Category Archives: Amanuensis Monday

Amanuensis Monday-History of Dresden Presbyterian Church 1819-1919 /Part 4/

Amanuensis Monday – An Amanuensis is a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. 

The following History will be presented in 6 parts each one being posted on Monday.  This is a History of the Presbyterian Church in Dresden Ohio as of 1919, that is in my possession.  My Great Grandfather was the Pastor of the Church when this piece was commissioned. I have pulled it from a earlier posting on my rootsweb family website. I hope that it brings information you can use or maybe an interesting read. Enjoy! There is more to Dresden then baskets 😀

1819- Dresden Presbyterian Church History -1919

 written by Mrs. T.M. (Mary Louise Cresap) Stevenson

Ninth Pastor- Rev. Adolph Lehman
(1878-1887)

In September, 1878, Rev. Adolph Lehman took charge of this Church. For nine years Rev. Lehman studied the best interest of this Church and community and the work of his hands and heart were abundantly blessed. Mrs. Lehman was a true helpmeet, though with manifold duties, with four stirring little people, to keep up with. There were Ray now M.D.,Mary Augusta, a Y.W. worker in New York City, Carl, attorney-at-law in Cincinnati, and Frank Scott, Captain Lehman of the Army. These are ours born here. We are proud of them. All of Rev. Lehman’s sons and daughters are doing Christian work in their locations. Rev. and Mrs. Lehman have both been called up higher.

Tenth Pastor-Rev. James Deighton
(1887-1889)

One month after Rev. Lehman left, Rev. Deighton was called. He was very strong intellectually and very companionable. We remember a number of his sermons: “The Destructive Penknife.” and “The Soldier’s Dream” were two. As the family did not move here his was a short pastorate. A daughter, Miss Ada, came on a visit and remained and tought “Stony Point” school and boarded at Mrs. Jane Lane’s. She proved to be a very bright and interesting girl. Then Mrs. Deighton, a lovely lady , came on a visit and all felt that she and a home would have been of great advantage to both pastor and people. Rev. Deighton accepted a call to Huntington, Ind., after two years service.

Eleventh Pastor-Rev. James Hickling
(1890-1895)

Rev. James Hickling was the successor of Rev. Deighton and they were as different as Moses and Aaron, though both were Englishmen. However, Rev. Hickling came over when quite young, was educated here and was thoroughly Americanized, as all who come should be. Rev. Hickling was a deeply spiritual man and a preacher of more than ordinary ability. He was also progressive and looked carefully after the best interests of town and Church. In Rev. Lehman’s time we were connected with Adams Mills. Under Rev. Deighton we were united to the Muskingum Church. During Rev. Hickling’s regime we bought the much need Manse.

Mrs Hickling was the consecrated assistant of the pastor. She was a faithful teacher in the Sabbath School and a zealous worker in the missionary and other societies of the Church. For five years they faithfully performed all the duties of their office. It was a great loss to town, and Church when they left us. In June, 1919, Rev. Hickling “passed through the gates into the city.” Mrs. Hickling is indeed bereaved.

Twelfth Pastor-Rev. H.P. Barnes, D.D.
(1896-1903)

In March, 1896, Dr. Barnes came to us. Very soon their only son, Henry , was called above, leaving only Emily to comfort them. Eighteen years earlier, or when Rev. Millikan left here in March , 1878, Rev. Barnes had preached for this church all summer, and very acceptably. The Church desired his services but were too slow in saying so and when they did speak he had accepted a call elsewhere. When Rev. Hickling resigned in 1895 the labors of Dr. Barnes were secured in March, 1896. Mrs Barnes was abundant in good works and a faithful co-worker with her husband. They mourned tenderly with those who mourned and were very companionsable for the aged. Emily grew into womanhood among us-a favorite with all.

They ministered to this people in season and out of season and were greatly missed when they left in 1903. After serving various churches Dr. Barnes health failed, they went to Florida to recuperate in 1916, and there at St. Petersburgh, he was called to the “many mansions.” He, too, sleeps among us, beside little Henry.

Dr. Barnes was a fine sermonizer and always helped the hearer. He was an optimist, as every Christian should be, a welcome visitor in the home, always leaving a more genial atmosphere. Mrs. Barnes resides with Emily-Mrs.Callum- her husband and their little son. God has set the solitary in the family.

Part 3 Part 5

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Amanuensis Monday-History of Dresden Presbyterian Church 1819-1919/Part 3/

Amanuensis Monday – An Amanuensis is a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. 

