(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) CHAPTER XXI. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. Jefferson township was organized in the year 1839 from the territory taken from Clark and Marion townships. This is one of the three townships which lie along the southern border of Clinton county. It is bounded by Brown county on the south, by Clark township on the east, by Marion township on the west and by Washington township on the north. The survey of this township was made in the winter season by one of the pioneers of the county, Peyton West, who was elected and served as county surveyor for several terms. Jefferson township took its name from the third President of the United States. This township contains about twenty-three square miles, or fourteen thousand seven hundred and twenty acres. NATURAL FEATURES. The surface of Jefferson township is generally level, but is susceptible of drainage at a reasonable cost. The only broken land in the township lies along the West fork of the Miami river and near the Brown county line, but this portion of land may be cultivated without difficulty and is now under a good state of cultivation. Jefferson township is drained by the West fork of the Miami river, which is the only stream flowing through this township, although it has as its branches and tributaries Plum run, Dry run, Moon's branch, Hale's branch, Lick branch, Sugartree branch and Bee branch. The West fork, as it is known to the natives, enters the township in the northeastern part and runs in a southwesterly direction to a point near the village of Westboro, where it bears south, crossing the Brown county line, and continues about one and one-half miles in the same direction and empties into the East fork of the Little Miami river. There is a considerable outcrop of blue limestone along the West fork, Dry run and Moon's branch, and large quantities of this have been taken to different parts of the county and utilized in the stone work of buildings and miscellaneous purposes. Some of the quarries along the creeks, where the stone comes near the surface, have been opened and considerable stone taken out and utilized in the macadamized roads of this section The heavy growth of timber, which covered almost every acre of the township, has prevented the rapid settlement and improvement. Oak, hickory, white maple, elm, with specimens of almost all other varieties common to this part of Ohio, were the distinguishing varieties of timber found in this locality by the early settlers. The value of the white oak was great and, owing to the fact that it was very extensive and of a good size and growth, made the early settlers quite wealthy in itself. Much of it was made into planks, shingles and staves and taken to other parts of the county for use. A large portion of the oak was of a tough variety and was well adapted for the manufacture of plows and wagons, for which purpose great quantities were shipped. Much of the ash and hickory has also been used by wagon and buggy manufacturers. The white maple has been chiefly used for house building. But a great amount of the timber was ruthlessly wasted in the clearing of the land for cultivation. In the pioneer days only the finest timber could be sold and there was not a ready market at all times, in consequence the only expedient was to cut down and burn the trees, or deaden and finally burn on the ground, in order that the fields could be plowed. STORM Clinton county was visited by a great tornado, May 22, 1860, which was especially destructive to Jefferson township. It made havoc with the timber, much of which was 276 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. broken down and torn up by the roots, or bent and damaged. This storm also did much damage to buildings and orchards, many houses and barns being unroofed. A portion of the brick school house at Westboro was blown down while school was in session, but, thanks to Him who "tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," no one was injured ; also a portion of the Methodist Episcopal church at Westboro was blown down. This storm was probably the most remarkable meteorological occurrence that has been witnessed since the settlement of the township SOIL The most of this township may be regarded as fairly productive, with some portions as quite fertile. All cereals are successfully raised and the soil is regarded as particularly well adapted to the cultivation of the potato. On the level portions, which include by far the greater part of the township, it has been proved quite profitable to tile, owing to the compact nature of the soil. EARLY SETTLERS. Samuel Jackson bears the distinction of building the first house in this township about the year 1812. Mr. Jackson had emigrated from Tennessee in the year 1800, and had settled in the eastern part of what is now Highland county, on Rocky fork. Hunting was his chief occupation and during the year 1801 he killed two panthers and quite a number of deer and bears. Brush creek and Sun Fish hills were his chief hunting grounds for a number of years. He removed to the southwestern part of .the township in 1818 and there settled on the lands which were later owned by Alfred Daugherty and known as the Lyons farm. Soon after this time Mr. Jackson returned to Tennessee and later he moved to Cass county, Texas, where he was still living at the outbreak of the Civil War. A Mr. Hale was the first settler in the Hale's branch neighborhood. He made the selection of a building site while in the company of John Randall, John Bunson and Ephraim Jones. This party, which was engaged in shipping salt from the salt works near Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, on flat-bottom boats, was returning on foot across the country, about the year 1818, as was their custom. They encamped for the night in what was then a beautiful oak forest, near a branch not far from where Wilson Bailey lived. The following morning, as one of the party related, when about to break camp, Hale remarked that the place was so attractive that he intended to return and settle there. True to his word, he did return, built a cabin, cleared a field and resided here a short time but soon became dissatisfied and left. Jesse Hockett was the next settler, and, in fact, the first permanent settler, as Mr. Hale's sojourn had been only temporary. He settled on the same branch and became a permanent resident. The first hewed-log house built in the township was erected by Joseph Hockett, who emigrated from Tennessee and cleared the lands near Hixon's school house, but soon afterward bought land in the Hale's branch neighborhood, to which he removed and there remained until his death, in 1843. The early settlers in the Bee branch neighborhood were John Garner, Thomas Comer and Mr. Brunson. John Starr, Richard Starr, William Starr and John Thornhill were among the first settlers in the vicinity of Westboro. William Hamer, while looking at the country in 1816, killed a large black bear. Whether this had any influence on Mr. Hamer's location or land we cannot say, but It is a fact that the following year he settled in the southern part of the township, not far from where he encountered the bear. During the years 1817-18, William Hamer and John Thompson built a saw-mill on the. West fork. This was the first saw-mill in the township and was operated with some degree of success for a number of years, but in the time of a great freshet, the dam, which was made of logs, washed away and was never rebuilt. The foundation logs were still left as a monument to these men, who CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 277 were esteemed for their honesty and integrity, and as further evidence of their industry and perseverance. Another well-known settler in the southern part of this township was Thomas Sermon, who had served in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Sermon came from Kentucky and settled on the lands of James Taylor, who would not sell to anyone as long as the old veteran desired to occupy it. An incident is told of his regard for the old soldier. A party was desirous of buying some land of Mr. Taylor and, when he refused, they assigned as a reason why he should sell "that the old fellow was cutting timber where he pleased and doing no good generally." This provoked the wrath of Mr. Taylor, who replied, in substance, with his usual warmth when aroused, that "such a man as the applicant was not worthy of being a landowner, and that he would not sell land to a man that sought to dispossess or disturb an old soldier, who had gone, as it were, with his life in his hands, and suffered to secure the liberty we enjoy." Peter Shick made the first settlement north of where the Baltimore & Ohio railroad now runs. Mr. Shick was a Baptist minister and settled here in 1830. Among the other early settlers of the township who came here and became permanent and prominent settlers were, William Garner, Joseph Hinshaw and Granville Haines, who settled in the Westboro neighborhood ; Thomas Moon, Nathan Hoggatt, Jesse Hockett and others, in the Hale's branch neighborhood ; Joseph D. Moon, Daniel H. Moon, John Holaday, Thomas B. Johnson and John W. Johnson, who settled on or near the old road leading from Martinsville to Woodville. MILLS. William Moon built a saw-mill on the West fork about the year 1831, which proved to be a success and was a great public benefit to the early citizens, as large quantities of lumber was turned out from this mill, which was needed for building purposes and the manufacture of wagons, plows and other implements. This mill continued in operation until about the year 1855. In the year 1850, two brothers, Lewis and Thomas Hockett, built the first steam saw-mill in the township It was operated with great success by them for a number of years and was later sold to Jacob Rhonemus, who continued to run it for a time, but it was afterward owned by several parties and continued in operation for quite a number of years. Jonathan Vandervort built the first flouring-mill, in the year 1858. It was located at Westboro and was still in operation in the early nineties, at which time it was owned by Settles, Lacock & White. In the year 1838 John Hamer built and put in operation the first carding machine. It was located on the west side of the West fork, a short distance from where the village of Westboro now stands; to this he had a grist-mill attached, and continued to run the same for quite a number of years, but it proved his financial downfall. S. J. Spees, Tummouse & Adams built the Westboro woolen-mills in the year 1868 at a cost of about seven thousand dollars. The building was ninety feet long and thirty feet wide and covered a commodious cellar, thirty by sixty feet. This portion of the building was originally built for a railroad depot. In April, 1874, the establishment was purchased of S. J. Spees by S. Wickersham & Sons, who continued to operate it for a time. When running, eight hands were employed, and both merchant and custom work was done by this factory. The products were shipped to all the towns in this immediate locality and the following towns have been supplied with jeans, flannels and blankets from this mill : St. Martins, Fayetteville, Cynthiana, Newtonville, Edenton, Goshen, Blanchester, Wilmington, Cuba, Clarksville, Martinsville, New Vienna, Washington Court House and Lynchburg. The first church organization in the township was that of the Friends, about the year 1825. In 1838 the United Brethren organized a society made up of the citizens of Plum run and Westboro neighborhoods. The later changes in the