Springfield Township (part 4 of 69)

The then beautiful rivulet "Mill Run" glided smoothly through the village, following a small valley a few rods west of where the First Presbyterian Church is now located, and dividing the place into two sections. The section west of the Run had two brick houses, one stone house, a few of frame and several cabins. There were two taverns in the west section, one in a small one-story brick house kept by James Norton on the lot now oceupied by the Teegarden residence, and the other in a two-story frame house building kept by Cooper Ludlow. This part of the village was called " Old Virginia," by those of the east side, because several families from the Old Dominion had settled there. Those living on the west end returned the compliment by calling the east end and particularly that portion around the publie square * Sleepy Hollow," on account of the lack of enterprise there. It has retained the name until this day. The west bank of the Run was low and muddy. To reach the foot-log which crossed the Run, it was necessary to wade through deep mud and mire. The east bank of the Run was quite steép. The land along the south side of the Run from Center street east to Spring street, and as far south as the railroad passenger depot, was a continuous quagmire, in which cattle often swamped. Limestone street was only extended through the quagmire by throwing in brush, and placing logs upon them in the form of a corduroy bridge, which was then covered with dirt and gravel.

Shortly after this, two Irishmen, Andrew and Frederick Johnson, took the contract from the owners of the swampy land along the south bank of Mill Run, to ditch and drain the same, which soon made this portion of the town passable.

The number of houses in the east end, or "Sleepy Hollow," was greater than in the west end. There was a public house kept by Mr. Ross, another by John Hunt, a boarding house by James McElroy in a weather-boarded log house, on the northeast corner of Main and Market streets. Maddox Fisher kept a store in a frame house on Fisher's corner. Pearson Spinning's store was in another frame building across Main street, opposite Mr. Fisher's store. There were two or three stores of less importance at this end, besides several mechanics' shops and a printing office. The town had no pavement except one in front of Mr. Fisher's store. It was no unusual sight to see citizens cutting firewood with an ax (wood-saws not being then in use), in front of their shops or dwellings on Main street. Wagons were driven close up to the front doors of houses, and the streets were remarkable for the depth of the mud.

A Relic Of The Mound-Builders

A few rods east of the intersection of Spring and Washington streets, there was a mound of earth about fifty yards in size across its base and of conical shape. About this period (1818), several white oak trees and clusters of bushes stood upon its side, and a number of large stumps indicated that other trees had grown nearer its apex. During the work upon the Dayton & Sandusky Rail- road in 1847, this mound was entirely removed for the earth it contained. As the delvers in it penetrated its interior, they found it had been the burial place for a former generation of people. It was a huge sepulcher full of human bones. As the bonés had by this period of time to a great extent become intermingled with the earth, the entire mass was carted to the railroad and formed part of the road bed. While the work was in progress, there was picked up what seemed to have been a section of the lower jaw bone of a wild animal containing a stout, crooked tusk or tooth. The bone had been ground away so as to be firmly grasped by a human hand. It had no doubt been used as an instrument of warfare. A few days after it had been taken from the ground, it crumbled into dust by action of the air upon it.

A Temperance Organization

The good people interested in the welfare of the community began to be alarmed at the condition of society. There was danger that the new county seat would become the center of vice and wickedness for the surrounding country. Rough, lawless men, desperadoes, who haunt the new settlements where the restraints of society and religion are unknown, continued to hang around the publie houses, drinking, swearing and quarreling. Horse-racing was the common amusement, while gambling was open and unrestrained. The influence of this condition of society was found to be degrading. But the eustoms of those days were such as tended to corrupt instead of improve the morals of the people. The bottle of whisky was a necessary adjunct to the water pitcher upon the counters of the stores for the free use of all the customers. In the family the decanters stood openly upon the sideboard. The professor of religion, as well as the man of the world, indulged with the same freedom. In the field no work could be performed without whisky freely supplied. The farmer who would fail to furnish it would speedily find himself without harvesters.

To stem the tide of evil which seemed to gather such strength in the community, it was determined to organize a temperance society. In the summer of 1818, therefore, that active minister, Rev. Saul Henkle, gathered a few of the good men and women of the place together and formed an association, the declared object of which was to abandon the use of intoxicating liquors themselves, and induce others to do the same. By such influences as these, the rapid progress of iniquity in time was checked, and good order began to reign as the better class of citizens gained the ascendancy.

Werden'S Tavern

"Twill take mine ease in mine inn," consolingly said the traveler, as he approached Springfield, weary with the day's jolting over the primitive roads before McAdam had suggested a way of making the rough ways smooth. He knew that ease and comfort awaited him at "Billy Werden's" tavern. It was a famous hostelry. William Werden located in Springfield in 1819. He came from Delaware to Ohio. The first tavern he opened was at McElroy's old stand, on the northeast corner of Main and Market streets; but soon after, he rented the Ross tavern, on the opposite corner, which he fitted up as a first-class publie house. It was in this place that Mr. Werden built up a State reputation as a landlord which made him famous among travelers everywhere. He did much to quell the rowdyism and bar-room brawling which had become such a nuisance at other resorts. As this tavern was the stopping-place for a line of stages running from Cincinnati to Columbus, the sign was that of a stage-coach and horses under full speed, suspended on a tall post at the outer edge of the sidewalk. The room used for his: office and bar was not more than twenty feet square, and his whole house, with all its rooms, was not larger than one now required for a large family. The genial host was the first to meet the tired stranger with an outstretched hand and a generous welcome. To conduct him into the house, have a servant remove his muddy leggings and boots, provide him with clean slippers and a warm fire, were the kindly offices which won the heart of the traveler, while the polite attention of the hostess, a bountiful meal, skillfully prepared under her own direction, a clean bed and a good night's rest, sent him on his way refreshed and satisfied in the morning. Mr. Werden bought the property on the northwest corner of Main and Spring streets in 1820, but he did not occupy it until 1829, and then built his large hotel, known as the Werden House. He continued in business here until he had gained a competency, when he retired from active business. During the last term of Jackson's administration, his zealous support of *Old Hickory" gained him the office of Postmaster, which he held for four years.

The First Census

The first enumeration taken here under the laws of the United States was in 1820. It showed that Springfield contained 510 inhabitants, of whom 285 were males and 225 were females. There were eight general stores, a flouringmill, woolen and carding mill, a cotton mill, several schools, a printing office and a post office, at which the mails were received in elegant four-horse coaches; an adequate supply of lawyers and physicians was also to be found. The court house then in process of erection was the only public building worthy of notice.

John Bacon and Charles Anthony, Esq., two of the prominent citizens. of Springfield, who were always thoroughly identified with the business interests of the city and its later growth, with Ira Paige, a prominent merchant, whose name was connected with its mercantile progress, were married about the same time, in the early spring of 1820. They were young men of vigor, ability and industry, and jointly entered into a career of prominence.

The first-named of these young men, John Bacon, came to Springfield in 1818. For many years, he was successfully engaged in the manufacture and sale of harness and saddles, investing his surplus means in real estate and discounting notes, which paid him a good return. Mr. Bacon accumulated considerable means, which, with the increased value of his real estate, made him quite wealthy. Retiring from his regular trade, he became a prominent Railroad and Bank Director. At one time, he held the office of Member of the State Board of Control, connected with the State Bank system that preceded the establishment of the National Banks. He was for several years a Director in the Little Miami Railroad Company, and served in 1860 as a member of the State Board of Equalization. At the time of his death, which occurred in 1870, he was the President of the Mad River National Bank.

The interest taken in the advancement of the morals of the community is shown in the organization of those valuable auxiliaries to church work, such as Bible and missionary societies. The temporary organization of the Clark County Bible Society was effected at the Methodist Church, on. the 6th day of August, 1822, by the election of Rev. Archibald Steele as Chairman, Rev. Saul Henkle Secretary, and Isaac T. Zeller as Assistant Secretary. The Board of Managers for the town was composed of the following citizens: Pearson Spinning, Maddox Fisher, John Ambler, John Bacon and Robert Rennick. Board of Managers for the county: Rev. Joseph Morris, Griffith Foos, Moses Henkle, Robert Humphrey, John Humphrey, Thomas Patten, Joel Van Meter, John Layton, Rev. Malyne Baker, John Forgy, Joseph Keifer, Thomas Fisher, Jeremiah Sims, Christian Frantz, Jacob Ebersole, John R. Demon, Andrew Hodge and Thomas Curl The regular organization was effected on Monday, September 2. 1822. George M. Jewett was chosen Chairman pro tem., with Rev. Saul Henkle as Secretary. The constitution adopted shows the following names among the first signers: Rev. John S. Galloway, Rev. M. M. Henkle, Rev. Saul Henkle, Archibald McConkey, W. M. Spencer and James S. Christie. An election for offieers resulted as follows: President, Rev. Archibald Steele; George W. Jewett and Morris Henkle, Sr., Vice Presidents; Pearson Spinning, Treasurer; Rev. Saul Henkle, Corresponding Secretary; and Isaac T. Zeller, Recording Secretary. The following gentlemen were elected Directors: John Ambler, Joel Van Meter, Jeremiah Sims, Robert Humphrey. Griffith Foos, Archibald MeConkey, Thomas Patten, Joseph Keifer, Maddox Fisher, Daniel MeKinnon, Daniel, Moore and Andrew Hodge. Under an organization like this, composed of citizens of means and high standing, the society prospered, and was an instrument of great good. This society was recognized as an auxiliary by the parent society in November, 1842. On September 5, 1872, an entertaining meeting of this society was held, in commemoration of its fiftieth anniversary. On this occasion it was stated, in a paper read by Rev. S. Cochran, that $6,796 had been presented as a donation to the parent society, in New York. and $6,572 worth of Bibles and Testaments had been received from that society in fifty years.

