Governor	Tenure	Politics
Edward Tiffin Thomas Kirker (acting) Samuel Huntington Return Jonathan Meigs Othniel Looker (acting) Thomas Worthington Ethan Allen Brown Allen Trimble (acting) Jeremiah Morrow Allen Trimble Duncan McArthur Robert Lucas Joseph Vance Wilson Shannon Thomas Corwin Wilson Shannon Thomas W. Bartley (acting) Mordecai Bartley William Bebb Seabury Ford Reuben Wood William Medill (acting, 1853) Salmon P. Chase William Dennison, Jr. David Tod John Brough Charles Anderson (acting) Joab Cox Rutherford B. Hayes Edward F. Noyes	1803-07 1807-09 1809-11 1811-14 1814-15 1815-19 1819-22 1822-23 1823-27 1827-31 1831-33 1833-37 1837-39 1839-41 1841-43 1843-44 1844-15 1845-47 1847-49 1849-51 1851-53 1853-56 1856-60 1860-62 1862-64 1864-65 1865-66 1866-68 1868-72 1872-74	Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democratic-Rep. Democrat Democrat National Republican Democrat Whig Democrat Whig Democrat Democrat Whig Whig Whig Democrat Democrat Republican Republican Republican Republican Republican Republican Republican Republican
FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 51
William Allen Rutherford B. Hayes Thomas L. Young Richard M. Bishop Charles Foster George Hoadley Joseph Benson Foraker James E. Campbell William McKinley Asa S. Bushnell George K. Nash Myron T. Herrick John M. Patterson (died in office) Andrew Litner Harris Judson Harmon James M. Cox	1874-76 1876-77 1877-78 1878-80 1880-84 1884-86 1886-90 1890-92 1892-96 1896-00 1900-04 1904-06 1906 1906-09 1909-13 1913--	Democrat Republican Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Republican Republican Republican Republican Democrat Republican Democrat Democrat

The political history of Ohio can not be dismissed without reference to the amendments incorporated in the constitution in 1912 which have made the constitution practically a new instrument of government. The general tendency of the thirty-three amendments is to make a freer expression of democracy through the medium of the initiative and referendum. direct primaries and home rule for cities. A workmen's compensation law was enacted which provides for compulsory contributions to an insurance fund by the employers of the state. Many changes were made in providing for improvements in social and industrial conditions. Ohio now has a constitution which is sufficiently flexible to allow changes to he made by amendment without the trouble of a constitutional convention. BOUNDARY LINES. The state boundaries of Ohio have been the cause for most animated discussions, not only in regard to state limits but county and township lines as well. In 1817, and again in 1834, a severe controversy arose over th boundary between Ohio and Michigan which was settled only after violent demonstrations and government interference. In primitive times the geographical position, extent and suface diversities were but meagerly comprehended. In truth, it may be asserted they could not have been more at variace with actual facts had they been laid out 52 - LAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. "haphazard." The Ordinance of 1787 represented Lake Michigan far north of its real position, and even as late as 1812 its size and location had not been definitely ascertained. During that year Amos Spafford addressed a clear, comprehensive letter to the governor of Ohio relative to the boundary lines between Michigan and Ohio. Several lines of survey were laid out as the first course, but either Michigan or Ohio expressed disapproval in every case. This dispute came to a climax in 1835 when the party beginning a "permanent" survey began at the northwest corner of the state and was attacked by a force of Michigan settlers who sent them away badly routed and beaten. No effort was made to return to the work until the state and various parties had weighed the subject, and finally the interposition of the government became necessary. A settlement resulted in the establishment of the present boundary line between the two states, Michigan being pacified with the grant of a large tract in the northern peninsula. Ohio is situated between the 38̊ 25' and 42̊ north latitude, and 80̊ 30' and 84̊ 50' west longitude from Greenwich, or 3̊ 30' and 7̊ 50' west from Washington. From north to south it extends over two hundred and ten miles, and from east to west two hundred and twenty miles—comprising thirty-nine thousand nine hundred and sixty-four square miles. The state is generally higher than the Ohio river. In the southern counties the surface is greatly diversified by the inequalities produced by the excavating power of the Ohio river and its tributaries. The greater portion of the state was originally covered with timber, although in the central and northwestern sections some prairies were found. The crest or watershed between the waters of Lake Erie and those of the Ohio is less elevated than in New York or Pennsylvania. Sailing upon the Ohio the country appears to be mountainous, bluffs rising to the height of two hundred and fifty to six hundred feet above the bed of the river. Ascending the tributaries of the Ohio, these precipitous hills gradually lessen until they are resolved into gentle undulations and toward the sources of the river the land becomes low and level. Although Ohio has no inland lakes of importance, it possesses a favorable river system which gives the state a convenient water transportation. The lake on the northern boundary, and the Ohio river on the south afford convenient outlets by water to important points. The means of communication and transportation are superior in every respect, and are constantly being increased by railroad and electric lines. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 53 ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES AND EARLY EVENTS. Adams county was named in honor of John Adams, the second President of the United States. Governor St. Clair proclaimed it a county on July 10, 1797. The Virginia Military Tract included this section, and the first settlement made within its boundaries was in this county in 1790-91, between the Scioto and Little Miami, at Manchester, by Gen. Nathaniel Massie. In this town was held the first court of the county. West Union, the present county seat, was laid out by the Honorable Thomas Kirker. It occupies the summit of a high ridge. The surface of this county is hilly and broken, and the eastern part is not fertile. It produces corn, wheat and oats. Its hills are composed of aluminous shale. Ashland county, one of the finest agricultural sections, was formed February 26, 1846. Wheat, oats, corn, potatoes, grass and fruit are raised. Ashland is its county seat and was laid out by William Montgomery in 1816. It was called Uniontown for several years. Daniel Carter raised the first cabin within the county limits in 1811. Auglaize county was formed in February, 1848, from Allen and Mercer counties. Wapakoneta is its county seat. Allen county was formed from the Indian territory April 1, 1820. Lima is its county seat. Ashtabula county was created June 7, 1807, and was organized January 22, 1811. The surface is level near the.lake, while the remainder is undulating. The soil is mostly clay. This was the first county settled on the Western Reserve and also the earliest in northern Ohio. On the 4th of July, 1796, the first surveying party arrived at the mouth of Conneaut creek. Judge James Kingsbury was the first who wintered there with his family. He was the first man to use a sickle in the first wheat field in the Western Reserve. Their child was the first born on the Western Reserve and was starved to death. The first regular settlement was at Harpersfield in 1798. Jefferson is the county seat. Ashtabula is pleasantly situated on the river, with a fine harbor two and a half miles from the village. The first church on the Western Reserve was founded at Austinburg in 1801. Athens county was formed from Washington March 1, 1805. It produces wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. The surface is hilly and broken, with rich bottom lands between. Coal, iron ore and salt add materially to its commercial value. Athens, its county seat, is situated on the Hocking river. Ohio University, the first college founded in the state, is located here. We have mentioned the ancient mounds found in this county heretofore. 