PREFACE
IN the compilation of this book two objects have been constantly kept in view,—accuracy and
completeness. It has been our conscientious aim to prepare an exhaustive and authentic history of
Clermont County, from its earliest existence to the present time, as well as a brief consideration
of the geology of the country and the aboriginal and prehistoric races which formerly inhabited
this territory. This has been a task of no easy accomplishment; indeed, the work has greatly
exceeded our expectations. The results of our efforts are before us, and while we are conscious
that our history possesses much merit and approximates to our ideal in its arrangement and
narrative, we realize that unavoidable imperfection may attach to it. In our investigations we have
unsparingly endeavored to obtain the facts of history, and to exclude everything of doubtful
authenticity. The imperfect condition of many records, and the entire absence of others, have
made our researches diffrcult, uncertain, and, in cases where supplemental knowledge could not
be obtained, of necessity incomplete. Concerning other matters of historical interest it was
sometimes impossible to obtain positive information, and we were obliged to rely upon different
(and often contradictory) personal accounts, and after carefully exercising our own
discrimination as to their truthfulness we must submit them in this condition to the judgment of
our readers. Should they prove to be erroneous the fact would cause us painful regret. Again, we
have been much perplexed by the changes in the orthography of family names. In numerous
instances names have been spelled variously in the different records (often five or six different
ways), and it is no unusual thing to find different members of the same family who have varied
the orthography of their surname to the extent of three different ways. This will account for many
apparent contradictions in spelling, seeming carelessness, and possible misconception of the right
use of names. Errors of this nature, may we not reasonably think, should entitle the writers to the
charity of all considerate readers.
We deem it unnecessary here to outline the nature of our history. A reference to the table of
contents on the following pages sufficiently indicates not only the general plan of the book, but
will also convey a meagre idea of the rich and entertaining store of matter we have garnered for
the public, and which we now submit for its favorable consideration.
In conclusion, we desire to express our appreciation of the encouragement and interest which the
people of Clermont have manifested in our efforts to perpetuate their history. In every township
from twenty to thirty of the leading citizens have freely contributed their knowledge of old-time
events, and have largely made that part of the book what it is. In grateful remembrance of their
services, the publisher has united with us in placing their recollections in a very attractive form as
the annals of the pioneer days of the county. Among those whose courteous assistance has been
of especial value in the compilation of other parts of the history are the Cowen Brothers, of the
Clermont Sun ; Messrs. Pegg and Fairman, of the Clermont Courier ; James Robinson, of the
Advance;
- 3 -
4 - PREFACE.
Winthrop Frazer, of the New Richmond Independent; the Hons. L. W. Bishop and Ira Ferguson,
of the State Legislature ; the Hon. H. V. Kerr, State Librarian ; the Hon. J. P. Nichols, Probate
Judge; Gen. M. J. W. Holter and Alonzo W. Dimmitt, of the Auditor's Office; M. A. Wood,
Recorder ; Henry B. Mattox, Clerk of the Court; the clerks of the different townships and
villages; the secretaries of school boards and civil societies, more than a hundred in number ; the
pastors and official members of the various religious societies ; Judge Philip B. Swing ; the
Hons. John Shaw, Samuel A. West, J. E. Myers, and William Roudebush ; and particularly my
co-laborers, R. J. Bancroft,
Esq., J. L. Roudebush, Byron Williams, and John A. Penn.
J. L. ROCKEY.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., July, 1880.
CONTENTS
HISTORICAL.
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