Public Buildings

In the early history of Springfield, as in its later years, there was a manifest tardiness in the erection of publie buildings. Although the place was designated as the seat of justice in 1818, yet, for four years following, the court held its regular sessions at the tavern of John Hunt, on Main street. The delay in the erection of the court house and the jail was no doubt owing in part to the generous rivalry whieh existed between * Old Virginia" and * Sleepy Hollow," the west and east ends of the town, each of which made strong efforts for the selection of their respective localities. Although the Commissioners of the county met on the 2d day of March, 1819, and commenced the consideration of the erection of a court house on the publie square, yet it was not until the summer of 1828 that the building was completed. A brick jail was also built in the publie square, and fully completed December 6, 1824. A temporary jail was erected on the east side of Fisher street, about half way between Main and Columbia streets, which was simply a log house, and not very secure.

After "grim-visaged war had smoothed his wrinkled front," the military spirit was kept alive by the organization of companies under efficient commanders, who had obtained their knowledge of the art of war in the struggle of 1812. These companies met at stated periods and drilled in the manual of arms until they became remarkably proficient. In 1825, the first, and perhaps the bestdrilled and neatest equipped company. as compared with others which followed,

Lighting The Streets

The question of lighting the streets soon became a topic of interest, and a correspondent in the columns of the Western Pioneer, of date September 25, 1825, suggests a method which indicates the position of the community in this matter. and which method was deemed a great improvement over the existing con dition of the streets. The correspondent suggests large glass lamps with double reflectors. at a eost of about $25 each, and to be placed on posts af suitab!e points; a contingent fund of 123 cents to be raised from each lus to pay for the oil and wick; the lamps to be lighted and taken care of free of charge by the persons before whose doors the posts should be placed.

Springfield A Town

The Legislature, on the 23d day of January. 1827, passed an act which incorporated Springfield as a town. It became evident that, in the future, the place was destined to occupy a position of prominence. There were elements of prosperity in its material advantages. in its favorable site, and in the busy, bustling character of its citizens, which indicated steady growth. Although there was a scarcity of currency, trade was not impeded because of a lack of metal or paper medium. Wheat was received in exchange for many articles, was deposited in the mill, converted into flour, and sent by the merchant to Cincinnati. where it was taken, re-exchanged for merchandise, which was brought back in the returning wagons. The lack of railroad facilities made the merchant and traveler rely upon horses, which were very cheap, and became a frequent subject of barter. Every other man was a horse-trader. Dr. John Ludlow. in his historical reminiscences. states he remembers of going to Cincinnati with a teamster when he was a boy fourteen years old, that the teamster "swapped" horses three times on the way, and the last horse died the same day he obtained it: but soon he had another from a farmer in exchange for his silver watch. The horses used in the large, broad-tread wagons were generally stout animals. They were sometimes gaily caparisoned, and, with broad harness. jingling bells and six or eight to a wagon. were an attractive sight.

The Paper-Mill

In August. 1827, an important branch of industry was established, which furnished employment to a number of people. Dr. Ambrose Blount, James Lowry and Jacob Kills. as partners, built a large paper-mill at the foot of Center street, on Mill Run, not far from North street. The mill did not commence operations until the following June, 1828. The till was very successful in the manufacture and sale of large quantities of paper, mostly printing paper. of excellent quality. The same firm also, the same year, opened a store near the northwest corner of Main and Market streets. where rags were received in exchange for goods, and where the employes were paid for their work. Four years later, Jacob Kills & Sons succeeded the original proprietors. They added extensive improvements in its machinery, increased its facilities and extended its trade. They afterward added to the mill a first-class bindery. They worked up a fair eustom by sending forth one of the sons, with a fine. twohorse peddler's wagon, which enabled him to exchange paper and stationery for razs. books to be bound. and blank books to be manufactured to order. The business was successfully prosecuted for twenty years. rendering a good protit on the capital invested.

The First Mayor

After the elevation of the village to the dignity of a town, an election was had to fill the offices of Mayor, or President of the Board of Trustees. James L. Torbert was elected to this office. He had come to Springfield in 1824, and was an active young attorney, but, as there was not sufficient legal business to occupy all his attention, he also taught school It was at his schoolhouse, on the northeast corner of Market and North streets, on the 25th day of June, A. D. 1827, that he, with several other members of the First Presbyterian Church, organized the first Sabbath school He. was afterward elected Prosecuting Attorney, to which office he brought a clear head and an earnest desire to faithfully administer its duties. In 1848, he was editor of the Republic, and wrote many pungent arguments against the " Free-Soilers," whom he charged as recreant to their principles in not indorsing the Whig nominees for President. As an ardent Whig, he entered vigorously into the campaign, during which he gained the reputation of being one of the most effective stump speakers in the Congressional district of which his county was then a part. As Judge of the Common Pleas, successor to Judge Swan, his able and impartial decisions were the subject of favorable comment.

A record of a census taken by a citizen appears appears in the Western Pioneer of September 28, 1828. It gives an accurate statement of the population, the number of stores and manufacturing establishments. It shows that the people were industrious. and that the manufactories were diversified. We find from this enumeration that there were in the limits of the town at that time 935 souls. Of these, there were of male adults 285; of female adults, 225; males under eighteen, 218; females under sixteen, 207. There were fifty-four blacksmith-shops. four coach and wagon shops, two common and fancy chair shops, four boot and shoe maker shops. three tanneries. and a currier-shop, twentyseven house carpenters and joiners. There were six tailor-shops, three saddle . and harness shops. three bakeries, thre» cabinet-shops, one clock and watch maker, two hatters. one coppersmith-shop, one tin-shop, two millwrights, two extensive distilleries. fourteen general mercantile stores, four groceries, a new paper-mill, an extensive flour-mill, three good houses of entertainment, four public schools, two for females and two for males, in one of which the higher branches ol literature and the Greek and Latin languages were taught; four attorneys at law, five physicians. three slaughter houses, three brick-yards, two house and sign painters, one gun-shop, one portrait, miniature and fancy painter, engraver and gilder, two wheelwrights, one pottery. This enumerator also states that at that time they had a court house. which, in point of neatness and eonvenience, would not suffer in comparison with any court house in Ohio; a brick jail. two churches, and a third in building. a printing office, a post office, at which twenty-four mails are received weekly. in elegant four-horse coaches." In 1830, the population reached 1,080.

One of the prominent citizens, who, about this time, became identified with Springfield's fortanes, was Reuben Miller, who was the son of Rev. Robert Miller, a local minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born on the I9th day of January. 1797, in an old schoolhouse at the mouth of Pike Run, on the Monongahela River. near Brownsville, Penn.. where his father had stopped to spend the winter of 1796-97 while emigrating from Virginia to Kentucky. From this point the family journeyed by flat-boat to Limestone (now Maysville), Ky.. and settled in Mason County, and afterward removed to Fleming County in that State.

In March. 1812. in order to escape the evils of slavery, his father removed his family to Champaign County. Ohio. where he located upon a farm within the bounds of the present Moorefield Township, in Clark County. At this time, Reuben was but fifteen years of age. He worked upon the farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he turned his attention to study, and, by close application, without a teacher, for three or four years (in the meantime occasionally teaching school), he aequired a pretty fair English education; as he, in his own biography, relates, "became a very good arithmetician, learned to write a good hand, became a,pretty good grammarian, studied geometry, trigonometry, surveying, navigation, and aequired some knowledge of astronomy; also commenced the study of the Latin language, but failed for want of an instructor."

On the 27th of March, 1823, he married Mary Hedges, who was born in Berkeley County. Virginia, and was living at that time with a brother in Champaign County, Ohio, and in the month of December following, removed to a cabin which he had built on a farm given to him by his father, in Moorefield Township, where he resided, farming a little, teaching school, and occasionally making land surveys, until the 10th of April, 1828, when he removed to Springfield; the occasion of the removal was his appointment, by the Court of Common Pleas, in the fall of 1827. as County Surveyor of Clark County. Springfield had then grown from a village of a few houses, as he first saw it in 1812, to be a town of about S00 to 900 inhabitants. At that time, there was little surveying to be done, and his first employment was in the County Clerk's office. Afterward, he taught a school for three or four years in Springfield. He was County Surveyor for nine years, during a part of which time he was also a Justice of the Peace and Mayor, or rather, as it then was named, President of the Town Council of Springfield. During this time, he acquired sone means, went into the dry-goods business with a man by the name of Carrick, who in two years succeeded in loading the concern down with debt, and then died, leaving his partner many thousand dollars minus, notwithstanding which his energies were not impaired, but he went diligently to work, and, after fourteen years of - hard struggle, paid off all his indebtedness.

In the fallof 1838, he was elected County Auditor of Clark County, and was re-elected to eight successive terms, serving in that position eighteen years, from March, 1839, to March, 1857. In the fall of 1856, during his last term as Auditor, he was elected Justice of the Peace of Springfield Township, and was re-elected five successive terms, serving in that position eighteen years, until the fall of 1874. He became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in September, 1812, and, in the year 1835, was ordained a Local Deacon, and afterward a Local Elder in the same church, and held that relation to the church until he died. On the 2d of January, 1875, his wife died, and then, at the earnest solicitation of his only living daughter, he went to reside with her at Keokuk, Iowa, where he died on the 3d day of October, 1880, from a gradual failing of the bodily powers, at the ripe old age of nearly eighty-three years, and was subsequently buried in Fern Cliff Cemetery, in this city. He left five living children - Dr. D. B. Miller, of Covington, Ky.; John OC. Miller, of Springfield, Ohio, present Probate Judge; Commander Joseph N. Miller, United States Navy; and Henry R. Miller and Mrs. R. B. Ogden of Keokuk, Iowa.