church history will be taken up, in full in another chapter of this book. 278 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. The military history of Jefferson township will also be taken up in another chapter, as it would require more space than can be here allowed to give even a synopsis of the many deeds of valor and heroism that were performed in the late Civil War by her volunteers. There are two railroads passing through this township, both of which are now controlled by the Baltimore & Ohio line and give the citizens of Jefferson ample train accommodations, both for travel and also as a means of transporting, their products to the foreign markets. The first school taught in the township was conducted by Thomas Abbott in the year 1823, in a cabin on the West fork. This was only a short distance from where the village of Westboro now stands. The next teacher was probably Jesse Hockett. The first school house was located on the north bank of the West fork, opposite the lands of John W. Jackson. This was also used as a meeting house by the society of Friends. The later changes will be taken up under the Educational chapter. The following are the officers of Jefferson township in 1915: Trustees, Taylor Connor, Gideon Hoggatt and Frank Brandenburg ; clerk, Harley Johnson; treasurer, W. S. Osborn. Population, thirteen hundred thirty-eight. WESTBORO. Westboro was laid out and platted on June 7, 1838, for Josiah Graham, proprietor, by David Wickersham, surveyor. It is part of the John Breckenridge survey No. 3,045. This village is located in Jefferson township, on the Hillsboro branch of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, four miles east of Blanchester. It was originally the voting place for the township, and its growth did not begin until the railroad was run through the county. The Westboro woolen mills were built in the year 1868 by S. J. Spees, Tunmous & Adams, at a cost of about seven thousand dollars. The building was ninety feet long by thirty feet wide. It covers a commodious cellar, thirty by sixty feet, under that portion of the building which was originally constructed for a depot. In April, 1874, the establishment was purchased of S. J. Spees by S. Wickersham & Son, who operated the same until about fifteen years ago. It is now used as a wareroom by W. A. Hudson. While the mills were in operation they did both merchant and custom work, and their products were shipped to the following towns and supplied their respective neighborhoods with flannel, jeans and blankets: St. Martins, Fayetteville, Cynthiana, Newtonville, Edenton, Goshen, Blanchester, Wilmington, Cuba, Clarksville, Martinsville, New Vienna, Washington Court House and Lynchburg. Westboro now has a population of two hundred and fifty. D. L. Woodruff is the agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. G. B. Wiles is the postmaster. It has three general merchandise stores, operated as follow : C. J. Uible & Company, Harley Johnson, manager; W. P. Hammer & Son; J. D. Hodson & Company, E. J. Hockett, manager. The flour-mill is owned and operated by R. E. Burton. W. A. Hudson uses the building which was formerly occupied by the Westboro woolen mills for a wareroom and deals in coal, cement, tile, etc. Other business interests are: Barber, Harley Johnson; stock buyer, T. W. Hixon; blacksmith shop, F. M. Nichols; fancy chicken fancier, J. R. Hammer. The physicians of the village are, Drs. C. A. Tribett and. A. F. Dennison, Westboro is an important shipping point for hogs, grain, wool and hay. It is also the pump station for the Hillsboro branch of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. There are three churches in the village, Friends, New Light and Methodist Episcopal. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows owns a nice building and has a very- strong chapter here. MIDLAND CITY. Midland City is situated on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and the crossing of the Wilmington and Westboro pike, twelve miles south of Wilmington. It was first laid out as Clinton Valley. It is noted for being a great coaling and water station of the said road CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 279 and gives employment to a number of men. It is also accommodated by the Midland division of the same road. The village has a population at present of approximately four hundred people. Midland City is incorporated and the town officials at present are: Riley Davis, mayor; B. V. Moon, clerk; Ezekiel Walker, marshal; J. A. Walker, George Fordice, A. C. Hamilton, George Patton, Quince Henderson and Harry Hall, councilmen. Maces Foster is the postmaster and Roy Wallace the agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. The business interests of the town are as follow: General stores, Maces Foster, F. J. Martin and E. H. Osborn; F. P. Walker runs a grocery store, Roy 0. Boulwar, grocery and general merchandise; C. N. Connor, grocery and restaurant; Ed Shaw, barber shop; F. A. Flora and J. A. Walker, blacksmith shop; J. C. Wickersham, grain dealer ; Dennis Foster. hotel; Inez Walker, boarding house; B. V. Moon and C. C. Foster, livery; William Badey, butcher ; Harry and Forest Bady, cement block manufacturers; A. B. Martin is the village physician. Midland City is an excellent shipping point for the different farm products. Big Onion is a flag stop on the Hillsboro branch of the Baltimore & Ohio. Kluck's Crossing is in the southeastern part of Jefferson township and on the Clark township line. This was a charcoal-burning station for a number of years. The ovens were the largest in this part of the state and gave employment to quite a number of men, but this industry has died out and at present Kluck's Crossing is merely a flag stop. CHAPTER XXII. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. Liberty township was organized on July 15, 1817, but the history of this township dates much farther back than the time of organization. Liberty township lies along the northern border of the county, in the center of the northern tier of townships. It is bounded by Greene county on the north, Wilson township on the east and Chester township on the west, while its entire south line borders on Union township. It is three miles wide from north to south and six miles long from east to west, and contains fifteen thousand four hundred and sixty acres of land. This township is afforded ample drainage through the streams which flow through the township, and these also serve as outlets for artificial drains. The largest of these is Anderson's fork, a stream of considerable size and importance, which flows through the entire length of the township from east to west, and empties its waters into Caesar's creek about one-half mile below New Burlington. Buck run flows into Caesar's creek outside the county and drains the entire southwestern part. Dutch creek also flows through a small portion of the southern part. These streams, with their tributaries, prove invaluable to the farmers of this locality in their drainage. When the pioneers came to this township they found the land covered with a dense growth of timber of the following varieties, viz : White oak, burr oak, sugar tree, beech, black walnut, ash, elm, etc. These were largely used in the manufacture of wagons and farm implements and the construction of houses. In later years the land is so completely cleared of timber that it has become a veritable prairie. THE LAND. The land is rolling along the different streams of the township and there are many acres of fine farming land in these bottoms. The country about Port William is level and, consequently, the streams do not have so great a fall and spread out over larger bottoms. The land in the early days was covered with water for about six months of the year. The soil is black and loose and rests upon a subsoil of clay. This land is peculiarly adapted to the raising of cereals, corn, wheat and oats being the principal products. It is thought by geologists that this township was once the bed of a lake, but since its drainage the soil is of a rich, deep black loam. Clinton limestone is found in abundance and of a good quality in this township. There are several quarries which are turning out stone for building purposes and are quite extensively worked. The stone from these quarries was always in big demand and large quantities were shipped to neighboring towns but, with the coming of cement and the substitute which concrete has been for stone. the business has suffered. Gravel can be found in great abundance along the streams and is used quite extensively on the roads of the township. THE PIONEERS. The first white man to settle within the limits of Liberty township was Stephen Mendenhall, who was born in Tennessee in the year 1780. While yet a small boy, he moved to North Carolina, where he remained until the age of twenty-two, when he took unto himself a wife, and a short time later moved to Waynesville, Ohio. In 1803 he came to Liberty township and settled on a farm of one hundred acres on Dutch creek. The first summer they had only the native Indians for neighbors, the nearest white CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 281 family at this time being seven miles away. At the time of his settlement the country was indeed an unbroken wilderness and game of all kinds, such as deer, bears, wolves, turkeys, etc., was plentiful. But the signal for a new dawn was ushered in with the first sounds of his axe. The next settler to locate in this township was Samuel Miller, who emigrated from Kentucky in 1804. Mr. Miller purchased a tract of six hundred acres on Anderson's fork and made this his permanent habitation. He was for a number of years the leading character in this section of the county and did as much to promote the neighborhood and township as any man in this locality. He was the first justice of the peace in this township. It is interesting to note that he was first elected in 1814, two years before the township was organized, and served from that time until his death, a period of nearly thirty years. He furnished the hand-mill with which the early pioneers ground their corn. He was also chosen as the first trustee of the township. He built the second grist-mill in the township, in the year 1833, but this mill was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt by Amos C. Hyatt. There was an addition of three families in 1805, on Anderson's fork. Abram Ellis and family moved here from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and settled just across the creek from Squire Miller's. Aaron Jenkins and family, who came to this county from Virginia, and Joseph Lucas, of Pennsylvania, were among the next settlers. Mr. Ellis was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, where he served for seven years, participating in the battles of Brandywine, Long Island and many others. He was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis. William Ireland was the next settler in this township Mr. Ireland was born in the country which bears his name, in 1770, and emigrated to this country when he was but three years old. He came to this county in March, 1806, from Scott county, Kentucky. He taught the first Sunday school in the township and took a deep interest in religious matters. In 1819 he built the first brick house in the township. Christian Stephens settled in this township in 1806 and located on Anderson's fork. Mr. Stephens was a native of Frederick county, Virginia. His, father, Peter Stephens, followed his son two years later. Christopher Ellis and wife, Elizabeth, also came to this township from Frederick county, Virginia. John Johnson and wife, Susanna, came from Virginia to Highland county, Ohio, in 1805, and the next year settled in Liberty township. The first election in this township was held at Mr. Johnson's house. John Unthank emigrated from Guilford county, North Carolina, in 1807 and settled on the banks of Anderson fork. Mr. Unthank built a grist-mill where the town of Port William is now located. This was the first mill built in this section of the country, and settlers for miles around came to Unthank's mill. The township elections for several years were held at this mill; Great public gatherings were also held at this mill and it was a sort of gathering place for the early settlers. David Fairfield, an Irishman, emigrated to this section from Kentucky with his family in 1810. The same year Isaac Haines and wife came from New Jersey and located here. David Adkinson and family, from York county, Pennsylvania, settled here. Owing to defective titles, Isaac Haines, Joseph Adkinson, Henry Hester, David Fairfield and others, owning to the amount of one thousand acres of land in W. Nelson's survey, lost all. In 1812 Josiah Borton moved here from New Jersey. In the same year John Strickle and wife, Susanna, emigrated from near Winchester, Virginia, and settled near Chillicothe; after remaining a year. they removed to the farm of Jacob Strickle. John Strickle was perhaps the first blacksmith to ply his trade in this township. William Hoblet moved with his family, in 1812, to Liberty township and took up his permanent residence. He was one of the first trustees of the township. Mr. Hoblet was a tanner by trade and carried on his business of tanning on his farm for a number of years. 