UNION TOWNSHIP. This township, occupying a central geographical position in the county, containing the county seat, is therefore of more commercial importance than any other portion of the surrounding territory. Inasmuch, however; as it has contributed largely to the county history, the facts for its individual history will be somewhat anaemic. It was one of the original townships, formed co-evil with the organization of the county, in 1810 ; its boundary lines have been but very little changed. Beginning about a mile east of Bloomingburg, on the Marion Township line, it runs a little south of west about four and a half miles to the pike; then deflects a little to the south until it reaches Paint Creek, about two and a half miles; thence nearly southwest about two miles to Sugar Creek; thence with said creek about ten miles to Paint Creek; thence north with the pike one mile; thence east one mile to Paint Creek; thence north two miles with the creek, thence northeast two and a half miles to the pike ; thence north of east three miles to C. & M. V. R. R.; thence northwest with the pike three miles; thence north to beginning. The township is well watered by Paint Creek, which bifurcates near Washington into the east and west branch, and on the west by Sugar Creek. The township generally is level, the western portion rather heavily timbered, while the northeastern part was called the barrens, very low, wet, and even swampy, covered with high grass in early times, which was annually burnt off by the Indians. EARLY SETTLERS. The following names, after having been submitted to old settlers now living, revised and corrected, are taken from Putnam. Edward Smith, sr., immigrated to Fayette County, in 1810, the 458 UNION TOWNSHIP - 459 same year it was organized. He entered his land on the waters of Paint Creek, since called the East Fork. The land was a dense forest, inhabited by Indians and beasts of prey. He erected his wigwam, and commenced clearing and improving his land, when, on a sudden, the war broke in on his arrangements, and he, with his neighbors, volunteered and served in the defense of his adopted-state. At the close of the war he returned home and recommenced the improving of his land. On. returning one night from Washington, during high water, he attempted to cross the creek, was thrown from his horse and drowned. He was the father of ten children ; Sarah, Caselman, Mary, Susan, Rachel, Eliza, Selina, Edward, July and Maggie, all married. Mrs. Smith died, aged eighty-four. Edward Smith's family, Mary C. Caselman, Lewis, James, Len., John R., Noah, Rachel, and William, are all living. Mrs. Smith, wife of Edward Smith, jr., is living, and looks fresh and young, and is enjoying herself in her neat, tasty, and splendid mansion, where she entertains her numerous relatives and friends, in social chat, when they visit her. Jacob Casselman, was a noted hunter and farmer. John Thomas, farmer, was in the war of 1812. Jacob Judy, a large farmer, was in the war of 1812, and was a man of note and influence. His old pioneer house is now occupied by his daughter. Colonel Joseph Bell represented the fourth district in congress several terms. Colonel Joseph Vance, sr., served in the French and Revolutionary wars. John King, farmer, Robert Irion, first surveyor, William Cockerall, first school teacher, John Irion, trustee, William Boggs, shoemaker, J. and S. Coffin, tailors, were in the war of 1812. James Pollock and Reuben Purcell, carpenters, also served in the war of 1812. William Brannon, sr., William Brannon, jr., James Brannon, C. Coffman, Hiram Rush, and N. Rush, were farmers. Dr L. Rush, and Dr. B. Rush, are sons of the late William Rush. Ananias Allen, Madison Allen, James Allen, Joseph Allen, Jesse Allen, Benjamin Allen, and Eben Allen, all lived on Allen Run, sometimes called Big Run. They were men of large hearts, business qualifications, extensive farmers, stock dealers and useful citizens. General Ethan Allen, of revolutionary fame, and all the Aliens in America, are descended from Major Benjamin Allen, who fell in General Braddock's defeat, near Fort Pitt, in 1755. Robert Smith emigrated from Virginia at an early day and settled in Ross County, near Bainbridge. From Ross he went to Fay- 460 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. ette. When the war broke out in 1812, he served as a soldier, (his father was in the revolution). He was a farmer. His family consisted of Isaac, Alfred, James, David, William H., Henry C., Jerome, Charles W., Eliza, Emma and Mary. Edward Taylor was born in Pennsylvania, February 3, 1772. His father, William Taylor, was a soldier in the revolution. After the close of the war, he emigrated to Kentucky, and then to the northwest in 1793. During the Indian war he served as a spy. Ile located in now Ross, and purchased a tract of land of Joseph Carr, of Kentucky. He was the father of ten children. Edward Taylor, the subject of this record, was his sixth son. Edward emigrated from Kentucky, to Ross County, in 1808, and to Fayette County, in 1815. His first wife was Nancy Roach, by whom he had three children ; she died in Kentucky, in 1807. He purchased two hundred acres of Nathaniel Massie, on