Lima City (part 1 of 2)

Lima City

Lima has passed the first half century of her existence. From the day in 1831, when the pioneers arrived on the spot, now known as the Public Square, progress has been made as remarkable as conciliatory. The locality possessed many advantages - nature made it beautifuL The American pioneers came to draw forth all the resources of the country; the forest began to disappear; mills to spring up along the stream which then flowed swiftly by the settlement ; log-cabins to dot the clearings; roads to lead through the wilderness ; gardens to peep forth from the confusion of fallen and decayed trees; the whole scene to assume an air of busy life, which told at once that the men and. women who toiled there came to stay and to improve and to build up a city. The task which those early settlors of Lima set out to accomplish, has been performed.

Before the great majority of them left, forever, the scene of their labors, they saw unfolded the reality of their day dreams, and in this place, where they found a wilderness, they beheld a city; complete in

From what has been already written of Ottawa Township, a knowledge of the location and general physical characteristics of Lima may be obtained. Its altitude (at railroad depot), above Lake Erie level, is 208 feet ; while its depression below Hog Creek marsh is 147 feet, this marsh being 850 feet above the lake level.

Obigikal Town Of Lima

A reference to the organic history of the county will show the part played by the commissioners' board in the establishment of Lima. Of him who located the county seat at this point, much has been said in the general history, and again in the sketches of settlement in the Sugar Creek district ; here it will be only necessary to quote from his biographer that which relates to the man up to the period of his settlement in Allen Coxmty.

Christopher Wood was bom in Kentucky in 1769, and in early life experienced many dangers during the incursions of the savages from the territory of Ohio and Indiana. At that period, the pioneer settlers of Kentucky were often compelled to seek safety in the block-houses and stockade forts, where the Wyandots, Miamis and Shawnees, led on by the notorious Simon Oirty, beleaguered the unhappy settlers. In this school of danger, young Christopher Wood became inured to the sudden irruptions oi the Northern savages, and learned when young to meet the cunning and strategy of the Indian by bravery and a like shrewdness. He was often employed as a scout, and frequently met that marvel of adventurers, Daniel Boone, who was unsurpassed in his efforts to repel the incursions of the Ohio Indians. He knew personaUy Simon Kenton, who, next to Boone, was one of the most remarkable border warriors of the West Mr. Wood also accompanied the expeditions of Gheorge Rogers Clark and Logan, and was familiar with the border invasion by Harmar, St Clair and Wayne, in 1790, 1792 and 1794, and participated with other Kentuckians in these expeditions against the Ohio tribe& In this service he traversed a large portion of northwestern Ohio and Kentucky, and upon the treaty at Greenville located in Champaign County, and while residing there purchased lands. During the war of 1812*15, he serred in the army of Oen. Harrison with the Kentucky troops, and was at the defeat of Winchester, at Frenchtown on the river Baisin, in Jannary, 1813, and witnessed the treacheroos massacre of the Eentnoky troops by the Indians. He was also at the siege of Fort Meigs, the same year. In April, 1824, he, Joseph and Albert O. Wood, two sons, and Benjamin Dolph, a son-in-law, left Belief ontaine to visit a piece of land entered at Piqoa, in what is now Allen Cbnnty. In 1829 he was appointed one of the commissioners to locate the county seat, and in 1831 was appointed by the first board of county commissioners to plat the village and superintend the sale of lots. James W. Biley, acting under Justin Hamilton, of Mercer Oonnty, was the surveyor. The name Lima was proposed by Patrick O. GKx)de, to whom it was suggested by the Peruvians.

The original town as platted in 1881 was entirely controlled by the county commissioners. In 1841 a movement to organize a system of village government was favorably received ; the coknmissioners were petitioned in the matter, and as a result the village of Lima was established. The town of Lima was organized March 29, 1842, with H. D. Y. Williams, mayor ; W. McHenry, recorder ; John Alexander, Jr., Samuel Black, H. - Davison, T. K Jacobs and D. D. Tompkins, trustees. The council elected John B. Wamsley, treasuier, and Amos Clutter, marshal; Alexander Beatty, Daniel Bowyer and B. E. Thomas, street commissioners ; and Daniel Musser, supervisor, were appointed in April, 1842. In May, 1842, the question of grading the streets was discussed on plans submitted by D. H. Morrison, engineer.

In 1843 Moses B. Newman was elected recorder ; Daniel Bowyer, T. G. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, Thomas Kennedy and John Keller, trustees - the mayor, treasurer and marshal being re-elected. In June Thomas Dalzell took the place of Lester Bliss.

In 1844, Orrin Curtiss was elected recorder ; H. F. Hubbard, mayor; John Bashore and Horatio N. Maguire, trustees, vice Kellar and Curtiss retired ; Joseph H. Bichardson, marshal.

The elections of 1845 resulted in the choice of John P. Fay, mayor ; J. M. Satterthwait, recorder ; Hudson Watt, treasurer ; Hallis Fisher, marshal ; Thomas K. Jacobs, Samuel Clippinger, D. Delzell, Amos

The elections of 1846 resulted in the choice of Thomas Delzell, major; Orrin Curtiss, recorder; B. A. Satterthwait, treasurer; T. E. Jacobs, marshal; Joseph Orosslej, Thomas Milligan, Charles Williams, W. Ounkle and Cyrus Holland, trustees.

Elections of 1847 resulted in the choice of Aurelius N. Smith, mayor; John Delzell, recorder; Newton Hover, treasurer; Enoch L. Ogk, marshal; David Delzell, John Tuttle, B. A. Satterthwait, W. H. G. Mitchell and M. B. Newman, trustees.

In 1848 James Cunningham was elected mayor; Peter B. Qravel, recorder; Thomas Delzell, treasurer; William Andrews, marshal; Julius C. Curtiss, Bichard Metheany, John Delzell, John H. Meiley and Anderson Dean, trustees.

In 1840 Thomas Delzell was elected mayor; Lester Blisa, recorder; Newton Hover, treasurer; Thomas E. Jacobs, marshal; John B Wams* ley, John P. Fay, Matthias H. Nichols, B. A. Satterthwait and Hamilton Davison, trustees.

The elections of 1850 resulted in the choice of Thomas Milligan, mayor; Richard Metheany, recorder; John R Wamsley, treasurer; Isaac Delzell, marshal; William S. Bose, John Eellar, James Cunningham, Thomas Clayton, Daniel Bower.

Elections, 1851: Samuel A. Baxter, mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; Ralph Cherry, treasurer; G^rge W. Fickel, marshal; Thomaa K Jacobs, John B. Wamsley, Samuel Buckmaster, John H. Miley and B. A. Satterthwait, trustees.

The elections of 1852 resulted in the return of the same officers with the exception of marshal, for which position William Andrews was chosen. In this year the contracts to grade the streets were sold. The same year an ordinance to prohibit intemperance and tippling within the village was adopted.

In 1858 Thomas Milligan was elected mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; Thomas K. Jacobs, treasurer; James Wright, marshal; John Tuttle, Henry Sharp, William Skilling, Shelby Taylor and Bichard Metheany, trustees. In January, 1854, Samuel A. Baxter was appointed mayor, vice Thomas Milligan resigned.

In 1855 Samuel] A. Baxter was elected mayor; John McEibben, recorder; Qeorge W. Fickle, treasurer; William Stump, marshal; Daniel Museer, T. T. Mitchell, James Harper, Isaac Delzell and Henry Sharp, trustees.

In 1859 John L. Hughes was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder; W. McHenry, H. Sharp, L. C. Hurd, David Lloyd and Garrett Wykoff; trustees; William Stewart, marshal, and John B. Wamsley, treasurer.

In 1860 E. O. Hamilton was elected mayor; William Gunningham, recorder; William Eiplinger, T. T. Mitchell, William Skilling, G. T. Neff, Francis Ashton, trustees; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer, and William Stump, marshal.

In 1861 John B. Hughes was elected mayor; William Gunningham, recorder; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer; Samuel Miller, marshal; Isaac Delcell, J. H. Dague, T. E. Gunningham, J. H Gookston and Daniel Musser, trustees.

In 1863 mayor and recorder were re-elected. The trustees chosen were Edward Marshall, Ed Santord, Aaron Parker, William E. Lee and C. M. Townsend.

In 1868 Thomas M. Bobb was elected mayor; Henry Heman, recorder; John O'Connor, T. Mayo, John Oable, D. C. Hulbert, Patrick Lawler, trustees; James Bastable, marshal; A. B. Krebs, treasurer.

The elections of 1869 resulted in the re-election of mayor, recorder, marshal and treasurer. John H. Meily, William Sissiest, F. Boush, D. O. Hulbert, were elected trustees. G^rge W. Overmyer was elected mayor by the council in September, 1869, vice Mayor Bobb, resigned.

In 1870 Bichard Metheany was elected mayor; H. H. Heman, clerk; Thomas J. Nash, W. M. Bell, A. L. Bichmond, Fred Agerter, J. S.. Kams and Peter Feeman, trustees; J. £. Bichie^ attorney; D. C. Hulbert, treasurer; James Bastable, marshal, and Elijah Delzell, commissioner.

In 1873, George W. Disman, J. S. Hughes and John Bakehorn, were elected counoilmen, and D. D. Nicholas, city engineer. During this year, the work of grading the streets was carried out extensively.

The members of the council since 1874, are named as follows: 1874, John M Bond, S. W. Jackson, William S. Watt, Edwin Sanford, John O'Connor and John Black. 1875, O. W. Disman, John Black and

Edwin Sanford. 1876, John W. Bond, William L. Watt, John O'Connor. 1877, S. A. Smith. W. L. Porter, John Black. 1878, C. A. Metheany, John O'Connor, G. Day. 1879, S. A. Smith, W. L. Porter and John Black. 1880, J. Y. Marmon, A. F. Wheeler, John O'Connor, William H. Lamberton and F. M. Byland. 1881, John Black, George Hall, H. A. Moore and L. J. Shockey. 1882, Garrett Wykoff; A. F. Wheeler, John O'Connor, John Van Sweringen. 1883, John Disman, C. F. Donze, B. C. Eastman and P. J. Scully. 1884-85, C. F. Donze, P. J. Scully, Joseph Potter, John Disman, H. Parham, John O'Connor, E. T. Bowdle, J. M. Jameson.

The tax levy for 1884 was about $88,000. The fire bonds issued in July, 1865, amounting to $14|400 are all redeemed. The railroad aid bonds for $100,000, issued as a bonus to the L. E. & W. B. B. and to the D. & M. B. B. fall due April 1, in the year 1900. Six per cent is payable semiannually on them. Sewer bonds for $10,000 were standing out in November, 1884, from the issue of November and December, 1882, and $5,000 issued March 1, 1884, fall due in 1888. Notes for $8,900 also stand against the city building, which with $1,000 paid in cash, and other considerations, place the sole title of this building in the city council.

Libia Fibe Depabtment

In other portions of this work many references are made to the volunteer fire companies of former days. In September, 1872, a company was organized to take charge of the Clapp & Jones steam fire-engine. J. B. Hughes, the chief of the old department, was not present, but T.