He was a man of correct character and habits, peculiar and almost eccentric in some of his ways; he had a keen sense of the humorous, and was almost invariably sunny and jocular in his moods. He had a more than ordinary share of natural ability, but was hampered by his imperfect chances for education and his business misfortunes, so that he himself felt, notwithstanding that he was a prominent and honored citizen, that he never attained to the full measure of his strength, He was much given to humorous versification, and as a specimen of his peculiar modes of thought, we append in conclusion of this sketch his epitaph, written by himself many years before his death:

" Here lies a man - a curious onc, No one can tell what good he's done, Nor yet how much of evil; Where now his soul is, who can tell? In heaven above, or low in hell? With God or with the devil?

* While living here he oft would say That he must shortly turn to clay, And quickly rot - This thought would sometimes cross his brain. That he perhaps might live again, And maybe not.

'* As sure as he in dust doth lie, He died because he had to die, But much against his will; Had he got all that he desired, This man would never have expired, He had been living still."

A Daily Mail

The diffusion of intelligence from the seat of Government and the East had hitherto depended upon a weekly mail, which was carried on horseback. The arrival of this mail was the day of the week, and was called *mail.day." An innovation was made in 1828 in this arrangement, which was gladly welcomed. It provided for a daily mail, carried by a four-horse coach. The current news was thus brought here from Washington and the Eastern cities within five days after its publication in those places.

The benevolent and literary societies which had been formed from time to time lacked elements of stability. Feeble attempts to resuscitate and re-organize repeated failures were made, but, judging from an article from the caustic pen of Rev. Saul Henkle, then editor of the Western Pioneer, dated February 14, 1829, all these efforts had been unsuccessful. This article, here given, details, in very sarcastic language, the birth and death of the different literary, musical, religious and colonization societies:

"A sort of fatality seems to attend the benevolent and literary societies which have been gotten up in this good town of Springfield. We leave it with our readers to determine the cause of their failure; or, if thought more appropriate, we would refer the subject to a council of physicians, to report the nature and causes of the distemper to which this general mortality is attributed.

"1, A Literary Society, formed in December, 1815, of about thirty-five respectable members, died, say May, 1816, from want of attention on the part of its parents, aged about six months.

"4, A Bible Society, formed September, 1822, for awhile promised to be | strong and healthy, but, having been dieted for several years chiefly on 'Annual |

^9. A Missionary Society, formed in November, 1826, has disappeared in a mysterious way, and has not since been heard of. Some suppose it has been Morganized.

"6. 'A Tyro's Club,' formed in July, 1856, was very sprightly and active for a few months, but, in the absence of its parents, was taken suddenly ill, and died for want of suitable attendance, at the age of about five months.

"7. A Colonization Society, formed November 1, 1826, is still living, but, from neglect and abuse, has been kept so feeble that it has not been seen abroad' more than two or three times.

"8. In the same year, a Society for the Encouragement of Instrumental Musie was formed, but, from the miserable condition of the instruments, the exertion of blowing brought on a decay of the lungs. by which it was carried off in a few months.

"10. A Literary Society, formed in November, 1828, gave hopeful promise of a better fate, but was found dead a few evenings since, in the Brick Academy. Some attributed its death to strangulation, but the Coroner's inquest seemed to think it occasioned by dropsy on the brain.

"11. A Reading Room Society, formed a few evenings since, is only kept from freezing by having some eight or ten newspapers wrapped about it. If it. ean be gotten through this winter, we hope to see it in a more' growing and prosperous state.

"13. To these may be added a society proposed to be formed for the promotion of Christian charity. This cannot be organized at all, in our opinion, as it requires a commodity (charity) very rarely to be met with in this market, and, besides this, no man here has any idea that he stands in need of the article in question, each supposing himself abundantly supplied."

The Market House

THE MARKET HOUSE. A long, wooden structure, with two rows of stalls, side tables, and a pavement walk between, for the building of which proposals had been received by the Town Council July 1, 1829, was finished in 1830, and dignified with the title of Market House. The Council, by ordinance, provided that the Market House, now erected on West street and South street, be and the same is declared a public market. The same ordinance also provided that Wednesday and Saturday of each week should be market days, from the 20th of March to the 20th of September. : A VISIT FROM HENRY CLAY. l The eloquent "Harry" Clay, the pet and pride of the West, honored the town with a visit on the 24th day of July, 1830. He was en route for Columbus, and, due notice of his approach from Yellow Springs having been given, & large concourse of citizens, on horseback and in carriages, met him about six miles from town, and, with enthusiastic hurrahs, escorted him to Col. Hunt's tavern, where he took dinner and made a short speech in reply to a flattering toast.

The culture of the intellectual faculty was but of little moment among the hardy pioneers, but, as the forests began to dwindle and the comforts of civilized life to appear, men began to read and study. The multiplication of books by the improvements in the printing-press brought them to the fireside of every family. A taste for intellectual pursuits began to be developed. A copy of * Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress," or that cheerful work, * Fox's Book of Martyrs," a volume of sermons, or of the "Spectator," no longer supplied the increasing want. The demand must be supplied. To John D. Nichols, a native of the Bay State, is due the credit of inaugurating the book trade. In the winter of 1830 - 31, Mr. Nichols brought a stock of books and stationery from Cincinnati, shipping by canal to Dayton, thence by wagon here. His store became the center of news, and a great attraction. It proved a successful venture, and an indication that the people were -keeping up to the age. Mr. Nichols had, in the fall of 1825, been a book agent, soliciting subscriptions to the * History of All Religions" and * Butler's Universal History," making a tour on foot from Columbus to Worthington, thence to Urbana, Bellefontaine, Sidney, Dayton, returning by Springfield and London; and, in the spring of 1826, making the same trip in a one-horse wagon, delivering the books and receiving pay for the same. He was thus probably the first book agent in this part of the State. Mr. Nichols, in 1827 and 1828, was engaged in publishing several books at Cincinnati, Ohio, among them a "Life of Gen. Jackson" and the "Western Medical Journal," both of which, in mechanical execution and ability of its contents, would compare favorably with similar publications of a much later date. In 1828 and 1829, Mr. Nichols published the Saturday Evening Chronicle, in Cincinnati, a literary journal, of which E. D. Mansfield, Esq., was editor.

The Cholera

The vigilance of the early authorities of the town might be a lesson to those iu power at this later day. It was by the adoption of effective sanitary measures Springfield escaped the visitation of that terrible scourge which, during the year 1832, and also the year following, desolated so many homes in the cities and towns of the West. The approach of the dreaded visitor induced the citizens to take prompt action at once. So a meeting of citizens was called for the 13th of July, 1832, for the purpose of adopting measures to cleanse the town of all filth and nuisances. They passed resolutions requesting the Council of the town to enforce all ordinances and regulations which would purify the streets and alleys. They divided the town into four districts, and appointed a committee of three for each district, whose duty it was to aid the municipal authorities in thus enforcing all resolutions and ordinances of the Council A committee of three persons was also appointed to solicit funds to pay the necessary expenses. The danger was, by these precautionary efforts, happily averted from the town. But the county was not as fortunate, as the village of New Carlisle lost thirty-three of its inhabitants by the scourge.

The organization of a lyceum, or literary society, for the intellectual improvement of its members, was accomplished in November, 1832. On the 22d of that month, at a meeting of citizens called for the purpose, E. H. Cumming presided, with John A. Warder as Secretary. Messrs. Charles Anthony, E. H. Cumming and M. M. Henkle were appointed a committee to prepare and report a constitution and a code of by-laws; on the 29th of the same month, at an adjourned meeting, the report of this committee was presented, and, after full consideration and amendment, it was adopted.

The first regular meeting of the Springfield Lyceum was held on the 11th day of December, in the Presbyterian Church. An introductory lecture was delivered by Samuel Ells, a young man of fine talent, who was a graduate of Hamilton College, New York He was then teaching what was called the Springfield Classical School, and was much interested in forwarding and sustaining the lyceum. At the same meeting, there was a debate upon the question, "Is the reading of novels beneficial?" John M. Gallagher was Secretary of this meeting. This society was well sustained, its meetings being held prineipally during the winter season. In 1849, it was re-organized. A large and convenient reading room was added, at which access could be had to the library, and to the current newspapers, received from different parts of the Union. In December of the same year, Horace Greeley delivered the opening lecture of a course which had been previously arranged. These lectures were continued for several years.

The town was continually adding to its dimensions and numbers. It now (1832) contained a population of 1,250, of whom there were sixty-one colored. There were 180 dwelling houses, a court house, Clerk's office and jail, four churches, all of which were well attended, one paper, one grist and one carding and fulling mill, one brewery and one distillery, sixteen dry-goods stores and one book store, five groceries and three taverns, one printing office, which issued a weekly paper. There were also six practicing physicians and five lawyers, attending to the physical and legal demands of the people. There had been erected and completed, during the twelve months previous, fifty-one buildings, of which three were of brick, seven one-story, sixteen two-story, one three-story; of frame, eleven one-story and sixteen two-story. l

The great national thoroughfare known as the National Road was opened in the year 1832 through Springfield. The excellence of the work on this improvement, and the durability of the structures on it, have made it a lasting monument to the Government which prosecuted it. It became necessary to place a culvert over Mill Run on South street, which aided greatly in improving tkat locality. This road at once placed Springfield on the great thoroughfare, a principal point of stoppage for all travelers East and West, and brought it into notice among the enterprising and growing places of the State. In the decade of years closing with 1840, there was but little which the historian notes of sufficient moment for record. There was a steady increase of population from 1.080 to 2,094, an extension of the limits of the town, an encroachment of business houses upon the suburbs, a change in the style and character of the new buildings, and an improvement of the old. A corresponding change is also observable in the habits and character of the people. The primitive modes of life, the uncouth, uncultured manners of the pioneers, disappear with the forests. There is a higher regard for morals and a stricter observance of the Sabbath, while daily brawls have grown less frequent. The dress of the citizen, his intercourse with his fellows, and social relations, are toned with a higher culture, and correspond to the civilization to which they have attained. An appreciation of learning and literature has awakened an interest in the outside world. Men began to read and think more, and the prosperity of the future city began to be assured.