282 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Benjamin Bangham, who was a native of England, purchased a tract of two hundred acres and settled here with his family on March 13, 1812. In the east end of the township, in the same year, Isaac Jones and wife, Phoebe, purchased a tract of one hundred acres and moved here from Greene county, Tennessee. Solomon Stanbaugh (or Stanbrough) was another early settler in this part of the township. Jonathan Hoskins came to this section from Guilford county, North Carolina, and settled on what was known as the Thornburgh place, about the year 1814. ,John Woolman and wife, Polly, emigrated from New Jersey about the year 1810 and settled in this township. Samuel Wilson and wife, Sarah, purchased a tract of three hundred acres and settled here in the year 1817, but, owing to defective titles and failure to meet the payments, they moved out of the township in 1821. John Oglesbee came to this township in 1817 and, two years later, moved onto a farm on Anderson's fork. Isaac Constance came in 1817 from Kentucky. William Constance, who also settled here with his father, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Isaiah Oglesbee, father of John Oglesbee, emigrated from Frederick county, Virginia, with his family, in the year 1817. Jacob Beal came from Pennsylvania and settled on the creek above Port William. About the same time his brother, Isaac Beal, emigrated to this township. Another early settler to this section was John Copeland and wife, Judith. Other settlers were Daniel and Solomon Early, David Hoblet, Ashley Johnson, Samuel Mitchell, Charles B. Williams, John King, David Shields, Henry Wooley, Henry Welch, Zachariah Moorman, Obed Waln and James Burden. EARLY CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. The first house of worship erected in this township was completed in the year 1818, by the Methodist Episcopal denomination and was denominated "Salem." It was built of logs and, although the comforts which the present generation of church workers enjoy were lacking, still the early zeal of the pioneers was shown in their long and arduous worshipping. The first school house was built in 1812. Henry Hester was the first teacher. This building was erected from round logs and served as a seat of learning until 1830, when a hewed-log house was put up on the site of the old one. The Rev. Griffield, a Presbyterian minister of Wilmington, taught the first school in this building. The second school in the township was built in 1816 and was known as the Salem school house. Aaron Jenkins donated the land and a log house was erected. Samuel Hyde was the first teacher. The first school house in the eastern end of the township was erected in 1827 and Aquila Dorsey was hired to teach the first school. The old state road was the first laid out in this township. It was established by the first Legislature that convened in Ohio, in 1802, and was opened soon afterward from Chillicothe to Old Town. This road entered the township about the center of its southern line and, taking a northwesterly course, enters Greene county near Lumberton. Shadrach Thornburgh and William Stanley built a pottery kiln in this township in 1827. They burned sugar pots for the early settlers. At that time there was a sugar camp on nearly every farm and they, did quite an extensive business with their kiln. There were also many copper stills on Anderson's fork. Robert Stanley, John Oglesbee, James Babb, Josiah. Borton, Samuel Miller, William Ireland and Jacob Peterson each owned one. Whiskey was sold for eighteen cents per gallon and was freely used. The first store was started in a log house on Anderson's fork about 1828, by Samuel Smith. This, the first store of any importance in the township, was managed by Jackson Walker. Aaron Weller began the manufacture of drain tile in 1856, the tile being made on a wheel by hand. In the same year Allen Hiatt put in the first tile ditch. In 1858 Mr. Weller erected a modern tile factory and has furnished hundreds of miles of tile which has been laid in this section. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 283 STATISTICS. There was no listing of personal property by townships until 1826. At that time, the only personal property listed for taxation in this township was cattle and horses. , This township reported 143 horses, valued at $5,720, and 211 neat cattle, valued at $1,688, making a total of $7,408. Horses were valued at a uniform price of $40 a head, and cattle at $8 a head. The value of the real estate was $32,614, making a total of $40,022. In 1881, the value of the property, 'real and personal, in the, township, was $813,175. The population in 1880 was 1,382; in 1890, 1,299; in 1900, 1,253, and in 1910, 1,089. The following are the officers of Liberty township in 1915: Trustees, Dennis Stephens, J. W. Brackney and Charles M. Stephens; clerk, F. M. Strickle; treasurer, E. P. Gordin. Population, one thousand and eighty-nine. PORT WILLIAM. Port William is the largest town in Liberty township and the chief town in the northern part of the county. This village was first started on the west side of Todd's fork, in 1816, by John Unthank. It was first called West Liberty. It is located On the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad. Only a few houses were built before 1829 and the town was not platted until October 13, 1832, for Michael Jenkins, the proprietor. It is a part of surveys Nos. 4,366 and 1,728. A log house, evidently the first in the hamlet, was erected by Jesse Dillon, son-in-law of Unthank, not far from the old factory. Garland Johnson also erected a log house, among the first, in 1829, and in the same year he started the first store in the town. A few years later he built an addition to his dwelling and moved the store into a room of the same. The first blacksmith shop was erected in 1828. Among the early business men of the town were: Addison Mills; grocer; Anson Massie, saddler; Marshall Jenks, merchant; Samuel Johnson, tanner; James M. Hoblet, merchant. In 1825, Steel Taylor built a fulling-mill below and on the opposite side of the creek from where the old woolen factory stood. The woolen factory was erected in the spring and summer of 1846, by Lewis Clark, who owned the same. It was later owned by Moon & Crooper, who did an extensive business in their line for a number of years. Jonathan Perkins started the first saloon in 1838. The building in which it was kept was where Hugh Johnson later kept a beef shop, and which was burned down a short time later. Since the opening of the railroad in 1878, it has been a good market for all farm products. Thousands of bushels of wheat and corn are shipped from this point each year. The following is a business directory of Port William: Banks, Port William Banking Company; barbers, D. R. Powers, F. M. Conklin; blacksmiths, Charles Conklin, J. H. Thomas; coal, yards, Faulkner & Burnett; elevator, 0. W. Linkhart & Son; flour-mill, W. 0. Beam ; garage, J. C. Beal; general merchandise, Rowland & Gordon, F. L. Barlow, G. H. Clark; hardware, J. A. Stevens; hotel, A. D. Sanderson; livery, A. B. Reed & Son; milliner, Mrs. Bernice Sanderson; meat market, 0. A. Mason; pool room, J. A. Conklin & Son; physician, P. D. Esbey; restaurant and ice cream parlor, Jenkins Bros.; saw mill, Clabaugh & Son; veterinary, Earl Starbuck. J. C. Ellis is the present postmaster. F. M. Strickle is the agent for the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad. J. A. Gilbert is the mayor and N. J. Conklin is marshal. The town has a population at present of three hundred. LUMBERTON. Lumberton lies on the northern edge of the county between New Burlington and Port William, and on the Wilmington and Xenia pike. This village was called Lumberton for a town of that name in New Jersey. The first house built in the village was used for a wagon shop by Samuel Woolman, about 1820. About the same time he built 284 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. a log house on the lot where Doctor Crawford resided for a number of years. Later John Borton built a small frame house on the opposite corner. The first store was started by Joshua C. James in 1839. Tunis Conkling was the first blacksmith. Although this town was settled and named early, it was not platted until May 20, 1853. The business interests in 1880 consisted of one grocery store, a cooper, two blacksmiths, one wagonmaker and a stonemason; one physician attended the ills of the settlers. The general merchandise store is owned and managed by Elmer Lewis. The two blacksmith shops are run by C. H. Hansen and Jacob Oglesbee. The population at present is about seventy. GURNEYVILLE Gurneyville is situated in the southwestern part of Liberty township, on the Liberty and Union township line. This little hamlet was platted for David McMillan, proprietor, March 2, 1847, and is part of the Nelson survey No. 1735. It was named by Mr. McMillan in honor of Joseph John Gurney, 'a noted. member of the Society of Friends. Andrew Haughey built the first house in 1847 and in the following year John Grant started a store in this building. Mr. McMillan's ambition was to build up a town here, but he never lived to realize his ambition. There are only a few houses to mark the site at present. The general store is operated by C. II. Smith and the blacksmith shop by Dallas Carey. M'KAY'S STATION. McKay's Station is a flag stop on the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad. It was never platted and has sprung up since the railroad came through. It was named in honor of Alfred McKay, who gave most of the lots to those who would put up good houses on the same. This was quite a shipping point for grain and live stock, but at present is nothing more than a flag stop. George Hamilton has a general merchandise store and does a nice business. Clare was formerly the name for the postoffice. MT. PLEASANT. Mt. Pleasant at present consists