Shroyer, his aaeiBtant took the chair. The Lima Chief Company No. 8 was organized as the resnlt of this meeting. The old organization claimed J. B. Hughes for chief engineer until 1881, when D. J. Shuler was elected. In February, 1882, the department was reorganized as a city department, with D. J. Shuler, chief ; C. F. Donze, assistant chief ; James Harley, foreman; J. B. Mo wen, assistant foreman, and J. W. Earley, secretary. The hose carriage was purchased in March, 1882. This is the only addition to equipment since reorganization. Mr. Shuler is still chief; Charles Keplinger, secretary. The regular members of the department at present are C. F. Donze, James Harley, W. Hayil, John Hubbard, Peter Weot, Elmer Mowen, Louis Ooebel, John Hoover, William Truesdale James Ogden, William McComb, Jr., Charles Eeplinger and Mewton Pangle, driver of hook and ladder truck. Under the old organization this department participated in many tournaments, and took prizes at Delphos, Belief ontaine, Kenton and Bucyrus. Under the city organization the department does not attend tournament& The number of fires attended since February, 1882, is seventy-two, to which those of January 21 and 22, 1885 are to be added. The success of the department is proverbial.

The political complexion of the citizens is shown in^ the following abstract of votes cast for President of the United States, November 4, 1884:

J. D. Cook, the hydraulic engineer, estimates the expenses of waterworks for Lima at $190,000, whioh includes ninete^i and three-fourth miles of pipe, with special castings, yalves, hydrants, building, pumps, engines, boilers, reservoir, and $11,500 for incidentals and ^igineer's salary.

Pioniib Sebtohxs

Lima, as Uie county seat, monopolizes, as it were, a great deal of the pioneer history of the county. For this reason eyery chapter of the general history of the county contains many and lengthy allusions to her old settlers, as well as to pioneers of other divisions of the county, who wore also identified'with the history of settlement and progress. From the reminiscences of Robert Bowers, the following sketch of Lima in early days is taken: ^* My father brought me to Lima in the fall of 1884 I was then a boy of twelve years of age, and as green as the forest leaves in June - a rare specimen to transplant on new and tintried soil, where there was noUiing to develop the mind but the study of forest leaves, the music of the bullfrog and the howl of the wolf. Every boy or girl was their own instructor, and the spelling schools that were held by appointment and imposed upon our fathers by turns, were our highest academical accomplishments, and unfortunately for myself I never even graduated at them. Lima was then a town of very few souls. I cannot say how many, but I knew every man, woman, and child in the settlement, and could count them all without much figuring. We had here at that time the limd ofSce, two hotels, two shoe shops, two tailors, five stores, where you could buy whisky and such things as a country store usually keeps, two furniture stores, two tanneries, one wheelwright, one reed factory, one millinery store, three doctors, one hat store, one pottery, two smith shops. No newspaper office, no outlet or inlet either by rail or earth. In the spring we travelled below, in summer we traveled on top. * grantB were oonstantly obanging the trails, seeking better and dryer land for their footing and wheeling. Tet, under all onr disadyantagee, we were happj, and always ready to lend a helping hand and render assistance wherever it was needed. The latch-string was always out, and often the last pint of meal was divided regardless where the next would come from."

In 1880 the late John Oonningham repeated his reminiscences of olden times to Mr. Harrison, who was then compiling an atlas of the oonnty. The facts which he gave deal with the minntise of history, and are, on that aceoont, most valoable. Mr. Oonnin^i^iam thinks he was among the earliest school teachers in the town, having taught in 1884, in the old log court house. He is of opinion that Dr. Samuel Black, and Miss McCoy, who married John Kelly; Miss Page, now Mrs. William Cunningham, were also about that time teachers. These schools were tan^t in old buildings, the court house, and other convenient places. There were then no schoolhouses. Miss Emeline S. Holloway, now Mrs. Cunningham, J. W. Thomas, and Miss Bose, were early teachers in Lima. Mr. Cunningham taught four years. The first mill was built by Jacob Hindel and Abel Tompkins in 1884 They built a grist and saw-mill southwest of Lima, on the Ottawa : the grist-mill had two run of buhra William Scott built a saw-mill about the same time in 1884, near town. Alexander Beaty was a blacksnith and bell-maker in town. C. Baker and James Anderson were merchants; James Peltier, a Frenchman, also. The taverns were kept by John Bashore and J. P. Mitchell. The taverns wwe then two, one on the comer of the square and Market Street, Mitchell; and Bashore on South Bfain ; both log buildings. Daniel Mnsser owned the first tannery. H. Watt was the first shoe-maker ; John Keller the first saddler ; Drs. William Cunningham and William McHenry the first physicians. Dr. Cunningham died in 1848. At the time of the election of representative to the Legislature, Allen County was attached to Shelby. Mr; Cunningham's family resides upon the north banks of the Ottawa Biver, just on the south margin of Lima. Mrs. O. W. Smith, his daughter, states that the new union school system was adopted in 1856, in Lima, and the western building erected in 1858. In 1856 the school was conducted in the basement of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Dr. W. W. Littlefield, saperinten- dent, until the completion of the high sohool building. The building cost about $20,000. In 1860, a college course of four years was adopted for graduating scholars. The school was then under the superintendence of Prof. VTilliam Shaw.' The first class graduated in 1864, and graduated three scholars. The school was ably conducted until 1871, when the new building in the east part 6f the city was built, costing $46,000. The school since then has been a success, and has now enrolled about 2,000 scholars, mostly in attendance, requiring the services of about twenty-four teachers, at a heavy cost. Mr. Cunningham states that the land office was first at Piqua, next at Wapakonetta, and in 1834 removed to Lima, and Gen. William Blackburn was the receiver.

In 1834, the late John Cunningham instituted a school in the pioneer court house, which he conducted until 1838. Dr. Samuel Black presided over a school about this time, while Miss McCoy and Miss Page were also engaged in teaching. So that within the first decade of the existence of the village, the cause of secular education was ably espoused. On the organization of the common school system, the subscription schools ceased. The new order of affairs met the warm approval of the people. In 1856 a union school, with Dr. W. W. Littlefield as principal, was opened in the basement of the old Methodist Episcopal Church, and continued there until the completion of the West Side schoolhouse in 1858. In 1871 the East Side schoolhouse was erected at a cost of $46,000. The condition of the schools of Lima, in 1884, is portrayed in the following abstract of reports. The revenues in 1884 were $38,293.84; expenditures, $19,058.77. There are three school buildings, valued at $110,000. The number of pupils enrolled is 1859, 918 boys, and 946 girls; 106 are belonging to the high school department. Thirtytwo teachers are employed, who, with superintendent, received $12,165 as salary during the year.

The first religions societies of Lima were the Methodist Episcopal organized by Bey. Mr. Onrlej, and the Presbyterian, by Bey. James Gnnningham, and Rev. Thomas Clark, in 1888. In 1834, Bey. William Chaffee organized the Baptist Church. In 1846 the Sanguinist Fathers sent one of their number to Lima to^eetablish the mission of Si Bose, although Bey. Mr. -Stallo came to the settlement so early as 1831, and made a short stay there. In 1855 Bey. Paul O. Stierwalt established the Eyangelioal Lutheran Church. In 1860 Bey. P. Oreding introduced, and in 1863, Bey. George Betting founded the Oerman Eyangelical Lutheran Society. In 1862, Bey. Chrafton Oraham founded the African Methodist Church. Dayid S. Cross and others founded the Church of Christ in 1869; and in 1872 the Protestant Episcopal Society was founded by Bey. Mr. Hall.

Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. The First Methodist Episcopal class in Lima, Ohio, was founded in, October, 1833, with but a few members, of whom but one remains - Mr. Huld Watt The society was organized by James B. Findlay, and John Alexander, missionaries on the St. Mary's Mission. The first senrices were held in the old court house; a log building, still standing on South Main Street, and for a number of years occupied by J. F. Cole and family as a dwelling-house. In 1837, t^e society haying added largely to its members, erected a frame church at the rear end of the lot, at the southwent comer of Union and Market Streets. This building is now used as a dwelling, haying been remoyed to the opposite side of Union Street, near Spring. The Lord continuing to bless our beloyed Zion, a larger church was found to be necessary, and in 1852 a more commodious building was erected at the front corner of the church lot. This was used as a place of worship until the year 1871, when the present handsome brick edifice at the northwest comer of Market and Elizabeth Streets, was built, at a cost, including its appurtenances, of about $50,000, and dedioated by Bey. Bishop Foster, March 12, 1876. - Tea^: Romans /, 20, and fronting on Elizabeth Street, was designed by G. R F. Cooper, architect, and built by Mr. Davis in the smnmer of 1882, at a cost of about $6,000, making this the finest chorch property in the Central Ohio Conference, if not in the State. Chnroh membership, 600. Sabbathschool enrollment, 850.

Presiding elders of the chnreh since its organization : Beys. W, H. Bapier, L. B. Gorley, John James, Elner Yoaknm, James Kellan, W. J. Wells, Hiram M. ShafEer, K C. GaTit, Francis Mariott, a L. Boberts, C. F. Berry, L. M. Albright and J. Francis Daviee.

Grace Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the latest evidences of the growth of Methodism in this county. A tew years ago Trinity Church was considered large and convenient enough to accommodate all the members of this faith in Lima and neighborhood, but the extension of the city, the opening of new industries, and consequent increase of population, have all contributed to render the establishment of a new society and the building of a new church a matter of necessity. Ber. A. Harmonnt, the first pastor of the Trinity Church in 1852, is now preacher in charge.

Liberty Chapel, of the Methodist Church Society, was built in 1881, and dedicated November 27, that year, by Bev. J. Wykes, pastor. John Hedges was trustee. ^

African Methodist Church was organized in 1862, by Bev. G. Graham, with James Bobinson and Patrick Howard and their wives. Bev. H. J. Andrews was the first pastor. In 1863 this society purchased the old schoolhouse, which was fitted up as a church, and used until 1875. During this year the old building, known as the Presbyterian Church was purchased by Bev. Beuben Clark (who was then pastor), for $1,600. This building is still in use by the colored Methodists.

First Presbyterian Church was founded by Bevs. James Cunningham and Thomas Clark, August 21, 1888, with nine female and five male members. Alex. Beatty and John Jameson were the elders. In 1834, this society erected a brick house on West Elm Street, which was ased until 1845, when a frame house was erected on Elizabeth aod Spring Streets. The roster of members of the Presbyterian Church in January 16, 1888, is as follows: Amos Alfred, C. H. Adgate, Ad. Boyd, Andrew Budd, Elias Bowers, Caleb Baldwin, Byrom Baldwin, Griffith Breese, George Breese, Samuel Black, L. A. Ballantine, John Bashore, Alex. Beatty, Samuel and John Cobean, Samuel A. and John Clippinger, 1>r. William Cunningham, John Cunningham, and William Cunningham, Jr., John Carlisle, Matthew Dobbins, William Dowling, L. H. Dutton, D. D. Tompkins, Hamilton Davison, Benjamin Davison, Jacob FJemmin, Eliza French, Margaret Gibber, William Hunter, Manuel Hover, J. Hover, St Clair Hover, Anson H. Holloway, Anson M. Hadsell, R Hover, Thomas Kennedy, James MoCullough, Matt H. MoCullough, Willi a^ McEibben, Jacob Miller, Samuel Miller, Clarkson Eeve, Mary Poage, Charles H Rose, John Bussell, Hugh Skiiling, Leonore Skilling, Moses Smith, James Slater, Charles Stukey - Binkley, Levi Saint, Daniel Shuler> Mariah Van Dolson, John and Joseph Ward, Samuel Watt, - McFarland, y. D. H. Williams, C^rge G. Poage, John Carlisle, Burgess Dickey.

