OHIO GENEALOGY EXPRESS

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Welcome to
BUTLER COUNTY, OHIO
History & Genealogy

Source:
Biographical
and
Historical Sketches

A Narrative of Hamilton and Its Residents
From 1792 to 1896
by Stephen D. Cone
Illustrated
Hamilton, Ohio
Republican Publishing Company
1896

5-30
History
31-77
Schools
78-117
Superintendents
118-133
Postmasters
133-142
Mayors
143-150
Bridges
150-159
The Press
159-165
Col. Millikin
165-170
Financial Inst.
170-172
Greenwood Cem
173-178
Literary -
library assoc.
178-190
Ex-Govs.
190-203
Congressmen
203-214
Attys
214-221
Judges
221-238
Medical
238-263
Hamilton Bar
263-278
Sheriffs
278-283
Clks of Court
283-293
Treasurers
293-302
Auditors
302-317
Commissioners
317-322
Recorders
322-326
Business
326-329
Retrospective
view
330-.365
Civil war
365-366
Incorporation of Hamilton
367-374
Journalists
374-378
Fire dept
378-380
Dentistry
380-383
Druggists
383-386
Funeral Directors
386-395
Churches
        396-496
Personal Sketches
       

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HAMILTON CHURCHES

Please note:   I have added notes & pictures of present day churches that most likely are the same as the ones listed herein. ~ Sharon Wick

Pg. 386] 

    BAPTIST. - A Baptist church was organized in Rossville, in 1829, on South B street.  The First Baptist church was organized in 1841, as a branch of the Lockland church, but did not become an independent church until 1844, when a church was built, situated on Third street, south of Dayton street.  
     This edifice, cost three thousand dollars, and was occupied until 1858.  The property was sold at this time, and the congregation began worshipping in the present building on Court street.  The original membership was twelve.  Dr. Laomi Rigdon, Aaron Potter and James Shotwell, were the organizers.  The following ministers have served the congre-

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gation.  J. F. Blodgett, W. H. Rooney, William Ashmore, H. M. Richardson, J. M. Pendleton, R. V. W. Snow, R. Telford, N. A. Reed, Thomas Hanford, W. A. Smith, Thomas Eddy, W. R. Dennis, Charles Huckleberry, Frank McFarlan and
H. N. Quisenberry.

     CONGREGATIONAL - The First Congregational church was organized in 1894.  Service were conducted in the Fourth ward school house for a year.  Afterward a small, but handsome church edifice was erected on Sycamore street, near the corner of Seventh.  Rev. G. Z. Mechling, pastor.
SHARON WICK's NOTE:  CLICK HERE to see what might be the old church.
 

     DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. - The Church of Christ was originally organized on the West Side in the old United Brethren church building.  Afterward the congregation erected a fine building at the northeast corner of High and Center streets.

     EPISCOPAL. - Hamilton and Rossville have had to Episcopal church organizations named St. Matthew.  One was organized in 1823, and the other in 1834.  In August of the lat mentioned year Rev. Ethan Allen was appointed rector.
     On Easter Monday, Apr. 20, 1835, a meeting of the members was held at the residence of Isaac Howe, in Rossville.  At this meeting a resolution was adopted, accepting the act passed by the Legislature of Ohio, entitled, "an act to incorporate the wardens and vestrymen of the parish of St. Matthew's church in the towns of Hamilton and Rossville, in the County of Butler.
     On Apr. 22, 1835, a meeting of the wardens and vestrymen was held.  It appeared that a contract for a lot whereon to build a church had been made and that a subscription had been raised sufficient to justify them in adopting measures for the immediate prosecution of the contemplated building.  Isaac Howe, William A. King, George Keck, P. F. Nardin and Lewis D. Campbell were appointed as a building committee.  Rev. Ethan Allen, of Christ Church, Dayton, Ohio, on Oct. 31, 1835, made the following report to the Episcopal convention:

