FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 125 1831—Samuel Sellers, David Creamer and Joseph Parrott. 1832-33—Samuel Sellers, Merit Jamison and John Stilt. 1834—John Stilt, Samuel Sellers and James Kirkpatrick. 1835-36—Samuel Sellers, James Kirkpatrick and George Mantle. 1837—Samuel Sellers, George Mantle and Isaac Jenkins. 1838—Isaac Jenkins, Merit Johnson and Samuel Sellers. 1839—Merit Johnson, Isaac Jenkins and James Shivers. 1840—Isaac Jenkins, James Shivers and John Hays. 1841--James Jenkins, William Limes and William Limes. 1842—Isaac Jenkins, William Limes and Isaac Cook. 1843--William Limes, Isaac Cook and Joseph B. Creamer. 1844-46—Isaac Cook, J. B. Creamer and James Shivers. 1847-48—Isaac L. Cook, J. B. Creamer and Joseph Mark. 1849--Joseph Marks, Isaac L. Cook and Jacob A. Rankin. 1850--Isaac L. Cook. Jacob A. Rankin and Robert Eyre. 1851-52—Jacob A. Rankin, Robert Eyre and Micajah Draper. 1853—Jacob A. Rankin, Alfred Bruce and William Knox. 1855—Alfred Bruce, William Knox and M. Draper. 1856—Jacob A. Rankin, M. Draper and John H. Parrott. 1857—Jacob A. Rankin, M. Draper and Benjamin Burnett. 1858-59—No record. 1860—Jacob A. Rankin, M. Draper and Thomas B. Thornton. 1861—Jacob A. Rankin, Thomas B. Thornton and Ira Yoeman. 1862-63—Ira Yoeman, B. H. Burnett and Jacob A. Rankin. 1864—No record. 1865—Jacob A. Rankin, B. H. Burnett and B. F. Thomas. 1866—B. H. Burnett, B. F. Thomas and William H. Jones. 1867—William H. Jones, Allen Haegler and William Clark. 1868—Allen Haegler, William Clark and Enos Reeder. 1869—William Clark, Enos Reeder and Curan Millikan. 1870—William Clark, Enos Reeder and George S. Fullerton. 1871—George S. Fullerton, A. C. Johnson and Abram Bush. 1872—George S. Fullerton, Abram Bush and E. L. Ford. 1873—Abram Bush, E. L. Ford and R. S. Sutherland. 1874—Abram Bush, E. L. Ford and H. Ellis. 1875—Same as above. 1876—R. S. Sutherland, Abram Bush and H. Ellis. 1877—H. Ellis, R. S. Sutherland and W. J. Homey. 1878-80—W. J. Homey, R. S. Sutherland and J. Mahan. 126 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. 1880-86—R. J. Sutherland, R. S. Eyre and W. J. Homey. 1886—Same as above. 1887—R. S. Eyre, Henry Mark and Thomas Parrott. 1888—Henry Mark, T. P. Parrott and L. C. Mallow. 1889-93--T. F. Parrott, L. C. Mallow and Henry Fulton. 1893—L. C. Mallow, Henry Fulton and E. L. James. 1894—Henry Fulton, E. L. James and E. T. Cockerill. 1895-99—E. L. James, E. E. Cockerill and N. B. Hall. 1899-01—E. E. Cockerill, N. B. Hall and E. L. James. 1901-02—E. L. James, R. W. Vincent and Charles Sollars. 1902-07—Robert Vincent, Charles Sollars and Clark Rowe. 1907—Charles Sollars, Clark Rowe and James Ford. 1908—Clark Rowe, James Ford and John M. Jones. 1909—James Ford, John M. Jones and Clark Rowe. 1910—J. M. Jones, S. C. Phillips and Add Hays. 1911—James Ford, H. F. Brown and Edwin Weaver. 1912—James Ford, H. F. Brown and Edwin Weaver. 1913—H. F. Brown, Louis Perrill and Edwin Weaver. 1914—H. F. Brown, Louis Perrill and Edwin Weaver. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. In 1914 the following were the justices of the peace serving in Fayette county, by townships : Concord—None qualified. Green—S. M. Roush, Washington C. H. Jasper—John D. McMahon, Milledgeville. Jefferson—U. G. Creamer, Jeffersonville. Madison—Fred Halvey, Madison Mills; J. W. Lewis, Pancoastburg.  Marion—Joseph Andrews, New Holland. Paint—E. W. Rumer, Jeffersonville; H. A. Pinkerton, Bloomingburg. Perry—J. N. Fetherlin. Union—J. B. Koontz, Washington C. H.; T. N. Craig, Washington C. H. Wayne—R. J. Nelson, Good Hope. CHAPTER VII. TRANSPORTAT10N BEFORE AND AFTER RAILROADS CAME. In the settlement of early Ohio counties there were no railroads. Transportation was by freight wagons and by boats of various types. The pioneer was working at a great disadvantage in comparison to what the "first settlers" in the far West are. Now the steam horse goes through and scatters circulars broadcast, advertising the quality of land, the chance in town sites, corner lots, etc. Immigration is thus set in operation. The train bears the family and the household belongings, together with teams and farm implements, all ready to go to tilling the virgin soil with. Not so fifty and a hundred years ago in Ohio and Fayette county ! With all that may be said concerning the "soulless corporations" (railways), the fact still remains that the railroads have been the great and all powerful agencies in developing what was once a wilderness into a garden spot that has come to blossom like the rose. THE FIRST RAILROAD. During the session of the Ohio Legislature of 1849-50 the member from this senatorial district, Mr. Linton, introduced a bill which authorized the granting of a charter for a railroad, to be constructed from Zanesville to Cincinnati, via Wilmington. The member of the House from Fayette requested that the name of Washington C. H. be included in the charter, but this the gentleman from Wilmington refused to do. The Washington people became indignant and employed Judge Daniel McLain to go to Columbus and work up their interest, and he eventually succeeded in securing the desired change. The company was organized and Judge McLain elected one of the directors. The county commissioners were importuned to issue bonds to the extent of one hundred thousand dollars, and took action on the matter as follows : "Washington, Saturday, July 12, 1851. "On this day the commissioners met. Present, Isaac L. Cook, Jacob A. Rankin and Robert Eyre. "And upon examining the act of the General Assembly of the State of 128 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Ohio, passed March 5, 1851, entitled An Act to authorize the commissioners of Fayette county to subscribe t0 the capital stock of the ‘Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad Company,' and being fully satisfied that the preliminaries required by said law, in order to the taking of said stock by said commissioners, had all been fully complied with, they thereupon did proceed, for and in behalf of said county, to subscribe to said capital stock of said railroad company the sum of one hundred thousand dollars, in all respects as by said act they are authorized and required to do, as by their subscription upon the books of said company, this day made, will fully and at large appear." A question arose as to whether bonds could be issued on a railroad before it was constructed and the commissioners of Clinton county refused to sign the bonds. Meanwhile the contractor, Mr. DeGraff, demanded some assurance that the money would be forthcoming at the proper time, before he would begin operations. He was fully assured on that point and in the fall of 1852 the road was completed from Zanesville to Morrowtown. Judge McLain took a number of trips to the East and purchased iron, which had been manufactured at Sweden. The terminus of the road being Morrow, instead of Cincinnati, the earnings of the road were insufficient to meet the expense. The road went through various hands until the present time, being now known as a part of the Pennsylvania line. An historic work published in 1881, touching on the subject of Fayette railway systems, said : "Several roads have been projected through tis county, and at this writing there are three in active operation. A number of years ago the construction of a road from Dayton running to Belpre was agitated, and the line surveyed through Fayette county. Bonds for money to assist in the work were issued by the commissioners and a number of people subscribed liberally to the general fund. The grading was nearing completion, when, for reasons known best to those interested, the project was abandoned. "In 1874 Dayton capitalists conceived the idea of building a road from that enterprising city to the coal fields of southern Ohio. Great interest was taken in the matter, work was begun and hurried to completion, and, in spite of financial troubles, the desired end was reached in 1879. This road was constructed as a narrow gauge and did an immense business after its. completion to the coal fields. In the spring of 1881 it was purchased by the Toledo, Delphos & Burlington Railroad Company, who connected it with their extensive narrow gauge system through Ohio and Indiana, and will extend on to the Ohio river shortly. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 129 "In the meantime, Springfield capitalists determined to construct a narrow gauge to Pomeroy, Ohio. Work was commenced and in 1875 the road was finished to Jackson. It was first known as the Springfield, Jackson & Pomeroy Railroad, but was sold under mortgage in 1879 to a Springfield syndicate, who changed it to a standard gauge, and changed the name to that of the Springfield Southern. This last company operated it until the spring of 1881, when the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Company purchased the franchise and changed the name to the Southern Ohio." For near a half century the good citizens of Jefferson township worked for a steam railway through its territory. When the county took a vote to determine whether the taxpayers should aid in the building of the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville railroad, Jefferson township liberally voted "Yes." The Dayton & Southeastern project was defeated, while the question of voting a certain amount in bonds to aid in the construction of the Springfield, Jackson & Pomeroy railroad was decided in the affirmative; however, the bill authorizing the township to issue bonds was declared unconstitutional and for the time being the project was abandoned. In the winter of 1874-75 the matter was again taken up by William Blessing and C. W. Gray. Meetings were called, speakers secured and thirty-five thousand dollars was quickly raised. The land owners came to the front most willingly. In the spring work was commenced on the proposed railroad, which road was finished in the autumn of 1877. This line did a fair business, but the following year the road went into receiver's hands, who sold to the Springfield Southern Company. PRESENT RAILROADS. In 1914 the railway lines of Fayette county were as follows : Baltimore & Ohio, with twenty-one miles; Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton, with twenty-three miles; Detroit, Toledo & Ironton, with twenty-eight miles ; Pennsylvania (old Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley line), with seventeen miles; the old "Grasshopper" line, now a branch of the D., T. & I. road, with twelve miles. This gives, in main track in this county, a mileage of one hundred and one miles, in round figures. (9) CHAPTER VIII. EVOLUTION OF AGRICULTURE AND STOCK-RAISING. Fayette county may properly be classed among the purely agricultural sub-divisions of the state of Ohio. Its wealth has come from the soil through its annual crops, either sold as harvested or fed to live stock, and of later years largely to swine. On account of the small per centage of loss by cholera, until recent years, and the higher prices which have obtained, it has been a profitable thing to raise swine in the county. The soil, as has been shown in the chapter on geology, is far superior to that of many sections of the commonwealth. At an early day both fruits and grains were converted into various kinds of distilled and malted liquors but for many years the farmer has not depended on this source of revenue– indeed has not been permitted to use his grain for this purpose. The days of distilleries have forever passed here. The great products of the soil are demanded in more legitimate and useful channels—that of feeding the nations of the earth. The leading industry in all ages has been that of agriculture. The products of the ground, by proper tillage, have fed and will continue to feed the teeming millions of earth's inhabitants. Some countries are better suited for the profitable production of the great crops of wheat and corn than are others. Then the country where these grains are best grown must be the center of agriculture and wealth. The United States census a decade and more ago disclosed the fact that in this country seven out of every twelve persons were engaged in farming pursuits, directly or indirectly. This, of course, included stock raising, dairying and horticulture. The first thing, then, to make a profitable country in which to farm is to have the gift of good, lasting soil. The best of soil will wear out and not many decades since Ohio farmers paid but little attention to keeping the land provided with proper productive elements, by fertilizing. But the time came when it was found that the native soil would no longer produce well, and then it was that, from a self-protective standpoint, men began to husband the soil and take proper care of it. Fayette county has been fortunate in having an original good soil, and also in having intelligent farmers, who have kept the land in suitable FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 131 condition. Hence we hear it spoken of as one of the banner counties in Ohio. In 1862, over a half century ago, this was listed with fourteen of the best counties in Ohio in the matter of corn production. Fayette was third in rank among these fifteen counties, and produced two million sixty-five thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine bushels of corn that year. Corn and live stock, horses and cattle, have been, together with the immense droves of hogs in more recent years, the source of this county's great wealth. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. The 1910 census reports give the following figures on Fayette county, and may be relied upon as correct : The total number of farms in the county was 1,846; farms operated by Owners, 1,080; operated by tenants, 742; operated by managers, 24. These farms were run as follows : 372 on share rent; 80 on share cash rent; 273 cash rent; not specified, 17. The classification of farms as to size was : 3 to 9 acres ; 112; 10 to 19 acres, tot ; 20 to 49 acres, 226; 50 to 99 acres, 410; 100 to 174 acres, 520; 175 to 259 acres, 275; 260 to 499 acres, 159; 500 to 999 acres, 39; w00 acres and upwards, 4. The total land area is 264,320; land in farms, 249,140; timber land, 12,464; per cent in farms, 94.3; average acreage, 135; average value of farms, $14,494; average value per acre, $84.93. The number of farms free from debt was 718; number with mortgage debt, 354; number not reporting condition, 8. The amount of fertilizer used in 1910 was $52,254. The total of crops was : Corn, 3,841,506 bushels; wheat, 792,023 bushels; oats, 157,869 bushels ; rye, 8,015 bushels; barley, 591 bushels. Total cattle, 15,350, valued at $524,263 ; total horses, 11,639, valued at $1,137,724; total swine, 93,560, valued at $521,064; total of sheep, $24,025, valued at $105,299; total goats, 15, valued $45 ; total of poultry, 180,394, valued at $95,186. In 1911 there were 226 acres of alfalfa grown and from it 540 tons produced. DRAINAGE. Many years prior to the settlement of the territory now including Fayette county it was a favorite hunting ground for roving bands of Indians, who occupied the country lying between the old town 0f Chillicothe, in Greene 132 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. county, where they had their council house and headquarters, and the Ohio river, and who each year burnt off the grass, which, in some places, grew to a height of six feet. However, as the white settlers gradually came in and the Indians withdrew, the rank vegetation was permitted to grow unmolested fall down and decay, year after year, until the deep accumulation of vegetable matter producing miasmatic infection to such an extent that the county, during the years from 1818 until 1824, was rendered almost uninhabitable and all who could possibly leave the county did so. On Lee's creek, or between Lee's and Rattlesnake, in the early history of the county, a settlement was formed by the Yocums, Bursons and others which, on account of the extreme unhealthy condition of the same, was totally abandoned and the empty cabins were seen standing as late as 1820. These cabins, it is said, were superior in their structure to any in the county, having been hewn smooth on the outside and the corners neatly dovetailed and carried up straight and square. To such an extent did malaria exist that the county was in danger of total depopulation in some regions, especially north of Washington C. H., in Jasper, Jefferson, Paint, Madison, Marion and the northern part of Union townships, while those south of Washington C. H. were level, but the beds of the streams being deeper better under-drainage was provided. The problem of drainage and tiling them came into prominent as a means to combat the unhealthy conditions and the failure of nature to provide aid. The pioneers in this enterprise were Judge D. McLain and seveal others, who cut a few open ditches in the wettest lands, one of which, cut by McLain, emptying into Vandeman's run, was visited by people from a distance as a great curiosity. In about 1840 the open ditches were improved by having wood placed within them and filled in with dirt. These, in turn were replaced by the tile ditch. The first effort in this direction was made by Judge McLain, who conceived the idea of placing brick on end, closed at the top, and apart a the bottom a distance of six inches. These, however, when the dirt was thrown in, sank into the ground and proved worthless. A kind of tube was then manufactured by hand, which, though a very slow process, was a great improvement upon the open ditch, the wood-covered ditch or the brick. As the feasibility of tiling was established and the great advantages perceived, the Judge erected a power tile machine, said to have been the first in the United States. In 1856 or 1857, J. W. Penfield procured a patent for a horse-power tile machine and exhibited the same at the state fair in Cincinnati. Judge McLain saw the machine, finally bought it, set it up on his farm and burned a kiln of tile. Prior to the introduction of this invention FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 133 tile were pressed by a large lever operated by hand. There was much prejudice against the tile, owing to the belief that water could not get through it. This had to be refuted by the actual experiment of placing a closed tile perpendicular in a bed of mortar and filling it with water and not until the water was seen oozing through and running away was prejudice disarmed and the true value of tile established. In the beginning Judge McLain manufactured tile for his own use alone, but, in order to introduce the article and to persuade others to improve their lands, he made some for others, in small quantities, to test their value. In about 1850 he began tiling his wettest lands on a systematic basis. The tile was laid about three feet below the surface, so that water when reaching the tile would be completely filtered and all sediment removed. This fortunate system of land drainage has reached a wonderful stage of development in Fayette county today. Hardly a farm is without tiling and systematic drainage of the crop land. A farmer now has little to do with stagnant pools in his land. The water sinks quickly after a heavy rain and is carried off in proportionate quantities. Crops are practically bled on this account. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. Of agricultural societies there has been no end in Fayette county. They began to exist in an early day, comparatively speaking, and for a time were successful. Then the state fairs interfered with them, and the local societies began running largely to horse racing at the fairs and this soon displeased the better, more practical type of farmers and they did not bring in their exhibits as before, hence the county fairs went down. Then within a few years more enterprising men took hold of the matter and formed other county societies and held creditable annual exhibits again. A new agricultural society was formed in Fayette county January II, 190i, and its officers and directors were as follows : Jacob Cockerill, vice-president and from Perry township; Samuel Zimmerman, Green township ; S. L. Sollars, Concord township ; James Ford, Jasper township ; Howard Hagler, Jefferson township; J. M. Kleever, Paint township; J0hn Salmon, Madison township; Charles Persinger, Marion township ; Capt. T. F. Parrott, Wayne township; Benton Garinger, Union township; Dr. E. M. Boggess, Washington; H. S. Sanderson, president ; Solon Loofborrow, vice-president; Frank M. Kennedy, secretary; H. Jones, treasurer. The present society holds its annual fairs at Washington C. H., which 134 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. are usually largely attended. The exhibits of the products of the soil, the array of fine blooded stock and the races draw large crowds. The present officers of the society are : R. G. Jefferson, president ; Mart L. McCoy, vice-president ; James Ford, treasurer ; W. B. Rogers, secretary. By townships the directors are : M. L. McCoy, Union ; James Ford, Jasper ; B. L. Sollars, Concord; Howard Hagler, Jefferson; J. M. Klever, Paint; R. G. Jefferson, Madison; H. Wilson, Marion ; Oris Hagler, Wayne; E. E. Cockerill, Perry; Jesse F. Cross, Green. The fair grounds are located about a half mile from the court house, are well improved and furnished with all that makes a successful anon exhibit. HOG CHOLERA EPIDEMICS. During the last few years Fayette county has been scourged by hog cholera, perhaps as much as, if not indeed more than, any Ohio county. Tens of thousands of valuable swine were lost by this dread animal disease. In 1913 so alarming was this trouble in Ohio that the Legislature, prompted by petitions from farmers and stock men, appropriated twenty