In February, 1855, the New School Presbyterians withdrew from the First Church, organized February 19, by a committee of the Dayton Presbytery, and the same year erected a small house of worship on West Street In November, 18S4, the Old School Presbyterians, numbering fifty-four, withdrew from the first church, and formed what was known as the Central Presbyterian Church. In 1869 the New School Presbyterians reunited with the first church, and the name Union Presbyterian Church was adopted. In September, 1872, the Old School Presbyterians returned to the original church.

First Presbyterian Church was reorganized September 16, 1872, composed of the Central or New School, and the original society, with Rev. John Kelly, pastcnr; Matthew Dobbins,* John Cunningham,* B. G. Stockton, J. B. Hughes, S. B. Badeau, M. H. McCallough, J. H. Dague, John B. Haller, William Armstrong* and Abram Boyd, elder& J. H. Dague, clerk. The names marked with a star are deceased. The present elders are D. W. Walker, Rice A. Robert-s, S. A. Badeau, J. H. Dague, J. R. Hughes and Abram Boyd. Mr. Dague has served as clerk since reorganization.

The present church bailding on Market and West Streets was beg^n in 1879, and dedicated July 4, 1880. In May, 1879, a committee was was appointed to sell the old chorch lot and purchase a new lot In Jnne, Mr. Fanrot booght the old bailding lot, etc., for $5,600; subsequently a sum of $10,000 was raised, and a building committee was appointed viz: J. B. Hughes, Chairman; T. T. Mitchell, T. £. Jacobs, J. H. Dague, Oeorge Jameson, clerk. Jacob B. Mowen was contractor. The lot and building, etc., cost about 122,000. The stained windows were supplied by Wells Bros, of Chicago. The architect was Mr. Orosvenor of Jackson, Mich. The members number 326, the membership of Sunday School is about 800. Of this school Bev. Mr. Hall is superintendent since 1879.

Lima Presbytery was represented in the Ohio Presbytery at Cincinnati, October, 1884, by the following named gentlemen: Bev. John A. Meeks, Findlay, Ohio; Bev. William B. Spence, Sidney, Ohio; Bev. John H. Sherrard, Delphos, Ohio; Bev. Benjamin J. Brown, Bluffibon, Ohio; Bev. Alexander J. Bobertson, Lima, Ohio; Elder Henry Byall, Findlay, Ohio; Elder D. C. Kemp, Ada, Ohio; Elder Hugh Thompson, Sidney, Ohio; Elder T. S. Gilliland, Van Wert, Ohio; Elder D. H. Bobinson, Celina, Ohio.

Central Presbyterian Church (O. S.) was organized November 6, 1864, by members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lima, of whom fifty-seven joined the new church. The elders elected were Abram Boyd, M. H. McCuUough, James Chenoweth and William Armstrong, with Mr. McCulloagh, clerk. Bev. Thomas P. Johnston was first pastor, 1864- 69. Bev. Mr. Kelly succeeded to the pastorate in February, 1870. He also presided over Little Grove Church in Bath Township until sue- oeeded bj Bev. J. S.^ Kemper, of Dayton. This society erected a brick house of worship in 1865 on Main, near High Street. In 1872 the Central Society was merged into the old society.

Presbyterian Mission Church was founded June 12, 1875, by Bevs. Thomas Elcock, John B. Strain and Elder Dobbins. Thomas Dobbins, Joshua Jamieson and J. A. Hover were elected trustees; John Cunningham, J. W. Waters and James Harper, elders. The church building on Pearl Street was erected three years after organization.

Baptist Church. - The following history of this society is based'on the records of the church, and for this reason, it is taken from Mr. Harrison's historical sketch:

«The First Baptist Church of Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, was organized January 25, 1834, with twenty-six members, to wit: James Daniels, Bhoda l>aniels, William Chenoweth, Ann Chenoweth, James Johnson, Ellen Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Thomas Hawthorn, Mira Hawthorn, Betsy Terry, Nancy Daniels, Sarah Chalmers, Benjamin M. Daniels, Barzillai Osborn, Elizabeth Osbom, Samuel Lippencott, Elizabeth Lippencott, John Lip^ncott^ Nancy Lip][^ncotty Samuel B. Lippencott, Phebe Oppencott, Phebe Moman, William Chaffee, Abigail Chaffee, Samuel Homan and Sally Uoman. Bey. William Chaffee was their first pastor. The church was admitted to membership in the Mad Biver Association in August, 1834. Serrices were held in the old court house till the 18th of October, that year,at which time a new house of worship was completed and occupied. A request by the Presbyterian society for the use of the church on certain days, commencing on the first Sabbath in November of that year, was unanimously granted. This building was a frame structure, and still stands on the comer of Union and Spring Streets, used as a dwelling. About 1856 a new location was purchased on the west side of Tanner Street, between Market and High Streets, and the substantial brick edifice now in use was erected thereon, and dedir cated feo the worship of Ood in June of that year. The present membership is 216. The following pastors have been in charge: Bevs. William Chaffee, James French, Daniel Thomas, J. Dinkerman, D. Beemis, J. C. Armstrong, O. L. Stevens, J. L. Moore, J. M. Chapman, C. A. Clark, James Sykes, A. O. Eirk, M W. Holmes. J. B. Cook took charge in June, 1877. Bev. D. B. Cheney is the present pastor (1885)."

Church of St. Rose (Catholic) may be said to have been founded in 1846, when the fathers of that illastrioos society, denominated Sangoinists, first celebrated mass in this county. Service was held in the homte of Mr. O'Ck^nnell, many people coming a distance of fifteen miles through the wilderness to participate in the sacrifice. Father Sheehan, then priest of Tifiin, Ohio, visited the scattered families in and around Lima subsequently. During the building of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, and other roads, there was a large addition to the Catholic population. From 1850 to 1855 those Catholic settlers were attended by Father Sullivan^ of Tiffin, and Father Matthias Erieusch, of Westminster, alternately. Father Erieusch, observing the increase of this pioneer congregation, suggested the necessity of a house of worship, but met with much discouragement and disappointment. In 1854 many of the Catholics moved westward, which was a serious blow to the church at Lima. The priest, however, was not discouraged; he entered with greater energy into the work of church building, and with the subscriptions, which he collected from Catholic and Protestant alike, erected the first church edifice in 1857, a brick building, 34x40, on Ottawa Boad. Many objected to the proportions of the building, and were not slow to assert that never would the congregation be sufficiently large to fill the church. However, within a short time, facts proved the judgment of Father Erieusch in this matter, to be correct Rev. Michael Prendergast came to Lima, December 5, 1858. Father Patrick Henneberry, known as Father Patrick, succeeded Rev. M. Prendergast immediately after the coming of the latter, and rendered great services to religion by his sermons on the duty of total abstinence. From 1855 to 1861 Lima was attended by priests of the Order of Sanguinists. Rev. A. J. Murphy was appointed first resident pastor October U), 1861. His name is familiar to all the early settlers of Lima afid neighborhood, for the services which he rendered. He purchased all the property of the church at Lima, and paid for it, a difficult matter at that tima He built an addition to the church of 1857, and also built the first Catholic schoolhouse at Lima. In 1863 he was called to other fields of duty by Bishop Rappe, amid the regrets of all the people. In 1863 Rev. James O'Rielly took charge of the parish.

Even in his time it was evident that a larger church building should be erected. He selected a site for the present church, collected a building fund, and had every preparation made to enter on erecting a church after bis own plans, when he was called to Cleveland. In 1864 Bev. A. B. Sedley was appointed priest. During his administration the present church building was ^erected at a cost of $30,000, including the bell (which is one of the heaviest used in the diocese), the high altar, and the organ. He moved the old school building to its present site, built a large addition to it, and reorganized the school, with the Sisters of St Francis teachers. He was called to a more important field of labor, conmiensurate with his executive ability, in July, 1876. It is impossible to detail the labors and sacrifices made by those zealous priests in the cause of humanity. The people of Lima are witnesses of their works. In July, 1876, Bev. F. J. Henry was appointed priest of the parish. At that time the congregation was bound by a heavy debt. Through the liberality of the people, and the administrative ability of the pastor, this debt was cleared off in 1882, and the title to one of the finest ecclesiastical properties in the diocese was handed over to the councilmen of the parish. Father Henry also erected the Sisters' residence in 1880-81, and completed this building at a cost of about $6,000. In 1883 a frame schoolhouse was erected at a cost of about $1,500, the old school building was raised, while about $2,00Q has been expended on the church building, pews, side altars, etc. The congregation numbers about 1,000 members. The number of children attending school is 400. There are five sisters employed to preside over the girls' and junior boys' school, while Mr. McLaughlin presides over the senior boys' school The laymen closely allied with the founding and progress of the church at Lima are worthy of special mention, viz., James Purtell, Nicholas Gunkel (who donated the site for the first church), William Eennifick, John O'Ck^nnor, William and Daniel Finn, Thomas Fitzgerald, James Langan, Anthony Myer, Michael Doyle, Simon Lawler, Peter 0*Neil, L. Ferkel, Philip Klaus, Ed and John Dunne, Thomas Oallaghan, Thomas Dufiield, John P. Sullivan, John Morris, Henry O'Brien and H. O'Brien, Jr., Frank and Michael Dugan, Thomas Eavil, George Feltz, and others.

later which was the society's church until 1865, when the present building was erected. According to the old records Hiram Stotts and John Meiliej were elders, and Samuel Hook and Mathias Bidenour deacons in 1855. The number who signed the agreement was 150. Among the pioneer members the following names occur: Michael Boider, 1845; Catherine Helsel and Eliza Beery were admitted by confirmation in 1847; Jacob Bolder in 18^ and Mary Bolder in 1854. Among the original members were George W. Overmyer, M C. Overmyer, George Boush and wife, Daniel Heindel and wife, Sophia Eimmer, Henry Boush and wife, Joseph Boush and wife, Henry Boose and wife (1856), Barbara Boop, Henry Beel and wife (1858), Jacob Bolder (1848), Mary Bolder (1854). Be7. C. H. Eckhart is pastor.

United Brethren Church, on Union and Spring Streets, erected in 1882, was dedicated December 31, of that year, by Bishop J. Weaver. Bev. D. N. Howe was pastor.