Main Paint and Taylor Run, in 1815, and married Mary Smith, daughter of Edward Smith, by whom he had ten children : Rachel, Elizabeth, Edward, Nancy, Emily, Maggie and Washington. Edward Taylor is the patriarch of Fayette. In his one hundreth year, his mind unimpaired, health and general appetite good, he still, with the energetic aid of his wife, carries on the agricultural business on the old pioneer farm, which they have occupied and successfully cultivated sixty-two years, and raised a large family, all married and doing well—some in Fayette, some in adjacent counties, and some in the west. Hon. J. S. Bereman was an early settler in the forests of Fayette. He has the credit of establishing and printing the first newspaper in the county. He has served his county in several important trusts, county clerk, judge, representative, and clerk of that august body. Hon. Daniel McLean, an early settler and a merchant, has held the office of judge, and is now president of the national bank. He is a man of wealth and influence, proverbial for his honesty and benevolence. Joseph McLean, by occupation a farmer. He was one of our early immigrants. A man of integrity and a useful citizen. William R. Millikan, editor and owner of the Fayette County Herald, was born in Ross County, and when of age emigrated to the west, and then back to Fayette. He is a nephew of Jesse Millikan, an early pioneer. William Rush was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, on the UNION TOWNSHIP - 461 20th of October, 1783, and moved from there at ten years of age with his parents to Kentucky, where he resided five or six years, and from there they came to High Bank Prairie, in Ross County, Ohio, in about 1798 or 1799, and from there they came and settled in the Pickaway Plains, on the Scioto, in about 1800, where his father, John Rush, died in 1806. His father, John Rush, was originally from Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and settled in Hampshire County, Virginia, in the time of the revolutionary war. William Rush married Eleanor Graves, about 1802, by whom he raised seven children, four sons and three daughters. She died in August, 1834, and he was again married, to his present wife, in 1835. He removed from Pickaway County, Ohio, in December, 1816, and settled on the banks of Sugar Creek, Union Township, where he remained a period of nearly fifty-two years until his death, which occurred on Sunday night at ten minutes before nine o'clock of August 16, 1868. At an early day he was a member of what was then called the Christian Church, but joined the Methodist Church about forty years ago, in the time of Quinn, Findley, Colbins, Eddy, and those contemporaries in this part of the country, and remained a member of that church until his death. Mr. Rush was the last one of the pioneer settlers in that section of this county. A few years more and the pioneers of the county will all be gone ; there is now but here and there one left. Lieutenant John Millikan was one of the first permanent pioneers to the Scioto Valley, and was a man of prominence and influence. During the war of 1812, he served as a lieutenant, and was the father of William R. Millikan, present editor of the Fayette County Herald. Lieutenant Millikan died in 1813, lamented and respected by all who knew him. His father served in the revolution. Judge James Beatty emigrated to Fayette County, in 1818. Washington had but few log cabins, the county but seven townships sparsely settled. Deer and game of smaller species were in abundance. His grandfather, George Beatty, served as a minute man during the protracted war of the revolution. His father was Charles Beatty, who died in 1850, aged eighty-five. Judge Beatty was in the war of 1812 under Captain Isaac Heiskell, brother of 462 - HISTORY OP FAYETTE COUNTY. the late John Heiskell of Clarke County, and uncle to P. O. Heiskell of South Charleston, a brave Virginian, who was the son of a veteran of the revolution, Adam Heiskell. About the time the enemy were preparing to attack Fort Stevenson, the frontiers were in great danger, and General Harrison wrote to the governor of Virginia to send to his aid the volunteer riflemen, organized under the state laws. Captain Heiskell on getting the news, was soon on the war path. This was named the general call. Judge Beatty was then but eighteen years old. He belonged to the company, and was one of the first to volunteer in the defense of the frontiers, exposed to the British and Indians. The march was tedious and long. No roads nor public conveyances, but wild traces and trails made by the savages. They suffered untold privations and hardships, until they arrived at headquarters at Upper Sandusky, where were collected eight thousand militia, under General McArthur. The troops having arrived at Upper Sandusky, formed the grand army of the northwest. Judge Beatty helped to erect Fort Meigs. Judge Beatty was elected and commissioned an associate judge, in 1847, and served with great acceptance until the new constitution was adopted. Judge Beatty is a strong minded enterprising man, possessed of an iron will ; a man of sense and sound judgment, and every way qualified for the honor conferred