Saturday, December 31, 2011

Today in History - December 31

On this day in 1600, the British East India Company was chartered.

On this day in 1759, Arthur Guinness began to brew beer.

On this day in 1862, West Virginia was admitted to the Union, dividing the state of Virginia in half.

On this day in 1879, Thomas Alva Edison demonstrated incandescent lighting for the first time to the public.

On this day in 1946, President Harry S. Truman declared an official end to WWII.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that Ed Barlow from Plain City recently visited Hiram Kent.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Today in History - December 30

On this day in 1853, the United States purchased land from Mexico in the Gadsden Purchase. Land in this purchase comprised of the southern parts of

On this day in 1903, the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, Illinois caught fire killing more than 605 people. This incident paved the way for stricter building codes across the United States.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, Leon and Layton Smith, students at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, were home for the holidays.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Buck Run Community

In 1996, my father and I crisscrossed Union County, searching for cemeteries. We decided to start in Allen Township. The first cemetery we photographed was the Buck Run Cemetery, located on present-day State Route 245 on the bank of Buck Run. Stepping through the cemetery gate, I felt as though I was transported to another time.

I wandered through the cemetery and read the inscriptions. In my mind I could hear the voices of children playing in the school yard that was once located across the road. I could hear the church bell ringing at the Buck Run Methodist Episcopal Church. And, I could hear mothers crying at the graves of young children who died all to young.

I could imagine the small Buck Run community, but what was it really like?

The Buck Run Community was never platted as a village. It was simply a cluster of houses that sprouted up near a small, country Methodist Episcopal Church, a township school, and a cemetery. There is evidence that at one time there was also a small country store. The store housed the Buck Run Post Office. This country post office was established on April 18, 1829. Population growth was slow, and most of Allen Township was considered wilderness. And, on December 29, 1830, the post office was closed. The community petitioned for a post office in 1832, and on April 3 the post office was reopened. This post was closed again on September 5, 1834. Again the community petitioned for postal service to return to the area, and on June 3, 1839 the post office was reopened. The Buck Run Post Office was disbanded for the final time on March 8, 1843. It was never reopened.

Today all that remains of the Buck Run Community is the cemetery and the crumbling cornerstone of the M. E. Church. There are a few houses nearby, but these are probably new builds and not at al connected to the pioneer Buck Run area.

Today in History - December 29

On this day in 1851, the first YMCA opened in Boston, Massachusetts.

On this day in 1876, a railroad bridge over the Ashtabula River in northeastern Ohio collapsed as a train from Erie, Pennsylvania passed over. 92 people were killed and 64 injured.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, Lewis Chapel held their annual election of officers. The results are as follows: Joel Fairbanks, Superintendent; C. Kent, Asst. Superintendent; William Mitchell, Secretary; George Blue, Asst. Superintendent; Allie Fairbanks, Treasurer; Eva Blue, Asst. Treasurer; Ronda Kent, Organist.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Today in History - December 28

On this day in 1836, Spain recognizes Mexico as an independent country.

On this day in 1846, Iowa is admitted to the Union as the 29th US state.

On this day in 2000, American retailer Montgomery Ward announced it was going out of business after 128 years.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, it was reported the Mr. Bishop spent time over the Christmas holiday with his sons, Emanuel and George of this neighborhood.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Broadway, Ohio

Lately I seem to have taken to researching all of the tiny little towns that dote the west central Ohio area. Today my focus is Broadway, Ohio. This village is located in central Union County.

Broadway, Ohio

In 1864, the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad was built through Taylor Township, Union County, Ohio. At that time, a house and store was erected near the railway. The village, soon to be named Broadway, Ohio, was surveyed in August of 1865 by Union County's deputy surveyor, A. S. Mowry. The name of the town was derived from the wider than standard spacing of the rails on the A & GW Railway.

On December 27, 1865 a post office was established in the village. Local barrister, Peleg Cranston, was named the first post master. The post office would eventually carry the zip code 43007. In October of 1914, the Broadway post office was robbed. The thieves were never caught. On February 2, 1996, the Broadway closed. There was not enough postal business in the tiny village to merit its own post office location. Mail service was transferred to Marysville.

In its heyday, Broadway boasted three general stores, two groceries/restaurants, a two story frame school house, a feed store, two millenary shops, a harness shop, two shoe shops, two hotels, a livery stable, two butcher shops, and a grain elevator. There was also a newspaper headquartered in Broadway, The Enterprise. Local lore even hints that there has always been a saloon or two in Broadway.