Protestant Episcopal Church was formally organized in 1872 by Bev. Mr. Hall, of Piqua, with William B. Gk>rton, Frances L. Gorton and Mary Gorton, original members. The pastors who have had charge of the mission since Mr. Hall's time are Bevs. Waynesburgh, C. S. Bates, Kemp, Chittenden, Avis, Taylor and the present rector, Bev. J. B. Pitman. A house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1879 at a cost of $6,000. The present membership of the society is twenty. The trustees are W. B. Gorton and Bobert Mehaffey; vestrymen are Gh>rton, Vogle, Myers, Gray, W. Mehaffey, Bobert Mehaflfey and William Lowe; wardens are Messrs. Gorton and Vogle. Up to 18S3 when Bev. Bir. Pit-

German Evangelical Reformed Lutheran Church was founded September 5, 1868, by Rev. George Retting, Karl Amelang and J. J. Hontzer were elected elders; Christian Rotbe 'and Aogost Oebhard, deacons; William Schnng, H. Betz and M. Herold, trustees. The pastors who sacceeded Mr. Retting, were Rev. William Fenneman, G. Plness, 0. F. Waldecker and J. H. Stepler. Rev. P. C. Beeman is now, pastor of this church. Three years after organization the house of worship on West Wayne Street, was erected, and nine years later the parsonage was bnilt

Reformed English Church is one of the old church organizations of Lima. Rev. W. A. Long is the present pastor. During his pastorate, December 16, 1863, their house of worship was dedicated.

The Universalists, Disciples, Quakers (or Friends), Free- Will Baptists, Mennonites, Dunkards, Unitarians, Swedenborgians, Protestant Methodists, Southern Methodists, Congregationalists, Spiritualists, and a few Latter-Day Saints are found here in this city of Lima, but without religious organization, and even a pair of heathen Chinese.

The postoffice at Lima was established February 1, 1832, with Lewis Srouf , postmaster. At that time the business amounted to little over $500 per annum. To-day the receipts amount to about $60,000. In April, 1882, John Ward was appointed; in June, Henry Lippencott; in April, 1833, Charles Baker, who served until November 8, 1837, when William Cunningham was commissioned; in April, 1839, John W. Thomas; in July, 1841, John B. Wamsley; in May, 1843, Samuel A. Baxter; in December, 1844, B. A. Satterthwait; in April, 1851, John Keller; in June, 1853, Samuel Sanford; in September, 1856, Orrin Curtiss; in March, 1861, 'John R. Beatty; in October, 1861, Cornelius Parmenter - re-appointed in March, 1865; was succeeded by William H. Harper in March, 1867. In April, 1869, Mr. Parmenter was again commissioned postmaster, re-appointed in March, 1878, and served until November 8,

1877, when George P. Waldorf, the present inonmbent of the office, took charge.* Mr. Woldorf was commissioned April 11, 1877. The office became a Presidential gift March 11, 1865, and was raised to the second class, Jnly 11, 1879. In March, 1880, the present office was opened.

The newspaper press of the city is represented by the Gcusette, a Republican weekly joomal, edited by G. Parmenter; the Democrat^ a Democratic journal, edited by Mr. Timmonds; the Bepublieariy a morning newspaper, and the Weekly Bepublicany are published by Messrs. Long, Winder and Porter, members of the Republican Printing Company; the Times, an evening journal, and the Weekly Timea^ edited by O. B. Selfridge, Jr. These papers are compiled with care. {See Huftory of Press).

Masonio Histoby

Charity Lodge of Lima was organized under dispensation January 1, 1851, with the following charter officers and members : Orrin Gurtiss, W. M.; D. H. Anderson, S. W.; Samuel A. Baxter, J. W.; Ezekiel Hover, treasurer ; John H. Meily, recorder; Thomas K. Jacobs, S. D. ; Zenas Bates, J. D. ; E. S. Linn, T. ; L. W. Turner, Michael Leatherman, L. Eversole, S. W. Besse, Andrew Shindler, James Ghenoweth. October 28, 1851, the lodge was chartered as Lima Lodge, No. 205, S. G. Preston of Delphos Lodge instituting. Phineas Edgecomb and S. W. Washburn took their places as officers. R. Dove was elected secretary in 1853.

The elections of November, 1884, resulted in the choice of the following officers : - George W. Myers, W. M.; W. J. Hill, senior warden; George P. Connors, junior warden; John Boush, treasurer; A. 0. Beicheld^er, secretary; 'Frank Polser, senior deacon; W. H. Pockmire junior deacon; G. Wykoff, tyler. Samuel Havil was elected trustee for the term of three years. 168 members.

Lima Chapter No. 49, was organized under dispensation, May 7, 1852, and chartered October 21, 1852, with the following' members: Orrin Curtiss, D. H. Anderson, S. W. Washburn, Thomas Miiligan, Eli Bond, Daniel Swalley, D, G. LeBue, Charles S. Bose and Alden Bessee. Orrin Curtias was H. P. ; D. H. Anderson, N. B. Howard, secretary. The officers served until 1855, when Thomas Miiligan was ejected H. P.; Orrin Ourtiss, secretary. In 1856 Thomas Miiligan was re-elected H P., and Jason Hanna, secretary; In 1857, Eli Bond, H. P., andBichard Metheany, secretary, were elected. Eli Bond, H P., and T. T. Mitchell, secretary, were elected in December, 1858. In 1859, Eli Bond was re-elected, and George W. Overmyer elected secretary. The officers for 1860 were Eli Bond, H. P., and C. Halladay, secretary. In 1861, Eli Bond, was H P. and C. Halladay, secretary. Milton Scott, H. P. and James Mackenzie, secretary, served in 1862. Those officers were re-elected for 1863. D.

In 1881, W. K. Boone and Shelby Taylor filled the respective offices. In 1882, Garrett Wykoff and A. C. Beichelderfer eerved as H. P. and secretary, and were re/-elected for 1883. George W. Walker was elected H. P. for 1884, with Mr. Beichelderfer, secretary. There are eightyeight members belonging to this chapter.

Lima Councily No. 20, was organized nnder Charter, October 18, 1854^ with Eli Bond, William L. Hartley, D. H. Anderson, Thomas Milligan, S. F. Heffuer, George Arnold, A. Tonngkin, Alden Bessee, W. C. Gallagher. Eli Bond was G. M. and D. H. Anderson, D. G. M. Jnne 7, 1854, a temporary organization was effected nnder dispensation. The T. L G. M. since organization are named as follows : Eli Bond, 1854-59 ; Milton Scott 1859-61; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1861-68 ; 0. Halladay, 1868-71; C. L Neff, 1870-72 ; D. S. Fisher, 1872-74 ; E. H. Johns, 1875-77 ; G. W. Walker, 1877-80 ; Garrett Wykoff, 1880-81 ; E. H. Johns, 1881-84. The secretaries since organization were N. B. Howard, C. N. Lamison, George W. Overmyer, N. B. Howard, Theo. Mayo, J. M. Haller, D. S. Fisher, S. W. Baxter, George W. Overmyer, G. W. Walker, Shelby Taylor, A. C. Beichelderfer, 1882-85. The membership is eighty-nine with hall in Masonic ChapeL

Shawnee CommandeTy^ No, 14, was organized nnder dispensation, November 14, 1855, with Eli Bond, G. C; Lyman C. Hnrd, G.; David Swalley, C. G. The charter was granted October 16, 1857. The Eminent Commanders since organization are named as follows : Eli Bond, 1855-60 ; A. N. Smith, 1860-68 ; Milton Scott, 1868-67 ; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1867-72 ; George W. Overmyer, 1872-74 ; D. C. P. Tirrill, 1874-77; Calvin Halladay, 1877-80; G. W. Walker, 1880; W. K Boone, 1881-82 ; L. Beichelderfer, 1882-84. Becorders : S. J. Brand, C. Halladay, S. Lisle, Theo. Mayo, Orrin Cnrtiss, George W. Overmyer, James Lrvine, Samuel A. Baxter, Jr., G. W. Walker, Shelby Taylor, A. C. Beichelderfer, 1880-84 The officers for 1885, are Em. Commander, L. Beichelderfer ; Generalissimo, G. Wykoff ; Capt General, W. K. Boone ; Prelate, G. W. Overmyer ; Sen. Warden, E. H Johns ; Jan. Warden, W.. H Standish ; Treasurer, John Boush ; Becorder, A. C. Beichelderfer ; Sword Bearer, W. E. Gray ; Standard Bearer, W. L. Scott ; Warder, S. S. Yoder. The commandery comprises 188 members. Calvin Halladay, is G. J. W. of the G. C. of Ohio, elected in 1884

The Masons built the third story of the present city building, but sold to the city. The city built the present postoffioe building in 1872, on the old Masonic lot, the Masons added the third story, which is now fitted up as a lodge room. The frescoing was done by Italians.

Knights Of Ptthia8

Lima Lodge, No, 91^ K. of jP., was chartered December 15, 1879, with the following charter members : E. F. Hanna, J. E. Bichie, J. 0. Musser, JohnHaller, J. A. Gardner, G. W. Hull, D. L. Arter, H. G. Hadsell, M. L. Becker, G. E. Monoyer, John Hauenstein.

The Chancellor Ck^mmanders of this lodge are named in the records of Agamemnon Division. The keeper of seals and records is Ed. Holman. Present statistics show a membership of 108. The Grand Chancellor, Walter B. Bichie, was elected in December, 1882. He was elected in May, 1884^ Supreme Bepresentative.

Uniform Rank, K. of P., No. 11, Agamemnon Division U. R., was organized August 15, 1881, with twenty-seven charter members, viz.: Walter B. Bichie, Sir Enighi Coul; E. F. Hanna, S. K T. L. 0. ; J. F. Hauenstein, S. E. H; D. 0. Cunningham, Sir E. B.; I. B. Detwiler, Sir K T.; P. H Brooks, Sir K. G; W. C. French, Sir K S. Officers, John Hoffman, J. M. Haller, E. A. Hanna, W. H. Hall, E. C. Mackenzie; C. D. Crites, A. G. Lutz, & R Haines, W. W. Andrews, D. J. Cable, I. B. Longsworth, H. Blosser, W. S. Neuenschwender, G. S. Vicary, J. B. Lipsett, James Neise, B. H. Gamble, John Thomas, E. M. Gooding, O. F. Eemmer. Walter B. Bitchie has served as Sir Enight Commander since organization. D. C. Cunningham and O. F. Eemmer have served as Becorders. The present membership is thirty-five. The progress made by the Enights of Pythias, particularly in this portion of Ohio, is phenomenal.

Odd Fellows

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was introduced into the county at Delphos, in 1851. Two years later a lodge was established at Lima, with a small membership.

Allen Lodge. No. 228, was instituted in April, 1858. Lima Lodge, No. 581, was chartered July 6, 1874, with nineteen members. This was followed by the organization of Lima Encampment, No. 62, and of Orion Temple, No. 22.

AUen Lodge, No. 223, was chartered January 20, 1853, and instituted in April, that year. The diarter members were Charles Blinne, Eli Bond, J. J. Enoz, D. S. Taylor, Lemuel Eversole, William Gibbs and A. B. Kinoade. The number of members in 1884 was 104. William Kincade, a son of one of the charter members, is now Noble Orand with William Truesdale, Secretary, and A. W. Mawk, permanent Secretary. J. L. Eeve, who became a member of this lodge in 1859, holds the office of Outside Guardian.

Lima Lodge, No. 581, was chartered May 16, 1874, and instituted July 6, 1874. The charter members were R H. Chandler, H. A. Moore, J. P. Wilson, D. C. Bichmond, J. T. Moore, William Miller, Jacob Moser, G. F. Marmon, L. Beichelderf er, S. Y. Cottingham, B. T. Hughes, Samuel Bevy, J. A. Gardner, J. C. McGinnis, W. B. Howe, S. H Treat, Chauncey Cole, William Akerman and J. P. Eiebanks. The number of members in 1884 was 108. There are twenty names on the roll of Past Grands.

