately interested in it have failed to keep a record, especially one that 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 been 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 the earliest, in the town. Dr. William James, a Methodist missionary, settled in Mansfield soon after the town was laid out, probably between the years 1810 and 1814. It is a question whether he or Rey. Mr. Van Eman, of the Presbyterian Church, was the first to preach in the town, but 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 Church, while conceding this, still claims that Rev. Van Eman preached the first sermon in the town. This, however, 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 Rey. James was followed by Charles Waddle and Rey. Mr. Somerville, and that all three were here before 1816. Rey. 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 by 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 years. 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 QO. Sheldon, was one of the earliest preachers in this church ; it is certain that he

,preached in it as early as 1818, and that, ten years later, he was stationed here. He claims to have formed the first Sabbath school ever held in Mansfield, and while he does not say that it was formed in this church, the probabilities are that such was the case, as it would he natural for a Methodist preacher to select a a Methodist church in which to organize a Sabbath school, if such a church existed at the time. This is about all the early 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, who 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 streets. This church must have been erected about the year 1836 or 1837, when the old one was sold. This building they occupied more than thirty years, commencing the ereetion 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 was $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. Rey. J. A. Mudge, since deceased. was a hard worker in the building of this church.

The history of the First Baptist Church of Mansfield dates back to 1818. In November of that year, Elder French, a missionary, visited Mansfield and held meetings in private houses. Some of these meetings were held in the house of Mordecai Bartley, two miles northwest of Mansfield. Mr. Bartley was received for baptism by Revs. French and Matthew Cunen and his mother, who had been members of the Baptist Church before they came to this country. Afterward, they received William Van Horn and wife, Charles Stewart and Elizabeth Bartley. 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. Bartley was Moderator and Mr. Cunen, Clerk, and, on the 15th of May 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. Swinney, Nehemiah Story, Matthew Cunen, Eliphalet Flint, John Palmer, John C. Gilkison, John Rigdon, Robert Bentley, Baldwin Bentley, Charles Spooner, 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 years, but, as the county grew and increased in population, organizations began to be formed and churches built in the different townships, and this organization was thus divided, the members withdrawing and joining the organizations in their respective townships.

constituted the Second Regular Baptist Church of Mansfield. Hlder 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 church, met March 16, 1839, and consisted of Elders Jones, Going, Sage, Cosner, Converse and Cox. Nineteen persons

Benjamin Thomas, Luther L. Hill, 8. B. Webster, 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, Fanny Dunn, Isaac Hedrick and wife, W. 8. Hickox and wife, and others. 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, H. D. Hunt, John E. Chessore, T. J. Seigfried and J. W. Davis. The present membership is 125. The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church, and now numbers about 100 pupils. H. Colby was first Superintendent.

The Synod of Maryland and Virginia sent the Rey. 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, Mr. 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 court house. Having seen the church fairly on the road to prosperity and permanence, Mr. Ruth left it in 1835, and was followed, in 1836, by George Leiter. He preached for both the English and German Lutherans, at that time united in one congregation. under the title of the English and German Lutheran Congregation 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 built. In 1837, they united with the (German Reformed congregation in parchasing the old Methodist Church on Water street - the first ehurch erected in the town. This they jointly occupied until the fall of 1852, when, by mutual consent, the property was sold, the building having become unfit for use. In 1849, the English and German Lutherans separated, and the society 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. Huffman, four years. In 1849, the Rev. S.

years. During Mr. Fenner's pastorate (1851), _the lot was purchased, on which a substantial brick church was erected, which was dedicated October 16.1853. Rev. M. J. Firey followed Mr. Fenner. and. during his pastorate of six years, the church was enlarged to its present dimensions. The present Pastor, Rey. D. W. Smith. followed Mr. Firey, and has filled the pulpit very acceptably nearly eight years. During the year 1879. a society was organized within the church, '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, M. D. Harter and Samuel G. Eyerly. Elders are B. Bair, Daniel Gerberich, Abraham Small and §.8. Balliet. Trustees - David Bell, Lewis Bowers 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 year, for missionary purposes were $177.82.

The Church of Christ, in Mansfield, was organized about the year 1834. James McVay 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, above 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 McVay.

In 1837, William Gass was 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 abovenamed 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. Vanvoorhis, Daniel Swinney, J. H. Jones, Isaiah Jones, George Lacy, 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 1860 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 was 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 years. 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 M. W. Mason, with a membership of sixty-five.

St. John's Church, located on the southeast corner of First and Mulberry 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 year, the corner-stone of the old frame church was laid. This church cost about $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 Ebler, Peter Sauch, Christian Brimkman, Leonard Balliet, Jacob Heldman and Peter Remy. The following were the ministers, in the order named: Rey. Messrs. Weiscotten,

The congregation now numbers 103 families, and is a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America. The Sunday school was organized about the time the old church was erected, and has been in an active and healthy condition since ; it now numbers 125 children. The Superintendents have been L. Wolfart, P. Rissler, Wiliam 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. Robinson and R. Johnston, a commission sent for this purpose by the Ohio Presbytery. The names of the original members are William P. and Elizabeth Clarke, James Raitt, William Gregg, John Anderson, Sr., Elizabeth Anderson, Johnston McKee, Mrs. Mary McKee. John Anderson, Jr., W. J. Anderson, Robert B. Adams, William H. Garrett, James Reynolds, Mrs. Snodgrass, Miss Walker, Mrs. McKibbon, Mrs. E. O'Neil, Mrs. Mary 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 Main and Third 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 German Reformed and German 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 comfort- "able 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 organization 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 by 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 Muiberry streets. It was organized in 1855, by Rt. Rey. Bishop Rappe, of Cleveland, Ohio. The first Pastor was Rev. P. Krensh. Some of the first members were Jacob Sholl, Barnard Yeager and Matthew Shambs. The first church, a wooden structure, was purchased frem the Presbyterians in 1853, and used until 1872, when it was taken away and the present beautiful brick building erected. The first Pastor was Rey. J. Maloney, followed by F. Gallagher, F. Kuhn and others, each of of whom remained two or three years. The present Pastor, Rey. A. Magenhann, took charge September 7, 1869. Two hundred families are

_ing 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 West 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. Jeffries, 1856; R. L. Gauler, 1859; T. G. Wells, 1862 ; James Trimble, 1864 to 1869. In 1870, the present able Pastor, 8. A. Bronson, D. D., was installed. The Sunday school was organized soon after the church was erected, and now numbers about fifty pupils; C. 8. 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 Rey. 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.

'The Church of God, located in Johns' Addition, corner of Orchard street and Maude avenue, was organized in 1870, by Rey. J.W.Senseuney or Senesenny, of Upper Sandusky. Some ofthe first members were John F. Miles. J. W. Myers and John Foreman. Thechurch (a frame) was erected in 1871, at a cost of 86,600 ; before this. the meetings were held in the schoolhouse. Some of the Pastors are UO. H. Betts. G. W. Wilson, M. Coates and J.S. McKee. The present Pastor is Solomon Cline. The membership is fifteen. The Sunday school was organized in the fall of 1869, by L. J. Bonar, 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 themselves Believers in small church located on Kast Market street. erected about 1863, 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 membership of about twenty-five.