thousand dollars to experiment with certain suposed remedies, and Fayette county was selected as the location in which to make such tests. This is all under state supervision and in this county, where cholera was the worst, the treatment is free, In three townships there were twenty-nine thousand hogs being treated with this specific, and the results the present season (1914) are very satisfactory, scarcely no hogs having died, and still the work goes on. The test commenced in December, 1913, under state direction. CORN SHOWS AND INSTITUTES. Fayette county has long been noted for its excellent farmers' institutes and its annual corn shows, held in various parts of the county. The agricultural extension schools have accomplished a wonderful work in advancing the science of agriculture in these parts of Ohio. At the seventh annual corn show held at Jeffersonville in 1913, one hundred and fifty farmers received instructions. Enthusiasm was great and the corn contest was spirited. The best corn in the county was exhibited and was greater than ever before in the county's history. There were one hundred and seventy-seven entries of high grade corn. H. W. Bussert made many winnings, and carried off fou "firsts" and won out on "sweepstakes." F. E. Eichelberger came in close behind with three "firsts" in the various classes of corn exhibits. CHAPTER IX. BANKS AND BANKING. Banking is not among the pioneer institutions in any new country, at least such was not the case in the settlement of countries a half century and more ago. Barter was the rule, and it was a time when the per capita of money in this country was very low. Money, as a real true circulating medium, was indeed scarce. We had to depend upon Spain, with her Spanish-milled dollar, on England for her smaller silver coins, and on "red-dog," "wild-cat" and other cheap paper notes or scrip, put in circulation from various sections of the country, for what money we did possess. This all went for taxes and hence there was little use for banks or banking in Fayette in those years. Though in her very infancy, Fayette county, during the War of 1812, sent many supplies to the American army during its operations in the Northwest. Especially was this true in live stock. A good deal of money was put into circulation as a direct result of this medium of exchange. In these transactions the government paid partly in specie, but mainly through the banks of Cincinnati, the Miami Exporting Company, Bank of Cincinnati and John H. Piatt's bank. Piatt was a heavy army contractor and his notes obtained an extensive circulation during that last war with Great Britain. A peculiarity about the money put in use in the Miami and Scioto valleys before and after the War of 1812 was what was termed "cut money." This kind of medium originated, it is believed, in Kentucky, the object being to keep silver in home circulation, where it was current at par in most transactions, though not receivable for public lands or merchandise outside of the county. The Spanish milled dollar, or quarter, was taken to the blacksmith, who, placing it on his anvil, with a cold chisel cut it into two, four, and sometimes five pieces, keeping the fifth for toll and yet having four quarters left. Occasionally it was cut smaller and the names of the parts were quarters, bits and fips. Again one would then often hear the terms, eleven-penny bit and five-penny bit, hence eleven-pence, fip-and-a-bit—undoubtedly derived from the English custom and brought into this country from Pennsylvania. After 1812 this was prohibited. 136 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. The name "Sharp-shins" arose from the sharp edges exposed after cutting on the anvil. Sharp-shins could not be well carried in the pocket, hence were carried in a leather bag or sack. Shortly after the beginning of the War of 1811 state banks were established in Ohio and shin-plasters (paper money) became the general medium of exchange, all other kinds of circulating mediums soon disappearing. FIRST BANKING IN THE COUNTY. The first bank established in Fayette county, at Washington C. H. was known as the Fayette County Bank, with James Pursell as its cashier. Its books were opened for business in October, 1858—fifty-six years ago. It was located on the north side of Court street, near the western corner of Fayette street. It was housed in a small, one-story brick building, which stood on ground east of and adjoining that upon which the People's and Drovers' Bank of today stands. Later it was changed to the south side of Court street, in the second story of the brick building west of and adjoining what was then known as the Kirk House, now the Arlington Hotel block. There its business was transacted until 1867, its assets then being transferred to the First National Bank, that concern having purchased all interests and holdings in the pioneer banking house. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK. What was the First National Bank of Washington C. H. (now out of business as a corporation by that name) was organized by the election of a board of directors, as follows : Daniel McLean, Thomas B. Thornton, William McElwain, Anthony Allen, Curan Millikan, James Beatty and Charles Vanpelt. Afterward Daniel McLean was elected president and Thomas A. Claypoole was appointed cashier, he being the first really practical banker in the county. He had previously been connected with the old Fayette County Bank. The books of the First National Bank were opened for business in March, 1864, and hence it was one of the earliest in the country, as the act creating such banks was passed in January of that year. At the date of its organization this bank carried a capital of $75,000. Its paid-up capital, however, was only $50,000. The following year, in January, the capital was increased to $100,000, and in July, 1871, the paid-up capital of the concern was $100,000. By consent of the stockholders, in November, 1875, the business of the Fayette County National Bank was FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 137 transferred and consolidated with that of the First National Bank, making its combined capital $300,000. In April, 1878, the First National was changed to a private bank, and its charter surrendered to the government. The newly organized concern was then styled, as now, the People's and Drovers' Bank. BANK OF FAYETTE. The Bank of Fayette (Pavey & Claypoole—Madison Pavey and Thomas A. Claypoole, special partners) commenced business February 1, 1867, in rooms located on the south side of Court street. Pavey purchased Claypoole's interest in this bank in February, 1870, and about one year later transferred the entire business to A. C. Johnson, who subsequently disposed of the same to the Fayette County National Bank. THE MERCHANTS AND FARMERS BANK. This institution was organized in January, 1871, by the election of directors as follows : M. Pavey, E. L. Ford, A. M. Stimson, J. W. Sayre, Henry Kirk, James Willis and George Dahl. M. Pavey was soon elected president, and Morris Sharp appointed cashier. This bank commenced business in April, 1871, on the north side of Court street, in the west room of what was known as the Wilson House. THE FAYETTE COUNTY BANK. This institution was established September 2, 1899, by William Worthington, with an original capital of $11,500, which has been increased to $100,000. The first officers were A. R. Creamer, president ; W. E. Ireland, vice-president ; William Worthington, cashier. The present officers are: William Worthington, president ; Dr. W. E. Ireland, vice-president; Robert Howatt, cashier ; Fred 0. Cline, assistant cashier. This bank does business in a leased building. It is an unincorporated bank and has been very successful in its transactions. It has an individual responsibility of $2,000,000. Having the confidence of the people, it has grown from its first inception, and is looked upon as one of the county's safest and strongest banking houses. 