Lima Encampment, No. 62, was chartered April 4, 1854, with Eli Bond, P.. R Graul, William Single, D. Binkley, C. Halladay, W. J. Anderson and Bobert Herrin.

Patriarchial Circle, Orion Temple, No. 22, was chartered December 4, 1882, with the following members: Jacob Critee, George W. James, D. C. Bichmond, D. E. Fritz, F. Ashton, H Neise, E. W. Mosier, D. C. Cunningham, Ed. S. Mowen, W. Lohmar, S. S. Toder, J. G. Hissong, H. Tegeder, P. Walthers, J. Moeer, H A. Brodek, A. G. Lutz, S. W. Keve, S. A. Smith, S. F. Doan, W.D. Johnson and Wilbur Fisk.

Otheb Societiss

Allen County Agricultural Society was permanenilj organized in 1862, and a ooonty fair held in September of that year. The officers of ihe soeletj, elected in October, 1884, are President, J. B. Boberte; Samuel Collins; secretary, S. Sanford; treasurer, \Villiam Watkins. Directors for two years, S. Greer, Beuben White, J. L. B. Leatherman, William Watkins, J. W. Kemp. Directors for one year, L. H. Post, S. Sanford, L Fraunf elter, J. D. Irwin, J. E. Crider, Amos Hefner and Daniel Harpster.

Tike MeUxnchton Light Guards, Company C, Eleventh Ohio Infantry, was organized by Gapt. L. M. Meily, in 1877, with William Anderson, first lieutenant; William Owens^ second lieutenant In 1878 Gapt. Meily was appointed adjutant goieral of Ohio, when George W. James was commissioned captain. He served until 1884 Frank M. Bell was commissioned captain, December 24, 1884, a few years after the command was consolidated with the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry. O. L. Mowen was commissioned fi^t lieutenant, June 2, 1884 ; William S. Johnson commissioned second lieutenant, August 15, 1888 ; John Hover first sergeant ; Elvira Bowers, second sergeant ; John Bailey, third sergeant ; Harry Bell, fourth sergeant ; each of whom enlisted in July, 1880. B. H H. Hover, Ed. Butledge, Gharles Kiplinger, Dolp. Bowers, all of whom enlisted in July, 1880. G^rge Harper enlisted in 1883. B. Armstrong, G. Harper, W. Snook, G. Richmond, musicians, enlisted in June, 1884. The privates of this command are A. Ashton, A. W. Clutter, G. Coban, F. Carter, R Dugray, H. Downey, H. Ande, G. Eyster, B. G.

Faurot, Jr., John Qeir, George John, W. H. Jonee, B. M. Mann, William Mowen, A. Morris, William Morris, S. Maarer, C. C. MoComb, George Overmyer, William Pugh, J. W. Bollins, C. Shriner, C. Ston^, Milton Shroyer, L. Stever, W. South, A. Brooks, Peter McGowan. The men named above took part in the summer maneuvers, at Gamp Woodland Hills, Ohio, in August, 1884. Members of the command who did not participate in the encampment were M. D. Anderson, John Bond, Thomas Delzell, Carson Delzell, P. Geoble, Lorin Hays,C. M. Johnson, A. Eeptner, S. McComb, S. S. Sanford, F. J. Smith, C. Ward, William Welsh, James Walsh. Total force, fifty-eight.

The Kirk Cadets. - This military company was formally organized in the fall of 1870, by Capi J. B. Kirk, himself a soldier for over four years, in the war of 1861-65. Before the close of the year 1870, the roster contained forty names. When some little proficiency in drill was attained, and a little discipline had been secured, an organization was attempted by electing Will Mowen captain, and Stuart Pillars first lieutenant, J. B. !^irk retaining the position of instructor. This was at the beginning of 1880. Some time afterward J. B. Kirk was elected captain and Mowen and Pillars lieutenants. *

John Ralston and Frank Lewis being appointed first and second sergeants, a movement looking toward the equipment of the company resulted in their being uniformed in white duck pants and jackets, with caps of the same material, the uniform being adorned with U. S. staff buttons, and equipped with wooden guns stained black, *and, to make them still more formidable and warlike, guards of tin and hammers made of shoe buttoners were affixed ; thus prepared for emergencies, they received and accepted an invitation to attend the camp of the Eleventh ^Begiment Ohio National Guards at Wapakonetta, as guests of Company G - Capi Layton. As their ages increased, their love for their Quaker guns diminished, and in 1881 they purchased twenty-three breechloading rifles at a cost of $172. 50. The boyish suits having shrunken, and the boys having visibly lengthened, new suits were needed, and twenty-seven suits of ^ cadet gray*' trimmed in black, were procured at a cost of $361.70. This sum was raised by the liberality of our citizens, and by the receipts of a play. In the fall of 1883 they visited the encampment of the Second Regiment Ohio National Guards, at Upper

Sandusky, Obio, as the guests of Company C, of Lima, Ohio. The membership of the company has varied, being as high as forty-five and -as low as twenty-five, which is abont the present number of members. This company has had its triumphs and reverses ; the only losses sustained of importance were the death of Milton Shroyer, and the theft of the armory furniture, some vagabond having stolen chairs, table and books, and other little matters, from their armory in the summer of 1884. Out of over sixty members whose names have been on the roll since 1879, but one has died, as far as heard from. In the year of 1883, Hon. C. S. Brice, of Lima, presented the company with a beautiful silk flag, with the monogram of the company in gilt, in the center of the field, a suitable gift from a generous hearted man, and one highly prized by the cadets.

Lima Art Club. - This club was organized November 13, 1883, with the following named members: Miss Florence Carpenter, W. G. and Mrs. Nichols, George P. and Mrs. Waldorf, Mrs. W. L. Porter, Rev. J. B. Pitman and wife. Miss Flora Thrift, Mrs. A. A. Llewellyn, Mrs. B. C. Faurot, Bev. L G. Hall, Mrs. James Irvine, Mrs. C^rge Meyers, Miss Ella Timberlake, Miss Ella Sarly, Fred Stephens, Miss Nettie Boone, Mrs. F. E. Mead, Mrs. Mary McJunkin, Mrs. S. A. Baxter, Miss Luah Miller, Miss Cora Satterthwait, James Woods, Mrs. George Baxter and Mrs. Anna Sandford. Mrs. Pitman was first president, and Mrs. O. E. Latham, secretary. M^ss Tilly Badeiau is now president of the club.

In December, 1883, an exhibit of works of art was held. The second annual exposition was opened November 19, 1884, in Boom 10, Opera House Block. This was a success in every particular. The local press, in noticing the dose of the exhibition, says: ''One noticeable feature of the loan just closed is the progress that has been made in the last year by the ladies in the line of painting and fancy worL One year ago there was but little fancy work exhibited, and that was in its infancy. It comprised one of the best features of the loan, and shows a decided improvement in this art. Painting has steadily increased, and new features in the art are being added, as fast as they appear." What has been done the first year may be taken as an index of all that this association is capable of accomplishing.

January, 1885, are E. F. Davis, president; R. Peate, vice-president; W. G. Boggs, secretary; Miss E. Gibson, treasurer; Charles Thomas, G. B. Dnnsby and John Osbom, trustees. The history of this society may be summed up in the following notice from the Columbus Times, of January 3, dealing with the Eistedf odd, held at Columbus, Ohio, in Deoem> ber, 1884. *' After the close of our report last evening, the contest on Dr. Parry's choral march was called, the contestants being the Ambrose Choral Society of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati Welsh Society, the latter numbering fifty voices, taking the $100 prize. The Ambrose Choral Society, seventy-five strong, were unfortunate in getting off the key near the start, and labored through the piece most painfully. The Lima C^oral Society took the $40 prize on the glee, ' Morning Breezes,' by Givilin Givent, their competitors being the W. P. Glee Club, of Cincinnati. The 15 prize for the best rendition of Handel's soprano solo, ^ I Ejiow That My Redeemer Liveth,' was divided by Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, of Lima^ and Mrs. Frank M. Young, of Cleveland, Mrs. John Casell, of Columbus, being the third competitor. Mrs. Wheeler's conception of the music was very fine. Mrs. Young's voice is of beautiful quality, as sonorous as a bell, yet flute-like in its softnesa This lady was formerly of thia city. The evening concert was given in the presence of fully 2,000 people, and was one of the grandest ever given in Columbus. The prize of $6 for Handel's duet for female voices, 'O Lovely Peace,' was won by Mrs. A. F. Wheeler and Mrs. J. L. Hampton, of the Lima Society, their opponents being the Misses Mollie Roberts and Lillie Ellis, of Cincinnati, and the Misses Mary Servis and Sallie Edwards, of the same place. The big prize of $300, on Handel's chorus, 'When His Loud Voice,' was won in fine style by the Lima Society, led by Prof. William Miles; the Cambro- American of Columbus and Welsh, of Cincinnati, competing. Prizes No. 2, $125, and No. 5, $40, were taken by the society. Prizes No. 10, 11 and 13 were divided among Mrs. A. F. Wheeler, Mrs. B. F. Davis and Prof. Miles. Lima also brought home the gold medal for its successful leader."

Local Relief Society. - For many years a cQstom has existed throughout the old cities of the Union to call upon the wealthy, in the fall, to aid the lees fortunate. This year the custom had to be observed with more marked liberality than hitherto, owing as much to the great increase in the population as to the commercial depression, which introduced itself with the cold season. In November, 1884, the subject of taking care of the poor of the city was broached by Kev. 1^. Pitman, and the ladies at once proceeded to organize a relief committee to look after such as needed assistance. A meeting was held at the Opera House, and an organization effected, of which Mrs. C. C. Brice is president, Mrs. B. C. Faurot, vice*pre8ident, Mrs. Theo Mayo, treasurer, and Miss Yinnie Harper, secretary. Ward committees were appointed, and the good work was entered upon without delay. The several benevolent and religioua societies, always ready to relieve their members, extended the range of their benevolence, and thus much suffering was obviated entirely, or reduced to a minimum.

The Principal Buildinge of Lima are the County Court House, the history of which is given in the organic chapter of the general history, the Faurot Opera House, Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, Church of St Rose and the City Hall. The leading business blocks comprise the following named buildings: Anderson, Ashton, Badeau, Baxter, Bell, Bowdle, Brotherton, Collins, Crall, Crouse, Duffield, Fall, Faurot, Heffner, Irish, Jacobs, Eeil, Kendall, Langan, Masonic, Meily, Metheany, Music, Odd Fellows, Parmenter, Porter, Purt- Bcher, Sanford, Sants, Shuler, Thompson, Union, Watt New buildings for stores and offices are already begun or projected. . The residences of the city are many and beautiful. Along the streets devoted to the homes of the people, cottage and mansion and grounds all display the taste of their owners, and convey at once a full idea of what fifty years of progress have accomplished here.

