Centennial History
Progress and Organization of the
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
In Northwestern Ohio
LIMA PRESBYTERY
And Local History of the Churches Under Its Care
By Rev. R. H. Hollyday
1888
Originally published in Ada, Ohio by Record Printing House
At the meeting of the Lima Presbytery in April, 1887, the committee on the minutes of the General Assembly, by their chairman, Rev. Z. B. Campbell, called attention to the action of the General Assembly relative to the preparation of histories of Presbyteries, as a contribution to the centennial of the General Assembly, on page 16 of the Minutes of 1886; and on the recommendation of this committee Rev. R. H. Hollyday was appointed to prepare a history of the Lima Presbytery.
At a meeting of the Presbytery in April, 1888, this history was presented to the Presbytery, and the following action was had:
"Revs. D. W. Cooper and Wm. B. Spence, and Elders D. G. Kemp and Thomas H. Jones were appointed to examine the history prepared by Rev. R. H. Hollyday, with the view of having it published."
The following is the report of the committee: "The committee appointed to examine the history prepared by Rev. Robert H. Hollyday report as follows:
We have listened with deep interest to the reading of portions of the history of Presbyterianism in Northwestern Ohio, and we earnestly recommend that the Presbytery proceed to secure its publication; that a committee be appointed to supervise the work, and that each pastor and stated supply be a committee to raise funds for that purpose."
The report was adopted, and the committee was continued to superintend the publication of the history of the Presbytery, together with the paper and resolution concerning the centennial of Ohio, prepared by the Rev. Wm. B. Spence.
The committee was authorized to draw on the treasury of the Presbytery for needful funds. Done at Sidney, Ohio April 11th, 1888.
FINDLAY, OHIO, May 15th, 1888 - the Presbytery, at an adjourned meeting, added to the committee on the publication of the history of the Presbytery, Rev. R. H. Hollyday:
I certify this to the action of Presbytery in reference to the publication of the history of the Presbytery.
E. Layport, Stated Clerk
PRESBYTERIANISM IN NORTH-WESTERN OHIO
To have a satisfactory history of the Presbytery of Lima, a brief review of the history and progress of the Presbyterian church in western and particularly north-western Ohio, will not be out of place. Sixty or more years ago Western Ohio was but little improved, and the Northwestern portion was an almost unbroken wilderness, with but few widely scattered and feeble settlements, where the first pioneers were struggling to make for themselves homes.
In those years the Synods of Ohio and Cincinnati covered the entire state, except a portion of the Northeast, which was occupied by the Synod of the Western Reserve, formed under what was known as the Plan of Union, uniting Presbyterians and Congregationalists in Presbyterian churches.
The Synod of Cincinnati extended from the Ohio River to the northern limits of the state, and embracing the entire western portion of the state and a portion of the eastern parts of Indiana.
The history and progress of the Presbyterian church in Western and Northwestern Ohio presents much of rare interest to reflecting minds and sympathizing hearts, and serves to illustrate the wonderful manner in which God in his providence and grace, has in these passing years been working in extending and established our Presbyterian Zion in this region. In such a review many devoted servants of God, who have finished their work and passed to their rest, are brought to our view -- men who labored under many difficulties and discouragements in their efforts to plant and build up churches, and whose labors now so abundantly follow them. Here we may appropriately speak of such men as the Rev. James Gillerland and John Rankin, in the southern edge of the state; of Dr. Joshua L. Wilson, of Cincinnati, and Dr. Robert Bishop, long the noble and worthy president of the Miami University; so much loved and so eminently useful in their day. Then coming a little further north we find such men as Dr. R. G. Wilson, pastor of our church in Chillicothe and later the worthy president of Ohio University at Athens, and who spent the closing years of his useful life and died at South Salem, in Ross county, Ohio. And that group of noble men in Chillicothe Presbytery, Samuel Crother, of Greenfield; William Dickey, of Bloomingburg; Samuel Steel, of Hillsborough; James H. Dickey and Hugh S. Fullerton, of Salem, who did such grand work for our church in the counties of Ross, Fayette and Highland. Coming farther north we find that earnest, devoted worker in the capital of our state, Dr. James Hoge, whose influence was felt in all directions from that centre. And a little farther west we find John S. Galloway in Springfield, and James Barnes and F. P. Gurley, in Dayton, who labored so successfully in the earlier days. Then we find such men as James Coe, at Piqua; David Merril, at Urbana; Joseph Stevenson, at Bellefontaine, and Samuel Cleland, at Sidney. To name these men is but to call to mind their noble work, and revive our recollections cherished memories and lead us to feelings of gratitude to God for the marked results secured through the instrumentalities of these and like devoted men, in their day, in laying so well the foundations of our church in these portions of Ohio.
Previous to the organization of the Presbytery of Sidney, the Old Miami Presbytery extended all over Northwestern Ohio. At that day but little improvement had been made in this portion of the state. The construction of the Miami Canal from Cincinnati through Dayton, Piqua, Delphos, (then known as Section 10) Defiance and Maumee City to Toledo, did much to open the country through which it passed, and caused emigration to flow in, and the Presbyterian church has generally followed emigration.
The Presbytery of Sidney was organized in the year 1836. At this time churches had been organized further north in Urbana, Sidney, Bellefontaine, Findlay, Lima, and perhaps Truro, now Columbus Grove, and regions in which these places were centres. The Presbytery of Sidney gradually gained in strength and numbers, until the question began to be agitated in the Synod of Cincinnati as a matter of church extension, as to the need of a new Synod in Northwestern Ohio. At one time, the Rev. John Belleville offered a series of resolutions in that synod, proposing an overture to the General Assembly for the organization of a new Synod, to be known as the Synod of the Miamies, and composed of the Presbytery of Sidney and other presbyteries existing or to be formed north and east. But while much interest was felt in regard to the growth of our church in this region, yet leading members of the Synod were not at that time prepared for such a movement. During these years occasional visits were made by Presbyterian ministers from the southern part of Ohio. About the year 1830 Rev. Peter Monfort visited Hancock county and spent some two years doing some grand missionary work, resulting in the organization of the Presbyterian church in Findlay. In 1835 Rev. John L. Belleville, at that time a pastor in the vicinity of Dayton, made a trip north, visiting Findlay and some other points. In 1838 or '39 Rev. John A. Meeks, while a pastor in Piqua, visited this region, as far as Putnam County, and held a communion season with the people then composing Truro church, during which a special interest was awakened, resulting in much good to that church in that early period of their history. At a meeting of the Presbytery in the fall of 1841, the question of sending one or two men through the northern territory to visit churches organized, and settlements where no regular organizations had been made, preach to the people, and organize churches where the way was open, was agitated. The trouble seemed to be to find the man or men willing to go. It had to be a journey on horseback, largely over roads nearly impassable; and the "black swamp," judging from reports prevalent in Central and Southern Ohio, was a fearful place to pass.
It was proposed to Rev. John M. Crabb, who was about this time settled as pastor in Lima, to go on a missionary trip through these northern portions of the Presbytery. His reply was, "Brethren, I should be glad to go, but you know I have so much human nature about me it would, for me, be a very difficult undertaking." He was a tall, large and fleshy man, weighing from 250 to 300 pounds, making it, for him, a trying undertaking to make a long journey on horseback over such roads as he would have to travel.
It was about this time that the Rev. Philip Condit settled in the northern part of Wood county, near the location of the present town of Tontogany. He gathered a few small churches in that region. In 1835 Rev. George Van Eman came from the Presbytery of Redstone, Pennsylvania, and settled in Hancock County, and became the pastor of the church in Findlay. And he was active, not only in his immediate pastor charge, but in points adjacent, where he was instrumental in organizing churches. Rev. William McGookin labored at Truro, and for a time at Lima. Rev. George Pogue also labored for a time at Lima and points adjacent.
The labors of these men had given strength and enlargement to our church in these localities, and in the fall of 1841 the Presbytery of Sidney overtured the synod of Cincinnati for the organization of a new Presbytery in the northern portion of the state. This petition was granted and the Presbytery of Maumee was organized, covering the counties of Hancock, Wood, Lucas, Henry, Putnam, Paulding, Williams, and northern half of Allen including the church of Lima.
By order of Synod, the first meeting of this Presbytery was held in Findlay, April 12th, 1842, and was opened by a sermon from Rev. George Van Eman, and was composed of the following ministers: Samuel Baldridge, George Van Eman, John M. Crabb, William McGookin, and Philip Condit; also the following Ruling Elders: Thomas Coulter, of Kalida; William Campbell, of Ebenezer; Paul Adams, of Pleasant Hill; John W. Watters, of Truro; John Burns, of Findlay; Hugh Skilling, of Lima; and Peter Yagely, of Riley Creek - five ministers and seven elders. Rev. Joseph Harper, who was included in the organization, did not appear at the first meeting, but by letter asked for a dismission to the Presbytery of Indianapolis, and soon after died. At the second meeting Rev. Samuel Baldridge was absent, but by letter requested a dismission to the Presbytery of Oxford, thus reducing the number of ministers to four. At the meeting in April, 1843, Rev. R. H. Hollyday was received from the Presbytery of Sidney, and Mr. James H. Anderson was received under the care of Presbytery as a licentiate from the Presbytery of Oxford, and at an adjourned meeting June 21st, 1843, he was ordained and installed pastor of Truro church, thus increasing the number of ministers in the new Presbytery of Maumee to six. Soon after Rev. William McGookin removed his membership to Sidney, reducing the number to five - Van Eman, Crabb, Condit, Hollyday, and Anderson; and it is observable that this was usually the recorded roll until 1848. In this year Rev. John McKinney was received from the Presbytery of Huntington. In 1850 Rev. William K. Brice was received from the Presbytery of Marion; Rev. R. M. Badeau from the Presbytery of Miami; Rev. D. S. Anderson from the Presbytery of Oxford; and Rev. T. P. Emerson from the New School Presbytery of Maumee.
The first regular effort of the Presbytery of Maumee for church expansion was made at the meeting in Findlay in April, 1844, appointing Rev. Philip Condit to spend three months itinerating in the northern portions of the Presbytery's territory, exploring and seeking openings for the organization of churches. At the fall meeting of the Presbytery the report of Brother Condit was so encouraging that he was recommended to the Board of Missions as a missionary in Wood and Henry counties for one year, with authority to organize churches wherever the way was found clear.
At a meeting of the Presbytery in the fall of 1847, the Rev. John M. Crabb was appointed an itinerant missionary for one year to labor north of the Maumee river, in Williams and adjoining counties, the Presbytery being responsible for one-half of his salary, and securing the other half from the Board of Missions. In the fall of 1848 Brother Crabb reported, as the result of his year's work, the organization of seven churches, with an aggregate of 89 members. And incident in Brother Crabb's work during this year may be of interest. As he was traveling through a portion of Williams county he met a man in the road and inquired if he was acquainted in the neighborhood; again, if he knew of any Presbyterians? "Yes; the man on the next farm they say is a Presbyterian." He rode on, found the man, and found him a Presbyterian, and very glad a Presbyterian minister had come that way. Arrangements were at once made for preaching at that home in the evening, and runners were sent out to notify the neighbors, and that night he found eighteen who had settled in that vicinity who had their letters from their church home in Eastern Ohio, and were ready to be organized in a Presbyterian church.
By appointment of Presbytery in the fall of 1848, Mr. Crabb continued his itinerant work another year, and the Rev. James H. Anderson was also appointed to a portion of the same field; these brethren were sustained in their work in part by the Board of Missions, and the remaining portions of their support on the field and in the churches in the southern portion of the Presbytery. Committees were appointed in all the churches to secure funds for this purpose. Thus it was that the beginning of the work of extending our church in those northern counties was at that day carried forward.
In the fall of 1850 the Presbytery, encourage by additions received to their ministerial strength, and in view of the whole field, the growth of the churches in number and strength, and the inconvenient extent of the territory covered by the Presbytery, resolved to overture the Synod of Cincinnati for the organization of a new Presbytery in the southern portion of the field and including a small portion of the territory of the Presbytery of Sidney. This overture was laid before the Synod in October, 1850, and the result was the organization of the Presbytery of Findlay.
This Presbytery was composed of the counties of Hancock, Hardin, Allen, Putnam and Van Wert, and embracing all the churches and ministers in those counties. The new Presbytery by order of the Synod held its first meeting in Findlay, in April, 1851, and was opened by a sermon from Rev. George Van Eman, and there were present six ministers and nine Ruling Elders as follows:
Ministers: George Van Eman, R. M. Badeau, R. H. Hollyday, James E. Marquis, William K. Brice, and T. P. Emerson. Elders: Samuel Morehead, West Union; Samuel Turner, Pleasantville; Joseph Belford, Truro; Robert McCracken, Kalida; Joshua Frier, Little Grove; William Crane, Rockport; F. Henderson, Findlay; Joseph Hattery, Van Wert; and Edward Smith, Kenton.