138 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. THE WASHINGTON SAVINGS BANK AND TRUST COMPANY. This financial institution was established in April, 1907, by Charles U. Armstrong, with a capital of $25,000, which has been increased to $50,000. The date of its charter was April Io, igo7, and was the first regular savings bank in Fayette county. It does business in a leased building. The first officers, as well as the present ones, are : George Jackson, president; Jesse F. Cross and Reuben Rankin, vice-presidents; Frank A. Chafin, counsel; Charles U. Armstrong, secretary and treasurer. One of its last statements (September, 1914) shows their resources and responsibilities to be $463,385.01. Of this amount there is $37o,236 in loans and discounts; cash and due from other banks, $9o,o37. The earned surplus is $31,000, undivided profits, $3,420, and deposits, $377,889.01. THE COMMERCIAL BANK. This bank was established in 1883 and now has a capital of $50,000. A. S. Ballard was, until his death, October 13, 1914, its president. Its vice-presidents are H. B. Dahl and W. B. Sharp ; its cashier is W. P. Barnes. This institution is one of the county's solid financial houses, having in 914 deposits amounting to over $500,000. Its surplus and undivided profits amount to $i00,000, while its loans run high as $500,000. THE PEOPLES AND DROVERS BANK. Another of the pioneer institutions in Washington C. H. is the Drovers Bank, which was established as the successor to the old First National Bank, established in 1864. The Peoples_ and Drovers Bank dates its own history from 1878. The early history of its predecessor, the First National Bank, has already been given in this chapter. So it may truthfully be stated that the Peoples and Drovers Bank is the oldest banking house now doing business in the city or county. It is an unincorporated concern, but under the state laws is subject to inspection and regulation by the banking department of the state. No bank stands higher in this section of the commonwealth than does this pioneer institution. It is ably managed by safe, conservative business men Who most thoroughly understand modern banking methods. Its stockholders are individually responsible in the aggregate of more than a million dollars. They now have a paid-up capital of $Too.000 and a surplus of $30,000. One of the directors and stockholders, Frank Johnson, has FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 139 been connected longer than any man in the county with banking, beginning in this bank in 1873, and has never been absent for any length of time during all of these years. The present directors are Humphrey Jones, Frank Johnson, E. O. McCormick, William H. Thornton, Norman McLean. The officers are : Humphrey Jones, president ; William H. Thornton, vice-president ; Roy T. McClure, cashier. The bank had for its home until 1867 the center of lot No. 18, facing Court (now Main) street, old National Bank site, and then moved to its present site, at the west quarter of lot No. 5, Court street. THE MIDLAND NATIONAL BANK. The Midland National Bank, at Washington C. H., is now the only national bank in Fayette county. It was organized in June, 1892, and has a capital of $50,000, with surplus and profits amounting to $56,661.67. It is the depository for Fayette county and the city of Washington C. H. Their statement for September 11, 1914, shows resources and liabilities to the amount of $709,098.39. There were then deposits amounting to $551,435 ; circulation of $50,000; cash on hand, $36,715.65. The present officers are S. W. Cissna, president ; Josiah Hopkins, vice-president; M. S. Daugherty, cashier ; Scott Hopkins, assistant cashier. The directors were S. W. Cissna, Scott Hopkins, Josiah Hopkins, Viola Stuckey and M. S. Daugherty. This is classed among the best institutions doing a banking business within Fayette county today. THE FARMERS BANK OF JEFFERSONVILLE. The Farmers Bank of Jeffersonville is an unincorporated concern, organized or established in 1893, with a capital of $10,000, same as it is now carrying; the surplus, however, is now $10,000. The deposits amount to (in October, 1914) $107,850.53. The amount of loans were $197,231.65. The organizers of this bank were Henry L. Hire, J. R. Vanorsdall, Ira D. Booco, Nathan Creamer, Eli Mock, James P. Font, Eli Smith, Jacob Bush, John A. Parrett, D. W. Kessler, A. R. Creamer. At first the officers were elected as follows : J. R. Vanorsdall, president ; Ira D. Booco, vice-president; S. M. Taggart, cashier. The officers are now : Nathan Creamer, president ; Eli Mock and J. R. Vanorsdall, vice-presidents; G. H. Garlough, cashier; Louis A. Kessler, assistant cashier. The banking house is situated on the corner of Main and High streets and is a brick structure. A few 140 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. years since it suffered loss by a fire, which destroyed the large plate-glass front windows. This institution is in a flourishing condition and has the confidence of the entire community, both in and outside the village of Jeffersonville. CITIZENS' BANK OF JEFFERSONVILLE. The Citizens Bank was organized at Jeffersonville in the autumn of 1906, with a capital of $25,000, the same as it now has. Its surplus is now $5,000 and its deposits amount to $175.000. It was the first banking concern in Fayette county to establish a savings department, which today is a prominent feature of its business transactions. This bank was organized by Ira D. Booco and Silas M. Taggart. The original officers were : Ira a Booco, president ; E. L. Janes, vice-president; Joseph Straley, vice-president; Silas M. Taggart, cashier. The officers in 1914 are : President, Joseph Straley; vice-presidents, N. C. Wilcox and Frank Snodgrass; cashier, Silas M. Taggart. The latest report on this bank shows that it is flourishing and its commercial and savings departments are operated in an up-to-date manner. The efficient cashier, Mr. Taggart, has been engaged in banking at Jeffersonville for thirty years, and has trained several young men in the business who now hold excellent positions of trust in various cities of the country. THE FARMERS BANK OF GOOD HOPE. The Farmers Bank of Good Hope was organized as a state banking concern in 1910 by William Thomas Steers. Its first officers were : President, E. D. King; vice-president, Isaac Cory; second vice-president, S. B. Hoppes ; directors, George T. Moore, W. T. Stears, R. J. Holdren, S. E. Boggs, A. H. Taylor. The 1914 officers and directors are : E. D. King, president ; William Thomas Steers, cashier; directors, S. B. Hoppes, H. D. Johnson, W. T Steers, R. J. Holden, H. C. Smalley, S. F. Boggs. The original and present capital stock is $15,000. It was chartered in 1910 under the laws of Ohio. It owns its own fine brick banking house, erected at a cost of about $3,700. The condition of the bank today is excellent. From August, 1913, to August, 1914, there were seventy-two new accounts opened in this bank. Safety deposit boxes are for rent. Three per cent. per annum is paid on deposits left at this place for a stipulated time. The August 4, 1914, statement, as shown in the reports FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 141 made to the state banking department, shows this bank to have had at that date resources and liabilities amounting to $95,818.83. The loans and discounts amounted to $78,668.41; deposits, $65,069. 