250 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. had notes. He finally hit upon a plan. He conversed freely and gaily with his captors, diverting them with anecdotes, and gradually so engrossing their attention that they seemed to forget that he was a prisoner. But upon arriving in sight of the justice's office and seeing a great crowd collected there, in a sudden paroxysm of anger Funk declared that it was a d____d shame and outrage for an innocent man to be arrested, with no evidence of his guilt, and at the same moment flourishing his heavy cattle whip he threw it as far ahead of him as possible and with the same motion jerked out his pocket book of bogus money and hurled it into the bushes so dexterously that he was not perceived. Arriving at the magistrate's, he was searched and all his money submitted to the scrutiny of an expert. It was, of course, found to be good. The sheriff and justice now vied with each other in making reparation for the injury done. The magistrate insisted on keeping him over night, to which he finally acceded ; but after supper, complaining of sickness, he carelessly sauntered toward the spot near which he had thrown his pocketbook, found it, returned to his room and slept with it in his pocket and next morning rejoined his comrades in safety. Their headquarters, for a time at least, were at the house of Curry One Blaylock also figured conspicuously in the counterfeiting of coin. From a period extending perhaps from 1806 until 1822 counterfeit', was largely carried on by such desperadoes as the Funks, Redmonds William Curry, men who defied all law and boasted that they did counterfeit money. Many abortive attempts were made to arrest the and break up the game. Funk was finally arrested and sent to Kentu tried and acquitted. Brokaw .was arrested and sent to the penitentiary 182o. Curry was also sent the following year for fifteen years. Cu had many friends among the more desperate classes and many threats I rescue were made. One Sabbath, just at the close of services, in Bloomingsburg, a messenger arrived with the intelligence that an attempt was to made to take Curry from the jail. The majority of the congregation rushed out of the house and started for Washington C. H. to foil this move. But no violent demonstrations were made and they returned. Also when the sheriff made preparations to transfer him from the county jail to the penitentiary at Columbus a desperate effort was made to rescue him.. The night before the day fixed upon to transfer him his wife was admitted to the cell and in the morning he was found very sick. A physician, Dr. Thomas McGara, was sent for, when it was ascertained that he had taken arsenic; but in his anxiety he took too much and threw it up. It did not prove fatal. It FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 251 was decided, however, to take him to Columbus on horseback by way of Bloomingburg, pass the present sites of Medway and London. The threats were made by his friends of forcible rescue and he had been closely guarded while in jail. When Sheriff Robison started with him he was escorted by a number of brave horsemen. About four miles from Washington C. H. near Gillespie's, it became apparent that he could proceed no farther on horseback, because of increasing weakness, the effects of arsenic. Hastily dispatching Col. James Stewart to his (Stewart's) house for his carriage, they halted until its return, when it was determined, instead of taking the road past London, to push on straight to Columbus, reaching there in due tine without molestation. It was learned afterwards that a desperate effort at rescue had been planned among Curry's confederates, that his departure from Washington C. H. was known as well as the route he was to take and that seventeen splendidly comparisoned horses were secreted in a thicket about five miles this side of London, while their riders lay concealed in the bushes near the road along which Curry was expected to pass. Nothing but the seemingly providential sickness of the prisoner and consequent change of plans prevented a bloody encounter between two parties of brave men. THE FUNK FIGHT. Jake, the most notorious of the Funk family, in the year 1818 or 1819, went to Bath county, Kentucky, accompanied by his brother, Absalom, and gaged in passing counterfeit money, which he had manufactured in Fayette nty. He was detected, arrested, and at his preliminary trial bound over to the court of common pleas in the sum of three hundred dollars. Being unable to go on his own, recognizance, he applied to a friend named Jacob Trumbo, who, together with his brother, Andrew Trumbo, agreed to stand responsible for his appearance. Funk, upon being permitted to depart, returned to Fayette county. When the time of his trial drew near Andrew Trumbo paid him a visit, to arrange for Frank's appearance. To avoid future trouble Absalom Funk and Philip Moore made to Trumbo a promissory note in the sum of three hundred dollars, which was intended to secure the latter should the bond be declared forfeited. On the day set for the trial Funk was not to be found and Trumbo paid the amount of his bond, he being in turn paid the full amount by Absalom Funk and Philip Moore. This, it was thought, would end the matter. 