General fund Lighting street fund Police fund Street cleaning Street improvement Bridge fund Widening streets Sanitary fund Fire fund Prison fund Salary fund Total

$198.20 412.74 196.52 75.76 375.91 132.86 246.91 207.63 48.24 35.69 175.43 $2005.89

STORES, HOTELS, AND THE BANK. The first store at or near Batavia was kept by Samuel Gilbreath, at the old crossing of the East Fork, near the house of Thomas Marsh. Ho owned 45 acres of land there, on which he erected a double log cabin, and. in the summer of 1814, opened his store,—a good stock of merchandise r those days. " Uncle Sammy," as he was called, held rth extra inducements, r about two years, for the trade of the surrounding country, then sold his stock to John Miles, who did not continue long. In the village George Ely sold the first goods in a small building which stood on Water Street just beyond the "Griffin House." His stock was not large, and consisted only of the barest necessaries demanded by the pioneers, In the frame building before alluded to as being the first good business house, Abraham Miley opened the next store, about 1818, and continued to do a good business several years. Near by the firm of Miley & Armstrong also carried on a small pork-packing establishment about the same time. Soon after other stores were kept by David Dim mitt, Joseph Grant, William Dennison, and Benjamin Harris, whose son afterwards became mayor of Cincinnati. In 1825, Andrew Foote removed to Batavia from Williamsburgh, and continued merchandising five or six yeah, doing a large business. About the same period, John Pegg opened a store in a small brick house which stood at the foot of Main Street, on the west side of the bridge, and was assisted by his son Samuel A., and later by John W. Kain, as clerks. In a few years the store was moved into a building which stood opposite J. C. Jenike's shoe-shop, and there continued until John Pegg died, July, 1834. The business was then carried on several years by Samuel A. Pegg, and finally passed into the hands of William W. Robinson and John W. Kain, who erected the Kline Block in 1837, and r several years there transacted an extensive business. Before this period John M. Brown erected the first good brick business house, which he occupied r mercantile purposes. This building is at present the residence of Charles W. Pegg. Half a dozen years later James Pickens, an Irishman, who had started a store in a small building on the corner, erected the present Dustin house, in 1838, and afterwards occupied it fur a store. Subsequently Jesse S. Dustin was here in trade until his death, and for the past ten years White & Henrici have been successful merchants there, the former having been with Dustin. About 1835, John W. Robinson put up the brick block on the corner opposite the court-house, making it a two- story building. Here he was largely engaged in trade a number of years. John M. Brown added the third story, and was also here in trade. The stand is at present occupied by the grocer, Joseph Bicking. At the stand occupied by Harvey P. Sutton, Stephen C. Robinson and W. W. Sutton were rmerly established as merchants. On the opposite side of the street Charles Kai n and the Jamieson Brothers have been successfully engaged in trade ; and many others, whose names cannot be here produced, followed the merchant's avocation in Batavia, selling a general line of goods. The first distinct hardware-store was opened by D. G. Dustin at the stand where he is yet extensively engaged; and near by William Carter is also in the hardware trade. Drug-stores have been kept by J. H. Hamilton, Abel S. 258 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. Smith, Charles Pegg, Kennedy & Dowdney, and James Moore ; and at present the druggists are John Bunn, A. J. Sprague, and J. I'. Robinson. S. G. Norris is a dealer in books, stationery, and notions; and J. Grant in harness. The first public-house in the vicinity of Batavia was opened by Robert Townsley, in 1802, where Ezekiel Duck- wall now lives. In the village Titus Everhart kept the first tavern, Abut 1816, in a building which stood on the site of Mrs. Rhodes' millinery-shop ; George Ely entertained travelers soon after on the Griffin corner, and John Chambers at where is Glancy's grocery. In later years Thomas Kain had a hotel on the site of the Methodist parsonage. The Griffrn House was partly built by George Ely, and has been kept by the present proprietor many years. The Hamilton House embraces part of a building put up in 1818 by Alexander Blair, a shoemaker, and was first used as a residence, About 1835, John Jamieson enlarged the house and adapted it for hotel purposes, and kept a popular place many years, His successor has been the present proprietor, J, H. Hamilton. The Davis House was built in 1831-32 by John W, Robinson, and kept by him a few years, Other landlords have been William W. Robinson, David Duck wall, Thomas Kain, Joseph Johnson, and, the greater part of the past twenty-five years, the present George M. Davis. East of the village, on the turnpike, about one mile distant, George Griffin, Samuel Maham, and C. Krieger have kept public-houses, and near by Samuel Maham at present keeps the " One-Mile House." Farther east, the first tavern was opened and kept as early as 1807 by Peter Harden. In the same neighborhood a store has been kept by various parties, and at present by David Atchley. In intimate connection with the hotels of Batavia were the stage-lines to Cincinnati, and whichever hotel was selected as the headquarters for the arrival and departure of the stages was, from this fact, a general point of interest for all the people of the village and the surrounding country. The arrival of the " buss" with a full load of passengers caused a general suspension of business, and every one was on the alert to learn something about those who had so recently set foot in the village, and these opportunities for social gossip were eagerly employed, and formed some of the pleasant features of those days. Prior to 1847 a tri-weekly line ran from Cincinnati to Georgetown via Batavia and Bethel, but in 1847 a daily line was placed on the road, under the management of Josh Davis. George Lukens was afterwards he proprietor, and had Charles W. Pegg, now a wealthy citizen of the village, as his driver. In the course of five years Fred. Duckwall became the proprietor, and among the drivers were George Griffin, Will Davis, John Long, and others. The line was afterwards owned by Davis & Hamilton, Milton Jamieson, Aaron Cleveland, Ham. Allen, and Brimmer & Teasdale, each of whom had drivers more or less characterized by some strong peculiarity. Among the well-known owners of stages from Williamsburgh to Batavia was Will Kain, who ran the " little buss." The Cincinnati line owned about forty horses, and four changes of six horses each were made each way, the trip consuming about three hours. The last stage was withdrawn in the fall of 1876. The First National Bunk of Batavia was organized Jan. 10, 1865, with a capital stock of $100,000, controlled by eleven stockholders. The first board of directors was composed of William Megrue, M, N, Megrue, John S. Griffith, R. W. Clarke, Jesse S. Dustin, T. M, Lewis, and S. F. Dowdney. William Megrue was chosen as the first president ; N. Megrue, vice-president ; and Milton Jamieson, cashier. The latter served as cashier until July 11, 1868, when he was elected president of the bank, and has since filled that position, At the same time J. F. Dial was appointed cashier, and yet serves in that capacity. William Megrue was the president of the bank until July 29, 1865, when he was succeeded by C. G. Megrue, who held the place until Jan. 14, 1868. At that time William Megrue was again elected and served until the accession of Mr. Jamieson, July 11, 1878. The bank has had but two vice-presidents, the present officer, William Roudebush, having served since July 11, 1868. The capital of the bank remains as established, and the stock is held by twenty persons. It has always been in good demand as an investment, and has commanded a premium of from 10 to 20 per cent. The affairs of the bank have been most judiciously managed, and its investments so wisely made that but a small percentage of losses has been suslained, and dividends have been regularly declared to the stockholders. The board of directors in 1879 was composed of the following persons : Milton Jamieson, William Roudebush, George W. Hulick, J. S. Griffith, F. J. Roudebush, E. D. Titus, and G. W. Gregg. The vacancy caused by the death of the latter remains unfilled. The business of the bank was transacted in the old auditor's office until January, 1875, when the institution was removed to its present well-adapted office in the Jamieson Block, which was built and fitted up for this purpose the year before by M. Jamieson. It is provided with good vaults and safes, guaranteeing the depositors good protection, and adding to the confidence which the management of the bank has inspired. The First National is the first and only bank that has ever existed in Batavia. The Clermont Saving and Loan Association filed a certificate for incorporation under the laws of the State of May, 1868, and the amendatory acts thereof, Dec. 17, 1869. The articles specified that the capital stock of the association should be $200,000, in 1000 shares of $200 each. The corporators named were S. F. Dowdney, G. W. Gregg, George W. Hulick, R. J. Bancroft, W. H. Bickelheimer, Dale O. Cowen, W. B. Applegate, William Nichols, J. Bicking, A. M. Dimmitt, and C, H. Kain. The association was to be located at Batavia, with a branch office at Felicity, if necessary. On the 2d of March, 1870, the association had more than 200 members, and proceeded to elect its first hoard of directors and officers, as follows : President, S. F. Dowdney; Vice-President, G. W. Hulick ; Secretary, Frank White ; Treasurer, C. H. Kain ; W. R. Sinks, J, W. Sims, W. W. BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 259 Ricker, P. S. Jones, A. Beagle, George L. Swing, G. W. Gregg, W. B. C. Stirling, G. W. Hulick, D. 0. Cowen, James B. Brunaugh, and C. H. Kain. The number of members has been increased to 250, and the affairs of the association generally have been prosperous. Besides Judge Dowdney, George L. Swing and F, D. White have been presidents of the association, and the present officers and directors are : President, S. F. Dowdney; Vice-President, F. J. Roudebush ; Secretary, Frank White; Treasurer, W, W. Perkins ; and Directors, George L. Swing, E. Krinks, W. W. Perkins, S. F. Dowdney, John W. Sims, and Frank J. Roudebush. THE POST-OFFICE, PRESS, AND PROFESSIONS. The Batavia post-office was established in 1818, and Alexander Blair was appointed postmaster, holding the office in his shoe-shop, which stood on the site of the Hamilton House. He was succeeded by George Reeves, and his successors were Jacob and George Medary. In 1842, Jesse S. Dustin was appointed, and held the office until 1861, when, under the Republican administration, Stephen S. Robinson became postmaster. In 1866, under Johnson's administration, Thomas S. Bryan, a deputy under Mr. Dustin, was appointed and served a few months, but was succeeded by Charles H. Kain, who continued to serve until his removal in 1871. His former deputy, S. F. Jamieson, then became postmaster, and discharged the duties of the office until the close of 1879, when he resigned, and W. T. Kain, for more than five years his deputy, was appointed, his commission bearing date Jan, 1, 1880. Batavia was designated a postal money-order office July 1, 1871, and became a German money-order office July 1, 1872. Within the last eight years the business of the office has been more than doubled. For the first week in December, 1879, the mail matter deposited in the office amounted to 593 letters, 211 postal-cards, and 3198 newspapers. The office is supplied with good mail facilities, receiving and sending eight mails per day. At first the service was by carrier, on horseback, but about 1842 a line of stages brought a tri-weekly mail, and for many years past it has been daily. The first newspaper in the village, the Western Patriot, was founded in May, 1824, by Z. Colby, and was published every Saturday on Water Street. David Morris, in 1826, began the publication of the second paper, the Spirit of the Times. The subsequent history of these papers and the press in general is given in a special chapter in this book. At present there are in the village three good papers, —the Clermont Sun, by D. O. Cowen & Co. ; the Courier, by J. H. Fairman ; and the Advance, by James Robinson. From all accounts it appears that the first permanent professional man in the village was a physician, Dr, A. F. McCall, who located there some time before 1820. About the same time Dr. Daniel Lyman came, and both were noted practitioners, not only here, but all through the county. Near 1825, Dr. William Wayland, Sr., came to Batavia from Bethel, and had a very extensive practice. He was marked by strong characteristics and was somewhat of a politician. Then came the genial Dr. A. V. Hopkins, who rode far and near, and who, like his contemporary, was eminent in politics. About 1830, Dr. Albert Dart came, and shortly after William Wayland, Jr., who won distinction in his practice. About 1838, Dr. S. Y. Thornton was here, a good doctor with strung social powers, but preceding him had been Dr. Hiram Cox, father of the celebrated Judge Cox, of Cincinnati. In 1846, Dr. Henry Collins was here for some time, and four years later Dr. S. B. Crew and Dr. James Kellum, both esteemed good physicians. Then located the veteran Dr. James C. Kennedy,* who is yet in active practice, and with a reputation reaching far beyond his field of practice. He came from Felicity, and from which town he went to the Legislature in 1847. Dr. Kennedy was summoned to Kentucky in 1879 as a witness in the celebrated criminal trial of Buford for shooting Judge Elliott, one of the judges of the Court of Appeals, and gave expert testimony on insanity.—a subject on which he has written noted and valuable papers. Then followed Dr. Joseph McMillan, well read and of scathing witticism. 