The anniversary of the Declaration of American Independence was celebrated in the village of Springfield July 4, 1832. The citizens formed in procession, under the lead of Maj. Charles Anthony, preceded by the Springfield Band, and escorted by Capt. Cook's cavalry. They marched to the Presbyterian Church, where an oration was delivered by Rev. M. M. Henkle. A dinner was prepared by Col. Hunt in the grove south of the village. Among the toasts responded to on this occasion were the following, by Dr. Isaac Hendershott: " Nullification and the non-protective system, the hemlock and night-shade of Southern culture, exotics of baneful tendency, which can never be engrafted on true American stock."

Benjamin C. Hathaway offered the following: "Our Republic! all men are born free and equal, and are endowed with certain inalienable rights. May she act in accordance with those sublime truths! may she burst asunder the manacle of the slave! may she respect the rights of the poor Indian! Let E restrain, not the liberty, but the licentiousness, of the press. Then, emphatically, shall she become the type of duration and the emblem of eternity, and millions yet unborn shall rise up and exclaim, Esto perpetua!"

Fire

Hitherto the town had been fortunately preserved from fire. The loss of an occasional building of but little value was the most serious damage. But, on the evening of February 21, 1810, an extensive conflagration occurred, which at one time threatened to sweep the entire place. It consumed the entire business - block from Maddox Fisher's block on Main street to the alley west of Limestone street, and also the building now known as the St. James Hotel. The buildings destroyed had been but recently erected, and were nearly all store-rooms. The enterprising proprietors were not prostrated by their sudden loss, but immediately began to replace the sites with durable structures of modern pattern, which were a credit to the town. Nearly all the printing materials of the Pioneer office were destroyed by this fire, which delayed the publication of the pape" four weeks.

Political Excitement

The "log cabin" campaign of 1840 is remembered in all its detail by the pioneers of to-day as a season of the most intense political excitement. There has been recently a revival of the scenes of that campaign, but the "old inhabitant" still insists that the crowds, processions, excitement and enthusiasm of that year have not yet been equaled. We have an accurate sketch of the campaign in 1840 in Springfield, written by Robert C. Woodward, one of the chroniclers of local events, which we here append: ''The country was wild with unbounded enthusiasm in favor of 'Old Tip' for the Presidency. Everybody was on tip-toe of excitement. Speeches were everywhere made, log cabins innumerable built, procession after procession formed, an infinite number of banners and devices painted and printed, and neither money nor effort spared in arousing the people in favor of Gen. William Henry Harrison. Springfield was not an idle spectator of these scenes, but entered with zeal and energy into the spirit of the . times. On Thursday, June 18, 1840, the citizens raised a huge log cabin on Main street, a little southwest of the First Presbyterian Church, in which meetings were held and speeches made for months afterward. When this cabin was built, invitations were sent far and near to all who thought ** Matty Van a usedup man," to come and join in a grand barbecue, and in response to these calls, between 15,000 and 20,000 persons were present. The day was a delightful one. Everywhere, and especially on Main street, flags, variously inscribed, floated to the breeze. All was excitement, and the whole scene greatly enlivened by the inrush of carriages, wagons and horsemen, with flying banners, from all points of the compass. A large and very lengthy procession was formed, and every conceivable device and trade represented in the same. After the procession had completed its march through the principal streets, the multitude repaired to the Market House space, where a table 1,000 feet in length and six feet broad was loaded with provisions, served up for the occasion by the citizens of the town and county. About 1 o'clock, a vast crowd proceeded east on the National Road to meet Gen. Harrison, who had been invited as a guest. At 1:80, the coach containing the General, accompanied by the veteran Gen. S. Van Rennselaer, Cols. Todd and Clarkson, was met about two miles out, and the party being transferred to an open barouche. proceeded to town. Both sides of the road all the way were crowded with people. horsemen and vehicles. When the procession reached Mr. Warder's residence. Gen. Harrison received there a letter informing him of the death of his son and an injury to his grandson, and accordingly he hastened te meet his affiicted family. Passing through the crowd in an open barouche, he speedily overtook the stage and resumed his journey toward Cincinnati, home. After his departure, speeches were made by Gen. Joseph Vance, Charles Anthony, and the two soldiers who had fought under Gen. Harrison. The dense crowd that stayed to witness the illumination in the evening were addressed by Ottawa Curry and Mr. Gest, and, after listening to these, and the singing of many log cabin songs by various glee clubs, and the giving of many: hearty cheers, the people finally dispersed to their homes." We have presented this instance as a single illustration of the excitement that then prevailed as a flame of fire ali over the Union. On the Yth of September following, Gen. Harrison visited Springfield on his way to Dayton from Urbana, and addressed the citizens in a brief but comprehensive speech.

As one of the outgrowths of the political campaign was the organization of the first brass band, under the direction of Prof. L. R. Tuttle, an accomplished musician.

James Leffel, the founder of the extensive firm of James Leffel & Co., built the first foundry, locating it near the first Buck Creek bridge west of Springfield. The building was completed and operations commenced in it in January, 1840. It was in this foundry, while engaged in a general business, that Mr. Leffel began the exercise of his inventive talent in producing some practical and useful articles. Mr. Leffel was a small man, of quick perceptions, ready mechanical skill, and with a genius for invention. He struggled manfully, amid many discouragements, in perfecting his inventions and bringing them into publie favor. A pleasing conversationalist, a man of indomitable energy, he was upright in all his transactions. In June, 1815, Mr. Leffel and William Blakeney commenced building an extensive brick foundry on the north side of Buck Creek, a little east of Limestone street. Upon its completion, in the following December, they began the manufacture of Buckeye cooking stoves and lever jacks, both improvements of Mr. Leffel, besides doing a general foundry business. Mr. Leffel died in June, 1866, in the prime of life, just as fortune began to smile upon him. The business which he had founded was developed by his successors, and the manufacture of turbine water-wheels of Mr. Leffel's patent has long been a leading feature of the city.

To James Leffel is due the idea of utilizing the water of Buck Creek in the city limits, and to Samuel and James Barnett the credit of undertaking the project. It had long been a favorite scheme with Mr. Leffel to bring a portion of Buck Creek in a race down the north side of its banks to the foot of one of the main thoroughfares of the town. After persistent arguments, he succeeded in convincing the Barnetts of its utility. As a result, the Barnett Water Power and Flouring Mill were built at a cost of $32,000, and commenced operations in the fall of 1841. The water-power is durable, the stream having an abundant supply from numerous springs. The race is one and a half miles in length, giving a fall of twenty-four feet, and, at the lowest stage of water, power sufficient to propel twenty run of stone. The addition of this improvement was an important feature in Springfield's manufacturing interests. It was an inducement for the erection of other establishments, and brought trade to a larger extent to the doors of our merchants.

Within five or six years after the completion of the flouring-mill, other manufaetories were erected in the immediate vicinity. Mr. Richards, in connection with Mr. James Leffel, proceeded. tu erect a cotton-faetory and machineshop about the same time Messrs. Leffel and Blakeney built their foundry. A planing-mill and sash-factory, built by James 8. Christie and Lucius Muzzy, followed. and then Rabbitt's old woolen-mill joined in the busy hum of industrv. The woolen-mill was built on the south bank of this race, four stories in height and forty by sixty feet in dimensions. For over twenty years, the manufacture of the best woolen goods and stocking yarn was successfully continued here. About three hundred feet east of the planing-mill, Smith Boucher erected on the race a fine vil-mill, four stories in height, fifty by fifty-six feet, which was afterward owned by Steele Lehman & Co., and still later by Mr. John Foos. A more detailed account of the establishment of these and other manufacturing establishments will be found in a succeeding chapter.

The industrial interests of the town now began to form a most important element. William Whiteley had, in 1840, commenced the manufacture of plows, and. soon after reaping machines, in a small shop on the west side of Limestone street, near the railroad. It was here that William N. Whiteley, the inventor of the Champion reaper and mower, learned the trade of a machinist and laid the foundation of the immense Champion interests, which have given to Springfield a prominence throughout the States and in the lands beyond the seas.

The daily trains on the new railroad, the Little Miami, established easy communication with Cincinnati, so that in the month of April, 1817, James P. Brace was enabled to establish a route of subscribers to Cincinnati dailies, and to supply them regularly upon the arrival of the train, at from 15 to 20 cents per week. In September following, John D. Nichols commenced the circulation of the Cincinnati Duily Gazette, beginning with twenty-six subscribers. - In a few weeks later, Mr. Nichols bought of Mr. Brace the list of subscribers he had for the Commercial and Enquirer, and introduced with the dailies several weekly and illustrated newspapers and monthly magazines. In 1854, Mr. Nichols having a list of nearly three hundred dailies and as many weeklies, sold the same to Mr. E. A. Neff, who united therewith small fruits and opened a depot for news in the post office lobby. He was succeeded by Charles H. Pierce, who added stationery to the daily list, and afterward established more permanently the trade, which, through his energy and perseverance, now continues a profitable business.