The following History will be presented in 6 parts each one being posted on Monday.  This is a History of the Presbyterian Church in Dresden Ohio as of 1919, that is in my possession.  My Great Grandfather was the Pastor of the Church when this piece was commissioned. I have pulled it from a earlier posting on my rootsweb family website. I hope that it brings information you can use or maybe an interesting read. Enjoy! There is more to Dresden then baskets 😀

  1819- Dresden Presbyterian Church History -1919

written by Mrs. T.M. (Mary Louise Cresap) Stevenson

Chronology Continued

Fifth Pastor-Rev. James Harrison
(1836-1846)

 The same fall-1836-Rev. Harrison held a series of meetings, with many additions, amoung them who later became the second Gospel Minister sent out by the Dresden Church. He preached for some year in the Presbyterian Church and later in the Episcopal Church.

In 1842 the First Choir of Dresden was organized-a most important event. God wants the best music for his service. Rev. Harrison owned his own house, later the Dr. B.F. Lemert home, and there, under the leadership of a Mr. Stone and through his supervision, the music became of a very superior order and has so continued these seventy-six years, or ever since. Two public concerts were given by this Choir for Mr. Stone’s benefit. Mr. Stone later taught music in the city of Wheeling W. VA.

Mr. William Armstrong, a master muscian of Cumberland Md., later trained the choir. We hear now the echoes of some of the voices of that choir; Mrs. Margaret Bailey, a sweet alto to early translated to the heavenly choir, who left children to take her place there and elsewhere later; Mrs. Wm. Armstrong*, saprano, all her life; Mrs. Amelia Ingalls Wallace; Mrs. Matlida Ingalls Cary; Messrs. James Wallace, Alfred Barson, and Patterson Hirst. Mr. Armstrong taught classes of the young people music. He was gentle, sweet-spirited man whom we all loved, and who was full of harmony. He was uncle to Miss Jennie Bailey and sisters, and Mrs. Margaret Bailey was their dear mother.

* note written in magrins of the pamplet, Mrs. Wm. Armstrong became Mrs. Wm. Leggett? Looks to be the hand of either D.M. Ogilvie or Adela Ruth Ogilvie(Ruth O. McCartney),

After Mr. Armstrong’s death Mr. Patterson Hirst was choir leader. He also had singing schools which were popular. Mr. Hirst went to war and later became Harry Shore and Samuel Spencer. All praise and honor should be given to these fine leaders, past and present, and to our always most effiecent choir.

Rev. Harrison spent ten years of arduous labor here from 1836 to 1846. Mrs. Harrison was a very hospitable hostess and a good wife and mother. God blessed his work and now there were eighty-nine members enrolled.

 Sixth Pastor-Rev. S.P. Hildreth

(1847-1870)

Rev. Hildreth began his minstry of nearly a quarter of a century soon after Rev. Harrison left. He, too, owned his own house; later John Alloway’s home just across from the Church, where he lived unto it seemed neccessary to remove to the Munro home, to be with Mrs. Munro, Mrs. Hildreth’s mother, four miles up teh Muskingum. Through the winter’s storms, high river and dark nights, Rev. Hildreth never failed to come down for the Wednesday evening prayer meeting and “the monthly Monday Concert of prayer for the Heathen, which will be held in this house on tomorrow evening.” as he always gave the announcement on the first Sabbath of each month. There was a special collection taken these first Mondays for Missions, to which he always gave a greenback, after a topical lecture on the Month’s Mission Field.

There are a variety of gifts. Paul, Peter and John each had their special talents. Today is is so, and it is well. Some are good pastors, visit the poor and needy and draw the outsider, are what is called a “good mixer.” Others are wonderful expostors of God’s Word and the hearer grow stronger, mentally and spiritually. Rev. Hildreth which is now forever banished. Three distilleries and their natural fruit-age of woe, then existed here. Vanished forever and also toe one that sprang up later, to the joy of all good men and of many a good and suffering women. Thank God for war prohibition and may He make us sing the Halleluliah Chorus all over the land in November.

When God took Rev. Heldreth the town mourned. During his funeral the business houses of saint and sinner, large and small, were all closed. He sleeps here, with his loving and beloved people and will rise again among them.

In June, 1847, the First Sewing Society of Dresden was organized by Mrs. Maria Force of Hagerstown, Md., a devoted member of our Church. They owned the house opposite the M.E. Church, where Mr. Rambo afterwords built another and lived and where Mrs. Rambo, another elect lady. labored for the W.C.T.U., Church, Missions and Sabbath School, assited by “Mira,” very faithfully. The purpose of Mrs. Force, in organizing this Sewing Society, was to raise funds to obtain a Church bell.