252 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Trumbo was dissatisfied with the sudden turn the affair had taken and seemed bent on having Jake arrested and tried. He therefore obtained a warrant for his arrest and made arrangements for his capture. He engaged the services of Aaron Johnson, then sheriff, and together they gave chase to Funk several times, but were unsuccessful. While loitering along the banks of Deer creek they formed the acquaintance of one Mills, who was captain of a home militia company. He and several other of his men were pressed into service and all started for the Funk residence. Jake Funk resided on land later owned by Michael Cleber, about eight miles 'north of Washington C. H. He was notified, presumably by some friend, of the contemplated attack and hastily dispatched a messenger to the members of his father's family and others to assist him, to which they, ever eager for the fray, promptly responded. It was night when the attacking party reached the premises and under the cover of darkness they approached the house. Samuel Wilson, who lived near Hay run, knocked at the door and demanded admittance. Jake was in the kitchen with his wife, but answered, "I am here," and, taking a chair, proceeded to the door, swinging the chair in the air, evidently determined to sell his life dearly. Upon opening the door he was met by a volley from the attacking party, several bullets lodging in the chair, but none in Jake. The firing was returned by the Funks. Wilson grappled with Jake and was shot dead. Trumbo then engaged in a hand-to-hand conflict with Jake, but friends of the latter separated them and drew him into the house. Jake again encountered Trumbo, who had a pistol in his hand, and knocked him down, at the same time drawing him inside. Trumbo was senseless. Jake was about to cut his throat with a large knife, when Adam cried out, "Spare him! Don't kill him. His father once saved me from being murdered by the Indians." This timely interference alone saved his life. In the meantime a member of the outside party named Adam Metz, fearing that Jake might possibly attempt an escape from the rear of the building, took possession of- a location from which he might intercept his flight' if it was attempted. A comrade named Cantrell, who was accompanied by a huge dog, seeing Metz in the rear of the house, supposed it was Funk escaping and gave chase with the dog. Metz imagined he was being pursued by the Funks and took to his heels. He ran to a neighboring cornfield, dropping his gun and powder flask in order to make more rapid progress and finally stumbled and fell. He was recognized by his pursuers, when mutual explanations followed. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 253 While this was taking place without, the parties within were arranging for Jake's departure and escape through the rear door. Trumbo was stretched on the floor and feigned being severely wounded. However, while the others were assisting Jake, Trumbo suddenly arose and bolted for the door, perceived by none except Jake's sister Tabitha, a perfect Amazon in strength and courage, who pursued him with an uplifted axe and, as he leaped the fence, the descending weapon whizzed behind him and d burie itself in the rail. He and his companions were glad to escape with their lives and J departed unmolested. Absalom Funk was shot in the shoulder blade and painfully, though not dangerously, wounded. On the following morning Samuel Myers, who resided in that township, was sent for by the Funks. Upon arriving at the house old doe am met him with this salutation, "Good morning, Colonel Myers. Peace and war in Israel." He was then informed of what had taken place during the night and asked for his advice. Subsequently Jake was captured by Sheriff Johnson and lodged in a cabin on the farm formerly owned by Thomas Green. The cabin was surrounded by Bill and Calvin Williams and other friends of Funk and sheriff's posse was reinforced by several persons living in the neighborhood. Funk's friends demanded his unconditional release, but the sheriff firmly refused to surrender his prisoner. During the parley Funk was liberated by some of his party, unobserved by the officers, mounted on a horse, and once more was a free man. He was first discovered by John Harris, who raised his gun and fired at the rapidly retreating figure without effect It appears that Sheriff Johnson was determined to deliver Jake Funk to the authorities of Bath county; Kentucky. Funk, after his second escape from the law, left the neighborhood, and a few weeks afterward the sheriff was informed that he could catch his man by going to Miamisburg. selected four men to accompany him and, armed with stout clubs and pistols, arrived at his destination in the evening. The landlord of the tavern at which Jake was stopping was commanded to quietly escort a special party to Funk's room (he had retired for the night), that they might capture him without a struggle. Funk was fast asleep as they entered and knew nothing of the danger which threatened him. Upon entering, the sheriff walked to the bedside of the unconscious occupant and struck him across the forehead with a pistol. The blow, instead of stupefying the sleeper, awoke him and in a moment he bounded out of bed and confronted his assailants. The force of the blow 254 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. broke the pistol and left Johnson unarmed. Avoiding his powerful antagonist, he called upon his comrades to close with Jake. In the struggle which followed Funk seized a club in the hands of one of his assailants and, despite the heavy blows which were rained upon him, especially by one left-handed man, who struck him several times upon the head, came near wresting it from his hands, but at this critical moment a lucky stroke laid him prostrate, when he was immediately seized and securely bound. The proper authorities were advised of his arrest and he was lodged in jail, in which he remained upward of two months, owing to the indifference manifested by the Kentucky officials. Finally he was taken to Kentucky, tried and acquitted. Fate had evidently decreed that Jake should die no ordinary death. Upon finding himself once more a free man, he removed to the state of Illinois with his family and engaged in blacksmithing. Tradition is silent as to his actions while in that state, though it is to be believed that he lived a peaceable and law-abiding citizen when he was not molested. His death is thus described : He had contracted certain debts which were not paid as per agreement and his creditors obtained judgment for the amount. An officer of the law proceeded to his home and levied on various chattels. Jake made no objection until the officer attempted to take charge of his blacksmith tools, when he ordered him to desist. The officer refused to comply with this request and a fight ensued. It appears that Funk soon overpowered the officer and, drawing out his knife, was about to stab him, when he was shot, either by the officer or some