84. THE MILLEDGEVILLE BANK. The Milledgeville Bank, located at Milledgeville, Jasper township, was organized in 1903. Its first officers were : C. E. Ford, president; W. E. Smith,-cashier. There were twenty stockholders, with a personal responsibility of $500,000. The officers at this date ( fall of 1914) are : R. a Fichthorn, president; W. E. Smith, cashier, with Fern Fichthorn, assistant cashier. At first the capital was $4,125, which has been increased to $20,000. It is purely a private banking house. It suffered loss by a fire that occurred in the town April 13, 1912, but immediately resumed its business. PEOPLES BANK OF BLOOMINGBURG. This is a private concern, and did not see fit to furnish the author with data. It made a showing of resources and liabilities in 1912 of $110,196. THE 1912 FINANCIAL SHOWING. The reports of the various banks in Fayette county in 1912 made the following showing : -Total amount in resources and liabilities, $3,487,712.40. This amount was divided among the banks as follows : Midland National Bank, $645,096; Commercial Bank, $557,275; Washington Savings Bank and Trust Company, $402,166; Fayette County Bank, $545,767; Peoples and Drovers Bank, $681,087; Farmers Bank of Jeffersonville, $206,112 ; Citizens Bank of Jeffersonville, $169,552; Peoples Bank, Bloomingburg, $110,196; Farmers Bank of Good Hope, $73,172. CHAPTER X. THE NEWSPAPERS OF FAYETTE COUNTY. The newspaper press is universally conceded to be one of the greatest civilizing influences in the world. This is more especially true in modern years, since the daily papers and the magazines and all descriptions of class journals have so greatly increased in numbers. Today the farmer in remote portions of the country may have, and, if an intelligent, reading, thinking man, usually has, his daily paper delivered at his very door by the government's free rural delivery carrier system. By this means he is as much in touch with the great busy world about him as though he lived in the town or city. He keeps well abreast with the markets, the war news and important events in all parts of the world, for the telegraph, cable and wireless now send news from the furtherest parts of the globe. Things happening in China and Africa are printed in American newspapers the same day or the day following on which they occur. In the early history of Fayette county this was not possible. The weekly paper was lacking for a decade or two after the county's organization, and when one was established it was a far different sheet from the fresh, newsy paper that greets the eye of the present-day reader. Really, the news columns were very old and uninteresting, for events happening one month were not made known to the people on the other side of the globe until the month following, as such news had to be sent by sailing boat from one country to another in those days. But now the intelligence is flashed by electric current over the submarine cable, in almost a moment's time, and is then quickly put in type by type-setting machines and run off into printed pages by means of rapid steam presses, with paper-folder and mailer attachments. Vast has been the change in fifty years in the art of printing, especially as relating to the publication of newspapers. Fayette county's first newspaper was issued Saturday, February 21, 1829, by Joel S. Bereman, who styled his pioneer journal Freedom's Advocate. Mr. Bereman came here from Highland county, where he had been taught the printing business, as known in those times. He conducted an out-and-out Whig political paper and thoroughly believed in the teachings of FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 143 that party, which later was superseded by the present Republican party. This paper would not be called much of a newspaper today, but at that time was welcomed with delight at the firesides of this county. Its subscription was usually paid in rags, feathers, bees-wax, tallow, flour, sugar, bacon, oats, wheat, and deer-skins, at the rate of two dollars per year. Thirty-odd years ago the only known copy of this paper (which was established eighty-five years ago, before a mile of railroad was built in this country, but in which paper the Baltimore & Ohio railway was being talked of) was in the hands of Mrs. M. V. Logan, a daughter of the proprietor of the Advocate. It had been preserved carefully under a glass frame, and of course was highly prized. FURTHER NEWSPAPER HISTORY. From old historical works of this county and from well-written accounts of the various newspapers by the ready pen of M. Hebert, a resident .of the county, we are permitted to draw for an account of all the earlier publications in Fayette county, which here follows The second newspaper venture was that of the paper styled the People's Palladium (meaning "safe-guard of liberty"), which was launched some time in 1831, by Arthur Critchfield, who had purchased the pioneer paper of which mention has already been made—the Bereman paper. It now became a Democratic journal and nothing further is now known of its history, other than that in the autumn of 1832 the office was sold, passing into the hands of S. F. Yoeman and S. Lydy, who immediately commenced the publication of the Washington Herald, which was still a Democratic organ, Mr. Yoeman doing most of the editorial work. For a time the paper had the double name of Herald and Fayette County Register. The name of S. Lydy appeared at its head as proprietor, while that of William Hill appeared as printer and publisher. Its columns were very short of news items, but well filled with sundry kinds of advertising. In one of its issues an account was given of the exhibitions of the Siamese twins at Stockdale's inn, Washington C. H. In June, 1834, it was in the hands of Hill & Baird as publishers and they were champions for the Whig cause. It gave an account of big Whig mass-meetings at the old court house. In November, 1834, the Herald (third volume) was in the hands of Robert R. Lindsey, as publisher and printer. It was still a Whig organ. It continued publication until about 1835 and then suspended. The Genius of Liberty, a Democratic paper, was established in Washington C. H. in 1834, by J. M. Morgan. Its issue in November, 1834, glorified the result of the fall election, the main issue being the re-chartering of 144 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. the United States Bank, which had