of a voting precinct and is located on the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad. By a special act of the Legislature in 1875, the trustees of the township were authorized to divide the township into two voting precincts. Previous to this time the -township voted at Port William.. The trustees, under this authority, established a voting precinct at Mt. Pleasant. Mt. Pleasant is also the center for one of the consolidated school districts of this township. This building was erected at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. It has three rooms and three teachers in the high school. Professor Hodson is the district superintendent. There were twenty-eight enrolled in the high school and thirty in the grades. There were three in the 1915 graduating class. An elevator marks the spot for Oglesby Station, which is located on the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad. Wilbur Oglesby is the manager of this elevator, hence the name for the place. It was never platted and no attempt was ever made to establish a town here. CHAPTER XXIII. MARION TOWNSHIP. Marion township occupies the southwestern corner of Clinton county and is bounded on the north by Vernon township, on the east by Washington and Jefferson townships, on the south by Brown county and on the west by Warren county. For the most part, the surface of the township would be called undulating, but in some places it is very level. The soil is productive and in some parts of the township is underlaid with a stratum of fine gravel at a depth of from six to eighteen feet. The principal streams are Second creek, running from the northern part of the township to the west side near the center ; Lick creek, running west through the southern part and out at the west side near the southern corner, and Whitacre's run, which flows from east to west, south of the center. A vast quantity of the land was formerly, swampy and too wet for cultivation, but, by the use of modern systems of ditching and draining, these lands have been made tillable and very fertile. SETTLEMENTS. The settlement of this township began long before its .organization and soon after the organization of the county. It has been definitely established that Jonathan Baldwin was the first to settle within the limits of Marion township. Baldwin was born at, or near, Morgantown, Monongalia county, Virginia, November 30, 1786, and remained with his father until 1804, when he emigrated to Ohio and settled in Guernsey county. Two years later he removed to Warren county, near the present town of Morrow, and engaged in working by the month, building flat-boats for William Whitacre, with whom he remained until 1811. In that year he married Harriet Blancett and removed to near Springboro, in Warren county. In 1812 he enlisted in the army and served in the campaign of that year under Gen. William Henry Harrison. He then returned home, where he remained until 1814, when he came to Marion township and settled on a tract of land of one hundred and thirty acres on Second creek, this land being the residue of four hundred acres previously purchased by him of General Lytle. Immediately upon his arrival, Mr. Baldwin, with the help of his two brothers, Samuel and Benjamin, cut the logs and erected the first dwelling in the township. His nearest neighbor at this time was four miles away, the intervening distance being covered with a heavy forest. On the completion of the cabin, the brothers left Jonathan to clear the land and they returned to their home in Warren county. This was in February, 1814, and by the spring of 1815 he had six acres of land cleared and ready to be planted with corn for that year's use. He died on August 28, 1868, in his eighty-second year. He was married twice; his first wife died on October 27, 1834, and his second wife, Mary, on July 25, 1856. His son, William H. Baldwin, who died on November 19, 1862, when fifty-two years of age, was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of the township He was, township clerk, justice of the peace, postmaster, general of the county militia, state senator, and judge of the second judicial district of Ohio. Reuben Gillis was another early settler of this township.. He was born on the Elkhorn, eleven miles north, of Lexington, Scott county, on August 8, 1789. His father brought him to Ohio in May, 1799, when he settled in Warren county. From here the son later moved to Clinton, near where Blanchester now is, and where he continued to reside until his death, in 1877. When he, came, to the Blanchester neighborhood, Jonathan 286 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Baldwin, Galvin Morrison, William Liston, Sr., George Crossen, the widow Kate Crossen, Edward Crossen, William Clark, Mr. Stanberry, Elisha Whitacre, Nicholas Burns and William Caudle were already living on Second creek. The first white child born in the township was Benjamin Baldwin, who was born on October 15, 1815, and who for years lived on a farm near Blanchester and is still remembered by the residents of that community. At this time the nearest neighborhood was about Collins' tavern, now called Villar's chapel, a distance of seven miles. Galvin Morrison emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1815, and located in this township\ on what was later known as the William Zimmer farm. Soon afterward Elisha Whitacre; Recompense- Stansbury, from New Jersey; Hiram Anderson, William Liston and Edward Crossen settled in the township. Among the early pioneers should also be mentioned Jeremiah Rowan, John Cooper, William Crossen, Mrs. Henry Shank, Wilfred Cusick, Hartwell Gilliam, Reuben Murphy and Gertrude Newell. FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP. This township was formed by an act of the county commissioners, August 5, 1830. The first election in the township was held in the woods near the cabin of Tobias Barnett (sometimes called Bernard), on September 4, 1830, when the following officers were elected: John Mitchell, John Stephens and John Salisbury, trustees; Hiram Anderson, clerk, and Edward Crossen, Jr., treasurer. The farm on which this election was held is on the Twin pike, leading from Blanchester to Wilmington, about one and a half miles northeast of the former place. John Cooper was elected justice of the peace the following November. The following composed the electorate of the township at this election of the justice of the peace: Jonathan Baldwin, G. Morrison, Hiram Anderson, Recompense Stansbury, John Salisbury, Nicholas Burns, Thomas Elsey, Jonathan Kirk, William Brown, Irwine Garrison, Benjamin Garrison, James Bryant, William Clark, William Hudson, Salby Hudson, Jeremiah Rowan, John Caddie, Lewis Nebber, Reuben Gillis, john Smith, Azel Lyon, Elisha Whitacre, Edward Crossen, Israel Lidles, Isaac Coons, William. Sharrow, John Trump, Benjamin Murphy, James Cochran, David Fisher and Isaac Martin. EARLY SCHOOLS. The first school house in the township was a log house built on a half acre of land donated by Hiram Anderson for that purpose, and the first school taught in it was by James Cochran, an ex-soldier of the Revolutionary War. This site was afterwards used as a burial place. Catharine, the wife of Galvin Morrison, was the first person to be interred here. It is now filled with the graves of the early settlers of the township. The next school building was a log house on the south bank of Second creek. It was taught by Benjamin Baldwin, the father of Jonathan Baldwin and alto a soldier in our war for independence. This site is now within the confines of the town of Blanchester. A third school building was built on the farm of William Crossen. Compared with our modern, well-planned and well-built school buildings, even in the remotest rural districts, these early log school houses were crude affairs indeed. They were heated by fire-places, requiring logs the or six feet in length. The seats consisted of slabs, three to four inches thick, six to eight inches wide and eight to twelve feet long, hewed on the upper side. They were set about eighteen inches above the floor, so high that most of the children's feet did not touch the floor. School was in session most of the day, but the children never complained, living in the hope that some day their feet would touch the floor. But few even realized that dream, for they were almost always taken from school at an early age and put to work on the farm, helping their parents. The writing desks were made by placing plank along the wall at the sides of the room, with a strip fastened at the bottom. These schools were operated and maintained by subscription, each settler subscribing CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 287 so many pupils, at from a dollar' and twenty-five cents to a dollar and a half per pupil, for a quarter of about sixty-five days. Twenty students were considered a large school and but few branches were then thought necessary. Some paid their subscriptions fn money and some in produce. However, many paid in wood and this was cut near the school building. The teacher boarded around among the patrons, dividing his time among them. When a pupil had advanced as far as the single rule of three, with a slight knowledge of Peter Parley's geography, he was considered as having a Sufficient education, and would be taken from school and put to work in a clearing. Usually the girls were not so far advanced, as it was deemed more necessary to educate them in the kitchen and household duties, and it was thought, too, that they had not the faculties of learning as had the boys. The following are the officers of Marion township in 1915: Trustees, S. A. Losh, I. Tedrick and James Reeves; Clerk, H. C. Reed; treasurer, Clay Watkins. Population, two thousand five hundred and thirty-three. BLANCHESTER. Blanchester was laid out by Joseph and John Blancett and the plat was recorded on March 23, 1832. There were originally twenty-four lots, four poles by eight poles square. The lots were numbered consecutively from. 1 to 24, distributed along the main street, Howard, which ran northwest and southeast, and one cross street. Broadway, which ran northeast and southwest. The courses of the lots were north forty-five and one-half degrees east by south, forty-five and one-half degrees east. This village is situated in the southeastern part of Marion township and is the only town in said township. On March, 6, 1865, the necessary proceedings were taken and the town duly incorporated by the county commissioners under the laws of the state of Ohio. On August 9, 1873, the incorporation was extended to include contiguous territory, on a petition signed by property owners within the territory to be annexed, and recommended by the authorities of the town. Anshutz & Patterson's addition, including the school lot and also Clark, High and Columbus streets, was platted on February 2, 1874. J. H. Trickey's addition, with Central avenue and South Broadway street, was platted on November 16, 1877. Blanchester is located at the Junction of the Blanchester and Hillsboro branch of the Baltimore. & Ohio Southwestern railroad. The interurban line from Blanchester to the suburbs of Cincinnati affords the people of this community excellent train service. Wilson's run and Second creek surround the town on three sides and connect at the eastern edge of the corporation. The first merchant to locate here was Joseph Blancett, who occupied a hewed-log house. He kept a general line of groceries, notions and such other articles as would be found in a country store of that day. Blancett was followed by Isaac Frazier and William H. Baldwin. The