Middletown City (part 4 of 4)

At a regular meeting of the congregation, held August 9, 1828, the name of the society was changed from the Salem Baptist church to the First Baptist church of Middletown, Ohio. In the winter of 1828 it was agreed that a new brick church should be built and the act of incorporation was secured and Jacob Deerdorff, Thomas Royal and David Taylor were chosen as trustees. A lot was secured on the west side of Main street, just north of Second street, in 1829, when a house of worship was begun, but was not finished until 1832. This new structure was forty by eighty feet. The cost was three thousand dollars and the building stood until 1854, when it was taken down and a large two-story brick church erected on the old site, to which was added some additional land adjoining. In 1867 an addition twenty-five by sixty-four feet was added to the east end of the two-story building, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The society erected a substantial brick house for the pastor on a lot north of the church in 1862, which was recently sold to Dr. Linville. This church, under the leadership of Pastor Rufus W. Weaver, began to agitate the construction of a new church edifice on a new site near to the commercial and residential center of the city. After much discussion, planning and thinking this was determined upon, and Mr. Andrews, of Dayton, Ohio, was chosen as the architect, and C. H. Barkelew, Frank Jones, J. R. Allen and S. W. Margerum were made a building committee. This movement was given great certainty and enthusiasm by the generous subscription of Hon. Paul J. Sorg, of ten thousand dollars, conditioned that the congregation secure thirty thousand dollars additional. By the persistent effort of Dr. Weaver this was secured and the enterprise was put in active operation. In December, I9°3> the whole of lot 62, one hundred by two hundred feet, was secured at a cost of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, and in March of that year the new edifice was begun and is now under roof and ready for the inside work. It is constructed of Bedford (Indiana) stone, laid in irregular ashler masonry. The architecture is of the low old English style. The Sunday school room is builded on the "Akron plan" and well adapted for class and assembly work. The cost of the entire structure, furnishings and grounds, will be sixty thousand dollars. Mrs. P. J. Sorg will furnish the glass for the windows of the entire building, and her daughter, Miss Ada, will add three thousand dollars for the new organ, which in place will cost some four thousand dollars. The old church and site will be sold and the proceeds used in the construction of the new edifice.

This church has been active in the work of missions in Amanda, Heno and parts of Middletown. Moved by the energy, tact and liberality of L. D. Doty and John R. Shaffor, substantial brick houses of worship were erected at Amanda and Heno during recent years.

This church has been served in the pastorate by Jacob Mulford, David Bryant, William Boynton, John Finlay, J. A. Bullard, J. G. Brown, Albert Guy, D. S. Watson, F. L. Chapell, J. W. T. Boothe, Thomas Cull, Edward A. Ince, John Blodgett, Harry Crane, Dr. Rufus W. Weaver and the present pastor, E. T. Stevens.

In and of the membership of this church have been men of the highest character and potential force not only in the work of the society but in the advance of the city. We may name with pleasure F. J. Tytus, John R. Shaffor, William More, Edward Jones, Joseph Shepherd. A. G. Clendenin, Jacob Vorhis, Rev. Lyman J. Fisher and others of like rank and place. Many mothers in Zion have been called to the skies from this communion, like Mrs. Mary Wren, Mrs. Josephine Mitchell, Mrs. F. J. Tytus, Mrs. Smith Wren, Mrs. Edward Jones, Mrs. John Hogland and others whose goodness and Christian faith was their crown and fullest measure.

T1Ie First Presbyterian Church

This church dates back to 1819 for its fixed beginning. On April 6th of that year a petition was presented to the Miami presbytery at Lebanon, Ohio, for the right to form the First Presbyterian church of Middletown. The presbytery granted the request, and at a preliminary meeting held April 1 6th of the same year a collector and clerk were chosen. Rev. Frances Mon fort was appointed by the presbytery to preach to the people and promote the organization of the new society. On July 29. 1820, a meeting was held at which Rev. Monfort and brethren from the New Jersey church were present and a sessional meeting was constituted, which adjourned to meet August 6th of the same summer, when twelve members were received, nine by certificate and three by profession of faith.

In June, 1821, fifteen more persons joined the society and three elders were elected, William McClain, Nathaniel Peppard and Moses Karr; in August, 1828,

In this year the necessity for a church home began to press itself on the minds of the brethren, for the society had been organized and services held in the little school house which stood on the corner of Second and Main streets, and which was occupied alternately by this church, the Baptists and the Methodists.