1859, Dr. A. C. McChesney practiced here, and is now located in Cincinnati, where he has made a fortune. About 1862, Dr. Hugh MeCaskey came from Felicity, arrd returned there after eight years of active and honorable practice in his loved profession here. In 1860, Dr. J. Locke Kennedy, a brilliant physician, who succumbed to the vicissitudes of the war. In 1869 and after, Dr. H. P. Willis and Dr. J. L. Waffensmith were in Batavia for a brief period. Since then have been located here A. W. Ashburn,* Dr. G. W. Moore,* Dr. L. W. Bishop,* Dr. R. D. McDonald,* Dr. Charles Belt,* all in active practice. Dr. John Bunn* came some three years ago, but gives his attention mostly to his drug-store. Dr. Charles King, of Georgetown, located here a year, but is now in Central Lunatic Asylum, at Columbus, as first assistant physician. About 1843, Joseph A, Weaver en., tered upon his dental profession, and from 1858, Jerry C. Weaver, his brother, now of Washington city, was with him for a long term of subsequent years. Harry L. Moore* is now practicing dentistry, and his brother, B. L. Moore, was here several years ago. Drs. Dameron, of Cincinnati, Miles, o f Georgetown, Dennis, of Felicity, and others have occasionally for short times remained here. Dr. N. J. Barber, now of New Richmond, has on several previous periods been located here in regular medical practice, and, like McChesney, was a surgeon in the war. The reminiscences of pill-bags in the good old days of McCall, Lyman, Hopkins, the Waylands, and their confreres in the healing art would be rich. They were able practitioners and well-read men of strong common sense ; but in those times bleeding was resorted to in the commonest eases, and the diseases being somewhat different from those of modern times, perhaps those gentlemen skilled in the craft were right in the quick application of the lancet and large doses of calomel. Then the doctors supplied their patients with medicines, and their long rides for twenty miles or more on horseback carried in their * Professional men marked with an asterisk still continue at Batavia. 260 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. saddles regular old-fashioned apothecary-shops. Science, of course, has made rapid strides, but in the mellowed memories of many of our happy families are preserved rich recollections of the old-time doctors and their journeyings up and down the newly-settled country. Attorneys.-The first court was held at Batavia, May 14, 1824, up to which time no attorney had lived there. Then settled there Thomas Moorhead, an Irishman, well read in law, and of great wit and noted social qualities, and who served for a time as captain of the first military company (the Batavia Light Infantry). On August 21st, same year, the legal firm of Richard & Learner B. Collins put out its sign, the latter stopping in town, and the former at his home, Hillsboro'. In 1825, Owen T. Fish-hack, of Williamsburgh, then prosecuting attorney and member of the Legislature, moved down to the new county-seat, and remained here to his death, in 1864, full of years and honors. David C. Bryan, nominally an attorney, but clerk of the courts, had followed the removal of the county-seat to the town which he and George Ely had laid out ten years before. In 1826, David Morris came, but paid more attention to his paper than to legal business. On July 16, 1825, eccentric Theodore D. Burrows set up his offrce,-a quaint lawyer, not very deep in legal lore, and son of the well-known Stephen Burrows. About 1828 arrived Jonathan 1). Morris, who went in as clerk three years later, and served splendidly r some fifteen years. Near 1830 John Joliffe put in an appearance. He was a sharp and quick man in law, and afterwards famous in the anti-slavery cause and as the slave's counsel. The same year the Brushs—Samuel and John T.—were here, and were men of note. Alexander Herring came some two years before his election as auditor in 1828, and was sharp on paper and got up documents well. In 1832 we find Thomas L. Shields, who remained in Batavia till 1855, and had no superior as a land lawyer. The funny Calvin A. Warren and Jacob T. Cropsey, both well read, and sons-in-law of Senator Thomas Morris. About 1836 came the famous orator Thomas J, Buchanan, keen bere a jury ; Reader W. Clarke, well versed in law, quick with the editor's pen, and wary as a politician ; and John W. Lowe, son-in-law of Judge Fishback,—a good lawyer and a brave man, killed at the head of his regiment at Carnifex Ferry. Three years before George B. Tingley practiced, with his office in town r a while,-a quiet, methodical man. In 1837, George S. Lee was the prosecutor, and made the criminals quake. In 1838, George W. Dennison, a keen business lawyer, opened out, and remained here till death, making money out of a large practice. William Howard* (admitted here in 1842, where he had to be two years before his enrollment at the bar, as he had been admitted in 1840 at Augusta, Ky.) was many years partner of Thomas L. Shields, with extensive land-suit practice. Col. Howard is the senior member of the bar, and bears his honors worthily. Phihp B. Swing,* the able and upright judge of the United States District Court of Southern District of Ohio, was admitted at Dayton, Ohio, but immediately opened an office here, as did also Julius A. Penn,* admitted at Georgetown, the rmer being a grandson of Judge Philip Gatch, and the latter a son of Elijah T. Penn, one of the famous Penn brothers, who came from Maryland at an early day. In 1843, John S. Griffith* came to the bar, but did not move to Batavia till his election as clerk of the courts in 1851, bnt since then has remained here at the head of very large practice, and is well known in Southern Ohio. Same year Judge Thomas M. Lewis* settled here, where his honor and gallantry have made him a great favorite ; and, also, then located H. N. Talley,* for a long time an active practitioner, now mostly in government claim business. Also Shepherd F. Norris, judge of the Common Pleas from 1851 to 1861, an eminent lawyer and well esteemed ; Judge Thomas Q. Ashburn,* eighteen years of renown as a judge, now in large practice. George L. Swing* was admitted in 1846, and came shortly after to town ; was a splendid probate judge, has fine practice, and is a well-educated attorney in all departments. About this time Milton Jamieson,* the famous Clermont- financier, came to the bar, but r years has not been in active practice. In 1850, George W. Fishback was admitted, practiced here but a short time, and became famous as editor of the St. Louis Democrat. After him were S. M. Penn and Thomas Morris (son of Jonathan), who tarried briefly. John Johnston, now a leading lawyer in Cincinnati, came in 1853 ; the same year W. P. Fishback, now of Indianapolis, Ind., and clerk of the United States District Court, was admitted ; and same year Orrin Temple* came to the bar. In 1854, William A. Townsley,* the celebrated criminal lawyer, was admitted, but did not remove to Batavia until some years afterwards. In 1855, Charles H. Collins had his office in town, and two years later was elected prosecuting attorney. In 1857, George W. Hulick,* afterwards judge of probate, hung out his shingle, and has a fine practice, with Judge Ashburn as his partner, In 1858 the present able and popular judge of the court, Allen T. Cowen,* was admitted in Cincinnati, but did not settle here till 1867. J. M. McGrew, after his term as clerk expired in 1858, came into practice ; and, in 1859, Sidney A. Fitch, now of Colorado. P. J. Nichols,* now probate judge, admitted in 1861, moved here in 1879. J. S. Brunaugh* settled here in 1866, having been admitted three years before ; W. H. Standish, in 1864 ; S. F. Dowdney,* in 1858, when he took his scat as probate judge ; George W. Gregg, in 1858; A. M. Sinks and B. J. Ricker, in 1867 ; Thomas A. Griffith* and Peter F. Swing,* in 1868 ; William Pease,* in 1869; H. B. Mattox,* in 1873; J. C. McMath,* in 1874; L. D. Manning* (an old Cincinnati attorney), in 1875 ; Royal J. Bancroft,* in 1875 ; John R. Woodlief* and W. W. Dennison,* the same year ; J. S. Parrott,* in 1876 ; James B. Swing,* in 1877 ; Charles T. Jamieson, in 1877; John J. Howard,* in 1877; Will R. Walker,* in 1878; John W. Davis* and 0. P. Griffith,* the same year. Batavia is the birthplace of an artist of great promise. Frank M. Lindsley was born there, Sept. 19, 1853, and after being educated in the common schools studied the art of engraving at Cincinnati. At the age of nineteen he went to Kansas City as the artist for Millard, Hudson & Co., and two years later to California, where his work on an illustrated volume of the principal cities of that State has elicited unstinted praise. BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 261 SECRET ORDERS. To the Masonic fraternity belongs the honor of instituting the first lodge of a secret order within the bounds of the township. On the 3d of October, 1837, was held the first meeting of BATAVIA LODGE, No. 109, F. AND A. M. The constituent members were convened, under a dispensation issued by Grand Master William J. Reese, in an upper chamber of the court-house, and the first officers were: Worshipful Master, Owen T. Fishback ; Senior Warden, Reader W. Clarke ; Junior Warden, Jonathan D. Morris ; Sec., Thomas L. Shields ; Treas., Dr. William Wayland, Sr. ; Senior Deacon, David Duckwall ; Junior Deacon, John M. Brown ; Tyler, John Jamieson. Of these honored names, the venerable Father Jamieson, for more than sixty years a member of the order, alone survives. At this first communication the Entered Apprentices degree was conferred on the following candidates : Dr. William Wayland, Jr., Andrew M. Gest, Allison Emerson, Israel Whittaker, and John W. Kain, the latter two still living. Not long after the following became members : Joseph Post, Dr. S. Y. Thornton, David C. Bryan, John 0. Butler, Martin F. H. Veitch, John W Robinson, Abram Miley, Joshua B. Davis, William Thomas, John Hankins, John Davison, D. K. Harden, John H. Taylor, James Perrine, Joshua Ward, Charles M. Smith, James H. Davidson, Dr. L. G. Alexander, Dr. William Doane, Dr, A, V. Hopkins, Dr. Delos C. Sharp, J. S. Austin, Thomas S. Perrine, John Ward, and Daniel Fisher. For a time the lodge continued prosperous, but after 1841, not having a suitable place of meeting, its communications were suspended until 1843. Hardly a year passed around until a new trouble beset the lodge, arising out of political differences entertained by the members, which were allowed to grow into feuds of such intensity that the charter had to be surrendered. Again, in 1846, the lodge resumed its communications, and on the 27th of December, 1849,-St. John's day,-the officers elect for the ensuing year were publicly installed in the Presbyterian church, where an address was made by the Rev. A. M. Elliott, after which a procession was formed and the craft proceeded to Brother Jamiesonls inn, where a grand old-fashioned supper was eaten, as a token of the restored harmony. Again, on the return of the same day in 1872, the lodge had a public installation and banquet. But the grandest Masonic demonstration the county has ever seen was held June 24,1870, at Batavia, Three hundred and ninety- seven of the craft were in procession. Gen. Durbin Ward, a distinguished Mason, delivered a most eloquent address, and a sumptuous dinner was served in the court-house and in the adjacent grove. The last public occasion of the lodge was an installation of the officers of both that body and Batavia Chapter, at the Union school-house. The Rev. Thomas J. Melish, editor of the Masonic Review and a thirty-three degree craftsman, delivered the address. A banquet at Sprague's hall followed, in which 400 invited guests participated. Since the institution of the lodge the following have served as the Masters and Secretaries: Masters.-1837, 0. T. Fishback ; 1838-39, R.W. Clarke ; 1840, J. D. Morris ; 1841, D. C. Bryan ; 1843, A. M. Gest ; 1846, R. W. Clarke ; 1847, Eliakim Zimmerman ; 1848-50, A. S. Mount ; 1851-52, L. B. Leeds ; 1853, A. S. Mount ; 1854, L. B. Leeds ; 1855-56, D. L. Goff; 1857, Joseph Marshal ; 1858-59, L. B. Leeds ; 1860, D. L. Goff ; 1861-64, Joseph Marshal ; 1864, Joseph Marshal ; 1865-69, Hugh McCaskey ; 1870-71, Daniel Kidd ; 1872-76, A. T, Cowen ; 1877-79, J, S. Brunaugh. Secretaries.-1837, T. L. Shields ; 1838, A. M. Gest ; 1839-40, D. C. Bryan ; 1841-43, C. M. Smith ; 1846, John W. Kain ; 1847, J. A. Penn ; 1848, A. M. Gest ; 1849, C. M. Smith ; 1850-53, D. C. Bryan ; 1854, S. B. Crew ; 1855, George L. Swing ; 1856, Lewis Behymer ; 1857-60, D. C. Bryan ; 1861, Jacob Roudebush ; 1864, George W. Gugg ; 1865, D. P. Brasher ; 1866-67, C. M. Smith ; 1868, J. S. Stiles ; 1869, C. M. Smith ; 1870, S. F. Dowdney ; 1871, W. R. Sinks ; 1872, R. W. Clarke ; 1873, A. W. Ashburn ; 1874-78, T. S. Bryan ; 1879, J. S. Parrott. BATAVIA CHAPTER, No. 112, R. A. M., was organized under a dispensation, June 24, 1851, by Companion Harvey Perin, officiating for the Grand High Priest, Jacob Groff. The first officers installed were Reader W. Clarke, High Priest ; William Wayland, King ; L. B. Leeds, Scribe ; M. Jamieson, Captain of the Host ; B. C. South, Royal Arch Captain ; Daniel W. Roudebush, Principal Sojourner ; Nathan Anderson, John Quinlan, and Owen T. Fishback, Masters of Veil. A. M. Gest and G. C. Townsley were the first to be raised to the degree of Mark Mason. Other members within the first year were D. C. Bryan, James Perrine, Henry C. Kain, Joseph Kyle, John W. Kain, Jeremiah C. Weaver, L. C. Moore, Thomas M. Lewis, John Finton, Presley Tedrow, G. J. Dickinson. For a time the chapter was prosperous, but financial difficulties beset it, and on the 12th of September, 1859, it was forced to surrender its charter. An interregnum of nine years followed ; but on the 13th of January, 1868, a special dispensation was granted to reorganize the chapter, and a regular charter was obtained in due time. Since that time the chapter has enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity, The High Priests of Batavia Chapter have been, 185153, Reader W. Clarke ; 1854. L. B. Leeds ; 1855-59, M. Jamieson ; 1868-69, J. C, Weaver ; 1870, L. B. Johnson ; 1871-72, R. J. Bancroft ; 1873-74, Daniel Kidd ; 1875 -77, It, J. Bancroft ; 1878-79, A. T. Cowen. The Secretaries for the same period have been, 1851-59, D. C. Bryan ; 1869, Frank Browning ; 1870, G. W. Gregg ; 1871, W. R. Sinks ; 1872, J. W. Kain ; 1873-74, R. J. Bancroft ; 1875-79, H. B. Mattox. BATAVIA LODGE, No. 136, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted Oct. 10,1849, by Grand Master Alexander E. Glenn, with numerous delegations of brethren from the sister lodges of Milford, Amelia, New Richmond, Neville, and other towns in the county, on the petition of six persons. The lodge was organized by electing the following officers : Noble Grand, S. It. S. West ; Vice-Grand, Jesse