Chapter Xlix Schools, Press And Post Office

Tur PrIonEER SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS OF THE City - THeE First ScHooLHouses - Division 1nTO DisTRIcTs - Tur Present System or TEACHING - THE FEMALE CoLLEGE - THE SUPERINTENDENTS OF THE SCHOOLS - Tue Boarp or Epucation - Tue Erection or ScnooLtnousrs - Progress and STATIsTICS - THE CITY Press - Ture OLrve - MAnsrietp GazeTrE - WeESTERN H¥raLp - Ouio SpecratoR - RIcHLAND WHIG - OHIO Suretp - SureLp AND BANNER - RICHLAND JEFFERSONIAN - MANSFIELD Heratp - Morning PENNANT - RicHLAND BuaLE AND INDEPENDENT Press - MansrieLp CourteER - Ouio LiperaAL - RICHLAND DEMOCRAT - Sunpay Mornino Catt - Tue First Post Orrice - Tue Earty Mait Roures - Srages - PostTMASTERS - Location oF Post Orrices - TnHe Business OF THE OFFICE.

Yet 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." - Goldsmith. HE present system of public schools in the city 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 ; many 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 very 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 public 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 wecks or months, and the teacher received 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 probably 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 by reason of her connection with this position, became intimately acquainted with a number of the leading officers of the army. She seems to have been a lady of rare tact and ability.

These block-houses were for several years used for schoolhouses, churches and public halls. Among the first cabins built in the town was one on the east side of the square where Hedges' new block now stands. John Mull 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, directly opposite the United Presbyterian Church - the building standing between

A few of his pupils were John Stewart's two boys, Mansfield, Hiram, George and Eliza Gilkison, John Loge, Perry Walker and Jane Lindley. Mull was a cripple, but avery good teacher for that day. He used to sit on a stool in the center of the schcolroom with a whip in his hand sufhciently long to reach every scholar. In this way, 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-story 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 very early 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 nearly all the more Western States to-day. When Mr. 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 back; he was compelled to retreat, and, it may be inferred, in some confusion. The most surprising part of the business was the demand of the future soyereigns, which was fiwo gallons of whisky, some cakes, apples, ete.

When Judge McCluer kept a kind of tavern on the old Lamberton corner - site of the sayings 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. Mrs. Grant 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 scholars.

Judge Stewart, in his younger days, was among the early teachers in Mansfield. He taught a select school in a dwelling-house on the corner of Second and Walnut streets. The lot is now owned by Dr. W. H. Race. The Judge also taught a select school on Market. | between Walnut and Mulberry, in a two-story log house, owned and occupied by John C. | Gillison. Stewart's school was in the upper | part of the house ; a stairway being erected on the outside of the building. The house stood | on the east haif 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. Gilkison's, 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 pretty, it is said, by 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 only 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, between Third and Fourth, on the northwest corner of East Diamond and the alley waich 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 Emily Ann Terry, 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 Terry, and Joseph and Andrew Newman.

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

When Gen. James Hedges laid out the town. he donated two lots on the northeast and northwest corners of the plat for school purposes. Many of the old settlers are under the impression that the first schoolhouse was built on one of these lots - the one on the northeast corner. This would seem probable from the fact that the lot was donated and intended for that purpose. The house was called the + Big Spring ~ Schoolhouse, and was 'built in 1818. and stood where the soap factory now stands on Fourth street. There was a block-house on that same lot before the schoolhouse was built. Alexander Barr was one of the first. if not the first. teacher who occupied this house. He was the son of a Baptist minister. a very efficent teacher, and taught here fifteen years) The house was a frame, about 20x35 feet. Mordecai Bartley writes thus concerning this schoolhouse: "As the town increased in population, public spirit and enterprise, the policy of erecting a schoolhouse was discussed, and for the purpose of having a decision, an individual visited each family in the village, and to each presented a subscription paper, thereby obtaining a promise of the payment of $200 to aid in the building of a schoolhouse. On the evening of the same day, a meeting of the citizens was held, and after organizing by appointing a chairman and secretary, a motion to proceed immediately in erecting a schoolhouse was carried without de bate. It was then proposed by one that it be built of logs, by another that it be frame. by another, brick, and another, stone. Each plan had its advocates, but finally the meeting dissolved in confusion without coming to any conclusion, save that a schoolhouse be built. The subscription of $200 was placed in the hands of mechanics, who speedily erected a comfortable frame schoolhouse in the northeast part of the town, which was occupied for school purposes more than twenty years." Some of Barr's pupils were Joseph, Robert and Harriet Cairns. John and Hugh McCluer, Rebecca, George and

Some years after the Big Spring Schoolhouse was built, another was erected on the other lot donated by Gen. Hedges. It was called the "Red" Schoolhouse, and occupied the lot on the corner of Fourth and Mulberry. where F. EF. Tracy now lives. This house was standing in 1840, as Mr. J. H. Cook was a teacher at that time. One of the later schoolhouses was also erected on the south end of the market-house lot, and the school there was at one time taught by Moses Dickey.

It was not until March, 1846, that a petition was received by the Council, asking that the town be divided into school districts. Up to this time, but one district existed. In April following, the Councfl ordained, " that said corporate limits be divided into three separate districts, to be known and called Nos. 1, 2, and 3." District No. 1 to include all that part of the town east of Walnut street and north of the public square ; No. 2 to embrace all south of the north line of the public square, and east of Walnut, except that the line running north and south between Second and Third streets should follow Main street instead of Walnut ; No. 3 embraced all that part of town not included in the other two.

Five Wardens were appointed by the Council for each of these districts, and, as the town increased in population, other districts were added from time to time, as the necessities of the case demanded, until they numbered six. In these three original districts, the schoolhouses were, No. 1, the Big Spring, on Fourth, where the first brick schoolhouse was afterward erected; No. 2. the new brick on Southeast Diamond, now oceupied as a normal school ; No. 3, the Red Schoolhouse, corner Fourth and Mulberry.

There is a gap in the history of Mansfleld schools it will be hard to bridge over, in consequence of the total destruction of all the records of the Board of Education by fire, when H. C. Hedges' block was burned, about 1870; however. there is little valuable history of the schools before about 1855, when the present system. then. of course, in a rude state, caine into existence. The followtng is copied from the Mansfield [erald, of January, 1857 : "Our schools were organized under the law of 1852, immediately after its passage. A Board of Education, consisting of J. H. Cook, A. L. Grimes and I. Gass, was elected in the spring of 1855. As contracts already existed for teaching one term in the several school districts into which- our city was then divided. this Board did not enter fully upon its duties until the fall of that year, at which time properly commences the graded system among us. The usual embarrassment attending the application of any new law as important as this. was felt by the Board in their early labors, which demanded the utmost discretion and skill in overcoming. We have had no access to the statistics of these schools previous to their organization under the new law. Such as we have are furnished by Dr. Catlin, the present Superintendent. Alexander Bartlett was appointed Principal of the High School and Superintendent of Instruction for the first year. He was succeeded by H. Merrel, who held the position seven months. George W. Waring succeeded J. Gass, and B. Burns succeeded A. li. Grimes, on the expiration of their terms of office. The Board, as now constituted, consists of J. H. Cook. President; G. W. Waring and B. Burns; the City Clerk, Alexander Mcllvaine, acting, by virtue of his office, as Clerk of the Board.

"Dr. Catlin has had charge of the schools as Superintendent of Instruction, since September, 1855, at which time the Board of Education found it necessary to adopt, and publish in pamphlet form. a system of general rules and regulations, to the wise and wholesome administration of which, the present flourishing condition of our schools is, in a great measure, attributable. Our school year, commencing on September 1, consists of forty weeks, divided into three terms. one of sixteen weeks, and the other two of twelve each. We have at present eleven schools, employing, with Superintendent, thirteen teachers. There are five primary. four secondary, a grammar and a high school. The annual enumeration of youth, at the last census, was over one thousand five hundred, an increase of about two hundred since the present system was adopted.