In 1832 a site for a new church was secured from Daniel Doty, on what is now lower Broadway and which site the German Lutheran own at this time. Here the church began the erection of a commodious building, forty-five by thirty feet. During this period Rev. John Hudson was the pulpit supply. It is said that this new house cost about one thousand one hundred dollars, be- side the labor, donated by those interested. Rev. Alex. Gray, J. S. Bellville and J. B. Morton served the congregation as supplies. The latter was elected pastor in March,

1843, and continued in that relation until 1847; during this pastoral term this minister also served some other churches adjacent to Middletown, for the church here was not yet self-sustaining. Rev. S. W. Tempelton and J. B. Morton, who had removed to a point nearby, served the church as pulpit supplies, and in 1853 the church found it was able to sustain itself without aid from the boards of the general society.

In 1854 it secured a site for a new and larger house for church services, the same being lot 20, at the northeast corner of Fourth and Main streets. On this property was speedily erected a large two-story brick church, costing twelve or fifteen thousand dollars. The building committee was made up of Dr. G. E. Wampler, Thomas Wilson, John L. Martin and William S. Young. This new house was dedicated in 1856 and Rev. J. B. Morton was again called as pastor and continued in this relation for nine years. Mr. Morton was a devoted man, given seriously to the work of the church and the education of the young; for he taught school in Middletown as well as preached the Word. This good man did much to shape things in Middletown, and to firmly and wisely establish the First church. He was a very useful man in both town and county, and the impress of his thought and methods is still realized. He died lamented by all who knew him. From 1865, "'hen Mr. Morton resigned his pastorate, to 1867 Rev. G. J. Taylor filled the pulpit as a supply.

In 1867 this house was remodeled, decorated and a pipe organ added to its equipment, and in June of that year Rev. Joshua Russell was called as pastor, he serving the church until September, 1872.

The pastorate of this vigorous church has been filled since that date by the Rev. J. W. Cloakey, Thomas Hench, H. B. Elliott (supply), S. F. Hershey (supply), Rev. J. W. Simonton, G. W. McCampbell, Dr. Scott and William H. Shields, the present pastor, who has been with the church for the past five years, and is meeting with splendid and gratifying success.

In 1892 the two-story brick church was taken down and the material used to erect a church, in the eastern part of the city, known as the Oakland church, which is supported in part by the First church, the Board of Missions and the help given by the congregation. Services were first held in the Oakland church in January, 1893. Pastors H. E. Neff, James Hutchinson and J. M. Bolton have served this Oakland church.

In 1892 the First church began the erection, on lot 20, of a new stone church and in a short while it was finished and dedicated to the worship of God at a cost, with all of its appointments, of some fifty thousand dollars. The entire cost has been met and a congregation of fervent men and women attend every week upon the services as led by Pastor Shields. This church is wealthy and conservative, yet a devoted body of Christian people and much good is being done by it in and for the city.

Holy Trinity Ciiurch

As earlv as 1850 priests from Hamilton visited Middletown and held services as Catholic missionaries, and mass was said at the homes of the little band that formed the nucleus of the coming congregations.

The church then constructed was of brick made lasting and material progress, and to and of strong and substantial build. It has his untiring efforts is due the fine school been served by Rev. Thomas J. Smith, Rev. house, the home for the Sisters and the new Thomas J. Boulger, Rev. John Bowe, Rev. and handsome stone church.

church is fitted with a new pipe organ of the most modern build. The congregation is a very large one and is steadily advancing under the quiet care of Father Hickey.

The New Holy Trinity church was dedicated September 3, 1899, with very impressive ceremonies, and is an edifice of which every citizen is proud.

The United Brethren Church

The United Brethren church has existed in the vicinity of Middletown for over fifty years, but no society was organized in the city until 1890. At the annual conference held in Miamisburg, in August, 1889, it was decided to open a mission at Middletown. This action was due largely to the influence of George Yost, who was a lay delegate to

Michael Hayes, Rev. D. A. Buckley and Rev. B. A. Sutton was named pastor and now Father Hickey cares for the large con- began his labors in the new field, but gregation and looks wisely after the affairs signed before the close of the con erence of the parish. year. Rev. D. K. Flickinger served the so-