54 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Brown county was formed March 1, 1818, from Adams and Clermont. It produces wheat, corn, rye and oats. The southern part is prolific in grain, while the northern is adapted to grazing purposes. The surface is undulating, with the exception of the Ohio river hills. Over this county Tecumseh once held sway. Georgetown, the county seat, was laid out in 1819. Ripley is the largest business town in the county. Belmont county was created by Governor St. Clair September 7, 1801. It produces large crops of wheat, oats, corn and tobacco. It is a picturesque tract of country, and was one of the pioneers in the early settled portions. In 1790 Fort Dillie was erected on the west side of the Ohio. Baker's Fort was a mile below the mouth of the Captina. Many desperate Indian battles were fought within the limits of this county, and the famous Indian scout, Lewis Wetzel, roamed over the region. Saint Clairsville is the county seat, situated on the elevation of land, in a fertile district. Captain Kirkwood and Elizabeth Zane, of historic fame, were early pioneers here. Butler county was formed in 1803 from Hamilton. 1 t is within the blue limestone formation, and one of the most fertile sections of Ohio. Hamilton, the county seat, is situated on the Great Miami. Its hydraulic works furnish superior water power. Rossville, on the opposite side of the Miami, is a large mercantile town. St. Clair passed through this county on his Indian campaigns in 1791, building F0rt Hamilton on the Miami. Champaign county was formed March 1, 1805, from Greene and Franklin. It is drained by Mad river and its tributaries. The soil is fertile, and produces wheat, corn, barley, hay, while beef and wool add to the general wealth. Urbana, the county seat, was laid out in 1805, by Col. William Ward. He was the chief owner of the land and donated many lots to the county under condition that their proceeds be devoted to public improvements. Joseph Vance and George Fithian were the first settlers. The Methodists built the first church in 1807. The main army of Hull concentrated at this point before setting out for Detroit. Many Indian councils were called here and Tecumseh was located for a time near Deer creek. Carroll county was formed from Columbiana in 1832-33. It produces wheat, oats and corn, and valuable coal and iron. The surface is hilly. Carrollton is its county seat. Clark county was formed March 1, 1817, from Champaign, Madison and Greene. Its second settlement was at Kreb's Station in 1796. It is highly cultivated, well watered and very fertile. Tecumseh, the old Indian warrior, was born at the ancient Indian village of Piqua, on the Mad river FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 55 on the site of New Boston. Piqua was destroyed by Gen. George Rogers Clark. Skeletons, beads, gun barrels, tomahawks, kettles, etc., have been found in the vicinity. Springfield, the county seat, is situated on the national road. It has convenient transportation facilities, is handsomely laid out, and is noted for its cultured citizens. It is near Mad river and Buck creek runs through it. Clinton county was formed in 1810. Its surface is undulating, in some parts hilly, and the soil fertile. The county was settled in 1798-99. Wilmington is the county seat, and was laid out in 1810. The first log house was built by William Hobsin. Clermont county was the eighth formed in the Northwest Territory by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is exceedingly rich, and the surface is broken and, near the Ohio, hilly. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes, tobacco, barley, buckwheat and rye form the main crops. Batavia, its county seat, is situated on the Little Miami river and was laid out in 182o by George Ely. Columbiana county was formed March 25, 1803, from Jefferson and Washington. Its soil is very fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It is wealthy in mineral deposits, coal, iron ore, lime and freestone being abundant. Its water-line stone is of superior quality. It was settled in 1797. Lisbon is the county seat. The first paper mill in Ohio was erected in this county, on Little Beaver creek, by John Coulter and John Bever. Coshocton county was organized April 1, 1811. Hills and valleys alternate along the Muskingum river. Coal and iron ore add to its general importance. Coshocton, the county seat, is built on four wide, natural terraces, at the junction of the Tuscarawas and Walhonding. Cuyahoga county was formed June 7, 1807, from Geauga county. Near the lake the soil is sandy, while a clayey' loam may be found elsewhere. As early as 1775 there was a French settlement within the boundaries of Cuyahoga. In 1786 a Moravian missionary came to the present site of Cleveland and settled in an abandoned village of the Ottawas. Circumstances prevented a permanent settlement, and the British tacitly took possession, even remaining upon the lake shores after the Revolution. The first permanent settlement was made at Cleveland in 1796. Job V. Stiles and family and Edward Paine passed the first winter there, their log cabin standing where the Commercial Bank is now located. Rodolphus Edwards and Nathaniel Doane settled here. In 1813 the town was a depot of supplies and a rendezvous for troops engaged in the war. Cleveland, the county seat, is 56 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. situated at the northern termination of the old Ohio canal on the lake shore, In 1814 it was incorporated as a village, and in 1836 as a city. Its elevation is about a hundred feet above the lake. Ohio City is another important town nearly opposite Cleveland on the Cuyahoga. It was incorporated in 1836. Crawford county was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Tern tory. The entire county is adapted to grazing. The soil is generally composed of rich vegetable loam and in some parts the subsoil is clay mixed with lime. Rich beds of shell marl have been discovered. Bucyrus, the county seat, was laid out February II, 1822, by Samuel Norton and James Nil-bourn, original owners of the land. The first settler in the town proper was Samuel Norton. Crawford's sulphur springs are located nine miles from Bucyrus. The water is impregnated with sulphuretted hydrogen and deposits a reddish-purple sediment. In its nature the water is a cathartic, and is diuretic and diaphoretic in its effects. The Annapolis Sulphur Spring is clea and has gained considerable fame by its curative qualities. Opposite Bucyr is a chalybeate spring of tonic qualities. Darke county was organized in March, 1817, from Miami county. this county occurred the lamentable defeat of St. Clair, and the treaty Greenville. Greenville, the county seat, was laid out August 10, 1808, Robert Gray and John Dover. In December, 1793, Wayne built Fort Green ville on this spot, which covered about the same extent as the present town Delaware county was formed February 10, 1808, from Franklin. Delaware, the county seat, was laid out in the spring of 1808, by Moses Byxbe Defiance county was created March 4, 1845, from