"The enrollment of pupils in our schools for the past school year was 808, and at the present time 925. We are satisfied that the course of study adopted by our Board is a most judicious one, and well calculated to discipline the mental faculties as they mature, impart a valuable fund of knowledge, and prepare our youth for the highest usefulness and happiness. We are happy to notice that moral instruction has a high position in the minds of our teachers and all our school officers. The Bible, without note or comment, but as God's revealed will. is used in all our schools."

As the Mansfield Female College came into existence about this time, it may be proper to give a brief history of that institution, which created expectations and hopes that have not been realized. It was projected in the spring of 1853, and completed for the reception of pupils November 7, 1855. It occupies a pleasant situation on West Market street: is a substantial and beautiful brick edifice, 54x76 feet, and four stories high. The entire cost of the building. apparatus, library, ete.. was $22.447. It started out with a competent corps of professors, and an attendance of 113 students the first year. It struggled along for a number of years, but failed for want of pecuniary support: being heavily burdened with a debt it was unable to liquidate. The Odd Fellows were about purchasing it in 1857, for the purpose of establishing a school for the orphans of deceased members of that society, but for some reason that project failed, and it finally passed into other hands. For many years, it has been occupied as a boardinghouse.

Following Bartlett and Merril as Superintendents, came William C. Catlin, who continued to occupy that position until 1859, when he was succeeded by J. H. Reed, who, after his retirement from this office, engaged in the retail, and afterward the wholesale. book and paper trade. Henry M. Parker succeeded Mx. Reed. and continued in the office of Superintendent until 1873, when he resigned. and was succeeded by John Simpson, the present efficient officer.

As has been stated. the first Board of Education, under the present 'system. was elected in 1853, and consisted of A- L. Grimes, J. H. Cook and Isaac Gass. In 1854, George W. Waring succeeded Gass: in 1856. Barnabus Burns succeeded Grimes: in 1857. Uzziel Stevens succeeded Waring ; in 1858, Henry C. Hedges succeeded Cook: in 1860, Joel Myers succeeded Stevens. and in 1868, A. L. Grimes succeeded Burns. The Board then consisted of H. C. Hedges. Joel Myers and A. L. Grimes, who remained in office until 1872. and during whose administration the four beautiful brick schoolhouses were built, one in each ward of the city. Before the erection of these buildings, there was a controversy among the citizens regarding the organization of the schools ; one party wishing to build one grand institution of learning, in a central portion of the city, which should accommodate all the children in the corporation : the other desiring to erect a building in each ward. The latter finally prevailed. The former desired to purchase the female college building, for the purpose, but since the erection of the ward schoolhouses, all parties seem well satisfied. The first of these buildings was erected on Bloom street, in the Second Ward, in 1868, and was ready for the reception of pupils in January, 1869. The same year, the frame schoolhouse in John's Addition was erected, and also the Third Ward Schoolhouse, which occupies a square, extending from Third to Fourth streets, in the eastern part of the city. These houses, together with houses in the First and Fourth Wards was agitated ; and resulted in the erection of the First Ward School building, or high school, in 1870. This beautiful edifice was opened, with appropriate ceremonies, January 2, 1871. It occupies the lot on First street, which is on the southwest corner of the original plat of the city, and was donated by Gen. Hedges. to the Presbyterians. for a graveyard. The total cost of this building. furniture, etc., was $31,297, and with few exceptions, the labor was performed the old brick on Southeast Diamond, and the brick on the corner of Mulberry and First, now owned and occupied by the Catholic School, constituted the schoolhouses of the city for several years - the house on the corner of Mulberry and First being used for high-school purposes, while the primary school of the First Ward occupied the upper rooms of the market house. At this time, the number of teachers, including superintendent, was seventeen. It was soon found that the existing buildings were not adequate to the increasing demands upon and materials furnished by mechanics and business men of the city ; the stone, with the exception of the window sills, being taken from quarries near the city. It is of brick, two stories. besides basement and attic: mansard roof: conveniently planned and nicely furnished. and is occupied by primary. intermediate. séyeral grammar and a high school.

In the following year, 1871, the Fourth Ward building was erected. It was built on the same plan and of the same size as the First Ward building, costing about $100 less. Its loeation, in the eastern part of the city, is commanding and beautiful, seven acres of land having been purchased by the Board, upon which the building is located. A statement made by Henry C. Hedges, at the dedication of this building. which occurred January 15. 1872. furnishes the intormation that the cost of the school buildings in the four wards and that in John's Addition. was seating 1,850 pupils at one time. The ward buildings were all erected under the supervision of Mr. 8. G. Brinley, since deceased: and have given general satisfaction.

After the completion of these )uildings, changes were again made in the Board of Education, Isaac 1872; Martin B. Finfrock succeeding A. L. Grimes in 1873. In 1874, Mr. Grass was' succeeded by John W. Jenner, who still retains the office. In March, 1879. the number of the members of the Board was changed from three to six by a vote of the people. In April following, Abraham Small, B. Sens, M. B. Bushnell

The steady growth of the city is indicated in the progress of the schools, in the additional number of pupils and teachers each year. and _ the occasional building of a new schoolhouse. During the year 1879, a fine brick schoolhouse was erected in Newman's eastern part of the city, and additions have been made from time to time to some of the old houses. These houses now number six in the city, and will seat (at one time) 2.234 pupils. The actual cost of these buildings is $103,450, and the total value of school property in the city, $150,000. Number of pupils enrolled in 1878-79, was 1,777; the per cent of average daily attendance is. of the average monthly cnroliment, 95 ; the per cent of average daily attendance is. of the whole number enrolled. 76. Thirty-six teachers are employed - two males (including the Superintendent), and thirty-four females ; average salaries of grade teacher

The Mansfield Normal College was organized September 10, 1878, by Prof. J. Fraise Richard. at the suggestion of a few leading citizens of Mansfield. of whom-Henry C. Hedges may be mentioned as the most active. The building. on the corner of Kast Diamond and Flint streets, formerly the Fourth Ward School building, was secured for the purpose. and exteriorly fitted up by the Board of Kducation. It had been unoccupied since the erection of the new Fourth Ward building, and its windows afforded inviting targets for the boys of the neighborhood.

From the first circular issued, the following facts are gleaned: ~The first year contained three terms of twelve. sixteen, and twelve weeks respectively. The tuition was placed at 75 cents per week, which covered all branches studied.

3. To inspire the power of thorough, original investigation; to develop earnest, consecutive and effective thinking ; in short, to cultivate that sort of mind-power which makes itself felt under every circumstance in life.

+. To realize as fully as possible what is comprehended in the expression - a modern school, dealing with practical subjects in a practical way,

Preparatory - embracing a searching study or review of all the common branches, including also elementary algebra, rhetoric, elocution and debating.

Scientific - a full line of mathematics, natural science, Latin language, history (both ancient and modern), English literature, evidences of Christianity, and government.

To these it is proposed to add, in the early future, a preparatory course in law and medicine, so that young ladies and gentlemen may be prepared, in classes, to attend the regular lectures in legal and medical schools.

At this date (January, 1880), although the normal college has been in existence but little over a year, it has grown from thirty-two students at the opening, to one hundred and ten, representing nearly every part of the State.