former kept his store in a log house in the village, but, the latter occupied a, stand at a point outside the present corporate limits. William Bundy was the first blacksmith, and had his shop in a log building, where he plied his trade here many years before any, other blacksmith came to this community. Bryant Trickey was the first wagon-maker and also plied his trade in a log shop. On the 24th of March, 1870, S. R. Nickerson began, the publication of the 'Manchester Herald, and continued eighteen months, when he sold it to James S. Turk, who in a short time changed the name to the Marion Zndependent, the publication of which ceased about October 1, 1872. The history of later papers may be found in the chapter on newspapers. Blanchester has suffered the greatest disaster that has ever been visited upon any town in Clinton county. This prosperous little village was overtaken by a serious calamity. on October 18, 1895, and within the brief space of six hours the business portion 288 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. of the town was almost entirely consumed and a number of her most enterprising citizens were financially ruined. The fire broke out at 1:30 P. M. in an old stable in .the rear of the livery barn of W. Burke. There was no definite knowledge as to the origin of the fire, though the most generally accepted theory was that some, person had carelessly thrown a cigar stub either in or near, the stable and, that the conflagration, started from that apparently trifling act. From this, the brick livery stable of W. W. Burke was ignited. Not until the fire got under good headway, in the stable of Burke was it discovered, and soon a general alarm was given. The streets were' soon fairly alive with people doing what they, could prevent 'the spread of the flames. Blanchester's fire department was a volunteer brigade, under the captaincy of Jacob Baldwin, and their only equipment was an old hand engine, while the only available water was such as could be pumped from wells and cisterns, and in many of them the water was very low. Within a very short time, fanned by a stiff wind, the flames spread so rapidly that it became apparent that , the town was doomed unless outside aid could be speedily secured. Mayor Foote telegraphed. Hillsboro, Lynchburg and Loveland, all of which responded at once and, transportation being at hand, were soon on the ground. By the time of the arrival of outside aid the square bounded by Main, Wall and Church streets and the railroad tracks, and that bounded by Main, Wright, Cherry and Broadway, were involved in the flames. Everyone who could carry a bucket assisted the firemen in fighting the still-spreading flames. But the cisterns and wells became exhausted of their supply of water, and the only recourse was to get water from the creek, a distance of five squares. By seven o'clock in the evening the three business squares were largely destroyed and the residence portion of the town was seriously threatened. Then followed the most intense excitement. People became frantic in their efforts to get their household goods to places of safety; but in a number of instances they were compelled to abandon the work of rescue, the flames spreading too rapidly for them. The Methodist church and three residences adjoining, thought to be at a safe distance from the conflagration, were ignited by burning embers being carried three squares through the air and over intervening dwellings. The church was gutted and the three residences, including the pretty home of Lyman Simonton, were entirely destroyed. The loss was estimated at one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, with insurance of less than twenty-nine thousand dollars—a little more than one-fourth. Hence the unfortunate people suffered a loss of nearly one hundred thousand dollars, besides the loss sustained by tradesmen while preparing for a resumption of business. The extent of the damage wrought can be more fully comprehended by the reader when we state that seventy-two buildings, including dwellings and barns, were destroyed, and that nearly the entire business portion of the town was swept away. Fortunately. go one was killed or seriously injured by the disaster. On Saturday, Mayor Foote called a citizens' meeting to be held at the Universalist church for the purpose of organizing a committee for the relief of the sufferers. A large number of citizens responded. The meeting organized with, the following officers: Professor Cadwallader, chairman; C. B. Watkins, secretary; E. D. Smith, treasurer; J. M. Fisher, Rev. Hamilton, A. Crosson, J. W. West, Mayor Foote and J. S. Dewey, executive council. A committee of fifteen ladies and men was appointed to solicit aid from the hundreds who visited the fire-stricken town on Sunday. The good people of the county were very loyal and generous in coming to the aid of their stricken neighbors. A vote of thanks was tendered the fire department of Hillsboro, Loveland and Lynchburg, all of which battled nobly against the fire fiend; also to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company for their prompt action in furnishing transportation to the fire companies of these towns. A clipping from, the Clinton County Democrat, commenting on the fire, said: "The CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 289 situation at Blanchester is almost appalling and will require a long time for the village to recover from the effects thereof. Comparatively few business rooms remain, and not much headway can be made before next spring." The fire, while a great calamity and an inestimable loss to many of the citizens, was really a blessing in disguise, for within less than two years the business section was completely rebuilt with modern brick buildings. Where once frame buildings stood, their places are now filled with fire-proof structures. The Clinton County Democrat of November 28, 1895, printed the following: "After having risen Phoenix-like from the ashes of the late terrible fire, Blanchester was visited Monday night with a terrible and destructive wind storm, and quite a number of the new buildings in the course of construction and those left standing by the fire were damaged to a greater or less extent. The wind blew a perfect gale the entire night, and many people had to seek places of safety, thinking that any minute the houses they occupied would be blown from their foundations. The entire roof was blown from the Carnahan block. The north fire wall on the new Rice building was blown off and went crashing through the roof of the new building just completed and occupied by the Snyder & Anderson Hardware Company. The walls of the Methodist church, left standing from' the fire, were blown over, and completely buried the material, doors, windows, etc., belonging to Mrs. Willoughby, who had just had them placed on the ground preparatory to constructing a new dwelling to replace the one destroyed by fire. Window glass was blown from the fronts of the store room of H. L. Day, druggist; Z. T. Peddicord, furniture, and Doctor Anshutz, dental parlors. The walls of the old Broadway livery stable were blown down and the roof of a large warehouse near the railroad, belonging to James Gustin, was blown off. "But, undismayed,, every one is at work this morning clearing off the debris. It was, indeed, a night for terror to many of the citizens of this community, and one that will never be forgotten. The peculiar color of the sky was a feature of the storm, the west having a dull, red hue." BUSINESS DIRECTORY. The following is a list of the business interests at Blanchester : Architect, George Baldwin; attorneys, Savage & Savage, B. S. Scott and Joseph Brant; agents, Baltimore & Ohio, F. 0. Allison, Cincinnati & Muskingham Valley, Mrs. David Curless; banks, First National, Merchants and Farmers; barbers, H. A. Baldwin and Thomas Hewett; Palace, T. J. Warning, proprietor ; Arcade, Bowen & Mullenix, proprietors; H. W. Osborne. Blacksmiths, C. W. Smithson & Son, L. H. Watkins, A. Leonard, Houck & Gilliland, Hottinger & Burroughs, William Greenfield; brooms. Ratchford Brothers, C. A. Moon, Edward Espy; carpenters, Milton Laymon, Harry Hall, Vernon Spencer, John Spencer, John Klock, Lewis. Achor, Albert. Achor, Homer John; chiropractor, 0. I. Bennett; coal, Craig & Oberlin, Amos Foote, A. N. Williamson; contractors, Dewey Brothers & Company, A. Crosson; confectioneries, J. E. Reeder, Clarence Frye, Clyde Daugherty, Mrs. O. L. Haworth, W. H. Frey; creameries, A. Curless Sons & Company; dentist, B. F. Wade, J. H. Shank, J. A. McPhail, J. W. Anshutz, R. S. Spickard; drugs, G. V. Losh, Day & Son, H. E. Katzenmeyer; dry-goods, S. Haines & Company, Rice Brothers, The Mercantile Company; factories, Overalls, Hershey & Rice, Southern Ohio Handle Factory, Star Harries & Company, Hames and Cast Saddle Trees, Blanchester Canning Company; fish market, Pearl Hendry; fruit store, John Cafeo; furniture, Reed & Robertson; garage, W. W. Reeves, John Carr, John Howe; gardeners, John Pommert, C. P. Starkey; groceries, People's Cash Grocery, Frank Rudell, Guy Irvin, W. N. Hunter, I. J. Long, C. M. Riley, E. D. Wing, Harry Griswold; hardware, P. E. Snyder, Hampton & Shank, Anderson & Brant; harness, John Hudson; hotels, Arcade, Brindley; insurance, George (19) 290 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. Snider, John Frazee and Henry Hagadorn; Andrews, & Laymon, L. S. Lorish; jewelry, H. C. Reed, George Deck; junk, Walter Powers; laundry, Model Laundry; livery, Harley Richardson, Leo King; live stock, Brown & Fritz; machinery, Collins & Arbogart, W. H. Carnahan; meat markets, Penquite Brothers, Earnest Whitenack; millinery, Lillian Norton, R. L. Moon & Company, Jackson Sisters; milling, D. W. Hogan; music, Mrs. Icie Shawhan; newspapers, Blanchester Star Republican, Blanchester News; painters and decorators, Frank King, Elias Wilkins, Clem Baldwin, J. W. Hottinger, C. L. Shumard, William Osborne, George Kelsey, 0. E. Hawthorne, H. Lieka; physicians, F. M. Baldwin, J. H. Norman, L. J. Spickard, Robert Conard, Raymond Watkins; plumbing, W. I. Gebhart; pool, J. W. Smith, A. B. Gilliland; shoe repairing, S. C. Ross, W. W. Homan; studio, Arthur Studio; tailors, A. E. Eskew, Corliss; theaters, Dreamland, Pastime; undertakers, A. L. Hannah, Harry Frey, Burk & Eichelberger; upholstering, Alton McKinney; variety store, George Taylor. The present officials of Blanchester are as follow : J. W. Gustin, mayor; W. L. Hixson, clerk ; J. M. Brant, solicitor; A. Titus, health officer ; H. F. Hudson, treasurer; Ed Anderson, fire chief ; T. J. Walker, marshal; H. M. Hall, John Carr and J. H. Shank, board of public affairs; H. E. Katzenmeyer, clerk of public affairs; Amos Foote, Aetna Laymon, Jacob Kohlhagen, C. M. Day, J. R. Ross and J. 0. Norman, council. CHAPTER XXIV. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. Richland was one of the three original townships into which the county was divided by the commissioners on April 6, 1810, and was erected in words as follows: "Ordered, that all that part of Clinton county east of the old boundary line of Warren county shall be one township known by the name of Richland." This was the preliminary act, but the township was not surveyed nor its boundaries described until August 10, 1813, at which time the original boundaries were fixed as follow : "Beginning at large hickory at the corner of Green township, in the line of Union township, thence running with the line of Green township, to the southerly corner of the county and at the corner of Fayette county, thence north with the county line to the northeast corner, thence west with the county line to the original line of Warren county, thence south with said original line of Union township, thence with the line of Union township to the place of beginning." The township originally comprised all of that territory now included in Wilson, Wayne and Green, in addition to its present territory, also parts of Liberty, Union and Clark. CHANGES IN AREA. The township has been cut down four times. The first was on August 21, 1813, when a part of the township was cut off from the west side to form Union and Green townships; on July 15, 1817, another part was taken from the same side to form Liberty ; the third change came on March 4, 1837, when a part was taken to form Wayne township; and the last change came in August, 1850, when Wilson township was formed. The township, as it now exists, is of an irregular shape, being in its longest part, east and west, about eight miles long, by four miles wide, and containing twenty-one thousand two hundred and ten and seventy-two hundredths acres of land. Richland township is situated in the extreme northeastern corner of the county and its boundaries are as follow : On the north by Wilson township and Fayette county ; on the east by Fayette county; on the south by Wayne township, and on the west by Wilson and Union townships. It is not definitely known from whence the name was derived, but it is supposed and rather well warranted, that it was so named on account of the rich soil of the territory originally comprised within its border. NATURAL FEATURES. The township has good drainage through the waters of Lee's creek in the south and Rattlesnake creek in the northeast corner. As tributaries to this latter creek and serving as an excellent drain for the eastern part, are Palmer's branch, Wilson's branch and Grassy branch, and the western part is drained by Anderson's and Todd's fork. On almost a due line with the old Urbana road, extending through the full width of the township, from north to south, is a water shed. This shed has an elevation of about one hundred feet and divides the waters of the Scioto from those of the Miami, the streams of the east running into the Scioto, through Rattlesnake creek and its tributaries, while those of the west flow into the Miami river. Anderson's fork, running north-northeast empties info Caesar's creek in the extreme northwest corner of the county, at New Burlington, and a branch of Todd's fork drains the western limit of the township. Richland township has a rather level surface. There are no hills or breaks of any 292 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. kind, although the grade in the eastern part is about six feet to the mile, ascending to the table lands or water shed. The slope on the western side is much less. The land is somewhat rolling between Anderson's fork and the water shed, but resumes the level appearance from Anderson's fork to the western side of the township. This township is blessed with a lack of waste land; there are no swamps, bogs or land under water ; no broken, hilly country, and no stone lands, and, in fact, no untillable lands. Even the beds of the streams are so narrow that they occupy a very small acreage of the land as compared with those in adjoining counties. SOIL. Richland township, in the beginning of the nineteenth century, was little better than a huge swamp of bog. Timber covered the ground with such a heavy growth that the fallen timber, leaves and undergrowth were unable to dry out and lay in a half-decayed mass of several inches in depth. The earth was wet and almost covered with pools of standing water and the rays of the sun were prevented from penetrating the thick foliage and reaching the sodden earth. This made it undesirable on the part of the early settlers, who preferred locating on more elevated lands, free from water, and It is not hard to see why this township was slow in beginning its growth. But with the clearing of this land and the introduction of drain tile, this has become one of the banner townships of the county. The soil of Richland township is of a rich, alluvial formation and is based on a clayey subsoil. In some places this has a stratum of stone underlying it at a depth of from four to six feet. An example of this underlying stone is the bed of Anderson's fork. It is composed entirely of this stone, a stratum of which underlies the creek, extending about a mile from the stream on the west side and about a hundred yards from it on the east. This is a limestone formation and belongs to the group called Clinton, which is found quite extensively throughout the county. This limestone is used for building purposes and macadamized road material ; it also produces a very good grade of lime, which, although the color is not pure white, is just as good for building purposes as the whiter grade. The land of the township is particularly well adapted to the raising of corn and grass, but until recently it has not been as profitable for cereals as other townships of the county. However, with the improved system of drainage and the introduction of drain tile, it is rapidly moving to the front in the raising of all farm products. TIMBER. The timber of the township covered a wide variety and quality. Some of the timber grew to a great size and was used in the manufacture of different products. Elm and maple grew in great abundance in the lower lands and clearly indicated the richness of the soil on which they grew. The burr oak and sugar tree grew in great profusion on the higher lands and, in fact, in all parts of the township. Other trees of a wide and varied variety peculiar to this locality could be found. The black walnut and blue ash was used by the settlers to make rails from and today would be of great value if still. standing. There was also a great growth of underbrush and vines through which a passage could only be cut with great difficulty and labor. LAND ENTRIES. The whole of this township is in what is known as the Virginia military district. This is composed of surveys entered by holders of military warrants, which were issued, by the government for payment to the Revolutionary warriors who were not regularly enrolled in the army, but were a sort of militia. The government at that time did not have money to pay their soldiers for their services and in consequence would issue them tracts of land as payment. The following is a list of the entries and surveys made in this township: CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 293 Entry No. 550, August 4, 1787. Richard C. Anderson and Mayo Carrington, four thousand acres of land on military warrant No. 856. Surveyed March 3, 1794, by John O'Bannon, district surveyor. Entry No. 698, August 8, 1787. Jonathan Clark, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 172. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 4, 1794. Entry No. 727, August 8, 1787. Clement Biddle, assignee, one thousand acres, on several military warrants, Nos. 1,756, 1,906, 187, 1,891, 1,789. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 7, 1794. Entry No. 729, August 8, 1787. John Tench, assignee, one thousand two hundred acres of land, a part of military warrant No. 2,377. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 4, 1794. Entry No. 730, August 8, 1787. Lieut. Nathaniel Anderson, one thousand acres of land, a part of military warrant No. 2,235. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 4, 1794. Entry No. 732, August 8, 1787. Capt. William Lindsay, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 1,199. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 8, 1794. Entry No. 738, August 8, 1787. Capt. Nathaniel Burwell, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 2,133. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 8, 1794. Entry No. 763, August 8, 1787. Lieut.-Col. Presley Neville, one thousand four hundred acres •of land, a part of military warrant No. 18. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 8, 1794. Entry No. 766, August 8, 1787. Lieut.-Col. Presley Neville, one thousand four hundred acres of land, part of military warrant No. 18. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 10, 1794. Entry No. 837, August 9, 1787. Lieut.-Col. Presley Neville, one thousand four hundred acres of land east of his entry No. 766, but withdrew the entry and on May 7, 1784, he entered one thousand four hundred acres, part of military warrant No. 18. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, June 15, 1794. Entry No. 854, August 10, 1787. Lieut.-Col. Thomas Posey, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 240. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 22, 1794. Entry No. 855, August 10, 1787. Capt. Thomas Pemberton, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 398. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 19, 1794. Four hundred acres of this entry was withdrawn and entered in survey 274. Entry No. 895, August 10, 1787. Lieut. William Whitaker, one thousand acres of land, part of military warrant No. 2,121. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 21, 1794. Entry No. 891, August 10, 1787. Capt. Joseph Scott, Jr., one thousand acres of land, part of military survey No. 1,887. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 17, 1794. Entry No. 900, August 10. 1787. Lieut,-Col. Edward Carrington, one thousand five hundred acres of land, part of military warrant No. 1,792. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, April 5, 1794. Entry No. 932, August 11, 1787. James Galt, heir, one thousand acres of land, on military warrant No. 194. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 18, 1794. Entry No. 1,061, August 13, 1787. Gen. Daniel Morgan, two thousand five hundred acres of land, on military warrant No. 19. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, April 1, 1794. Entry No. 1,449, August 18, 1787. Col Edward Carrington, one thousand five hundred ares of land, which was withdrawn, and on March 13, 1794, he entered one thousand two hundred acres on military warrant No. 1,792. Surveyed by John O'Bannon, March 29, 1794. Entry No. 6,298, July 17, 1809. Thomas Bagwell and Agnes Lingo, representatives of Thomas Lingo, deceased, three hundred and nine acres of land on two military warrants, Bagwell, two hundred acres on No. 5,579, and Mrs. Lingo, one hundred and nine acres on part of 5,589. Surveyed by John Galloway, Jr., July 20, 1809. 