During the pastorate of these different ciety until the fall of 1890, when the con priests the congregation has steadily grown ference of that year sent Rev. W. L. yers in numbers and strength. In 1866 a as pastor, who proceeded to secure un following year the Sisters assumed charge tion of a frame chapel on the east en o of it. During the pastorate of Father the same. During his pastorate the young Hayes a handsome parochial residence was congregation grew in numbers and was erected. In 1891 a large two-story school comfortably accommodated in the new house was builded and equipped and in 1898 * frame house.

four years. Under this pastorate the necessity of a new and larger house was felt, and under the pastorate of Rev. E. E. Saul, in 1899, funds were at hand and a building committee was named consisting of C. C. Fouts, D. D. Monger and George L. Yost. W. H. Davis made plans for a new brick house of worship.

In February, 1900, the contract was awarded to Caldwell & Isaminger, the cost of which was some twelve thousand dollars. The church is a neat one-story pressed brick house, tastefully finished and furnished. The society is growing in strength and efficiency all the time and Rev. Saul is still successful in the pastorate and under his lead the church is doing much good.

The dedicatory services for the new brick house took place on a Sunday in February,''1901, and was a day long to be remembered. Rev. W. R. Funk, of Dayton, preached a wonderful sermon at 10:30 A. M. of that day. The society is now out of debt and will soon have a comfortable parsonage.

T11E Protestant Methodist Ciiurch

This association of good folks appeared in our city in 1854 and its early sessions were held in old Washington hall, in Jacob Leibee's Third street block. The church was formally organized March 11, 1855, with thirty-six members. Rev. W. B. Warrington served as its first pastor, and during his stay some two hundred were added to the fold. The present substantial two-story brick was dedicated in 1856, and it serves very well the needs of the society today.

church on Broadway, just south of Third street, in which the present pastor, Rev. Lane, and family are living, he being the twenty-first pastor who has served this society. The church property was recently refurnished and frescoed and new heaters added for the comfort of the people. Mrs. Sarah Robinson, one of the original charter members, is still living and able to attend services.

The United Presbyterian

This new church is located on the corner of Sixth and Baltimore streets, in the new and growing side of the city. It was organized in December, 1904, with eleven members, under the guidance of the First Ohio Presbvtery of the United Presbyterian church. The church building was dedicated June 30, 1898, under the pastorate of Rev. W. B. Barr, who served the congregation until November. t8q8. Rev. G. A. Brown succeeded him, being installed December 12, t8(>8. The present pastor. Rev. J. W. Bicket. is a young man. well qualified for his work, and is well liked by his congregation and the citizens. The membership is as yet small, but all the property is paid for and the congregation is comfortably housed in a neat modern church.

The St. Paul congregation was organized December 10, 1876, with the following officers : Got f rev Rathman, president: William Sebald, secretary, and Jacob Borger, treasurer, all of whom are now dead. The site for the new church was secured the same year, being the north half of lot 83 on South Broadway. The corner stone of the new two-story brick church was laid with fitting ceremonies May 16, 1877, and the first story was finished and dedicated on Thanksgiving day of the same year. This served the congregation for preaching and Sunday-school services until 1888, when, under the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Mueller, the auditorium was furnished and dedicated March ti, 1888. In 1892, under the pastorate of Philip Wittich, the entire debt was fully paid and the event celebrated September 25th of that year. This congregation, desirous of pressing on in the work at once, purchased a large new pipe organ and went in debt again, and in 1900 the last dollar was paid and the church entered the new century free from all financial obligation and, full of fire and zeal, will be led to still more substantial advances by the new pastor, Rev. E. G. Kuenzler.

Evangelical Lutheran Church

I his church was organized in this city August 6, 1854, by a small band of devoted German folks. In that year, under the pastorate of Rev. E. A. Shultz, the newly organized congregation bought the site and house formerly the place of worship owned by the First Presbyterian church. This was a large plat of ground, extending from Broadway west to Yankee road. In 1863 the Lutheran people divided the Yankee road front into lots and sold them for homes. This was some material aid on the financial side of its affairs. The congregation worshiped in the church building on this lot until the year 1882, when it became too small for the growing congregation and a new brick, slate-roof church building was erected, in the tower of which was placed the only chime of bells in the city. The material found in the old church building was used to erect a convenient Sunday school and social room on the west side of the lot. In the fall of 1902 this band of German brethren determined that the new house should be refrescoed, handsome cathedral glass windows put in place and a new pipe organ installed. No sooner was this conclusion reached than the work was begun. It was a transformation scene truly. The house was made into one of the most attractive rooms in the city and the new pipe organ speaks in melodious tones. The Sunday school room on the lot was enlarged, the pastor's salary increased and the parsonage will soon be remodeled. The society is out of debt and numbers about three hundred and fifty members. In August, 1904, a semi-centennial jubilee service was held, continuing a full week. The pastors who had served the church and others of rank in this communion were present. Rev. Hugo Schmidt is the very efficient pastor of the congregation, beloved bv his people and respected by the community.