FauroVa Opera House Building. - In 1879 the idea of erecting a great commercial building and opera house suggested itself to B. C. Faurot of

Lima. Plans hj Oscar Cobb of Chicago were prepared, ^and on May 2, 1881, the work of the building was began. Excavations were made on the nortliwest comer of Main and High Streets by John Yanatta, under Mr. Faurot's superintendence. The frontage on Main Street is 75 feet, 6 inches, and on High Street 203 feet 8| inches, from which the opera House proper runs north 105 feet Two large stores, 90 feet deep, front on Main Street, the bank office occupies the comer of Main and High Streets, while the first floor on High Street is devoted to stores and offices, among the latt^ being the business office and composing room of the Daily Republican,

The Opera House. - This magnificent room of parquette, circles, balconies, Parisian boxes and stage is considered one of the most perfect in arrangement devoted to music or the drama in this country. The auditorium is 65x73^ feet, 56 feet high to apex of dome, and capable of the admission or exit of 1,400 persons in two minutes; this number being the limit of its seating capacity. The seats are what is, known as the Haverly Patent Reversible, with hat-racks and foot-rests. These chairs are upholstered in imitation of Bussian leather. The style adopted in finishing the auditorium is composite, being Benaissance and Eastlake, or what is known as American Benaissanca The frescoes were executed by T. N. Atwood assisted by O. W. Mitchell, William Bucher, W. D. Gansden, Ed. L. Baymond, Fred. Lemm, E. C. Tillottson and George Stowe. The stage is 40x65 feet, 56 feet below the roof, with orchestra 6x36 feei Speaking tubes connect the orchestra, fly-gallery, traps, ticket-offices, while the gas apparatus (fourteen sets of pipes) is controlled from the prompter's side. Sun burners, footlights, ground lights, pilot and main border lights may all be managed at a signal. This important division of the work was performed by A. C. Hickey of Chicago. The drop curtain, painted by E. T. Harvey, represents the Domitian Chariot Bace in the Maximus at Bome, A. M. 3112. This subject was chosen by Mr. Faurot, and like his great enterprise, reflects his wealth of taste. The seventeen sets of scenery are so arranged as to meet the requirements of the stage in all its phases, and the combination scenes are no less complete in arrangements. All together point out the projector and proprietor as one who engaged in a great enterprise and carried it through to completion, perfect in every part, giving to Lima not only a metropolitan bailding, but also an Opera House which takes a leading place among the great homes of music and drama on this continent.

The Music Hall in the third story of the Opera House is 80x100 feet, twenty-four feet high, with a seating capacity of over 1,000. The entrance, dressing rooms, cloak rooms, supper rooms and kitchen in connection with this hall are perfect in arrangement and furnishing. On the south end is the platform, while a well arranged swing-gallery extends along the west, north and east sides, with graded seats. The richness of the Momo, frescoes, executed by the Italian Pedretti of Gincinnati, is admired by every one.

The manufacturing industries of Lima and the great railroad shops located there, contribute millions of dollars annually to the wealth of the of these mills and factories and work-shops can only come when a cloud of commercial depression sweeps over the country, and then only when it drives the leaders of enterprise before it to ruin, or to the refuge which closing-down affords. Fortunately for Lima, it has escaped the more dreadful phases of depression in manufacturing circles, and merely experienced the remote rumblings of the storm which swept over less favored districts. Here capital has labored earnestly and well to build up industries, not to enrich the already rich, but rather to provide means for the working man to earn a competence, and to build up the city. Lima Paper- Mills Company was organized in 1870 with B. C. Faurot, Q. G. Hackedorn, T. T. Mitchell, Holland and Johnson, members. This industry was conducted by the company for some years, and a very large trade in straw-board paper established. Mr. Faurdt purchased the entire control of the factory, and has brought this important business down to the present time, giving employment to over 100 hands. The buildings and machinery are especially adapted to this great industry. So perfect in detail is everything . connected with the mills, that even gas for local use is manufactured, and steam pumps, hose and cisterns ready in case of fire. Henry Neff has been foreman of the mills since 1870.

Lima Wheel Company. - This important indostrj was foanded in 1877 and opened in October, of that year, by M. B. Mahnrin and W. H. Bodeheaver. The branch factory at Ck>ldwater was snbeeqaently opened. There are ten saws, planers, bending machines and a large stock of spoke machines. The capacity is aboat 150 sets of wheels per day. This company's enterprise afforded employment to 100 hands. In January, 1885, J. B. and F. M. Woolsey, of Sandusky, leased the work&

The Ottawa Mills were built in 1856-57 by Mitchell k Mahan, subsequently operated by Musser & Co. until 1868-60, when the late W. B. Gorton purchased the mills, and conducted them up to January 1, 1885, when his death occurred. Since that time his sons-in-law - Eugene Mackenzie and O. W. Myers, have conducted the industry. The capacity is 125 barrels per day, almost exclusively custom work There are six hands employed. The machinery is valued at $14,000. The buildings are good and the location valuable.

Lima Agricultural Works were erected at the corner of Jackson and Market Streets in 1860, and operated under this name until 1874, when the Lima Machine Company was incorporated.

Lima Machine Company was incorporated in 1874 with the following named members: John Cames, J. M. Coe, Fred Agerter, G. W. Disman and Lra P. Cames. At this time the buildings of the Agricultural Works were extended, and the present main building erected - a bride structure 200x40 feet, two stories high. There have been several buildings erected since that time, every one of which is complete in equipment, and in charge of competent mechanics. The trade of the company extends throughouf the United States.

Lima Mill Furnishing Company, established in 1881 as the Keller Purifier Company, was organized in May, 1882, under the present name. The Keller Purifiers & Bolting Chests form the special products of the company's works, leaving the extensive manufacture of mill-machinery and furniture holding the place of general products. The machinery is Klriven by steam-power supplied from the adjoining works of the Irvine Wheel Company. L. B. Kohnle is superintendent The works stand on a five acre tract, and like the Lrvine Wheel Company are complete in equipment and location. James Lrvine, so prominently associated with the manufacturing industries of Lima, is president of the company.

The Lima Car Company, is partly the oatoome of local enterprise. In 1881, a proposition to erect car works here was made, provided, $10,000 cash and fifteen acres of land were granted. The conditions were fulfiled, and the Lima Car Company, consisting of Dr. S. A. Baxter, C. S. Brice, Emanuel Schnltz, H. C. Schaberth and W. H. Manning, entered upon the work of construction. The buildings were completed in January, 1882; the machinery was placed the following month, and in March, 1882, the work of car-building commenced. Before the close of the year, about 1,000 cars were built under the superintendenoy . of George B. F. Cooper, and steady employment offered to 500 mechanics ^d laborers. In the fall of 1882, the buildings were extended and the' number of employees increased. In June, 1884, the works closed down, awaiting desirable orders. The capacity is about twelve freight cars per day, and labor so economized that cars may be manufactured 10 per cent less than ordinary cost The annual meeting was held January 20, 1885, in Hackedom, Wheeler k Marble's office, when the following named directors were elected: C. S. Brice, James Irvine, S. A. Baxter, B. N. Beaver, Dayton; P. H. Griffin, Detroit; S. S. Wheeler and W. E. Hackedom. The following officers were elected: James Irvine, president; W. E. Hackedom, vice-president; G. L. Marble, secretary and treasurer. The following gentlemen from abroad were in attendance: B. N. Beaver and W. H. Manning, Dayton; W. J. Hill, Miamisburg; Dr. S. B. Collins, LaPorte, Indiana; Thomas F. Griffin and P. H. Griffin, Detroit There was no definite action taken in regard to starting the works, but there was a general feeling that the works would be started as soon as practicable.

Lima Iron Fence Company, was organized in June, 1882, with H. Eibby, president; T. T. Mitchell, vice-president; F. W. Holmes, secretary; Eibby, Mitchell and Dr. Ashton, executive committee; and B. G. DeVoe, superintendent The fence manufactured is the DeYoe and Ramsay patent, at once neat and durable. The original building is 50x200, to which other buildings were added in 1882-83. The leading products are iron fence, cresting, verandas, cellar and window guards, stair and counter railings, and hitching posts. The iron used is all malleable iron. The directors elected in January, are H. Eibby, J. B. Ashton, Robert Mehaffey, E. Ashton, T. T. Mitx^hell and James Irvine.

In January, 1885, John Games and G. S. Garretson retired from the Lima Iron Fence Company. The business of the company will be conducted under the same firm name by W. L. Porter, D. E. Fritz, F. X White and Frank W. Holmes.

Globe Machine Works. - Early in 1882, a company was organized with B. C. Faurot, president; J. N. Harrington, secretary and treasurer, and E. W. Cooke, superintendent. The capital was placed at $50,000. Shortly after organization, a forty-foot square building was erected, and the manufacture of stationary and portable engines began. The works stand on the comer of Main and Elm.

Sash and Door Factory of Mauk & Dunan, was established in 1870. This industry has grown from a very small beginning to be one of the leading manufacturing houses of Lima. Doors, sash, blinds, brackets and moldings, are the reading products.

Excelsior Bagging Works Company was incorporated in 1879, with R. W. Thrift, G. W. Walker, John Melhorn, H. Q. Hadsell and E. B. Halliday members. The capital was placed at $30,000. The original building was known as the flax-mill; increased to a building covering 10,000 square feet, and comprising the best machinery for the manufacture of coarse sacking for baling cotton. This industry employed about sixty hands.

Lima Bagging Company was incorporated in August, 1882, with Dr. S. A. Baxter, James Irvine and C. S. Brice, members. The capital was $100,000. This company purchased the bagging works, and increased their capacity.

Enterprise Cracker Works Company was organized in the spring of 1882, by H. B. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr. The works were opened May 3, 1882, with P. S. McMahon, superintendent. The machinery is very complete, and the men employed good mechanics. This was incorporated in 1884, with H. B. Hackedorn, president.

The Longsworth Handle Factory, on the north end of Jackson Street, has a daily capacity of about 8,000 handle& Broom, shovel, hoe, fork and rake handles are shipped from this factory all over the country.

Ohio Egg Case Company was incorporated in November, 1884. The board of directors: M. Seiberling, of Upper Sandusky; William Harris, of Union City; M. Thomas, Dr. S. A. Baxter, O. L. Parmenter, L. Beichelderfer, and Jamee Irvine. The board organized by the election of the following officers: President, M. Seiberling; Vice-President, M. Thomas; Secretary, G. L. Marble. O. L. Parmenter was elected Manager, and L. Beichelderfer, Treasurer. The capital stock is placed at $10,000.

Lima Egg Case Company. On the 24th of April, 1888, a patent was granted Orvi lie L. Parmenter, of Cincinnati, on an egg and fruit carrier^ and to-day they are being manufactured in Lima, the only manufactory of this special article in the United States. There was at that time another at Chicago; but the articles manufactured were different from the *' Parmenter case." The firm was composed of B. C. Faurot, J. N. Harrington, with O. L. Parmenter, as superintendent Their rooms, which are large, airy and commodious, are located in the second story of the Olobe Machine Works, and every inch of space utilized to its best advantage. The company manufactured its own straw-board, at the Lima paper-mills, and will use about three tons of that article per diem, when in full running order. The article manufactured is a very simple contrivance, being a tray for packing eggs and fruits for shipment The straw board is received at.the manufactory in bundles and sheets, and run tlirough a number of machines, that out and slot them ready to be fitted together. This establishment gives employment to a large number of hands.