Classes have been organized in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, geography, natural philosophy, chemistry, physiology, botany, geology and zoology, English grammar, rhetoric, elocution, literature and history, Latin grammar and Greek, penmanship, vocal and instrumental music.

Under its present efficient management the normal college, it is hoped and believed, will Allit needs is encourbe a permanent success. agement and fostering care to make it one of the best of its kind in the State.

In 1818, the first paper made its appearance in Mansfield. It was called the Olire. The following extract is from a letter of Mr. John C. Gilkison, its editor and proprietor: ~The first newspaper printed in Richland County was established in April,1818. * * * It was what is termed a medium sheet. and was printed on what we would call, at this day, worn-out type, and an old Ramage press: the entire establishment cost about $150. * * * It was carried on about a year, with three hundred and fifty or four hundred subscribers. * * * At the time the Olice was first established. Richland County contained about one thousand voters, and the number of dwelling-houses in Mansfield was about seventy-five or eighty,* chiefly log cabins and small frame buildings. A considerable proportion of the support of the establishment was from Huron County, there being at that time no printing office in that county." In polities. the Olive advocated Whig principles. Shortly after it started, John Fleming became a partner of Mr. Gilkison. and the publication was continued about one year, when Mr. Gilkison sold his interest to Robert Crosthwaite, who, in a few weeks. also purchased Fleming's interest, and carried on the paper very irregularly eight or ten months. when he failed; and. for a time, Mansfield was without a paper. In 1823, James Purdy arrived in the town, purchased the establishment and commenced the publication of a Whig and Masonic paper called the Mansfield Gazette. He purchased the establishment on credit. giving his personal notes therefor. took possession and employed John C. Gilkison as printer. He soon discovered that the type was too much worn. to print a readable paper, and, mounting his horse, rode to Cincinnati, purchased a new font on credit and returned with it in his saddle-bags. Thus the first really permanent newspaper establishment was started entirely on credit. Mr. Purdy's difficulties were not yet at anend. The first three years the concern did not pay expenses; the press was too small, and it was found necessary to purchase a new press and renew the entire establishment. The income from his professional practice, however, enabled him to meet his notes at maturity, sustain and improve the establishment until it became self-supporting and eventually prosperous. His practice requiring his whole attention, he sold the establishment in 1832. In 1830, Josiah L. Reed established another press in Mansfield, and printed a Democratic paper, called the Western Herald, which he conducted about a year or two. In 1832, T. W. Bartley, Dr. Rentzel and J. C. Gilkison formed a partnership, bought out both the Purdy and Reed offices, consolidated them and commenced the publication of the Ohio Spectator, with the understanding that it should be an impartial journal; but, in a short time, it proved one-sided, and Mr. Gilkison withdrew from the establishment. It was soon sold to H. Leyman, and, not long after, Leyman sold to J. H. Hoffman, who, with Rentzel, conducted it to the end of the first volume (still Democratic), when they failed, and this office remained closed until 1836. Meanwhile, in 1832, John and Charles Boreland commenced the publication of the Richland Whig, which advocated the principles its title denotes, and was conducted by them about two years, when it failed for want of patronage.

In 1836. John Meredith and John Warnock purchased the Spectatvr office of Hoffman & Rentzel, and continued its publication as a Democratic journal, of super-royal size, for | some two years, under the title of the Ohio Shield, when Meredith purchased Warnock's size, and changed its title to that of the Shield and Banner. The publication of the paper was continued by Meredith. and Meredith & Maxinterest, enlarged the paper to double-medium |

,well, until May, 1841, when it was purchased by its present editor, John Y. Glessner. Thus it will be seen that the Shield and Banner 1s the pioneer paper. It had a hard struggle for existence in the start, but has been published under different names sixty-two years, with only an occasional break-down for the first few years. It has been published under its present name more than forty years, and by its present editor nearly forty years. In 1838, Marain & Devine established a Whig paper called the Richland Jeffersonian, which they conducted one year, when they failed for want chased by J. C. Gilkison & Sons. It was conducted by these gentlemen nine years, with a subscription list of about eight hundred: They then sold out to M. Day, Jr., and E. W. Smith. Messrs. Day & Smith changed the name of the paper to the Mansfield Herald. In 1852, Mr. Day purchased Mr. Smith's interest, and continued the publication of the Herald until 1855, when it was purchased by R. Brinkerhoff, D. R. Locke (Nasby) and James G. Robinson. In 1856, Mr. Locke retired, and became proprietor of the Bucyrus Jowrnal ; Messrs. Brinkerhoff & Robinson continuing the Herald, and in the fall of 1857 received M. Day, Jr., into the firm. In the spring of 1858, Messrs. Day and Robinson retired, and the paper was conducted by R. Brinkerhoff alone until May, 1859, when he sold out to Dr. Myers and his brother, Lorenzo D. Myers. When Dr. Myers died, his interest passed into the hands of his brother, Wesley Myers. The Messrs. Myers continued its publication until October 13, 1875, when it was purchased by its .present proprietors, Messrs.

the end of the first volume. In 1850. an independent Democratic paper was established by Joel Myers and Jacob Reisenger, which was continued through one volume, then. sold to John Y. Glessner, and discontinued.

Owing to a large German element in the population of the city, which has been steadily increasing in numbers and influence, it was thought a paper printed in the German language would receive support, and. accordingly, October 5, 1872, the first issue of the Mansfield Courier appeared, conducted by August Selbach. It started with a subscription list of four or five hundred. In about a year, the firm changed to Selbach & Pfisterer. Soon after, it was purchased by John B. Netscher, who conducted it until January 1, 1874, when it was purchased by Messrs. Kilian & Kuebler.

In six months, Mr. Kuebler withdrew, and Mr. Kilian conducted it until his death in October 1, 1875, after which it was continued by the administrator of the estate until January, 1876, when it was purchased by Messrs. Kuebler & Wolf, its present proprietors. It is quarto, 30x44. In April, 1873, a paper was started called the Ohio Iiberal. It was intended to represent the views of Liberal Republicans, in the county and State, as at that time they felt themselves subject to attack from both the old political parties, and desired some means of self-defense. A few citizens of Mansfield, therefore, subscribed the means necessary to start a weekly journal, and a company was organized and incorporated, with a capital stock of $1,000. It was under the editorial supervision of Gen. R. Brinkerhoff, who, during the Presidential campaign, had been Chairman of the Liberal Republican Executive Committee of the State. The local department was under the charge of W.S. McMillen. It had not been expected that it would be a financial success, but, to the surprise of its originators, it was self-supporting from the beginning, and has prospered and steadily grown in circulation. Subsequently, a | jobbing department was added, and the paper became one of the permanent institutions of the city.

Tt maintained an independent position in pol- | itics, until the Presidential election of 1876, when it supported the Democratic nominee for the Presidency, and has since been in accord with the Democratic party. In April, 1877, it was transferred to its present proprietors, Henry and Charles Foulk, who have sole control of its editorial and business management.

In 1859, a paper was started, called the Richland Democrat, by L. C. Kelly and Jacob Reisinger. The latter died during the first year of its existence, after which it was continued by | Mr. Kelly until 1862, when the settlement of | Reisinger's estate and the war. combined, caused it to suspend.