Of this number only two of the ministers are now living. Seven of the elders have passed to their rest. We know not if the remaining two are now living.
The Presbytery of Findlay has a history extending through nineteen years, up to the consummation of the grand work of reunion between the divided branches of the Presbyterian church. During these years much earnest work was accomplished, resulting through the blessing of God upon the labors of his servants, and the accompanying influences of his spirit in large ingatherings into the Christian fold, and in the organization of new and prospering churches. These elements of prosperity were experienced in the enlargement and strengthening of existing churches more than in the increase of their number.
During these years there were enjoyed seasons of revival that rejoiced the hearts of God's people, and were far-reaching in their influence - the fruits being still apparent in the working force of some of our churches at the present time.
We note some of these seasons of special interest. In Findlay, during the winter of 1849 and '50, and extending through some two years, a revival was enjoyed, marked with a good degree of power, but more remarkable for its quiet and prolonged influence, bringing into the church about eighty persons on profession of their faith, some of whom are now the active members and workers in this church. Again in 1857 a special refreshing was enjoyed in the church in Findlay. In 1858 a revival of more than ordinary interest and extent was enjoyed in Columbus Grove, resulting in a very large accession to the membership of the church. In Lima, in 1865, a revival of unusual extent and power was enjoyed, not confined to the Presbyterian church, the whole community being moved under its influence. In Findlay, in the year 1866, occurred a revival of remarkable results. Some leading business men and influential citizens were gathered under its influence into the church. A fact of note in this ingathering is that it occurred just after the withdrawal of a large membership, who became organized as the Congregational church of Findlay. Again, in the winter of 1869 and '70 a work of grace occurred in Findlay, which was marked by an unusual degree of tenderness of feeling, at times the entire audience being moved to tears. In the church of Kenton there was, about the year 1857, an interesting season or revival, adding very largely to the growth and strength of the church.
Many other seasons of interest were enjoyed in the churches of Findlay Presbytery during the nineteen years of its history. While these evidences of the divine presence and blessing were enjoyed during those years, yet they were not unmixed with some drawbacks and many discouragements. Ministerial changes were not unfrequent, yet with pleasure we may note the fact that the Rev. William K. Brice, who was the pastor of Truro church when Findlay Presbytery was organized, continued in this relation through all the years of Findlay Presbytery's history. At its last meeting, in April 1870, he was reported sick, and ere the first meeting of the Lima Presbytery, in the fall of the same year, he was called home to his glorious rest in heaven; the longest pastorate, at the date of his death, as yet, in Northwestern Ohio.
FINDLAY PRESBYTERY IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The following ministers and elders were, for the dates given, elected commissioners to represent the Presbytery of Findlay, in the General Assemble of the Presbyterian church.
In 1851, the year is which this Presbytery was organized, no commissioners were sent. The same was true in 1852. After this commissioners were sent regularly as follows, (except in 1858, when the meeting of the Assembly was held in New Orleans.)
In 1853, Rev. James E. Marquis, of Kenton, and Elder John Ewing, of Findlay church. In 1854, Rev. R. H. Hollyday, of Findlay, and Elder William Thompson, of Enon Valley church. In 1855, Rev. Thomas Elcock, of Van Wert, and Elder Ebenezer Wilson, of Blanchard church. In 1856 Rev. R. M. Badeau, of Lima, and Elder Abraham Boyd, of Lima church. In 1857, Rev. George Van Eman, and Elder F. Henderson, of Findlay church. In 1859, Rev. William K. Brice, of Truro, and Elder William Cunningham, of Lima church. In 1860, Rev. William Young, of Blanchard and McComb churches, and Elder B. Mansfield, of Mt. Blanchard church. In 1861, Rev. R. M. Badeau, of Lima, and Elder A. Conn, of Van Wert church. In 1862, Rev. J. Keller Kost, of Kenton, and Elder A. W. Workey, of Patterson church. In 1863, Rev. John A. Meeks, of Findlay, and Elder A. Hall, of Blanchard church. In 1864, Rev. W. M. Reed, of Patterson, and Elder William Taylor, of Findlay church. In 1865, Rev. W. M. Reed, and Elder George Fahl, of Mt. Blanchard church. In 1866, Rev. W. K. Brice, of Columbus Grove, and Elder J. Dobbins, of Lima church. In 1867, Rev. J. M. Cross, of Findlay, and Elder E. Miller, of Findlay church. In 1868, Rev. T. P. Johnston, of Lima, and Elder J. Bressler, of Ottawa church. In 1869, Rev. H. R. Peares, of Kenton, and Elder W. H. McCullough, of Lima Church. It was at this meeting of the Assembly that the action reuniting the Old and New School branches of the church was passed - a reunion which was consummated at an adjourned meeting of the Assemblies, in Pittsburgh, some months later, the commissioners of this year being present. In 1870, the commissioners were the Rev. Thomas Elcock, of Van Wert, and Elder M. Gray, of Findlay. The Assembly that met this year was composed of commissions from the Old and New School Presbyteries, as previously organized, but now meeting in one Assembly, the names New and Old School now being dropped, to be known only in the history of the past.
One of the results of the reunion was the organization of the Synod of Toledo, by the reunited General Assembly. This Synod in reorganizing Presbyterial boundaries, erected the new Presbytery of Lima, as the true and legal successor to the Presbytery of Findlay, and covering the counties of Hancock, Putnam, Allen Van Wert, Auglaize, Shelby, and Mercer, embracing the churches in these counties, and the following ministers:
George Van Eman, John A. Meeks, R. H. Hollyday, Thomas Elcock, R. M. Badeau, T. P. Johnston, N. V. Morrow, W. M. Claybaugh, A. B. Fields, D. W. Cooper, John Kelly, Robert McCaslin, S. Cunningham Kerr, S. Carrick Kerr, W. A. Ward - fifteen.
During the eighteen years of the history of Lima Presbytery, four of this number have died, six removed from our bounds, and five of the original number embraced in the organization of our Presbytery are still on its roll, R. H. Hollyday, T. Elcock, T. P. Johnston, Robert McCaslin, and D. W. Cooper.
At the organization of Lima Presbytery we had nine churches in Hancock county, three in Putnam county, four in Allen county Four in Van Wert county, Three in Auglaize county, three in Mercer county and three in Shelby county. But four new churches have been organized in the eighteen years of hour history, Dupont, West Newton, Mission, and now Main Street in Lima, and Union, now Fairview.
Ada, in Hardin county, was, by act of Synod, transferred to Lima Presbytery, and Mt. Blanchard in Hancock county, to Bellefontaine Presbytery.
The aggregate membership of out churches at out organization was 1952. Out present number as reported in statistics of 1887 is 3404, a net increase of 1452 over and above the losses by removal and death. The number of members received during the 18 years of our history, on profession, aggregated 2512. The aggregate of adult baptism, 765, which makes a showing of 1747 of the whole number received on profession who were baptized in infancy, while 765 of this number were baptized in adult age on profession of their faith; the difference being 982. These figures furnish matter of thought, as to the duty and privilege of Christian parents presenting their children to God in their infancy in the ordinance of baptism.
LIMA PRESBYTERY IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The following ministers and elders have been, for the dates given, elected to represent the Presbytery of Lima in the Reunited General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church: In 1871, Rev. R. H. Hollyday, of Findlay, and Elder H. Robinson, of Van Wert church. In 1872, Rev. D. W. Cooper, of Ottawa, and Elder T. S. Gillerland, of Van Wert church. In 1873, Rev. Robert McCaslin, of Sidney and Elder J. H. Dague, of Lima church. In 1874, Rev. John Kelley, of Lima, and Elder David Jones, of Columbus Grove church. In 1875, Rev. E. S. Scott, of Delphos, and Elder J. S. Patterson, of Findlay church. In 1876, Rev. Thomas Elcock, of Van Wert, and Elder J. R. Evans, of Delphos church. In 1877, Rev. E. H. Hill, of Wapakonetta, and Abraham Boyd, of Lima church. In 1878, Rev. J. V. Stockton, of Van Wert, and Elder Oliver Jay, of St. Mary's church. In 1879, Rev. D. C. Cooper, of McComb, and Elder S. R. Badeau, of Lima church, In 1880, Rev. Isaac G. Hall, of Lima, and Elder E. Trumbo, of Rockport church. In 1881 Rev. J. Emery Fisher, of Columbus Grove, and Elder Hugh Thompson, of Sidney church. In 1882, Rev. John A. Meeks, of Findlay, and Elder Henry Byal, of Findlay church. In 18883, Rev. Robert McCaslin, of Sidney, and Elder I. C. McGinnis, of Ada church. In 1884, Rev. J. C. Watt, of Findlay, and Elder D. A. McComb, of Bluffton church. In 1885, Rev. D. W. Cooper, of McComb, and Elder W. M. Longworth, of Van Wert church. In 1886, Rev. W. A. Echols, of North Baltimore, and Elder S. S. Bacon, of Ottawa church. In 1887, Rev. Z. B. Campbell, of Ada, and Elder D. H. Robinson, of Shane's Crossing church. In 1888, Rev. J. H. Sherrard, of Delphos, and Elder T. H. Jones, of Lima church.
We shall now give some brief sketches and notices of the local histories of our churches, as near as possible in the order of the date of their organization.
Sidney is the oldest church in our bounds; was organized September 4th, 1825 with eight members, by the Rev. Joseph Stevenson, shortly after his settlement in Bellefontaine. The organization was effected under the old Miami Presbytery, when it extended over all Northwestern Ohio. Rev. Joseph Stevenson, of Bellefontaine, and Rev. James Coe, then of Piqua, each supplied this church for a time. The Rev. Samuel Cleland labored in Sidney eight years as a stated supply. About the year 1841 a young and very promising minister by the name of Grier, from Pennsylvania, labored for a time for the church in Sidney, and was about to be settled as their pastor, but God called him very suddenly from his earthly labors to Himself. His home was with the family of a Mr. Cummons, who resided on the public square. This young brother had been engaged in making some pastoral visits during the day; had returned to his home with the family where he lodged; seemed during the evening to be unusually well and cheerful; took leave of the family and retired, expressing the hope that he would have a pleasant day for his visiting work on the morrow. In the morning he did not appear at his usual time, and the family delayed for a time to call him, when his room was visited, and he was found quiet in death, having apparently died without a struggle. In the spring of 1842 Rev. William B. Spence, who had been laboring in Troy, Miami county, was called to the church in Sidney. He accepted this call and was settled as pastor. This pastorate continued through twenty-two years. Under his ministry this church enjoyed a large measure of prosperity. The small frame building, which had served in its day, was removed, and in its place a large, well arranged brick church edifice was built and finished, a good indication of the growing strength and prosperity of the church. Brother Spence, when he closed his pastorate in Sidney, which was in the year 1864, removed to Illinois. After a four year's pastorate he returned to Ohio, and was settled in the bounds of the Presbytery of Cincinnati, as pastor of Pleasant Run. Eleven years he served in this relation. In the fall of 1880 he returned to Sidney and became a member of the Presbytery of Lima, and living now happily among the people, among whom, in earlier life, he had successfully labored as a pastor.
Rev. Robert McCaslin commenced his pastoral work in Sidney, October 1st, 1866. He was born in Western Pennsylvania, was baptized and brought up in the Reformed Presbyterian church, under the ministry of the Rev. Josiah Hutchinson, through whose influence he was led to commence study with a view to the ministry. These studies were pursued under the direction of his pastor for a time, and were afterwards completed in Westminster college, of the Reformed Presbyterian church at Wilmington, Pa., where he graduated. In 1858 he entered the seminary of the church to which he belonged in Allegheny. He was licensed April, 1860. In April, 1861 he was ordained and installed in the Reformed Presbyterian church of Xenia, Ohio. When he accepted a call to Sidney he changed his plans and ecclesiastical relations. At the next anniversary of his settlement he will have served the church in Sidney as pastor twenty-two years, and may now begin to solemnize the marriage of those to whom in their infancy he administered the ordinance of baptism. The continued prosperity of this church has been manifested in the continuance of this pastorate in its healthful influences through so many years. The prosperity of this church is again manifested by their new and elegant church building and parsonage, so well adapted to their church work in its different branches. And the Lord has not been forgetful of this pastor and people in thus honoring the Lord with their substance, in building a house to the honor of His name, in soon after its completion visiting them in that remarkable work of grace, so largely enjoyed in Sidney during the winter of 1883-"84. It is a fact worth noting that this church, during the sixty-two years of its history, has had but two pastors, the pastorates of Brethren Spence and McCaslin covering much the greater portion of this time, forty four years. Sidney church has not been given to change, and we find it today the largest church in our Presbytery, having a membership of 420; and of the 75,701 churches in the Synod of Ohio, only sixteen are larger, and the majority of those sixteen are noted for the length and permanency of their pastorates.