But, as with most small towns, progress has led to the demise of the town. Improved transportation has caused most businesses to move to Marysville or close completely. The school is no longer open, and the children attend school in Marysville. However, many houses remain.

Today in History - December 27

On this day in 1812, during the War of 1812 the schooner the USS Carolina was destroyed .

On this day in 1927, Show Boat opened on Broadway in New York City.

On this day in 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened in New York City.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, a replica of the Ferris Wheel at the World's Fair was built at Lewis Chapel for Christmas. It was reported that this was a huge success.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Today in History - December 26

On this day in 1799, over four thousand people attended the funeral of George Washington.

On this day in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill that established the fourth Thursday in November as the official day for Thanksgiving in the United States.

On this day in 1991, Soviet Union was officially dissolved.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1894, Phillip Vollrath is gathering logs with the intention of building a new barn in the spring.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Today in History - December 25

On this day in 1776, General George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River at Trenton, New Jersey to attack the Hessian Mercenaries who were hired by Great Britain.

On this day in 1868, President Andrew Johnson granted pardons to all Civil War Confederate Soldiers.

On this day in 1914, the Christmas Truces on the Western Front during WWI continued through Christmas Day.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1889, the McCloud Family spent Sunday visiting the Russell Bigelow family.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Today in History - December 24

On this day in 1818, Silent Night was preformed for the first time at St. Nikolaus Church in Oberndorf, Austria.

On this day in 1826, the Egg Nog Riot took place at the United States Military Academy. This resulted in in the court-martialing of twenty cadets and one enlisted man.

On this day in 1851, the Library of Congress burned.

On this day in 1914, the Christmas Truce began. In many areas during WWI, fighting ceased and soldiers actually exchanged gifts with their enemies. Carols were sung, games were played, and the dead were jointly buried.

On this day in 1943, U. S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was made Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1901, Reverend Knust of the Lutheran Church had a visitor from Indiana.

Friday, December 23, 2011

A Visit to the Columbus Zoo

Tonight my family, my entire family, will go to the Columbus Zoo. This has become an annual tradition. Each Christmas season we all go to the zoo to see the Wildlights, a seasonal display that is amazing to see. So, in the spirit of relating each day to history, I have decided to research the history of the Columbus Zoo.


The Columbus Zoo

On February 16, 1895, the Columbus Zoological Company was incorporated. This company received many animal donations, including bears, snakes, wolves, and a lion. Theodore Roosevelt even pledged animals to this company. However, another zoo opened as the Zoological Gardens at Olentangy Park on May 17, 1903. Still, the Columbus Zoological Company was not to be deterred. On May 28, 1905, the Columbus Zoo opened to very little fanfare and virtually no advertising. This zoo was located in Clintonville, and consisted of over 200 acres. This early zoo was more than just a zoo. It included amusement rides, picnic areas, a dance pavilion, and numerous billiard halls. However, this early zoo closed after just a few short months. And, the Columbus Zoo ceased to exist until 1927.

The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as Riverside Park. The first animals were reindeer that were donated by the Columbus Dispatch. By 1930 the Columbus Zoological Society was formed by the Columbus Dispatch and the Ohio State Journal. And, the Columbus Dispatch continued to donate animals to the zoo. These early donations included lions, tigers, and monkeys. The first membership drive was held in 1937. Riverside Park was also renamed the Columbus Zoo in 1937. There were over 12,000 members of the zoo by 1940.

In 1956, the Columbus Zoo became home to Colo, the first gorilla in the world that was born in captivity. Jack Hanna became director of the Columbus Zoo, bringing many new ideas that would make Columbus and internationally recognized zoo. The most innovative idea was to take animals from their cages and place them in more natural looking/feeling habitats.

Today the Columbus Zoo is home to over 11,000 animals representing over 700 different species. These animals are in different areas of the park representing habitats found all over the world. And, it includes a water park, Zoombezi Bay. One of the zoos seasonal attractions includes the very popular Christmas Wildlights.

Today in History - December 23

On this day in 1783, General George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in Maryland.

On this day in 1823, A Visit from St. Nicholas was published anonymously.

On this day in 1913, President Woodrow Wilson signed an act that created the Federal Reserve.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, A. F. Fairbanks started a blacksmith shop near the village.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Today in History - December 22

On this day in 1864, General William Tecumseh Sherman takes the city of Savannah, Georgia, ending his "March to the Sea."