been favored by the Whig party in that campaign. Papers of those days seemed not to think about local news, but lived on the political campaigns, and mourned when election was over because they were schooled to think politics was all the people cared to read' about. In. May, 183c, the paper bore the immense title of Genius of Liberty and Democrat Republican and had for its sub-head motto, "Unawed by the influence of the rich, the great or the noble, the people must be heard, and their rights vindicated." At that date the names of J. Jamison and W. Loofborrow are given as proprietors, and William Hill as printer and editor. Its tone, politically, was then Democratic. A SPICY CAMPAIGN PAPER. The Political Hornet was the name of a political organ established for campaign purposes in 1836, and supported Gen. William Henry _Harrison for President. Robert Robinson and J. S. Bereman were editorial contributors. Up to 1836 Fayette county had always gone Democratic, but that year was changed to Whig, which party elected every officer. The Circulator, another publication, printed its first number January 20, 1838. It was "published simultaneously in Washington C. H. and London, in the legislative district composed of Fayette and Madison," being delivered in London, by private express, on the same day of issue. It was then the only paper published within the limits of the district. Elisha Williams Sexton was its proprietor. While it was a Whig organ, it was quite independent and neutral in politics, generally speaking. This paper spoke of printers being so scarce in Ohio that many young girls were being taught to set type, including one in the Circulator office. April 14, 1838, there appeared an item concerning an "Act to abolish imprisonment for debt" in the state of Ohio. About that date this paper had the following notice : "No man, henceforth, can be heard through our columns unless he be a yearly subscriber. Some of these times we will publish a communication precisely as it is sent to us.", It is not known how long the Circulator continued to circulate! The Fayette Republican was established in December, 1839, by R. R. Lindsey and was published in Wilmington, Clinton county. It was a radical Whig organ. In writing of a new publication at Louisville, Kentucky, the editor of this paper remarked, "The publication of a new paper called the Whiskey Barrel is soon to be established at Louisville; its object is to make war upon all temperance laws and temperance societies." He then adds-"Wesley Roberts & Co. will preside over the bung-hole and spigot." FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 145 The Washingtonian was established in July, 1840, under the editorship of J. S. Bereman and E. W. Sexton, who opposed the bill then before Congress creating two hundred thousand militia. The point was made that it was not democratic and must not be tolerated. It supported Tom Corwin for governor of Ohio, the ticket being surmounted by a log cabin, with a "hard cider" barrel alongside. Later, this paper was edited by Harvey C. Blackman and he supported Henry Clay for President. It passed through several men's hands and was published from 1840 to 1847, and then suspended. John W. Poff was its last proprietor and editor. The Star Spangled Banner was established in the autumn of 1846, by IV. H. H. Thompson, who in its first issue mentions the then newly published work, Henry Howe's "Historical Collections of Ohio." This paper plant employed much of the printing office material formerly used by the Washingtonian, above named. John L. Scott published a newspaper in this county some years prior to 1849, but its name is now forgotten. The Fayette New Era was established in the spring of 185o by Editor George B. Gardner. Its local columns spoke of the first sewing machine ever brought to Fayette county, as having been the Wilson machine, brought to Washington C. H. in May, 1852, by Clarence Parin, a tailor. The Era was published until the spring of 1855, and was succeeded by the Washington Register, under E. B. Pearce and J. C. D. Hanna, who issued the first number of their paper March 15, 1855. It was "independent in all things and neutral in nothing." This was the first attempt, in this county, to produce a first-class local news page, and the files of the paper show how well the editors succeeded. Mr. Hanna sold the paper to his partner in 1857, and Pearce continued it till his death in 1864. The Ohio State Register was established directly after the paper last named. It was established by Samuel Pike, who conducted it as a Democratic organ. After six months he sold to W. C. Gould, who continued to advocate Democratic doctrines until April, 1873. In 1871 the name was changed to that of Register and People's Advocate, with the motto, "That nation is most prosperous where labor commands the greatest reward." Its chief hobbies were oppositions to monopolies and middlemen. On April 24, 1873, H. H. Simmons and W. A. Beasley succeeded Gould, and they changed the name back to Ohio State Register and continued to run it as a Democratic sheet. In 1875 Beasley assumed sole management until October of that year, when he died at the old Shaw hotel. The administrator, D. I. Worthington, sold (10) 146 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. the plant to H. V. Kerr, then a Democratic state senator, who suddenly died in 1881. At the date of his death he was state librarian. The publication of the paper was continued by his son, J. D. Kerr. Later it was owned by Oswall Smith, then by J. R. Marshall and Robert Palmer. In 1899 it was sold to Barrett & Terry. In 1901 it was sold to Joseph H. Harper, and in 1910 was taken over by the Herald Publishing Company. Its politics is now Democratic. It circulates in Fayette and adjoining counties and is known as an up-to-the-minute local newspaper. The Fayette County Herald was commenced in December, 1858, by William Millikan, and on November 26, 1868, W. W. Millikan, his son, was admitted to partnership. This was the first regular Republican paper established in Fayette county, and has been influential with all the passing years in support of the party and the general local upbuilding of the county seat and county. The News was established by W. C. Gould and Frank M. Jones in the second story of McLean's block, opposite the court house, June 3, 1874. It claimed to be "independent upon all subjects—opposed to all monopolies.” Gould sold his interest to Jones in 1874, and Jones continued until March, 1876, then moved the plant to Mount Sterling, where, after four months, it suspended publication. After the material of the office had been moved to various points, it finally landed at Jeffersonville, this county, where, in October, 1880, A. Voigt established the Chronicle, which was the pioneer paper of that place. It suspended publication about 189o. The Church of Christ Advocate (for the Primitive Christian Union) published at Washington C. H., was established in September, 1907, by J. H. McKibban. It was originally published at Spring Valley, Greene county, Ohio, but removed to its present location in 1909. In 1911 a company was formed known as The Church of Christ Advocate Publishing Company, which is an incorporated concern. It is a six-column, four-page