A very pleasing incident took place at the meeting of Lima Presbytery, April, 1888, in the church of Sidney. Near the close of the sessions of the Presbytery, Mrs. Dr. Fielding, an aged lady, was introduced to the Presbytery by the Rev. W. B. Spence, who had so long been her pastor, in the following touching and appropriate words: "Mrs. Fielding is the widow of Dr. William Fielding, one of the two elders of the Presbyterian church of Sidney at its organization in 1825, and long a practicing physician in Sidney. Mrs. Fielding is the only surviving member of the eight original members of this church. She has seen the woods of Ohio; she has seen the struggles of the pioneers of the Miami country; she has experienced the toils and efforts of this church through all its history, and now she is present with us today, and worthy of our hearty greetings."
The remarks of Brother Spence relative to the long connection of this venerable lady with this church, now over sixty-three years, and he Christian life and experience through all these years, were responded to by the moderator, Rev. I. N. Thomas, in terms well fitting an occurrence so rare and so full of interest.
The First Presbyterian church of Findlay was organized in December, 1831, under the ministry of the Rev. Peter Monfort, who came from the southern part of the state as a missionary to the new settlements of the north. He was led to Findlay, at that day only a small hamlet. He labored with much success, preaching in private houses or cabins in the village and adjoining country - there being no public buildings of any kind at that day in which these services could be held. At its organization this church was composed of eleven members and two elders, Ebenezer Wilson and Abraham Cowan, and was the only Presbyterian church in Hancock county, and so far as known was the only organization of the kind in this part of Ohio. After the return of Mr. Monfort to the southern part of the state, this church was supplied for a time by Rev. Thomas Clark during the latter part of 1833 and the early part of 1834. In 1834 or '35, Rev. Monfort returned and spent a time with the church. It was in 1835 that the Rev. George Van Eman, a member of the Presbytery of Redstone, Pennsylvania, removed to Hancock county. He became a member of the Presbytery of Sidney, embracing, at that time, all the territory now covered by the Presbyteries of Bellefontaine, Lima, Maumee and the northern portions of what is now the Presbytery of Dayton. Mr. Van Eman accepted a call from the church of Findlay, and was regularly installed as its first pastor, a relation which continued until the spring of 1841. During his pastorate, Mr. Van Eman, in addition to his regular work as pastor of Findlay church, performed much labor at other points in Hancock and adjoining counties, where now there are prospering churches. During the first years in the history of Findlay church, services were held without much regularity in private residences. When the first court house was built, a plain frame structure, services were held in it with greater regularity. It was during the pastorate of Mr. Van Eman that the first church building was erected - a plain though convenient structure, forming a comfortable church home. While pastor in Findlay, Mr. Van Eman organized, in 1835 Pleasant Hill, and in 1837, Ebenezer, afterwards consolidated in 1843, forming the church of West Union. After the close of Rev. George Van Eman's pastorate, the church was supplied by Rev. Simon Peck, for one year, during the fall and winter of 1841 and '42. During the summer of 1842, Findlay church was visited by the Rev. F. A. Shearer and the Rev. Alexander Cowan, who preached with much acceptance, during their visits. In the fall of 1842, Rev. R. H. Hollyday visited the church in Findlay, spending two Sabbaths, resulting in his receiving and accepting an invitation to labor with the church, and he entered upon his work on the third Sabbath of November, 1842 and in the spring of 1843 he accepted the call of the church and was installed as their pastor. The Session at this time was composed of William Taylor, John Ewing and Frederick Henderson, and a few years later Paul Sours was added; all are now gone to their heavenly rest. This pastorate extended to the spring of 1854, at which time the membership of the church was 158, being a net increase over and above the losses by death and removal of 115.
Rev. John A. Meeks commenced his ministerial work in the church in Findlay, January of 1855, and continued in charge till the spring of 1865. It was during the ministry of brother Meeks that the present church edifice was built. This work resulted in much enlargement of the congregation, and increase of strength to the church. Following brother Meeks came Rev. J. M. Cross, Rev. A. B. Fields, Rev. Eban Muse, Rev. R. R. Sutherland, Rev. John C. Watt, and at present Rev. J. R. Mitchell, covering about twenty-two years, during which time though this church has been subjected to frequent changes, as to pastoral services, yet it has been noted for united and harmonious action in all their church work. The Session is now composed of the following member: Milton Gray, J. S. Patterson, Isaac Davis, Henry Byal, John Shuck and George Arnold. The last two years have been years of prosperity in this church, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. Mitchell. Large additions to the membership of the church have been received, and a new and elegant parsonage has been erected and completed.
The church in Lima was organized in 1832, or perhaps 1833, by the Rev. James Cunningham, of Richland Presbytery. No record of this remains extant. The items we have of the early history of this church have been furnished by Elder Abraham Boyd and Theodore Cunningham, Esq., a grandson of the officiating minister in its organization. Some of the active elders in its early history are still remembered, Hugh Skilling, Matthew Dobbins, and Dr. William Cunningham, years ago gone to their reward, but their sons are still found in some of our churches, upon whom the mantle of the fathers has fallen. Rev. Sheldon, who may be remembered by some as an agent of the American Bible Society, in the years long past, was the first regular supply of the Presbyterian church in Lima. In 1837, Rev. George Pogue, who grew up in the southern part of the state, studied in this theological course under the late Rev. Samuel Crothers, D. D., of Greenfield, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Chillicothe, labored in Lima.
In 1839, Rev. William McGookin was supplying this church in connection with his work in Truro. In 1840 the Rev. John M. Crabb was called and settles as the first pastor. At this time this church was using a building put up in such form as to be easily converted into a residence when no needed for the services of the church. It was of brick and located on Elm Street, west of Main. In this building the Presbytery of Sidney held a meeting, memorable in some respects, in the spring of 1841. Under the pastorate of Rev. Crabb the church in Lima enjoyed a large measure of success, and grew rapidly in strength and the number of its membership. A larger church building was needed, and the church set about the work of building, Brother Crabb devoting much, not only of time, but of manual labor in carrying forward the enterprise. The building completed was plain but roomy, and was soon filled with a growing church and congregation. In this house the Synod of Toledo held its first meeting in June, 1870, when the new arrangement of Presbyterial lines were made and the Presbytery of Lima organized in its present form. The pastorate of Mr. Crabb continued till the spring of 1847. In August, 1848, Rev. John McKinney commenced to supply the church of Lima, and continues his labors with them from one to two years. In September of 1850, Rev. R. M. Badeau received and accepted a call, and was settled as the pastor of this church. This second regular pastorate in this church continued to September of 1853. From this time until the coming of Rev. H. B. Fry, who commenced preaching for the Lima church as a licentiate, the church was not regularly supplied. Brother Fry was ordained and installed by the Presbytery of Findlay, November 9th, 1856. His pastorate was a brief one, as he resigned April 1858, and accepted a call to the pastorate of the Presbyterian church of Marion. It was during this or the following year that the Rev. T. P. Johnston came to Lima. He was installed as the pastor in December of 1859, and continued in this relation until near the close of 1864. During the winter of 1864 - 1865, a colony went out from the first church and were organized as the third afterward named the Central Presbyterian church of Lima. This church was reported to and taken under the care of the Presbytery in April, 1865, and Brother Johnston became their pastor, and a church was soon erected on North Main Street. The relations of Brother Johnston to the Central church closed in 1869 or early in 1870, and he was succeeded in the charge by the Rev. John Kelly, who was received in April, 1870, by the Findlay Presbytery, at their last meeting. Brother Kelly continued to serve the Central church as a stated supply till in September, 1872.
In this first Presbyterian church of Lima, Rev. Samuel Ramsey, who was received April, 1865, from the Presbytery of Marion, commenced his labors. During this year a revival of more than ordinary interest was enjoyed in the churches of Lima. Revs. Johnston in the Central, Ramsey in the first and Little of the New School, or second church, participated. The labors of Mr. Ramsey, though he had received a call from this church, was brief. At a called meeting of the Presbytery in May, 1866, the way was not found clear for his installation. He was followed by the Rev. O. M. Todd from the Presbytery of New Lisbon, in 1867, who continued in the service of the church about one year.
In the spring of 1868 Rev. W. M. Claybaugh was received as a member of Presbytery, and a call from the first Presbyterian church was placed in his hand, which with the consent of the Presbytery he was permitted to hold. After serving the church for one year or more as pastor-elect, he received a call to the church of Van Wert, which he accepted and was installed in that church April 26th, 1871. Rev. John Daniels succeeded Brother Claybaugh in Lima, his first appearance in the Presbytery being in the fall of 1869. He continued his labors in Lima until the fall of 1872.
In the year 1870 the first church, Old School, and the second church, New School, united, and in their union were recognized as the Union Presbyterian church of Lima, and as such were placed on the roll of the Presbytery. And this united church was served by Brother Daniels until the fall of 1872. In September of this year the Central and Union Presbyterian churches consolidated as one, to be known as the Presbyterian church of Lima, and was served by the Rev. John Kelly as their regular stated supply until the spring of 1873, when he was called to the church of Ada. This church is reported vacant in 1873. In 1874, '75, and '76, they were supplied by a very worthy minister of the Presbytery of Dayton, Rev. James S. Kemper. He was present at the meeting of the Presbytery at Wapakonetta, April, 1876, as a corresponding member, and addressed the Presbytery in reference to his relation to and work within our bounds. This work he closed about that time. In the fall of 1876 the church in Lima extended a call to the Rev. Isaac G. Hall, of the Presbytery of Bellefontaine, which he accepted and was regularly installed as pastor, April 9th, 1878.
Under the labors of Brother Hall the first church of Lima has grown in numbers and strength. Disposing of their old church buildings, they have erected a very complete and well arranged church edifice on West Market Street, and have now a membership of about 350.
In 1875, there was organized by a committee of the Presbytery a church in Lima, named the "Mission Church," which was reported to Presbytery in September of that year. This church built a chapel in the northeast part of the city, where their services were held, but they were able to be supplied but for short intervals, and their services were so irregular and scattered that the church had but a very limited growth for the first eight years of their history. During the winter of 1882 and '83, Rev. A. T. Robertson, of the Presbytery of Osage, commenced laboring among the people of this church. They changed their location to the south part of the city, and their name to "South Lima."
In April, 1883, Brother Robertson became a member of Lima Presbytery, and accepted a call to the pastorate of the South Lima church, and was installed April 19, 1883.
The name of this church was again changed, September, 1883, at the meeting of the Presbytery, to "Main Street Presbyterian Church." Under the labors of Brother Robertson, this church built, with the assistance of the first church, and the aid given by our church extension Board, a very convenient and well arranged church edifice, located on South Main Street. In the spring of 1886 Brother Robertson resigned his charge in Lima and took his dismission to the Presbytery of Cincinnati. In the fall of this year Rev. M. H. Bradley, from the Presbytery of Redstone, was received to membership in this Presbytery, received and accepted a call from main Street Presbyterian Church, and was installed their pastor.
Truro, now Columbus Grove, was organized September 9th, 1836, under the auspices of the Sidney Presbytery, by the Rev. James Coe, then pastor at Piqua. The church was afterward supplied occasionally during the years 1837 - '39, by Rev. Samuel Cleland, then of Sidney, and the Rev. John Rose.
In 1840, Rev. William McGookin commenced his labors here and continued to supply the church during the years '41 and '42. In the spring of 1843, James H. Anderson, a licentiate of the Oxford Presbytery came among the people of this church and received and accepted their call, and was settled as their pastor, and so continued for about five years. Rev. William K. Brice commenced his labors in this church in 1850, and was installed as their pastor, a relation which he continued to sustain through nearly twenty years. Columbus Grove was the last field of his labors. The pastorate of Brother Brice was followed by a series of stated supplies of short continuance, as follows: Rev. Frances Lynn came in the fall of 1870; Rev. J. B. Stram in the spring of 1873; Rev. David Kingery in 1877; Rev. J. Emery Fisher in 1879; Rev. Henry R. M. McDonald in the spring of 1883; in September, 1884, Rev. Edward Layport received and accepted the call of this church and was settled as their pastor, being regularly installed October 23, 1884. The name of this church was changed from Truro to Columbus Grove, by the Presbytery of Lima, at their meeting in Van Wert in April, 1873.
The church of Columbus Grove, under the labors of Rev. E. Layport, has been strengthened and encouraging accessions to its membership received. The fiftieth anniversary of their organization was celebrated in September of 1886, which was an occasion of much interest. Historical addresses were delivered by Rev. Thomas Elcock and Rev. R. H. Hollyday, covering the progress of Presbyterianism in Northwestern Ohio, particularly within the bounds of the Presbytery of Lima. The following extract from Rev. Hollyday's address has special reference to the history of this church.