Williams, Henry and Paulding. The Maumee, Tiffin and Auglaize flow through it. The county is now one of the largest producers of sugar beets in Ohio. Defiance, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee. It was laid out in 1822 by B, Level and H. Phillips. A large Indian settlement occupied its site in very early times. Wayne arrived here August 8, 1794, captured the place, finding about one thousand acres of corn, peach and apple orchards and vegetables of all varieties. Here he built Fort Defiance. Erie county was formed in 1838 from Huron and Sandusky. The soil is alluvial and yields large crops of wheat, corn, oats and potatoes. It possesses inexhaustible quarries of limestone and freestone. The Erie tribe is said to have once occupied the land and were extirpated by the Iroquois. As early as 1754 the French had built settlements here. In 1764 the county was overrun by Pontiac, who came here with warlike demonstrations, but made peace with the whites. Erie was included in the "fire lands" of the Western FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 57 Reserve. Sandusky City is the county seat and was laid out in 1817, then termed Portland. At that time it contained two log huts. The town is finely situated and is based upon an inexhaustible quarry of the finest limestone. In the "patriot war" with the Canadians, this city was the rendezvous for the "patriots." Franklin county was formed April 30, 1803, from Ross. It was in early times occupied by the Wyandot Indians. Its first white settlement was made in 1797 by Robert Armstrong and others. Franklinton was laid out in 1797 by Lucas Sullivan. Worthington was settled by the Scioto Company in 1801. Colonel Kilbourn, who was interested in the work, constructed the first map of Ohio during his explorations by uniting sectional diagrams. Columbus, the capital of the state, is also the county seat of Franklin county. In 1810 the sessions of the Legislature were held at Chillicothe, in 1811 and 1812 at Zanesville, removing again to Chillicothe, and in 1816 being located at Columbus. The town was laid out during the spring of 1812. A penitentiary was erected in 1813 and the state house was built in 1814. It was incorporated as "the borough of Columbus" February 10, 1816. The city charter was granted March 3, 1834. It is beautifully located on the east bank of the Scioto. The Ohio Lunatic Asylum, the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Blind and the Ohio Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb are located at Columbus. Fairfield county was formed by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, December 9, 1800. The soil is varied, being in some parts exceedingly rich, and in others very sterile. Lancaster, the county seat, was laid out by Ebenezer Zane in 1800. In 1797 he opened the road known as "Zane's Trace," from Wheeling to Limestone—now Maysville. It passed through Lancaster at a fording about three hundred yards below the present turnpike bridge. Fayette county was formed from Ross and Highland in 1810. Washington, its county seat, was laid out in 1810. Colonel Stewart was active in the interests of this section and his mem0ry is sacredly revered. Jesse Millikan was prominent in early public affairs. Fulton county. bordering on Michigan, was organized in 1850. It is drained by Bean creek and other small affluents of the Maumee river. The surface is nearly level and the soil fertile. Wauseon is the county seat. Guernsey county was organized in March, 1810. It produces wheat corn and oats. Cambridge is the county seat and was laid out in June, 1806. Mr. Graham was the first settler on the site of the town and his was the only 58 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO dwelling between Lancaster and Wheeling. The first cannel coal found in the county was discovered near Mill's creek. Greene county was formed May I, 1803, from Hamilton and Ross. It produces wheat, corn, rye, grass seed, oats, barley, sheep and swine. The Shawnee town was on the Little Miami and was visited by Capt. Thomas Bullit in 1773. When Daniel Boone was captured in 1778, he was brought to this town and escaped the following year. General Clark invaded this county and the Indians reduced the town to ashes. Xenia, the county seat, was laid off in the forest in 1803 by Joseph C. Vance. The first cabin was erected in April, 1804, by John Marshall. The Rev. James Fowler built the first hewed-log cabin. David N. Sanders built the first frame house. Nine miles north of the town, on the Little Miami river, are the Yellow Springs, which are impregnated with sulphur. Geauga county was formed in 1805 from Trumbull. It is situated at the head of Chargrine, Cuyahoga and a part of Grand rivers, on high ground and is subjected to snow storms more frequently than any other part of the reserve. Its first settlement was made in 1798 at Burton. Chardon is fourteen miles from Lake Erie and is six hundred feet above it. It was laid out as the county seat in 1808. Gallia county was formed April 30, 1803, from Washington. The surface is generally broken. Its first settlement was made in 1791 by a French colony at Gallipolis. This colony was sent out under the auspices of the Scioto Company. This town is now the County seat. Hamilton county was the second established in the Northwest Territory by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, January 2, 1790. Its surface is generally rolling. It produces the ordinary farm products and a great variety of fruits and vegetables for the Cincinnati market. This county was the second settled in Ohio and the first within the Semmes Purchase. Settlers arrived at the spot now occupied by Cincinnati and three or four log cabins were erected. Gen. Arthur St. Clair arrived here in January, 1790. The army of Wayne encamped here later, at Fort Washington. Mr. Maxwell established, in 1793, the "Sentinel of the Northwestern Territory," the first newspaper printed north of the Ohio river. In 1796 Edward Freeman became its proprietor and changed the name to "Freeman's Journal." January 11, 1794; two keel-boats sailed from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh, making regular trips every four weeks. In 1801 the first sea vessel built at Marietta Came down the Ohio. Cincinnati, the county seat, was incorporated January 1802. It was chartered as a city in 1819. The city is beautifully laid out and FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 59 delightfully situated. Its public buildings are elegant and substantial, including the court house and many literary and charitable institutions. Cincinnati is a large manufacturing city and possesses fine water-power facilities. It communicates with the world by means of the Ohio river, railways and electric lines. North Bend is another prominent town in this county, having been the residence of Gen. William H. Harrison, and the site of his burial place. The town was of considerable importance in the early settlement of the state. About thirty yards from Harrison's tomb is the grave of Judge Symmes. Hancock county was formed April 1, 1820. The surface is level and its soil is fertile. Blanchard's Fork waters the central and southern part of the county. Findlay, the county seat, was laid out by ex-Governor Joseph Vance and Elnathan Corry in 1821. It was relaid in 1829. William Vance settled there in the fall of 1821. Hardin county was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. A portion of the surface is level and the remainder undulating. Fort McArthur was built on the Scioto river but proved a weak stockade. Kenton is the county seat, situated on the Scioto river. Harrison county was formed from Jefferson and Tuscarawas, January I, 1814. The