The movement was a great success. On Thanksgiving day the bell, weighing 600 pounds, was received from Cincinnati. July 4, 1850, was an auspicious day. The first Church bell of Dresden was rung. We don’t know why they wait from November to July. Perhaps, because the women could not hang it. But they could prepare a big , fine dinner for town and give the proceeds for bell and Church ever given in Dresden. So this Presbyterian Church bell, July 4, 1850, sounded the gospel message, first rung in Dresden,”Come, Come, Come,” and it has been calling “Come” ever since. It could be heard seven miles. Its tones are music to our ears and we used to imagine it call extended beyond the Mississippi and across the prairies. Five days later, July 9, 1850, this bell was tolled half a day in sorrow, from a telegram announcing the death of our Hero President, General Zachary Taylor, of the War of 1812, He died from over-exertion celebrating the 4th.

In 1848 there was a Commitee elected for the repairing of the Church, consisting of John N. Ingalls, Alfred Barson and Patterson Hirst. A new roof and a new front were added with four beautiful Corinthian columns. The ladies, too, were indefatigable and they sent to Philadelphia for a carpet and to New York for paper with the Corinthian columns. Then the new spire was seventy-five feet high and there were also new inside shutters as well as new windows. The cost amounted to $1,300 or nearly as much as the cost of the Church at first. The hearts of the people were in the work. It was said to be, then, the most tasteful Church in the Presbytery of Zanesville. A great revival followed this beautifying the House of God.

In 1852 the First Pipe Organ ever in Dresden was installed in our Church. We always had had fine music and good instruments, but now! We wondered if David’s Choir “of singing men and singing women,” which could be heard from Jerusalem to Jericho-twenty miles-was superior to ours.

This choir was trained and led by the spledid musician, William Armstrong, before mentioned, till he died. For a time the organist was Prof. Lihnethal (later of Zanesville). When he played his preludes, interludes and postludes, we forgot everything but-the Heavenly Harmony. Then Mr. James Wallace became organist. He went to Iowa. Other organist were John White Jr., and Miss Lizzie Gilbert-all good.

In 1880 the Church was again remodeled-new pews, floor, pulpit, windows. This treasure of ours was taken down and stored in the George Lemert and Johnson warehouse. The store and warehouse were about where Eschmans’s Hall now is. A fire occurred and nearly the whole block went up in smoke, and with it our pipe organ. Cabinet organs and pianos did not satisfy us. Our sorrow at this loss was not assuaged until, through the good offices of our forever beloved pastor, Dr. Macleod, we replaced our pipe organ.

Good music is a great power and is a part of heaven’s joys according to the Bible. We are thankful today for our good and faithful organists, Mrs. Spencer and Miss Mary Stump and our excellent choir which hleps us all to worship better.

Civil War
The Civil War came in ’61-’65 and many of our people marched away following the country’s calls, among them the choir leader, Patterson Hirst. There was also John Bainter, who never missed prayer meeting, and John Poorman, good soldiers. John Bainter gave his life at Murfreesboro. Some were prisoners; all shortened their days for their country. There were too many to enumerate. WE know of one veteran who wore the blud on the church rool, faithful to the flag and faithful to the Church-Thomas Ulrick. Dwight Kain, George Lemert and Dr. Dorsey passed away a few years ago. The anthem of the Civil War was written by women. Sweetly she said:

“In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,With the glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me.

He died to make men holy-they died to make man free.”

We’ll never forget Julia Ward Howe.

Seventh Pastor-Rev. Charles Merwin

(1870-1871)

Rev. Charles Merwin became our seventh Pastor. He was a very scholarly gentleman and close student and good preacher. Mrs. Merwin was an able assistant. He remained only one year and then accepted a call to a larger field.

Eighth Pastor-Rev. W. F. Millikan

(1872-1878)

Rev. W.F. Millikan began his labors here in 1872. He was a very quiet, dignified, faithful minister. His services were greatly apprecaited. Mrs. Millikan was a fine linguist and a fine Greek scholar as well as Latin and English. She was also a botanist and well educated along different lines. She was a church worker too, though of feeble health. They labored faithrully for six years and then accepeted a call to Chili, New York.

Part 2 Part 4

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Amanuesnsis Monday-History of Dresden Presbyterian Church 1819-1919/Part 2/

Amanuensis Monday – An Amanuensis is a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. 