The Coss Manufacturing Company, was established at Lima in 1882. The Coss Bros, made propositions to the -Lima people to locate here, provided certain aid was given them in the way of land and cash donations. This was promptly done by enterprising citizens, and the firm erected several substantial brick buildings. The machinery was placed in position, and in February, 1883, active work commenced. The works closed down in August, 1883, for a short time. Since that the establishment has been operated continuously.

Irvine Wheel Company was established in 1871 by James Irvine k Co., and conducted by Mr. Irvine until 1880; when the present company was organized. The manufacture of spokes, hubs, wheel material and plow beams formed the leading features of this establishment. The company had a very extensive trade. Geo. A. Heffner was superintendent of the shops. In 1884 the Western Wood Fibre Company purchased the mill.

Enterprise Stave Works at the junction of the railroads in South Lima, is devoted to the manufacture of pork barrel staves, tierce and general barrel staves, with a capacity of about 5,000,000 staves annually. To i>r. Baxter and James Muir, the establishment of this industry is due. It gives employment to about seventy men. Dr. Baxter is sole owner of the works.

Craig Feed Mill on East Market Street, is devoted to the manufacture of bran and mill feed. Added to a good local trade, this mill claims a large shipping business.

The Lima Handle Factory was founded by O. D. Oray, on Spring Street, with a capacity of 1,800 handles per day, giving employment to twenty men.

Sash and Door Factory of W. Atmur & Son, was established in March, 1882. The building and machinery are specially designed for the company's work.

The Schultheis Tannery was established in pioneer times as mentioned in the history of first industries. The buildings were purchased by W. Schultheis in 1863 from John Schultheis, who purchased them from Mr. Hoover. Mr. Schultheis has conducted the works since 1863, giving employment to about sixteen men annually, together with salesmen. The trade extends throughout the State. There are 5,000 hides manufactured annually. The leather and finding store at the corner of Main and Public Square was established in 1870.

Bimel & Son's Carriage Works. - In 1872 Jackson & Davidson established a carriage factory on Tanner and Market Streets; which was continued until 1881. when L. Bimel & Son of St Mary's, Ohio, purchased the concern. Since that time this industry has increased rapidly. A large force of skilled mechanics is employed.

Lebanon, Ohio, visited Lima to porchase dried com. He met Mr. Faorot, to whom he explained his business. This conyersation resulted in: his leasing from Mr. Faorot and others 80() acres of land in West Lima, and in the fall of 1882 erected a bailding on the Fanrot tract, with a floor area of 20,000 sqnare feet; and placed machinery therein capable of turning out 35,000 cans of com daily. This industry gave employment to about 100 hands. The works are now operated by Fisher & Co., of Cincinnati, as a fruit canning factory.

Packing House, meat market and grain elevator of King & Day*, just north of the P. Ft. W. & C. B. B., on Main Street, is an important in* dustry. As a combined trading and manufacturing house, it is the pioneer of its kind in this city.

Porter's Oil Works and manufacturers' agency, may be classed amojig the industries, since the large trade which he conmiands, the great quantity of material handled, and the opportunities offered to local manufacturers as well as buyers, give to his establishment a place generally held by the manufacturer.

Lima Elevator, owned by T. S. Gilliland, is a building 80x30 feet, located near the packing house of Day & King. Over 5,000 bushels of grain are handled daily. The egg packing establishment has a capacity of 200 barrels per day.

Zimmerman's Brewery was established in 1878, by Michael Zimmerman, and buildings were erected just beyond the Lima Paper Mills, the same year. This was the pioneer brewery of Michael Wolf, who established it in 1848. Joseph Wolf and Qenry Betts succeeded Mr. Wolf, 8r. The interest in this building was purchased by Fred Bost, in 1866, who conducted it until 1878. The capacity is about the same as West Street Brewery.

West Street Brewery was founded by Lewis Thomas about 1856. Mr. Thomas conducted the brewery from that time to March, 1875, when Charles Duval purchased the building for $2,800. The old brewery was operated by horsepower. In 1875, Mr. Duval introduced steam power, and refurnished the establishment. The capacity is about 5,000 barrels annually. The value of the property is about $12,000. This industry employs about five men.

purpose of rebuilding the East & Lewis Floaring-Mills, destroyed bj fire about that time. The incorporators were David East, H. W. Lewis, James Irvine, B. C. Fanrot, S. W. Moore, George Fetter, S. A. Baxter, L MoJunkin, John O'Connor, W. fl. Harper, R. E. Jones, and G^rge W. Overmjer. This corporation never materialized. The ruins of the old mill stand, and the intentions of enterprise in this matter are unknown. George Fetter and Henry Boos now own the property.

Lima Gas Works Company was organized in 1871, by W. R Gorton, Dr. S. A. Baxter, C. S. Brice, C. Parmenter, Judge C. M. Hughes and others, in response to an almost unanimous vote of the citizens in favor of the establishment of gas light On January 3, 1872, the city was first lighted. The total investment approximates $225,000. Since reorganization, the company has been controlled by C. S. Brice and Dr. S. A. Baxter, Jr. The officers of the company are: C. S. Brice, president; S. A. Baxter, general manager; A. C. Baxter, Jr., secretary; W. H. Gibson, superintendent; C. M. Hughes, Jr., treasurer; with C. S. Brice, S. A. Baxter, W. E. Hackedorn, A. C. Baxter, Jr., and C. M. Hughes, Jr., a board of directors.

The grounds have 216 feet front on Jackson Street and the D. & M. B. R. Next to the railroad is the immense coal shed 216 feet long by 36 wide. Next to this is the retort house, 68x34, and east of it is the main building containing condenser room, 16x34; purifying room, 34x34; lime room, 16x18; meteor room, 16x16; and the center seal room, 34x34. In addition there are the office and governor house, 36x20, and valve house, 8x10. The buildings are^ ut up in the most substantial manner, and are all fire-proof, being built of brick, stone and iron, and roofed with slate. The new gas holder is 60 feet in diameter and 18 feet deep, having a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet The old holder, which is still used as an adjunct to the new one, is 42x18, with a holding capacity of 20,000 cubic feet The retort house contains a stack of four benches of five retorts each, 'giving a gas making capacity of 200,000 feet per day. There are seventeen miles of gas mains laid down. The iron work of all kinds, including the gas holder, was put up in a most efficient manner by the Kerr Murrey Manufacturing Company, of Ft. Wayne. The fire brick work was done by Taylor & Anderson, of Cincinnati; brick work by Fomhoff & Son, and Lewis Boysell; carpenter work, by James

The Dayton & Michigan Eailroad shops were established at Lima in 1858, on a 115,000 bonus, and work was began therein by sixty men noder Theodore Mayo, in 1859. In 1865, twenty years ago, John Black was appointed master mechanic. In 1880 the car shops were enlarged, and in 1881 the machine shops were extended. The number of employees was increased to about 325 hands. The machinery is perfect, and the buildings first-class. The area devoted to this industry is eight acres. The county contributed $100,000 in aid of this railroad.

The Lake Erie & Western Railroad shops won from the county about $85,000 bonus, $25,000 bonus to the car works, and $90,000 toward the construction of the road itself. The Lake Erie & Western shops are situated between the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad depot and the Lima Car Shops. The machine shop is 90x160 feet ; the carpenter shop is the same size, while the houses occupied by blacksmiths and painters, as well as engine room and roundhouse, are all commodious.

The first schedule train over the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad entered Lima at 1:30 P. M., May 1, 1883. W. H. Much, of Huntington, Ind., purchased the first ticket from F. McCoy, the first agent here. The roundhouse of this road is opposite the depot

Lima Street Railroad Company. - ^This company was organized in June, 1878, with George Jameson president and Frederick Agerter secretary. The company's lines run from the Fort Wayne depot west on Wayne to Main, south on Main to Market, and west on Market to the stables beyond the city limits. In winter, sleighs take the place of street cara The fare is 5 cents, and the trips from 7 A. M. to 10 P. M., regular.

J. W. King, S. A. Baxter, L. Beichelderf er, J. M. Coe and W. L. Porter. President^ S. A. Baxter; Vice-President, C. S. Brioe; Cashier, 0. M Hogbes, Jr.

Merchants' National Bank was organized Noyember 17, 1880, with R. Mehaffey, President; J. H. Dagae, Vice-President, and B. W. Thrift, Jr., Cashier. The capital stock is 150,000. Sorplns fond, $5,300. A general banking business is well oondacted while the collection department is prompt Directors, B. Mehaffey, J. H. Dagae, W. H. Standish, R W. Thrift, I. Q. Hall, C. S. Brice and S. D. Crites.

Lima National Bank. - ^This banking hoose, to which reference b made in other pages, is bne of the leading financial institations of the State. The officers elected in January, 1885, are: Directors, W. H. Harper, B. C. Faurot, J. Wise, George Fetter, James McBeth, S. W. Moore and I. T. Moore; President, B. C. Faurot; Vice-Prnsident, 8. W. Moore; Cashier, F. L. Langan.

Source changes here: from History of Allen County, Ohio, by Various, published 1885; 13,419 words in this source stream.

Lima City

Lima has passed the first half century of her existence. From the day in 1831, when the pioneers arrived on the spot, now known as the Publie Square, progress has been made as remarkable as conciliatory. The locality possessed many advantages - nature made it beautiful. The American pioneers came to draw forth all the resources of the country; the forest began to disappear; millstospring up along the stream which then flowed swiftly by the settlement ; log-cabins to dot the clearings; roads to lead through the wilderness ; gardens to peep forth from the confusion of fallen and decayed trees; the whole scene to assume an air of busy life, which told at once that the men and women who toiled there came to stay and to improve and to build upacity. The task which those early settlers of Lima set out to accomplish, has been performed.

Before the great majority of them left, forever, the scene of their labors, they saw unfolded the reality of their day dreams, and in this place, where they found a wilderness, they beheld a city; complete in

From what has been already written of Ottawa Township, a knowledge of the location and general physical characteristics of Lima may be obtained. Its altitude (at railroad depot), above Lake Erie level, is 208 feet ; while its depression below Hog Creek marsh is 147 feet, this marsh being 35() feet above the lake level.

Original Town Of Lima

A reference to the organic history of the county will show the part played by the commissioners' board in the establishment of Lima. Of him who located the county seat at this point, much has been said in the general history, and again in the sketches of settlement in the Sugar Creek district ; here it will be only necessary to quote from his biographer that which relates to the man up to the period of his settlement in Allen County.

