<A HREF="http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/5249.htm">Cleveland, Ohio Congregational Churches Directory, 1895</A> Mrs. Lydia James       935 Denison Av Cleveland OH Thomas I James found in: Census Microfilm Records: Ohio, 1900 Lived in:  Palmyra Township, Portage County, Ohio Series: T623     Microfilm:  1314     Book:  2     Page:  208    no house number or street name does not designate if he rents or owns home Thomas I. head July 1858, age 42, md, Wales/Wa/Wa, {im 1896, in US 4 yrs)  preacher Lydia wife ____ 1864, age 36, md, 1 birth/1 living, Eng/Eng/Eng, {im 1896, in US 4 yrs)   Phebe dau Nov 1894, age 5, single, Wales/Wales/Eng, {im 1896, in US 4 yrs) Carolton Johns son Mar 1898, age 2, Oh/Wales/Wales,    Greetings, Perhaps someone on this list can help me? I am researching the earliest ordained women in American Congregationalism. One of those women was MRS. LYDIA I. JAMES who was ordained in the town of Lloyd in Portage Co., OH on November 12, 1900. Lydia's husband was Welsh Congregational minister, Rev. Thomas Illyd James. I am seeking a newspaper account of Lydia's ordination, in order to learn more about her. She likely was ordained by a Congregational council representing the Congregational churches in the county--or perhaps more likely, the Welsh Congregational churches. It was typical for such ordinations to be publicized in local and/or county newspapers. I would appreciate any information on this couple. I also welcome any suggestions as to additional resources I should check.. Thank you for your consideration, and best wishes, Rev. Dr. Doug Showalter