surface is hilly, abounding in coal and limestone. Its soil is clayey. In April, 1799, Alexander Henderson and family settled in this county, and at the same time Daniel Peterson and his family resided at the forks of Short creek. The early settlers were much annoyed by Indians and wild beasts. Cadiz is the county seat and was laid out in 1803 and 1804 by Messrs. Briggs and Beatty. Henry county was formed from the old Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Indian corn, oats, potatoes and maple sugar constitute the main products. The county is well supplied with running streams and the soil is unusually rich. The soil is superior for grain. Fruit thrives and all varieties of vegetables are produced in large quantities. Simon Girty, notorious for his wicked career, resided in this county. Girty led the attack on Fort Henry in September, 1777. He demanded the surrender of the fort, and menaced its inmates with an Indian massacre in case of refusal. The action began, but the fort gained the victory. He led a ferocious band of Indians and committed the most fiendish atrocities. Napoleon, the county seat, is situated on the Maumee river. Highland county was formed in May, 1805, from Ross, Adams and Clermont. It is a wealthy, productive .county. Its first settlement began in 60 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. 1801, at New Market by Oliver Ross, Robert Keeston, George W. Barrere, Bernard Weyer and others. Simon Kenton made a trace through this county in early time. Hillsboro is the county seat and was laid out in 1807 by David Hays on the land of Benjamin Ellicott. It is situated on the dividing ridge between the Miami and Scioto. The Hillsboro Academy was founded in 1827. Hocking county was formed March 1, 1818, from Ross, Athens and Fairfield. Its surface is broken and hilly, but is level and fertile beside the streams. The Wyandots once occupied this tract and built a large town herein. In 1798 a few white families ventured to settle. Logan is its county seat and is situated on the Hocking river. Holmes county was formed from Coshocton. Tuscarawas and Wayne January 20, 1824. The southwestern portion is broken. Thomas Butler was the first settler in 1810. Millersburg is the county seat and was laid out in 1830. Huron county was organized in 1815. Norwalk is the county seat. Jackson county was organized March, 1816. The country is rich in minerals and abounds in coal and iron ore. Jackson, the county seat, was laid out in 1817. The old Scioto salt works were among the first worked in Ohio by the whites. Prior to this period the Indians came some distance to this section. to make salt. When Daniel Boone was a prisoner he spent some time at these works. Jefferson county was proclaimed by Governor St. Clair July 29, 1797, and was the fifth county established in Ohio. Its resources in coal are also extensive. The surface is hilly and the soil fertile, producing wheat, corn and oats. The old "Mingo.' town was on the present farms of Jeremiah Hallock and Daniel Potter. The troops of Colonel Williamson rendezvoused at this point when they set out in their cruel Moravian campaign and also the troops'of Colonel Crawford, when they started on the campaign against the Sandusky Indians. Here Logan, the powerful and manly chief of the Mingo nation, once resided. He took no active part in the old French war, which closed in 1760, except that of a peacemaker. He was a stanch friend of the whites until the abominable and unprovoked murder of his father, brother and sister, which occurred in 1774 near the Yellow creek. He then raised the battle cry and sought revenge. However, Logan was remarkably magnanimous toward prisoners who fell into his hands: The year 1793 was the last spent in Indian warfare in Jefferson county. Fort Steuben was erected on the present site of Steuben- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 61 ville, the county seat. in 1789. It was constructed of block-houses, with palisade fences and was dismantled during Wayne's campaign. Bezaleel Wells and Hon. James Ross laid the town out in 1798. It was incorporated February 14, 1805. It is situated upon an elevated plain. In 1814 Messrs. Wells and Dickerson built a woolen manufactory and introduced Merino sheep to the county. Knox county was formed March 1, 1808, from Fairfield. It is drained by the Vernon river. M ount Vernon was laid out in 1805. The early settlers found two wells on the Vernon river built of hammered stone, neatly laid. and near by was a salt-lick. Their direct origin remains a mystery. Gilman Bryant, in 1807, opened the first store in Mount Vernon. The Indians came to Mount Vernon in large numbers for the purpose of trading in furs and cranberries. Each Saturday the settlers worked on the streets, extracting stumps and improving the highway. The first settler north of the place was N. M. Young, who built his cabin in 1803. Mount Vernon is now the county seat, beautifully situated on Vernon river. Kenyon College is located at Gambier. This institution was established under the auspices of Bishop Chase in July, 1826, in the center of a four-thousand-acre tract belonging to Kenyon College. It was chartered as a theological seminary. Lucas county is of comparatively recent origin. This county is situated in the Maumee valley, which was the great arena of historical events. The frightful battle of Wayne's campaign, where the Indians found the British to be traitors, was fought near Fort Miami in this county. Maumee City was laid out in 1817 by Major William Oliver and others. It is situated on the Maumee at the head of navigation. The surface is one hundred feet above the water level. This town, with Perrysburg, its neighbor, is exceedingly picturesque and was in early times frequented by the Indians. The French had a trading post at this point in 1680, and in 1794 the British Fort Miami was built. Toledo, the county seat, is on the left bank of the Maumee and covers the site of a stockade fort, known as Fort Industry, erected in 180o. An Indian treaty was concluded here July 4, 1805, by which the Indians relinquished all rights to the "fire lands." In 1832 Capt. Samuel Allen gave an impetus to the place and Major Stickney also became interested in its advancement. Speculation in lots began in 1834. The Wabash & Erie canal interest arose in 1836. Mr. Mason and Edward Bissel added their energies to assist the growth of the town. It was incorporated as a city in 1836. It was the center of the military operations in the "Ohio and Michigan war." known as the "boundary conflict." 