of the bystanders. The Funk family were no enemies to whiskey. Old Adam, with some of his comrades, being one day at Roebuck's grocery, the first opened in the county, about a mile below Funk's house, became merry by drinking. Old Adam, wishing to carry a gallon of whiskey home, in vain endeavored to procure even a washtub for the purpose. Observing one of Roebuck's pigs running around in the yard, he purchased it for a dollar and skinned it whole, taking out the bone about two inches from the root of the tail, which served as a neck for the bottle. Tying up the other holes that would of necessity be in the skin, he poured in the liquor and started for home with his companions, where they all got drunk from the contents of the hogskin. A CRUEL INDIAN. Captain John was a Shawnee chief well known to the early settlers of the Scioto valley. He was over six feet in height, strong and active, full of spirit and fond of frolic. In the late war he joined the American army and FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 255 with Logan at the time the latter received his death wound. We extract two anecdotes respecting him from the notice by Col. John McDonald. The scene of the first was in Pickaway and the last in this county. When Chillicothe was first settled by the whites an Indian named John Cushen, a half blood, made his principal home with the McCoy family and said it was his intention to live with the white people. He would sometimes engage in chopping wood and making rails and worked in the cornfields. He was a large, muscular man, good humored and pleasant in his interviews with the whites. In the fall season he would leave the white settlement, to take a hunt in the lonely forest. In the autumn of 1779 he went up Darby creek to make his annual hunt. There was an Indian trader by the name of Fallenash, who traveled the country from one Indian camp to another with pack horses, laden with whiskey and other articles. Captain John's hunting camp was near Darby creek and John Cushen arrived at this camp while Fallenash, the Indian trader, was there with his goods and whiskey. The Indians set to for a real drunken frolic. During the night Captain John and John Cushen had a quarrel which ended in a fight ; they were separated by Fallenash and the other Indians, but both were enraged to the highest pitch of fury. They made an arrangement to fight the next morning with tomahawks and knives. They stuck a post on the south side of a log, made a notch in the log and agreed that when the shadow of the post came into the notch, the fight should commence. When the shadow of the post drew near the spot they deliberately and in gloomy silence took their stations on the log. At length the shadow of the post came into the notch and these two desperadoes, thirsting for each other's blood, sprang to their feet and, with a tomahawk in right hand and scalping knife in the left, flew at each other with the fury of tigers, swinging their tomahawks around their heads and yelling in the most terrible manner. Language fails to describe the horrible scene. After several passes and some wounds, Captain John's tomahawk fell on Cushen's head and left him lifeless on the ground. About the year 1800 Captain John, with a party of Indians, went to hunt on the waters of what is called the Rattlesnake fork of Paint creek, a branch of the Scioto river. After they had been some time at Paint, Captain John and his wife had a quarrel and mutually agreed to separate ; which of them was to leave the camp is not now recollected. After they had divided their property, the wife insisted upon keeping the child, a little boy of two or three years of age. The wife laid hold of the child and John attempted to wrest it from her. At length John's passion was aroused to a fury and he drew 256 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. his fist back and knocked down his wife, seized the child and, carrying it to log, cut it into two parts and then, throwing one-half to his wife, bade h take it, but never again show her face or he would treat her in the s manner. EARLY CRIMINAL CASES. Benjamin Brokaw was the first man sent to the penitentiary from Fayette county. His crime was the oft-recurring one of those days, counterfeiting. James Brown, under the aliases of Headley and Hadley, was also convicted. Both men received a three-year sentence. The case of William Curry and the attempts to rescue are accounted in the story of counterfeiting. The jury which tried Curry was made up of the following : Richard Todhunter, Peter Eyman, John Coil, Abraham Bush, James Carothers, Otho Dowden, Abraham Lambert, Joseph Gibson, William Hill, Hugh McCandless, Joseph Haymaker and William Thompson. Curry took a dose of arsenic given him by his wife on the night before his departure for the state's prison, but did not die. However, it maimed him for life and his face ever after was.as white as marble. He was reprieved finally and went West, where he disappeared. Margaret Redmond and Jacob Shobe were tried and acquitted of the same offense. EXECUTION OF WILLIAM G. W. SMITH. In the last of October, 1864, a man by the name of John Gray was murdered by some unknown person or persons. He resided near Trimble's gravel bank, in Concord township, Fayette county, and on the night of the murder he was left alone in the house. It was supposed, from the marks upon his person, that he was beaten with the poll of an axe, near the door of his house, and then dragged off and thrown into the brush. The murder was afterward found to have been committed by John Adams and William G. W. Smith, who lived near Petersburg. The latter was a brother-in-law of Gray. It appears that an old feud, which was engendered between the families when they resided in Virginia, still existed. This, together with the sum of money Gray had in his pockets, was the cause of the deed. On Saturday evening, October 3o, 1864, the murderers left Petersburg, ostensibly to attend a meeting of the Knights of the Golden Circle. They proceeded to Gray's cabin, twenty miles distant, on horseback, and upon nearing the scene cut a huge club from the thicket, with which they felled Gray. Adams