Hunt ; Sec., L. C. Moore ; Per. Sec., Charles D. Saxe ; 262 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. Treas., Peter Crumbaugh ; and the Noble Grand appointed as subordinate officers, Right Supporter, Robert Boyce ; Left Supporter, John Fowler ; Inside Guardian, Lewis Tice ; Outside Guardian, John Fitzwater. The following persons were initiated at the. first meeting: Lewis Tice, Jacob Weak, Henderson Tice, Isaac Jenkins, and John Fitzwater, with Henderson Tice as Conductor. Since this period the following have been the Noble Grands for each term : 1850, L. C. Moore ; 1851, L. C. Moore, C. D. Saxe ; 1852, Isaac Jenkins, II. G. Duckwall ; 1853, H. N. Talley, E. D. Duckwall ; 1854, J. L. Weaver, T. Q. Ashburn ; 1855, Jesse Ellis, John Grant ; 1856, John W. Talley, J. M. Rust ; 1857, J. C, Bowne, L. B. Leeds; 1858, James Hulick, Lewis Tice ; 1859, J. L. Monjar, G. W. Hulick ; 1860, W. B. Townsley, C. H. Kain ; 1861, Samuel Titus, W. J. Rust ; 1862, J. L. Weaver, G. W. Fetter ; 1863, J, P. Leonard, W. W. Perkins; 1864, Smith Townsley, G. W. Duckwall ; 1865, W. B. Townsley, S. Binckley ; 1866, Albert Henrici, Joseph Bicking ; 1867, James Glancy, W. W. Hulick ; 1868, Daniel Brown, R. J. Lewis ; 1869, J. W. Ranson, John Wageman ; 1870, James S. Brunaugh, J. B. Hopkins; 1871, J. H. Hamilton, M. J. W. Holter ; 1872, J. P. Curry, John C. Jenike; 1873, John Zurmuhle, W. T. Cade ; 1874, John Pohlman, Samuel Titus ; 1875, Charles Stark, Edward B. Scott ; 1876, Allen Glancy, N. B. Ross ; 1877, R. Allen, M. A. Wood ; 1878, B. F. Cary, Morton Mulloy ; 1879, John Hewitt, C. M. Bryan. The following are the offrcers for 1880: Noble Grand, J. C. Jenike; Vice-Grand, George P. Moore ; Recording Secretary, John Erion ; Permanent Secretary, John Zurmuhle ; Treasurer, Allen Glancy. OLEANDER ENCAMPMENT, No.44, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted March 1, 1851, with the following charter members : L. C. Moore, G. W. Hnlick, John Zurmuhle, E. D. Duckwall, John Grant, J. C. Jenike, Thomas Q. Ashburn, H. V. Kerr, William M. Kain, S. R. S. West, Jesse Hunt, Lewis Tice, John C, Cury, Daniel Kelley, and Robert Boyce, On the 29th of November, 1862, the charter was surrendered, but on the 3d of December, 1867, the encampment was reinstated, and has since that time enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity. The representatives to the Grand Encampment have been, 1858, T. Q. Ashburn ; 1860, H. M. Talley ; 1871, Joseph Bicking; 1879, John Pohlman, Below is a list of names of members who have served as Chief Patriarch and Scribe: Chief Patriarchs.-1851 : March, S. R. S. West ; July, Jesse Hunt. 1852: January, John Grant ; July, J. G. Oliver. 1853: January, L. C. Moore ; July, T. Q. Ashburn. 1854 : January, J. W. Talley ; July, H, N. Talley. 1855: January, J. C. Brown ; July, B. F. Penn. 1856: January, H. V. Kerr. 1857: July, S. R. S, West. 1858: January, J. M. Rust ; July, Jesse Ellis. 1859: July, Wm. Kain. 1860 : January, T. Q. Ashburn ; Jnly, John Zurmuhle. 1861 : January, John Zurmuhle ; July, W. M. Kain. 1862: January, John Zurmuhle. 1868 : January, L. C. Moore ; July, E. D. Duckwall. 1869: January, John L. Weaver ; Jnly, C. H. Kain. 1870: January, Joseph Bicking ; July, Samuel Titus. 1871 : January, Albert Henrici ; July, J. C. Hatfield. 1872 : January, W. H. Duly ; July, M. J. W. Hotter. 1873: January, Sylvester Binkley ; July, J. C. Jenike. 1874 : January, John Pohlman ; July, Henry Householder. 1875 : January, Joseph Ranson ; July, William Cade. 1876 : January, Edward B, Scott ; July, Joseph Bicking. 1877: January, Samuel Titus ; July, B. F. Cary. 1878: January, J. H. Hamilton ; July, A. II. P. Hotter. 1879 : January, W. W. Hulick ; July, John Grant. Scribes.-1851 : March, John C. Curry ; July, Henderson Tice. 1852 : January, H. G. Duckwall ; July, S. R. S. West. 18u3: January, H. N. Talley ; July, Henderson Tice. 1854: J. M. Rust. 1855: January, J. M. Rust ; July, Lewis Tice. 1856: January, Henderson Tice. 1857 : July, Lewis Tice. 1858: January, Lewis Tice ; July, T. Q. Ashburn. 1859: July, H. N. Talley. 1860: January, George W. Hulick ; July, L. B. Leeds. 1861: L, B. Leeds. 1862: January, L. B. Leeds. 1868: January, H. V. Kerr ; July, Albert Henrici. 1869: January, Allen T. Cowen ; July, John Grant. 1870: January, John Grant; July, C. H. Kain. 1871 : January, W. H. Dnly ; July, W. T. Cade. 1872: January, E. B. Scott ; July, John Pohlman. 1873: January, J. C. Jenike ; July, Henry Householder. 1874: January, Joseph Ranson ; July, John Pohlman. 1875-76: John Pohlman. 1877: January, John Pohlman ; July, John Grant. 1878 : January, John Grant ; July, M. J. W. Holter. 1879 : John Pohlman. BATAVIA LODGE, No. 55, ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN, was instituted Nov. 30, 1875, with the following charter members: Hiram U. Moore, Henry B. Mattox, W. B. C. Stirling, Royal J. Bancroft, Alfred N. Robinson, James S. Brunaugh, Joseph Titus, W. H. Smith, Stephen S. Robinson, Frederick Wendell, A. C. Moore, John C. Beck. The officers in the first term of 1876 were: Master Workman, James S. Brunaugh ; Foreman, H. U. Moore; Overseer, A. N. Robinson ; Guide, A. C. Moore ; Recorder, H. B. Mattox ; Receivero Joseph Titus ; Financier, W. B. C. Stirling; Inside Watchman, Fred. Wendell ; Outside Watchman, Charles Hoerner ; Trustees, W. H. Smith and H. U. Moore ; Medical Examiner, Dr. A. C. Moore. Since that period the following have served as Master Workmen : W. B, C. Stirling, H. U. Moore, John S. Parrott, Fred. Wendell, T. A. Griffith, P. D. Relyea, and John. L. Moore. The officers for the first term in 1880 were : Master Workman, John L. Moore ; Foreman, Simeon Teasdale ; Overseer, Aaron S. Corbly ; Guide, J, S. Brunaugh ; Recorder, R. J. Bancroft ; Financier, Joseph Titus ; Receiver, W, B. C. Stirling; Inside Watchman, Thomas Needham ; Outside Watchman, Robert Magee; Medical Examiner, Dr. A. C. Moore. James S. Brunaugh, of this lodge, was one of the delegates of the Grand Lodge of Ohio to the sixth Supreme Grand Lodge of the United States at St. Louis, in 1878, and to the seventh annual meeting of the same body at Nashville, in 1879. He has also been Grand Master Workman of the State Lodge of Ohio, presiding at the Convocation at Cincinnati in January, 1878. BARTHOLOMEW GASKINS emigrated from Virginia at a very early period, and settled in Gallia Co., Ohio, where he died, leaving a large family, of whom one son, Thomas Gaskins, came to Clermont about the year 1816, locating at Pleasant Hill, now in Pierce, but then a part of Ohio township. Thomas Gaskins was married to Phebe Ward, June 3. 1819, by James Wood, justice of the peace, by whom he had the following children : Dr. Cyrus Gaskins ; Jane, married to Lewis Behyrner ; Hettie, married to Daniel Redmon ; Dr. John Gaskins, now residing in Adams County ; William Gaskins ; Sylvester Gaskins; and Susan, married to John Arthur. Thomas Gaskins died in 1858, and some three years later his wife Phebe. He was a practical farmer, an ardent Jacksonian Democrat, and a man of keen common sense, and lived to see the forests in which he early settled give way to beautiful farms and elegant dwellings. His son, Dr. Cyrus Gaskins, was born Feb. 21, 1820, and received his education in the common schools of that day. He worked on the farm like all country boys, but completed his studies at a select school taught by Hon. John Ferguson, then the leading instructor and educator of the county. For the next five years he engaged in teaching and taught in various districts, during which time he began reading law, and although never admitted to the bar he has ever taken a deep interest in the profession, and his reading has proved to be a great advantage to him in his business. He commenced the study of medicine in 1856 with Dr. Hubbell, a prominent practitioner of Amelia, and attended lectures at the Eclectic Medical College of Ohio, from which he graduated at the bead of his class in 1859, and In 1868 received another diploma from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati. While reviewing his studies in 1858 he practiced a short time at Mount Holly, but upon the completion of his studies in 1859 located at Amelia, where he has since resided, and where he has acquired a large and lucrative practice. Dr, Gaskins is one of the most noted and best known physicians in the county, and ho is now reaping the fruits of twenty-one years of practice. Ho was married on Christmas, 1840, by Rev. Whittington B. Hancock, to Huldah, daughter of Thomas and Sarah John,—the former a son of James John, the first settler at the mouth of Nine-Mile or Muddy Creek (originally called John's Creek in 1797), and the latter a daughter of Nathaniel Witham, among the first settlers of Union township. To Dr. Gaskins and his wife have been born two children,—Thomas Hamer, who died in his seventeenth year, and John Crittenden, who was married May 12, 1880, to Miss Hattie Hopper, of Fruit Hill. The doctor is a zealous member of J. B. Covert Lodge, No. 437, of Free and Accepted Masons, at Withamsville. He has ever_ taken the greatest interest in the cause of education, and for years was a leading member of the school board, where his talents, voice, and rnfluence were continually for an advance in educational matters. He is identified in politics with the Democratic party, to whose success in the county he has for years contributed most liberally of his time and brain, and on the stump in the several townships has been one of its most eloquent and effective speakers, rallying his party to organization and victory. For several years he has been president of the Clermont County Eclectic Medical Association, now in its twenty-fourth year of successful labors, and since 1870 very frequently an able and brilliant contributor to the columns of the Eclectic Medical Journal of Cincinnati, the standard authority and organ of his school of medicine. The doctor is a genial gentleman whose abilities and social qualities have made him many friends, while in his honored profession he has reached a high niche of honor and usefulness. His unsurpassed business tact and energy have been rewarded by success in financial matters, and he is one of the solid men of the county, whose word is unquestioned and whose judgment is rarely at fault. BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 263 The Order of Ancient Workmen, organized in 1868 in Pennsylvania, has now a Supreme Grand Lodge, fifteen State Grand Lodges, and an aggregate membership of more than 100,000. It pays to the family ,or legal representative of each of its deceased members $2000, and since its introduction into this county has paid four death-losses, amounting to $8000. Its revenues are collected by stated dues and an assessment of one dollar on each member whenever a death occurs. The order has a beautiful ritual, symbolical of charity, hope, and protection, which are its anchor, safeguards, and incentives, and contribute to make it so beneficent and philanthropic in its aims and deeds. HUSTON LODGE, No. 500, I. 0. 0. F.,* was instituted at Olive Branch, Aug. 31, 1871, by Grand Master Ira H. Bird, assisted by John E. Bell, D. A. Huston, W. H. Wipper, of Cincinnati, and H. V. Kerr, of Batavia, The charter was delivered to the following members : M. J. W. Holter, W. H. Duly, G. Schwab, John Heckler, H. Householder, P. J. Meyers, D, F. Thompson, R. D. Hewitt, J. F. John, George Fishback, I. W. John, Solomon Beckett, Amos Hill, and J. R. Mundell. The following officers were elected, viz.: N. G., M. J. W. Holter ; V. G., I. W. John ; Bee. Sec., W. H. Duly ; Perm. Sec., Amos Hill ; Treas., G. Schwab ; Trustees, George Fishback, Solomon Beckett, and R. D. Hewitt. The following persons were initiated at the same meeting: J. W. Hunt, John Hewitt, W. D. Avery, L. Fishback, Isaac N. Wheatley, Thomas Woostell, Thomas Mitchell, Solomon Heitman, John Doll, Samuel Malott. The old Methodist Episcopal Church building was purchased and fitted up for a hall, the building and lot costing $650, fixtures about $250, going in debt for the whole, which indebtedness was paid within two years. In the summer of 1874 the building was enlarged and remodeled at a cost of $1750, and the hall is now one of the finest in the county. The following are the names of those who have served as Noble Grand from the institution to the present: M. J. W. Hotter, I. W. John, W. H. Duly, J. W. Hunt, R, D. Hewitt, G. Schwab, P. Crumbaugh, H. Householder, Samuel Malott, W. F. Bagby, Frank Apple, J. R. Mundell, W. 0. Malott, P, Brunaugh. The present officers are C. W. Thompson, N. G. ; D. W. Hulick, V. G. ; W. H, Mead, Rec, Sec. ; J, W. Hunt, Penn. Sec. ; G. Schwab, Treas., who has filled the same office continuously since the institution except two years. The present trustees are George Fishback, 1. W. John, and W. W. Hulick. Two members have died, viz., D. F. Thompson arid W. H. Duly. The lodge now has a membership of 62, and property and fixtures worth $3000. EDUCATIONAL. Under the common-school law, dividing the townships of the State into sub-districts,-the act of 1853,-the following were elected directors, the first named being clerks of the districts, and therefore members of the township board * By Gen. M. J. W. Hotter. of education : District No. 2, William S. Fulley, William Curry, Thomas Thompson ; No. 3, Cyrus McFarland, Elijah Brazier, John Davis ; No. 4, Israel Whittaker, Presley Tedrow, Abraham Miller; No. 5, Daniel Roudebush, William Johnson, Thomas Hitch ; No. 6, J. H, Mount, Wilham Williamson, E. G. Sallee ; No. 7, John Preble, Christopher Smith, David McAffee; No. 8, T. A. Taylor, Thomas Husong, Hiram Wheeler ; No. 9, Nathan Williams, John Behymer, Israel Leeds ; No. 10, J. It. Foster, John Robinson, Jacob M. Gest ; No. 11, Joseph Glancy, Benjamin Maham, Isaac Stark ; No. 12, H. B. Hoes, Thomas S. Atchley, William B. Lukemires: Israel Whittaker was chosen chairman of the board, and H. G. Duckwall, by virtue of being township clerk, was the secretary and superintendent of schools. Soon after the board was organized it adopted rules for the government of the schools, providing, among other things, that the houses should be cleanly kept and well ventilated ; " that the government of every school be parental, and that the rod be the last means of resort ;" "that no teacher shall ferule or whip scholars on the hands or heads as a means of punishment ;" and " that there shall be no communication, such as whispering, writing and showing it to others, or significant looks from one scholar to another." Profanity, vulgarity of speech, lying, and quarreling were also strictly forbidden. Whether these salutary measures had their desired effect we are. unable to say, but they show that there was at least a disposition to elevate the moral tote of the schools. Among the teachers of this period were A. J. Lane, Mary Ann Wall, Hannah Moore, N. A. Worstell, Rebecca Page, Laura C. Wheat, Martha Sutton, E, F. Norton, F. M. Maxfield, C. Goodman, J, W. Avery, A. K. Benedict, P. C. Smith, John W. Frazee, James H. Baldwin, W. E. Nichols, and John C. Smith. The common schools have proven highly satisfactory to the people of Batavia, who in 1879 voted a tax of $6041.80 for their support, in addition to the $5000 and more dollars received from other sources. Of this amount there were paid' to the 15 teachers (not including those of the village schools) $5419.85. There are 14 sub-districts, each supplied with a building, and one of them having two rooms, whose value aggregates $16,000. Thirty-two weeks of school have been maintained, which were attended by 383 boys and 347 girls, the average attendance being 440. Of these 40 pursued the study of algebra and 645 paid attention to reading, The colored children of the township, six in number, attend the colored school in Batavia, at the expense of the board of education. This board in 1879 was composed as follows : President, M. A, Leeds ; Secretary, J. L. Moore ; Sub-District Clerks, No. 1, J. W. Deem ; No. 2, M. J, W. Hotter; No. 3, L. A. Kirgan ; No. 4, B. F. Miley ; No. 5, M, Molloy ; No. 6, C. H. Weaver ; No. 7,.William Glancy ; No. 8, C. R. Smith ; No. 9, William Weseli ; No. 10, M. A. Leeds; No. 11, A. Hulick ; No. 12, S. M. Atchley ; No. 13, J. C. Conn ; No. 14, S. Titus. BATAVIA VILLAGE SCHOOLS. School- Teachers, Boards of Education, and Old and New Buildings.