The following History will be presented in 6 parts each one being posted on Monday.  This is a History of the Presbyterian Church in Dresden Ohio as of 1919, that is in my possession.  My Great Grandfather was the Pastor of the Church when this piece was commissioned. I have pulled it from a earlier posting on my rootsweb family website. I hope that it brings information you can use or maybe an interesting read. Enjoy! There is more to Dresden then baskets 😀

 1819- Dresden Presbyterian Church History -1919
written by Mrs. T.M. (Mary Louise Cresap) Stevenson

CHRONOLOGY

 First Pastor-Rev. Prescott B. Smith(1819-1823)

Rev. Prescott B. Smith, the third member of the Presbyterial Commitee and noble Triumvirate, became our very first Pastor. He was a native of Vermont, was educated at Middlebury College, and ordained at Newark in 1818. He began preaching in 1818 soon after his ordination, lived in Irville. He so continued until his death in 1823, aged only twenty-nine.

Though only twenty-nine at his death, Rev. Prescott B. Smith was the Nestor of our Pastors. Some of our honored guests this evening are his grandchildren, viz., the familie of the late Mr. Horace Smith, of Adams Mills, faithful, active members of the Adams Mills Presbyterian Church. His works do follow him and his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are amoung us, a blessing today.

Charter Members

The Church records give the Charter members in the following order: Daniel Stillwell, Esq., Joseph F. Munro, John C. Stockton, Mrs Mary Smith, (wife of pastor), Mary Munro, (wife of J.F.), Mrs. Sohpie Cass, (wife of G.W.), Mrs. Mary Cass, (wife of Major Jonathan), and Rev. Hildreth adds Major Jonathan Cass. As Mrs. Munro was the daughter of Major Jonathan Cass, and Rev. and Mrs. Hildreth made their home with Mrs. Munro, Mrs. Hildreth’s mother, Rev. Hildreth’s testimony is accurate.

Major Jonathan Cass was the great-grandfather of Mrs. J.W.P. Ried, Zanesville; Miss Mary Munro, Granville; Mrs. Rhoda Dunmead, Newark; Mrs. Minnie Dunmead, of the Old Munro Home; former members of the Dresden chruch and now active Presbyterians in their home towns, with one exception, and we welcome them to this Centennial reunion as we look in their faces.

Mrs. Sophie Cass, wife of George W. Cass, another Charter member, is represented in Dresden today by the widow of Dr. Edward Cass and their two sons, Dr. Edward McDowell Cass and George Cass, both soldiers in the Great War. Dr. Edward attained the title of his ancestor, “Major” overseas, and George, a non-Com on this side.

Daniel Stillwell, Esq., was great-grandfather to the Scott families, of Adams Mills, as well as to the Horace Smith families, and wonder of wonders, Hamilton Scott’s daughter, great-great-grandaughter, is present tonight helping us to celebrate and to keep the ideas of Daniel Stillwell, Esq., in the Church active. The Scotts are also grandchildren of another of our Charter members, John C. Stockton. John F. Munro, the very first elder of this Church, and his wife, Mary G. Munro, both Charter members, were also represented by here Mrs. Ried, Miss Munro and Mrs. R. Drunmead, her grandchildren. Was ever a church so blessed?

Think of it! The descendants of every single one of the Founders of this Church gathered together to help celebrate its Centennial, and all still faithful workers in the Presbyterian Church. We heartily welcome you all to this, our “Home-coming.”

Second Pastor-Rev. James Parmele(1824-1825)

Rev. James Parmele surely had a vision of the future of our Church, for he arranged to preach in the town of Dresden. He obtained the town log school house located where the Union School Building now stands, and there held his preaching services. Rev. Parmele had faith in the increase and prosperity of the town and the Church must needs be in the center of the town and grow with it. He remains only a little over a year.

Third Pastor-Rev. Ebenezer Churchill(1825-1829)

Before the close of 1825 came the Rev. Ebenezer Churchill to care for our Zion. He ministered to the three Churches, Dresden, Adams Mills and Irville, where he lived, and gave each Church one-third of his time. He was a man of great energy, physically, mentally and spiritually. He frequently walked to his appointments, even all the way from Irville to Adams Mills, twelve miles.

The Church had then only one elder, Mr. Joseph F. Munro. There was always harmony in the session. At the suggestion of Rev. Churchill two more were added viz., Daniel Stillwell and John C. Stockton, by the choice of the congregation and session. Rev. Churchill labored with the Chruch from 1825 to 1829. During his pastorate there were received into the Church (1829) by examination, Mr. Gilbert Shaw, and Phoebe, the wife of William F. Compton, of Dresden. Received also, by letter, George Smith and his wife Polly. He also received into the Church by Baptism, three infants, viz., Henry Munro, son of J.F. and Mary G. Munro; Mary Selden, daughter of G.W. and Sophie Cass; and Samuel Shaw, son of Gilbert and Phoebe Shaw.