On this day in 1937, New York City's Lincoln Tunnel opened to traffic.

On this day in 2010, the US Military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell was repealed.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1897, Lewis Chapel is holding an oyster dinner this week with proceeds intended to help reroof the church.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Today in History - December 21

On this day in 1620, William Bradford and the Plymouth Pilgrims land on Plymouth Rock.

On this day in 1861, President Abraham Lincoln signs Public Resolution 82 which specifies the provision for the Navy Medal of Valor.

On this day in 1995, the city of Bethlehem is released from Israeli control to Palestine.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, it was reported that J. W. Smith is building an addition on his house.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Today in History - December 20

On this day in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed.

On this day in 1860, South Carolina became the first state to attempt to secede from the Union.

On this day in 1946, It's a Wonderful Life premiered in New York City.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, it was reported that many farmers in the neighborhood are packing straw.

Monday, December 19, 2011

A Sunday drive to Gallipolis, Ohio

Our daughters have decided that they would like a puppy for Christmas. And, they do not want just any pup. They have set their hearts on a Great Pyrenees. So, after much searching, we found a Great Pyrenees puppy near Gallipolis, Ohio. Today we snuck off and left three of our girls with my parents so that we could bring home the puppy. Our journey took us down to Gallipolis, Ohio.

Gallipolis is a town on the Ohio River. Literally translated, Gallipolis means "City of the Gauls." The Scioto Company sold deeds to land to people in France. When these Frenchmen came in 1790 to claim their land, they found the deeds to be worthless because the land did not belong to the Scioto Company. Many of these Frenchmen returned east. Those who chose to stay had to pay the Ohio Company for the land that they wished to settle. These wayward settlers then petitioned President Washington for help. The Ohio Company soon came to the rescue, and they built log cabins for the French settlers.

Gallia County was established in 1803 by the Ohio Legislature. Gallia County was so named to honor the Gauls. And, the town of Gallipolis translated means "City of the Gauls." Those original French settlers are often referred to as the French 500 or the First 500.

Today, Gallipolis remains a small town. There are around 3000 residents.

Today in History - December 19

On this day in 1606, the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery set sail from England. The destination was America. Virginia was the first of the thirteen colonies founded from this embarkment.

On this day in 1777, General Washington and his Continental Army took up winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

On this day in 1843, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol went on sale for the first time.

On this day in 1998, the US House of Representatives forwarded articles I and III of impeachment against President Bill Clinton to the Senate.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, it was reported that there was recently a fire at the Axe-Handle school house.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Marysville First United Methodist Church

Frequently, my family can be found worshipping at the Marysville First United Methodist Church. While this is not where we are members, it is the church that I attended from childhood until I married Dennis. Today we will be attending this church for their annual Christmas Program. And, while I am sure the program will be uplifting as it always is, right now I am simply going to share some history of this Marysville landmark.


Marysville First United Methodist Church

Marysville Methodist Episcopal Church was founded at the Minturn Residence in 1827 by seven members. These members included George and Hannah Snodgress, Mr. and Mrs. George Minturn, Newton Hicks, and Silas G. Strong. Silas Strong was actually a Presbyterian who leant his name to the creation of the congregation to satisfy conference requirements by the Methodist Church.

The first Methodist Episcopal Church building was erected at the corner of East Fourth Street and Walnut Street. This building was just south of the old Marysville Cemetery. This church was used by the Methodist congregation until 1856. The building later burned down in 1863.

In 1956 the congregation built a brick church at the corner of Fifth Street and Walnut Street. Most of the labor for this church was provided by the congregation. Total costs for this building were right at $10,000.

The first parsonage for the congregation was built in 1871. This parsonage was located on the present-day site of the current Union County Court House. In 1880, the Marysville Methodist Episcopal Church sold its parsonage and the land on which it sat to the county for $3000.

In 1892, the Reverend Wilber I. Hodges was assigned to the congregation. He was well noted in the Methodist Episcopal Church for building new churches. Within three years the congregation began construction on the current church, located at the corner of Sixth Street and Court Street. On June 10, 1895, construction began on the church. On August 8, 1895 the cornerstone for the church was laid. Reverend Hodges died of typhoid fever in November of 1896, and he never saw the completion and dedication of the new church.