The building which now stands on the corner of High and Market streets, a disgrace to the city, was once its pride and ornament. The demand of the town, which had, November 1, 1848, a population of 4,268, having more than doubled its number of eight years before, was for a commodious building, where town meetings and public entertainments could be held. To meet this, the Town Council in 1848 built the present city hall. The ground floor was used for butcher and vegetable stalls, and the upper floor as an audience chamber. The eost of the building, including the bell and the grading necessary, was $7,800. This year, also, the Council provided a town clock, which was placed in the spire of the First Presbyterian Church. Both the town hall and the town clock have outlived their usefulness, and should long since have been removed.

The visitation of cholera in May, 1849, was disastrous. The former escape from the scourge had led the people to hope they would be again as fortunate. But now it seemed to have taken fast hold upon the inhabitants. Its ravages continued nearly ten weeks. The largest number that died in one day of this disease was seven. The total number of victims was seventy-five. Business was paralyzed, and the condition of affairs was exceedingly unpromising. One of the most prominent victims was David King, a public-spirited citizen, who was then actively engaged in important enterprises. His loss was deeply regretted.

A quartette band of vocalists was organized in the summer of this year, called the Buckeyes, and composed of the following persons: Silas Ludlow, Thomas A. Bean, Oliver Kelly and James Wissinger, under the musical directorship of Prof. L. R. Tuttle. They gave their first public concert in the city hall

Springfield A City

The town now having outgrown its hitherto modest limits became entitled to the dignity and privileges of a city, under a bill of incorporation which passed the Legislature March 21, 1850. A vote for the adoption or rejection of the city charter was taken in May of the same year, resulting in the adoption by a vote of 386 for to sixty-three against. The charter designated the following boundaries of the city. Beginning at the east side of the Twopole street, northeast corner of the new graveyard; thence south to the old Columbus road ; thence southwesterly to the point of intersection of Pearce's mill road and the Limestone road; thence due west tothe section lineof Section 34; thence south with said section line to the corner of the section: thence west with the section line of Sections 34 and 4, to the northwest corner of Section 1; thence north with the line of Sections + and 5 to Buck Creek; thenceup Buck Creek, and on the north side thereof, to Charles Anthony's west line; thence north with said Charles Anthony's west line and Maffonts west line, to the north line of Section 5; thence east with the north line of Sections 5 and 35,to the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad; thence in a southwesterly direction with said railroad, to the point of intersection with Lagonda mill road; thence east to a point due north of the place of beginning; thence south to the place of beginning.

The following officers were elected under this charter: Mayor, James M. Hunt; Councilmen, Alexander Ramsey, John G. Filler, C. D. MeMarshal, Martin Carey.

An enumeration was taken this vear (1850), by Benjamin H. Rogers, which gave Springfield a population of 5,109, an increase over 1848 of 841.

The different secret associations of the city being desirous of more commodious rooms, an association for the erection of a building whose upper rooms could be used by these associations and the lower ones for storerooms, was organized and the corner-stone of the building known as "Union Hall Building," on Market street, between Main and High, was laid on June 27, 1850, with appropriate ceremonies by the different orders of Odd Fellows and Masons in the city. In the March following two business rooms of this block were occupied by Foos & Brother. In 1874, this building was greatly improved and modernized.

The modern improvment in lighting the city with gas dates back to April 5, 1850. The Springtield Gas Light & Coal Company under the supervision of Mr. E. C. Gwyn had their works so far completed at that time as to furnish lights for six street lamps and several stores in addition to the city hall, which had then eighteen burners. The price of gas was then $6 per 1,000 cubic feet. The construction of the gas works has been a profitable investment. The Springfield Gas & Coke Company had been chartered March 8, 1849, and organized September 19, 1849, with a capital of about $5,000. The officers were Charles Anthony, President; James S. Goode. Secretary. Board of Directors - Charles Anthony, Wlilliam Foos, Peter Murray. T. J. Kindlebarger and Joshua Gore.

John Kinsman & Co. subsequently leased the property, and have successfully conducted the business. At this time the city contained twelve churches, one female seminary, one reading-room and three large halls for exhibitions, lectures, etc., eleven physicians and sixteen lawyers, two banking institutions, seven hotels. seventeen mercantile and three book stores, three drug stores, five iron and hardware stores. forty-three groceries. three bakeries, two dental offices, one daguerrean room. ten boot and shoe stores and shops, nine tailor shops, five saddle and harness shops. four stove and tin shops. three cabinet shops. several blacksmith and cooper shops. and several warehouses. four extensive foundries. one oil. one paper. two sew. one planing and three flouringmills, two book binderies, three printing offices and one publication office. for a paper printed in Urbana, Ohio.

Manufacturing Interests

We have now reached a period in our narration where the history of Springfleld is identified with that of its manufacturing interests. It is impossible to separate them. To note the advance of the city in its material interests the reader is referred from this time to the chapter on the industrial interests of Springfield, and which forms a part of this history. The inventions which have gained for it an international repatation. the enterprise and thrift which eontinnually demand extensive additions to large establishments to provide facilities for the annual increase of business. and which yearly extends its eonquests until the uttermost parts of the earth ure brought within its dominion, there find proper recital.

The taxable value of real estate within the corporate limits, at this time 1853, as fixed by the Appraisers, and subsequently equalized by the County Board of Equalization ws 36990,9706, while the value of buildings ascertained by the same authority wos $527,400. The increase in buildings and consequent increase in value of the real estate had for the most part been confined to the - eastern portion of thetown. "Oid Virginia" tagging behind its more thrifty neighbor. It had a number of neat and tasty private residences erected in pleasant situations and adorned with a yariety of trees and shrubberies; until within a year or two of the time of which we write, there had not been a business house west of Mill Run. "There were thirty-six groceries and taverns in which 42,284 yet these were all monopolized by the east end. Now, however, a change came over it. The season of 1853 was prolific of new houses, and improvements were visible everywhere. The western locality began to feel the spur of progress. À three-story briek business room on the corner of Main and Factory streets, and an imposing school building which then would have done honor to any city in the State, were amonz the evidences of advancement.

A writer in the Republic of January 3, 1854, vives the results of the last season's operations. It is inserted here as the observations of an eye witness, who writes, as he says, "for the benefit of those who are interested in the property of our growing city: "

"At the east end of Columbia street may be sven the suburban residence of | Mrs. Warder, occupying an elevated position. This is an English cottage after | the Gothie style, and is said to be one of the best built houses within the cor- | porate limits. On Spring Hill looking down npon the plaeid waters of Buck |

Creek and the quiet inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow, is the handsome, convenient | residence of L. H. Olds, and a little further north fronting the Urbana Pike the | tasteful and pleasant dwelling of A. A. Hayward. On Buck Creek, a large oil- | mill has been erected by Mr. James Barnett, who is driving business with his | usual energy. Passing over to the east end of High street, on a lovely spot of | ground, is the large and, we should think, pleasant. residence erected by Rev. |

Mr. Moore. Also the beautiful, showy, elegant and convenient dwelling completed last spring and now occupied by Mr. Wallace. A little further west is to spend his remaining days. Still further west is the handsome residence of J. B. Morris, which is a specimen of New England style and is a credit to him as a gentleman of excellent taste. Opposite the female college stands the mansion of William Foos, finished last season, and is about perfect in its internal and external arrangements. This is too good a house to have so little ground around it On the south side of the city, east of Dr. Gillett's, Mr. G. W. Turner has erected a very fine house, and when entirely completed will be quite conspicuous: and immediately east is another of about equal proportions, and a little similar in external appearance erected and now occupied by Mr. James A Bean. These two houses, occupying as they do a very elevated and conspicuous portion of ground, will give the stranger as he passes through the city an idea of the elegance of taste being displayed by those of our citizen now erecting their new homes. The probable cost of these buildings is not far from 340,000."

In speaking of the improvenrents just completed in the business portion of the town the same writer says: 'On Main street is a three-story brick with iron front just erected by Messrs. Birdseye & Diehl; on Limestone street, near Main, may be seen looking dowu upon all its neighbors the first and only fourstory building ever erected in our city, built by our active and energetic citizen, Peter Murray, who has done more toward the improvement of our city than any man living in it. One of the rooms is being fitted up for the use of the Clark County Bank, soon to be put in operation by Messrs. Hertzler, Harrison and others. The upper part of this building is to be added to the Murray House."

Celebration Of The Laying Of The Atlantic Cable

The popular enthusiasm excited all over this country by the attempt to join the Old and New Worlds with the electric cable, found expression in general celebrations in all the cities when the marvelous connection was made. On Thursday, the 5th day of August, A. D. 1858, a cable dispatch tothe Associated Press, New York, from Cyrus W. Fields, dated from the United States frigate Niagara at Trinity Bay, New Foundland, announcing that the cable had been successfully completed, was posted on the bulletin board at Springfield. This simple announcement produced an intense excitement. All business was suspended. The streets were thronged with people, discussing the news, and exchanging congratulations. There were doubts suggested upon the authenticity of the dispatch. The impossibility of the cable successfully working after being laid found many advocates. On the following Monday night the message of the Queen of England to President Buchanan, in which the royal lady congratulated the President on the successful completion of the international work, was received, and about midnight the reciprocating answer of Buchanan was also read. On Tuesday morning the citizens were awakened by the ringing of bells and the thunder of artillery. In the afternoon the independent military companies with the fire organizations paraded through the streets. In the evening the messages of the Queen and President were read from the balcony of the city hall by Dr. Seys. The reading of the messages was responded to by a salute from the artillery. Hon. S. Shellabarger followed with an able and appropriate address. The principal streets were in a blaze of light from the illuminated houses and bonfires, while the joyous peals of bells mingled with the thunder of cannon on the Market square. A torch-light procession was formed, which, headed by Tuttle's band, marched and countermarched for several hours. Flags waved from the principal buildings and streamers with appropriate sentences were suspended across Main street. The ceremonies of the day and evening were the exultant appreciation of a grand achievement.