"Organized fifty years ago, how much of interest clusters along those passing years? In the earlier times this church was not without its struggles, as the earlier settlers in this locality were laboring to make for themselves homes. Their first thoughts were for a church of their choice. It had to be organized; a church building had to be provided. As the people were in their cabins, so the church building was of logs, hewed. One of this kind was provided, and it was a church home, modest and plain, but appreciated.
"When the days of church division came, after the separation of the General Assembly, a second hewed log house was built, and a division of the little flock seemed eminent for a time, but in the providence of God a minister, the Rev. John A. Meeks, in a missionary tour to the north, came among this people, held a series of meetings, the spirit of God came, and the hearts of the people were cemented anew; they could not separate. Just then there was a providence somewhat remarkable. The first house caught fire and burned down, and the new one built for the new School church, that was to be, became the meeting place and church remained one. How well we remember the old church, which stood at the west end of yonder cemetery ground. Many precious seasons of God's presence were enjoyed there. It was in that house the Presbytery of Maumee met, June 21st, 1843, to ordain and install Brother James H. Anderson, of precious memory. That was my first visit to this church. The town of Columbus Grove had not been thought of then. Father Van Eman and I rode over this ground, all a woods, and passed on to the home of Adam Turner, a little way west. At the log church I preached the sermon, at the ordination service, from Psalm xc, 16, 17: 'Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.' Brother Anderson continued his labors in this church until 1848. In the fall of this year he was appointed an itinerant missionary with Brother Crabb, in the northern part of the Presbytery, and after a faithful service he died in July, 1853. I passed his grave years afterward when traveling in that region in the interest of our University of Wooster. Here the Rev. W. K. Brice labored long, passed many vicissitudes, but God was with him. When on one occasion we gathered here at a meeting of the Presbytery, our first duty was to attend the funeral of his first wife, the mother of the Hon. Calvin S. Brice. I preached the funeral sermon from the words, 'Yet hath he made it with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure, for this is all my salvation and all my desire.' 2 Samuel xxiii.:5. This funeral service served to add a solemn interest to our meeting. God comforted our bereaved brother. He was, while here, abundant in his labors, extending his work to Rockport, Shannon, new Bluffton, Kalida and Ottawa. In all of which places he is kindly remembered as a kind, loving and sympathizing friend, and as a minister blessed of God in his work.
"Now glancing back we see Truro church worship, in its early history, in the little log church, from the timers of which was taken the wood which forms a neat gavel, presented by the pastor, Rev. Layport, to the Presbytery for the use of the moderator, and a reminder of the early days in our history, when God blessed his people in humble church homes. Then we look at this house, your second church building, built in Columbus Grove, when only a small village in the years past, changed now from what it was at first; the columns in front gone, the gallery in the rear taken away, and the old odd-shaped pulpit disappeared, the whole thing modernized and made new in it appearance and appointments, with a beautiful parsonage by its side, all betokening prosperity, and that God is still with his people here, blessing the labor of their hands.
We look again back along the years that are past, and we remember Adam and William Turner, Joseph Belford, McComb, Watters, Sterling, Nichols, Elwood and others, the pioneers in this church, all gone to their rest and reward. But here are sons upon whom the mantle of the fathers have fallen, you have still a William Turner, a Belford, McComb and others. The grace of God has been coming from the fathers down to the sons, and the church lives and will live. At this anniversary we think of those who are gone, but in memory and influence are with us still.
One family we dwell in Him,
One church above, beneath,
Though new divided by the stream
The narrow stream of death."
The church of St. Marys was organized November 14th, 1838. But little can be known of the early history of this church, on account of imperfect records. There was a licentiate of the Chillicothe Presbytery, Isaac Taylor, who labored for a time in St. Marys, about 1839, and he was ordained by that Presbytery as an evangelist, with a view of his continuing in that field, a step to which the Presbytery of Miami, then covering that territory, two exceptions, and he was not permitted to continue in the field. Until the organization of the Lima Presbytery, the county of Mercer was in the territory of the Miami Presbytery, and received but little attention as a mission field. St. Marys was at various times supplied by Revs. James Campbell, Milo Templeton and William G. Hissman. At the time Lima Presbytery was organized the church was supplied by Rev. S. Cunningham Kerr; later Rev. Thomas Coulter, who came to us from the M. E. Conference, supplied them, but between these two supplies, 1872 and '73, the church is reported vacant. It is again reported vacant in '75 and '76. In September, 1876, a call from this church was presented to the Presbytery for the pastoral services of Mr. Calvin C. Harriet, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Zanesville, and at an adjourned meeting, October 14th, 1876, Mr. Harriet was received under the care of the Lima Presbytery, and the call of St. Marys church was placed in his hands and by him accepted and at an adjourned meeting, at St. Marys, November 28th, 1876, he was ordained and installed pastor. This pastorate was short. At an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery of West Newton, July 31st, 1877, Brother Harriet, at his own request, was released from his charge, and dismissed to the Presbytery of Indianapolis. In 1878 the church was reported vacant, though for a time it was supplied by Rev. T. P. Johnston. In April, 1879, Rev. M. M. Lawson was received from the Presbytery of Marion. He received and accepted a call from the churches of St. Marys and Celina, and was afterward installed by a committee of the Presbytery. In April, 1881, Brother Lawson resigned the charge of Celina, and in May of the same year, at an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery, he accepted a call from New Salem, and was installed pastor, still retaining the pastorate of St. Marys. This charge he resigned in the spring of 1883. In the fall of 1883, Rev. Ralph H. Nye was received from the Wittemburg Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church on a letter of dismission from that Synod and recommendation to the Presbytery of Lima, and at an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery in St. Marys, October 8th, 1883, Brother Nye accepted a call from the churches of St. Marys and New Salem, and was installed pastor. The field occupied by Brother Nye has under his ministry, been largely blessed. In addition to his regular pastoral charge, he undertook the supply of Union, a church organized in December, 1883, by Brethren Elcock and Lawson. This church though small at first has grown till they number 112, and have a neat and comfortable house of worship. At the spring meeting of the Presbytery in 1887 their name was changed from Union to Fairview. St. Marys has also been largely blessed during this pastorate, over 100 having been added to their membership on profession of faith.
The church of Kalida was organized in 1840, while the whole of Northwestern Ohio was still covered by the Presbytery of Sidney. Rev. George Van Eman was at Findlay; Rev. William McGookin was at Truro, and Rev. Samuel Baldridge labored for a time about that date at Kalida, but we have no means of knowing by whom the organization was effected. Thomas Coulter was one of the first Elders, Oliver Tolbert was another, and these Elders were very regular in their attendance at meetings of the Presbytery. Rev. James H. Anderson supplied Kalida church a part of his time while pastor of Truro. Rev. William K. Brice did the same service. These services were, during the first years of the history of this church, held in the court house. In that building the Presbytery of Maumee, at times, held their meetings. Afterwards a comfortable church building was erected, which is still doing service. While Kalida was still the county seat of Putnam County, the church and congregation in Kalida were large, and a good Sabbath school was maintained. In regard to this Sabbath school we note as a matter of interest that it was at one period of its history under the superintendency of a lawyer, who had reached some distinction in his profession. Not unfrequently he delivered lectures on the scripture lesson before the school, and often gave earnest advice to the scholars to do as he told them, and not as he did. He was not a church member, though well trained in Bible knowledge by his mother when a boy in Scotland. After the death of the Rev. William K. Brice, this church was not for a time supplied regularly. In 1872, Rev. William Fuller came to us from the Presbytery of Kalamazoo, took charge of Kalida and adjoining mission field, and continued to supply them a portion of his time until 1880 or '81. In 1882 Rev. William A. Echols, while pastor at Ottawa, supplied Kalida a portion of his time. In 1884, '85 and '86 they were reported as vacant, and an Elder quaintly said to the stated clerk and treasurer of the Presbytery that "Kalida church was on the shelf for repairs." For a length of time the supplies enjoyed by this church have been for brief periods and quite irregular, and their condition discouraging, owing to the want of the regular means of grace and pastoral oversight. Since the recent supply of this want this church is growing in interest, and with the divine blessing upon the labors of the Rev. M. M. Mitchell there is promise for the future growth of this church in strength and influence.
The Riley Creek, now New Stark church, was organized September 11th, 1840, by the Rev. George Van Eman. At an early day Mr. H. Pugh removed with his family from the Pan Handle portion of Virginia and settled in the vicinity of Kenton, Ohio, and for some years served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Kenton. Several of his family in time removed and settled in the south edge of Hancock county, in Van Buren township, and became the nucleus of the Presbyterian church, organized in that locality. George Pugh and Peter Yaguely were the first elders elected and ordained.
After the organization Mr. Van Eman, who did a large pioneer work, supplied this church occasionally, and at a communion season held by him June, 1841, eleven members were added on profession to the membership of this church. The first regular preaching this church enjoyed was by Rev. John Ustick, while settled and laboring in Kenton. In 1843 Rev. T. B. Clark supplied this church a portion of his time. In July of this year twelve additional members were added on profession of faith. From 1844 to 1850 this church was not regularly supplied, but was occasionally visited by members of the Presbytery. During this time Rev. R. H. Hollyday on several occasions visited this part of the county, preaching in the different neighborhoods, in their cabin homes and old time school houses, these trips being generally on week days. For seventeen years from the time of their organization this church labored under the inconvenience of being without a church building, in this sense having no church home. In 1856 or '57 their present church building in the village of new Stark was erected. For this church was largely indebted to the push and energy of Mr. Either Kelly, a live Presbyterian from Pennsylvania, who had settled in the village of New Stark. In 1850 Rev. T. P. Emerson commenced regular services a portion of his time in this church, and continued in this service for five years. During this time four elders were elected, and by Mr. Emerson ordained and installed - James T. McConnell, John C. Pugh, Either Kelly and William Gray. In 1856 or 1858 Rev. R. M. Badeau commenced his labors in this church, giving one-fourth his time, and did much pastoral work, visiting from house to house. Brother Badeau supplied this church every fourth Sabbath for seven years; and though he traveled twenty-six miles from his home in Lima, he was not known to miss a Sabbath appointment during his seven years of service with this people. In the winter of 1866 - '67 Rev. W. M. Reed took charge of Riley Creek in connections with Ada, and continued his labors until April, 1870. During the summer of 1870 Rev. J. A. Meeks removed from Findlay to Ada, and supplied the church of Riley Creek in connection with Ada and North Bethel. His labors in these churches were continued two years. In February, 1873, Rev. R. H. Hollyday accepted an invitation to supply, and preached for them every fourth Sabbath for one year. The name of Riley Creek church was changed to that of New Stark by the Presbytery, April 1877. During the years of 1875 and '76 this church was without any regular supply. In 1877 Mr. C. K. Lehman, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Wooster, took charge of the Riley Creek church in connection with the church in Ada, and from this date forward this church has remained in connection with Ada in the enjoyment and support of the means of grace.
The church of Johnstown was organized in 1840 under the Sidney Presbytery, as was located at a point some miles south of the present town of Ada. For some time after its organization it was supplied by the Rev. T. B. Clark, who resided in the north of Logan county. Rev. R. M. Badeau, during his active ministerial labors in this region, was long the supply of this church. He was in charge when its location was changed to Ada. The first Presbyterian church building in Ada was erected while he was in charge of this church. The Rev. William M. Reed took charge of the Johnstown church in Ada early in 1868, and continued his work with them until in the spring of 1870. During the labors of Brother Reed the church in Ada was strengthened by the addition of a large and influential membership. At the meeting of the Presbytery in April, 1870, Brother Reed took his dismission to the Presbytery of Fairfield, Iowa.
In the summer of 1870 Rev. John A. Meeks accepted an invitation to the charge of this church, and continued to supply it until the fall of 1872. In 1873 the name of this church was changed from Johnstown to Ada, and they extended a call to the Rev. John Kelly, which was by him accepted, and hew was installed their pastor and continued in this relation until April, 1875, when he resigned and removed from the bounds of Lima Presbytery. In 1876 Rev. T. P. Johnston was supplying this church. In June, 1977, a call was extended to Mr. C. K. Lehman, a licentiate from the Presbytery of Wooster, who had been taken under our care. This call he accepted, and was ordained and installed as pastor. The pastorate of Brother Lehman continued until December 12th, 1879. At a pro re nata meeting he resigned and took his dismission to the Presbytery of Wooster.
In 1880 Rev. Z. B. Campbell accepted an invitation from the church of Ada, in connection with New Stark, and has continued to the present time, the last year being one of the much more than ordinary interest, resulting in an increase of 105 on profession to the membership of the church, making and addition of 128 in the charge, and an aggregate membership of 315 in the two churches.