On December 22, 1896, a farewell service was held in the old brick church building at the corner of Fifth Street and Walnut Street. On January 1, 1897, the first church service was held in the current church building. The church was formally dedicated in February of 1897. The final cost of the original part of the current church was $40,000.00. Most of the labor was supplied by church members.

The sanctuary of the church was built utilizing the Akron design, meaning it was in a semi-circular design. Sunday school classrooms lined the sanctuary. In 1902 the pipe organ for the church was purchased at a cost of $2000.

In 1904, the congregation paid off the remainder of the debt on the original portion of the church. Also, in 1904, the congregation moved its parsonage(literally jacked up the home and moved it!) from the corner of East Seventh Street and Plum Street to West Sixth Street. The parsonage was moved again in 1930, when the congregation sold the parsonage lot to the Marysville Board of Education. This time Reverend Kennedy remained in the home as it was moved!

In 1939, the name of the church was changed from Marysville Methodist Episcopal Church to Marysville First Methodist Church. In 1948 the church was extensively remodeled. This included the addition of a new slate roof and a modernized kitchen in the basement.

In 1952, the Hazen property south of the church, was purchased by the congregation. In 1957, the Youth Center was built at the cost of $115,000. In 1958 a new parsonage was built on Hickory Drive. This parsonage is still in use today by the resident senior pastor of the congregation. For many years the old parsonage was used for church offices.

In 1961, the congregation purchased the Avery property that was located south of the church. In 1963 a building committee was formed. This committee was given the task to recommend razing or remodeling the church. The recommendation from the committee was to remodel the sanctuary. The sanctuary was completed gutted in 1963. The last church service was held in the old sanctuary in January of 1963. The new sanctuary was dedicated on November 24, 1963. The cost of the remodel was $266,000.

In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged. This lead to the denomination being renamed the United Methodist Church. As a result, Marysville First Methodist Church became the Marysville First United Methodist Church.

In the years since, the church has undergone many changes. In 1972, an elevator to the sanctuary was installed. In 1975, the church began to hold two traditional worship services on each Sunday. In 1980, an addition was built for use as office space. Also, in 1980 the Methodist Creative Preschool was started. In 1988 the congregation purchased the old Marysville Public Library. This building was used until 1995 as space for Sunday School classes. The stain glass windows were professionally cleaned and restored in 1992. Also, in 1992 a second parsonage was purchased for use by the associate pastor of the congregation. On September 10, 1995 the cornerstone anniversary was celebrated, and another vault was buried near the original cornerstone. In 1997 the old library building was demolished to make space for another expansion project. And, in 1998 the Burnside Family Life Center was completed and dedicated.

Today in History - December 18

On this day in 1787, New Jersey became the third US state by ratifying the US Constitution.

On this day in 1892, THE NUTCRACKER premiered in St. Petersburg.

On this day in 1915, President Woodrow Wilson married Edith Galt while in office.

On this day in 1917, Prohibition went into effect with the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment to the US Constitution.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1891, it was reported that members of Lewis Chapel went to Unionville Center for a Sunday School Institute last week.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Today in History - December 17

On this day in 1538, Pope Paul III excommunicated King Henry VIII of England.

On this day in 1777, the sovereignty of the United States from Great Britain was formally recognized by France.

On this day in 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first powered flight in their Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

On this day in 1989, the first episode of the cartoon THE SIMPSONS, aired on television in the United States.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1891, Miranda Kent had visitors last SUnday.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Did Jerome ever have a Presbyterian Church?

Once upon a time, there was a Presbyterian Church in Jerome. It was established in the village on December 16, 1853 as the Frankfort Presbyterian Church. The first pastor to serve the congregation was the Reverend William H. Brinkerhoff. And, founding members included Mr. and Mrs. John Fleck, Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Maria Brinkerhoff, Templeton Liggett, Mrs. Rebecca Liggett, Mrs. Hannah McReary, Mrs. Scofield, Samuel Clark, and Mrs. Nancy Clark.

A frame church building was erected in the village in 1856. And, when the village name changed to Jerome, the congregation embraced the change. It became the Jerome Presbyterian Church.

Note the date that the church was founded. It was founded about 7 years before the start of the American Civil War. And, the winds of change abounded in Jerome Township. One of the major issues that was continuously debated within the Presbyterian Church nationwide was the issue of slavery. And, on November 2, 1862 the congregation voted to leave the Presbyterian denomination in favor of the Congregational denomination. The church would remain affiliated with the Congregational church until October 7, 1877. On that day, the church changed its affiliation back to the Presbyterian denomination. But, by 1898, membership had dwindled to a point that it was no longer feasible to keep the church open. The church soon united its membership with that of the Jerome Methodist Church.