paper, run by electric motor presses. It is strictly a religious newspaper and is the special organ of the Church of Christ. It circulates in all parts of the United States. Its day of publication is Thursday. At this date its corresponding editors are Rev. H. C. Leeth, Rev. G. C. McKibban and Everett A. Keaton. The Washington Daily Herald was established in 1885 by William Millikan & Son. It was published by the Millikan family until 1910, when it was purchased by the Herald Publishing Company. The president of this corporation is W. W. Millikan; vice-president and general manager, Joseph H. Harper, with Charles H. Parrott as secretary and treasurer. It is independent in politics and is the only paper between Cincinnati and Columbus carry- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 147 ing the Associated Press dispatches. It is a daily, six-column, eight-page paper, using electric motor power. Its job department is especially well equipped for all up-to-date work. It prints all the daily news of Fayette county, the state and the nation, so far as it relates to decent matter. It goes to the home fireside, and is welcomed each day as a real news-letter. The Horse Journal, of Washington C. H., was established by a company and is a consolidation of the old Kentucky Stock Farm and the Horse Journal, the former of Lexington, Kentucky, and the latter of Jamestown, Ohio. The present journal is one of sixteen pages, issued each week in the year. It has a circulation in all parts of the United States and Canada, as well as in England. It is devoted to horse interests exclusively. It is printed at the Record-Republican office. The Jefferson Citizen, a Democratic paper, was established in August, 1884, by Dr. L. A. Elster. He was succeeded in 1888 by L. C. Fults, and he was followed for a time by D. W. Callihan in 1896, and in 1903 it became the property of the Citizen Publishing Company. It is a six-column quarto, run on a gasoline-power press and circulates in Fayette, Greene and Madison counties. Its day of publication is Thursday and its annual subscription price is one dollar. A good, modern equipped job department is run in connection with this newspaper. The pioneer paper here was perhaps the Chronicle, that suspended about 1890. THE RECORD-REPUBLICAN, The Record-Republican is a semi-weekly paper, published at Washington C. H. Its history runs back many years, and its connecting papers have already been mentioned in this chapter. For a time it was semi-weekly, then changed to weekly, then again went to a semi-weekly publication under its present management in 1913. From what was known as the Record Publishing ompany, it was sold to a stock company, incorporated with J. H. Williams as president ; A. P. Williams, secretary and treasurer, with other stockholders, E. R. Williams, S. A. Evans and D. E. Warren. This company took the property over in July, 1911. It is now published on Tuesday and Friday of each week and is a six-column, eight-page paper, which often runs twenty pages in busy seasons. Politically, it is Republican. It is run on power presses propelled by gas engines. Its job department is complete in every particular. It also prints the Horse Journal, for its publishers, each week 148 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. THE ADVERTISER. This is a daily journal devoted to local news and business interest of Fayette county and especially the county-seat town. It was established about 1905 by Joseph Gest, who, in 1913, sold to the Galvin Publishing Company, who made it a semi-weekly paper, and later a daily. In May 1914, it was taken over by the Record-Republican Company, who still issue it daily. It was coupled with the Daily News, established October 11, 1913 by Mr. Williams, and hence is known as the News-Advertiser, and is published by the Record-Republican Company. On September 17, 1879, T. F. Gardner established The Fayette Republican, as an organ of the Republican party. In its opening announcement it stated, "As a journalist, it shall be the aim to chronicle all the local events of town and county, of which we may become cognizant, be they good or bad.” PRESENT NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. A recent newspaper directory gives the following on the Fayette county papers : Washington C. H. papers—Church of Christ Advocate; established 1906; Rev. J. H. McKibban, proprietor. Fayette Advertiser, daily; Republican; circulation, 3,000. Herald, daily, established in 1885; circulation, 1,527 Horse Journal, Charles Allen, proprietor; established in 1907; circulation 6,286. Ohio State Register, weekly; established 1836; Joseph H. Harper; Democratic; circulation, 2,000. Record-Republican; established 1879, a semi-weekly; circulation, 3,500. Jeffersonville- The Citizen, weekly; established in 1884; L. O. Fultz; Democratic; circulation, 800. NEWSPAPERS IN OHIO. Number daily papers in 1909 - 184 Number of Sunday papers - 25 Number semi and tri-weekly - 60 Number weekly - 699 Number monthly - 152 Number quarterly - 37 All other publications - 24 Total in state (1909) - 1,181 FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 149 THE FIRST PRINTING PRESS IN FAYETTE COUNTY. In concluding the chapter on the press of this county, perhaps no better, more historic item can possibly be inserted than to give what a former history has published concerning the county's pioneer printing office, its press and material and how they were operated, showing as it will the great change in the "art preservative" that has taken place with the passing of eighty-five years. "In the old Register office, which paper long ago ceased to be, there stood for some years, after Edgar B. Pearce took editorial control of that establishment, the first printing press brought to Washington C. H. It was shipped from Chillicothe, to which point it had years before been transported from Philadelphia. Its history was known to an old employe of the Franklin Type Foundry, of Cincinnati, who in 1858 happened to see it here while engaged in business pursuit. It was afterward shipped to that institution, and was there many years, possibly still held by their successors, as a priceless printing relic. It was a very quaint looking institution. Its frame was of mahogany. On it Judge Bereman printed and executed, for the time, much artistic work, and from its bed there rose and spread thoughts sarcastic and severe, and many truths which bore good fruit soaring therefrom. Glad tidings, and sad as well, emanated from its platen impress—yea, much of joy and woe, of mirth and sorrow, through its lever power, was scattered. "On that first printing press used here, it required two pulls to complete the impression of one side of the paper, each page of the form being run under the platen separately. Then two hundred and fifty to three hundred sheets or impressions per hour was considered quite rapid work, but today, in the Herald office, with the power press facilities, one thousand sheets per hour can be printed. The size of the newspapers published here was eighteen by twenty-six inches ; today they are twenty-eight by forty-four inches. Of reading matter one paper of today will contain as much as six did then ; yet the subscription price was greater than now."