Fourth Pastor-Rev. John Pitkin(1829-1836)

Very soon after the departure of Rev. Churchill, Rev. John Pitkin began his labors with the Dresden Church. By this time the school house was brick and was built on the mound in what is now the Cemetery. That sounds strange, but then it was not “Gods Acre.” That was then east of the canal bridge as you go down to Old Town. When the canal was dug the cemetery was removed to its present location and the school house was returned to its former and present situation.

Rev. Pitkin was a graduate of the Ohio University at Athens, (then under Presbyterian supervision). Mrs. Pitkin was a daughter of President Wilson of that University. For a while Rev. Pitkin lived in Irville. Very soon he came back to Dresden and built a house of his own. We are glad to know that house still stands. It was the former residence of Mrs. Michael Carter, was from Main Stree back to the alley and new house errected on the site where Mr. Joshua Stump now lives, and Rev. Pitkin’s house is Mr. Stump’s garage. Another Presbyterian minister lived in Rev. Pitkin’s house, viz., Rev. William Wallace. He and his eldest son had the Dresden paper. His second son, James Wallace, was a musician and a jeweler, and he married Miss Amelia Ingalls, daughter of Major J.N. Ingalls, one of the ruling elder of our Church. Rev. Wallace has also a little daughter, Amelia, and a little son, Chalmers. Amelia later married Joames White, who was principle of the high school when the Stevenson brother, Thos. M. and Robert W., his successor, were superintendents. James White is now D. D., and their son is now a successful pastor in Ohio, both in the United Presbyterian Church. Rev. Wallace lived and died in Rev. Pitkin’s house. It was a good house of seven rooms, five below and a center hall, and two above.

Mrs. Pitkin deserves special attention. She had ideals and carried them out. She organized the First Female Prayer Meeting in Dresden, which met at her home. Then she had a vison of the Church of the future and organized the First Sabbath School ever held in Dresden and conducted it regulary, every Sabbath, in her own home. She had no helpers at first. What ever did she do with the restless little ones? How did she teach the adults at the same time? The Female Prayer Meeting soon developed worker to assist her. From that Sabbath School in 1829 to 1919-these ninety years-the Presbyterian Chruch has kept up faithfully its Sabbath School, though started by a woman.

One out come of Mrs. Pitkin’s Sabbath School was that of Ainlab S. Armenia, gathered together by Mrs. Josephine Lemert Coffing and her husband, Rev. Jackson Coffing. It was then-1860-the largest Sabbath School in the world and numbered 1600. Mrs. Pitkin has had efficient, untiring successors as Sabbath School Superintendents ever since, down to the present incumbent, S.F. Spencer.

When Rev. Hilderth was pastor the Catechism and Bible verse were recited. Elmira Rambo led with 963 verses and the School recited 1496 texts, in one month. Miss Rambo later became a faithful teacher, and though unable to hear the sermon, was always in her place in Church, and said Dr. Macleod , an inspiration to him as pastor, faithful till called up higher. Today the Christian word studies the same lesson. Is not this an answer to Christ’s prayer?-“That they may be one.” Never before were so many adults in the Sabbath School, but we can only say, “all were faithful workers and we are thankful for them.”

The Church was growing steadily. Rev. Pitkin so inspired the people that they began to talk of a Church Building. This culminated in a meeting of the Session at one o’clock, December 1, 1833. It was resolved “That a subscription paper be opened for the purpose of construction a Presbyterian Meeting House in the town of Dresden.” Later, September10, 1835, John C. Stockton, one of the ruling elders, was appointed to solicit and recieve donation for the Building of this “Meeting House.”

In 1835 Rev. James Harrison took charge of the Church of Irville. Rev. Pitkin was still pastor in Dresden and that winter-1835-Rev. Harrions assisted him in a series of meetings. Many were added to this Church. In the spring of 1836 Rev. Pitkin had another revival. There are among those names that will interest some of you, viz., Laban Lemert and Lucy Ann, his wife; Mrs. Webb; Mrs Alloways; Mrs. Caroline Brice; Mrs. Catherine Wolf; Miss Julia Stockton; Frances B. Stockton; and Archibald Blackburn Brice, who later became D.D., the first Minister of the Gospel sent out from the Dresden Presbyterian Church. He studied at Meadville College and was some years ago the consecrated Pastor of the Nelsonville Presbyterian Church of Athens Presbytery.