Today in History - December 16

On this day in 1773, the legendary Boston Tea Party took place. The Sons of Liberty disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians and dumped crates of tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act.

On this day in 1811, two earthquakes strike near New Madrid, Missouri. These earthquakes are the strongest to have hit the eastern half of the United States in recorded history. The first earthquake struck at approximately 2:15 AM. The second quake hit at 8:15 AM.

On this day in 1944, the Battle of the Bulge began.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1891, Sylvester Congrove is visiting his parents in southern Ohio.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Today in History - December 15

On this day in 1791, the Bill of Rights became law when the Virginia General Assembly ratified the document.

On this day in 1933, the Twenty-First Amendment to the US Constitution repealed the Eighteenth Amendment - Prohibition.

On this day in 1939, GONE WITH THE WIND premiered at Loew's Grand Theater in Atlanta, Georgia.

On this day in 2011, American FOrces withdrew from Iraq.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1891, it was reported that Pearl Keyes is sick with a fever.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Today in History - December 14

On this day in 1542, Princess Mary Stuart ascended to the Scottish throne becoming Mary, Queen of Scots.

On this day in 1782, the Montgolfier lifted of their first balloon on a test flight.

On this day in 1819, Alabama was admitted to the Union as the 22nd state.

On this day in 1903, the Wright brothers from Dayton, Ohio made their first flight attempt at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, the Lewis Chapel congregation has appointed a committee of seven to select books for their library.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Watkins, Ohio

The village of Watkins was surveyed on July 12, 1838 by Deputy Surveyor Joseph S. Watkins. The town was named for Thomas P. Watkins a proprietor of the town. In approximately 1840, James Thompson built the first house. He used a room of this house as a town store. The US post office was established in this village in 1840, with James Thompson as the first postmaster. The Watkins Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1818. For many years services were held in members houses. In 1849 a frame building was built to house the congregation. A brick church was built in 1870 to serve the congregation. The Christian Church at Watkins was organized in 1825. Services were conducted for a few years in members houses and then the school house. For a period of time the congregation also held services in the building belonging to the Watkins Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1861 the congregation erected their own church building. At one time this small village once supported two general stores, a doctor, a wagon maker, a blacksmith, a harness shop, and a school district. Today this village is home to the Millcreek Township hall as well as a small church.

The Millcreek Rural School District, which eventually became the Watkins School District, was located in this village. The school building was erected in 1913. It was chartered in 1920. The school district was consolidated over the years and is now a part of the Fairbanks Local District. The old school in this village has sat empty for many years.

Today in History - December 13

On this day in 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony organized three militia regiments to protect the settlement from attacks by local Indians. This is recognized as the founding of the United States National Guard.

On this day in 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeated Union General Ambrose E. Burnside at the Battle of Fredericksburg.

On this day in 1941, Hungary and Romania declared war on the United States.

On this day in 2000, Al Gore conceded the US Presidency to George W. Bush.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1892, it was announced that an Oyster Supper will be held at the residence of Joel Fairbanks on December 21 for the benefit of Lewis Chapel.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Today in History - December 12

On this day in 1787, Pennsylvania became the second US state to ratify the US Constitution.

On this day in 1917, Father Edward J. Flanagan founds Boys Town in Nebraska.

On this day in 2000, the United States Supreme Court announces it decision in Gore v. Bush, effectively giving the US Presidency to George W. Bush.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1895, it was reported that Robert Hatton sprained his ankle last week.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Today in History - December 11

On this day in 1789, the University of North Carolina is first chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly.

On this day in 1816, Indiana became the 19th US state.

On this day in 1936, the abdication of King Edward VIII came into effect.

On this day in 1941, Germany and Italy declared war on the United States in response to the US declaration of war on Japan.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1902, it was reported that a crew from Columbus was surveying an electric railway from Columbus to Urbana.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Another road trip to historic Greenville, Ohio

Lately, my family has taken a few trips to Greenville, Ohio. And, being the history aficionados that we are, the trips always include many "small" history lessons as we traveled along Route 36.