and Smith were arrested finally and Smith was confined in FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 257 the jail at Circleville, in Pickaway county, from which bastile he dug his way to freedom. Adams was sent to the prison for ten years. Smith was recaptured and brought to trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on November 30, 1866. After receiving his sentence and shortly before the execution Smith acknowledged the killing to Sheriff Straley. A new scaffold was erected in the jail yard. The execution took place on Friday, December 14, 1866, and the account following is from the Herald: "Although the execution was conducted privately, crowds of people began to assemble early in the morning and long before noon the town was full and the jail yard completely surrounded by the curious, anxious to obtain, if possible, a last look at the prisoner and to see whatever there was to be seen. Sheriff Straley had issued a proclamation requesting that the day he observed in a quiet, orderly manner, and that no liquor be sold, and Captain Henkle with part of his company were called out to act as guards around the jail yard and to preserve order during the day. "On Thursday night, the last of Smith's life, he slept very little and arose early Friday morning, and engaged for a short time in prayer and reading of the Bible. He dressed himself with a great deal of care and sat down to breakfast, eating very little. During the day few visitors were admitted, except the prisoner's family and religious advisers, who remained with him up until the moment of his execution. At about twelve o'clock his last meal was brought to him, but he scarcely touched it and being informed by Sheriff Straly that his last hour was near at hand, he expressed his readiness for the sacrifice at any time. At ten minutes past one o'clock he entered the enclosure around the gallows, accompanied by his spiritual adviser, his counsel, Sheriff Straley, and deputy, ascending the platform at the request of the sheriff seated himself in a chair upon the drop. A short prayer was then ordered by Rev. C. T. Emerson, during which the prisoner was kneeling with his face covered. When he arose his face showed no sign of agitation, though during the prayer his face could be seen to tremble as if in some emotion. After the prayer the death warrant was read to him by the sheriff, and he was asked if he had anything to say before taking his departure. He arose and stepping to the front of the platform, began : "'Gentlemen, I have little to say. It is a solemn occasion and I hope I may be the last man who will have to suffer death in this way. But I am innocent of the murder of Old John Gray, for which I must die. The confession have given to my advisers is strictly true. Death has no terrors for (17) 258 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. me—none whatever. We must all die ; it is only‘ a matter of time. I do not fear death ; but it is the manner in which it comes and the disgrace it leaves upon my family. For fifty years I have lived in rebellion against God, but now, thank God, I have a hope in him.' "Smith then took farewell of those upon the platform and if at anytime there could be detected the least trembling in his voice, it was when he parted with Mr. Emerson, who had been with him much of the time during his confinement and to whom Smith expressed a wish of meeting in heaven. Stepping forward upon the platform he said, 'Gentlemen, adieu to you all; then turning to the sheriff motioned for him to proceed. The noose was adjusted and the black cap pulled down over his face. At just twenty-eight minutes past one o'clock the drop fell and the prisoner was launched into eternity. During about five minutes he continued to struggle and then all was quiet. After hanging nineteen minutes the physicians in attendance pronounced that life was extinct, but the body was not taken down until it had hung nearly twenty-five minutes. It was then placed in a common varnished coffin and given into the care of his family." STOCK SALES. For some years the monthly 'sales at London, Madison county, attracted the attention of stock dealers for many miles around and stock was taken thither from all the surrounding counties. Early perceiving the advantages arising out of this enterprise to London and Madison county the leading citizens of Washington C. H. and Fayette county determined to organize a similar enterprise here, so that stock could exchange hands without being driven out o f the county. About the year 1871 James Pursell and Thomas Kirk determined upon a plan of operations, selected referees, in case of dispute, circulated bills, appointed the last Tuesday in the month, one week preceding the London sales, as the day upon which the stock was to be sold; so that in case of failure to secure satisfactory bargains, the owners could drive them on to London. Jack Bridgeman of London was the first crier. Mr. Collins of Washington also being present; but Bridgeman and Douglas, of Mt. Sterling, were secured for the purpose of giving notoriety to the sales. Correspondence was at once opened with prominent stock dealers in nearby counties, which, in time, extended to the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri and cattle were shipped from all of these states to the town of Washington C. H., to be sold. These cattle were placed in the hands of an auctioneer, with the minimum price fixed, divided into bunches of uniform FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 259 weight and quality, in numbers ranging from twenty to one hundred, or in convenient carloads. No by-bidding was allowed; everything was carried in an honorable manner and the sales from the beginning were a decided success. Among the principal auctioneers of the beginning days were : William White and Ramsey Brothers of Fayette ; John Darlington, Adams county; Joseph Rothrock, William Dryden, Davis Connahaugh, of Highland county ;Anderson of Kentucky ; Gray of Kentucky; S. H. Ford of Cincinnati ; Pond of Clinton county ; and many others. HORSE TRADING. Connected with, and growing out of, the original cattle sales, was