upon him. He is an honorable man, strict and close to business, but honest and benevolent, kind to the poor. He was born in Virginia, in 1793, and is now seventy-eight years old. He holds his age remarkably well. His family record is, Newton, Milton, James, Mary, Henry Ferman, son-in-law. Newton is a farmer and stock dealer, Milton farmer and preacher, James, farmer, Mary married Henry Ferman. They occupy the old homestead, and the judge makes his home with them. In religion, the judge is a Presbyterian. Robert Robinson, attorney, and an early representative of Fayette County ; Honorable Wade Loofborough, attorney and an early representative of Fayette County. Colonel S. F. Carr, attorney, a man of sense, a military man, has held several important trusts, has represented the county in the legislature. His oration, delivered July 4, 1871, should be printed on satin, preserved, and handed down to the latest posterity. He was at the late pioneer fair and greatly enjoyed himself. Brice Webster, Robert Harrison, Joseph Orr, and James Harrison farmers. Thomas Walker, J. UNION TOWNSHIP - 463 Walker and C. Walker died, aged ninety ; James Timmons died, aged ninety-nine. Patrick Pendergrass, Thomas Pendergrass, James Allen, Samuel Webster, Moses Rowe, Daniel McLaih, John Hues, B. Ball, (aged 98,) John Weeks, John Dehaven, (aged 101,) William Highland, Robert Geno, Abram Ware, David Thompson, Daniel Shiry, John Rankin, N. Evans, John Allen and David Morrisson. The above are all farmers and honest men. Seth Dunn, hunter and farmer ; Elisha Taylor and Colonel Jewett were all in the war of 1812 ; occupations, farmers. Nathan Loofborrow, Jerome Drais, and James McCoy were all noted stock dealers. Isaac Templeton, a day laborer, was father of eighteen children, (three sets of twins). Abel Wright and John Myers, tanner and farmer ; Joseph Blackburn was ninety-nine, a tanner ; Stephen Grubb, carpenter; Judge Gillespie, a man of influence ; Noah Devualt and George Hinkle carpenters ; Zebedee Heagler and John Grady were the first butchers. John Thomas settled at the mouth of the east fork of Paint Creek. about 1810, and was known all over the country as " chin" Thomas, on account of the remarkable extension of his chin. Robert Harrison and William Downing, about 1808, came from Kentucky and located on Sugar Creek. They were industrious, energetic men, and good citizens. Samuel and Frank Waddle came from Kentucky, in 1810, and settled on Sugar Creek. Henry and Jacob Snyder came from Virginia, first to Ross County then to Fayette, locating on Sugar Creek, in 1809. David and John Wright settled on Sugar Creek, in 1808. The former had a remarkable memory, and could; after once reading, repeat fifty or more pages of matter. Leonard Bush came with a large family from Virginia, in 1808, and settled on Sugar Creek. Fielding Figgins, with four or five sons, came from Kentucky and began farming on Sugar Creek in 1809. The Millers came from Virginia, in 1810, and settled between Washington and Sugar Creek. The Coils located near Bloomingburg, in 1809. Jacob Judy came from Virginia and located on the east fork of Paint Creek, in 1809. A Mr. Smith settled on Paint Creek, in which he was subsequently drowned. 464 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. It appears that for a long time no settlements were made in the immediate vicinity of the present site of Washington. John Orr settled on Paint Creek, about two miles southeast of Washington, in 1808. Valentine (" Felty ") Coil was one of the early settlers of Union Township and Washington Court House. During the early Indian wars he was captured at Ruddle's Station by the Indians and Canadians under Colonel Byrd when about two years of age, and with his sister carried across the Ohio, at Cincinnati, to Niagara Falls, thence to Canada, where he was adopted by a squaw who had lost a son, with whom he lived until his marriage. It is said that the notorious Simon Gerty, who captured him, met him at a public house in Canada, and after inviting him to drink, and when under the influence of fire water bantered him for a fight, which being refused he grew very loquacious, and revealed to him where all his friends were. On the strength of this, Coil went to Kentucky and found an uncle, who went with him to Virginia and found his mother, who had married a man by the name of Hendricks. When he saw her, she did not recognize him. He asked her if she had lost a son. She replied that she had, and would know him by a peculiar mark. On examination the mark was found, and the son reclaimed. He returned to Canada. His wife dying, his sister Polly went to Canada, and together they came first to Chillicothe, then to Fayette County, and set up a distillery near Washington ; finally abandoned it and came to Washington. It is said he made whisky in Canada for the English Fur Company. He was sold by the Indians to a British officer, whose wife imposed on him and made a slave of him. WASHINGTON. Washington, the county seat of Fayette County, is located near the central portion of Union Township, on Paint Creek, and occupies a part of entry No. 757, which consisted of twelve hundred acres, and belonged to Benjamin Temple, of