1795-TREATY OF GREENVILLE
Greenville, actually its predecseeor Fort Greene Ville, was the sight of a treaty signing on August 3, 1795 between American forces led by "Mad" Anthony Wayne and the many Native American Tribes in the Ohio Country. This treaty came after General Wayne successfully defeated Native American Forces in the Battle of Fallen Timbers near present-day Toledo.

The Treaty of Greenville was a treaty negotiated with representatives from the Wyandot, Delaware, Shawnee, Attawa, Chippewa, Potawatomi, Miami, Wea, Kickapoo, and Kaskaskia tribes. In return for goods valued a today's cost of $20,000, the tribes agreed to stay north and west of the treaty line that was surveyed. However, in later years, this line was arbitrarily observed or ignored by new settlers to the region. The tribes were continuously pushed further north and west.

Today in History - December 10

On this day in 1520, Martin Luther burned his copy of the Exsurge Domine outside the gate at Wittenberg.

On this day in 1817, Mississippi became the 20th US state.

On this day in 1861, Kentucky became the 13th state of the Confederacy during the American Civil War.

On this day in 1906, US President Theodore Roosevelt became the first American to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1903, it was reported that Matthias Loschky was having a telephone put in on the farmers' line.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Today in History - December 9

On this day in 1953, General Electric announced that all Communist employees would be fired.

On this day in 1962, the Petrified Forest in Arizona is established as an National Park.

On this day in 2000, votes for the US presidential election are recounted for the 6th time in Florida.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that the Chuckery Female Brass Band is hosting a Festival to raise funds for their ensemble.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Today in History - December 8

On this day in 1941, China joins the US in its declaration of war on Japan.

On this day in 1962, four major New York newspapers go on strike.

On this day in 1980, John Lennon was murdered in New York City.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, it was announced that a masquerade was planned for the neighborhood.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Today in History - December 7

On this day in 1776, Marquis de Lafayette entered the American Military as a major general.

On this day in 1787, Delaware became the first US state to ratify the Constitution.

On this day in 1869, outlaw Jesse James committed his first bank robbery in Gallatin, Missori.

On this day in 1941, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was attacked. On this day that lives in infamy, the United States declared war on Japan.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, it was mentioned that Mrs. Rausch is sick.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

What happened to Mt. Olive Christian Church?

I grew up in the United Methodist Church. And, as an adult, I joined St. Paul Lutheran Church, a part of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. So, I have found it easy to find the history of the Methodist and Lutheran churches in Darby Township, Union County, Ohio. But, there once was a church called the Mt. Olive Christian Church. How do I find out more about this pioneer church?

From the local history books, I have discovered that the Mt. Olive Church was of the New Light denomination. It was established on December 11, 1869 at the old Harris School. Reverend William Webb served as the first pastor of this pioneer church. Founding members included J. Q. Adams, Warren Harris, Jacob Brown, Amos Brown, Isaiah Brown, Silas Brown, Solomon Brown, Joel C. Conklin, George W. DeBolt, Eli McNier, and David Reece. This congregation dedicated a wood frame church building on December 25, 1870.

But, there my trail goes cold. What happened to this church? Hopefully someone will read this post and be able to help me with the missing details!

Today in History - December 6

On this day in 1768, the Encyclopedia Britannica is first published.

On this day in 1790, US Congress moved from New York City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

On this day in 1877, one of the earliest recordings of a human voice is made by Thomas Alva Edison using his phonograph invention. He recited Mary had a Little Lamb.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1893, it was reported that in lieu of the traditional Christmas Tree, Lewis Chapel would erect a replica of the World's Fair Ferris Wheel on which to hang gifts for their Christmas Party.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Today in History - December 5

On this day in 1847, Jefferson Davis was elected to the US Senate.

On this day in 1932, German-born Swiss scientist Albert Einstein is granted a US visa.

On this day in 1933, Prohibition ends in the US.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1889, it was reported that John Temple has a new wood chopper.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Marysville First Presbyterian Church

Tonight my family enjoyed a Christmas Concert performed by the Scioto Valley Brass Band. This concert was held at the historic Marysville First Presbyterian Church. And, what a venue it was! The accoustics were outstanding!

MARYSVILLE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
The Marysville First Presbyterian Church was founded on September 9, 1829. Today it is one of the oldest church congregations in Union County, Ohio. Founding members included Eri Strong, Stephen McLain, Nancy McLain, Silas G. Strong, Mims Strong, Mrs. Phebe Adamson, Mrs. Mary Richey; on profession of their faith-James Richey, William Richey, Mrs. Sarah Phelps, and Mrs. Catharine January. The organizing pastor of the congregation was Reverend D. O. Allen.