294 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. In addition to these surveys, there are, jutting into the township, small corners of T. Bland's entry, No. 885, Lieut. John Jameson's entry, No. 907, and Capt. William Lindsay's entry No. 963. Owing to the fact that the early titles were very imperfect on the lands derived by the settlers, the early settlement of this township was greatly retarded. In quite a number of cases the settlers would purchase tracts of land, of varying extent, and, after clearing it and making improvements, would find that the seller had no title. In consequence, they would have to pay for the land a second time, or engage in a useless lawsuit, which would invariably result in a Judgment in favor of the new claimant. People were, therefore, afraid to buy, and preferred taking the land direct from the government in regularly surveyed townships. EARLY SETTLERS. The honor which is always due the first settler or settlers in a new community can not be definitely placed in the instance of Richland township. Who the first settler of this township was, has long been a matter of doubt and the honor will have to be divided. It is the general belief among the older inhabitants of this township that the first home was established in what is now called the Reed settlement. This was one of the three distinct settlements which was made in this county in the beginning. The Reed settlement was located on the Wimlington and Washington pike; the second was the Upper Prairie settlement, along Anderson's fork, and the third was the Palmer settlement, in the Tench survey. If we are right in order of settlement, then the honor is due Absalom and Samuel Reed, as they were the founders of the Reed settlement. They emigrated from Bourbon county, Kentucky, with their families, in 1803, and settled on land in the Lindsay survey. At the time when the Reed brothers settled here the celebrated Indian chief, Logan, with his band, is said to have been occupying this land. They were joined by their brother, Cyrus, who had passed through the War of 1812, coming here in 1819. The next year, 1804, saw the second settlements by Thomas Stett, David Reed and Samuel Reed. All of these settlers were of Irish descent and were related, as Mr. Stett had married a sister of the Reeds. All of these settlers took up land, and being sturdy, industrious men, contributed greatly to the early growth, of the township. Thomas Hardwick was the next settler, coming to this county in 1805-06. Mr. Hardwick built the first horse-mill in the township. He was a respectable, honest, hardworking frontiersman. Ezekiel Spurgeon settled in Richland township in 1808. Other and later settlers who contributed to the early growth of the township are, Levi Arnold, who came into the township shortly after 1807; William Cue, who took out one hundred acres of land in the Tench survey and settled here in 1810; William Burris, who came to this township previous to 1812; James Gallaher, who settled here in 1810; David Osborn, Richard Thornburg, Richard Mills, Michael Myers and Henry Myers, all of whom settled on Rattlesnake and Wilson branch, north of Sabina, prior to 1813; Joshua White, who was one of the soldiers from New Jersey who helped to put down the insurrection in Pennsylvania ; affer his discharge, he settled in Pennsylvania and came to this township in 1829; Joseph Roberds settled here in 1818 and located on the Posey survey; Mrs. Catherine Jacks came to this township in 1818, but her husband had settled here in 1810; John Jacks settled here in 1818, but was one of the unfortunate who lost his land through defective titles; Mr. Jacks built a horse-mill in 1825, which was well patronized by the early settlers; Francis Wining came into the township in 1815; Edward ("Ned") Crabb was in this township as early as 1812 and was located in the Posey settlement. We close with this list, as the township was beginning to be pretty well settled by this time and the settlers experienced less difficulty and labor, on account of the drier condition of the ground and the convenience furnished by civilization. One more early settler should well be CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 295 mentioned, namely, James Gillispie, who built the "Burnt tavern," and, in the fall of 1813-14, sunk a tannery on his farm. ROADS. The first road of any kind in the township was a trail, called the "Miami" or "Chillicothe trace," which was a mere path cleared through the forest and is supposed to have been opened by the Indians. It extended from Chillicothe, through Sabina and down Anderson's fork to Oldtown. The Kenton trace is another such road. The Urbana road was the first regularly established highway in the township. Other roads followed soon after and have been worked out in detail in another chapter. SCHOOLS. The schools of this township follow along the general lines similar to those of other townships of this county. The log school house was the first seat of learning. There were schools in this township as early as 1814. James Ferguson, an itinerant school, master, was the first regular teacher in this section. He was followed by Bloomingdale Daugherty, in 1815. This school house was in the Biddle survey, about half a mile west of the "Burnt tavern." Another early school was conducted by a man named Pellum, in 1820-21. A subscription school was taught in the eastern part of the township in 1817-18, being conducted first by Thomas Powell, but it was short lived. These log school houses continued until the year 1830, when a definite school system was inaugurated. EARLY INDUSTRIES. Among other industries than those previously mentioned, was a distillery built by William Spurgeon, in 1822. It operated for about five years and was then moved to the old "Cherry lot," but it only operated one year in its new quarters. The first brick yard was on ground which is now within the corporation of Sabina. This was started in 1827, by William Lomax, who furnished the brick for many of the first brick houses in the township. The clay for the bricks was tramped out by oxen. The first stationary saw-mill was built by James Spurgeon in 1836. The first steam saw-mill was built by A. C. Mills, in 1851. The first steam grist or flouring-mill was erected by Benjamin and. James Jarolds, in Reesville, in 1861. The following are the officers of Richland township for 1915 : Trustees, W. A. Ewing, Peter Yowrell and Clyde Haines; clerk, Frank L. Johnson; treasurer, Herman Gallaher. Population, two thousand six hundred and fifty-six. SABINA. The town of Sabina is located in the central eastern part of Richland township. It was platted by Warren Sabin in 1830 and the proprietor named it in his own honor. The land on which the town is situated is a part of survey 766 and was originally entered by P. Neville. The plat of the town was recorded on December 6, 1830, and contained thirty-seven lots, distributed along one main street, Howard, and one cross street, Washington. To the average person of the present time the width of the lots and streets and alleys may ,appear confusing. The description of the town on the plat book in the recorder's office at Wilmington says that the lots and streets are so many "poles" wide, which, in language of today, means so many rods, a "pole" being equivalent to sixteen and a half feet. It is hardly necessary to state that the first building within the limits of the present town was a log structure. On the site of the town, Elisha Long built this first rude building many years before anyone thought of laying out a town. Elijah Sabin built the first house in the town after it was laid out, in 1830, although it appears that he was really not the first actual settler. This honor goes to Andrew Love, who was also the first postmaster and tavern keeper, a dual line of activity, which made him the most important man in the infant village. Warren Sabin, the proprietor, and. William 296 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. McMillan were the first store keepers. For a decade they had all the mercantile business to themselves, but in 1841 they were compelled to share the trade of the community with Jacob Theobold, the third merchant in the village. Isaac Haines was probably the first blacksmith and, as may easily be imagined, he found all he could do. It is not possible to trace the growth of the town in detail during the eighty-five years since its enterprising proprietor first placed it on the map of Clinton county. With the coming of the railroad, in the fifties, it took on new life, and its natural location in a fine farming section, has insured it a steady growth from year to year since that time. It may not be amiss to note the nature of the business and professional life of the town thirty-five years ago. Speaking of that time, it is recorded that there were "three dry-goods stores, three drug stores, two hardware stores, three clothing stores, nine groceries, one furniture dealer and undertaker, two saddleries, two grain dealers, two butchers, two tailor shops, three shoe shops, two milliners, one baker and confectioner, one wagon-maker, one silversmith, three blacksmiths, two tin shops, two lumber dealers, two mantua makers, two stock dealers, two painters, three plasterers, three brick makers, five brick masons, eleven carpenters, one barber shop, one tile factory, one coal dealer, one newspaper, one real estate agent, two insurance agents, a telegraph and express office, one bank, two ministers, three lawyers, four doctors, two hotels, two milliner shops, a brass band of fifteen members—and three saloons." In 1881 the town and township together built a large, two-story brick building, with a town hall in the second story and offices for the town and township officials on the first floor. The building also contains the village lock-up and the fire department. The fire department has a one-horse wagon, with ladders and all necessary equipment for a town of this size. The finances of Sabina and the community are safely trusted to the careful management of the two banks. The First National, with a capitalization of fifty thousand dollars, has C. R. Ellis, president; Lewis Whitnery, cashier ; William Snyder, teller, with Grant Martin, Truston Waddle, Oliver Waddle, C. R. Ellis and A. N. Haines, as directors. The Sabina Bank, organized in 1875, has won and held the confidence of the conservative people. E. A. Lewis is president; G. A. Pavey, vice-president, and W. B. Gallaher, cashier. This bank is the home of the Building and Loan Company, a prosperous organization that for twenty-seven years has not foreclosed a mortgage and has been the agency of financial growth. Two hotels furnish homes for the traveling public as well as the home people, who live at these hostelries. The Haney hotel, near the railroad, is equipped with modern conveniences. Arch Brown is proprietor and B. Q. Brown, manager. The Rapp House needs no description of any kind. It has stood the test of time. For seventy years it has been the mecca for tired and hungry people. Today it is owned and managed by three of the Rapp sisters, the Misses Agatha, Alice and Kate. The Key boarding house is more private in its appointments, yet lays covers for scores daily. The mercantile establishments are representative of Ohio energy, and the merchants, to a man, endeavor to place honesty above gain. P. J. Curren, proprietor of the Old Home store, has been Identified with Sabina's business perhaps as long and as satisfactorily as any of the present merchants. In the dry-goods and ready-to-wear clothes emporiums. E. A. Thornhill's is the longest established, having been here since 1896. In the various departments of this store one will find up-to-date goods rivaling city stores. Rice Brothers, with George Shack, of Columbus, as manager, is a new firm, and the courteous treatment accorded each customer by the salespeople in this busy store is drawing a large and deserved patronage. The Worthmore, with Louis Goodman as manager, is worth more than a half dozen stores run on the usual scale of villages. In Ort's department store, dry-goods, furniture, queensware, groceries and rugs are all disposed of to the satisfaction of the purchasers. The Spot Cash store and the National flve-and-ten-cent CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 297 stores are both enterprising concerns. In the hardware line there are four stores. Hargrave, near the railroad, has a full line of hardware and keeps men busy on the road all the year with the sale and delivery of implements. Smith Brothers, who have taken over the Pavey store, are more centrally located and are in the front rank with displayed goods. They also handle groceries. Fred Dufau, since 1892, has served the people when they were in need of harness, leather goods and hardware. Recently, with