Springfield In The War

The loyal people of Springfield were intensely interested in the events which closed the year 1860. The campaign of that fall had been hotly contested The successful party saw their chosen leaders elected, but observed the ominous mutterings which followed with great anxiety. The threats of disunion and the counter determinations of coercion pressaged a deadly struggle for the mastery. That cruel strife would be averted was the prayerful hope of all good citizens. But when State after State in the South adopted ordinances of secession which were followed by an appeal to arms, the citizens were ready for the conflict. The proclamation of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter, met a hearty response here. As : oon as the proclamation was received a meeting of citizens was held in the city hall, at which a sub-committee was appointed to issue a call for a general mass meeting of the citizens of the city and county. Judge William White was President of this meeting, and Hon. J. K. Mower was Secretary. On the same day in the afternoon in pursuance of the call of the city hall was filled with an anxious and earnest crowd. There was an unanimous sentiment in favor of a hearty indorsement of the administration in its efforts to suppress the rebellion. Gen. Samson Mason having been called to preside over the meeting, read the proclamation of the President. It was followed by eloquent remarks from prominent gentlemen.

Resolved, That the determination of the Government to suppress insurrection, punish traitors and execute the laws, receives the hearty approval of the people of Clark County irrespective of party, and that they will sustain every effort to maintain the Union with men, money and every means in their power.

Resolved, That à committee of five from the city and two from each of the townships of the county be appointed to devise and execute such measures as may be required to carry into effect the foregoing resolution.

The quota of volunteers from the city was rapidly filled. On Wednesday, April 1%. the first company to depart for active service was the Springfield Zouaves. commanded by Capt. E. C. Mason. The second company was the Washington Artillery, commanded by Capt. J. C. Vananda. which left on April 22, and the third company was the Jeffersonian Guards, commanded by Capt. Philip Kreshner. which followed four days thereafter. We shall not attempt to give a detailed history of the enlistinent of troops in Springfield, to number its volunteers or to follow the various companies and regiments in their marches and battles, as that is given in the comprehensive military history of the county, which includes that of the city, in this volume. It would be superfluous here as the subject has been exhausted in the history to which we refer. We shall but mention several features which have been there omitted.

There was a rapid enlistment from the city. Volunteers were eager to rush to the front. In the four wards. up to August 29, 1862, the number of enlisted men were as follows: First Ward. 00; Second Ward, 105; Third Ward, 141; Fourth Ward, 139, making a total of 475. At this time the whole population of the above wards was as follows:

. : Poputation. Enrollment. EISE RENS ccc Seca. ena RUE ERO SOLDI CE ee 1,298 238 NOCONA UND da PIERNAS NE. PARES ee 1.403 263 PENN wd a Ee doen ek Juno A Sor 2,261 400 Rori M OT ace eee eee ee Sa ees 1,853 342

The care of those whom the defenders of their country's honor left behind. was gladly assumed by the citizens. Organized societies and commissions past are prophetie of still greater achievements in the future. It has not vet reached its maximum stature. Its possibilities have not yet been measured. Its manufacturing establishments have been crowded ont of the center of the city, and are stretching along its suburbs east and west, contiguous to the railroad tracks which intersect the city in many directions. It is on the eve of important enterprises, publie and private, which will add to its wealth and importance. The establishment of water-works is in the immediate future. This has been a subject of discussion for the last ten years, but no practical steps had been taken until the present year. 1881. The necessary legislation has been obtained. Authority to issue the bonds of the city to the amount of $400,000 has been granted. A Board of Water Works Trustees, consisting of George H. Frey, John H. Thomas and Oliver S. Kelly has been elected, contracts for the work have been made, and this much-needed improvement will be added to the city. The water will be obtained above Lagonda, will be filtered in galleries, and brought fresh and pure into the houses of the citizens, in sufficient quantity and at moderate cost.

The Grand Opera House, a beautiful building, will be finished by the 1st day of October, 1881. It is being erected by John W. Bookwalter, a citizen of wealth, on the site of the former shops of James Leffel & Co., which have been removed to the vicinity of Lagonda. It has all the modern improvements, stage accessories, exits, etc., a seating capacity of 1,200, and will be finished in the highest style of the decorative art. It will be the pride of the city.

The railroad enterprise which has engaged the latest attention of our citizens is the proposed extension east of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad from Indianapolis to Springfield, connecting with lines east and north here. This will place the city on the great highway of trade and travel between the East and West. The company has asked a donation from the citizens in the sum of $100,000, and will then extend the road through New Carlisle to Springfield, opening an entirely new territory, which will be greatly to the advantage of the city. There is also in contemplation the construction of a standard gauge road from Springfield north through Piqua and Sidney, which, if completed, would open a way to the Northwest. This road is called the Springfield, St. Paris & Sidney road.

In concluding this part of this history, the writer desires to return his acknowledgment for the assistance which has been afforded him by the labors of those who have traversed this field before him, and without whose sketches and historical reminiscences this work would have been impossible. Robert C. Woodward, the efficient Librarian of the Public Library, is the local historian who has been assiduous in collecting and preserving many matters connected with the early settlement of Springfield. These were published in a small book in 1852, under the title of "Sketches of the City of Springfield." Great freedom has been taken with these sketches, and they have been embodied herein so far as applicable. Dr. John Ludlow, who is a connecting link between past and present Springfield, some years ago read before the Clark County Historical Society a series of valuable papers on the early settlers of Springfield, which were partly based upon the sketches of Mr. Woodward, and partly upon his own recollections. 'The valuable historical statements which were made in those papers, subject to such corrections as were necessary, have been incorporated in these pages, and to these gentlemen full credit should be given. The memories of the older citizens, the newspapers of the day, old rusty records and forgotten archives, have been fruitful sources of information. In what has been written there will no doubt appear many errors, but these will be pardonable, as the entire work was performed. of necessity, in a few weeks, and amid the hurried

This closes the history of the city proper. Its educational, religious and industrial interests are histories in themselves, and may be found in the succeeding pages. The various departments of the city, and its more important elements, such as its press, railroads, telegraph, publie library, art, etc., etc., are given in detail in the pages which follow. The aim has been to present Springfield as it was, and as it is. If we have but barely outlined it in the foregoing and in the succeeding pages, we shall be satisfied.

1n consequence of the loss of the old records of Mad River and Springfield Circuits, it had been somewhat difficult to find correct data upon which to make a complete record of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, which is the parent church in the city of Springfield, from the beginning of Methodism in this city to the present time: but with the aid of the conference minutes and by diligent, inquiries made of pioneer Methodists and others, we are able to present the following as being substantially a correct account of early and later church matters as pertaining to this charge.

The first account of Methodism in Springfield which we have is the establishment of Miami and Mad River Circuits, in the bounds of which Springfield was included in the year 1805, which was about four years after the village was laid out by James Demint. A large scope of country was included in the limits of that circuit, which had in that year, a membership of 734 communicants. The Mad River Circuit was set off and established as a separate circuit from the Miami Circuit, with the Rev. John Thompson in charge. In 1807, Revs. Adjet Mc- Guire and Isaac Quinn were preachers upon Mad River Cireuit; in 1808, Revs. T. Milligan, J. Davison and W. Mitchell; in 1809, Revs. Hezekiah Shaw, William Young and Saul Henkle; in 1810, Revs. Saul Henkle and Hector Sanford; in 1811, Rev. John Clingan; in 1812, with probable additional territory, it was styled Mad River and Xenia Cireuit, with the Revs. John Collins and Moses Crume as preachers; in 1813, the name was again changed and finally established as Mad River Circuit, with the Rev. Joseph Tateman as preacher, and a membership of 1,200; in 1814, the preacher in charge was Rev. Joseph Oglesby; in 1515, the Rev. Abbott Goddard; in 1816, Revs. Moses Crume and Henry B. Baseom; in 1817, Revs. Walter Griffith and William Williams; in 1818, Revs. John Sale and John Strange; in 1819, Rev. John Strange; in 1820, Revs. Russell Biglow and Robert W. Finley; in 1821, Revs. Robert W. Finley and A. McLean; in 1822, Revs. Thomas S. Hitt and George M. Maley; in 1823, Revs. James Collerd and John T. Taylor. The membership reported this year was 1,209. In 1824. Revs. William Lamdin and John P. Taylor; in 1825, Revs. James T. Wells and George Gatch; in 1826 and 1827, Revs. Augustus Eddy and Levi White; in 1828 and 1829, Revs. Burroughs Westlake and Alfred M. Lorain: in 1830, Revs. Levi White and Elias Patler; in 1831, Revs. William H. Raper, James T. Donahoe and Joab W. Reagan; in 1832, Revs. William Raper, Richard Brindriff and Joseph Hill In 1833, William Raper being the Presiding Elder of Lebanon District, of which Mad River Cireuit was a part. a new circuit was formed, of which the charge at Springfield formed a portion, which was styled Springfield Circuit, with the following preachers in charge: Joshua Boucher, J. P. Taylor and A. Sellers as supernumerary. The circuit at the close of this conference year had a membership of 950. It was during this year that the church was built, if not wholly completed, at the southeast corner of Columbia and Market streets. It was a large brick edifice, two stories in height, with a gallery, supported by large circular wooden pillars running across the end opposite the pulpit. and along the two sides, affording ample accommodations for the largest congregations collected at Springtield at that day, and, on account of its size, the church was often nsed for gatherings not strictly religious in their character. Back of the pulpit was a large circular . recess reaching nearly to the ceiling of the main structure, and arched over so as to form a sort of half-dome. This was removed some years afterward on account of the echo which it created. The church had no belfry, and for a number of years the people were accustomed to assemble, as did the other congregations of the town, at the ringing of the court house bell, which was rung at the same hours on the Sabbath for the service of all the charches. A belfry was, however, erected shortly dfterward, and a bell placed therein, which is the same bell now used at the Central Church. In 1834, Revs. J. Boucher, Granville Moody and A. Sellers, as a supernumerary, were in charge of Springfield Cireuit. In 1835, Urbana District of the Ohio Conference was organized under William H. Raper, as Presiding Elder, with Springfield Cireuit in its bounds, under the charge of Revs. William A. Barrett and John Alexander and A. Sellers, supernumerary. In 1835-36, Revs. Michael Marley and E. B. Chase; in 1836, Revs. Michael Marley and Joseph Gasner, were appointed to Springtield Circuit; in 1837, Revs. M:fflin Harker and James L. Grover; in 1838, Revs. Mifflin Harker and Solomon Howard; during the last three years, Rev. Robert O. Spencer succeeded W. H. Raper as Presiding Elder of the Urbana District; in 1839, Revs. William Young and Samuel Clarke were preachers, and Rev. Zachariah Connell commenced a four years' term as Presiding Elder; in 1840, only seven years from the organization of Springfield Circuit, the charge at Springfield was constituted a station, with the Rev. William Young as its Pastor, and had at the close of this conference year a membership of 330; in 1841, Rev. Solomon Howard was Pastor; in 1812 and 1843, Rev. John W. Weakly; at the close of this conference year there was reported a membership of 375; in 1844, Rev. William Herr was Pastor; in 1845, Rev. Uriah Heath; in 1846, Rev. Randolph S. Foster; during the past four years Rev. William Simmons was Presiding Elder; in 1847, Rev. Randolph S. Foster; Rev. James L. Grover, Presiding Elder; in 1848, Rev. Charles Elliott.