-The oldest teacher remembered in the 264 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. village was George Hunt, an old-time pedagogue, but withal an excellent teacher, with a discipline equal to military rule, who taught from near 1819 to 1822. Then came the mercurial Alexander Blair, who, besides being a teacher, was associate judge of the Common Pleas Court for many years, an efficient postmaster, and good surveyor. Stephen Gibson came in to teach afterwards, and was followed by Eben Hall and his wife, both painstakiUg, systematic teachers. A Mr. Dodge held forth for some time, and faithfully trained the youth. Professor Morrell was a quiet teacher who loved his books. Philip Hopkins, about 1832, taught. Then came John Hill, the mathematical teacher, precise and trim, like his surveying, of which he did much and of which his map of the county of 1857 is a model. In 1835, Enoch Dunn was the pedagogue, succeeded by Charles M. Smith, the best known of all the old teachers, a fine penman, who believed in the very ancient system of iron discipline. Thomas M. Lewis, after Smith, or during some of the interregnums of Smith's reigns (for he taught a while and then was at other business), made a kind, lovable teacher. The old brick school-house at the head of Main Street, the first and only one ever built for school purposes, save the present elegant structure, was erected in 1842 or 1843. Pursuant to a public notice dated May 6, 1850, and signed by John M. Brown, William Wayland, Jr., O. T. Fishback, James Evans, William Wayland, John W. Lowe, Thomas Kain, L. B. Leeds, C. M. Smith, John W. Kain, and E. Spence, the qualifies electors in school district No. 1, of Batavia township, were called on to vote for or against the adoption in said district of the " act for the better regulation of public schools in cities, towns, etc.," passed by General Assembly, Feb. 21, 1849, At this election, held May 18, 1850, of which John W. Lowe was chairman, and T. Q. Ashburn clerk, the electors voted, by 29 to 3, to adopt the special district system, Thus, the Batavia special school district was organized, and its first election for a board of education was held on June 1, 1850, when the following were elected : John M, Brown, L. B. Leeds, for three years ; John W. Lowe, T. S. Bryan, for two years ; O. T. Fish- back, Edward Scofield, for one year, of whom Edward Scofield was President ; John W. Lowe, Secretary ; and L. B. Leeds, Treasurer. Teachers for the year 1850 were : First Male Teacher, C, W. Page ; Second Male Teacher, George L. Swing ; First Female Teacher, Sarah Thompson ; Assistant Female Teacher, Amanda Bryan. Edward Scofield having removed, David C. Bryan was elected director in his place, and the vacancy of president ailed by O. T. Fishback. 1851.-Charles M. Smith and Lott Hulick were elected directors for three years. Teachers, George L. Swing, Sarah G. Thompson, Amanda Bryan, Orin Temple, D. W. Ronde- bush, Alice Dennison, Elizabeth Hulick, 1852.—Jonathan D. Morris and John W. Lowe elected directors for three years. Teachers. Rev. J. Delamater, Principal ; Sarah G. Thompson, Elizabeth Hulick. 1853.-L. B. Leeds and Joseph A. Weaver elected directors for three years. Teachers, Sarah G. Thompson, Amanda Bryan, Elizabeth Hulick, Mary Titus, William H. Mount ; Principal, N. M. Treble, John Furguson. 1854.—Lott Hulick and C. M. Smith elected directors for three years. John W. Lowe having removed, P. B. Swing was appointed in his place, but resigning after a few months, Dr. J. C. Kennedy was appointed. Teachers, J. A. Sloane, Principal ; Elizabeth Hulick, Clarissa Collins, and Henry P. Collins, in place of Sloane, who refused to accept. 1855.—Jonathan Johnson and D. L. Goff were chosen directors for three years, and G. W. Dennison and J. A. Weaver for two years. J. S. Dustin and C. A. Moore were appointed in February to fill the places of J. A. Weaver and J. C. Kennedy, resigned. Teachers, J. A. Sloane, Principal ; Josephine R. Davis, Assistant ; Primary, Mary E. Taylor, and Secondary, Millie F. Stone. 1856.—Directors elected for three years, J. C. Kennedy and J. M. McGrew; but the former declining, John Johnston was elected by the board in his stead, and G. W. Dennison having resigned, T. Q. Ashburn was appointed in his place. Teachers, D. W. Stevens, Principal ; Mary E, Taylor, Martha A. Sutton, Miss Dearborn. 1857.-Directors for three years, P. B. Swing and H. V. Kerr ; for two years, John Johnston. Teachers, J, A. Sloane, Principal ; M. H. Fitch, Martha A. Sutton, and Miss M. E. Ogden. 1858.—Directors elected, C. M. Smith and Abel S. Smith, for three years, and T. S. Bryan, for two years. Teachers, J. W. Mahan, Principal ; M. H. Fitch, Secondary Department ; Lizzie Fishback, Intermediate ; and Miss M. E. Ogden, Primary. Mr. Mahan's election was afterwards annulled, and J. A. Sloane taught the year as principal. 1859.—P. B. Swing and J. M. McGrew elected directors for three years. Teachers, J. A. Sloane, Principal ; M. H, Fitch, Secondary Department ; Lydia A. Tedrow, Intermediate ; and. Rachel E. Rust, Primary. 1860,--George L. Swing and J, P. Leonard elected directors for three years. Teachers, George H. Hill, Principal ; William Pease, Intermediate Department ; Miss M, E, Fitch, Secondary ; and Mrs. McMurphy, Primary. 1861.—Directors elected for three years, C. M. Smith and Abel S. Smith. Teachers, G, H. Hill, Principal ; H. V. Kerr, Secondary Department.; Mrs. McMurphy, Intermediate ; Rachel E. Rust, Primary ; and summer term teachers, Mrs. McMurphy and Rachel E. Rust. 1862.-Directors elected for three years, A. J. Sprague and J. M. McGrew. Summer teachers, H. V. Kerr and Mrs. McMurphy Winter teachers, J. C. Morris, Principal; G. W. Felter, Secondary ; Millie Stone, Mrs. Mc- Murphy. 1863.—George L. Swing and J. P. Leonard elected directors for three and W. J. Rust for two years. Teachers, J. C. Morris, Principal ; Miss Electa Grow, Intermediate ; Mrs. McMurphy, Secondary ; and Millie Stone, Primary, 1864.—Directors elected for three years, C. M. Smith and Abel S. Smith. Teachers, G. W. Fetter, Superintendent; Harris Smethurst, Secondary ; Mary E. Taylor. The summer schools were taught by Caroline McMurphy, Millie F. Stone, and Cornelia Moore. 1865.—Directors elected, J. A. Rhodes and Abel S. Smith for three years, II. Smethurst and Lewis Tice for two years. Teachers, G. W. Felter, Principal ; Frank BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 265 Browning, First Assistant ; Cornelia Moore, Third ; and Libbie Riley, Fourth Department ; Hannah Moore, Primary. 1866.—Directors, C. M. Smith and James B. Wallace elected for three years, and W. B. C. Stirling r two years. Teachers, G. W. Felter, Principal ; H. Smethurst, First Assistant ; Rhoda Bannister, Cornelia Moore. 1867.—Directors elected for three years, Abel S. Smith and J. A. Rhodes, and for two years, John W. Duckwall. Teachers, G. W. Felter, Principal ; First Assistant, — Collins ; Third, Nellie Moore ; Fourth, Mollie Hay. 1868.—Directors elected r three years, W. B. C. Stirling and H. Smethurst. Teachers, G. W. Felter, Principal ; First Assistant, Cornelia Moore ; Second, Mollie Hay ; Third, Mrs. Laura McMillen. 1869.—Directors elected for three years, G. W. Hulick and J. W. Duckwall. Teachers, Principal, George W. Feller; Assistant, H. Smethurst, Mrs. Laura McMillen, Rhoda Bannister, and William Pease. 1870.—Directors elected r three years, C. H. Kain and S. F. Dowdney, and J. W. Neely, r one year. Teachers, Principal, G. W. Feller; First Assistant, Sallie Hillis ; Second, Rhoda L. Bannister ; Third, Kate Buvinger ; and Fonrth, Mrs. Laura McMillen ; Samuel Fox, colored teacher. 1871.—Directors elected r three years, W. B. C. Stirling and J. M. Neeley, and for two years, George W. Gregg. Teachers, Principal, G. W. Felter; First Assistant, Sallie Hillis ; Second, Mary Brunaugh ; and Third, Mrs. Laura McMillen ; colored teacher, Orlando S. Fox. The first vote taken in the district on the project to build a new school edifice was on June 5, 1871, which resulted—for school-house and site, yeas, 80 ; nays, 23 ; and r annual levy of $3000 for five years, yeas, 80 ; nays, 22. The arrangements were made for the splendid building that adorns the town, and by a subsequent vote more money was granted. 1872.—The present school-lot was purchased of R. W. Clarke, in April, for $759, and consists of 2 71/100 acres, as snrveyed April 9th, by George W. Felter, at which period the board was composed of W. B. C, Stirling, President ; George W. Hulick, Clerk ; S. F. Dowdney, George W. Gregg, John M. Neely, and John W. Duckwall. On April 29th, on motion of G. W. Gregg, it was resolved to build a new school-house that would accommodate not less than 500 pupils, and that the board proceed at once to obtain all the necessary information as to plans and specifications and the cost thereof. John W. Duckwall and G. W. Hulick were elected directors for three years, and the board elected J. M. Neely, President ; G. W. Hulick, Clerk ; and J. W. Duckwall, Treasurer. Teachers, N. B. Ross, Principal ; First Assistant, Kate Buvinger ; Mary Brunaugh, Nellie Moore, and Mrs. Laura E. McMillen. Miss Jennie Moore taught the colored school. 1873.—In February the board adopted a design for the new building after the one at Columbus, Ohio, and employed P. A. Schlapp, an architect of that city, to draw up the plans and specifications. Bonds to the amount of $15,000 were issned to pay the cost of the school-house, due in one, two, three, four, and five years,—ten for $100, and ten for $50 each, bearing 8 per cent. interest, payable the 1st days of March and September each year, On May 10th the contract to erect the house was awarded to Joseph Hannold and Robert Jeremiah, both citizens of the county, at $18,800, the board furnishing the brick. The edifice was built of brick, resting on a limestone foundation, procured in the neighborhood, and is trimmed with Ohio River freestone, and presents an almost square appearance. It is two stories high, with slated roof, surmounted by a centre belfry containing a bell, weighing 700 pounds, and of most excellent tone. It has six large recitation-rooms and a lecture-hall 24 by 78 feet, and is seated to accommodate 400 persons. At one end is a spacious stage 18 feet wide, supplied with appropriate scenery, the donation of the histrionic society of the town. S. F. Dowdney and G. W. Gregg were elected directors for three years. Teachers, Austin Wood, Principal ; Miss Abbie Porter, Miss Lou Patterson, and Jennie Moore. 1874.—W. B. C. Stirhng and John M. Neely were elected directors for three years, and the board chose G. W. Gregg, President; Treasurer, J. W. Duckwall ; and Clerk, W. B. C. Stirhng. The new school-house was wholly completed in 1874,—on February 9, $90014 additional having been voted by the tax-payers,—and in September was rmally dedicated by a very large assemblage in its rooms of the citizens and school-children, who marched in a procession from the old building ; and interesting addresses, abounding in happy reminiscences, were delivered by Philip B. Swing, S. F. Dowdney, G. W. Hulick, and others. Teachers : Austin Woods, Principal ; H. B. Mattox, First Assistant ; Miss Lou Patterson, Second Assistant ; Miss Abbie Porter, Third ; and Miss Jennie Moore, Fourth. These were the first teachers in the new edifice. 1875.-G. W. Hulick and J. W. Duckwall elected directors for three years, and the board now organized with G. W. Hulick, President ; W. B. C. Stirling, Clerk ; and J. W. Duckwall, Treasurer. Teachers : Austin Wood, Principal ; First Intermediate, H. B. Mattox ; Second, Miss Lou Patterson ; Third, Miss L. E. Anno ; Primary, Jennie Moore. 1876.—Stephen S. Robinson and Frank White were elected directors for three years, and the new board reorganized, to wit : President, G. W. Hnlick ; Clerk, W. B. C. Stirling ; and Treasurer, J. W. Dnckwall. Teachers: G. W. Felter, Principal ; First Assistant, H. B. Mattox ; Miss Jennie Moore, Room C ; Miss L. H. Morin, Room D ; Mrs. Mary Lane, Room E. 1877.-William Baum and W. B. C. Stirling elected directors r three years. No change in officers of the board. Teachers : G. W. Felter, Principal ; Room C, H. B, Mattox ; Room D, Mrs. Jennie M. Bryan ; Room B, Miss L. H. Morin ; and Room of Primary Department, Mrs, May Lane. 1878.—J. C. McMath and J. W. Duckwali elected directors. Board reorganized, to wit : Frank White, President; J. W. Duckwall, Treasurer ; and W. B. C. Stirling, Clerk. Teachers : J. N. Stewart, Principal ; H. B. Mattox, First Assistant ; Second, Miss Kate Wright ; Third, Mrs. Mary Lane ; and Primary Department, Miss Cassie Crane. W. E. Potts succeeded Mr. Mattox after New Year's, as the latter resigned to enter upon his duties as clerk of the Common Pleas Court, to which he had been elected in the 266 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. previous October. John H. Lewis, teacher in colored school. 