62 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Lorain county was formed from Huron, Cuyahoga and Medina on December 26, 1822. The soil is generally fertile and the surface level. A curious relic has been found in this county, bearing the date of 1533. Elyria is the county seat and was laid out in 1817. The first settler was Heman Ely. Oberlin is situated about eight miles southwest of Elyria. Oberlin College has attained a wide reputation. Logan county was formed March I, 1817. The surface is broken and hilly near the Mad river, but is generally level. The Shawnee Indians were destroyed in 1786 by a body of Kentuckians under Gen. Benjamin Logan. The whites surprised the towns. However, they returned after the work of destruction had been completed and for many years frequented the section. On the site of Zanesville was a Wyandot village. By the treaty of September 29, 1817, the Senecas and Shawnees held a reservation around Lewistown. April 6, 1832, they vacated this right and removed west. Isaac Zane was born about the year 1753 and was, while a boy, captured and afterward adopted by the Wyandots. Attaining the age of manhood, he had no desire to return to his people. He married a Wyandot woman, who was half French. After the treaty of Greenville he bought one thousand eight hundred acres on the site of Zanesville, where he lived until the year 1816, when he died, lamented by all his friends. Logan county was settled about the year 1806. During the War of 1812 it was a rendezvous for friendly Indians. Bellefontaine, the county seat, was laid out March 18, 1820, on land owned by John Tulles and William Powell. Joseph Gordon built a cabin and Anthony Ballard erected the first frame dwelling. Gen. Simon Kenton is buried at the head of Mad river, five miles from Bellefontaine. He died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six days. This remarkable man came west to Kentucky in 1771. He probably encountered more thrilling escapes than any other man of his time. In 1778 he was captured and suffered extreme cruelties and was ransomed by the British. He soon recovered his robust health and escaped from Detroit the following spring. He settled in Urbana in 1802. He was commissioned brigadier-general of the militia and in the War of 1812 joined General Harrison's army. In the year 1820 he removed to Mad river. General Vance and Judge Burnet secured him a pension of twenty dollars a month. Licking county was formed from Fairfield March 1, 1808. The surface is generally level, diversified by slight hills in the eastern portion. Coal and iron ore of good quality add to the wealth of the county. Newark is the county seat, and is situated at the confluence of the three principal branches FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 63 of the Licking. In 1801 it was laid out by Gen. William C. Schenk, George W. Burnet and John M. Cummings, who owned this military section of four thousand acres. In 1802 Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr built hewed-log houses. The picturesque "Narrows of the Licking" are in the eastern part of the county. Lawrence county was organized March 1, 1816. There are many high and abrupt hills in this section, which abound in sand and freestone. It is rich in minerals and the most important section of Ohio for iron manufacture. Coal is abundant and white clay exists in the western part suitable for pottery purposes. The county was settled in 1797 by the Dutch and Irish. The iron region extends through the west part of this county. Ironton is the county seat. Lake county was formed from Geauga and Cuyahoga March 6, 1840. The soil is good and the surface rolling. As early as 1799 a settlement was formed at Mentor. Painesville, the county seat, is situated on Grand river in a beautiful valley. Painesville was laid out by Henry Champion in 1805. At Fairport the first warehouse in this section and probably the first on the lake, was built by Abraham Skinner in 1803. This town has a fine harbor and has a light-house and beacon. Kirtland, southwest from Painesville. was, in 1834, the headquarters of the Mormons. At that time they numbered about three thousand. The old Mormon temple is of rough stone, plastered over, colored blue, and marked to imitate regular courses of masonry. Madison county was organized in March, 1810. The surface is generally level. Jonathan Alder was much interested in the settlement of the county. He, like some other whites, had lived with the Indians many years and had formed a lasting affection for them, and had married a squaw. He became dissatisfied with his Indian wife and this caused him to look up his own family. He succeeded through the assistance of John Moore. He left his Indian wife and joined his people. This County was first settled in 1795. Benjamin Springer made a clearing and built a cabin. Joshua Ewing brought four sheep to this place and the Indians exhibited great astonishment over these strange animals. When the hostilities of 1812 began, the British offered inducements to the Indians to join them and they consulted Alder regarding the best policy to adopt. He advised them to preserve neutrality until a later period, which they did, and eventually became firm friends of the Americans. London is the county seat and was laid out in 1810-11 by Patrick McLene. Marion county was organized March 1, 1824. The soil is fertile and 64 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. produces extensive farm crops. The Delaware Indians once held a reservation here and conceded their claims August 3, 1829, and then removed west of the Mississippi. Marion, the county seat, was laid out in 1821 by Eber Baker and Alexander Holmes. General Harrison marched through this section during his campaign. Mahoning county was formed in 1846 from Trumbull and Columbiana. The surface is rolling and the soil generally fertile. Bituminous coal and iron are found in large quantities. Col. James Hillman came to the Western Reserve in 1786. The settlement of the county went forward. Youngstown is the county seat. Medina county was formed from the Western Reserve February 12, 1812. The surface is rolling and the soil is fertile, producing fine agricultural products. The first trail made through the county was made by George Poe, Joseph H. Larwell and Roswell M. Mason. The first settlement was made by Joseph Harris in 1811. He was soon joined by the Burr Brothers. Medina is the county seat. Meigs county was formed from Gallia and Athens April t, 1819. The general character of the soil is clayey, producing large quantities of wheat, oats, corn, hay and potatoes. Pomeroy, the county seat, is situated under a lofty hill, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Nathaniel Clark was the first settler of the county. He arrived in 1816. The first coal mine opened in Pomeroy was in 1819 by David Bradshaw. Mercer county was formed from the Indian Territory in 1820. The surface is generally flat. St. Clair's battle was fought on the boundary line between this and Darke county. Lewis Cass and Duncan McArthur made a treaty on St. Mary's with the Wyandots, Shawnees and Ottawas in 1818. The odious Simon Girty lived at one time at St. Mary's. Wayne built St. Mary's fort on the west bank of the river. John Whistler was the last commander of the fort. The largest artificial lake in the world, so it is asserted, is formed by the reservoir supplying the St. Mary's feeder of the Miami Extension Canal. It is about nine miles long and from two to four broad. Celina is the county seat. Miami county was formed January 16, 1807, from Montgomery. It abounds in excellent limestone and possesses remarkable water-power facilities. Its agricultural products rank high in quality and quantity. John Knoop came into this section about the year 1797 and its first settlement began about this time. Troy, the county seat, is situated upon the Great Miami. Piqua is the largest city in the county. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 65 Monroe county was formed January 29, 1813, from Belmont, Washington and Guernsey. A portion of its surface is abrupt and hilly. Large quantities of tobacco are raised. Iron ore and coal abound. The valleys of the streams are very narrow, bounded by rough hills. In some places are natural rock grottoes. The first settlement was made in 1799 near the mouth of the Sunfish. At this time wolves were numerous and caused much alarm. Volney entered this county but was not prepossessed in its favor. One township was settled by the Swiss. Woodsfield is the county seat. Montgomery county was formed from Ross and Hamilton May I, 1803. The soil is fertile and its agricultural products are most excellent. Quarries of grayish-white limestone are found east of the Miami. Dayton is the county seat, situated on the Great Miami at the mouth of Mad river.. A company was formed in 1788, but Indian wars prevented settlement. After Wayne's treaty in 1795, a new company was formed. It advanced rapidly between the years 1812 and 182o. The beginning of th1820.mi canal renewed its prosperity in 1827. The first canal-boat from Cincinnati arrived at Dayton on the 25th of January, 1829. The first one arrived from Lake Erie in June, 1845. Col. Robert Patterson came to Dayton in 1804. At one time he owned Lexington, Kentucky, and about one-third of Cincinnati. Morgan county was organized in 1818, March 1. The surface is hilly and the soil strong and fertile, producing wheat, corn, oats and tobacco. Pork is a prolift0bacco.ct and considerable salt is made. The first settlement was made in 1790 on the Muskingum. McConnelsville is the county seat. Mr. Ayres made the first attempt to produce salt in 1817. Morrow county was organized in 1848. It is drained by the Vernon river, which rises in it, by the East Branch of the Olontangy or Whetstone river, and by Walnut creek. The surface is undulating and the soil fertile. The staple products are corn, wheat, oats, hay, wool and butter. Mount Gilead, the county seat, is situated on the East Branch of the Olentangy river. Muskingum county was formed from Washington and Fairfield. The surface is rolling or hilly. It produces wheat, corn, oats, potatoes, tobacco, wool and pork. Large quantities of bituminous coal are found. Salt is made in large quantities—the fine being obtained from a stratum of whitish sandstone. The Wyandots, Delawares, Senecas and Shawnees Indians once inhabited this section. An Indian town occupied the site of Duncan's Falls. A large Shawnee town was located near Dresden. Zanesville is the county seat, situated opposite the mouth of the Licking. It was laid out in 1799 by Mr. Zane and Mr. McIntire. This is one of the principal towns in the state. (5) 66 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Noble county, organized in 1851, is drained by Seneca, Duck, and Wills creeks. The surface is undulating and a large part of it is covered with forests. The soil is fertile. Among its mineral resources are limestone, co and petroleum. Near Caldwell, the county seat, are found iron ore, coal an salt. Ottawa county was formed from Erie, Sandusky and Lucas March 6, 1840. It was very thinly settled before 1830. Extensive plaster beds exist on the peninsula, which extends into Lake Erie. It has also large limestone quarries, which are extensively worked. The very first trial at arms upon the soil of Ohio, during the War of 1812, occurred upon this peninsula. Port Clinton, the county seat, was laid out in 1827. Perry county was formed from Washington, Fairfield and Muskingum March 1, 1817. Fine tobacco is raised in large quantities. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, cattle, pork and wool add to the general wealth. This county was first settled in 1801. The first settler was Christian Binckley, who built the first cabin in the county, about five miles west of Somerset, near the present county line. New Lexington is the county seat. Paulding county was formed from old Indian Territory August 1, 1820. It produces corn, wheat, sugar beets and oats. Paulding is the county seat. Pickaway county was formed from Fairfield, Ross and Franklin January 12, 1810. The county has woodland, barren, plain and prairie. The barr were covered by shrub oaks and when cleared are adapted to the raising corn and oats. The Pickaway plains are three and a half miles west of Circleville and this tract is said to contain the richest land in Ohio. Here, in olden times, burned the great council fires of the red man. Here the all the tribes met General Lewis, who fought the battle of Point Pleasant. Dummore's campaign was terminated on these plains. It was at the Chillicothe towns, after Dunmore's treaty, that Logan delivered his famous speech. Circleville, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto river and the Ohio canal. It was laid out in 1810 by Daniel Dresbach. It is situated on the site of ancient fortifications. Portage county was formed June 7, 1807, from Trumbull. It is a wealthy, thriving section. It also produces wheat, corn, oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, butter and wool. Ravenna is the county seat and was originally settled by the Hon. Benjamin Tappen in June, 1799. In 1806 an unpleasant difficulty arose between the settlers and a camp of Indians in Deerfield, caused by a horse trade between a white man and an Indian. David Daniels settled on the site of Palmyra in 1799• 67 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Pike county was organized in 1815. The surface is generally hilly, which abound with freestone, which is exported in large quantities for building purposes. Rich bottom lands extend along the Scioto and its tributaries. John Noland and the three Chenoweth brothers settled on the Pee Pee prairie about 1796. Piketown, the former county seat, was laid out about 1814. Waverly, 'the present county seat, is situated on the Scioto river. Preble county was formed March t, 1808, from Montgomery and Butler. The soil is varied. Eaton, the county seat, was laid out in 1806, by William Bruce, who owned the land. An overflowing well of strong sulphur water is near the town, while directly beside it is a limestone quarry. Holderman's quarry is about two miles distant, from which is obtained a beautifully clouded gray stone. Fort St. Clair was built near Eaton in the winter of 1791-92. General Harrison was an ensign at the time and commanded a guard every other night for three weeks during the building. The severe battle of November 6, 1792, was fought under its very guns. Little Turtle, a distinguished chief of the Miamis, roamed over this county for a time. He was witty, brave and earnest and, although engaged in several severe contests with the whites, he was inclined toward peace. But when his warriors cried for war he led them bravely. Putnam county was formed April t, 1820, from old Indian Territory. The soil is fertile, its principal productions being wheat, corn, potatoes and oats. Kalida, once the county seat, was laid out in 1834. Ottawa is the county seat. Ross county was formed August 20, 1798, by the proclamation of Governor St. Clair and was the ninth county formed in the Northwest Territory. The Scioto river and Paint creek run through it, bordered with fertile lands. It exports cattle and hogs. The Rev. Robert W. Finley, in 1794, addressed a letter of inquiry to Col. Nathaniel Massie, as many of his associates had designed settling in the new state. This resulted in packing their several effects and setting out. A trivial Indian encounter was the only interruption they met with on their way. After Wayne's treaty, Colonel Massie and many of these early explorers met again and formed a settlement—in 1796—at the mouth of Paint creek. In August of this year, Chillicothe was laid out by Colonel Massie in a dense forest. He donated lots to the early settlers. A ferry was established over the Scioto and the opening of Zane's trace assisted the progress of settlement. Chillicothe, the county seat, is situated on the Scioto. Its site is thirty feet above the river. In i800 it was the seat of the Northwest territorial government. It was in- 68 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. corporated as a city in January, 1802. During the War of 1812, the city was a rendezvous for the United States troops. A large number of British were at one time guarded here. Adena is a beautiful place and the seat of Governor Worthington's mansion, which was built in 1806. Richland was organized March I, 1813. It was settled about .1809 on branches of the Mohican. Two block-houses were built in 1812. Mansfield, the county