The Legal Profession

Lawyers are a necessary part of a growing community and those who have lived in Middletown deserve a passing mention in this historical sketch. We know that as a craft they are joked about and "tabooed," yet they are much sought for when commercial ends go awray and estates and titles are tangled up.

So we come to name James Cook as the first resident lawyer to appear in Middletown as a legal practitioner; most of his business was, it is said, confined during his stay to trials before the magistrate and in the earlier days much more legal business came before this court than at the present time. His career began here in the early forties, about 1843. He may be recalled by those who read these lines by the fact that he married Susan Peck, a niece of Benj. Sweet.

Then came Isaac Robertson, Esq., who, when postmaster here, was admitted to the courts as a practitioner and did considerable work here in 1845 ; be soon moved to Hamilton, where he was a widely-known attorney for many years.

Charles Lombard followed Mr. Robison as a resident attorney in 1846-7. He was followed by H. P. K. Peck, Esq., who came to Middletown in 1847, having been admitted to the bar in New York state in 1841. Mr. Peck lived in Middletown until 1853, when he was appointed assistant examiner of patents. After his term expired in this office he devoted himself to business in the patent office as solicitor. He became auditor of the county and moved to Hamilton and thence to New York.

Then came the Hon. David Heaton, who occupied the field with Mr. Peck. Mr. Heaton came of strong pioneer stock, and was for a number of years an able magistrate, after which he became a practicing attorney in the fifties. He was a man of clear head and a gifted speaker. At the close of the Civil war he removed to North Carolina, where he was elected to congress.

L. D. Doty was born in Middletown, and was the grandson of the old pioneer, Daniel Doty, the first white, man to come to the Middletown country. He received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood and was admitted to the bar m 1852, and continued to practice his profession and transact business in Middletown up to 1902, when he died, after a long life and an honorable career, in this town. He was during his life connected with many business enterprises. His wife was a granddaughter of Steven Vail, the man who laid out the town.

John McClellan was born near Middletown in 1821, and in his early manhood taught school after a course in the local schools and a few terms at old Miami University. In 1854 he was admitted to the bar. During all these years he has had the confidence of the people. Was at one time member of the general assembly and has enjoyed the occupancy of local and municipal offices. He is still living in Middletown, but defective vision renders him unfit for professional life.

C. F. Gunckel read law with L. D. Doty and was admitted to the bar in 1862 and formed a partnership with him, which continued under the name of Doty & Gunckel until 1871, when Mr. Gunckel gradually connected banking, manufacturing and railroad construction with his business and was largely interested in real estate ; during the closing years of his life he gave but little attention to law. Mr. Gunckel was a man of fine business attainments and foresaw the development of the city. He died in 1894.

C. B. Bundy studied law with Attorney Brambagh, of Miamisburg, and was admitted to the bar in 1883. He came to Middletown and opened a law office in 1884, and entered into the general practice. He married Miss Emma Jones, of Middletown, and in 1885 established a telephone exchange in a room adjoining his law office. He went a few years ago to Indiana, and is now living in Marion, where he has grown very prosperous.

James Gilmore, an able lawyer, came from Eaton, Preble county, in 1884, staying a short time, and then removed back to Eaton, where he enjoys a fine business.

Percy Smith, a young Warren county attorney, moved to Middletown with his family in 1877 and began the practice of his profession. He was a refined, competent and painstaking lawyer, but the inroads of disease shortened a brilliant career.

Walter Harlan came to Middletown about eight years ago from Warren county and opened a law office in Leibee's building. He soon became city solicitor, serving two terms. Two years ago he formed a partnership with Alen Andrews and moved to Hamilton, where he is working hard at his profession and doing well.

W. H. Todhunter, C. C. Donley, Ben Harwitz, W. K. Rhonemus and S. F. Thomas are now active in the field of the law and need no memorial until their careers are closed.