Logan County, Kentucky, who donated one hundred and fifty acres to Fayette County for a county town, or seat of justice. The deed conveying this land to the county was made December 1, 1810, by Thomas S. Hind UNION TOWNSHIP - 465 (through a power of attorney from Temple), to Robert Stewart, who was appointed by the legislature of Ohio as Director of the Town of 'Washington," and who had the town laid off sometime between December 1, 1810, and February 26,1811the date of the record of the town plat. EARLY BUSINESS. Joseph Runk was very probably the first merchant in Washington, and occupied a hewed log building (one end of which he used for a dwelling) on the east corner of Main and Market streets. He began business there perhaps as early as 1811, and continued until 1813, when he became financially embarrassed, and his property was sold to Samuel Waddle, stepfather of Judge D. McLean. About the time that Runk began business at the place above located, or probably a little later, Peter Hefley opened a small store on the southeast side of Court Street, about where Boyer's drug store stands. Henry Snyder and Jesse Mulloy ran a store for a while, then Mulloy retired, and Snyder carried on the store. Pierce Evans came with a large stock of goods in 1814. He was soon followed by Samuel Evans and sons, from Highland County. Pierce Evans built a store-room on the site of the old T. D. & B. depot, and ran it until 1822, when he failed. Samuel Evans and sons continued for a time, sold out, and went into the tavern business on the corner where now stands the drug store of Brown Brothers. Waddle & McGarraugh started a general country store in 1817, the former running the store, and the latter practicing medicine, which was continued until 1822. When Pierce Evans failed, his goods were taken by John Boyed, and the business was carried on for years by James Shivers, who also kept drugs, and when he retired he was succeeded in the drug business by Daniel McLain. In 1830 there was a firm by the name of John McManis & Co. Samuel Yeoman, William Mcllwain, Webster Melvin & Co., and Henry Robinson & Co., were in business about 1838-'40. TANNERIES. In connection with his store, Peter Hefley also sunk a tanyard 466 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. on his yard in the rear of his store room, and exchanged goods for hides, and in this manner carried on business for several years. This was the first tanyard at Washington, and started perhaps shortly after he opened his store. The next tannery of Washington was started by McQuita and Strati, in about 1820, on the north corner of Court and North streets. The business was continued five or six years. In about 1838, Jesse L. Millikan started a tannery on Main Street, near the C. & M. V. depot, on the site of the present dwelling of James Ely, and carried on the business five or six years. BLACKSMITH. Henry Flecher, in about 1812, opened a blacksmith shop on the south corner of Court and Fayette streets, where Hudson's jewelry store now stands, which, if not the first, was among the very earliest blacksmith shops in Washington. He carried on the business at this point fifteen or twenty years. GENERAL FEATURES. The following synopsis of life at Washington, its progress in business, educational affairs, and personnel of its citizens, is taken from the Cincinnati Gazette : It has always been a question why it was that this village received the name of Washington. We can understand that C. H. stood for Court House, but why the Washington ? Was it in honor of the capital city, or was it in honor of the father of his country, because the then inhabitants were so truthful that, like George, after cutting down his father's cherry tree, they could not tell a lie ? Fayette County, of which it is the county-seat, was named for Marquis de Lafayette, who so nobly fought for American liberty by the side of the aforesaid George. It is a county abounding in big farms, great wealth, and the fine culture of its inhabitants. It is sometimes jocularly called Little Bristle, and thereby hangs a tale—a tale of pigs. The following is the story : Its territory was once a part of Ross County, and it was sliced off to form Fayette. Now, in those early days in Ohio, it was a common thing for the settlers to permit their hogs to run at large to feed upon the nuts and acorns that were so plentiful in the forests. In UNION TOWNSHIP - 467 time many of them became wild, and the ownership in such ceased. These multiplied, and it became so that when a settler wanted some pork, he would take down his gun and whistle up his dog, and start for the brush to give chase to the wild hogs. Having found one, his dog would chase it down, the settler would shoot it, and pack it home to replenish his larder. These hogs were long legged, with thin bodies like a sunfish, and had bristles along their backs that stood up when the hogs were aroused like quills on the back of a porcupine. This hunting of the wild hog continued so long in the hills of Ross County that it became known as Big Bristle, and when Fayette County was detached it at once took the name of Little Bristle. This has become quite a railroad center, by reason of the foresight