In 1831 the church was incorporated by the Ohio Legislature. Until 1835, the church was a part of the Columbus Presbytery. It then became a part of the Marion Presbytery. Today it is a part of the Scioto Valley Presbytery. In 1835 or 1836 a brick church was completed for use by the congregation. Much of the money required to erect the church was loaned to the congregation by member Silas Strong. Because Mr. Strong was never reimbursed for for money he put into the church, he retained the title on the property for many years. He held the title until a New York merchant who was a creditor of Mr. Strong's took possession of the church building. In the mean time the church congregation split into old and new school factions. The old school faction was eventually able to purchase back the church by 1844. The new school faction became the founding members of the Congregational Church on the opposite side of the Court House Square.

In 1867, a cornerstone was laid for a new (the current) church building. In 1870, the new church ediface was dedicated. And, in 1993, a large renovation project greatly enlarged the current church building. This edifice remains the oldest in use as a church in Union County, Ohio.

Today in History - December 4

On this day in 1619, English Colonists disembarked in modern-day Virginia, giving thanks to God for their safe passage to the New World. This is considered by many to be the first true Thanksgiving in the New World.

On this day in 1674, Father Jacques Marquette founded a mission on the shore of Lake Michigan. The purpose of the mission is to minister to the Illiniwek Native American Tribe. This mission is at the sight of modern-day Chicago.

On this day in 1918, US President Woodrow Wilson becomes the first US President to travel to Europe while in office. He traveled to WWI peace talks at Versailles.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1895, it was reported that a baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mike Dellinger.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Today in History - December 3

On this day in 1818, Illinois became the 21st US state.

On this day in 1910, neon lighting is first used at the Paris Motor Show.

On this day in 1960, Camelot - a musical is released on Broadway. This soon became associated with the JFK presidency.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1890, it was reported that Mr. Orville Keyes and Miss Etta Sprague were married in Milford Center on Thursday.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Essex, Union County, Ohio

This village was platted in 1836 in the hopes that a new county would be created in the area with Essex serving as the seat of justice. The town was platted by Wiliam C. Lawrence for town proprietor John Cheney. There was no building in the village until 1838 when Dr. David Welch built a house in the area. At one time, this small village supported two general stores, a school, and one physician.

A small schoolhouse was erected in the village prior to 1846. The Jackson Rural School District was later located in Essex. The school building was erected in 1915, and it was later remodeled in 1922. The district received its charter in 1917. This district was later consolidated with other small districts in the northern part of Union County to form the North Union School District.

Elizabeth Cheney taught the first school session in Jackson Township in approximately 1830. The school session took place during the three summer months and included nearly 15 students. By 1883 there were 10 subdistricts in the Jackson Township School system being held in one-room school houses. At one time there were as many as 15 one room schools in Jackson Township. These schools included Bell, Stahl, Merit, Fountain Grove, Tanner Crossing, Carter, Tenery, Benedict, Wiley, Essex, Baldwin, Wiley, Cheney, Woodland, Swartz, and one Unknown. By 1937, the Jackson Township had consolidated its subdistricts into one school, centralized at Essex. The Jackson Rural School building was built in 1915 and later remodeled in 1922. This building housed grades 1-12. The Jackson Rural School was later consolidated with other northern Union County schools to form the North Union School District.

Today in History - December 2

On this day in 1804, Napolean Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France in Notre Dame Cathedral.

On this day in 1823, US President established the Monroe Doctrine in a speech advocating neutrality in all future European disputes.

On this day in 1927, the Ford Motor Company unveils the Model A, after nineteen years of producing the Model T.

On this day in 1942, the Manhattan Project - a team of engineers led by Enrico Fermi initiated the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1885, it was reported that Loren and Layton Smith, students at OWU in Delaware, are home in Chuckery on a break from school.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Today in History - December 1

On this day in 1885, the soft drink Dr. Pepper was first served in a Waco, Texas drug store.

On this day in 1913, the Ford Motor Company starts to use a moving assembly line.

On this day in 1941, the Civil Air Patrol was created.

On this day in 1969, the first draft lottery for the Vietnam War is held.

And, in Chuckery, Ohio in 1886, the Chuckery Brass Band was photgraphed in Unionville.