The first issue of the Sunday Morning Call appeared July 23,1876. It has not changed hands since that time. and is still issued, from the southeast corner of Fourth and Main streets, by A. J. Baughman and his sister, Miss Sadie Baughman, both practical printers. Its | success does not depend upon regular subscrib- | ers, but being of an aggressive and sensational nature, its weekly sales are quite large. It soon came to be well known, and is sold by news-dealers and news-boys, in Mansfield and other towns within a radius of fiftv miles, making it a financial success.

The Herald, under its present management, | is healthy and prosperous, and is unqualifiedly Republican ; indeed, all the county papers are well sustained, which speaks volumes for the intelligence of the people of the county. Mr. Glessner is the oldest editor in the State, in continuous service.

Through the courtesy of the Messrs. Myers, of the Hvrald, Mr. Glessner was enabled to issue a half-sheet the same week of the fire. and to continue its publication without interruption. During the thirty-nine years of his connection with this paper, it has never missed an issue. It is the organ of the Democratic party of Richland, and the official paper of the county.

So far as can be ascertained. the first post office was established (as has been mentioned in the general history of Mansfield) on a very large white-oak log that lay between the two Two men by the earliest block-houses on the square. name of Facer and Hatfield were the mail-carriers. They carried the mail from Cleyeland and Sandusky City, to Mansfield, Mount Vernon and Columbus ; sometimes on horseback. but. during the war of 1812, generaly on foot for greater safety; packing the mail-bags through the woods. hiding in swamps and skulking in the bushes to save their scalps and the mail from a savage foe. Henry Newman says: ~ We few inhabitants of Mansfield, on the day Hatfield was expected. would assemble together on and against a very large white-oak log, that lay between the block-houses, and there await the arrival of the mail. Some one was always ready to read the news, for the mail was then and there opened on the big It was generally Andrew Coffinberry, or, as he was usually called, » Count Coffinberry," or sometimes "Count Puffindorf." who would real the news from the top of the log. The settlers were anxious to hear from the war, and a newspaper, though it might be a week or two old, was quickly seized, no matter to whom it belonged, and the news read aloud to all the citizens of Mansfield. A local post office became a necessity after a time ; some place where the letters. which of course soon began to accumulate, could be kept in safety until called for, and where the weary and mud-spattered mail-carrier could rest and warm, before starting again on his lonely journey. That well-dressed, wigged and powdered, foppish but smart little Winn Winship was selected as Postinaster. A description of this gentleman, and also of his house, is given in the general history of Mansfield and need not be repeated here. It is sufticient to say that he lived by himself in the only frame house in town, which he built just opposite the present site of the North American, where Purdy's Bank was for many years located. In this house, therefore, was established the first post office in Mansfield and the first in Richland County. The exact date when this post office was established and also the names and dates of appointment of all subsequent Postmasters have been obtained from the Post Office Department, through the kindness of Secretary Sherman, and from this report itis found that Mr. Winship received his appointment July 1, 1811, and held the office nine years. He was succeeded, May 30, 1820, by R. McCombs, who kept a store on the southwest corner of Main and Third streets, where the Mansfield Banking Company now is.

"To Columbus, via Bellville, &c., every Monday, Wednesday and Friday,at 6 P.M. To Sandusky City, via Truxville, Plymouth, &c., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at6 A.M. To Millersburg, via Perrysville and Loudonville, Wednesday, at 6 A. M. To Bucyrus, via Galion, Wednesday, at6 A.M. To Pittsburgh, via Hays' Cross Roads, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, at 6 A. M. To Delaware, via Lexington, &c., Wednesday, at 6 A. M." ;

Mr. McCombs held the office until January 25, 1830, when Hugh McFall was appointed, and the office removed to the McFall corner - northwest corner of Main and Third. Mr. Mc- Fall was appointed by Gen. Jackson, then President, and held the office eleven years and six months. Those were the days of stages. In was in operation. Even yet, old settlers look back to the stage-coach days with a sigh of regret that they are gone, never to return. The stage routes then were from Cleveland and Sandusky to Mansfield, Mount Vernon and Columbus. From the east, the stage came from Pittsburgh, and for a long time the western terminus was at Mansfield, but after a time, the route was extended to Bucyrus. Hiram R. Smith, still living, was a post-office clerk under Mr. McFall. He was only a lad at that. time, and relates that the Postmaster at one time sent him to Columbus, on horseback, with a pair of saddle-bags full of silver, to be deposited in the old Franklin Bank there, to the credit of the Post Office Department, at Washington. He was a little over two days in making the journey, as the roads were very bad, and it was all the way through the woods, with only here and there a cabin. Following McFall, came Uriah Jamison, as Postmaster, July 26, 1838, and the location of the office was changed to a frame house, which occupied the present site of Johnston's drug store - first door north of the Wiler House. Jamison was succeeded by Jacob Hammer, in 1841, moving the office to a small building on the present site of H. R. Smith's Opera House. Barney McCarron was the next Postmaster after Hammer ; was appointed November 11, 1845, and removed the office to the North American corner, where he kept it a short time and then transferred it to the building where Rigbey's shoe store is now located. From there, it went across the street, into one of those old buildings that was recently pulled down to make room for the building of the Swigart, Jenner & Scattergood Block, and Jacob Hammer kept it. Hammer received his second appointment April 27, 1849. Jacob Reisinger 'followed Hammer, June 16, 1853, and kept the office in Dickson's Block. Samuel Snyder succeeded Reisinger, November 18, 1859, and kept the office in the same place. George H. Kling was the next Postmaster, receiving his appointment March 28, 1861, and it was during his administration that the oftice was removed to its present location. This block was erected in 1863, and the office has not been moved since that time. cessor, and was appointed Postmaster by Abraham Lincoln Sept. 28. 1864. and held the office | He was followed by the present } nine years. efficient officer, Thos. E. Douglas, March 12.1873. The business of the post office, at the present time, largely exceeds the popular idea of it. It has grown to be a kind of banking institution of no inconsiderable proportions. and will, no doubt, increase in popularity from year to year. as a medium through which the Government may reach the people. It was through the post office that Secretary Sherman was enabled to place a large portion of the 4 per cent loans, with little 'expense to the Government and great convenience to the people ; $15,000 of these bonds were sold here. Postmaster Douglas furnishes the following, relating to the j business of the office during the year 1879: Gross receipts, $20.625.70 - this being for stamps and box rent; total number of moneyorders issued from this office, 41.965; the number issued during the year 1879 were 4.618. for which $51,253.62 was paid by the people: and during the same time the post office has paid out $62,352.67, on money-orders ; number of letters registered during the year, 835: an average of 2,()00 letters (exclusive of drops) are daily mailed at the office, and, during the year over two hundred thousand circulars were mailed at the office ; number of postal cards sold during the year, 147,837, and about the same number mailed at the office for the same time. In addition to this, the sale of stamped envelopes is large and continually increasing, the number sold in 1879 being 91,000. The business of the post office is looked uponas an index of the deyelopment, civilization and intelligence of a community. This is certainly an encouraging exhibit.