1879.—Directors elected for three years, Peter F. Swing and Frank White. The following is the official roster for this year and till June, 1880 : Board of Education, Frank White, President ; W. B. C. Stirling, Clerk ; John W. Duckwall, Treasurer ; William Baum, Peter F. Swing, and James C. McMath. Standing Committees: School, Stirling and Swing ; Colored Schools, Baum and McMath ; Buildings and School Property, Duckwall and McMath ; Fuel, Baum and McMath. Corps of Teachers : F. M. Allen, Superintendent ; W. E. Potts, Kate Wright, Miss L. V. Clark, Cassie Crane, J. • H. Lewis. Teacher of Colored Department. In 1878-79 the average monthly wages paid teachers were—males, $67, and females, $32. Weeks of school, 36. Pupils enrolled, boys, 143 ; girls, 124 ; total, 267. Average attendance, boys, 121 ; girls, 109 ; total, 230. Among the studies pursued were arithmetic, 246 ; grammar, 204 ; natural philosophy, 18 ; algebra, 32; German, 9 ; Latin, 9 ; rhetoric, 14 ; and botany, 22. The colored school has been maintained separate from the other for some nine years. In the school year 1878-79 it had enrolled 13 boys and 15 girls, of whom 23 studied arithmetic, 17 geography, and 4 in alphabet. The Batavia special school district embraces all the corporation limits and all the country in the valley from the mouth of Four-Mile Creek to George W. Duckwall's, not including the Infirmary firm. In the winter of 1879-80 a series of good and entertain- ing lectures were given by its superintendent, F. M. Allen, on scientrfic subjects, which were illustrated by interesting practical experiments. RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES. Among the very first settlers of Batavia were members of the Methodist Church, who held their class relation at Milford, distant twelve miles. There Ezekiel Dimmitt, his wife Phoebe and others attended meeting, going through dense woods over a road which was in most places a mere path. Occasionally, at that early day (1798), prayer-meetings were held among the members living near Batavia, but it does not appear that a church organization was here effected until about 1807, when John Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Sarah Halliday, Thomas Halliday, Ezekiel Dimmitt, Phoebe Dimmitt, Enoch Gest, Ida Gest, and possibly a few others, were constituted a class, which was the nucleus of the present BATAVIA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first named was the class-leader, and at his house, which was about a mile south of the present village, the preaching was usually held. Later, however, the house of Thomas Halliday, nearer the village, was used for this purpose, and other members were added to the church, among them being Abraham Hulick, James Hulick, Anna Hulick, Rebecca Hulick, William and Prudence Rust, and members of the Weaver family. In the fall of 1815 a camp-meeting was held near the house of Ezekiel Dimmitt, the first in this part of the county, which was well attended, and produced a great deal of interest in the cause of religion. In 1819-20 camp-meetings were he'd at John Mitchell's, and thereafter, at stated periods, these means were employed to bring the people together for public worship in larger numbers than could be accommodated in the houses of that day. In the fall of 1817 the initiatory steps for building a meeting-house at Batavia were taken. Some stones were drawn to the site selected and money collected to rear the walls, Ezekiel Dimmitt being the builder. But slow progress was made, and three years elapsed before the house was fully completed. In the mean time services were held in the house, the first congregation finding seats on the joists before the floor was laid. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Arthur W. Elliott, at that time the circuit preacher, and when the house was completed it was also dedicated by him ; but the time of consecration is not remembered. As originally built, the meeting-house presented quite a different appearance inside. There were galleries on the sides and at the north end, and the preacher ascended a large high pulpit to proclaim the Word. Yet the house was a great accommodation to the church and the public, which used it for some time as a school-house, for public gatherings, and here, also, were held the first terms of the Clermont courts when Batavia became the county-seat. In the venerable old house have preached and labored the sainted fathers of Methodism in the West whose names appear elsewhere. Here, also, have published the truths of the gospel the local ministers, Laban Brazier, Jesse Justice, James Ward, Ehjah Mattox, Richard Cord, John Hill, Aaron Burtwell, and James Harris, whose labors have added many to the roll of membership. The church at Batavia is at present formed of three classes, under the leadership of Philip B. Swing, William Pease, and William Howard, and has an aggregate membership of more than 200 persons. The Sunday-school has also a membership exceeding 125, and William Pease is the superintendent. The official-members of the circuit are the following: Charles Robinson, Local Preacher ; Joseph Kidd, Joseph Jenkins, Cornelius McCullom, James Burnett, William Harden, and Nelson Applegate, Exhorters ; John W. Duckwall, William Pease, Joseph Kidd, Charles H. Weaver, James Burnett., Nelson Applegate, Frank M. Duckwall, Cornelius McCollum, and Joseph Jenkins, Stewards ; and the trustees of the church, in the village of Batavia are Philip B. Swing, Frank White, William Pease, William Baum, John W. Duckwall, James Hulick, and J. P. Leonard. The meeting-house is in fair repair, and affords a comfortable place of worship. Its valuation was reported at $2000. The parsonage has a separate board of trustees, viz. : Charles Robinson, William Pease, J. R. Woodlief, Frank White, C. H. Weaver, and Frank Acra. It is worth $1200. The church forms a part of Batavia Circuit., and the names of the ministers who have been here located are given on a page following. THE PISGAH METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. At this point was organized, about 1816, a class which first assembled at the house of a man named Mason, and BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 267 later at the house of John Winner, the former's son-in-law. Among the members are remembered the names of Daniel Parker, the Masons, the Atchleys, Mary Kidd, and the Curlis family. Some time about 1818 a log meeting-house was built on the site of the present church, which was destroyed by an incendiary twenty years later. In the present house services have not been held with any regularity since 1854, although the right to the property has always been maintained by the denomination, and an occasional funeral service is yet here held. In 1879 the trustees were Nelson Applegate, Joseph Weaver, and C. II. Marshall. The interests of the Pisgah Society have been divided between the Clermont Chapel Society and THE BRANCH HILL CHURCH. The latter body became organic on the 15th of 1853, when Samuel Weaver, Charles Robinson, Sr., Thomas Husong, Abijah Armacost, John Knight, Thomas Hitch, Charles Robinson, Jr., Joseph Marshall, and Asa Smith became the trustees. A lot was secured, for the purpose of building a church, from John Duck wall, and a committee appointed to erect a house thereon of brick, 40 by 50 feet. The contract for doing the brick-work was awarded to E. C. Stiles, and the carpenter-work to William Lytle. Other awards of labor were made, and on the 17th of March, 1854, the church was fully completed at a cost of $1615.90. The following day the first congregation assembled within its walls and listened to a sermon by the Rev. George W. Walker, and at night to one preached by Rev. A. U. Beal. At eleven o'clock the next morning (Sunday) the Rev. Dr. Clark preached the dedicatory sermon from 1 Tim. iv. 8. As part of the Batavia Circuit, the church now enjoyed services at stated periods until Aug, 25,1861, when preaching was here discontinued and not resumed until July 15, 1866, Since that period meetings have been maintained with considerable regularity, the ministerial service being from Batavia. The church has at present (1879) 31 members, forming a class led by Nelson Applegate. The church property was valued at $2000, and was controlled by Simeon Weaver, Frank M. Duckwall, Jacob Wolf, Nelson Applegate, and W. A. Ranson. THE CLERMONT CHAPEL OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The members of the Methodist Church in the eastern part of the township, living along the Williamsburgh turnpike, built a house of worship with the above name in 1848, and occupied it until 1873, when a new chapel was built at Afton in the township of Williamsburgh, The old house was erected under the superintendence of J, C. Bowne, William Harden, and Jacob White, and yet remains as a residence on the Kennedy farm. The present chapel, a small but well-arranged house, was built by a committee composed of 0. H. Harden, James W. Burnett, and C. McCullom, in 1873. It is valued at $1500, and has for its trustees C. H. Weaver, Joseph Jenkins, Cornelius McCullom, J. C. Bowne, and J. N. Burnett. The membership of the chapel belongs to the Batavia Circuit, and is divided into four classes under the leadership of Charles Henry Weaver, 48 members ; Cornelius McCollum, 28 members ; Joseph Jenkins, 22 members; and James Burnett, 62 members. A Sunday-school having 130 members, superintended by William S. Lattimer, contributes to the interest and welfare of the Chapel Society. At Carter's School-house is a class of Methodists, which has William B. Lukemires as its leader. It numbers about 60 members. The Batavia Circuit with the above charges was erected in 1875, and for the three years following the Rev. J. H. Leas was the minister. In the fall of 1878 he was succeeded by the present pastor, the Rev. W. H. Sunderland, D.D. Originally, Batavia was a part of the Milford Circuit, and sustained that relation until 1838, when a new circuit was formed, which embraced Williamsburgh and many other points, with the name of Batavia. This was continued until 1852, when Williamsburgh Circuit was formed and Boston added to Batavia, remaining connected therewith until 1875, when the present bounds were established. For the names of the ministers prior to 1838 the reader is referred to the history of Milford Methodist Church. The following have been the ministers appointed by the several Conferences to Batavia Circuit : Preachers in Charge.-1838, Revs. David Whitcomb, John Miley ; 1839, Revs. William Parish, Micah G. Purkiser ; 1840, Rev. Micah G. Purkiser ; 1841, Revs. G. R. Jones, John Preston ; 1842, Revs, G. R. Jones, Joseph Gatch ; 1843, Revs. John W. Clark, William I. Fee ; 1844, Revs. John W. Clark, 0. P. Williams ; 1845, Revs. Barton Lowe, Thomas K. Coleman ; 1846, Revs. Barton Lowe, Andrew J. McLaughlin ; 1847, Revs. H. Wharton, Enoch West ; 1848-49, Rev. L. D. Harlan ; 1850, Revs. David Whitman, John W. Ross ; 1851, Revs. Levi P. Miller, G. C. Townsley ; 1852, Revs. C. G. Meredith, M. P. Zink ; 1853, Revs. James B. Austin, A. M. Beal ; 1854, Revs. Truman S. Cowden, John F. Spence ; 1855, Revs. Truman S. Cowden, W. B. Jackson ; 1856, Revs. James Armstrong, A. P. Dunlap ; 1857, Revs. James Armstrong, W. G. W. Lewis; 1858, Rev. W. G. W. Lewis ; 1859, Rev. N. Herron ; 1860, Revs. T. Lee, A. M. Lorane ; 1861-62, Revs. B. Glasscock, Levi P. Miller ; 1863, Revs. A. N. Spahr, William F. McMullen ; 1864-65, Revs. A. N. Spahr, T. Head ; 1866, Revs. H. Stokes, W. E. Hines ; 1867, Revs. W. E. Hines, H. C. Middleton 1868, Revs. R. K. Deem, A. Hamilton ; 1869, Revs. R. K. Deem, J. F. Hull ; 1870, 'Revs. H, M. Keck, J. M. Whitney ; 1871-72, Revs. W. F. McMullen, H. M. Keck ; 1873-74, Revs. L. M. Davis, M. P. Zink ; 1875-77, Rev. J. H. Leas ; 1878, Rev. W. H. Sunderland. Elders.-1838-39, Rev. William B. Christie; 1840-43, William H. Raper ; 1843-46, Michael Marlay ; 1847-50, Joseph M. Tremble ; 1851-54, J. F. Wright, 1855-58, William Young ; 1859-62, John W. Fowble ; 1863-66, James Kendell ; 1867, J. G. Black ; 1868-70, S. Bennett ; 1871-72, Alexander Mahara, J. K. Chalfant ; 1875-79, J. K. Chalfant, Granville Moody ; 1875-77, Granville Moody ; 1878-80, W. I. Fee. BATAVIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The meetings held in the court-house by occasional ministers, sent hither as missionaries by the Presbytery, or 268 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. coming from neighboring churches, awakened so much interest that a society was organized at the same place on Saturday, Dec, 19, 1829, with the following as constituent members : Robert Townsley, Brice R, Blair, James Dennis, Mary Dennis, Margaret Wood, Nancy Townsley, Caroline Fishback, and Eliza Vorhies. The ministers in attendance were the Revs, R. B. Dobbins, of Williamsburgh ; Thomas Cole, of New Richmond ; and Jonathan M. Rowland, who became the first pastor of the church, and who the following Sunday first administered the rites of the holy sacrament. Brice A. Blair and James Dennis were elected the first ruling elders. They warmly co-operated with the pastor, and through their united labors the church became so fully established that the building of a frame meeting-house was begun the ensuing year and so far completed that it could be occupied for worship. Here the meetings were thereafter held, and the church greatly prospered. At the end of the first year there were 30 members, and at the close of the second the number had increased to 51. But this prosperous growth was soon impaired and almost checked in subsequent years on account of the lack of pastoral supplies and regular seasons of preaching. In May, 1832, Mr. Rowland discontinued his labors with the church, but was soon after succeeded by the Rev. F. Rutherford, who remained only a few months. The remainder of the year Dr. Thomas Brainard, Dr. Lyman Beecher, and Prof. Stowe, from the Lane Seminary, held occasional services. In May, 1833, the Rev. George Beecher began to preach, and in August of the same year received a call to become pastor. He accepted, and labored successfully with the church until Oct. 1, 1837, leaving the church in a flourishing condition, He had his home with Brice R, Blair, and here he was occasionally visited by members of the Beecher family. On one occasion Henry Ward Beecher, then an ungainly and awkward youth, attending the Lane Seminary, was persuaded