An interesting Sessions Record occured April 27, 1833, which throw light upon the Presbytery to which we belonged. We quote: “On motion, Resolved, That this Session apply to the Lancaster Presbytery, in this State, for a continuance of the yearly sum, heretofore allowed, to the Rev. John Pitkin by the Assembly Board of Missions; his places of preaching to be designated as Dresden, Muskingum, Stillwell and Wachatomaka Settlement.” ” Also, on motion, Resolved, That this Session apply to the Lancaster Presbytery for the ministeral labors of Rev. John Pitkin as ‘Stated Supply’ form that first of May, (this was April 27), for one year for half his time.”(Church growing before we only had one -third)

Following this action was another revival and increase in membership. The Rev. Pitkin enthused the people to “rise up speedily and build.” In May, 1836, the Building Committee for the Presbyterian Church of Dresden was appointed. God’s House is so dear to us we would remember these names.

Building Committee for the Presbyterian Church of Dresden: Laban Lemert, George W. Cass, W.W. Brice, Thomsa M. Barson, and Dr. A.H. Brown.

The building was begun in 1836 and by the summer of 1837 it was finished with rough seats for temporary use. In the spring of 1838 it was completed, at a cost of $1,500, and God’s people rejoiced.

Rev. Pitkin had resigned his pulpit in the late spring of 1836, after faithful, notable service of seven years. His departure was much regretted by all. Then the Church called one they already knew and loved for our Fifth Pastor.

Part 1 Part 3

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Amanuensis Monday-History of Dresden Presbyterian Church 1819-1919/Part 1/

Amanuensis Monday – An Amanuensis is a person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. 

The following History will be presented in 6 parts each one being posted on Monday.  This is a History of the Presbyterian Church in Dresden Ohio as of 1919, that is in my possession.  My Great Grandfather was the Pastor of the Church when this piece was commissioned. I have pulled it from a earlier posting on my rootsweb family website. I hope that it brings information you can use or maybe an interesting read. Enjoy! There is more to Dresden then baskets 😀

History of Dresden Presbyterian Church
1819-1919

written by Mrs. T.M. (Mary Louise Cresap) Stevenson

 “Hitherto that the Lord helped us.”- 1 Samuel 7, 12

 

Ohio became a State, November 24, 1802. So when the Presbyterian Church was organized, the State was only “sweet sixteen” and one month old. The town of Dresden was laid out by Major Jonathan Cass, a Revolutionary officer,who brought his family here, in 1801, and soon after laid out the town, which therefore, is as old as the State.Looking backward, as we should, what of our Nation is that year of our organization-1819? Our Fifth President waswas James Monroe, of Virginia, from 1819 to 1825. Today he is probably the most talked about of any of our former Presidents.

 

President Monroe and his Notable State Papers
 

The “Monroe Doctrine” is a Shibboleth to arouse every patriotic citizen, men and women, to enthusiasm. Our newspapers, religious and secular, or Senators and Congressmen, everybody, official and unofficial, are all discussing the Monroe Doctrine, as they believe it to be, for or againt. the “League of Nations.”

Nothing has so crystalized and immortalized patriotism in our land, for 1819 to 1919, as the famous Monroe Doctrine. “Friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.” and the American continents by the free independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European Power. France and Germany tried by sending Maximilian to Mexico; poor Maximilian and poor Carlota. How the past and the present are linked together! 1819-1919! President Wilson has been touring the country showing what he believes to be the harmony between the Monroe Doctrine and the League of Nations.”

In 1819, when the Dresden Presbyterian Church was organized, over in England, George III, the Pharoah, who oppressed our forefathers and called our Revolutinary War ” A Presbyterian Rebellion” (perhaps with astuteness as Presbyterians always stood for liberty), was still living. ( He died in 1820)

The times of 1819 were similar to those of 1919. an upheaval of the nations was just settling down. France and the “Man of Destiny” had been at war with England, Prussia, Germany and Russia. Bonaparte had been shorn of his power, like Germany today, and banished to St. Helens, as the Kaiser is an exile in foreign land; and on the lonely island in 1819 Bonaparte was then living, grieving, and the world was the, as it is today, drawing long breaths of peace and liberty, after this Wold War.

 

Some Events of 1819
In 1819 the very first ocean steamer crossed the Atlantic, from Savannah Ga., to Liverpool, Eng. In 1919 our brave aviator have crossed the same ocean in winged ships, by the “sky trail.”

In 1819 transportation was by horseback., Conestoga wagons, stage coach, and down the streams in flatboats. Today-1919- it is by autovans, carriages, or by the lightning express, sixty miles an hour, and across the continent in flying machines.