During this year a portion of the church colonized into what is now known as High Street Church, the two charges being supplied by the Rev. Charles Elliott and Rev. Solomon., Howard, who was then President of the Ohio Conference High School, located at Springfield. In 1849, Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis was Pastor of the old charge, which received the name of Columbia Street Methodist Episcopal Church. At the close of this conference year, notwithstanding the division made the previous year, there was a membership of 446. In 1850, Rev. Maxwell P. Gaddis was continued Pastor. Rev. James L. Grover closed a four years' term as Presiding Elder. In 1851, Rev. Granville Moody was Pastor. Rev. Michael Marley, Presiding Elder. In 1852, Rev. Granville Moody; in 1853, Rev. James F. Chalfant; in 1854, Rev. James F. Chalfant; in 1855, Rev. Joseph Newson; in 1856, Rev. Joseph Newson; in 1857, Rev. W. J. Ellsworth; in 1858, Rev. W. J. Ellsworth. This year Rev. James F. Chalfant closed a four years' term as Presiding Elder. In 1859, Rev. M. Dustin was Pastor. In 1860-61, Rev. Charles Ferguson was Pastor. During the conference year, in the summer of 1862, the church having sold the building at the corner of Columbia and Market streets, commenced the erection of another church edifice at the northwest corner of Center and High streets, to which was given the name of Central Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1862, Rev. J. F. Conrey was Pastor. This year closed a four years' term of Rev. John T. Mitchell, as. Presiding Elder of what was now called Springfield instead of Urbana District. In 1863-64 and 1865, Rev. S. L. Yourtee was Pastor. In 1866, Rev. J. W. Cassatt became Pastor. Rev. Michael Marley, who had been Presiding Elder of Springtield District for the past three years, died this year of cholera, during the session of conference at Ripley, and the Rev. William Simmons was appointed as Presiding Elder during this conference year. In 1867, Rev. J. W. Cassatt was appointed again tu this charge, and the Rev. Asbury Lowry became Presiding Elder. In 1868, the Rev. J. W. Cassatt was re-appointed to this station. In 1869-70-71, Rev. S. A. Brewster was Pastor; in 1872, Rev. C. W. Ketchum; in 1873, Rev. C. W. Ketchum; in 1874, Rev. C. W. Ketchum. On the Ist of January, this year, the pews were declared free to all. J. W. Cassatt was Presiding Elder. In 1875-16, Rev. E. T. Wells was Pastor. July 3, this year, the old singing books of the Sabbath school were sent to the colored school of Knoxville, Tenn. In 1877, Rev. E. T. Wells; in 1878, Rey. W. A. Robinson. The church was this year frescoed, painted and otherwise greatly improved. In 1879, W. A. Robinson, Pastor; S. A. Brewster, Presiding Elder. In 1880, Rev. W. A. Robinson, Pastor.

The present building, the one built in 1862, is a large two-story brick of rather imposing appearance, with a tall belfry and large bell. It was valued at $22,000 On the first floor there is a Sunday school and prayer meeting room, and four class rooms. The second story comprises the auditorium, with a seating capacity of about five hundred persons. The room is nicely frescoed, the seats comfortably cushioned, and the church on the whole wears a very comfortable, if not an elegant appearance. It is heated by steam and lighted by gas throughout. The parsonage is four doors west on High street. It is a very tine two-story brick house, with pretty grounds and in a very aristocratic neighborhood. It is valued at $0,000. The lot on which it stands was donated by P. P. Mast.

In the fall of 18545, Rev. Charles Elliott, D. D., became Pastor of Columbia Street Methodist Episcopal Church, situated on the southeast corner of Columbia and Market streets. Sprigtield, Ohio. Seeing the crowded condition of the church. Dr. Elliott proposed the formation of a new charge, and, on the Ist day of April, 1549. he called on his congregation for volunteers, and about eighty members responded and formed a colony to be known as the " High Street Methodist Episcopal Church." The next day the Pastor appointed a Board of Trustees for the new charge as follows: Levi Rinehart, Edmund Ogden, Christopher Thompson, L. H. Olds, Rev. John M. Young, S. G. Moler and S. S. Henkle, and the same was organized by the election of Levi Rinehart, President. and S. 5. Henkle. Secretary. The basement of the high school (now the seminary) was occupied for publie worship, for the time being, as well as by the Sunday school. The colonists, as heads of families as near as can be ascertained were as follows: The Trustees above named, and David Hayward, M. W. Fisher, Reuben Miller. Mrs. Clarinda Henkle, Sr., George Clarke, W. N. Schaeffer, William Porter, Charles Hotsenpilar, Henry Hedrick, Milton Harrison, Mrs. Smallwood and E. G. Dial. On the Ist of January, 1850, the lot was purchased by the Trustees, which is now occupied by this church. Rev. Isaac Dillon was the first Pastor from September 1, 1849. Rev. John Inskip succeeded Dillon in the fall of 1550. The Pastor, in a few weeks, presented a plan for the new chureh building which was adopted, and the work was prosecuted vigorously to completion, and the dedication sermon was preached on the Tath of July. 1551, by Rev. John Miley, now Professor in Drew Theological Seminary, New York. The Pastors of this charge successively up to 1868 were Rev. John W. Weekley. appointed September 1, 1851; Rev. W. H. Sutherland, 1853: Rev. M. Dustin. 1854: Rev. J. N. Marlay, 1850; Rev. W. J. Fee, 1858: Rev. Allen T. Thompson. 1860: Rev. George C. Crum, 1862: Rev. A. B. Wambaugh, 1564: Rev. G. W. Dart. 1865: and Rev. Thomas Collett, 1868. During the pastorate of the last named. the work of remodeling the church building was commenced and completed at an expense. all told, of 318.000. The successive

Pastors after him, up to this time, were Rev. Lucien Clark, 1871 to 1874: Rev. W. L. Hypes, 18/4; Rev. S. B. Smith, 1875; Rev. F. G. Mitchell, 1876: and Rev. Thomas J. Harris, 1879. During the pastorate of Rev. Lucien Clark, the property adjoining the church on the west was purchased by the Trustees for the purpose of a parsonage, at a cost of over 38,000. The membership of this charge is between three hundred and four hundred.

missionary purposes. The ground on which it stands was donated by P. P. Mast, Esq. It is a one-story frame, with no bell or belfry, and comprises one large Sunday school or church room and two class rooms. It was built in 1872, and cost about $1,800. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Charles Ferguson, Sunday, August 12, 1873. A successful mission school is being carried on there now. _ The Methodist Protestant Church, of Springfield, is located at No. 39 West Washington street. This church was organized in January, 1829, with twentysix members. The Rev. Saul Henkle, Sr., was a leading member, and took an active part in the organization, as did his brother, Rev. Moses M. Henkle. The first named was a prominent citizen of Springfield, and at that time Clerk of the Courts, which office he filled for twenty-one consecutive years until his death in 1837. The Rev. William Steele, now residing at Bloomington, IIL, is probably the only member of the original society now surviving. For a number of years this church was embraced in a circuit, having ministers appointed by the Ohio Conference, which was organized in November of the same year. The late Rev. Adjet MeGuire was the first Pastor, with Rev. Jonathan Flood for the colleague. A house of worship was shortly after erected, being the small, brick church on North street, since sold to the African Methodist Episcopal society. There were but three other churches in Springfield, viz., the PreSbyterian on Main street, Methodist Episcopal on Columbia street, and the Seceders, now United Presbyterian, on Limestone street. "The Springfield Methodist Primitive Church was detached from the circuit and made a station in 1837. The. first Pastor, under this arrangement, was À. H. Bassett, who subsequently, for many years, conducted the Methodist Recorder now issued at Pittsburgh, Penn. The succeeding Pastors and their dates, as nearly as can be ascertained, were as follows: A. C. Barnes, 1838-39; David Croll, 1840; Robert Dobbins, 1841-42; O. P. Stephens, 1843; James Pelan, 1844 - 45; O. P. Stephens, 1846; Reuben Rose, 1847-48; W. G. Fowler, 1849; R. M. Dalbey, 1850; C. H. Williams, 1851-52; N. S. Smith, 1853; and, subsequently, dates not definitely ascertained, by T. B. Graham, T. Heard, S. S. Bartlet, J. E. Snowden, J. B. Walker, J. Mc- Farland, J. W. Ellis, J. W. Spring, W. E. Marsh, J. M. Flood, W. R. Parsons and others.