Chapter Banks, Insurance Companies, Mills And Manufacturers

First BaNK - APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER - Partrerson & Co. - Mr. Purpy's Bank - Tue Srurces Bank - RicHLAND NATIONAL - First NATIONAL - MANSFIELD BANKING CoMPANY - MANSFIELD Savincs BANK - THE Ricu~and Murvat Insurance Company - THE Mansrietp Murtuau Fire Insurance Company - THE Mercuants' AND MAnuractrurers' InsurANcE CompANy - THE AMERICAN MutuaL AccIDENT Assocla- TION - TuHE EARLY Mitts or Mapison TownsHip - GILBERT, WauauH & Co. - Hicks, Brown & Co - TuHE Avitman & Taytor Company - Tue Mansrietp Macuine Works - CracKer Bakery - Box Factory - every other business at the present date (January, 1880), has settled down on a solid basis, the city now containing three banking institutions, all doing a safe and profitable business. The first establishment of this kind was started as early as 1816, on Main street, at the southwest corner of the square, where the old Farmers' Bank was afterward, for many years, located. John Garrison was President, and a Mr. Elliott, Cashier. A charter was applied for and a member elected to the Legislature, purposely to see that the bill for that purpose passed. The bill had passed to a third reading, when a member moved its indefinite postponement. The Richland member thinking it was on its final passage, voted aye, and defeated his own measure by his own vote. It was indefinitely postponed by a majority of one, and the bank never obtained a charter. So far as can be ascertained, this was the end of the banking business until 1846, when Messrs. James Patterson & Co. started on the west side of the square, about where the Farmers' Bank is now located. This was not a bank of issue, but simply a bank of deposit, and the daily accumulation of cash was taken every evening to the vault in the store of

E. P. Sturges for safe keeping. Mr. Patterson conducted the bank several years, when he died, and it passed into the control of Conn, Sherman & Co., Messrs. Andrew Conn and OC. T. Sherman having been for some years interested in it. It did business for a time on the west side of the square, and then moved to the first room south of the Wiler House, where it continued until about 1854, when Conn haying moved away, it closed up its affairs. The first really permanent institution of this kind was started by Mr. James Purdy, in 1847. In 1846, a law creating the State Bank of Ohio was passed. Mr. Purdy was active in procuring the passage of this law, and immediately determined to take advantage of its benefits and establish a branch in Mansfield. As this was the first bank, a little history of it may be interesting.

Money to establish banks could not be gathered up on the streets in those days, but Mr. Purdy succeeded in finding thirty men in the county who were able to pay in $30,000 in specie, Mr. Purdy agreeing to take their stock off their hands, if at any future time. they should desire it. He was aided in the establishment of this bank by G. Armentrout, William Granger, David Anderson and others.

Soon after he commenced operations, C. T. Sherman made an attempt in the same direction, and also obtained the requisite amount of stock. According to law, but one branch could be established in a county. Both. parties presented their claims to the Board of Control. For some reason, the Farmers' was the one accepted.

The bank was organized August 4, 1847, by the election of J. Purdy, William Granger, David Anderson, John Shauck and Messer Barker, Directors. James Purdy was elected President, and John Rhodes, cashier. The latter continued as cashier until May 6, 1850, when he resigned, and J. M. Rhodes was appointed. He resigned in 1851, and H. Colby was appointed and continued until the expiration of the charter, and the bank was merged into a national bank. They obtained a circulation of $60,000, which was more than the business of Richland County then required. When gold was discovered in California, they established a bank in Sacramento, from which they obtained coin. It was shipped the general smash-up in New York in 1857, they sustained a heavy loss of deposits. In 1865, the shareholders of the old bank transferred their stock to the Farmers' National Bank, and Mr. Purdy was elected President, a position he yet retains, making him, probably, in the State. The bank passed safely through the panic of 1873, though hard pressed and losing heavily by the dishonesty of its cashier. Mr. Purdy has been extensively engaged in other banking operations outside the city.

In 1852, the banking-house of KE. Sturges, Sr., & Co. started in a little frame, 10x20 office on the corner of Main and Third, where Bigelow's drug store is now located. They afterward moved into the McFall corner. The partners were HE. Sturges, Sr., 8. B. Sturges and A. L. Grimes; 8. B. Sturges withdrew in 1859. In 1857-58, Mr. Benjamin Blymyer, C. L. Avery and EK. Sturges, Sr., & Co. erected the brick block, where Blymyer's stove and tin store, and Neattergood's dry-goods store is, and to which the bank was moved from the McFall corner. Here they continued business until 1867, when they consolidated with the Richland National Bank. This latter bank was organized in 1865, with a cash capital of $100,000, which was increased to $150,000 when consolidated with E. Sturges, Sr.,& Co. The officers of the institution were : A. L. Grimes, President; D. Sturges, Vice President ; J. M. Jolly, Cashier ; R. H. Rowland, Teller. It first started in the old frame building. which was pulled down in the summer of 1879 to make room for the new block of Scattergood, Jenner & Swigart; and, in 1867, was moved into the room occupied by E. Sturges, Sr., & Co. The Richland National closed up its affairs, or sold out to the Farmers' National Bank, January 1, 1876.

The Mansfield Herald of May 25, 1864, announces the fact of the organization of the First National Bank of Mansfield, with a cash capital of $100,000, with the privilege of increasing to $300,000. A meeting of the stockholders was held on the 16th of the month, and T. T. Woodruff, W. 8. Hickox, B. Burns, H. C. Hedges and L. J. Tracy were elected Directors. T. T. Woodruff was made President; L. J. Tracy, Vice President; and W. 8S. Hickox, Cashier.

The history of this bank is written indeliby in the memory of the majority of Mansfield people. Tt ran along very smoothly for nearly a decade ; its officers changed occasionally, but its cashier, W.S. Hickox, was always at his post, and was looked upon as a man of high character and business capacity. He was a leader in the Sunday school, church and society; was trusted and continued to grow in popularity and power until the crash came on the 26th of September, 1873. It was the old, old story of misplaced confidence. If Mr. Hickox was not dishonest, his weakness bordered so closely upon it as to justify the community in calling him a ~ thief," which was done with considerable unanimity and earnestness.

The excitement and indignation of Mansfield people, and especially of those immediately interested in the bank, knew no bounds, and after withstanding the storm for a time the cashier fled to parts unknown. and is yet a fugitive from justice. The failure of this bank disclosed to the astonished gaze of the public, the incapacity, dishonesty and knavery of other men in the city, who had before occupied high positions of trust and responsibility. This was the beginning of the financial panic of 1873, and although Mr. Hickox must be held to great responsibility in this matter. he was but the representative of an unnatural and diseased condition of society, and came to be the door. as it were, through which the public gazed upon the rottenness and corruption that for years had been gathering, and which was no more than skin-deep. It was like a carbuncle on the human body, which must burst and discharge its corruption, before the healing process can take place, and this bursting and discharge in the case of Mansfield came through the First National Bank, as was natural. It took several years for this great carbuncle to gather. burst and heal, and the process was very painful ; but it has been accomplished, leaving only a few scars.

The panic and its consequences have been briefly referred to elsewhere. The Directors and stockholders took possession of the bank, appointed a receiver. and wound up its affairs as rapidly as possible. Many good, honest and trustworthy citizens were dragged down to ruin by the failure.

ruin, determined, if possible, to save themselves, and the next day the officers and Directors of these banks met and passed the following reso-. lution :

Resolved, That in view of the monetary crisis, and suspension of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Cincinnati, Chicago, Toledo, and banks of other cities ; and alse in view of the welfare of our various friends and depositors, it is hereby agreed by the undersigned national banks of this city, that we temporarily suspend currency payments, exceeding $50 on all balances."

October 28. the first official report of the condition of the First National Bank was published by the receiver, in whieh it appears that the assets were $246.767.91 ; liabilities, $398.559.48. which would indicate a loss of more than $150.- 000. The expenses of settlement and of the litigation that followed. probably increased this amount somewhat.