In 1819 the War of 1812 had been adjusted and a treaty of trade and commerce made with England. The “Star Spangled Banner,” the anthem of the War of 1812, had been written and sung form Lakes to Gulf and from Ocean to Ocean. A son of Maj. and Mrs. Jonathan Cass, two of the Charter members of the Dresden Presbyterian Chrauch, Capt. Charles L. Cass, served in the War of 1812 and was given a sword by the City of Zanesville for bravery. His great grandchildren are members today and active workers, viz., the family of Veda Howell, Mrs. Alta Stilt and Mrs. Mary Crabtree, etc.

Another son of these same Charter members of the Dresden Presbyterian Chruch, Gen. Lewis Cass, was Secretary of War, 1831 to 1836, and Secretary fo State 1857 to 1860, Governor of Michigan, and lastly, Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1848. You see how this Dresden Presbyterian Church has been in touch with this great nation.

In this notable year of 1819, of the organization of this Dresden Presbyterian Church, another important event took place, viz., a treaty with Spain, who then ceded the whole of the province of Florida to the United States, which she had claimed since 1565. Spain also at that time-1819- settled the boundary of Mexico. It seems to us in the light of late events, the Hidaloys of Mexico don’t know this and its will take stronger hand than Spain’s to settle that matter.

In 1819 came the beginning of Ohio State legislation as to a canal connecting Lake Erie and the Ohio River. In 1819 the first railroad west of New York State led from Toledo, Ohio, to Adrian, Mich. In 1919 railroads touch nearly every town in Ohio; and Dresden has four.

It was a glorious epoch in which to begin a Church. Therefore, in 1819 the Dresden Presbyterian Church was organized in a log school house, about a mile below Adams Mills, where the main road comes out on the banks of the Muskingum. Since the days of your Pilgrim Fathers the Church and the School house have been closely connected.

The Ministerial Committee, sent by Presbytery that gathered with this little consecrated band of men and women in the log school house in 1819, were: Rev. James Culbertson, of Zanesville; Rev. Mr. Root of Cincinnati; and Rev. Prescott B. Smith, of Irville.

Rev. James Culbertson was the consecrated pastor of Zanesville First Presbyterian Church. He received a call to the largest Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, but declined, saying “his duty lay in Zanesville” and there he lived and served, 1811 to 1844, and died.

Of Rev. Mr. Root, of Cincinnati, we have been unable to learn anything.

Part 2

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Amanuensis Monday-one page from list of pardons, commutation, and respites granted by the President during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1911

Amanuensis: A person employed to write what another dictates or to copy what has been written by another. From The National Standard Encyclopedia

Amanuensis Monday was started on the Transylvanian Dutch Blog. This link will take you to the page concerning Amanuensis and why one should transcribe the records !

 

List of pardons, commutations, and respite granted by the President (William Howard Taft*) during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1911-Continued  page 246  Report of the Attorney General (George W. Wikerson*)

Name of Applicant:
Claude Fry
District and offense:
United States Army
Date of Sentence:
Nov. 23, 1905. Dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay and allowances, and confinement at hard labor for 1 year at Fort Riley, Kans. (Unexecuted portion of sentence remitted Feb. 7, 1906)
Recommendation of Attorney General:
[Pardon recommended by the Secretary of War to restore rights of citizenship]
Action of President, and date:
July 6, 1910. Pardon granted to restore rights of citizenship

Name of Applicant:
Esias White
District and offense:
Indian Territory, central. Murder, without capital punishment
Date of Sentence:
Nov. 30, 1904. Imprisonment for life in the United States
Recommendation of Attorney General:
The petitioner, an Indian, was about 15 years of age when this crime was committed. He did not himself fire the fatal shot, but witnessed the murder, and aided and abetted to the extent of holding the gun for his companion, and the fact that he was probably dominated by his companion, who was an older man, the Attorney General recommended that the sentence be commuted to 15 years, the remainder to be served in the Missouri Training School for Boys.
Action of President, and date:
July 9, 1910. Sentence commuted to imprisonment for 15 years, with allowance for good behavior, the remainder of the term to be served in the Missouri Training School for Boys or such institution, penal or reformatory, as the Attorney General may designate.

Name of Applicant:
Frank Minor
District and offense:
District of Columbia Murder
Date of sentence:
Nov. 29, 1884. To be hanged April 11, 1885, sentence commuted to imprisonment for life
Recommendation of Attorney General:
The death penalty in this case was commuted by President Cleveland to imprisonment for life on the ground that the circumstances of the killing showed such provocation as to justify clemency. At the time of the conviction there were no degrees of murder in the District, but the prosecuting attorney stated in his report that in another jurisdiction the offense would probably have been murder in the second degree. Under the new District Code the minimum penalty for murder in the second degree is 10 years. His conduct was good during an epidemic of smallpox in the penitentiary, when he rendered valuable and faithful service. The Attorney General Advised that the sentence be commuted, to expire immediately
Action of President, and date:
July  13, 1910. Sentence commuted, to expire at once.