the trade horses, which, beginning with a few local transactions, gradually expanding into immense sales and shipments, of numbers ranging upward into the hundreds. An amusing feature of the horse department was "trade alley, “generally located on some unfrequented alley or street, where all kinds of horses, except good ones, were congregated for barter. The trade language of these occasions was peculiarly adapted to the objects of exchange. Many amusing incidents were related in regard to the swaps and dilapidated animals which were offered for barter. CAPTURE OF ANDREW ELLISON. One morning in the spring of the year a thrilling incident occurred at the small station of Manchester. It proves that, although this part of Ohio was free from hostile Indians, their depredations were by no means unknown. One morning Andrew Ellison went out from the fort to throw some ether logs together in his little clearing, which he had been burning. When he had about finished and the heaps began to blaze, he observed, while passing from one to the other, three men approaching him. Supposing them to be some of his neighbors, he paid no attention to them, although, said he, "they were dark skinned fellows and I thought they were the Wades, who were dark , going out early to hunt." He continued his work until one of them seized him by the arms and said in broken English, "How do, how do, border." Ellison immediately whirled and faced them. To his horror he found himself in the clutches of three stalwart Indians. Resistance was both useless and dangerous. He therefore quietly submitted to his fate. They hurriedly moved off with him in the direction of Paint creek. In the meantime his breakfast was ready at his cabin and the wife sent one of the 260 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. children to summon him. The little fellow searched for his father, but came back without finding him. Supposing he had gone out to kill a deer, no immediate alarm was caused by his absence. Dinner time arrived and his wife became anxious. His rifle was found hanging in its accustomed place. The alarm increasing, a search was instituted, and the tracks of four one of four men, whom wore shoes, was found leading away from the station and then the awful truth burst upon the poor wife and mother that her husband was a prisoner in the hands of the savages. It was nearly night when this discovery was made and the searching party returned to the station. Early the next morning Massie and his party started in pursuit, which, owing to the scarcity of vegetation, and the precaution of the savages to keep on high, hard land, where their feet would leave little or no impression, was slow and laborious. But Massie and his men were as unerring as well-trained bloodhounds and followed the trail to Paint creek, when, finding the Indians gaining upon them so rapidly that further pursuit was useless, they returned to the station. The Indians took their prisoner directly to Upper Sandusky, evidently passing through the territory of Fayette county, where he was compelled to run the gauntlet and being large and clumsy he received a severe flogging as he passed through the lines. After this he was taken to Lower Sandusky, where he again ran the gauntlet ; then to Detroit, where he was generously ransomed by a British officer, who sent him to Montreal, whence he came home during the summer of the same year. A HOT RACE. In 1795 occurred an incident in which Captain John, a Shawano chief afterward a resident of this county, took part. John and Asahel Edgington and another man started towards Brush creek on a hunting expedition. They had good success and made a good bag. They hung their catch out of reach of wolves and returned for pack horses to take them in. Being in the winter and not fearing danger from the Indians they returned alone to the old hunting camp, alighted from their horses and were preparing to strike a fire when they were fired upon by a party of savages ambushed not twenty yards away. Asahel fell dead, hut John escaped. With horrid yells the Indians sprang from their places of concealment, the frightened horses broke loose and ran towards home and John Edgington was alone on foot. With the of activity buck he bounded off, with a band of howling redskins at his heels to urge him forward. So close indeed was the contest that the yielding grass scarce resumed its shape before the Indian's foot pressed it down again. Then up FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 261 lifted tomahawk seemed so near his head he thought he felt its edge. The hard breathing of his pursuers sounded in his ears, stimulated him to almost superhuman exertions. The race was long and doubtful ; every effort to capture and escape was made, but at last Edgington began to gain ground and after a long race he distanced them, made his escape and reached his home in safety. Captain John, who headed the Indians on this occasion and who, after peace was made, hunted in this county, was often heard to say that the white man "was smart fellow ; he run and I run, and he run and run. At last white man run clear off from me." THE BIG RIOT OF 1894. While crimes have been committed in every county and in every state in our Union, it is not considered appropriate to magnify or dwell at length on such incidents in the compilation of a county history ; yet it may be admissible to insert in this chapter the clear facts concerning a riot which was here caused here in 1894 by reason of an unmentionable crime that was committed that year. The crime was committed on the person of a woman residing near Parrett's Station, this county, on October 10, 1894. The brute committing such crime was a colored man named Jasper Dolby. He escaped, but was soon captured at Delaware, and brought to Washington C. H. by the deputy sheriff, James F. Cook, Jr. The woman victim was brought to the waiting room of the sheriff's residence and there she identified her dastardly assailant. By ten o'clock a large crowd had gathered about the court house square and jail, but little disturbance was made at first. At ten-thirty in the morning, Company E of the Ohio National Guard under command of Captain Vincent, was ordered out and filed from the armory to the county jail. Vincent ordered the crowd to disperse and many obeyed him; some, however, did not go. Upon retiring, many made dire threats upon the preisoner. In some manner a bunch of fire-crackers was fired off and, the sound being misunderstood by the crowd, much excitement prevailed for a time. William McKinley was then governor of Ohio, and he was wired to send a company of troops down at once, they arriving late in the night. The two companies were then under command of Colonel Coit. A special grand jury had been empaneled and an indictment secured against Dolby. the colored prisoner. Shortly after four o'clock in the afternoon he was arraigned before Judge H. B. Maynard, who, after his having plead guilty, sentenced him to twenty years in. the Ohio penitentiary. 