Middletown In The War

Middletown was ablaze with patriotic fire during the great war of 1861-5, and her young lrfen responded quickly and in goodly numbers to the country's call in her day of need. Five companies were recruited here. Capt. Daniel Bowman headed Company D, Ninety-third Regiment. The captain came home a colonel and a better soldier never led gallant men in battle than he. This captain and his brave boys were in many hard fights in the central South.

Captain Joseph Hilt enlisted a fine set of men for Company G, Twelfth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who did splendid service for the flag throughout the war. Middletown boasts of this company.

Capt. Lewis Lambright led the boys in Company K, Thirty-fifth Ohio, and how they fought for the preservation of the States! The Captain came home a cripple and for his gallant service was made and continued as postmaster for twenty years.

Capt. D. P. Reed was at the head of Company G. Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The reader of the annals of Ohio in the war will make proud note of the doings of this famous regiment of Ohio men.

Captain Kerr stood at the head of Company G, One hundred and Sixty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a band of fine men who went to the front in a crisis for an enlistment of a hundred days. Many became soldiers in the permanent volunteer service.

In all. some five hundred men went out from Middletown and the nearby country as soldiers under the Stars and Stripes, and some two hundred soldiers who are pensioners reside in this vicinity.

This community of men and women were loyal to their country in the days of the great war, furnishing men, money, clothing and comforts for men in the field and families at home.

James Bowman, once mayor of the city and an attorney at law, was the first man in Middletown to sign an enlistment roll, but he was disqualified in some way and never entered the service, leaving Capt. Robert Wilson was the first man to be enlisted, sworn in and to enter the services of the Union from Middletown. Captain Wilson still lives in the city, after an honorable and highly successful business career, respected by the entire city. He became one of our best citizens and accomplished much for the city in many ways.

Several of the men who went out in the Civil war came home with shoulder straps, won by splendid achievements in battle. Among these were Capt. Robert Wilson, Capt. Dan Bonnell and Capt. Jacob Schaffer.

Middletown had a number of men in the service of the government in the Mexican war, and three of these old veterans now survive and have their homes in this city, namely, Henry Shankel, David Bowman and Joseph Giffens. These men are all about eighty years of age and receive pensions for gallant service in the war of 1845-6.

A company of one hundred young men responded to the call and went to the South, ready to be used in the movement for the freedom of Cuba in the Spanish-American war. They waited for weeks on the southern sea coasts of Florida, but were not sent over to the island.

The war in the Philippines drew largely on the ranks of the young men of Middletown and a number spent three years in that far-away land under the flag of the Republic.

This handsome memorial to the soldiers and sailors of America deserves and receives the attention and regard of the people of this city and vicinity. It is a pleasure to devote some space to a mention of it and its initiation, evolution and completion.

The trustees of Woodside cemetery, moved by a desire to remember the men who had so bravely served their country, in army and navy, kindly set apart the whole of section 15, a large triangular subdivision, formed by the junction of three broad avenues, for the burial of the soldier dead and the erection of such a monument as might be determined upon in the future. On May 3, 1895, in accordance with the resolution of the Woodside cemetery board, a full and proper deed for said section was executed to Joseph R. Allen, James Lawrence and Harry Knight, as trustees, in trust for the use of the donation.

On May 30, 1895, dedicatory services were held on this large and beautiful reservation, when the lot was formally set apart for this sacred trust. A large concourse of citizens were present.

W. H. Todhunter was chosen as chairman of the day and, in a few brief words, presented the deed for the section to J. R. Allen, trustee, who in turn accepted it in an appropriate way. Timely and fitting addresses were made by Dr. Dan Millikin, of Hamilton, and Rev. Lyman J. Fisher, of Middletown. Dr. J. H. Paine, a veteran soldier and a local deacon in the Methodist Episcopal church, was present and acted as chaplain. Since that day this beautiful plat of ground has been held as a consecrated spot.

On this day and occasion Hon. P. J. Sorg was present and made a short address. He urged the erection, at an early date, of a monument, to be dedicated to the memory of those who had, through so much sacrifice and heroism, served in the armies and navies of the republic. He said that the monument should be budded by the people, and suggested that every school child in the township should contribute something so that the coming generation might have a part in it as well as those in active life. He closed by saying that "if the people would, in any way, build the shaft he would crown it with the figure of an American soldier in bronze." This suggestion and promise were received with great enthusiasm by the large assembly, and became the real beginning of the beautiful shaft now standing at Monument Place.