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     "In St. Matthew's church, Hamilton and Rossville, Butler county, thirteen communicants have been added, and three removed making the present number nineteen; and five children have been baptised.  I have preached here twenty-two times and administered the Communion thrice; the first time to fifteen and the second to twenty-two.   This church is gaining ground, and affords much encouragement.  The erection of a Gothic edifice of brick for public worship, sixty feet by fourty, has been commenced; and the walls are now nearly up, and will soon be covered in.   The site is exceedingly eligible; no better could have been obtained.  The corner-stone was laid by me on the twenty-second of last month.  The Lord has been pleased to favor this little vine much.  He has renewed the hearts of some and given the cause which they have espoused favor in the eyes of others.  Social worship, at which service is performed and a sermon read, is attended every Sabbath; the labors of a pastor are much needed."

     The building above referred to was erected on the lot now occupied by St. Mary's Roman Catholic church.  The edifice was sold under legal proceedings, as the parish was unable to pay for the same.  After a long lapse of time the congregation purchased a church edifice on the west side of Third street, one-half square south of Dayton street.  Here the church flourished for years.
     In 1893, the parish erected the Trinity church, a fine and modern building at the northwest corner of Sixth and Butler streets.  Rev. Frederic E. J. Lloyd, Rector; Wardens, Harrison Lieb and William C. Rinearson; Vestrymen, Robert M. Elliott, Alexander Gordon, H. L. Morey, Frank E. Brandt and Estes G. Rathbone.

     EVANGELICAL GERMAN PROTESTANT - On Jan. 6, 1837, this congregation purchased the First Presbyterian church property.  The trustees were: Daniel Beaver, Christian Rothenbush and August Breitenbach.  In 1838 these trustees transferred the property to Jacob Rupp, Peter Jacobs and Frederick Gressle, for the exclusive purpose of a German church.  During the brief period intervening, both English and German services had been held.  The first pastor was Rev. George Reiss.  He was succeeded by the Rev. Rosenfeld, who remained until 1841.  During the succeeding twenty-nine years, the church had seventeen pastors.  In September 1866, Rev. C. A. Herrmann took charge and organized the congregation anew.  The

[Pg. 389]
old chuch church was torn down and the present building was erected.  He was succeeded by the Rev. Phillip Stempel, who remained until 1888.  In 1887, the congregation celebrated its semi-centennial.  In March, 1883, Rev. C. A. Herrmann returned to the pastorate where he still officiates.

     EVANGELICAL - St. Paul's German Evangelical Church is located on the south side of Campbell avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets.  Rev. F. J. Doren, Pastor. It is an offshoot of the church of St. John's.

     JEWISH SYNAGOGUE - The Kahle Kodeoh B'nai Israel Synagogue is located on South Fourth street, between Chestnut and Walnut streets Rev. Lippman Liebman, Rabbi.

     LUTHERAN - The German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's church, is located at Front and Ludlow streetsRev. George H. Trebel, Pastor.
Sharon Wick's Note:   Photo of Church NOW and Post Card Photo of Church in 1905

     METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - In 1818, Rev. Samuel West, a circuit minister, organized in Hamiton Hamilton the first society of this denomination in the city.  It was composed of the following members: Thomas Sinnard and wife, Aaron Jewell and wife, Mrs. John Caldwell and Miss Lydia Jones.  In 1819, Hamilton and Rossville was made a station, and Rev. West preached alternately in the Academy building, at Third and Dayton streets, in the Delorac's warehouse in Rossville.  In the same year the First Methodist meeting-house was built.  It was erected on Ludlow street, between Second and Third streets on the site of the present church.  At the end ofthe year 1821 the membership had increased to sixty-five.  In 1833, another lot adjacent to the former lot was donated to the society and a new church building was erected at a cost of $4,800 and the old building was occupied by Peter Myers, as a carpenter shop.  In March, 1839, both the carpenter shop and the church building were destroyed by fire. In 1840 a new church building was erected and was thereafter occupied until 1868 when the same was remodeled and reconstructed at an outlay of $11,000.