seat, is charmingly situated and was laid out in 1808 by Jacob Newman, James Hedges and Joseph H. Larwell. The county was at that period a vast wilderness, destitute of roads. From this year the settlement progressed rapidly. Sandusky county was formed April I, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. The soil is fertile and country generally level. Near Lower Sandusky lived a band of Wyandots, called the Neutral Nation. They preserved their peacemaking attributes through the Iroquois conflicts. Fremont, formerly called Lower Sandusky, the county seat, is situated at the head of navigation on the Sandusky on the site of the old reservation grant to the Indians, at the Greenville treaty council. Fort Stephenson was erected in August, 1813, and was gallantly defended by Colonel Croghan. Summit county was formed March 3, 1840, from Medina, Portage and Stark. The soil is fertile and produces excellent fruit, besides large crops of corn, wheat, hay, oats and potatoes. The first settlement made in the counts was at Hudson in 1800. The old Indian portage-path, extending through this county, between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas branch of the Muskingum. This was a part of the ancient boundary between the Six Nations and the Western Indians. Akron, the county seat, is situated on the portage summit. It was laid out in 1825. In 1811 Paul Williams and Amos and Minor Spicer settled in this vicinity. Middlebury was laid out in 1818 by Norton and Hart. Stark county was formed February 13, 1808. It is a rich agricultural county. It has large quantities of mineral coal and iron ore. Limestone and extensive beds of lime-marl exist. Frederick Post, the first Moravian missionary in Ohio, settled here in 1761. Canton is the county seat, situated in the forks of the Nimishillen, a tributary of the Muskingum. It was laid out in 1806, by Bezaleel Wells, who owned the land. Massillon was laid out in March, 1826, by John Duncan. Shelby county was formed in 1819, from Miami. The southern portion is undulating, arising in some places to hills. Through the north it is a flat table-land. The first point of English settlement in Ohio was at the FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 69 mouth of Laramie's creek in this county as early as 1752. Fort Laramie was built in 1794 by Wayne. The first white family that settled in this county was that of James Thatcher in 1804. Sidney, the county seat, was laid out in 1819 on the farm of Charles Starrett. Seneca county was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. Fort Seneca was built during the War of 1812. The Senecas owned forty thousand acres of land on the Sandusky river, mostly in Seneca county. Thirty thousand acres of this land was granted to them in 1817 at the treaty held at the foot of the Maumee Rapids. The remaining ten thousand was granted the following year. These Indians ceded this tract, however, to the government in 1831. It was asserted by an old chief that this band was the remnant of Logan's tribe. 'Tiffin, the county seat, was laid out by Josiah Hedges in the year 1821. Scioto county was formed May 1, 1803. It is a good agricultural section, besides producing iron ore, coal and freestone. It is said that a French fort stood at the mouth of the old Scioto as early as 1740. In 1785 four families settled where Portsmouth now stands. Thomas McDonald built the first cabin in the county. The French grant was located in this section—a tract comprising twenty-four thousand acres. The grant was made in March, 1795. Portsmouth, the county seat, is located upon the Ohio. Trumbull county was formed in 1800. The original Connecticut Western Reserve was within its limits. The county is well cultivated and very wealthy. Coal is found in its northern portion. Warren, the county seat, is situated on the Mahoning river. It was laid out by Ephriam Quinby in 1801. Quinby owned the soil. His cabin was built here in 1799. In August, 1800, while Mr. McMahon was away from home, a party of drunken Indians called at the house, abused the family, struck a child a severe blow with a tomahawk and threatened to kill the family. Mrs. McMahon could not send tidings which could reach her husband before noon the following day. The following Sunday morning, fourteen men and two boys armed themselves and went to the Indian camp to settle the difficulty. Quinby advanced alone, leaving the remainder in concealment, as he was better acquainted with these people, to make inquiries and ascertain their intentions. He did not return at once and the party set out, marched into camp and found Quinby arguing with Captain George, the chief. Captain George snatched his tomahawk and declared war, rushing forward to kill McMahon. But a bullet from the frontiersman's gun killed him instantly, while Storey shot "Spotted John" at the same time. The Indians then fled. They joined 70 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO the council at Sandusky. Quinby garrioned his house. Fourteen days thereafter, the :Indians returned with overtures of peace, which were, that McMahon and Storey be taken to Sandusky, tried by Indian laws, and if found guilty punished by them. This could not be done. McMahon was tried by General St. Clair and the matter was settled. The first missionary on the reserve was the Rev. Joseph Badger. Tuscarawas county was formed February 15, 1808, from Muskingum. It is well cultivated with abundant supplies of coal and iron. The first white settlers were Moravian missionaries, their first visits dating back to 1761. The first permanent settlement was made in 1803. Mary Heckewelder, the daughter of a missionary, was born in this county April 16, 1781. Fort Laurens was built during the Revolution. It was the scene of a fearful carnage. It was established in the fall of 1778 and placed under the command of General McIntosh. New Philadelphia is the county seat, situated on the Tuscarawas. It was laid out in 1804 by John Knisely. A German colony settled in this county in 1817, driven from their native land by religious persecution. They called themselves Separatists. They are good people, strictly moral and honest. Union county was formed from Franklin, Delaware, Logan and Madison in 1820. Extensive limestone quarries are also valuable. The Ewing brothers made the first white settlement in 1798. Col. James Curry, a member of the State Legislature, was the chief instigator in the progress of this section. He located within its limits and remained until his death, which occurred in 1834. Marysville is the county seat. Van Wert county was formed from the old Indian Territory April 1, 1820. Van Wert, the county seat, was founded by James W. Riley in 1837. An Indian town had formerly occupied its site. Captain Riley was the first white man who settled in the county, arriving in 1821. He founded Will-shire in 1822. Vinton county was organized in 1850. It is drained by Raccoon and Salt creeks. The surface is undulating or hilly. Bituminous coal and iron ore are found. McArthur is the county seat. Washington county was formed by proclamation of Governor St. Clair July 27, 1788 and was the first county founded within the limits of Ohio. The surface is broken with extensive tracts of level, fertile land. It was the first county settled in the state under the auspices of the Ohio Company. A detachment of United States troops, under command of Major John Doughty, built Fort Harmar in 1785 and it was the first military post estab- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 71 lished in Ohio by Americans, with the exception of Fort Laurens, which was erected in 1778. It was occupied by United States troops until 1790, when they were ordered to Connecticut. A company