Enon Valley church, in the Northeast part of Hancock county, was organized by the Rev. George Van Eman, November, 1841, composed of families coming from churches in Eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania, and at its organization contained twelve members and three Elders. The original members of this church came from Presbyterian, Covenanter, Seceder, and Associate Reformed churches, and the organization was affected by a compromise. Those coming from the churches who used the Old Psalmody - Rouse's version of the Psalms of David - agreeing to unite with the Presbyterians in the organization of a Presbyterian church, and the Presbyterians agreeing that the Old Psalmody should be used in their church services, and it proved a happy combination, and this church enjoyed its largest degree of prosperity while this agreement was adhered to.
Robert Leonard, who was the leader in securing this organization, when he removed from eastern Ohio to his new home in Hancock county, in the fall of 1837, connected, he and his family with the Presbyterian church in Findlay, twelve miles distant from his home. At that day but few roads were opened and they only rough openings through the woods, it was of course only occasionally that they could enjoy the privileges of the church, and were much rejoiced when a church was organized in the vicinity of their home. Mr. Leonard continued to take a leading part in all its interests during the remainder of his life.
Mr. Van Eman, after organizing this church, gave them occasional preaching, once a month on a week day, and occasionally spending a Sabbath, preaching and receiving additions to the membership of the church. This was during the winter and summer of 1841 and '42.
When Rev. R. H. Hollyday took charge of the presbyterian church of Findlay it was arranged that a portion of this time should be spent with the church of Enon Valley. This he continued to do till the spring of 1854, giving part of the time, every fourth Sabbath, and a portion of the time, every seventh Sabbath, and a week day each month. Resigning at that date the Findlay pastorate, he spent one-half his time with Enon Valley church until the fall of 1857. During the first few years of the existence of this church, they were without a regular place of worship. They used their cabin homes during the winter and their barns during the summer. In 1845 they completed a plain hewn log house as their first church home. This was the first church building in that portion of the county, and was much appreciated by the people, though very plain and possessed of few comforts - in this respect very unlike the church buildings at this day. But it was soon found to be too small to accommodate the people who gathered there to worship, yet it was a gathering place for the church and congregation, and in it they enjoyed a good degree of prosperity and growth as a church.
In the spring and summer of 1850 the Enon Valley church entered upon the work of building a new house of worship. In this enterprise they were much encouraged, and before the income of winter the new house was enclosed and was completed during the spring and summer 1851. The church took up the third subscription, in carrying the building to a finish, and when completed, not a dollar of debt was upon it, and all felt richer than when the work was begun, and the church enjoyed and encouraging growth in its membership, and an enlarged congregation of attentive hearers. This church though happy in its organization and growth, was not without some interception causes. About the year of 1845, and effort was made by a minister of one of the Old Psalm singing churches to effect the organization of a church in his own connection, on the same ground occupied by the Enon Valley church, and from members drawn from this church. This was carried so far as to establish regular appointments for preaching and visitation among the families of the church supposed to be in sympathy with the movement. The movement did not secure a following which gave any promise of success, and was soon abandoned as a total failure. About the year 1853 another effort of a similar character, by another minister of the same body, was made by establishing appointments in the immediate vicinity of the Enon Valley church, with a view to strengthen an organization he was laboring to establish a few miles distant. This effort also proved a marked failure, and the church, so happy in the union formed at its organization, remained still a united, harmonious, and consequently a prospering church.
At the close of the services of the Rev. R. H. Hollyday as the supply of this church, in the fall 1857, Rev. William Young, of the Presbytery of Sidney, accepted an invitation to supply them, and continued this service until June of 1860. In the fall of that year Mr. N. V. Morrow, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Beaver, having been taken under the care of the Presbytery, accepted a call from this church, and was ordained and installed their pastor in October of the same year. This relation continued until the fall of 1870.
It was during the pastorate of Mr. Morrow that a movement was made looking to a change from the use of the Old Psalms in the services of the church, to the use of the General Assembly hymn book. This was during the summer of 1867, and the change was made by a majority vote of the church; but not without serious objections on the part of some of the aged, original members, who, by a life's use of those old Psalms, could not easily give them up. This change, while it met the views and wishes of the majority of the church was still regarded by some as not in good faith with the compromise which formed the basis on which the church was originally organized, and it is a question of doubt whether this change at the time, and in the way it was effected, was to the best interest of the church. It is an observable fact that the greatest prosperity of the church was during the years preceding the date of this change.
After the close of the pastorate of Rev. Morrow, the church remained vacant for about two years. In February, 1872, Rev. John A. Meeks accepted an invitation to supply them a portion of his time, and continued to do so till the spring of 1877. Since the close of Rev. Meeks' services this church has been supplied by Rev. T. P. Johnston, of Lima. During the latter years of its history this church has sustained much loss in its membership by removals and deaths, and has thus been weakened and reduced in the number of its membership.
Its present officers, with one exception, were raised in the bosom of the church. There are now in the West four ruling Elders who were formerly boys in the Enon Valley church, and one of these represented his Presbytery in the General Assembly, in 1882, and another of the sons of this church is now a licentiate of this Presbytery, soon to be inducted into the full work of the gospel ministry, and is looking forward to work in the foreign field.
P. S. - June, 1888, this young brother, Rev. John M. Leonard, is now an ordained minister, and an accepted missionary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, and assigned to Japan as his future field of labor. He will enter on his work there this fall.
Blanchard church was formed by a colony from the church in Findlay, and was organized during the summer of 1841 by the Rev. George Van Eman. Having served the church in Findlay from the time of his removal to Hancock county, in 1835, he continued to supply the Blanchard church until in the summer of 1857, when removed to a new home in the bounds of the West Union church. The Blanchard church was without a church building for a number of years after its organization. A cabin school house was long used as a place of worship, and when this primitive structure gave place to a frame building, this was used in the same way. A grove standing in the rear, in the immediate vicinity of the school house, was often used in the warm weather, especially on communion occasions, as a place of worship.
In 1854 Blanchard church erected their first church building, a frame located west of the point where they so long worshiped.
This church building was placed in a beautiful grove, and for thirty-four years has been the home of this church. From the bounds of this congregation many volunteers went into the army during the late war. In those trying days of the war the "little white church in the grove" was the place and scene of many interesting gatherings with the boys in blue, as they departed from home and friends, some of then never to return again. With the opening of their year, 1888, this building, after doing service so long, in some way took fire and on a Sabbath morning burned to the ground. This congregation is now engaged in building a large brick church, much needed by their growing congregation. At eh close of Mr. Van Eman's services in this church Rev. William Young accepted an invitation to supply them in the fall of 1857. In the spring of 1860, Mr. Young accepted a call to the pastorate, and in June of that year was regularly installed. This relation he sustained until the spring of 1869. In the fall of this year Mr. A. D. Ward, a licentiate of our Presbytery, was invited to supply this church one-half of his time. In the spring of 1870 he accepted a call to the pastorate, and in the June following was ordained and installed. In this relation he labored with much acceptance until the spring of 1871, when he resigned and removed West. Edward Elcock spent some months supplying this church. In the fall of 1872 Rev. J. A. Meeks accepted an invitation from this church to supply them, and continued in this charge until the fall of 1879, when he was succeeded by the Rev. D. C. Cooper.
In the spring of 1880 Mr. Cooper received a call and was installed as pastor, a relation which he sustained until February 9th, 1882, when he was called in death from the labors of earth to the rest and joy of heaven. This church is now being supplied by the Rev. D. W. Cooper, who has met with much encouragement in his ministry with this people. During the winter of 1884 - '85 a season of special interest was enjoyed in this church, professing Christians being much revived, and a large number were received on profession of faith to membership. This church will soon have their new church edifice finished and ready to be occupied, which will serve to give them a very promising outlook for the future.
P. S. - The dedication of this new church took place August 12th, 1888.
West Union church, located in the village of Van Buren, was organized in its present form and name in the summer of 1843, by a committee of the Presbytery, composed of Rev. Van Eman and Hollyday, and Elder F. Henderson, by the consolidation of the churches of Pleasant Hill and Ebenezer, the one being located southwest and the other northeast of Van Buren. Rev. George Van Eman, who had organized and served the two churches now united, continued to supply the united church. The first need which occupied the attention of the new organization was as to a place of worship. When organized it was in a grove in the edge of the village. During the winter of 1843 - 44 a cabinet shop was used as a place of worship. During the spring and summer of 1844 a lot was secured and a plain church building was put up, the first church home of the West Union church. Samuel Morehead, John Echols, William Campbell and Samuel Huntington were the first elders in this church, having served in the same capacity in the churches which became united in its organization. West Union church, under the ministry of Mr. Van Eman, received much of its strength and growth from families emigrating from old and long established churches in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. The records of this church being lost in the burning of the house of the elder having them in charge, it is not possible to get a full and accurate sketch of this church in its earliest history. During the summer of 1858 West Union church erected their present church building, a well constructed and conveniently arranged brick edifice. It stands on the ground which was covered by the grove where, in 1843, the people met to consummate the organization of their church. The building of this house was undertaken and accomplished just before the close of Father Van Eman's ministry with his people, and was a fitting finale of a long and useful ministerial life. He closed his labors with this people - his last regular charge - in the fall of 1858.
From this date until the spring of 1860 this church was without a regular pastor, and enjoyed the means of grace only as supplied by Presbytery and by such occasional supplies as they were enabled to secure.
In the spring of 1860 Mr. N. V. Morrow, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Beaver, Pa., commenced to labor with them. He was taken under the care of the Presbytery, and in the fall of that year received and accepted a call from this church, and was ordained and installed their pastor. This relation continued to the fall of 1870, during which time he labored with a degree of success.
The church for two years after close of Mr. Morrow's pastorate was much of the time without the regular means of grace. During the summer of 1871 they were supplied by a young brother, Edward Elcock, who had just completed his studies in the seminary and was licenced. He preached with much acceptance among them.
In the fall of 1872 Rev. J. A. Meeks accepted an invitation to supply this church and continued to labor among them a part of the time until the fall of 1881, performing in these years much faithful work in preaching and pastoral work. During the winter and summer of 1881 and '82, Rev. P. C. Baldwin, of Maumee Presbytery, supplied this church in connection with other fields of labor. Rev. W. A. Echols supplied this church about four years, part of this time was as installed pastor. At the present time the Rev. Charles Johnston is supplying West Union in connection with North Baltimore.
In Van Wert county the first missionary work was done by Rev. Isaac Ogden, of the Miami Presbytery, Rev. John H. Nevius and the Rev. B. W. Chidlow, the latter being more especially among the Welsh people settled in those parts. The first Presbyterian church of Van Wert was organized by Rev. Nevius, under the authority of the Miami Presbytery, June 10th, 1843, in answer to a petition from Presbyterians settled in Van Wert and vicinity. There being no church building the court house, then existing, was used as a place of public worship, and in this building the organization was effected, Joseph Hattery being elected and ordained as an elder, a relation which he held, discharging the duties of that position till he death. Rev. Mr. Nevius preached for this new church for a short time. Rev. John Elliot, of the Richland Presbytery, was secured as a supply for one-half of his time, and continued his labors until March, 1845. As an illustration of the struggles of our churches and ministers in that day, it may be stated that Mr. Elliot was promised $100 in produce as a compensation for his service. In 1845 the church of Van Wert was attached to the Presbytery of Sidney, the membership at that time numbering twenty-three. From this period to 1851 the church was supplied by Rev. John B. Morton, Rev. John S. Galloway, Rev. R. M. Badeau, Rev. Thomas Elcock, Rev. James H. Anderson and Rev. Milo Templeton, as appointed supplies.
In the spring of 1851 Rev. Richard Graham, who came into our bounds as a missionary doing missionary work, commenced preaching at Van Wert, and continued his labors during the summer, but in September, 1851 death called him from his labors in the church on earth to his rest in glory. Rev. Thomas Elcock commenced preaching in Van Wert, August 29, 1852. In April 1853, he accepted a call and was installed the first regular pastor for one-half his time, the other half being spent at adjacent points, in some of which churches have been organized. This pastorate continued nine years, during which time the church gained largely in strength and erected their first church building, large and well arranged and adapted for their church work.