no detriment to his harness interests, he has enlarged his hardware department and is now showing a complete line. Charles Robins & Son have, in connection with their hardware, a tin shop and plumbing office. This industrious firm sells furnaces and has installed many hot air, steam and hot water plants. H. C. Shoop & Company, successors to James B. Tener, have experienced workmen in their harness and saddlery departments. They also handle a line of trunks, suitcases and handbags. In up-to-date garages, Sabina compares favorably with other towns in southern Ohio. The Auto Inn, E. R. Mills, proprietor, is so conveniently located that autos coming either direction on the state roads run in for a stop, whether or not they need repairs. The business of this garage has so increased that it was necessary to build a new addition to be used for storage exclusively. The Sabina Motor Car Company, Harry Griffith & Sons, proprietors, also handle popular machines. There are four first-class groceries, with a separate fruit store, owned by James Matthews. E. E. Beck and Ed Perrill handle the trade from the northern end of the town, and Q. C. Martin and the Farmers grocery, each have stores of quality. In the Martin grocery can be found rare and costly china and cut glass. James Rumyan and the Sparks Jewelry Company both handle splendid goods and each guarantees their repair work. Two liveries lend fheir assistance, when solicited, to add to the pleasure of the people. James Richards attracts trade, as he holds friends, by his integrity. Frank Reynolds, next to the postoffice, has, in addition to the usual country service, auto livery and is busy seven days out of the week. The Gaskins furniture store, with more than seven thousand square feet of floor space, is the rival of city stores. It is due to the proprietor, Henry Tenellyn, whose upright business dealings have put this store in the front rank. There are four drug stores, that of John Spurgeon's being, perhaps, the most widely known. G. W. Dunn and Darius Welch have clean, fresh drugs with able pharmacists, The Sabina Drug Company, C. C. Best-Ishman, proprietor, is an up-to-date store. It's the only place of the kind with an ice cream parlor in connection with the fountain and the only drug store in the county not holding an internal revenue license. Three restaurants cater to the hungry man : Swisshelm, in the Kennedy building; Webb's, with John Tewellyn, as the chef, and the Palace, where Sam Terry cooks and serves meals. Hyer's bakery is sufficient reason for the housewives not baking their bread and cakes. Henry Adams, the poultry man, averages two thousand dozen eggs per day and about three thousand pounds of poultry each week. George Manmisel and Christ Shoop have meat markets, and W. D. Rapp & Son own and operate two grain elevators. They also have a coal yard. Stephen Thorne is the pioneer elevator man and wool buyer. Sam Moore, with his feed store, and J. I. Stover, with his feed and seed store, handle only the best in their line. Roy T. Curtis has, in connection with his big coal business, all supplies needed by builders. The two lumber firms also handle coal. The Allen Lumber Company, R. W. Allen, manager, and the lumber yard of Samuel Plymire are two of the substantial organizations of the town. Hill & Curtis for years has been the firm name of the book store and news-stand. Often have members of the firm changed, the older giving place to the younger, but the 298 - CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO firm name and the firm policy remain the same. Johnson Brothers, tailors, have a clientele of which any tailoring establishment might be proud. John R. Chance, the dry-cleaner, is kept busy and his shoe agency is making rapid sales. U. R. Day, E. Ewing, Charles Barnes, Betty Pettiford and Bert Moon, a former Wilmington boy, have sanitary barber shops. J. E. Allmon and George Frity look after the leather repairs. The insurance interests are looked after by John Burris. Gallaher & Dakin and Will Allen. Beautiful homes have been earned by each of the four village smithies and there are no men of higher repute than Messrs. Varo & Mont Dowden, James Maddox and Will Andrews. Summer amusements are centered in the Airdrome and the Pastime theater. The opera house, a township building, has a seating capacity of eight hundred and is a handsome addition to the town. It was built in 1894, at a cost of thirty thousand dollars, under the regime of John W. Moore, John P. Langdon and John J. Custis. The town lacks not for the arts. Prof. H. C. Halle, a Sabina boy, who studied under leading ;English masters in art, conducts classes and gives private lessons in his beautifully appointed studio. During his seventeen years in Canada he received important public commissions; his mayoralty portraits are now hanging in the Kingston municipal building. He gained reputable standing as an ivory miniature painter and taught drawing in the government art schools of Canada. He has passed the Royal College of Music examinations, studying with Dr. James Dickinson. He also sang in St. Michael's cathedral for eight years. Mrs. Leola Brown-Haines has large classes in music, both vocal and instrumental. While both precincts defeated woman's suffrage, yet the voters take off their hats to fheir business women. Mrs. Winetta Thorpe-Smith has been very successful as the manager of the telephone exchange. The Miller studio is being managed by Marie Cohn, whose work is pleasing to the people. Four millinery stores, owned and managed by the following ladies speak well for the vanity of their sex: the New Idea, with Mrs. Heasley and Miss Williams, Dunn & Blakley, Rilla Haynes and Betty Henry. Among the secret orders of the town are the Masons, Eastern Star, Odd Fellows, Rebekahs, Modern Woodmen and the Royal Neighbors. Besides a number of clubs, devoted to the furtherance of social affairs the town has the Thrice-Five Club and the Bay View Club. two literary organizations. Both Mr. Littlefon and Mr. Bottomfield are young men of sterling worth and capable funeral directors. Mr. Littleton has the only motor funeral car in the county. The Sabina cemetery is composed of twenty-five acres of naturally elevated ground and is a beautiful place. Reuben Merriweather, the caretaker, whose ability for years was aided by his work in a green house, is an artist, and the resting place for the dead is a pleasant, pretty spot. There are already four mausoleums, with three more to be erected in the near future. The cemetery board is composed of J. C. Burnett, A. N. Dowden, J. B. Wilson, John McDaniel and John Mathew. The clerk of the board is Howard Barns. Lewis Lewellyn is the music store man and places pianos in three counties. The Ideal Pump Company is putting out cistern pumps that are popular and deservedly so. This company also makes a fruit dryer. The Clinton Manufacturing Company, owned by 0. A. West, is one of the money-making concerns of the • community. The big tile yard, owned by the Darbyshires for a score of years, is situated just north of town and has now passed under the management of Peter Darbyshire, a graduate of the high school, class of 1915. Here drainage tile, ranging from four to ten inches, is made and finds a ready market. Spurgeon Brothers, with their skilled cement work, have done much in the work of improving and beautifying the town. The Custis Ice Cream factory runs throughout the year, and Clyde Custis. the young proprietor, is an artist in the business of making plain and fancy creams and ices. Daily he ships to Washington C. H., Wilmington, Bowersville and all the nearby towns. CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO - 299 WATER AND LIGHT PLANT. In 1898 the municipal water and light plant was installed, at a cost of thirty-five thousand dollars. At the time of its inception the present superintendent, O. T. Brown, was at the helm. At divers times changes have been made in the management, but again Mr. Brown is the superintendent. Electric service costs only six cents a watt, as cheap as can be secured in the state. The plant is located in the eastern part of town and three acres of ground is beautifully parked with flowers blooming to gladden the hearts of the many visitors. With a half dozen assistants, the superintendent leaves nothing undone. The service is second to none in the state and the water, which is brought from three drilled wells of one hundred seventy-five feet each, is chemically pure. This paying institution is managed by a board of public affairs, consisting of John Mathew, James Runyan and Charles Custis, with George C. Barns as clerk. The clerk's office is in the city building, and here, again, the superintendent has shown evidence of his beauty-loving nature by surrounding the building with flowers and plants and a well-kept lawn. Here, too, is the Woman's Christian Temperance Union fountain, affording cool refreshment to the warm and thirsty public. Another of the larger concerns is the Swaim canning factory, owned by Charles W. Swaim, of Wilmington, and managed by Hoy Barlow, who, for the past ten years, has been very successful at the head of the concern. This factory gives employment to one hundred and twenty people from August 10 to September 20, putting in the hands of the laborers about one thousand two hundred dollars per week. The usual output each season is near one million cans of corn, and this year there has been installed another line of machinery, which will enable them to can pork and beans, pumpkins, etc. Not only are the village people proud and pleased with the factory and the opportunity thus given them for labor and its resultant advantages, but the farmers likewise are benefited. With an acreage of six hundred acres, on which the yield runs from twenty-five to forty dollars per acre, the farmer is thus enabled to handle his money thrce months or more earlier than he would did he wait for the crop to mature. Sabina has two railroads, the Baltimore & Ohio. Southwestern and the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley. The News-Record. with James F. Gaskins, editor, and the Sabina Tribune, owned and edited by Howard Barns, are both wide-awake, newsy papers, with moral men behind them. Occasionally local men receive government appointments. Such was the commission to P. Merrill Griffith as consul to Santiago, Cuba ; to M. D. Barns, for district assessor, and recently the commission coming to Prof. W. H. Cole from Governor Willis, appointing him trustee to the Ohio Archaeology and Historical Association, a position his learning qualifies him to fill with honor. The physical well-being of the community is in the hands of skilled and learned physicians. In the profession are Doctors Craig, Fisher, West, Lightner, Cole and Stuntz. In dentistry there are Drs. W. A. Burnett and J. L. Parrott. Drs. E. C. Langdon and Herbert Armstrong are veterinarians. SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES. The schools are in. excellent condition. A commodious structure, well lighted, modernly heated and ventilated, insures comfort to the three hundred and fifty pupils. Beside the eighth grade teachers, the high school, with ninety-five pupils, is under the care of Professor Hannum, with three instructors and a special teacher in music. The coming year the increase of pupils will necessitate the addition of another room in the high school and one more teacher is to be added to the already efficient corps. Outside pupils' tuition, under Professor Hannum, amounts to one thousand per year. The spiritual welfare of the people is looked after by representatives of five different