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The ministers who have officiated as pastors of the church are:
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  CLICK HERE for interior of this First United Methodist Church interior at corner of Second & Ludlow Streets.
It appears that possibly the church was torn down and replaced as there is the church parking lot on the corner.   You would have to contact the church that is there as of 2025.  CLICK HERE to see Church

Samuel West,
Henry Baker,
John P. Durbin,
Henry Hilt,
John P. Taylor,
Augustus Eddy,
A. S. McClain,
John P. Taylor,
A. M. Loring,
William Simmons,
D. D. Davisson,
John A. Baughman,
Robert O. Spencer,
G. R. Jones,
William Simmons,
E. Zimmerman,
J. J. Hill,
Daniel Poe,
S. A. Latta,
W. D. Barnett,
David Reed,
O. W. Swain,
David Whitcomb,
W. R. Anderson,
A. M. Lorrain,
M. Dustin,
Augustus Brown,
Augus tus Eddy,
W. H. Lawder,
W. R. Davis,
J. J. Hill,
Moses Smith,
E. G. Nicholson,
 
Charles R. Lovell,
A. Lowrey,
W. H. Lawder,
Moses Smith,
J. J. Thompson,
Charles Ferguson,
W. I. Fee,
J. D. Starr,
T. J. Harris,
George H. Dart,
Granville Moody,
T. S. Cowden,
James Murray,
George W. Dubois,
C. W. Gullette,
John W. Peters.

     In 1893, the present handsome church edifice was erected.

     GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - Situated on C street, between Main and Park avenue.  This building was formerly owned by the German Lutheran congregation. Rev. John Claus, pastor.

     THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was organized in 1840, by Rev. Thomas Lawrence of Cincinnati.   Nineteen members were enrolled at the organization.  Among these the names of Alfred J. Anderson, Bud Sampson and Samuel Jones are prominent.  A church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1842.  Rev. Henry Atkinson was the first minister of the congregation, which was attached to the Cincinnati circuit in 1844.  Rev. W. M. Clark, Watkins Lee, Daniel Winslow, John Woodson, Alexander Austen, were engaged in this ministry.  Afterward Oxford and Hamilton congregations were united, and had a pastor.  Rev. Jeremiah Lewis came first.  Under the pastorate of H. J. Jackson, the first work was done toward the present house of worship and it was completed under the pastorate of Philip Tolliver.  In 1880, the congregation was separated from Oxford, when Rev. T. Knox became pastor.  The subsequent pastors have been: C. H. Bundy, under whose pastorate, the comfortable parsonage

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was built, P. Alston, J. Griffin, G. W. Prioleau, G. W. Maxwell, John Dickerson and W. H. Coleman.

     FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - Among the early ministers were Revs. James Kemper, M. G. Wallace and John Thompson, of the Presbyterian church.  These preached in private houses, in the Sycamore grove and in the old mess room of Fort Hamilton.  In 1805, Rev. Matthew G. Wallace, who resided on a farm eight miles south of Hamilton, began to preach on alternate Sabbaths.  In 1810 he took up his residence in this city and a Presbyterian church was formally organized with himself as pastor.  The Union Presbyterian church was built in the years of 1817 and 1818, jointly by the Presbyterian and the Associate Reform Presbyterian congregations.  They purchased lot No. 103 of the original town plat situate the east side of Third street, between High and Court streets.  This property was sold, and the Presbyterians acting for themselves, purchased from John Reily lot No. 22, on south Front street, in 1829.  In January, 1837, this structure was sold to the "German and English United Luthern and Reformed church," and the Presbyterians purchased lot No. 253.  Here in 1838 they erected a third place of worship.  In 1854 under the Pastorate of Rev. Charles Sturdevant, the congregation being pressed for room, took the first steps toward the erection of a fourth house of worship.  The building was finished in 1855, and is still used and occupied by the congregation.
     Since its organization in 1810 it has had nineteen pastors: Matthew G. Wallace, 1810-21; Francis Montfort, 1821-37; Joseph J. Montfort, 1837-38; Thomas Wallon, 1838-40; Adrian Aten, 1841-42; Augustus Pomeroy, 1832-36; Charles Packard, 1837-39; Thomas E. Thomas, 1839-49; George Darling, 1849-51; Charles Sturdevant, 1852-54; Levi Christian, 1855-56; Hugh Ustick, 1857; William McMillan, 1858-64; C. B. Martin, 1865-66; Edward J. Hamilton, 1866-68; S. M. C. Anderson, 1870-79; Edward W. Abbey, present pastor.

     UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - In 1828, the congregation purchased of John Sutherland the lot now occupied, on

[Page 392] -
     the southeast corner of Court and Water streets, upon which a house of worship was erected.  It was a modest, neat brick structure, facing toward the river.  The trustees in behalf of this congregation were James Brown, William Caldwell, John Sutherland and Joseph Latta.
     Dr. McDill served as pastor until June 1847, a pastorate of more than thirty years, which was terminated at his own request.
     He was succeeded by Rev. William Davidson who was installed in March 1848, and continued in the pastorate until Apr. 7, 1874.
     In 1852 an additional lot was purchased and a new church edifice erected - still in use.
     In 1866-7, the Lecture and Sabbath school rooms in the rear of the church, and the parsonage were erected. The following list contains the names of all the pastors: David McDill, William Davidson, A. W. Clokey, J. W. Bain, E. C. Simpson and Mason Pressley.
     The following is a complete list of Ruling Elders: Messrs. James Brown, William Caldwell, James Scott, Samuel Gray, William Taylor, Robert Caldwell, James McDaniel, John McDaniel, David Crawford, James Giffin, George R. Caldwell, Robert Scott, R. C. Stewart, William E. Brown, John McKee, Robert Beckett, D. W. McClung, John Scott, Adam Laurie, J. L. Kirkpatrick, J. R. McKee, Will T. Scott, R. C. McKinney, George C. Rife and S. T. Wasson.

     WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - This congregation was organized in 1894.  The members seceded from the First Presbyterian church, claiming that this church was too liberal in its Christian views.  A fine church edifice was erected in 1895, at the northeast corner of High and Seventh streetsRev. J. S. Edenburn is pastor of the congregation.
SHARON WICK's Note:  This Church is now ran down looking and named Calvary Church.

     THE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH - This church was organized No. 13, 1867, at the residence of August Breitenbach, on the West Side.  John Breitenstein and F. B. Thomson were elected elders;  Jesse Jacoby and George Huber,

[Page 393 -
deacons.  On Sept. 11, 1867, a lot was purchased at the corner of Ross and D streets.  The church edifice was erected by liberal contributions from a small membership, and by other congregations in southern Ohio. Rev. G. Z. Mechling was an untiring worker in the cause.  The corner stone was laid August, 1868, and the building was dedicated Sept. 19, 1869.  The defalcation of the Treasurer, left a debt of fifty-five hundred dollars upon the church, and the property was advertised for sale.  It was saved, and the debt finally extinguished in 1875.  The church is in a flourishing condition, under the able pastorate of Rev. S. Ezra Neikirk.
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  The church on the corner of Ross and N. D Streets is now the Christ Tabernacle Apostolic Church.

     ST. STEPHEN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - This church was ST. STEPHEN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. founded in 1832.  The Germans and Irish communicants worshipped together until 1848, when they separated.  Germans held the property now occupied by St. Stephen's congregation.  The The first resident pastor was Rev. Thomas Butler, who had charge of the congregation from 1840-45.  Since that time the congregation has been under the charge of the Franciscan order.  The growth of the congregation rendered a larger house of worship necessary, and in the year of 1852, the corner stone of the present edifice was laid.  The church was completed in 1853.  In 1849, a Parochial school was established.  Other necessary buildings, a school, vestry room, parsonage, etc., have been built as necessity or ability. suggested.  In 1887 the interior of the church was thoroughly overhauled.  In 1889, a new school building was erected and was dedicated in the following year.
SHARON WICK's NOTE:  CLICK HERE for church when it was built and Renovated church named St. Julie Billiart church today

     ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - In 1848, this congregation purchased St. Matthew's Episcopal church, which was used as a place of worship until 1856.  At the commencement of the work of erecting a new church, not a cent of money was in the church treasury, but as the congregation contained a great number of artisans, each of whom contributed labor in building, this seeming obstruction was removed, and when finished, the edifice was truly a work and a labor of love.  In 1867, the congregation purchased a tract of land from the

[Page 394] -
estate of William Hunter, situated between Hamilton and Symmes Corner, for a cemetery.  The first Parochial school was established in 1860, in the basement of the church, and continued there until 1890, when possession was taken of the new school building.
     The following pastors have been in charge of the congregation since 1848: Revs. T. Hallinan, Joseph Kearney, E. P. Corcoran, A. O. Walker, Charles F. Hone, M. L. Murphy, J. H. Bonner, P. A. Quinn, J. O'Donahue and Henry Anderson.

     ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - This church was established in 1865.  The square on Second street, between Washington and Hanover, on which the church is built, was the gift of William Beckett, Job E. Owens, John M. Long and Robert Allstatter, who also donated $2,500 to the building fund.  In June, 1866, the corner stone was laid by Bishop Rosencrans.  The church was dedicated by Archbishop Purcell, assisted by Bishop Toebbe and others, Sept. 15, 1867.
     In March, 1873, a dwelling and school house for the Sisters of Notre Dame was completed at a cost of $8,000.  Rev. Francis Varelmann, Pastor.

     ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH,  is situated at the northwest corner of Millville Avenue and Ridge Lawn Avenue, West Hamilton.  Rev. Henry Propperman, Pastor.
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:    Millville Avenue has apparently been re-routed which cuts off  before it gets to Ridge Lawn Avenue.   Across the way, The street is Liberty Avenue that intersects with Ridgelawn Avenue and St. Peter In Chains Church.  CLICK HERE for Picture of Church which faces Ridgelawn Avenue and is all along Liberty Avenue between Ridgelawn & Washington Avenues.

     ST. VERONICA CATHOLIC CHURCH is located on Shuler Avenue, East Hamilton.  Rev. George Franz, Pastor.

     FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, east side of Seventh, between High street and Campbell Avenue.  Rev. R. E. Olmstead, Pastor.

     GERMAN UNITED BRETHREN, southeast corner of Ninth and Rigdon streets.  Rev. Henry Ochlschlegel, Pastor.
SHARON WICK's NOTE:  This church on corner of Rigdon & 9th Sts. CLICK HERE

     CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, corner of Seventh and Sycamore streets.  This congregation held religious services in the Fourth ward school house during the year 1895.  In the early part of 1896, a neat and cozy church edifice was erected.  Rev. G. Z. Mechling, the pastor, and his estimable wife were untir-

[Page 395 -
ing workers in the vineyard of the Lord during the building of this house of worship.
SHARON WICK'S NOTE:  There is a relatively small building on the corner of Seventh & Sycamore Sts., It is a one story, flat roofed, rather plain building which could have been this church.  Other corners have homes.

     EMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERN CHURCH - This congregation seceded from the Zion church.  Services are held weekly in the court house assembly room.

     THE WILLIAM DAVIDSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL was originally built on the Whitehead lot on East Heaton street in 1883.  Afterward it was moved to the rear of lot No. 302 North Eleventh street.  John S. Reeder built the Davidson Memorial Chapel at his own expense, and moved it to its present location.  He is a cheerful and liberal contributor in the cause of Christianity.  Rev. Harry Campbell occupies the pulpit every Sunday evening.
SHARON WICK's NOTE:  There is a poorly kept up house in the 302 N. 11th street location.  It appears that maybe it was at one time something more than a family home.  It is right next door to 300 11th Street.  CLICK HERE

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