In June, 1861, Rev. Solomon Cook took charge of this church and continued his labors till November 26, 1862. Rev. John W. Allen commenced his labors in the spring of 1863, and labored for a time as a licentiate. In September, 1864, he was ordained and installed as the pastor of Van Wert, he having accepted the call from that church, placed in his hands in April preceding. This pastorate continued until April of 1866, when, at his own request, it was dissolved. During the summer 1866 Rev. F. R. Wattering took charge of this church, and continued till June 24th, 1869. Soon after Rev. W. M. Claybaugh was called and settled as pastor in Van Wert, but in 1871 he resigned and was afterwards settled at Buck Creek, in the Presbytery of Bellefontaine, where he is still in charge. In April, 1872, Rev. B. T. Dewitt commenced his labors in Van Wert, and continued till March, 1874. About this time Rev. E. R. Dunlap took charge of the church, and was with them one year, and it was a year of great spiritual interest. This excellent brother was a member of the Presbytery of Shenango, Pa. He is now a missionary in Siam and a member of the Siam Presbytery, and has charge of the Petchabusi church, with a native membership of 172. In 1875 Mr. J. V. Stockton, a licentiate of our own Presbytery, was called to the pastorate in Van Wert. He accepted, and was ordained and installed pastor, and continued in this charge a useful and growing minister till July of 1881, when he resigned and accepted a call to the third Presbyterian church of Ft. Wayne. In April, 1882, Rev. David Street was received from the Presbytery of Cleveland and accepted a call from Van Wert, and was installed April 27th, 1882. He continued in the charge two years, when he resigned and took his dismission to the Presbytery of Cincinnati. In November of the same year, 1884, Rev. J. A. Bower was received from the Presbytery of Indianapolis, accepted a call from Van Wert and was installed as pastor. In the fall of 1886 he resigned and is now pastor of the Rockhill church in the St. Clairsville Presbytery. On June 7, 1887, Mr. E. W. Work, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Athens, was received under our care and accepted a call from Van Wert, and was ordained and installed their pastor.
The Presbyterian church of Delphos was organized in 1849. The spring of 18852 Rev. Thomas Elcock took charge of the congregation as stated supply and continued his labors three years. During this time the membership, which was very small, increased to about fifty. In the summer of 1855 Delphos was visited by cholera, which took to the grave many of the members of this church. Thus it was greatly weakened, and for several years, down to the close of the war in 1865, but little was accomplished towards the life or growth of this church. In 1865, Rev. Thomas Elcock, who had spent some years in a pastoral charge in Indiana, returned to Van Wert, and he resumed his labors in Delphos, preaching one-fourth of the time. The church began to increase in strength and the number of their membership, and commenced the building of a church edifice. They had never had a church building of their own. It is worthy of note that the ground on which this building was erected was donated by a man who was in his own church membership, a Roman Catholic. This enterprise was, at the time, a large one for this church, but by perseverance and the energy of a few, among them some devoted women, this church building was carried to completion at a cost of about six thousand dollars.
Rev. W. M. Reed spent one year with this church. During the summer of 1870, Mr. Robert Gilcrist, a licentiate of the Cincinnati Presbytery, commenced preaching in Delphos, and in September of that year was taken under the care of our Presbytery. In April of 18871, he received and accepted a call from this church to become their pastor. At this same meeting he passed his trials for ordination, and was regularly ordained and at a later date installed pastor. He was a young man of rare excellence of character and gave large promise of usefulness, but death took him December 5th 1871, in the 26th year of his age. He was followed by Mr. Edward S. Scott, who came to us from the Presbytery of Dayton, and at a meeting in Delphos, June 18th, 1872, he was received under our care. He received and accepted a call from Delphos church, and was duly ordained and installed pastor, a relation which he sustained with growing usefulness for ten years, and marked by many evidences of success. During the pastorate of Brother Scott, this church grew to be self-sustaining, having been aided during his first years from the sustentation funds of the church. In 1882, Rev. Scott resigned and accepted a pastorate in Logansport, Indiana. In November, 1882, Rev. J. H. Sherrard, a graduate of Washington College and Western Theological Seminary, and who had serves as pastor in churches in Pennsylvania and Bucyrus, Ohio, took charge of Delphos and in April, 1883 he accepted a call tendered him by this church, and was regularly installed their pastor, and so continues enjoying many evidences of success in his work.
The material for this sketch largely furnished by the Rev. Thomas, the present pastor, April 1888.
The Ottawa church was organized July 25th, 1846, by Rev. George Van Eman and Rev. James H. Anderson, with twenty-four members and three Elders, John Cox, James Ewing, and Hugh L. Ramsey. Rev. Anderson supplied them about one year after their organization; Rev. Van Eman during 1848 and a part of 1849 spent a portion of this time with this church, but there is no definite record in regard to this. Rev. W. K. Brice took charge of the Truro church in 1850, and for a portion of his time supplied Ottawa, about one year, till July, 1851. After this for about two years there is no record of any regular preaching. In 1853, Rev. R. M. Badeau commenced to supply this church one-fourth of his time till about the close of 1860. From this time until the Spring of 1863, the church had only occasional supplies. At this date Rev. J. M. Drake accepted an invitation to supply Ottawa church, and continued in the charge until the close of the year of 1865. After this date Rev. Samuel Ramsey was with this church some part of his time for about four months.
In May, 1866, Rev. D. W. Cooper accepted an invitation to supply this church the whole of his time, and continued in the charge until the close of 1872. In 1867, during the pastorate of Rev. Cooper, the enterprise of building their present church edifice was undertaken and carried to completion, giving them a substantial and well arranged brick church home. In the spring of 1873, Rev. T. P. Johnston became the regular supply of this church and continued in this relation for three years. In 1874, under the labors of Rev. Johnston, this church enjoyed a revival of religion of more than ordinary interest, resulting in the addition to the membership of the church of sixty-nine on profession of their faith in Christ. In 1876, Rev. W. E. Hill took charge of this church as a stated supply and continued his labors until in the spring of 1878. During the summer and fall of this year Mr. W. A. Echols, a licentiate of the West Virginia Presbytery, commenced to supply this church. At a meeting of the Presbytery, June 3rd, 1879, he accepted a call from Ottawa church, and was ordained, and afterwards, on July 15th, he was installed pastor. This relation continued until in the fall of 1882 when he resigned. During the fall of this year Rev. J. Keller Kost accepted an invitation to supply this church and continued in this service for two years, closing in November of 1884.
During December 1884, January and February of 1885, Ottawa church was without the regular means of grace, but observed their weekly meeting for prayer, Sabbath school and social worship of the Sabbath. The week of prayer at the opening of 1885 was observed by the members without the presence and aid of a pastor, and before the close of that remarkable week of prayer the Lord graciously poured out his spirit in reviving and quickening power, and these meetings were continued from evening to evening for some three weeks, during which time not a regular sermon was preached, but the spirit of the Lord was present in great power, and about twenty-five souls, principally from the Sabbath school, were led to Christ. About this time Rev. I. N. Thomas, led by the providence of God, made a visit to Ottawa, held a communion season, and the results of the meetings referred to were gathered into the church. We have in this case an illustration of what a church may accomplish, even without the labors of a pastor and the willingness of the glorious head of the church to hear and answer the prayer of this people, and to bestow upon them the refreshings of his grace.
In the spring of 1887, Rev. Thomas, who had been supplying this church since his first visit among them, accepted their call to become their pastor, and was installed April 27th, 1887, and is still the worthy and acceptable pastor of Ottawa church. This church has adopted the rotary plan in the election of Elder. At the present time the Session is composed of Rev. I. N. Thomas, Moderator; C. M. Godfrey, E. K. Allen, Henry Ayers and S. S. Bacon, Elders.
The McComb church was organized by the Rev. George Van Eman in the year 1849, or perhaps later in 1850; the early records being lost, the exact date is not known. The church was first named Pleasantville. When the village of Pleasantville was incorporated under the name of McComb, the name of the church was changed to the name of the town. Mr. Van Eman, after its first organization, for a time gave them such occasional supplies as he was enabled to do. About 1852 or '53 Rev. T. P. Emerson commenced to preach regularly a portion of his time with this church, and with a fair measure of success, and continued his labors with more or less regularity for several years. Under these labors the membership of the church was much enlarged, and two additional elders were ordained and installed, and a church building was completed in 1858.
In the spring of 1860 Rev. William Young accepted a call from McComb church for the one-half of his time, and was regularly installed as their pastor in June of that year. This relation continued until the spring of 1869, when he resigned.
During the summer of 1869 this church was vacant. In the fall Mr. A. D. Ward, a candidate under the care of the Presbytery, was licensed, and accepted an invitation to supply this church; and in the spring of 1870, having accepted their call, he was ordained and installed as their pastor. This pastorate was brief. Brother Ward, on account of the failure of his wife's health, requiring for her a change of climate, resigned in the spring of 1871. For four years after the resignation of Rev. Ward this church remained a vacancy, without regular preaching services, excepting occasional supplies. It is a fact worthy of note that for some months during this time the Rev. Alvan Rose, a worthy minister in the United Brethren church, supplied very acceptably the Presbyterian church of McComb, preaching and administering the ordinances in accordance with the forms and usages in the Presbyterian church.
During the summer of 1875, Rev. D. C. Cooper, from the Presbytery of Butler, Pa., came to Ohio and took charge of the McComb church in connection with that of Leipsic.
In 1878 Rev. Cooper gave up the charge of Leipsic, removed to McComb and devoted the whole of his time to this church. In the spring of 1880 he accepted a call from McComb, and was installed their regular pastor, a relation which he sustained until February, 1882, when his declining health terminated in death. This church is now and has been, since the spring or summer of 1882, supplied by the Rev. D. W. Cooper, whose ministry among this people has been largely blessed and successful in a marked degree.
The Bluffton church was organized June 6th, 1849, by Rev. R. H. Hollyday and Rev. John McKinney, with one elder, Mr. Robert Stewart, and was named South Bethel, afterwards changed to Shannon, then the name of the worn, and more recently to Bluffton, corresponding to the new name taken by the town.
The church, for the first few years of its history, did not have regular preaching, but occasional supplies by Rev. R. M. Badeau and others. In 1851, or later in 1852, Rev. T. P. Emerson commenced to supply them regularly a portion of his time in connection with other points in the mission field of the Presbytery, and continued his work with the church for a few years. The first church building was completed in 1852, on ground given for the use of the church by Mr. Goble, an early settler. This ground is now in the heart of the prosperous town of Bluffton, and a very valuable property. Rev. Emerson was in charge of this church at the time the church building was erected. We have not the date when he ceased to supply this church.
Rev. W. K. Brice commenced to supply this church in 1858 in connection with his regular charge at Truro, new Columbus Grove, and the church was prospered under his ministry. He continued in charge until 1862 or 1863. He was succeeded by a licentiate by the name of C. Van Eman, whose services soon resulted in a disruption of the congregation and a scattering of the church by unwise preaching relative to the state of the country during the civil war in 1861 to 1865. After this there was not regular preaching for some years. The church building was cared for by a leading member, Mr. William Wilson, a native of Ireland and a staid Presbyterian. In the summer of 1872 Rev. R. H. Hollyday, by invitation of a citizen of Bluffton, visited the place and preached on a Sabbath. The congregation gave promise of good. This visit was repeated in two weeks, and afterwards regularly for some two to three years. The scattered members were looked up, and with the aid of Mr. Wilson a new record of the church was formed, the old records having fallen into the hands of young Mr. Van Eman, were not afterwards found. Several new members were received, a regular board of trustees was elected, and an encouraging congregation was gathered. Soon after the close of Rev. Hollyday's supply, Rev. I. G. Hall, of Lima, took charge of the church in Bluffton in connection with his pastoral work in Lima, and under his labors this church enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. The railroad having been completed through the place the town had a large growth in population and business enterprise, resulting in the income of the strength to the church in the addition of new members. In the spring of 1879 Mr. E. Layport commenced his labors in Bluffton. On June 3rd, 1879, he accepted a call and was ordained and installed as pastor. This relation continued until November 29th, 1881, when Rev. Layport resigned the charge and was afterwards succeeded by the Rev. B. J. Brown, who accepted the call of the church and was installed pastor, a relation he continues to sustain. Bluffton church has now a good parsonage on their church grounds, and have taken down their old church building and are preparing to erect a new and more desirable church edifice, which will be completed during the year 1888.
Rockport church was organized in 1850 or 1851, by Rev. W. K. Brice, and was supplied by him in connection with his pastoral charge in Columbus Grove, and until failing health closed his ministerial work. After this Rockport was supplied by ministers in charge of Columbus Grove up to the time that Rev. Layport became pastor at Bluffton, when he took charge of Rockport, as their regular supply, and this church has since been connected with Bluffton, and is now under the pastoral care of the Rev. B. J. Brown.
Shane's Crossing, formerly known as Shanesville, was organized in the spring of 1856, by Rev. Thomas Elcock, with seven members and two Elders, Dr. A Tolan, and M. B. Brewer, and had an encouraging growth. Services were held in the village and also in a neighborhood, some miles out, where a house of worship was erected. The church was regularly supplied by Rev. Elcock from its organization until in 1882, he having spent twenty-seven years with this people, including the time spent on the field previous to the organization of the church. In 1882 Rev. J. M. Anderson was called to the pastorate, and was regularly installed, and during his stay with the church was largely successful in his work. Rev. J. S. Axtell is now their regularly installed pastor, and is, under God, rendering acceptable and successful work with this people.
Celina church, now forming a part of the same pastoral charge with Shane's Crossing, was in its present organization, formed in 1870.
