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PREFACE
THE generation of hardy men who first settled the region comprising Brown County has nearly
all passed away. The names and deeds of those who encountered the perils of Indian warfare,
endured the privations of pioneer life and, with rifles by their sides, cleared away the giants of the
forest, rescuing from savages and wild beasts the lands the present generation possesses in peace,
should not be forgotten. It is the purpose of this volume to give the history of their achievements,
and to record the growth and development of this county, that the present and future generations
may know something ofwhat it cost to give them this fair land, and who were the brave men and
noble women who converted a wilderness into the smiling region we now behold.
The volume has been prepared in strict accordance with the announcement made in the
prospectus of the work. Brit/ histories of the Northwest Territory and the State of Ohio are first
given. The outline history of the county contained in Part III was prepared by Josiah Morrow, the
author of the history of Warren County, recently published. Mr. Morrow has devoted much
attention for several years past to the history of the Miami Valley. In collecting materials for this
work, he has examined the records of the county, explored the earlier history of the original
counties from which Brown was formed, and searched out every book, pamphlet and manuscript
relating to the history of the Virginia Military District in the State Library at Columbus; the
Library of the Ohio Historical and Philosophical Society ; the Young Men's Mercantile Library
and the Public Library at Cincinnati.
The township histories contained in Part IV are designed to chronicle the annals of each
neighborhood, thus rescuing from oblivion much interesting and valuable local history that
would otherwise be lost through the death of early settlers and the ravages of time. Interest in
local annals has much increased in recent years. The joint resolution of Congress in 1876,
recommending the preparation of a sketch of the history of each town and county to be preserved
in the Library of Congress, gave an impetus to local historical studies. In addition to the writers
of the township histories, whose names are placed at the head of their articles, grateful
acknowledgments are due to Dr. I. M. Beck, of Sardinia, and Peter L. Wilson, Esq., of
Georgetown, for valuable assistance and suggestions.
The biographical sketches in Part V were prepared for the most part by the soliciting agents of
the publishers, The personal and family histories given in these sketches may be found in
succeeding years to possess an interest and value, which will cause the book to be much sought'
after by explorers in genealogies and pedigrees. The study of family history is not for the purpose
of ministering to an aristocratic pride ; it is perfectly consistent with democratic simplicity and
Christian humility. It is not necessary to have noble blood in our veins to give us an intelligent
interest in our
iv - PREFACE.
ancestral relations. It is desirable that the genealogical story of at least every old and long-settled
family in each county should be recorded in a form both permanent and readily accessible.
The writers have faithfully aimed at accuracy, but he who expects to find the work entirely free
from errors or defects has little knowledge of the difficulties attending the preparation of a work
of this kind. To procure its materials, its compilers have explored many hundred pages of
manuscripts and written records. In some cases, it was necessary to reconcile contradictory
statements. Some errors are unavoidable. The publishers trust that the book will be received in
that generous spirit which is gratified at honest efforts, and not in that captious spirit which
refuses to be satisfied short of unattainable perfection.
To the county officers, town and township officers, editors, members of the bar, and many
intelligent citizens of Brown County, the publishers are indebted for favors and generous
assistance.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTEANTS.
PART I & II NOTED INCLUDED.
These Parts are found in other county histories.
PART III.
HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY.
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