Contributions were soon received from children and people, and granite bowlders from the fields adjacent to Middletown were hauled by the farmers to the lot so dedicated and foundations were begun.

F. M. Andrews, architect, of Dayton, kindly drew up a sketch for the monument, to be builded of native bowlders from the farms nearby. The monument idea and the design as drawn by the architect met the approval of the people. It was soon realized that this way of securing funds was too uncertain and slow. The soldiers and the enterprising country-loving citizens of Hamilton conceived the idea of erecting a substan - tial memorial in stone on the site of old Fort Hamilton. These kindred ideas and hopes led to a union of interests and of plans.

In April, 1898, the state legislature authorized the erection of monuments at Hamilton and Middletown. The matter was referred to the people and was by them ratified at the regular election in the fall of that year.

On November 3, 1898, the central executive committee at Hamilton named a committee for Middletown, consisting of Messrs. C. B. Palmer, Sr., Jacob Schaffer, J. R. Allen, Harry Knight and W. H. Todhunter. This committee soon after organized for the purpose of building the monument at Middletown by selecting W. H. Todhunter as president, Dr. T. A. Dickey as secretary and J. R. Allen as treasurer. They at once decided to build the monument of native bowlders, or "nigger heads." F. M. Andrews was employed as the architect, the drawings previously made by him were accepted and he soon furnished the specifications. At a public letting of the work C. L. Thiely, of Dayton, secured the contract, and successfully carried out the design to the pleasure and satisfaction of the architect and committee.

During the progress of the work a letter was received from Mr. Sorg, dated at Lakewood, New York, where he was spending the summer, confirming his promise made on the day the lot was dedicated.

When the monument was completed and the handsome statue of the soldier, as furnished by Mr. Sorg, was in place, dedicatory services were planned. On December 17, 1902, imposing and appropriate services were held in the Sorg Opera House, which was crowded to its utmost capacity. The soldiers from all nearby towns and Grand Army posts were present, with the veterans from the home at Dayton. Rev. Dr. J. H. Paine opened the meeting with prayer. J. R. Allen presided. W. II. Todhunter presented the monument, in a short address, to Hon. Edgar A. Belden, representing the people, who spoke fitting words in response. Hon. L. B. Gunckel followed in a formal address, meeting the idea of the occasion in every way.

At the adjournment the large concourse of people, headed by the Third Regiment Band, soldiers and speakers under the direction of C. B. Palmer, grand marshal, visited Monument Place and there, with proper ceremonies, was un vailed the beautiful figure in bronze by Miss Ada Sorg, daughter of Hon. Paul J. Sorg, the donor. Thus was completed and dedicated a monument at once unique and striking. It will speak throughout the years to come of the deeds of the brave men in whose honor it was erected, who were as firm as its foundations, as unmovable as its granite and as stable as the bronze that crowns its summit in their patriotism and love of country.

Fraternal Societies

The secret orders of Middletown are social features of no mean prominence. Through their quiet, unostentatious methods much good is done for humanity.

The Masons. - In the very front rank stands Jefferson Lodge, No. 90, Free and Accepted Masons, the oldest secret order in the city. This lodge was instituted on January 18, 1827. The lodge sets great store on the fact that its charter is signed by the Hon. Thomas Corwin, who was probably the greatest genius Ohio ever produced. This great man also installed its first officers, who were David Davis, Israel Gibson, John Crane, Charles Starr, John P. Renyolds and Dr. Carlton Waldo, all of whom were closely identified with the development of the city. The lodge rented a meeting place until 1883, when they built the present temple on the west side of Main street, north of Third street. In this handsome and imposing temple the brethren hold their sessions in a commodious lodge room tastefully and appropriately furnished. The oldest living member is W. B. Headding, who was initiated October 3, 1852. Hon. James E. Campbell, ex-governor of the Buckeye state, ex-congressman from the old historic third district and a Middletown boy by birth, is a member of this lodge. This lodge is one of the most prosperous in this jurisdiction and numbers among its members many of the most prominent and prosperous men of the city. This lodge now has one hundred and sixty-five members. Lylburne Palner is now worshipful master

The Odd Fellows organized Hope Lodge, No. 16, October 26, 1842. and on July 4, i860, dedicated the handsome and well appointed building now the home of this order. This lodge has now one hundred and sixty members in good and regular standing and many of the best men of the city have been and are now members of the beneficent order. W. B. Hedding is the oldest Odd Fellow in the ranks and only a year or two since celebrated his fiftieth anniversary as an Odd Fellow. The property owned by this lodge is one of the best and most profitable of the business blocks of this city.