262 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. On the way to the court house, a large number of the woman's friends and neighbors assembled together, standing near the court house steps, on the lawn. Two lines of soldiers were formed, reaching from the jail to the court house, to guard the prisoner. The crowd surged against the line in order to seize the negro. The soldiers charged several times with fixed bayonets and a number of persons were injured, among the number being Henry Kirk, a brother-in-law, and Elmer T. Boyd, a son of the woman who had been assaulted. Just as Dolby ascended the court house steps, the angry excited crowd made a grab for the prisoner. The soldiers used the butt of their guns to ward them off, and also their sword hilts, striking right and left with great violence. Mr. Boyd was knocked off the steps to the ground and Kirk had his nose fractured. The negro was finally dragged inside the court house and Colonel Coit plead with the mob to desist and leave, but they stoutly demanded the release to them of Dolby. That evening the sheriff telegraphed to Adjutant-General Howe for more troops, and they were at 'once started this way and arrived. The court house was garrisoned with troops, all doors being closed except the north entrance. Late that day the crowd assembled again at the building, in increased numbers, and finally they attacked the door. The soldiers notified them that they would be shot unless they kept from breaking in the door. A moment later they made a rush and broke in the door, whereupon the officers ordered the soldiers to fire upon them. The result was that most of the crowd ran, but as a result of the firing there were five killed and about twenty wounded, some badly and others slightly. Among the killed were Smith Welsh, aged eighteen years ; Jesse Judy, aged twenty-five years ; Mark Johnson and William Sams. Additional troops were ordered up and the crowd dispersed. The First Regiment, from Cincinnati; and the First Ohio Battery were brought to the scene. They came early in the evening on a special train and took possession, and soon the prisoner was hurried away to Columbus. An inquest was held by Coroner James M. Edwards. Colonel Coit was indicted for manslaughter and tried at Circleville. After a weary some case of several weeks, and with the jury out five days, they finally found a verdict of "Not guilty as charged." UNIQUE DESTRUCTION OF A MILL DAM. The old mill dam across Paint creek, in Washington C. H., came to a funny end, and the story is told in substance by a former resident, Charles A. Palmer, later of Indianapolis. We take the facts from his longer narration of the laughable but well-ending story. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 263 Paint creek, at Washington C. H., is not a running stream at all seasons of the year, and the effect of the old pioneer mill dam was to at certain times submergre the dam, which caused much stinking, stagnant water to remain standing for many months. This, of course, would cause malaria and other dangerous diseases in the immediate neighborhood. Sickness very frequently prevailed as a result. The property was owned by that most excellent citizen, Mr. Millikan, who was often remonstrated with over the matter, but all to of practical purpose, seemingly. So serious became the condition, from a sanitary standpoint, that indignation meetings were held by the citizens, and finally the people resolved, that unless the water was let out by a certain time specified the people would take the matter into their own hands and cut the dam away. The neighbors along the Jamestown and Palmer road were too far away to be affected by the stagnant water, and they looked upon this move as conflicting with their rights, personally, hence they volunteered to aid Millikan in keeping anyone from destroying his dam. The appointed day came and the citizens of Washihgton C. H. went forth armed with shovel and spade, to destroy the said dam over Paint creek. Reverend Livingston, a Presbyterian minister, headed the procession. In stature, he was six feet and four inches tall and very strong, especially in his arms. He was well built physically. He appeared only, as he claimed, as a peace-maker between the warring factions. He wanted all settled right and desired the dam matter adjusted without violence. In fact, he suggested that the dam be removed to a higher point up the stream. When the procession reached the dam; they found opposing forces organized under leadership of Charles White, a son-in-law of Mr. Millikan, the owner of the dam. While the parley was going on, someone (a hasty St. Peter) stuck his spade in the dam and threw a shovelful of earth from the dam over into the stream, whereupon Mr. White picked up with his ax and raised it, intending to strike down the digger. Just at that juncture the good man of God (Reverend Livingston), the peace-maker, who was standing near White, said, "What, what, what, Charley, would you strike him with your ax ?" At the same moment he seized Charley by each arm above his elbows, raised him above the ground and then threw him over into the water. This act disconcerted the defenders of the dam, and within a few minutes the dam was cut, the mill-pond drained and the malaria was relieved. Mr. Millikan—a