by Mr. Blair and Judge Fishback to occupy the pulpit on Saturday evening. He reluctantly consented, and Mr. Blair lit up the church, rang the bell, and called in the people (who were not unwilling guests in those days), to whom the great divine preached his first sermon. Rev. George Beecher was an energetic young man, of pleasing address, and was greatly esteemed by the community. From 1837 till 1844 the Revs. James Dunlap, Moses H. Wilder, Amos Dresser, and Claudius B. Andrews each preached here for periods of less than a year. In the same, time the pulpit was supplied by the Rev. James Black, of Mount Carmel ; the Rev. James B. Walker, of New Richmond ; the Rev. Joseph Chester and others from Lane Seminary. A part of the time the church was too feeble to sustain a minister, and its interests consequently declined to a large extent. In 1844 the Rev. Edward Scofield began his labors here, preaching part of the time at the Monroe church, and succeeded in awakening considerable interest. He remained until 1850, and in the last year of his pastorate 19 members were added on a single occasion. His labors as a pastor during the cholera scourge of 1849 brought the comforts of religion to many of the afflicted people. After Mr. Scofield's retirement, and until 1861, there was again a lack of pastoral service. In 1852, Isaac Delamater sometimes supplied the church, but it appears that for the next four years there was no preaching at all. In 1856 the Rev. B. F. Neil was employed and supplied the church about eight months. Again, for five years, the little flock was without a shepherd, and many wandered to other folds, while others passed away to their long homes, leaving the membership very small. A few remained faithful to a purpose that the Presbyterian Church in Batavia should not perish but be a monument of strength in the community ; but considering that of the 18 members only two were males and that their house of worship had become old and oat of repair, the object seemed a hard one to accomplish, and its achievement required many untiring efforts and heroic sacrifices. With a faith in the possibility of' the work, a subscription list was circulated for funds to erect a new house of worship, which was so much encouraged that on the 18th of March. 1859, a contract was made to erect the house on the site of the old one. A change of location being suggested the work of rebuilding was delayed, but on the 26th of December, 1859, the old meeting-house was finally sold for $200. The building yet remains near the Clermont Sun office, and is at present used as a carriage- house by the proprietor of the " Hamilton House." In the spring of 1860 the new church edifice was begun, the corner-stone being laid April 23d. The preliminary meeting was held at the court-house, and was addressed by the Rev. Geo. M. Maxwell, of Cincinnati. Work on the building progressed slowly, and filially came altogether to a standstill. Meantime, the church held its meetings in Robinson's Hall, and here, May 12, 1861, the Rev. J. L. French began his pastorate. He was a young minister, having preached but a few times before, but was imbued with much zeal, and, despite the almost hopeless outlook for the future of the society, decided to occupy the place which bad been tendered him. At the same time that he announced this purpose (May 26, 1861) the church was reorganized and the communion was again, the first time in many years, celebrated. At this period the constituent members were Lott Hulick, John Hull, and sixteen women, viz. : Martha P. Talley, Mary H. Swing, Paulina H. Wayland, Paulina C. Brown, Clarissa White, Amanda Boyd, Jane Rust, Eliza P. Dennis, H. Worstell, Cenith, Almera, and Mary Tate, Catherine Carr, Harriet N. West, Jane Applegate, and Marcella M. Spence. Lott Hulick was chosen deacon. The meetings were afterwards held in Jamieson's hall, but after many struggles to this end, with the aid of an unexpected benefaction from John Hull, who died March 27, 1866, leaving the church a bequest of $293, the house was finished Dec. 22, 1866, and was formally dedicated Jan. 20, 1867. The consecration sermon was preached by the Rev. E. L. Davis, and was followed by a sketch of the history of the church by the pastor, the Rev. J. L. French. The house is a plain but substantial brick edifice, 35 by 54 feet, and has a tower 45 feet high. It is neatly furnished and valued at $3000. The controlling trustees in 1879 were T. G. Boyd, John White, and George W. Moore. Other trustees have been O. T. Fishback, John M. Brown, Andrew Foote, Robert Townsley, S. Y. Thornton, Lott Hulick, Andrew V. Hopkins, William Lytle, James Pickens, BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 269 S. S. Robinson, George W. Hulick, Milton Jamieson, and George L. Swing. The three last named served when the meetiUg-house was completed. On account of poor health Mr. French left the church in the fall of 1867 in charge of Rev. H. A. Ketchum as a supply, but returned to his place on the 11th of January, 1868, and continued his ministrations until Aug. 30, 1868. The Rev. George F. Fitch succeeded him as a stated supply, and served the church nearly two years, when he left as a missionary to China, On the 1st of November, 1873, the Rev. J. B. Smith was engaged to supply the church, and continued in this capacity several years. Since Jan. 1, 1878, the pastor has been the Rev. William Carson. The church has had an aggregate membership of 317, and in December, 1879, had 106 communicants. The ruling elders at that time were George L. Swing, Andrew J. Applegate, Milton Jamieson, and L. W. Bishop. This office has also been held by Brice R. Blair, James Dennis, Andrew Foote, Washington F. Spence, Calvin A. Warren, John Lytle, Joseph Chester, Otis Dudley, George W. Hulick, and William H. Weaver. One of the elders, Joseph Chester, became a minister. The church belongs to the Cincinnati Presbytery, and the clerk of the sessions is Milton Jamieson. The Sunday-school, which had been allowed to go down, was also reorganized in 1861, and is now highly prosperous. It has an attendance of 136 members, and is superintended by James B. Swing. THE GERMAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN BATAVIA VILLAGE.* At a session of the Quarterly Conference of the German United Brethren, held in the Second Church in Cincinnati, in 1871, the Rev. C. Streich was appointed to visit Milford and the surrounding country to preach every three weeks. Accordingly, meetings were held at Milford in a hall, at New Boston in the school-house, and at Willowville in the German Lutheran church, from which resulted, in the fall of that year, a congregation at Boston which numbered 28 members, The same season the Rev. G. Schmidt was appointed as the successor of the Rev. Streich, who commenced holding meetings in Batavia, and in 1874 organized a congregation there which numbered 23 members, and which had F. Schubert as class-leader, and John Erion as steward. At the annual Conference in 1874 Batavia and Boston were formed into a mission to be supplied by the Rev. J. Moeller, who served until 1876, when the Rev. F. Albrecht became his successor. That year the church in Boston was built under the trusteeship of J. Liller, M. Margely, and C. Bielefeldt ; and at a later session of the same quarterly Conference it was voted to erect a house of worship at Batavia. Trustees were appointed as follows : J. Wolf, F. Schubert, and John Erion. The house—an inviting frame edifice, 26 by 40 feet, surmounted by a small belfry—was completed in the fall of 1877, at a cost of $1525. It was dedicated in an appropriate manner, September 2d, by the Rev. W. J. Shuey, of Dayton, assisted by the Revs. A. Krause and the pastor, F. Albrecht. • Compiled from an account by the Rev. A. Kopittke. The latter ended his pastorate in 1878, reporting a membership of 60 in Batavia and 36 in New Boston. The Rev. A. Kopittke then began his pastoral connection. and in January, 1878, formed a congregation of 23 persons at Willowville which has since become a part of the charge, and has been served by the minister from Batavia. The membership at the three appointments numbers 140, 75 of whom belong to Batavia. In May, 1879, the circuit purchased a parsonage, at a cost of $850, in the village of Batavia, and is making arrangements to build a house of worship at Willowville. THE UNION CHAPEL OF` THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. As early as 1808 Methodist preaching was regularly maintained at the house of Charles Robinson, on Lucy’s Run, and continued seven or eight years. At the end of that time Mr. Robinson and his colaborers in this moral vineyard—Henry Miley, David Tedrow, John Troy, Joseph Smith, Seth Dunham, John Wageman, Josiah Fairfield, Richard Doughty, Abram Miley, Robert Chapman, Isaac Tedrow, Benjamin Troy, and Charles Robinson, Jr.— united their efforts to build a hewed log meeting-house, which was soon completed, and was long known as Robin- son's Church. In the course of years this house no longer served the purpose of the builders, and in 1832 a neat frame edifice was erected, on a site half a mile from the old one, which received the present name. Again the changes of time rendered it unfit for Divine worship, and in 1874 the present church building, also a frame, was erected in its stead. The building committee was composed of 11. Belt, B. F. Moyer, and J. F. Hitch, and the house cost $1800. It was formally dedicated by Rev. Dr. Wentworth. The present trustees are J. W. Davis, B, F. Moyer, B. Daly, S. Dial, J. F. Hitch, and J. B. Hopkins. The Sunday-school, which is maintained by the church, under the superintendence of B. F. Miley, was organized about 1830, by Joseph Halliday, and was one of the first in the county. It has always been one of the best conducted, and through its influence much good has been worked in the neighborhood. The church has had essentially the same ministerial supply as the Amelia Church, whose history is given in Pierce township, in this book. In connection with Union Chapel is Lucy's Run Cemetery, controlled by an organized body and duly incorporated, which affords a peaceful place of interment. THE REPUBLICAN MEETING-HOUSE, on the Ohio turnpike, east of Amelia, was built in the spring of 1827, on a log of land secured for this purpose from Michael Roseberry. Adjoining this lot was a burial- ground, in which a number of persons had been inhumed previous to this date, the first, Mrs, Roseberry, as early as 1819. The house was built by Alex: Thompson, at that time nearly seventy years of age, and after the frame had been raised, in the presence of those who had assisted him, he climbed to the top of the building and proclaimed its name in this manner : " Here stands a fine frame, and its name shall be Republican, free for all denominations to worship God in," The proviso for a free church was stipu- 270 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. lated in the lease, which was made to John Malick, Sr., Aaron Leeds, and Jacob Hair, and their successors, as trustees. These were Frederick Eppert (deceased), Robert Doughty, and Thomas Sheldon. In the house thus provided nearly every denomination in this part of the State at one time or other worshiped, and some occupied it regularly. The Christians held their meetings here statedly for twenty-five years, and the Universalists, Protestant Methodists, and Presbyterians each with regularity several years. The esteemed Dr. Parker preached here once a month, and when the Mormons preached their doctrines iU this part of the State, they held their meetings within its friendly walls. There the Hon. David Fisher held a debate with a Universalist minister, and Hon. R. W. Clarke pronounced an oration on the death of President Harrison ; the house was also used for temperance meetings, singing-schools, and in fact was truly Republican, in use as well as in name. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH NEAR AMELIA was organized in the above house in 1828, by Elder John T. Powell, with ten members, namely, Alexander Thompson, A. P. Thompson, Mary Ann Thompson, Jonathan Dunham, Sr., Susannah Dunham, Jacob Hair, Ann Hair, Sr., Ann Hair, Jr., Rebecca Galloss, and Susan Dunham. Only two of the above members survive, and at present there are 98 members. Worship was held in the Republican house until 1855, when the present edifice was erected, the trustees being Hiram Wheeler, L, D. Fairfield, and Blair Jeffries, who, with the exception of Jeffries (deceased), are the present trustees. Twice the house has been injured by storms, impairing its value, so that at present it is set at only $1000. Nevertheless, it is yet a comfortable place of worship. The records concerning the first deacons and elders are vague, but it is supposed that they were A. P. Thompson and Jacob Hair; successive deacons have been Thomas Sheldon, Hiram Wheeler, Blair Jeffries ; and Thomas Sheldon was also an elder. The clerks of the church have been Josiah Fairfield, Thomas Sheldon, L. D. Fairfield, John Malick, Jr., S. R. Fairfield, and Thomas B. Crosswell. The latter is also superintendent of a Sunday-school organized in 1851, and which lately has been kept up the year around, with good success. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT OLIVE BRANCH. The exact time of the organization of this body cannot be determined, as no records of that event are known to exist. Among the early members were Samuel, Shadrach, and Robert Lane, Joseph McConnell, Joseph Avry, Laban and Elijah Brazier, James and Shadrach Dial, Charles and Shadrach Medaris, Joshua and Wesley Dole, and, in most cases, the wives of the foregoing. In 1831 the first house of worship was built on a lot of ground which was donated for this purpose by Daniel Apple. This house yet stands, but in 1871 it was transformed into an Odd-Fellows' Hall. In 1868 the present capacious and substantial brick church edifice was erected by a committee composed of William Hulick, Peter Brunaugh, D. M. Dial, Stephen Judd, and T. J. Cazel, at a cost of about $5000. It is not surpassed in general appearance and beauty of finish by any other country church in the county, and has sittings for 450 persons. It was consecrated by the Rev. Charles Ferguson, of Cincinnati. The present board of trustees is composed of Thomas Thompson, Peter Brunaugh, William Hulick, Ira Johns, G. Schwab, D. M. Dial, R. Violet, Stephen Judd, and T. J. Cazel. Until 1876 this appointment was a part of the Amelia Circuit, and the ministerial service up to that period is given in a history of the Amelia Church. In 1876 the Olive Branch Circuit was formed, to embrace also a number of appointments in Union township, and Rev. John Vance was placed in charge. He was succeeded in the fall of 1879 by Rev, J. F. McColm. For many years the veteran minister, Rev. Samuel West, lately deceased, was a member of this church. The recording steward of the circuit is William Duck- wall. At Olive Branch are more than 100 members, forming three classes, under the leadership of William Hulick, Peter Brunaugh, and Thomas Thompson. The former is also superintendent of an excellent Sunday-school, which has 120 members. THE REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF OLIVE BRANCH was organized Saturday, Sept. 24, 1814, as the " Regular Baptist Church of the East Fork," with the place of meeting in Union township. But as no records have been preserved from that time till 1832, much of the early history is merely a matter of conjecture. On the 25th of May, 1833, Deacon William Wood resigned on account of bodily infirmities, and Henry Donham was elected in his stead. At that time the church embraced among its members persons belonging to the Donham, Davis, Millspaugh, Durham, Perin, Pierce, Arthur, Wood, Clark, Hill, Moore, Thomas, Carter, Hunt, Armstrong, Dennis, and other families, to a goodly number, so that it was one of the most important churches in that Association. At that period Isaac Ferris was the pastor, and the same year a burying-ground was opened near the church by George Hunt, David Shumard, James Millspaugh, and John Dumford. The decay of the old house and the changes in population rendered a new place of worship desirable, and on the 22d of May, 1852, David Shumard and George W. Hunt reported that they had purchased a lot at Olive Branch, on which to erect a new house. In June, the same year, John M., George W., and James M. Hunt, and Joseph Hatfield were appointed a building committee, and the following year was completed the present brick edifice, and the society has since occupied it, although it was a few years before worship was entirely discontinued in the old house. In 1840, Rev. John W. Riley became the pastor of the church; the following year, and in subsequent years, Elder Ferris was again the pastor. Other ministers of the church were Elders John K. Morris, A. K. Sargent, George Sapp, A. J. Riley, Elder Woodruff, and William Spaldon, who has at present charge of the spiritual interests of the church. For many years George Hunt was clerk of the church, and for the past twenty years James M, Hunt has served in the same capacity. BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 271 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. R. W. CLARKE. Stephen Clarke, son of John and Mary (Reader) Clarke, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1738. He was married in May, 1764, to Eleanor Houton, born Feb. 14, 1741. Stephen's mother, Mary Clarke, was a daughter of Robert Reader, born 1672, by his wife, Mary, born 1670. Stephen and Eleanor Clarke had three children born in England, of whom their first, Joseph, died in infancy, but the other two, Houton and Joseph (2d), came with their parents to America. They landed in Henrico Co., Va., Nov. 5, 1773, and afterwards settled in Mecklenburg County, of same State, where their sons, Nathaniel and Abner, were born, the former dying in his tenth year. In 1795 the two brothers, Houton and Abner Clarke, emigrated to Bracken Co , Ky., and in 1798, Houton came over to Ohio and settled in what is now Tate township, of this county. Houton was born March 16, 1766, and Dec. 7, 1806, was married by Rev. George Rogers to Nancy Riley. She was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born Dec. 7, 1786, in Surry Co., N. C., and was the eldest of thirteen children. Her father was Rev. Gerrard Riley, born May 20, 1766, in Montgomery Co., Md., and who was the son of Ninian Riley, born in Maryland, March 18, 1726, and her mother was Miss Frances Wright, married to Rev. Gerrard Riley, Jan. 12, 1786. To Houton and Nancy (Riley) Clarke were born nine children,-Smith G., born in 1807, died in 1851 ; Frances C., born 1809, and married to Dr. S. Y. Thornton ; Reader Wright ; Joseph Marcus, born June 4, 1814 ; Eleanor H., born in 1816, and married to Gen. R. M. Sinks; Nancy Caroline, born Feb. 1, 1821, and died in August, 1823; Ninian, died in infancy ; Sara Ann, born Oct. 21, 1822, and married to Charles H. Hunt ; Minerva J., born Aug. 17, 1825, and married to Dr. D. F. Fraser. Of the above children all but Joseph Marcus Clarke and Mrs. Dr. Fraser are deceased. Stephen Clarke, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, died Dec. 17, 1812, and his wife, Nancy, died in 1818, the latter in Bethel. It. W. Clarke's father, Houton Clarke, died .Sept. 11, 1834, but his mother, Nancy (Riley) Clarke, lived till June, 1855. Reader Wright Clarke was born in Bethel, of this county, May 18, 1812, where his father was one of the first inn-keepers of the county, as well as one of the earliest justices of the peace, receiving his commission from the Governor of the Northwest Territory, Gen. Arthur St. Clair. It. W. Clarke was reared in the village, but employed in his youth in farming. His education was obtained by attending school in the winter and private instruction at home by his father, who was a man of liberal education. He learned the art of printing under Governor Samuel Medary, then publishing the Ohio Sun, first at Bethel and then at Batavia, and at eighteen years of age he established a paper at Rockville, Parke Co., Ind., called the Wabash Herald, the first paper ever printed in that county. In 1833 he was married, and in May of that year located at Shawneetown, Ill., where he published the Illinois Journal. In consequence of the ill health of his family he re moved to Ohio in 1834, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits, in the mean time reading law. His business proved disastrous, and he was completely prostrated, financially. He struggled along as best he could, with little or no means, and managed to keep up his law reading, buying his own books and reading without a preceptor, until April, 1836, when he was admitted to the Clermont bar. About the same time he engaged in the newspaper business, and with Andrew M. Gest established the Clermont Courier, a radical Whig paper, that started out in the support of Gen., Harrison for the Presidency. With that paper he was subsequently connected as publisher, editor, proprietor, or correspondent for more than thirty-five years. In 1837 he was the Whig candidate for prosecuting attorney in the county. and although his party was in the minority some five hundred votes, he only fell thirty-six votes short of election. In 1840 he was elected by a large majority as a representative in the Legislature, and re-elected in 1841, when he declined further to be a candidate. In the General Assembly of Ohio he was a leading member, and chairman of the committee on public printing. His report in that capacity attracted much attention, and drew down upon him the wrath of the opposition, and especially that of Col. Samuel Medary, then public printer of the State. In 1844 he was a delegate to the National Whig Convention and a candidate for elector on the Whig ticket that year, and aided largely in casting the electoral vote of Ohio for Henry Clay. In 1846 he was appointed clerk of the Common Pleas and Supreme Courts of Clermont County, which position he held until 1852, when the new constitution went into effect and the office became elective, and he was not a candidate for the place. In 1858 he was the Republican candidate for Congress, in a district with over fifteen hundred opposition majority. He was beaten by about eight hundred votes, carrying his own county by seven majority, when the Democratic majority was several hundred. In 1860 he was a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, and was one of the Ohio delegation most zealous for the nomination of Mr. Lincoln. In 1864 he was the Republican nominee for Congress in the Sixth District, and elected by a large majority over Chilton A. White, then incumbent. He was re-elected in 1866, by a decided majority, over Col. William Howard. At the close of his congressional term, in 1869, he was appointed by President Grant third auditor of the treasury of the United States, which office he held until his declining health and the cares of his private business compelled him to resign. In Congress he was always found acting with the radical Republicans, and a practical economist all his life, he uniformly voted against all measures of extravagance and prodigality. His speeches in the House, which were carefully prepared and read from manuscript, will most favorably compare with the best of his contemporaries. Mr. Clarke was married June 24, 1833, by Rev. Moses Warden, to Margaret Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had three children,-Missouri Augusta, born Nov. 14, 1835 ; John Marshal, and Marcus Smith, the two latter dying in infancy. Mr. Clarke's first wife, Margaret (Ross), died in 1840, and some two years subsequently he married Miss Sallie Turpin Daughters Pollard, of Neville. Mr. Clarke's only surviving child, Missouri A., 272 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. was married, June 29, 1858, to George W. Gregg, son of George and Sarah Gregg, early pioneers of Clermont. Mr. Gregg was a lawyer of the Clermont bar, a very prominent business man, and a gentleman universally esteemed for his high mental attainments and social powers. He died Feb. 21, 1879, leaving his widow and a son, Reader Wright Clarke Gregg, now arrived at maturity, and a young man of rare promise, with many of his father's, Gregg, and his grandfather's, Clarke, characteristics. Airs. Sally T. D. Clarke died Sept, 18, 1871, and Mr. Clarke, May 23, 1872. Following the example of his grandfather, Stephen Clarke, a distinguished Mason in England, and of his father, Houton Clarke, one of the earliest and most prominent Masons in Clermont, R. W. Clarke, on arriving at legal age, received the three symbolical degrees in the lodge and the four capitular degrees in the chapter, and was r many years one of the most eminent members of this ancient and honorable order in Clermont. He was repeatedly Worshipful Master of the Lodge and High Priest of the Chapter, and often represented them in the Grand Masonic bodies of the State. Mr. Clarke was an able lawyer, an eloquent speaker, a brilliant editor, and a successful and accomplished politician, and withal was hardly excelled in business ability. While he attained political distinction and acquired a nice estate, his private character for integrity and uprightness was unquestioned. He loved his home, his family, children, and grandchildren, and he had that rare trait of character of standing by his friends ; hence he counted them by thousands, and they bravely stood by him in all his political campaigns, and rallied to his support with an ardor and feeling rarely accorded to any other public man of Clermont. WILLIAM HOWARD. Col. William Howard, of Batavia, of the law-firm of Howard & Howard (his son, John Joliffe Howard, being his partner), is of English extraction on his paternal side, and is of good Revolutionary stock, that most actively participated in the struggle for independence and fought on the side of the colonies. He was born in Jefferson Co., Va., Dec, 31, 1817, and was the third child in a family of seven children, whose parents were Thomas Howard and Rebecca (Likins) Howard, natives of the same county, in which their ancestors had lived r over two hundred years. His father followed through life agricultural pursuits, and after his removal to Wheeling, Va., died there in 1853. His mother, whose decease occurred in 1831, was of English-German descent, and was a woman of a noble Christian type. She early inculcated in the breasts of her children those sacred principles which lie at the foundations of good society. Until his fifteenth year he was employed as an assistant on the farm, and later was placed to learn the saddley trade in Jefferson Co., Va., which he pursued for several years. His early education was limited, and was obtained at the common schools, at that time few in number in the " Old Dominion," and short in their terms, and by attentive reading during the leisure hours of his service as a saddler. In 1835 he moved to Augusta, Ky,, and entered the preparatory department of Augusta College, the first Methodist institution of learning established in the United States, and at that time at the height of its prosperity. Its president was the distinguished Rev. Joseph S. Tomlinson, D.D. There he pursued a thorough curriculum of literary study, and graduated with high honors in 1839. During this time he became very proficient in mathematics, both pure and mixed,-a branch of study for which he had early a notable aptitude and talent, and which qualified him to become noted as a surveyor, and which was of incalculable service to him as a land-lawyer in the tedious intricacies of land litigation in after-years. He supported himself in the mean time by working five hours per day at his trade, and thus was enabled to receive a splendid education by his own hard labor. In his youthful days he had proposed to apply his attention to the study of medicine, an intention whose origin is attributable to the fact that in the ranks of the medical profession several members of his family had already acquired distinction. While pursuing a collegiate course, however, he abandoned this design, and resolved to apply himself to the study of law, deeming the legal profession one more in harmony with his tastes and in accordance with his mathematical abilities. Accordingly, in 1839, under the guidance of Hon. Martin Marshall, an accomplished scholar, and one of the most distinguished legal practitioners of Kentucky, and a member of that illustrious family which produced Chief Justice Marshall, he began to prepare himself for the bar. Within one year he qualified himself for admission, and in 1840 established his office in Batavia, Clermont Co., where he has since resided, engaged in the profession most honorably and extensively. He is to-day the Nestor of the Clermont bar, having been in practice longer than any other attorney. From 1842 to 1849 he was associated in his profession with Thomas L. Shields, and the firm of Shields & Howard was retained in nearly evey important land-suit at a time when litigation of titles in the Virginia Military