The present house of worship was built in 1851 - 52, under the pastorate of Rev. C. H. Williams, but only the basement completed until 1858, while Rev. J. B. Waller was Pastor, the subscription was raised, the church finished, and duly dedicated on the 29th of July of that year. Rev. James Baker is the present Pastor, and, with a membership of about one hundred; the society is on a good basis and in prosperous condition. Rev. C. H. Williams, still a resident of Springfield, is Corresponding Secretary of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and editor and publisher of the Methodist Protestant Missionary.

The St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church was made up by a colony from the First or Central Methodist Episcopal Church, which separated itself from the parent church February 10, 1880. There were over one hundred and fifty members. A lot was procured on South Yellow Springs street, at a cost of $7,000, und the erection of a church building began in June, 1880. The build- ing is to be of brick, one story high, of rather peculiar design and so constructed that it can be used as church room, prayer meeting room and class rooms, or thrown into one vast audience room capable of seating not less than one thousand five hundred people - with the galleries. When ¢ompleted it will have a cost from $20,000 to $23,000. The corner stone was laid with impressive services on the 31st of July, 1880, in the presence of a large concourse of eople.

pu On the dtb of May, 1867, at the house of Frank Galespy's, nine members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church resolved to withdraw from the church and form a separate organization. They were organized by Rev. P. Fulman, May 28 in the same year. A lot was purchased on South Center street, between Clark and Fair streets, on the 6th of June, 1867, for $300, and a onestery frame church built thereon called Asbery Chapel. The Rev. Scott Ward served as minister from October 30, 1867, to March, 1868. Rev. S. Dodridge, from March 20, 1868, to March, 1870; Rev. H. Butler, March, 1870, to September, 1870; Rev. G. Dowener, October, 1870, to March, 1872; Rev. William Eckels, March 20, 1872, to February, 1873; Rev. H. W. Johnson, February 18, 1873, to July, 1873: Rev. A. H. Price, from July 14, 1873, to 1874: Rev. A. W. Hargrave, from February 14, 1874, to March, 1874; Rev. Scott Ward, from 1874 to 1878; Rev. M. MeCoomer, from 1878 to 1879; Rev. Thomas Tompkins, from 1879 to 1880.

Rev. C. Jones, the present minister, was called in April, 1880. On the 24th of July, 1880, the church closed a very successful camp-meeting held at the fair ground, having realized some $600 or $700, which is to be devoted to the building of a nice brick church.

The early history of the North Street Afriean Methodist Episcopal Church society cannot be accurately ascertained, as it dates from a period as far back as 1824-25, and no reliable data. cán be secured beyond the mere recollections of a few aged members. About that time, however, a nucleus consisting of a few earnest Christian negroes, many or all of whom were once slaves, were accustomed to gather in their primitive cabins or even in barns, and hold religious services. Their first church was probably in a small frame house, on High street, a schoolhouse, whieh stood on the hill on the spot now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Bacon. Later they purchased a little stone church on Limestone street near the creek. As the society gradully increased in numbers and strength, they purchased a small brick edifice known as the St. John Lutheran Church, which was located on North street, where the present church of the society now stands, paying for the same about $800. In 1874, the society having prospered, was, on September 28 of that year, duly incorporated, and preparations made for the building of the present large brick church, which was completed about 1876, at a cost near $12,000. Among the earliest preachers of this society, and perhaps the first, was Thomas Lawrence. Rev. Fayette Davis and Rev. Klingman were also early preachers. The church has prospered greatly, and stands now one of the representative societies of this popular denomination.

The First Presbyetrian Church was organized July 17, 1819, with a membership of twenty-seven. For three or four years previous to its organization, the Rev. Archibald Steele acted as stated supply, preaching once in four weeks in schoolhouses, the court house or the old stone Associate Reform Church, that stood on Limestone street and was afterward used as an African church. The first Ruling Elders were John Humphreys and Melyn Baker. The Rev. Steele continued his services as stated supply till June, 1823. He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew W. Pouge, who gave his services once a month until in 1825. On the 30th of June. 1825, Rev. Franklin Putnam became the first regular Pastor of the church. During his pastorate, which ceased March 21, 1828, sixteen were added to the membership. Rev. William J. Frazer then succeeded as supply, in which capacity he served from December ?1, 1828, to February 27, 1830. During his term of service, in 1828, the first church was built at cost of 30,000, on ground that had been sold under execution and bought by John Ambler for $800. He had purchasd it for church purposes and sold it to the church for what he had given for it. The building was a small and very plain one-story briek house, without any cupola or other embellishment. It was built by piece-meal as the congregation could afford. The act incorporating the first Presbyterian society was also passed during Rev. Frazier's term of service, by the General Assembly of the State February 11, 1829. The Rev. William Gray supplied the pulpit from 1830 to February ?4, 1832. During all this time there was a steady advance in the church's numerical strength. In 1832, the church became self-sustaining, and Rey. John S. Galloway was invited to become the stated supply for three or four months, at the end of which time, October 4, 1832, he was installed and ordained Pastor. In this relationship he continued to serve the church with marked success until April 16, 1800, when he resigned and entered the service of the American Bible Society. Two years before his departure, in 1848, the old church was torn down and a new one built at a cost of $12,000 on the same ground. It was also a brick, but with two stories and a cheap wooden cupola. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Phineas Girley. Rev. N. C. Burt was called as Pastor September 2, 1850; he served until June 19, 1855, when he resigned to take a church in Baltimore. He was succeeded by Rev. William F. Findley in 1855; he left in 1858. The church was then without a regular Pastor until Sylvester F. Scovil was called in 1860, and served until 1866. Rev. T. A. Fullerton filled the pulpit from 1867 to 1871, during which time $3,200 was used on the church in building an addition, cupola, ete. Rev. Fullerton was followed by Rev. George F. Cain, from 1871 to 1872. He was succeeded by Rev. W. J. McKnight, who served from 1872 to 1879, since which time the church has been without a regular Pastor, but the pulpit has been supplied by Rev. Dr. Helwig, of Wittenberg College, this city. Dr. Falconer, of St. Louis, is the present Pastor. The church building, as it now stands, is an imposing structure indeed, with its towering cupola 175 feet high, its stained glass windows and stone borders. It is as handsome within as without, being beautifully frescoed and well furnished. It is lighted. by gas and heated by hot-air furnaces. On the first floor are the church parlor, lecture room, Sunday school room and infant school room. The up-stairs comprises the vestibules and the main auditorium, which has a capacity of seating comfortably 800 people. The church is valued at $50,000.

The Sunday school of this church was first held in different places wherever and whenever there was preaching. It was first held in the court house with Judge Torbett as Superintendent three years before the church was organized. They began holding it in the church about 1830, with about frfty scholars, and superintended by W. M. Spencer; he was immediately followed by James 8. Christie, who served for nine years. After him various men had charge of the school until now, W. M. Weir is the Superintendent. It is in a flourishing condition, having at present 300 scholars, and is furnished with a very large library, which is well kept up.

The North Side Mission Chapel was built by the First and Second Presbyterian Churches, in the fall of 1878, for mission Sabbath school purposes. The ground on which it stands was donated by Dr. Robert Rodgers for Presbyterian Church purposes. It is on Mason street near Sherman avenue. The chapel is a one-story frame building, containing an infant school room and the main Sun

The Second Presbyterian Churcly was a colony from the First Presbyterian Church. It was formed in 1860, with a membership of 106. In 1862, 34,000 was paid for a lot on South Limestone street, and a church built thereon, costing $18,000. The dedication services were held September 3, 1863. The following is a list of the Pastors with the dates of service: Rev. E. R. Bower, from May, 1861, to'July, 1867; Rev. P. H. Mowery, from November, 1868, to September, 1873; Rev. W. H. Webb, the present Pastor, came in June, 1874. There are at present 312 members. The church is a two-story brick, with the usual Sunday school and prayer meeting rooms on the first floor, in rear, and the auditorium in front.

With their usual modesty, and desire to avoid anything which seemed to call for the praise of men, the fathers of the United Presbyterian Congregation were not careful to preserve a record of their doings, but suffered them to go in the past as though there was little in them of interest to generations following, so that he who would study their plans and labors is often wholly in the dark as to when and how they did many things. This is a sufficient cause for regret, but, to add to our misfortune, the only account which was left of their transactions, was destroyed by fire forty years ago, and the "traditions of the elders? do not cover a period much anterior to that time.