Name of Applicant:
James R. Kaye
District and offense:
Illinois, southern. Making and having in possession molds for making counterfeit coin.
Recommendation of Attorney General:
Jan. 11, 1908. Two year in the United States penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kans. (Case appealed; judgement affirmed with leave to have case reopened and new sentence reduced to 6 months in the Peoria House of Correction and costs.)
There was no evidence that  petitioner ever attempted to pass any of the spurious coin which he made, and the work was done openly.  It was claimed by him that the molds with which he experimented were for the purpose of making medals to be used in his Sunday school.  Public sentiment in the community where he lived was strongly in his favor, because he was not believed to be guilty of wrong intent. The Attorney General advised a pardon, to take effect upon his release from imprisonment.
Action of President, and date:
July 13. 1910. Pardon granted to take effect  July 17, 1910.

James R. Kaye, is my grandmother Ruth O. McCartney’s Uncle.
More at the end of transcription. 

Name of Applicant:
Lewis Coffey
District and offense:
Kentucky, Counterfeiting
Date of sentence:
October 25, 1898. Five years in the Ohio Penitentiary and $5 fine.
Recommendation of Attorney General:
It was certified that since the release of these prisoners, in 1901 and 1902, they have conducted themselves as honest, law-abiding citizens, having the respect of the communities in which they live. The Attorney General advised pardon to restore their civil rights.
Action of President, and date:
July 13, 1910. Pardon granted to restore civil rights.

Name of Applicant:
Shelvy  Coffee
District and offense:
Kentucky, Counterfeiting
Date of sentence:
Oct. 25, 1898. Three years in the Ohio Penitentiary and $5 fine.
Recommendation of Attorney General:
It was certified that since the release of these prisoners, in 1901 and 1902, they have conducted themselves as honest, law-abiding citizens, having the respect of the communities in which they live. The Attorney General advised pardon to restore their civil rights.
Action of President, and date:
July 13, 1910. Pardon granted to restore civil rights.

Google Books  Congressional edition, Volume 6215

James Ross Kaye

In the year of 1865 the 0n May 3.  James Ross Kaye was born to Byron and Ellen Smith Kaye in Woodstock, Ontario Canada. He and his twin sister Anna Gordon Kaye were the sixth and seventh children of this couple. My second great-grandparents. The extra ordinary feet of having twins carried to term and grow to adult hood in 1865 must have been a joyful thing, but  on  06 March  1865 shortly after beginning his work day Byron Kaye was killed in a boiler explosion at the Eaton & Wood’s flour mill, two months before the delievery of his children. What a bittersweet  moment must have been for Ellen. Ellen had to divide her children among friends and family, just to be able to survive. On 28 September 1880 she is believe to have come from Canada to the United States, Chicago to be exact.

I don’t know very much about their childhood, but the plight of his family must have had an impact on James. I do know from letters written by both of his parents that they were God fearing and dediticated to God. The morning that Byron left for work he had prayed for and over his wife and children to keep them safe and out of harms way. I imagine that this was a daily occurance. Ellen wrote this in a letter to family:

 ” on the morning of the 6th of March we had Breakfast at 7 oclock  we had worship as usual he read the 9th ch of the romans passed some remarks on the lecture the minister gave the evening before kneeled down & commended himself & family to the care of his heavenly father the children had gathered around me to say the Lords prayer “

With this up bringing and of course God’s glorius provisions James could not have but helped be a devoted man of God. He received some of his training at the Chicago Seminary along with his brother, Alexander and his soon to be brother in law David.

He served dutifully his Lord. As stated in the pardon he was trying to figure out how to make to make medals for his children in Sunday school. He was using coinage as models. They were accidently spent by his son and the perusing changers where brought up against him.

After the incident and the pardon, James removed himself from the pulpit, but he never ceased to thirst after his Lord. He made several trips to the Holy land and authored several books, The History of The Covenant, Chart Bible, The Coming Crisis: are approaching the end of the age? (this one I purchased for my father, James’ name sake), and many more.

I have in my possession a beautiful dried flower collection bound in carved wood that he brought home, to his sister Barbara (my great-grandmother), from the Holy-Land.

I never knew this kind of record was available. I guess I never thought about there being Court records pertaining to reprieves and such. This one I stumbled on, so I will tuck the source in my bag of tricks. One never knows who else it might bring to light.

*my note

Happy Hunting!