Christopher Wood was born in Kentucky in 1769, and in early life experienced many dangers during the incursions of the savages from the territory of Ohio and Indiana. At that period, the pioneer settlers of Kentucky were often compelled to seek safety in the block-houses and stockade forts, where the Wyandots, Miamis and Shawnees, led on by the notorious Simon Girty, beleaguered the unhappy settlers. In this school of danger, young Christopher Wood became inured to the sudden irruptions of the Northern savages, and learned when young to meet the cunning and strategy of the Indian by bravery and a like shrewdness. He. was often employed as a scout, and frequently met that marvel of adventurers, Daniel Boone, who was unsurpassed in his efforts to repel the incursions of the Ohio Indians. He knew personally Simon Kenton, who, next to Boone, was one of the most remarkable border warriors of the West. Mr. Wood also accompanied the expeditions of George Rogers Clark and Logan, and was familiar with the border invasion by Harmar, St. Clair and Wayne, in 1790, 1792 and 1794, and participated with other Kentuckians in these expeditions against the Ohio tribes. In this service he traversed a large portion of northwestern Ohio and Kentucky, and upon the treaty at Greenvilie located in Champaign County, and served in the army of Gen. Harrison with the Kentucky troops, and was at the defeat of Winchester, at Frenchtown on the river Raisin, in January, 1813, and witnessed the treacherous massacre of the Kentucky troops by the Indians. He was also at the siege of Fort Meigs, the same year. In April, 1824, he, Joseph and Albert G. Wood, two sons, and Benjamin Dolph, a son-in-law, left Bellefontaine to visit a piece of land entered at Piqua, in what is now Allen County. In 1829 he was appointed one of the commissioners to locate the county seat, and in 1831 was appointed by the first board of county commissioners to plat the village and superintend the sale of lots. James W. Riley, acting under Justin Hamilton, of Mercer County, was the surveyor. The name Lima was proposed by Patrick G. Goode, to whom it was suggested by the Peruvians. ORGANIC AND OFFICIAL HISTORY.

The original town as platted in 1831 was entirely controlled by the county commissioners. In 1841 a movement to organize a system of village government was favorably received ; the commissioners were petitioned in the matter, and as a result the village of Lima was established. The town of Lima was organized March 29, 1842, with H. D. V. Williams, mayor ; W. McHenry, recorder ; John Alexander, Jr., Samuel Black, H. Davison, T. K. Jacobs and D. D. Tompkins, trustees. The council elected John B. Wamsley, treasurer, and Amos Clutter, marshal; Alexander Beatty, Daniel Bowyer and R. E. Thomas, street commissioners ; and Daniel Musser, supervisor, were appointed in April, 1842. In May, 1842, the question of grading the streets was discussed on plans submitted by D. H. Morrison, engineer.

In 1848 Moses B. Newman was elected recorder; Daniel Bowyer, T. C. Curtiss, Lester Bliss, Thomas Kennedy and John Keller, trustees - the mayor, treasurer and marshal being re-elected. In June Thomas Dalzell took the place of Lester Bliss.

In 1844, Orrin Curtiss was elected recorder ; H. F. Hubbard, mayor; John Bashore and Horatio N. Maguire, trustees, vice Kellar and Curtiss retired ; Joseph H. Richardson, marshal.

The elections of 1846 resulted in the choice of Thomas Delzell, mayor; Orrin Curtiss, recorder; B. A. Satterthwait, treasurer; T. K. Jacobs, marshal; Joseph Crossley, Thomas Milligan, Charles Williams, W. Gunkle and Cyrus Holland, trustees.

Elections of 1847 resulted in the choice of Aurelius N. Smith, mayor; John Delzell, recorder; Newton Hover, treasurer; Enoch L. Ogk, marshal; David Delzell, John Tuttle, B. A. Satterthwait, W.H. C. Mitchell and M. B. Newman, trustees.

In 1848 James Cunningham was elected mayor; Peter R. Gravel, recorder; Thomas Delzell, treasurer; William Andrews, marshal; Julius C. Curtiss, Richard Metheany, John Delzell, John H. Meiley and Anderson Dean, trustees.

In 1849 Thomas Delze]ll was elected mayor; Lester Bliss, recorder; Newton Hover, treasurer; Thomas K. Jacobs, marshal; John B. Wamsley, John P. Fay, Matthias H. Nichols, B. A. Satterthwait and Hamilton Davison, trustees.

The elections of 1850 resulted in the choice of Thomas Milligan, mayor; Richard Metheany, recorder; John B. Wamsley, treasurer; Isaac Delzell, marshal; William S. Rose, John Kellar, James Cunningham, Thomas Clayton, Daniel Bower.

Elections, 1851: Samuel A. Baxter, mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; Ralph Cherry, treasurer; George W. Fickel, marshal; Thomas K. Jacobs, John B. Wamsley, Samuel Buckmaster, John H. Miley and B. A. Satterthwait, trustees.

The elections of 1852 resulted in the return of the same officers with the exception of marshal, for which position William Andrews was chosen. In this year the contracts to grade the streets were sold. The same year an ordinance to prohibit intemperance and tippling within the village was adopted.

In 1858 Thomas Milligan was elected mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; Thomas K. Jacobs, treasurer; James Wright, marshal; John Tuttle, Henry Sharp, William Skilling, Shelby Taylor and Richard Metheany, trustees. In January, 1854, Samuel A. Baxter was appointed

In 1854 Samuel A. Baxter was elected mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; George W. Fickel, treasurer; John H. Shumbarger, marshal, Shelby Taylor, Henry Sharp, Richard Metheany, William Skilling and David Delzell, trustees.

In 1855 Samuel}; A. Baxter was elected mayor; John McKibben, recorder: George W. Fickle, treasurer; William Stump, marshal; Daniel Musser, T. T. Mitchell, James Harper, Isaac Delzell and Henry Sharp, trustees.

In 1857 John Melhorn was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder; A. N. Smith, marshal; Francis Ashton, Sr., W. A. Hover, Elijah Curtiss Hudson Watt and Christian Lippert, trustees. Mayor Melhorn resigned, but was appointed in May to fill unexpired term. J. W. Fields was appointed marshal, vice Smith resigned. T. H. Binkley was elected treasurer.

In 1859 John L. Hughes was elected mayor; C. Parmenter, recorder; W. McHenry, H. Sharp, L. C. Hurd, David Lloyd and Garrett Wykoff, trustees; William Stewart, marshal, and John B. Wamsley, treasurer.

In 1860 E. G. Hamilton was elected mayor; William Cunninghan, recorder; William Kiplinger, T. T. Mitchell, William Skilling, ©. T. Neff, Francis Ashton, trustees; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer, and William Stump, marshal.

In 1861 John R. Hughes was elected mayor; William Cunningham, recorder; J. B. Wamsley, treasurer; Samuel Miller, marshal; Isaac Delzell, J. H. Dague, T. E. Cunningham, J. H. Cookston and Daniel Musser, trustees.

In 1863 mayor and recorder were re-elected. The trustees chosen were Edward Marshall, Ed Sanford, Aaron Parker, William E. Lee and C. M. Townsend.

In 1867 John Collett was elected mayor; W. M. Ampt, recorder; James H. Corns, Benjamin C. Faurot, Uriah Pangle, J. R. Hughes and C. D. Robbins, trustees; J. M. Brown, recorder.

In 1868 Thomas M. Robb was elected mayor; Henry Heman, recorder; John O'Connor, T. Mayo, John Gable, D. C. Hulbert, Patrick Lawler, trustees; James SBastable, marshal; A. R. Krebs, treasurer.

The elections of 1869 resulted in the re-election of mayor, recorder, marshal and treasurer. John H. Meily, William Sissiest, F. Roush, D. C. Hulbert, were elected trustees. George W. Overmyer was elected mayor 'by the council in September, 1869, vice Mayor Robb, resigned.

In 1870 Richard Metheany was elected mayor; H. H. Heman, clerk; Thomas J. Nash, W. M. Bell, A. L. Richmond, Fred Agerter, J. S. Karns and Peter Feeman, trustees; J. E. Richie, attorney; D. C. Hulbert, treasurer; James Bastable, marshal, and Elijah Delzell, commissioner.

In 1873, George W. Disman, J. S. Hughes and John Bakehorn, were elected councilmen, and D. D. Nicholas, city engineer. During this year, the work of grading the streets was carried out extensively.

The members of the council since 1874, are named as follows: 1874, John M. Bond, S. W. Jackson, William S. Watt, Edwin Sanford, John O'Connor and John Black. 1875, G. W. Disman, John Black and

Edwin Sanford. 1876, John W. Bond, William L. Watt, John O'Connor. 1877, S. A. Smith, W. L. Porter, John Black. 1878, C. A. Metheany, John O'Connor,G. Day. 1879,S. A. Smith, W. L. Porter and John Black. 1880, J. Y. Marmon, A. F. Wheeler, John O'Connor, William H. Lamberton and F. M. Ryland. 1881, John Black, George Hall, H. A. Moore and L. J. Shockey. 1882, Garrett Wykoff, A. F. Wheeler, John O'Connor, John Vau Sweringen. 1883, Johu Disman, C. F. Donze, R. C. Eastman and P. J. Scully. 1884-85, C. F. Donze, P. J. Scully, Joseph Potter, John Disman, H. Parham, John O'Connor, E. T. Bowdle, J. M. Jameson.

Finances Of Lima

The tax levy for 1884 was about $33,000. The fire bonds issued in July, 1865, amounting to $14,400 areall redeemed. The railroad aid bonds for $100,000, issued as a bonus to the L. E. & W. R. R. and to the D. & M. R. R. fall due April 1, in the year 1900. Six per cent is payable semiannually on them. Sewer bonds for $10,000 were standing out in November, 1884, from the issue of November and December, 1882, and $5,000 issued March 1, 1884, fall due in 1888. Notes for $3,900 also stand against the city building, which with $1,000 paid in cash, and other considerations, place the sole title of this building in the city council.

Lima Fire Department

In other portions of this work many references are made to the volunteer fire companies of former days. In September, 1872, a company was organized to take charge of the Clapp & Jones steam fire-engine. J. R. Hughes, the chief of the old department, was not present, but T.

Shroyer, his assistant took the chair. The Lima Chief Company No. 3 was organized as the result of this meeting. The old organization claimed J. R. Hughes for chief engineer until 1881, when D. J. Shuler was elected. In February, 1882, the department was reorganized as a city department, with D. J. Shuler, chief; C. F. Donze, assistant chief ; James Harley, foreman; J. R. Mowen, assistant foreman, and J. W. Earley, secretary. The hose carriage was purchased in March, 1882. This is the only addition to equipment since reorganization. Mr. Shuler is still chief; Charles Keplinger, secretary. The regular members of the department at present are C. F. Donze, James Harley, W. Havil, John Hubbard, Peter Weot, Elmer Mowen, Louis Goebel, John Hoover, William Truesdale James Ogden, William McComb, Jr., Charles Keplinger and Newton Pangle, driver of hook and ladder truck. Under the old organization this department participated in many tournaments, and took prizes at Delphos, Bellefontaine, Kenton and Bucyrus. Under the city organization the department does not attend tournaments. The number of fires attended since February, 1882, is seventy-two, to which those of January 21 and 22, 1885 are to be added. The success of the department is proverbial.

The political complexion of the citizens is shown in the following abstract of votes cast for President of the United States, November 4, 1884:

The October vote on supreme judge was 1,164 Democratic and 1,126 Republican. This would show a Democratic loss of thirty-four in votes, and a Republican increase of forty-seven. In October the Democratic majority in the city was thirty-eight, und in November the Republican majority was forty-three, being a net Republican gain of eighty-one.

J. D. Cook, the hydraulic engineer, estimates the expenses of waterworks for Lima at $190,000, which includes nineteen and three-fourth miles of pipe, with special castings, valves, hydrants, building, pumps, engines, boilers, reservoir, and $11,500 for incidentals and engineer's salary.