just and good man—instead of trying to repair the dam, went further up stream and constructed a new dam, which materially lessened sickness in the town. Many who, had helped cut the opening in the 264 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. old dam were present to assist him in building his new dam. This was a funny incident of pioneer days and ended as it should. IMMENSE PETRIFIED MAPLE LOG. In Wayne township, this county, near the county line of Ross and Fayette counties, and in the famous Herold's Valley country, in 1911 there was discovered by Orris Hegler and a Mr. Himiller, on the farm owned by Ella Steward, near the bank of the creek, a nine-foot maple log which had been turned to flinty stone by the process of petrification. Scientists do not agree but it is generally thought that it is not less than a hundred thousand years old, and possibly may be even a million years old ; however, this is all mere scientific conjecture. The grain is clearly defined and without much doubt the original tree belonged to the maple species of wood. This part of Fm. ette county, as well as adjoining territory in Ross county, is a wonderful field for such strange, ancient speciments of rock formations and petrifications. Also for rare specimens of Mound Builders and pre-historic race relics. THE FIRST MURDER CASE. The first murder case in Fayette county was that of a mail carrier who was robbed of the mail and killed at "Big Spring," two miles northwest of Washington C. H. FIRST AND ONLY EXECUTION. The only person ever executed in Fayette county was G. W. Smith in 1867, for the murder of John Gray. He was hung in the jail yard. FIRST MARRIAGES. During the first year of the county's organization the following marriages took place : On June 6, 1810, Henry Ellis and Charity Harper, byThomas W. Swinney. July 17, 1810, in Union township, Justice of the Peace Henry Thurman married David Hays and Theodocia Wolf. November 23, 1810, Joel Wood married William Hurleg and Lucy Kindle. December 15, 1810, Ed Farrell married Mary Wright. December 26, 1810, Henry Fleshier and Susanna Popejoy were married by Justice of the Peace Joseph Kur. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 265 CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF COUNTY. On August 1, 1910, commenced the celebration of the organization of Fayette county—its one hundredth anniversary. It lasted four days and was attended by many thousands of people, many coming from outside of this county. Fully fifteen .hundred former citizens came back to the homecomers' reunion. It was really a big affair. At Grace Methodist Episcopal church appropriate services were held. The building was handsomely decorated, including eight hundred pond lilies, the donation of Col. B. H. Millikan, of Cedar Point. An appropriate sermon was preached and fine music rendered in keeping with "home-coming." On Monday forenoon, at ten-thirty o'clock, commenced the great parade on the streets of Washington C. H. "Home, Sweet Home" was sung by the assembled multitude, and it never sounded more appropriate than upon this occasion. At the head of the long procession was a covered wagon—a genuine migrant outfit—with a real hundred-year-old tar bucket dangling from the reach of the wagon. The occupants of this emigrant wagon were "Silas and Samantha Whizzlebottom," with their family of ten children all huddled beneath the cover of the wagon, a type of an outfit frequently seen in the long-ago decades. The outfit was drawn by two oxen, one black and white, the same being owned in New Holland, this county. Next in line were many carriages, conveying the old "Forty-niners," who crossed the western in plains in 1849 to seek the newly discovered gold fields of California. Following these carriages was Fred Mark, with ten children, in one automobile, showing the three stages of transportation by vehicles used in such three periods of our history—the covered ox-wagon, the carriages of a few years ago and the up-to-date automobiles of the twentieth century. In front of the court house was built a large band stand, from which music was frequently discoursed. At one-thirty in the afternoon came the pretty pony parade. This consisted of twenty-one beautifully designed rigs, driven by the little folks. Great and eloquent speeches were made by prominent Ohio men, and from former Buckeyes who then resided in distant cities and states. Among the number who spoke may be recalled now Hon. John J. Lentz, of Columbus ; H. B. Maynard, Hon. Charles A. Reid, Hon. H. M. Daugherty, Dr. R. M. Hughey, Judge Joseph Hidy, Humphrey Jones and several more, several of whom spoke more than an hour, and all to the edification of the assembly. The fifteen hundred "home-comers'; were all required to register their 266 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO names and present address, etc. It was an occasion long to be remembered by those present. INTOXICATED HOGS. A funny incident occurred on a farm east of Washington C. H. not many years ago. A farmer had placed a half bushel of wheat in a cider barrel to keep the cider sweet. After the barrel had been emptied of tje cider he dumped the soaked wheat out to his hogs. They seemed to enjoy it very much and ate it all up quickly. But soon thereafter the fermented grain got in its usual work—even on the swine—and they all became gloriously drunk. They were on a genuine spree for more than a day. Some of the herd stretched out in the sun and seemed to be enjoying the real "drunk." They doubtless had dreams of corn and plenty and of fine days yet to come in their experience. Others of the herd became hilarious and cut all sorts of antics. They were so happy themselves that they seemed to want all their near-by comrades to join in the frolic, too. It was some time before the farmer realized why the swine acted so strangely. He finally discovered the fact that they had eaten the fermented wheat and had become really drunk on hard cider. After, a day and a night (as usual) the swine were on their feet and ready to feed the usual way, barring a swelled hard and blood-shot eyes! AN ODD OLD RECORD In the county auditor's office