The Mansfield Banking Company opened for regular business, July 12, 1873. on the corner of Main and Third streets. where it is still in operation. The first officers were : James Dickson, President ; John 8. Neal. Vice President : J. M. Sharp. Cashier ; EK. R. Rockwell. Teller. Some changes have since been made in these officers.

In February, 1873. the Mansfield Savings' Bank was opened in an elegant new block on the corner of Main and Fourth streets. where it yetremains. Its officers were: Barnabas Burns. President; M. D. Harter, Vice President ; R. Brinkerhoff, Cashier ; and 8. A. Jennings, Teller. The only change made in these officers has been the retirement of Mr. Harter, and the election of William Stevens as Vice President.

comprise a large number of names well known in Richland County. Deposits are received from $1 up to any sum, not exceeding $500, and the depositor receives 5 per cent interest, payable semiannually. The high character of its officers and Directors, the ability and skill displayed in the conduct of its affairs, have won the confidence of its patrons, and are a sufficient guarantee of the future solidity and permanency of the institution. It has won its way fairly to a solid, paying, and it is believed, =:

The Mansfield Mutual Fire Insurance Company was incorporated Aug. 5,1873, with a capital of $50,000, and commenced business Jan. 1, 1874. The incorporators were, H. R. Smith, John Wood, F. E. Tracy, M. D. Harter, E. P. Sturges. J. B. Netscher and M. Black. It does business only on the mutual plan and not outside of the State. Its capital has increased to $220,000. Its President is John Wood; Treasurer, M. D. Harter ; Secretary, J. H. Emminger,

The Richland Mutual Insurance Company was chartered in 1851 and is the oldest of the three comsonal efforts of Mr. M. E. 'Douglas, former Secretary of the Richland Mutual. Its Board of Directors were L. J. Tracy, H. C. Hedges, M. R. Dickey, H. M. Weaver, H. H. Sturges, W. B. Mercer, S. R. Harris, Henry L. Curtis, H. B. Curtis and M. E. Douglas. The President is L. J. Tracy ; M. KE. Douglas is Secretary and Treasurer, and J. W. Hahn, General Agent. Messrs. H. L. Curtis and W. B. Merpanies established here. Its man, Robert Bentley, Thos. W. Bartley, James Weldon, Andrew Conn, E. P. Sturges and J. H. Cook. Its first President was Andrew Conn. The office is now in the 'Opera Building, and its business is confined to the State of Ohio. Its management has been very judicious and careful, and its losses promptly paid. Its capital having accumulated to the amount of $1,200,000, it is one of the safest and most reliable companies in the State. The President is J. H. Cook; Secretary, R. Smith, and General Agent, N. 8. Reed.

B. F. Crawford and W. M. Hahn. Its capital has increased from $50,000 to $360,000, which speaks well for the energy of its managers. It is in careful hands and is one of the permanent institutions of the city.

The American Mutual Accident Association of Mansfield filed its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State February 12, 1880, and has, therefore, but just entered upon its business career. R. Brinkerhotfis President, and J. H. Emminger. Secretary. Its officers have given bonds for the faithful performance of their duties according to the laws of the State, and from the well-known business character and integrity of these officers, the success of the institution is assured.

To get grinding done was one of the most difficult problems for the early settlers to solve. It required capital and skilled workmen to build a mill, and as both were scarce, mills were correspondingly scarce. All sorts of expedients were resorted to, corn being frequently grated and ground by hand between two stones. <A mill was considered a public blessing, and was resorted to by the early settlers from great distances. The earliest settlers in Madison Township were compelled to go first to Mount Vernon for this purpose, carrying their grists upon their horses or mules, if so fortunate as to own one of these animals, otherwise being compelled to pack the grist themselves on foot.

ment of the county occurred. It was a sawmill, but he shortly afterward erected the first grist-mill in the township. For some time, however, this mill ground only corn, and the settlers were compelled to go to Mount Vernon, and afterward to Fredericktown, for flour. Among the first settlers in Mansfield, was Clement Pollock, a wheelwright, who erected the first mill in Mansfield. It was located near where the new jail is to be erected, and was a tramp-wheel mill, propelled by three yoke of oxen. He sawed lumber and ground corn. This Pollock, or his brother Robert, also erected a carding-mill, in those days, on Fourth street, on the lot now occupied by T. J. Robinson. It

& Allison, on the opposite side of the stream from that establishment. This was about 1820. Afterward, Henry Leyman built a grist-mill near it. This was the first grist-mill in Mansfield, propelled by water. Later, John R. Robison owned this mill, improved it, and for many years it did the custom-work for Mansfield and vicinity. Sometime about 1866 or 1867, it came into the possession of John Damp, who added steam to the power, putting in a thirtyfive horse-power engine, and called it the Richland City Mill. It was, while in his possession, destroyed by fire, about 1868.

Not long after Wright erected his mill, Mr. Robert Bently, Sr., built a saw-mill and afterward a grist-mill, on his farm, about two miles south of Mansfield, obtaining water from a fine spring on his farm. use a great many years, but has gone into decay. After that came what has been known as the Tom Clark mill, a little west of town, on Toby's Run. The present City Mill, of Gilbert, Waugh & Co., was built in 1847, for a warehouse. This was about the time the Sandusky & Mansfield Railroad was completed, and the track was laid up to this warehouse. The old Sturges & Tracy warehouse, and the old building where Niman's furniture shop is, once a warehouse, were built about the same time. What is now the City Mill was purchased by Burger & Brubaker, who put in mill machinery, and converted it into a flouring-mill. Dr. Joseph Hildreth once had an interest in it. In 1865, it was purchased by Gilbert Brothers, who conducted the business for three or four years, and sold an interest in it to Mr. J. M. Waugh, and the firm became Gilbert, Waugh & Co. They have greatly improved it, and do a large business, having kept the mill in operation, night and day, for the last three years.

52x72 feet. It manufactures what is called "the new-process flour " - simply the flour separated from the outside of the wheat kernel, without being ground, crushed or powdered, as it is claimed mills have been doing ever since mills were made. The machinery of this mill view of carrying out this principle to perfection. It commenced operations in February, 1877, under the management of John Staub and Hicks Brown. In September of the same year, this partnership was dissolved, and the mill passed into possession of the present proprietors, Messrs. Hicks Brown and M. D. Harter, under the firm name of Hicks Brown & Co., who have since increased its capacity 50 per cent, and established a trade which requires the runring of the mill day and night, and the employment of about twenty persons.