under Captain Haskell remained. in 1785 the directors of the Ohio Company began practical operations and settlement went forward rapidly. Campus Martius, a stockade fort, was completed in 1791. This formed a sturdy stronghold during the war. During the Indian war there was much suffering in the county. Many settlers were killed and captured. Marietta is the county seat and the oldest town in Ohio. Marietta College was chartered in 1835. Herman Blennerhassett, whose unfortunate association with Aaron Burr proved fatal to himself, was a resident of Marietta in 1796. Warren county was formed May I, 1803, from Hamilton. The soil is_ very fertile and considerable water power is furnished by its streams. Mr. Bedell made the first settlement in 1795. Lebanon is the county seat. Henry Taylor settled in this vicinity in 1796. Union Village is a settlement of Shakers. They came here about 1805. Wayne county was proclaimed by Governor St. Clair, August 15, 1796, and was the sixth county in the Northwest Territory. The settlement of this section has already been briefly delineated. Wooster is the county seat. It was laid out during the fall of 1808, by John Beaver, William Henry and Joseph H. Larwell, owners of the land. Its site is three hundred and thirty-seven feet above Lake Erie. The first mill was built by Joseph Stibbs in 1809, on Apple creek. In 1812 a block-house was erected in Wooster. Wood county was formed from the old Indian Territory in 1820. The soil is rich and large crops are produced. The county is situated within the Maumee valley. It was the arena of brilliant military exploits (luring early times. Bowling Green is the county seat. Williams county was formed April 1, 1820, from the old Indian Territory. Bryan is the county seat. It was laid out in 1840. Wyandot county was formed February 3, 1845, from Marion, Hardin, Hancock and Crawford. The surface is level and the soil fertile. The Wyandot Indians frequented this section. It was the scene of Crawford's defeat in June, 1782, and his fearful death. By the treaty of 1817, Hon. Lewis Cass and Hon. Duncan McArthur, United States commissioners, granted to the Indians a reservation twelve miles square, the central point being Fort Ferree. The Delaware reserve was ceded to the United States in 1829. The Wyandots ceded theirs March 17, 1842. The United States commissioner was Col. John Johnson, who thus made the last Indian treaty in Ohio. Every 72 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. foot of this state was fairly purchased by treaties. The Wyandots were exceedingly brave and several of their chiefs were men of exalted moral principles. Upper Sandusky is the county seat and was laid out in 1843. General Harrison had built Ferree on this spot during the war of 1812. Governor Meigs, in 1813, encamped near the river with several thousand of the Ohio militia. The Indian village of Crane Town was originally called Upper Sandusky. The Indians transferred their town, after the death of Tarhe, to Upper Sandusky. CHAPTER II. GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY. Fayette county is bordered on the north by Madison county, on the east by Pickaway, on the south by Highland and Ross and on the west by Clinton and Greene counties. The geological formations of Fayette county are very little exposed. being generally covered with alluvial and drift deposits. However, where they are exposed they present a great variety of material, such as imbedded fossils, ores, coal and valuable stone. There are no swift streams. There is a level surface of underlying rock, a superficial covering of deep, black loam, which condition is wonderfully suited to the pursuit of agriculture. In fact, the soil is adapted to all kinds of growth, including grasses and cereals. The production of good grasses has naturally led to the extensive raising of stock. WATER COURSES. There are numerous water courses traversing Fayette county from the northern to the southern boundary, varying but little in direction. These streams are all sluggish in the upper half of their course, but they have adequate fall to constitute a good natural system of drainage. At an early day in the settlement of this part of the country the greater portion of the county was too swampy to admit the use of the plow, but since the streams have been cleared and ditches have been dug, the water is carried away in proportionate quantities to the amount remaining in the soil. The water courses of the county are singular in their uniformity of direction and tributaries. The main water channels are nearly parallel with each other and they take the same general direction, uniformly to the east of south. This is true of Deer creek, as of Paint creek and its tributaries. There is another peculiar characteristic of the streams, that is, most of the tributaries enter the main channels from the west. This proves the county to he a natural water shed from east to south, and that as the lowest land in the county is at the point where the water leaves it, so the highest may be discovered in the region whence it flowed, the northwest. Deer creek is about one hundred feet lower than the north fork of 74 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Paint creek, on the line of the White Oak turnpike; Compton's creek, on the line of the New Holland and Bloomingburg turnpike, is fifty feet higher than the North fork and East fork is eighty-seven feet higher than North fork and main point one hundred and four feet higher than the same stream. LAND ELEVATION. The rise in the land from Washington to the northern boundary of the county is estimated to be about fifty feet; and from the extreme north to the south along Paint creek the fall reaches almost two hundred and ten feet. Near Greenfield is a point four hundred and fifty-one feet above low water mark at Cincinnati and perhaps seventy-five feet above the bed of the creek at the Fayette county line, the point of Paint creek, where it leaves the county, would be three hundred and seventy-six feet above low water mark at Cincinnati. Add one hundred and sixty feet, the elevation of Washington C. H. above Paint creek, at the southern line of the county, and the elevation of this town above low-water mark of the Ohio river at Cincinnati is about five hundred and thirty-six feet. or nine hundred and sixty-eight feet above tide water. It will appear from these figures that the average elevation of Fayette county is about two hundred feet less than that of Clinton county on the west. FORMATIONS. In tracing the line of outcrop of the various formations from a point in the western point of Clinton county, where Todd's fork leaves the county, it is found that the strata of stone at the bottom proceeds to the east. If a well were dug at Washington C. H., it would cut through all the strata found to the west as far as Cincinnati. It would first penetrate the strata overlying those exposed at Rock Mills, and, passing through these, would reach the strata represented at Paint creek, below Rock Mills, and then would reach the stone so abundant on Rattlesnake, from the line of the Washington and Leesburg road to the south. It would next penetrate the waterline building stone of Greenfield and Lexington and, going deeper, would penetrate the great Niagara system, about one hundred and seventy-five feet in depth. The next strata would be the Clinton iron ore and then the stratified stone of this formation about thirty feet in thickness, and then, after cutting through three feet of a ferruginous clay, would reach the Cincinnati group, or blue limestone, and in about one hundred and twenty-five feet would reach the strata which are seen in Todd's fork, where it flows out of Clinton county.