of Fayette county may be seen a curious record, ordered made by the then commissioners of Fayette county, the date of which was 1836. The record shows that there were then but three attorneys in the county and five physicians, each of whom had to pay a tax of three dollars for practicing their chosen professions. The entry in the county record reads thus : "This day the honorable board of commissioners examined a list of practicing lawyers and physicians as returned by the county auditor of Fayette county for 1836, and it was ordered that the auditor of Fayette county enter the list 'as aforesaid and the tax duplicates for the year 1836 with the following sums to their several names, to-wit, a list of practicing lawyers and physicians. (Signed) "GEORGE MANTLE, "JAMES KIRKPATRICK, "SAMUEL SOLLARS, " County Commissioners." FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 267 The list of "professionals" was as follows : Wade Loofborrow, Robert Robinson, Samuel Kerr, lawyers ; Benjamin Henton, Elijah Crosby, Eleozar Martin, Joseph L. Bohrer, physicians. GARFIELD MEMORIAL SERVICES. The memorial services held over the death of President James A. Garfield, in September, 1881, were largely attended in Washington C. H. and at various villages within Fayette county. At the county seat the Methodist church was packed to overflowing and hundreds were unable to gain an entrance. The city was heavily and universally draped in befitting mourning. No such day had ever been witnessed in the county. All soldiers, all civic societies, and a great throng of civilians marched through the streets, with bowed heads and heavy hearts. A great man, an honored son of Ohio, had been cut clown in the prime of his noble manhood. He had withstood the shot and shell on many a battlefield in Civil-war days, but at last was struck down in clays of peace by an assassin's bullet, on July 2, 1881, lingering in great pain and suffering until relieved by the death angel. Rev. J. C. Irwin, of the Christian church, had. charge of the services and spoke very feelingly of the dead President and General. Other speeches were made by Mills Gardner, J. B. Koontz, Hon. M. J. Williams and Prof. C. F. Dean. At Bloomingburg and Jeffersonville like services were held and orations delivered on the life and character of the late President, after which appropriate resolutions were passed. M'KINLEY MEMORIAL SERVICES. At the time of the assassination. of the late lamented William McKinley the people, regardless of political parties, greatly mourned his tragic death, at Buffalo, New York, September 14, 1901. Preliminary memorial exercises were held in the various churches of the county on the Sunday following the death of the good President. At Grace Methodist Episcopal church it was communion day, and after that ceremony was over under charge of the then presiding elder, Rev. Murdock, Rev. Norcross, pastor, spoke very touchingly of the departed statesman. Miss Edith Gardner sang the last words of the President, "Nearer, My God, to Thee," with a pathos in each line that moistened every eye in the large audience present. At the Presbyterian church a memorial sermon was preached by Dr. McNair, from the text, "I am the way, the truth and the life." The choir 268 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. sweetly sang Mr. McKinley's favorite song, "Lead, Kindly Light." Also was sung "Sometime We'll Understand," and other appropriate selections. At the evening service at the same church, Dr. McNair read the tribute paid Mr. McKinley by United States Senator Thurston. It came with much force, as the two were intimately associated in their high offices at Washington. "Crossing the Bar" was rendered by the church choir with great effect. The same day appropriate services were held in various church throughout this county, including those held at Jeffersonville Methodist church. The regular memorial services were held at Grace Methodist Episcopal church on the following Thursday, when the house did not begin to hold the throng who there assembled. It was a union service and the citizens one and all turned out, as never before in Washington C. H. The day was the saddest since the assassination of Lincoln in 1864. The expression of grief was manifest in emblematic form by the heavily draped United States colors, well as the drapings throughout the spacious church building. The pipe organ was also screened in by black drapery. On one side was a life-sized picture of Mr. McKinley. Judge Maynard presided as chairman. Rev. Honeywell, of the Christian church, read the Scriptures and Doctor McNair, of the Presbyterian pulpit, offered a fervent prayer. Hon. Mills Gardner made a very eloquent oration. His personal experiences with Mr. McKinley in Congress made his speech one of unusual effect upon the audience. Miss Edith Gardner sang, as but few could, that splendid hymn ( favorite of McKinley's) "Lead, Kindly Light." Doctor Norcross delivered an address also. He paid a splendid tribute to that matchless American citizen, then cold in death. A copy of the resolutions passed on that sad occasion were published and sent to Canton to Mrs. McKinley. After the final singing of "America" by the entire audience, the benediction was pronounced by Rev. Carter, of the African Methodist Episcopal church. POPULATION OF FAYETTE COUNTY. This county was created January 19, 1810—one hundred and four years, ago—and its population at various periods has been as follows, the same being taken from United States official reports : In 1810 it had 1,854 inhabitants ; in 1820 at had 6,336; in 1830 it ha 8,182; in 1840 it was 10,979; in 1850 it had increased to 12,726; in 1860, it was 20,364; in 1870 it reached 17,170; in 188 it was 20,364; in 1890 it was 22,309; in 1900 it was 21,726, having fallen off in the decade just FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 269 previous and in the last federal census the figures are 21,744, only thirty-nine increase over that of 1900.   The subjoined table shows the date of the creation of the ten civil townships in Fayette county, together with their population for the last seventy years, given in decades :