Some idea of the amount of this business may be gleaned from the fact that they are paying out yearly to the farmers of Richland County about $200,000 in cash for wheat, beside the wheat they get in exchange for flour. Of this flour, a very small part, comparatively, is marketed at home, as the entire population of the county could not consume the product of this mill. It is shipped to the seaboard cities, Boston alone taking nearly half of what is made; Philadelphia, also, taking a large share. The mill is conceded to be one of the most complete in the country, yet the wideawake proprietors are continually on the lookout for improvements, both in machinery and stand in the front rank as to quality. Several 'improved machines have been added, and other additions are contemplated. The magnificent Harris-Corless engine, which operates the machinery, is of the renowned Centennial pattern, and is capable of turning out 300 barrels of flour daily. Their brands of flour are " Brown's Best," "Belle of Richland," "Brown's Mayflower" and "Brown's Charter Oak,' which |

The largest manufactory in the city, if not in this part of Ohio, is the Aultman & Taylor Company, manufacturers of threshers, steam engines and their component machinery. The Company has been established about thirteen years. In 1867, Mr. C. Aultman, of Canton. Ohio, President of C. Aultman & Co., of that place, and Mr. Henry H. Taylor, of Chicago, General Western Agent of C. Aultman & Co., conceived the idea of building a better style of threshing machine, in many respects, than had ever been seen in the market. Few men in America, perhaps, knew as much about threshing machines, in 1867, as they, and their very knowledge of the great room for improvement led them to consider the propriety of getting out something better. Having built up the reputation of an endless-apron thresher, until it stood at the forefront of the endless-apron or Pitts style of machines, they could not but finally. discover and acknowledge the essentially faulty, and therefore wasteful, principle of separation in that class of machines. Mr. Taylor, who had for years been interested in building a vibrator style of thresher, knew what wonderful merit there was in it if perfected, and that it could be rendered the leading machine in the market. With this view, Messrs. Aultman & Taylor formed a copartnership and began to look for a location for their factory. After carefully weighing the advantages of a large number of localities, they selected Mansfield, Ohio. The grounds for the selection of Mansfield were: 1. It was the geographical center of the best hardwood district of the country, and they had determined from the start to locate where an abundant supply of the very best material could be had, as it was their aim to have their thresher win the reputation of being built from the hest material obtainable. In this matter, time has demonstrated their wisdom, as to-day, if any one thing in the way of material can be singled out as going to make up the world-wide reputation of The <Aultman-Taylor Thresher, it is the unapproachable quality of the lumber used in it. 2. Its central location and railroad facilities. A glance at the map of the United States will serve to show how well located the factory of The Aultman & Taylor Company is with regard to the shipping facilities its now immense business requires, for, today, comparatively little business between the East and the West, or between the great prairie regions of the Northwest and Europe, but passes through Mansfield, where the three great American systems of railway (the Baltimore & Ohio, the Pennsylvania and the Erie) greet each other, while the only two other routes of importance pass at short distances to the north and south. Having decided to build the factory at Mansfield, it only remained to get conveniently located lands, which were secured near all the depots, where the shops were built and so arranged that machinery can be loaded upon every railroad entering Mansfield without leaythe grounds of The Aultman & Taylor Company. The next thing was to see to the patents. This was the special business of Mr. Aultman, whose familiarity with patents marked him as the proper. person to attend to this delicate branch of manufacturing. He soon discovered that the patents owned by some friends, and which the firm expected to use, were really of no importance, if, indeed, of any actual value. So, setting himself to it, he bought, consolidated, re-issued and completed the entire vibrator patent system, granting to several shops in Michigan and in Missouri, and one in Southern Illinois, the privilege of using the line of patents which are known as the vibrator patents. Of course, all this | was attended with great expense, and, some years afterward, a Michigan company paid The Aultman & Taylor Manufacturing Company for, and became half owner in, the patents as they existed at that date. They are particular in giving this scrap of history because others have, without proper regard for the truth. or carelessly perhaps, and overlooking the consequences of their misstatements, somewhat foolishly claimed to be the original inventors of the vibrator style of machines. The truth is that no one now engaged in the business can be so considered; but the public can very easily see to whom the honor of securing, consolidating, re-issuing, adding to and completing the vibrator patents belongs, if' it can be said to belong to any one. While all this has been true, they call the attention of the buying public to the fact that, while they have occasionally felt it their duty to brictly speak of the risks run by farmers in buying | any vibrator style of thresher not authorized to be built under the consolidated patents. they have always depended upon the merits of their | goods to sell them, and neyer had a customer | who bought because they frightened, forced or blackmailed him into purchasing.

After getting the patents fairly under way. the next thing was to improve what was then known as the vibrator style of machine. and which was built by several concerns of considerable prominence. This required so many changes in general and in detail before it le- | came " The Aultman-Taylor." that they are not | named for fear of wearying the reader. Suftice | it to say that those who remember what this style of machine was before they commenced any other builder, for. as they have often stated, no person, firm nor corporation now in existence can truthfully claim to be either the ina claim they are not entitled to any more than |

| they managed by great care in their construcventors of, or the original builders of, vibrator | tain of their good qualities, when properly and style of machines; but that they deserve the reputation they have, as the perfecters of the entire race of this (vibrator) style of machine, none will be disposed to dispute.

to keep them in the forefront; but while cercarefully managed, they finally became convinced that there was room for improvement, especially in the direction of securing a power which would not require quite so much good management and care as the Triple-Gear For years they had liked the Double- (rear (or Woodbury) Power, but it seemed like an impossible thing to mount it properly on four truck-wheels. After expending much time, labor, experimenting, and invention upon it, and making many changes, they were finally rewarded by finding themselves in possession of what threshermen everywhere told in the business, they became convinced that the style of horse-power then, in use was behind the wants of the times, and bought the only valid patents in existence upon mounted horsepowers, and, in 1869, began building them upon a large scale, being the first concern in America to build largely and introduce widely what has now become the universally popular "mounted " horse-power.

advancement and honorable business management, they have held the practically undisputed position of being the builders of the leading threshing machines in America, and to-day ambitious manufacturers everywhere measure their advances in excellence. by comket, and a better one than they had ever hoped This power, now called the Aultman- Taylor Double-Gear Horse-Power, and by many "the Horse-power of the Century," in recognition of its surpassing excellence, they have built ever since, and it at present stands without a successful rival among horse-powers. It probably will always continue to be the favorite horse-power in this country, as, in the three necessary qualities of strength, light draft and durability, it is unequaled by any other horsepower in use.

progress of perfecting the farm engines built throughout the country, and often expected to find the next season's production of this or that engine-builder just the thing needed by the trade; but their hopes were never fully realized, so that, in 1876, they determined to take a hand in the matter themselves. Selecting the portable engine in market nearest perfection, they made such changes in it as to render it just what was wanted for threshing, wood-sawing and general farm purposes, and called it "The Aultman-Taylor Farm-Engine." The demand for it has shown that the great farming public have felt as they did, and, finding an engine so fully meeting its wants. has never yet allowed the Company to meet the demand. The call for them has been so large as to finally compel the Company to build additional shops for the exclusive building of "The Aultman-Taylor Farm-Engines," and the addition of a traction or self-propelling engine to their list of goods will probably crowd even their new facilities to the uttermost.

For a great many years, the subject of cloverhulling has been one of great importance to the American people ; invention has lagged far behind the wants of the public in this particular, and, up to 1878, the nearest approach to filling the demand of the public for a clover-huller has been what will, from 1878 on, be called the old-style, double-cylinder clover-huller. This machine, while an improvement on earlier dle- vices, was essentially faulty, and never succeeded in doing proper cleaning, so that to fit the seed for obtaining a good price in market. it was necessary, after threshing it, to run it through a fanning-mill. As a result, a thresherman, to fit himself out to do the work of his customers properly, was obliged to have a grainthresher. a cloyer-huller and a fanning-mill. making the entire outfit very costly and very inconvenient. The Aultman & Taylor Company have seen for years that any one who could supply an attachment for a threshing machine which would do away with the costly, awkward and inconvenient cloyer-huller. and its parasite, the fanning-mill. would confer a favor on his race. This has finally been accomplished in the " Allonas Clover-Hulling Attachment." patented by Joseph Allonas. the Superintendent of The Aultman & Taylor Company.

At no time since the Company commenced business in 1868, with the exception of one year, have they been able to supply the demand for any article made by them, thus attesting, in a remarkable degree, the popular appreciation of The Aultman-Taylor goods.