Reservation absorbed the best part of the law practice in the courts. Mr. Shields, shortly after the dissolution of that famous law-firm, rementurned to the large landed possessions at Sewickly, fourteen miles below Pittsburgh, on the Ohio River, in Pennsylvania, which he had inherited from his ancestors, and there died in 1879. Col. Howard has, as an heirloom of that happy partnership and association, a compass which Mr. Shields gave him, and which his maternal grandfather Leet carried when he and George Washington together surveyed thousands upon thousands of acres of land in Western Pennsylvania, and which the Father of his Country, it is thought, often used in these surveying expeditions in the wilds of the then Far West. Col. Howard was elected prosecuting attorney of the county in 1845, and was re-elected in 1847. In 1849 he was elected State senator to the Legislature of Ohio from the district of Brown and Clermont, and served one term, with great honor to himself and with rare fidelity to his constituents. In 1858 he was elected as a representative to Congress, from the district comprising the counties of Clermont, Brown, Highland, and Adams, and took his seat the first Monday of December, 1859, and served one term of two years, the closing part of which witnessed the election of President Lincoln and the secession of the Southern BATAVIA TOWNSHIP - 273 States, which drew upon Congress the eyes of all the American people and of the world at large. At the most critical time of that memorable period, just before Sumter was fired upon, Col. Howard made an eloquent speech in the House in defense of the Union and against secession, and for preserving the unity of the country at all hazards. His speech had a wonderful effect in uniting all the friends of the Union and Constitution to sustain the Federal government, and won him great distinction and the applause of the American people. It was considered by the press the ablest speech of that famous session. In the district the one-term rule then obtaining in the Democratic party, which had elected him, he was not a candidate for reelection, but in 1866 was the Democratic nominee for Congress in the district at that time composed of Clermont, Brown, Highland, Fayette, and Clinton, and which being strongly Republican, he was not elected. In 1876 he was a delegate from the Third Congressional District, composed of Clermont, Butler, Clinton, Fayette, and Warren Counties, to the Democratic National Convention at St. Louis, at which Tilden and Hendricks were the Democratic nominees. At the Ohio Democratic State Convention of 1879 he was one of lhe principal members of the select committee which reported the famous resolutions of that year. His first vote for President was cast for James K. Polk, and he has always been intimately identified with the Democratic party, working efficiently to secure its welfare and develop its best interests. On the stump, in exciting political campaigns, for forty years his eloquent voice has been heard in defense of the party to which all his life he has been so warmly attached. In military matters also he has been prominently and most honorably before the public. In 1847 he accompanied to the scene of operations in Mexico the Second Ohio Regiment of infantry, and as second lieutenant of Co. C, raised in Clermont and Brown Counties, served actively with this body until the termination of the war. During those eventful days he was on the line, under Gen. Winfield Scott, from Vera Cruz to Puebla. In the war of the Rebellion he went to the front, in September, 1861, as major of the Fifty-ninth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service of his country some eighteen months, and in 1862 was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy. He was with this gallant regiment in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama, and was actively engaged in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville, Crab Orchard, and Stone River, besides innumerable skirmishes and other minor engagements. In 1863 he resigned his position in the army, his health having become seriously impaired through the trials attending extraordinary efforts necessitated by fatiguing marches and exciting service in the field. Col. Howard has ever manifested a warm and far-seeing interest in educational matters, and has been greatly instrumental in advancing many public enterprises calculated to benefit the people of his county. He is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and having at a very early period of his life been converted, has in his daily walk and conversation and in his dealings with mankind ever maintained a high Christian character above all suspicion or reproach. He is a man of varied experience in life, a public-spirited citizen, and a lawyer of scholarly attainments, who has won distinction at the bar, both before juries and courts, by his abilities and genius, aided by his suavity of manner and exemplary conduct of life. He was married Jan. 29, 1852, to Amaryllis C. Botsford, of Columbus, Ohio, a native of Oswego, N. Y. She was a woman of superior natural intelligence, and possessed a highly cultivated and refined mind and extensive information, which, combined with her amiability of manner, kind disposition, and Christian character, made her a favorite in society and the idolized wife and mother in her own household ; and whether in public or private life, she was her husband's confidential adviser. She died July 13, 1875, greatly mourned by the community in which she lived. Col. and Amaryllis C. Howard had two children, both sons, of whom William Howard was born Oct. 31, 1852, graduated at Wittenberg College, at Springfield. Ohio, in 1873, and died Aug. 31, 1875, in his twenty-third year. He was a young man of rare promise in intellect and strong character, and was cut down by the fell destroyer, consumption, just after the completion of his classical studies and in the flush of bright manhood, only seven weeks after his loved mother had been laid in the silent grave. The other son, John Joliffe Howard, was born June' 7, 1855 ; studied law with his father, and was admitted to the bar at the September term of the Clermont District Court in 1877, and in 1878 was elected prosecuting attorney of the county, in which position he is now acting, and is also in partnership with his father in the practice of the law. Col. Howard was married the second time on Nov. 27, 1877, to Mrs. Harriet A. Broadwell, of Georgetown, Ohio, the widow of Hon. Lewis Broadwell, a distinguished business man of Cincinnati, and who was a senator in the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth General Assembly of Ohio from Hamilton County, in the years 1849 and 1850, and at the same time Col. Howard represented the Brown and Clermont district. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Anne (Philips) Penn, early pioneers in Southern Clermont, and is a lady of varied intellectual accomplishments and belles-lettres, and to her marked natural genius and talents she has added many treasures by extensive research and travels in Europe. A lady of dignified manners and culture, she presides most elegantly over their beautiful home, and dispenses hospitality in a style worthy of the noble lineage from which she has descended. DR. L, W. BISHOP. Leonard Westcott Bishop was born in Cheviot township, Hamilton Co., Ohio, July 25, 1823, of good Revolutionary stock. He was one of a family of ten children, whose parents were of Welsh extraction, and who in 1815 emigrated from Cumberland Co., N. J., to the city of Philadelphia, whence, after a brief stay, they removed to Indiana, and some three years later settled in Hamilton County. Leonard W. was born on his father's farm, where he lived until his sixth year, when his father moved to Cincinnati, and there resided until 1829, when he located in Goshen 274 - HISTORY OF CLERMONT COUNTY, OHIO. township, of this county, where he died in 1864. Leonard W. in his residence in Cincinnati had the advantages of its schools, at that time, however, possessing but meagre facilities for instruction, and it was not until his eighteenth year that he received a good systematic school training, which he obtained under Rev. L. G. Gaines, at Goshen. When nineteen years old he began teaching, at the same time continuing his studies. Afterwards he took a partial course at Miami University, and then began reading medicine with Dr. Colon Spence, of Perin's Mills, with whom his reading occupied some two years. He taught school and pursued his medical studies until about his twenty-fifth year, when he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and then began the practice of his profession at West Woodville, in Wayne township, succeeding Dr. Erastus Hopkins. He remained there a few weeks, and then removed to Mount Cannel, where he formed a partnership with Dr. Frank Parish, and where he remained until the last of June, 1849. At that time the Asiatic cholera was prevailing as an epidemic in the country, and was particularly malignant in the neighborhood of Wine- berg, on the Ohio River, and in Anderson township, Hamilton County. Owing to the death and disabilities of the physicians in that vicinity, Dr. Bishop now removed there, and located near Mount Washington, and in that noted cholera district, by his courage, skill, and energy, rapidly gained a large practice and a deserved reputation in his profession. This was the turning-point in his life, and to this day the old settlers of that community speak in grateful terms of the resolute young practitioner who came to their succor. Two years later he located in the beautiful village of Mount Washington, and in 1854 graduated at the Ohio Medical College. At Mount Washington he was one of the projectors of its fine academy, serving for years as secretary of the board of directors of that institution. During the war of the Rebellion he was secretary of the Anderson Township Relief Society, of which Capt. Benneville Cline was president, and which by its able and patriotic efforts cleared the township from all drafts, and raised and dispensed large sums of money for alleviating the necessities of the families of soldiers at the front. He also served as one of the township trustees at the same time, and was largely instrumental in procuring the quotas of volunteers that enlisted in his township, After the battle of Pittsburg Landing calls were made upon all the Northern States for surgeons, physicians, and medical stores for the wounded and disabled, and a meeting of the citizens of the township was called at Mount Washington to furnish them for the two companies that had gone from its territory. At the unanimous request of the people assembled, Dr. Bishop was chosen to proceed to the scene of this late battle with the supplies raised, and to bring back the dead bodies of the fallen heroes and the sick and wounded that could be moved. Through the influence of Charles H. Wolf and A. A. Colter, he was appointed a surgeon and physician on the medical staff of Dr, Comegys, of Cincinnati, on board the boat " Monarch," commanded by Capt. Baker, which was about to leave for Pittsburg Landing, and which arrived there Sunday morning follow ing the battle. He proceeded first to seek out those of his township requiring aid, to whom he dispensed the stores and medical relief. He was one of twelve doctors on the boat engaged in the noble cause, and one of his colleagues was Dr. N. S. Hill, of Neville. In two weeks his humane and patriotic efforts were finished, when he returned with the dead and wounded soldiers, for whom his townsmen had sent him. On his return, at an immense assemblage of the people, a unanimous vote of thanks, the only compensation he desired or received, was tendered the doctor for his kind and grateful services. He was during the war frequently called to Cincinnati by its provost-marshal to aid and assist the regular surgeons in the various hospitals immediately after battles, when the wounded were pouring in beyond the capacity of the surgeons in charge to care for them. In 1866-67 he removed to Mount Carmel, and there practiced his profession until 1870, when he located in Batavia, where he has ever since resided. In the summer and fall of 1844 he received in Goshen Lodge, F. and A. M., No.119, the three symbolical degrees of Masonry, and has remained a member of that order to this day in good standing. He was a charter member of Gerard Lodge, at Newtown, being mainly instrumental in its institution, and its first Worshipful Master, and over that and other lodges for some ten or twelve years he has been Master, and has represented them in the Grand Lodge of Ohio. When about twenty- one years of age he united with the Presbyterian Church at Goshen, under Rev. L. G. Gaines, and is an elder in the church of that denomination in Batavia at this time. He was one of the few persons who organized in 1866 the Clermont Sunday-School Union ; was its first secretary, and has ever since continued actively interested in everything tending to the advancement of Sabbath-schools. He belonged to the old Washingtonian Temperance Society, and from that time to the present has been one of the most zealous temperance advocates in the State. He has been twice married, his present wife being a daughter of John and Rachel (Glancy) Williams, by whom he has two daughters, Bertha and Vesta, In 1879 he was elected one of the two representatives of Clermont County in the Sixty-fourth General Assembly of Ohio, and his term will expire on the first Monday of January, 1882. He is on the important House committees of" Deaf and Dumb, Blind and Imbecile Asylums," "Medical Colleges and Societies," also " Fish and Game." He has achieved a State reputation for his introduction and advocacy of the bill known as " Bishop's Local-Option Bill," which is now in the hands of the temperance committee, and will be brought to a vote the ensuing winter. In 1876, accompanied by his wife, he revisited the home of his ancestors in New Jersey, taking that opportunity to witness the Centennial Exhibition, then being held in Philadelphia. After his removal to Batavia he was appointed government examining surgeon for this district, to examine wounded and disabled Union soldiers who applied for pensions, which important position he held until the office was abolished, The doctor was one of the leading spirits in the organization and building of the Cincinnati and Eastern Narrow-Gauge Railway, and is a large stock- and bond-holder in that corporation.