Knights of Pythias. - Lafayette Ivodge, No. 37, was instituted in November, 1872, and is the oldest lodge of this order in the county. The present membership is two hundred. This has been an active, progressive lodge since its organization, and is much at home in its elegant rooms in the third floor of Leibee's block. Dr. John T. Sutphen, of this lodge, acted as grand chancellor a few years since; be has also acted as supreme representative and is now a member of the board of control of, the Endowment Rank.

The Elks are here too. The local lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., was organized in March, 1894, and it has steadily grown in strength ever since its opening session. This order is always in the line of progress and leads in many public movements. Their lodge rooms and social parlors are found in the fourth floor of the Sorg opera house block. These are tastefully and handsomely furnished and are among the finest lodge rooms in the state. Hon. P. J. Sorg was a charter member of this lodge.

Senior Order United American Mechanics. - Shining Light Council, No. 93, was organized in this city February 14, 1892, and it has steadily grown in vigor and membership since that time. It is numerically the strongest secret order in the city.

Junior Order United American Me chanics. - Alpha Council No. 326, was organized July 21, 1894, and now numbers over one hundred and sixty members. This is a strong, vigorous, helpful association of men.

Burial Grounds

No historical sketch of a town would be complete without some mention of the spots dedicated to the burial of those who have been called to the great beyond.

The first burial grounds used at Middletowrn wrere located along the eastern bank of the Miami river, just south of the point where Fifth street now meets the present bank of the river. The river was then much farther west than its present channel. An attractive and inviting level sward was here found which induced the pioneer fathers to begin the interment of their dead at this spot. This location was near the southwest corner of Steven Vail's entry, and here he was buried, with one or two of his family.

The river gradually changed its course to the eastward and great inroads were made by repeated washings, in the eastern shore line of the river. Little by little this old burial place was washed away and today not a grave or a marker is left to tell

This is said, to the shame of Middletown and to those of the Vail and other families whose fathers were buried there. The city should have preserved it and here erected a shaft to Steven Vail and others. In 1873 but two stones remained, that of George Russell who died May 25, 1814? an<^ Moses Vail, son of Steven Vail, who died at the age of sixty-two years.

The Middletown Cemetery

was laid off and platted by James Heaton, civil engineer, in 1827, and was taken out of the southeast quarter of section 28, as entered by Moses Vail and sold to Daniel Doty, who made the grant to the cemetery. The original trustees were Israel Gibson, John M. Barnett and Robert Campbell. By special act of the legislature, the Middletown Cemetery Association was organized and, under the authority of this act, took charge of this burial site and placed it upon a better and more certain footing; enlarged the yard by new purchases and beautified the grounds. The new trustees were William B. Oglesby, Joseph L. Kelly, John Corson, Thomas Wilson, Edward Jones, S. V. Curtis, G. Rathman, G. E. Wampler, C. W. Sutphin, J. C. Farries, J. D. Collins, William More, C. S. Barnitz, C. F. Gunckel, J. B. Hartley and J. T. Potter, all of whom are dead and were buried in this yard, except Dr. C. S. Barnitz, who is still active. This yard is stil sacredly and carefully cared for by C. B. Oglesby, Charles E. Denny, E. L. McCally and C. S. Barnitz, trustees.

Woodside Cemetery

As the years went by, and the population grew, ideas were, for several years last past, entertained by many looking toward a new and larger burial spot to meet the needs of those who were here now and of those who were to follow.

Many plans and measures were discussed and entertained ; these were all without much form or force, until the Woodside Cemetery Association was organized and incorporated in June, 1901, by T. A. Dickey, James Lawrence, William Caldwell, V. C. Hatfield and W. H. Johnson. James Lawrence was made president and W. H. Johnson secretary, which positions they retain at this time. This association at once acquired title to one hundred acres, just south of the city along the canal and the road to Amanda.