There was an organization previous to this as early as 1834. Messrs. Riley & Co., who laid out the town of Celina, donated a lot for a Presbyterian church, and in 1840 a small church building was erected, and Rev. Mr. Taylor was secured to minister to the people, and about this time a church was organized, though there is no record of the fact found at present.
In 1847 the church was reorganized under Rev. Taylor and was supplied by several ministers occasionally until 1854. In 1870, in the reorganization of the Presbyterial lines, the county of Mercer was embraced in the territory of Lima Presbytery, and the church in Celina was reorganized. It has been served by Rev. S. C. Kerr for a time and afterwards by Rev. E. S. Scott, then of Delphos, and others until 1878. During the summer of this year Rev. E. Layport, then a student in the Seminary, supplied this church. In 1879, Rev. M. M. Lawson, of St. Marys, accepted a call and was installed their pastor. Services at this date were held in the house of a sister church. The church had lost the property formerly owned on which the small church had been built. In 1882, Rev. Lawson resigned the pastorate, and was succeeded by the Rev. J. M. Anderson, who accepted a call and was installed pastor. Rev. Anderson continued in this relation until in 1885, when he resigned. Rev. Anderson was very successful in his pastoral work and the congregation had a very rapid growth, and a new brick church was erected and completed. In 1886 Rev. J. S. Axtell became pastor and continues his pastoral work. An encouraging addition has been made to the membership of the Celina church and a flourishing Sabbath school gives promise of growth to this church, now in a happy and hopeful state.
Arcadia church was organized January 28th, 1860, by a committee consisting of Revs. J. A. Meeks, William Young, and Elder William Thompson, and was composed of sixteen members and two Elders. A communion season was held in March following the organization and four additions to the membership were received. After this no record of Sessional action was preserved until July, 1864, but during these four years the church was frequently supplied by Rev. J. A. Meeks and additional members had been received by the Session, but failed to record their action. In 1862 a lot was secured and a comfortable building was erected, making a pleasant church home. In May, 1864, Rev. R. H. Hollyday, having accepted an invitation to supply this church commenced his labors, giving then one-half his time. This service continued until May of 1872. During these eight years the congregations that met on the Sabbath were usually large, often filling the house, and there were added forty-six to the membership of the church, and two additional members to the Session. After the retirement of Rev. Hollyday from the charge of this church, in 1872, it remained without a pastor for about four years, having, during this time, only an occasional supply, and the church sustained a serious loss in its membership, by death, removals, and withdrawals of members to connect with other churches in the town. In 1876, Rev. T. P. Johnston, of Lima, took charge of this church, and continued to supply them a portion of his time for about four years, giving up the charge in the spring of 1880. From this time until the fall of 1882, the church was without the regular means of grace, not enjoying even an occasional supply. In the fall of 1882, Rev. Johnston resumed the charge and has continued his work until the present time.
North Bethel church was organized October 31st, 1869, by Revs. R. M. Badeau, W. M. Reed and W. K. Brice, as a committee to who was assigned this duty. James Nicholls and Albert Montgomery were chosen Elders. Rev. R. M. Badeau while laboring at Ada, and afterwards Rev. W. M. Reed while laboring in the same field, gave some portion of their time to the neighborhood where this church was organized. After the organization Mr. Reed continued to supply them a portion of his time until the spring of 1870, when he retired from the charge of Ada and New Stark.
During the summer of 1870 Rev. J. A. Meeks removed to Ada and took charge of this newly organized church in connection with Ada and New Stark, and continued thus to labor until the spring of 1872. During the summer of this year Rev. Robert Edgar, of the Presbytery of Maumee, supplied North Bethel a few Sabbaths. In December, 1872 Rev. R. H. Hollyday accepted an invitation to supply this church a portion of his time in connection with Bluffton, and continued his work with them until December, 1883. In 1876 this church was regularly incorporated and some steps were taken towards the erection of a church building, but the effort was not a success. Afterwards a sister church undertook the enterprise and assisted by the members of the Presbyterian church were successful, and the Presbyterian church has shared the use of the building, and though separate churches in their organization, have been virtually one congregation, each enjoying the services of the other, thus giving a practical illustration of Christian union. One of the sons of this church is now in the active work of the ministry, and a younger brother under the care of our Presbytery is in course of preparation for the same work. These two sons of James Nicholls, one of the first Elders, are bright and promising young men. This church is now supplied by Rev. B. J. Brown.
The original name of this church was Union. It was organized in December, 1882, by Rev. Thomas Elcock and Rev. M. M. Lawson, with ten members and two Elders.
Charity Hall, where this church is located, was a point where Brother Elcock had done some preaching previous to the organization. After the organization Brother Lawson had charge, and supplied them till April, 1883. In October of this year Rev. R. H. Nye took charge of this church, and under his ministry it was greatly blessed, resulting in additions to the membership until they now report 112. They have erected a comfortable home of worship, and their name has been changed to Fairview.
The church of New Salem was organized at an early day under the auspices of the Presbytery of Miami, and was supplied for a time by a Rev. Mr. Young. Was afterwards visited and supplied by Rev. Thomas Elcock, who did a large amount of mission work in that region. This church was long without the regular means of grace and became weak and scattered. In the spring of 1881, this church was visited by a committee of Presbytery, and as a result they called Rev. M. M. Lawson, the pastor at St. Marys, to take the pastoral charge of the church for a portion of his time. He accepted this call and was installed pastor. When Brother Lawson resigned the pastoral charge of St. Marys he also gave up the charge of this church. In the fall of 1883, Rev. R. H. Nye becoming pastor at St. Marys, commenced also to supply New Salem church. This church under ministry of Brothers Lawson and Nye has been greatly strengthened, and has now a promising outlook for the future.
Harrison church was organized in 1861 by Rev. Thomas Elcock and Rev. T. P. Johnston, the members having previously been connected with the Van Wert church, and the neighborhood previous to the organization had been a point in Brother Elcock's mission field; he has supplied this church most of the time since their organization.
Middlepoint, formerly Highland church, was organized by Rev. Elcock, after preaching regularly at that point for some time preceding, and continued to supply them for a length of time afterwards. Rev. William Fuller labored with this church during the later years of his ministry. Later Rev. J. H. Sherrard, pastor of Delphos, has had the oversight of this church. Jacob Lepley has long been an efficient and faithful ruling Elder in this church.
It is proper that we observe that from the labors of Brother Elcock in the western portion of our Presbytery, during the earlier years of his ministry in Van Wert and adjoining counties resulted the organization of the churches of Shanesville, now Shane's Crossing, Highland, now Middlepoint, Harrison, and Union, now Fairview, which were organized under his ministry. He has preached to the people at these and adjacent points for over thirty years, doing a large amount of missionary work, much of the time preaching three times on the Sabbath, and filling many week day appointments. Some of these churched, under the more recent labors of Brothers Anderson, Nye and Axtell have, and are growing to have, an encouraging degree of strength and influence.
TURTLE CREEK, MT. JEFFERSON, WAPAKONETTA
The churches of Turtle Creek, Mt. Jefferson and Wapakonetta were organized under the Presbytery of Sidney; afterwards they were embraced in the organization of Lima Presbytery. Turtle Creek and Mt. Jefferson were under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Carrack Kerr, who continued for several years to supply them. At a later date they were supplied by the Rev. C. E. Tedford, and still later by Rev. James K. Gibson, of the Presbytery of Dayton. Wapakonetta, since its connection with Lima Presbytery, has been supplied by the Rev. W. E. Hill, who for several years resided with this people, and did successful work. He was followed by Rev. Tedford, and this church was, under his ministry, connected with Turtle Creek and Mt Jefferson as a pastoral charge. Since the close of Brother Tedford's labors in this charge Wapakonetta has not been regularly supplied. The field is one having peculiar difficulties, which has, to a degree, militated against its growth. The Rev. Samuel A. Van Dyke, of the Presbytery of Portsmouth, recently commenced laboring with this church and may become their pastor.
This church was organized by Rev. P. C. Baldwin, of Maumee Presbytery, and was supplied by him early in its history, during which time a house of worship was erected. Afterwards the Rev. D. C. Cooper resided with and supplied this church in connection with that of McComb. And later, Rev. I. N. Thomas has done some good work there. This church has sustained, even when without regular preaching, a successful Sabbath school. The town of Leipsic being at the junction of two important railways, the church is not without promise as to its future growth and influence.
The first preaching in the village by Presbyterians was by Rev. R. H. Hollyday, who took the preliminary steps towards an organization and reported the same to the Maumee Presbytery. The church was organized by the Rev. P. C. Baldwin, under the auspices of the Maumee Presbytery. Rev. Baldwin supplied the church after its organization, for a few years, during which a comfortable church was secured by purchase from the Disciple church. Afterward this church became associated with West Union in the support of the means of grace, and the Rev. William A. Echols was called and settled as their pastor. About this time the relation of this church was, by an action of the Synod of Ohio, transferred to the Presbytery of Lima. Since the resignation of the Rev. Echols this church has been supplied by the Rev. Charles Johnston.
As a fitting conclusion of this history of the Lima Presbytery, we give, in the order of time, the records which the Presbytery have made of the death of deceased members, since their organization in 1870.
In September, 1870, the following record was made of the death of Rev. William K. Brice, long the pastor of Truro, now Columbus Grove church:
"It is with sorrow that we, as a Presbytery, learn of the death, on the 10th of July last of the REV. WILLIAM K. BRICE, who was long a worthy member of this Presbytery, and also for about eighteen years pastor of Truro church, his ministry being marked by an encouraging degree of success. In view of the death of this brother, we would be admonished to be more earnest and diligent in our work, remembering the shortness and uncertainty of life; and we would be reminded of the importance of being also ready, knowing not the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man cometh." R. H. Hollyday, Chairman.
In April, 1872, the following record of the death of Rev. Robert Gilchrist, pastor of Delphos church, was adopted:
"It is with pain and sadness of heart that we record the death of the REV. ROBERT GILCHRIST, late pastor of the Presbyterian church of Delphos, Ohio. He was a young man, twenty-six years of age, of rare excellence, culture, and refinement, highly interesting as a preacher, of polished manners, and very faithful and successful as a minister of Christ. The people of his late charge and the members of this Presbytery deeply feel their loss, which is his gain of glorious rest in the paradise of God." Wm. Fuller, Chairman
In April, 1877, the following minute of the death of Rev. George Van Eman, one of the early pioneers in Northwestern Ohio, was made a matter of record:
"Whereas, it hath pleased the Great Head of the church to remove from this life, REV. GEORGE VAN EMAN, the oldest minister of our Presbytery, therefore,
Resolved, 1st. That we render thanks to God that the life of our brother was so long spared, and that his years were filled up with such eminent usefulness and success in the vineyard of the Lord.
Resolved, 2nd. That we record our high appreciation of the ministerial ability and faithfulness of Father Van Eman during his sixty-one years as a Presbyter of our church, and especially since he began his labors in this part of Ohio, in 1835."
In September, 1878, the following minute was adopted relative to the death of Rev. James B. McCracken:
"As a Presbytery we record the death of REV. JAMES B. MC CRACKEN. The relations of Brother McCracken to the church were peculiar. Having been instrumental in gathering the church of West Newton as a Christian Layman, he was called to the pastorate after having reached his three score and ten years. At the earnest solicitation of the congregation of West Newton he was taken under the care of the Presbytery, examined and licensed April 11th, 1877, at our meeting in Findlay. On June 12th, 1877, at an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery, he accepted a call from the church of West Newton, and at an adjourned meeting in West Newton, July 31st, 1877, he was ordained and installed as pastor. His health failed soon after his ordination, and after a lingering illness he died, in the full hope of a glorious immortality; he rests from his labors and his works do follow him." Isaac G. Hall, Chairman
In April, 1882, the following report of the committee on the death of Rev. William Fuller was adopted:
"The Presbytery of Lima has suffered more from death since its least stated meeting, than at any time previous since it was organized. The first to receive the summons was our aged father, REV. WILLIAM FULLER, who died at his residence in Delphos, October 3rd, 1881. Though at his death he was the oldest member of the Presbytery, yet he was second to none in unflagging zeal and unwavering devotion. His interest in the affairs of the kingdom of Christ abated not with the weight of years, and no member was more constant in attendance upon the meetings of the Presbytery. Born in Hampton, Connecticut, January 21st, 1801, he was converted under the preaching of Rev. Dr. Nettleton, at the age of eighteen. He graduated at Yale college in 1825, and was licensed to preach by the Windham county association, of Connecticut, October 5th, 1827. His earlier ministry was largely evangelistic in its nature, during which he preached at a great many places, mostly in the East, and always with acceptance and success. In 1844 he was called to Jackson, Michigan, and twenty-four of the best years of his life were spent in this and other churches in the Southern part of that state.
Ten years ago he came into the bounds of this Presbytery, and though verging on three score years and ten, he immediately looked around for something to do. The churches of Highland, now Middlepoint, and Kalida were glad to obtain his services. Under his leadership the church of Kalida grew in numbers and strength, and the church in Middlepoint erected a neat and commodious church building. At Dupont and its vicinity he found a sufficient number of Presbyterians to form a church, which was organized and supplied by him every two weeks till the time of his death, only missing one appointment by reason of sickness. After fifty-four years of active service in the ministry he died, - entered into his rest. His life of self sacrifice, his fearless advocacy of every good cause, his happy, hopeful spirit are worthy of our remembrance and imitation. May his spirit rest on us."
E. S. Scott, Chairman
In April, 1882, the following minute relative to the death of Rev. D. C. Cooper was adopted:
"It is with unfeigned sorrow that this Presbytery records the death of one of her members, REV. DANIEL C. COOPER, pastor of the McComb and Blanchard churches. Cut down in the prime of life and in the midst of usefulness, we bow resignedly to this stroke of the Almighty, but feel deeply our loss. Well educated, evangelical and full of the spirit of Christ, his preaching was real meat and drink to the hungry and thirsty. When David said: 'The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up,' he uttered but what was true of Brother Cooper. His death was painful but quiet, and now he rests from his labors, and his works do follow him." Robert McCaslin, Chairman
At St. Marys, April, 1886, the report of the committee relative to the death of Rev. J. R. Boyd, was adopted as follows:
"Whereas, It has pleased the Great Head of the church to take from our midst, and from his labors on earth to his eternal reward and rest, our brother REV. J. R. BOYD. Therefore, be it,
Resolved, 1st. That not only in his brief connection with the Presbytery of Lima, but in the whole of his ministry, we are glad to bear testimony to his worth and faithfulness in the work of the Master and to the graces of Christian character, which make his memory fragrant.
Resolved, 2nd. That we extend to the bereaved family our earnest sympathy, and remind them of the precious consolation that their loss is his eternal gain.
Resolved, 3rd. That we bow humbly to this dispensation of God, and are reminded of the exhortation, 'To work, for the night cometh,' and to be ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the son of Man cometh." John A. Bower, Chairman
At Columbus Grove in September, 1886, the committee on the death of Rev. John A. Meeks reported the following minute, which was adopted:
"As a Presbytery we are in the providence of God called upon to record the death of a brother, the REV. JOHN A. MEEKS, who departed this life July 6th, 1886, in the eighty-third year of his age, having spent fifty-one years of his life in the ministry. He was born in Virginia, reared in Kentucky, graduated at Miami University, and studied theology with the Rev. Dr. Robert Bishop. He spent the first years of his ministry in Eastern Indiana, and the remaining portions of his ministerial life in Ohio, at Bellefontaine, Piqua, Greenville, Belle Centre and Findlay. He has been with us as a Presbyter nearly thirty-one years, known for his ability as a preacher of the gospel, and his faithfulness in all the relations of his ministerial life. In death he was called very suddenly. 'He was not, for God took him.' In the death of Brother Meeks we are solemnly admonished that we are all approaching the end of our work, and that we be also ready, knowing not the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man cometh."
R. H. Hollyday, Chairman
The following paper, prepared and presented by Rev. William B. Spence, was received and adopted by a rising vote of the Presbytery at their meeting in Sidney, April 11th, 1888:
"In God's wonderful providence the people of Ohio are called this year to commemorate the first settlement of the state. A great meeting held for this purpose at Marietta, Ohio has just closed. The cities of Cincinnati and Columbus are making most extensive preparations to continue the celebration of this event. This is right. 'Behold what hath God wrought.' A great forest, where only savages and wild beasts dwelt, changed in one century into a commonwealth such as Ohio now is, with her four millions of civilized Christian people, her great cities, her growing towns, her farms and manufactories, her schools, colleges, and churches, her uncounted wealth, her influential press and her high and commanding position in the nation. These and many other things call her people to recognize God's dealings with them, and in suitable ways to express their gratitude to Him. Now, therefore, we, the Presbytery of Lima, met in our stated meeting, April 11th, 1888, so hereby record upon our minutes this our testimony to the goodness of the Lord, as seen in the growth and history of our state. And we will continue to pray for her prosperity."
Presbytery of Athens - 32
Presbytery of Beaver - 27, 30
Presbytery of Bellefontaine - 13, 17, 32
Presbytery of Butler - 36
Presbytery of Cincinnati - 2, 6, 11, 12, 32, 33
Presbytery of Chillicothe - 2, 15, 21
Presbytery of Cleveland - 32
Presbytery of Dayton - 14, 17, 33, 42
Presbytery of Findlay - 6, 7, 8, 16
Presbytery of Indianapolis - 21, 32
Presbytery of Kalamazoo - 23
Presbytery of Lima - 2, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 39, 42, 43
Presbytery of Marion - 5, 16, 21
Presbytery of Maumee - 4, 5, 13, 19, 22, 31, 40, 43
Presbytery of Miami (Old) - 3, 11, 21, 31, 41
Presbytery of Osage - 17
Presbytery of Oxford - 5, 18
Presbytery of Portsmouth - 42
Presbytery of Redstone - 4, 13
Presbytery of Richland - 15, 31
Presbytery of St. Clairsville - 32
Presbytery of Shanango - 32
Presbytery of Sidney - 3, 5, 6, 13, 15, 18, 22, 27, 31, 42
Presbytery of Wapakonetta - 17
Presbytery of West Newton - 21
Presbytery of Western Reserve - 2
Presbytery of Wooster - 24, 25
Presbytery of Zanesville - 21
Allen, John W. - 32
Anderson, D. S. - 5
Anderson, James H. - 5, 6, 18, 19, 22, 31, 34, 42
Anderson, J. M. - 38, 39
Axtell, J. S. - 38, 39, 42
Badeau, R. M. - 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 24, 31, 34, 36, 40
Baldridge, Samuel - 5, 22
Baldwin, P. C. - 31, 43
Barnes, James - 3
Bellville, John L. - 3, 4
Bishop, Robert - 2
Bower, John A. - 32
Boyd, J. R. - 47
Bradley, M. H. - 18
Brice, William K. - 5, 7, 8, 18, 20, 22, 23, 34, 37, 38, 40, 44
Brown, B. J. - 37, 38, 40
Campbell, James - 21
Campbell, Z. B. - 11, 25
Chidlow, B. W. - 31
Clark, Thomas B. - 13, 23, 24
Claybaugh, W. M. - 9, 16, 32
Cleland, Samuel - 11, 18
Coe, James - 3, 18
Condit, Philip - 4, 5
Cook, Solomon - 32
Cooper, D. C. - 29, 36, 43, 46
Cooper, D. W.9, 10, 11, 29, 34, 36
Coulter, Thomas - 21
Crabb, John M. - 4, 5, 6, 15, 20
Cross, J. M. - 9, 14
Crother, Samuel - 3
Cowan, Alexander - 14
Cunningham, James - 15
Cunningham, S. - 9
Daniels, John - 16, 17
DeWitt, B. T. - 32
Dickey, James H. - 3
Dickey, William - 3
Drake, J. M. - 34
Dunlap, E. R. - 32
Echols, William A. - 11, 23, 31, 34, 43
Edgar, Robert - 40
Elcock, Edward - 29, 30
Elcock, Thomas - 8, 9, 10, 19, 22, 31, 32, 33, 38, 41, 42
Elliot, John - 31
Emerson, T. P. - 5, 7, 24, 35, 36, 37
Fields, A. B. - 9, 14
Fisher, J. Emery - 11, 18
Fry, H. B. - 16
Fuller, William - 23, 42, 45
Fullerton, Hugh S. - 3
Galloway, John S. - 3, 31
Gibson, James K. - 42
Gilc(h)rist, Robert - 33, 44
Gillerland, James - 21
Graham, Richard - 31
Grier - 11
Gurley, F. - 3 P.
Hall, Isaac G. - 10, 17, 37
Harriet, Calvin C. - 21
Hill, E. H. - 10
Hill, W. E. - 34, 42
Hissman, William G. - 21
Hoge, James - 3
Hollyday, Robert H. - 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 19, 23, 24, 27, 29, 37, 39, 40, 43
Johnston, Charles - 31, 43
Johnston, T. P.9, 10, 16, 25, 28, 34, 39, 40, 41
Kelly, John9, 10, 16, 17, 25
Kemper, James - 17
Kerr, S.Carrick - 42
Kerr, S. Cunningham - 21, 39
Kingery, David - 18
Kost, J. Keller - 9, 34
Lawson, M. M. - 21, 22, 39, 41
Layport, Edward - 2, 18, 20, 37, 38, 39
Lehman C. K. - 24, 25
Leonard, John M. - 28
Lynn, Frances - 18
Marquis, James E. - 7, 8
McCaslin, Robert9, 10, 11, 12
Mc Cracken, James - 45
McDonald, R. M. - 18
McGookin(g), William - 4, 5, 15, 18, 22
McKinney, John - 5, 15, 36
Meeks, John A. - 4, 9, 11, 19, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 39, 47
Merril, David - 14
Mitchell, J. R. - 14, 15
Mitchell, M. M. - 23
Monfort, Peter - 4, 13
Morrow, N. V. - 9, 27, 30
Morton, John B. - 31
Muse, Eban - 14
Nevius, John H. - 31
Nye, Ralph H. - 22, 41, 42
Ogden, Isaac - 31
Peares, H. R. - 9
Peck, Simon - 14
Pogue, George - 4
Ramsey, Samuel - 16, 34
Rankin, John - 2
Reed, William M. - 9, 24, 25, 33, 40
Robertson, A. T. - 17, 18
Rose, Alvan - 36
Rose, John - 18
Scott, Edward S. - 10, 33, 39
Shearer, F. A. - 14
Sheldon - 15
Sherrard, J. H. - 11, 33, 42
Spence, William B. - 11, 13, 48
Steel, Samuel - 3
Stevenson, Joseph - 11
Stockton, J. V. - 10, 32
Stram, J. B. - 18
Street, David - 32
Sutherland, R. R. - 14
Taylor, Isaac - 21, 38
Tedford, C. E. - 42
Templeton, Milo - 21, 31
Thomas, I. N. - 13, 35, 43
Todd, O. M. - 16
Ustick, John - 23
Van Dyke, Samuel A. - 42
Van Eman, C. - 37
Van Eman, George - 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 19, 22, 23, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 34, 35, 37, 44
Ward, A. D. - 29, 36
Ward, W. A. - 9
Watt, John C. - 11
Wattering, F. R. - 32
Wilson, Dr. Joshua L. - 2
Wilson, R. G. - 2
Work, E. W. - 32
Young, William - 9, 27, 29, 35, 39
Ada - 10, 11, 17, 24, 25, 40,
Arcadia - 39
Bellefontaine - 11, 47
Blanchard - 8, 9, 28, 29, 46
Bluffton - 11, 20, 36, 37, 38, 40
Bucyrus - 33
Celina - 21, 38, 39
Chillicothe - 2
Columbus Grove - 3, 7, 9, 10, 11, 18, 20, 37, 44, 47
Delphos - 10, 11, 32, 33, 42, 44, 45
Dupont - 46
Ebenezer - 14, 29
Enon Valley - 8, 25, 26, 27,
Fairview - 10, 22, 41, 42
Findlay - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 24, 26, 47
Harrison - 41,42
Highland - 42, 46
Johnstown - 24, 25
Kalida - 5, 7, 20, 23, 46
Kenton - 7, 8, 9, 23,
Leipsic - 36, 43
Lima - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 17, 37,
Lima, Central - 16, 17,
Lima, Main Street - 10, 17, 18,
Lima, Mission - 10, 17,
Lima, South - 17,
Lima, Market Street -
Little Grove - 7
Marion - 16
McComb - 9, 10, 11, 35, 36, 46
Middlepoint - 42, 46
Mt. Blanchard - 9, 10,
Mt. Jefferson - 42
New Salem - 22, 41,
New Stark - 23, 24, 25, 40
North Baltimore - 11, 31, 43
North Bethel - 24, 40,
Ottawa - 9, 10, 11, 20, 23, 34, 35,
Patterson - 9,
Piqua - 11, 18
Pleasant Hill - 5, 14, 29,
Pleasantville - 7, 35,
Riley Creek - 5, 23, 24,
Rockport - 7, 11, 20, 38,
St. Marys - 10, 21, 22, 41, 47
Shannon - 20, 36,
Shanesville - 38, 42
Shane's Crossing - 11, 38, 42,
Sidney - 10, 11, 12, 18,
South Bethel - 36
Tontogany - 4,
Troy - 11
Truro - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 37, 44
Turtle Creek - 42
Union - 10, 17, 22, 41, 42,
Van Buren - 29
Van Wert - 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 16, 31, 32, 41, 42,
Wapakonetta - 10, 42
West Newton - 10, 45
West Union - 7, 14, 29, 30, 31,