The soil of this tract is well adapted to the uses contemplated, being of a dry and gravel subsoil. This farm secured, the association employed Messrs. Earnshaw and Punshon, the landscape artists who laid off and platted the famous Spring Grove Cemetery at Cincinnati, as well as many of the principal cemeteries of the middle West. These gentlemen platted and mapped the whole one hundred acres, so that the scheme should be uniform throughout. The management at once proceeded to grade, drain, sewer and beautify forty acres off the north side of the farm, and have made ready one of the most beautiful and pleasing burial places in southern Ohio. Here are found large lakes, fountains, broad avenues, shrubbery, trees, perfect sewerage and drainage, with handsome elevated and attractive burial plats. This association in the purchase of the land and in its preparation for the uses of its patrons, has already expended thirtyeight thousand dollars, and since its opening' six hundred interments have been made. This beautiful spot is appreciated by our citizens.

Random Notes

No man was more highly regarded, and few did more to advance Middletown industrially, commercially and morally, than Francis J. Tytus. This good man was a native of Virginia and from the day of his coming until his death made a deep impress on the city. He was in likeness and stature and bearing much like General Washington, so much so that strangers noted it. His daughters still live here and with their families enjoy the respect of all. Mr. Tytus was at the front for many years in the paper business of the city and led for a number of years in the pork trade. He had a splendid reputation as a business man and his career was without reproach. Mr. Tytus, while at the front of business affairs, found time for and pleasure in the activities of the First Baptist church, in which he was a leader for many years.

A. E. Harding was an Englishman, full of energy, possessed of splendid health and, gifted with unusual mental force and executive energy, he became a power soon after he became identified with the affairs of this city. He, as the leader, with Mr. Tytus, Mr. W. B. Oglesby, Mr. George C. Barnitz. John W. Irwin, organized the Excello Paper Company and built the first writing paper mill in the West. This was a success from the beginning. His energy and enterprise led to the building of a great mill at Franklin, just north of this city, when the Excello mills were incorporated with it and became known as The Harding Paper Company. His sons followed him in the paper business, and the mill under their charge has maintained its prestige. A few years ago it passed into the hands of the American Writing Paper Company, but the Hardings still manage plants as before. Mr. Harding was a man of rare powers. '

In 1866 William and Louis Sebald began to make beer in Middletown, and their plant was operated by horse power, making only one thousand barrels per day. This same plant grew under their control and today the brewery is owned by the heirs of William Sebald, and has a capacity of eighteen thousand barrels a day. This shows in a way the growth of industrial affairs in Middletown.

Ihe firm of Wilspn & McCallav, consisting of Captain Robert Wilson and Daniel McCallav. was organized in 1877, and was later incorporated as The Wilson & McCallay Tobacco Company. The business grew rapidly from the beginning of its career, and its immense output of plug tobaccos was in demand in all sections of the states and Canadian towns and in some foreign fields. To meet the large demand eight million pounds of tobacco was manufactured each year, reaching in value $2,500,000. Their plant was located on Sixth street, near the canal, and consisted of a large group of three and four-storv brick buildings. Some three years ago the company sold all their holdings to the Continental Tobacco Company. During the management of its former owners it was one of the industries of which Middletown boasted. The projectors of this giant enterprise live here now respected and honored by all.

Paul J. Sorg was an honored citizen. A sketch of his life is found elsewhere in this history, but in these notes it is proper to say that the great P. J. Sorg Tobacco Company was one of his creations. The McSherrv Manufacturing Company, the Miami Cycle Manufacturing Company, the P. A. Sorg Paper Company, the United States Hotel Company, the Middletown Gas Company and the beautiful Sorg opera house arose at his call. All the foregoing industries save the tobacco company are now in active and profitable operation, under the direct supervision of W. L. Dechant as attorney for the Sorg estate. ' These are among the foremost industrial concerns of the valley and speak of Mr. Sorg's genius and enterprise.

Thomas Wilson was one of the potential men of Middletown, and began his career here in 1839. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and soon added furniture and undertaking to his regular business. He brought the first hearse to this town. He died in 1879, after an honored, successful and useful life.

Joseph Sutphin was born in Middletown, and a third of a century ago his was a name to conjure with. He touched the life of Middletown in an industrial way, but to make the progress of the city certain. His connection with the paper and flour trade was honorable and progressive.

George L. Wren and his brother. Smith W. Wren, were Virginians and came here when Middletown was a struggling village. They were men of industry and talent ; their influence was felt everywhere and their they are highly successful. No one family courses were successful. Their sons and of the early settlers made a higher mark daughters are here and in Chicago, where than these.'