and enterprise of its business men. They were imbued with a desire to build up their town, and hence let no opportunity slip by of getting a railroad into the town. The first road was the Muskingum Valley, then known as the C., W. & I. This was built in 1853. Since, there are the Dayton & Southeastern and the Springfield & Jackson. A narrow gauge road, known as the Cincinnati, Washington & Columbus, has been projected and built. It connects with the Cincinnati Northern at Waynesville. The Springfield Jackson and the Dayton & Southeastern both tap the coal fields in Southeastern Ohio, and as a result coal is placed in the cellars of consumers at five cents per bushel less than to consumers on the line of the M. V. between Washington and Morrow. Quite a good line of business is transacted. The grocery trade is represented by Stimson Brothers, Brownell Brothers, George Dahl, John Millikan & Co., C. L. Getz, and others. In dry goods, Melvin, Silcott & Co., Craig Brothers, Mr. O'Brien, O. Wrensch, Antrim & Eycke, E. Saul, and Glickman & Co. In books and stationery, Richard Millikan, D. C. Foster & Co., and Henry Hildebrant. Mr. Millikan has been in the business for many years. For fifteen years he was clerk of the court of this county. He is a son of Jesse Millikan, one of the early settlers, who was the first clerk of the county. Henry Hildebrant is an importation from Wilmington, formerly of the house of J. & H. Hildebrant. He is also engaged in the sale of sewing machines. In the drug line there are O. A. Allen, H. W. Boyer, W. A. Harlow, H. C. Coffman, and Brown Brothers; the latter an old firm, well established, and owning another drug store in Wilmington. In grain dealers there are 468 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. J. D. Stuckey & Co., Draper & McElwaine, Burnett, Gillespie & Co., and Talbot & Co. In livery there are the stables of George I. Bailey, Foster & Fuller, and 0. S. Collins. There are but two hotels, the Cherry House, and the Arlington. The latter is under the management of Messrs. Fuller & Owens, late of Delaware, Ohio. In the way of newspapers, the business is perhaps overdone. There is the Republican, edited by Mr. Gardner ; the Herald, by Honorable William Millikan, now representing this county nn the legislature ; and the Register, edited and published by H. V. & J. D. Kerr. Mr. Millikan is one of the oldest newspaper men in the state. Mr. H. V. Kerr is state librarian. His term will expire March 17. J. D. Kerr is a son of H. V. Kerr. The two former papers are Republican in politics, the latter Democratic. The court house is a very plain structure, built of brick. It is dark, damb, dingy, and dilapidated, and not at all in keeping with the town. A new one is to be built in the course of a few years. Judge Ace Gregg is on the bench holding court, and a grand jury in session attended by the prosecuting attorney, F. G. Carpenter. Of lawyers, there are more than two score, prominent among whom arc : M. Pavey, Mills Gardner, H. L. Hadley, H. B. Maynard, M. J. Williams, C. A. Palmer. J. B. Priddy is judge of the probate court. The pride of Washington is its public schools. These are under the care of Professor John P. Patterson, superintendent, one of the ablest and most efficient educators in Ohio, assisted by the following corps of teachers: Mr. E. H. Mark and Mrs. J. C. VonBuhlow, principals of the high school : Misses Ella Sinks, Alma Kephart, Tinnie Cleaveland, Lottie Cleaveland, and Emma. McKee, teachers in the grammar school ; and Misses Ella Pitzer, Anna Bell, Mollie Foster, and Callie Wherrett, teachers in the primary department. These are all teaching in one building : a large three story brick, with a double stairway in the center leading to upper floors. In that part of the town called Sunny Side, and which lies across the creek, there is another school building—a neat, tidy brick—of two rooms, wainscoted, airy, and comfortable, with vestibule for hanging wraps, hats and caps. In these' rooms are children of the primary department, under the tutelage of H. B. Maynard, jr., and Miss Lida Pine. In another part of town is the colored school building of two rooms, where they are two teachers employed, Mr. L. C. D. Anderson and Miss Florence G. Treat. Too much can UNION TOWNSHIP - 469 not be said in praise of the schools here. The discipline is excellent, the scholars intelligent, studious, and obedient, and the teachers kind, energetic, and painstaking. Six of the teachers are graduates of the high school, and one, Miss Treat, of Columbus high school. In connection with the school, and in use by the teachers and pupils are a geological cabinet, philosophical and chemical apparatus, conchological cabinet, maps, globes, library, etc., which afford fine facilities for research and investigation. The collectors office of the sixth district of Ohio is located here, James Pursell being the collector. He was appointed in 1869, and up to January 1, 1881, had collected revenue to the amount of $7,338,989.27. The collections in 1880 aggregated $633,578.60. In addition to this there are 17,432 packages of liquors in the bonded warehouses in this district, on which the tax, if collected now, would amount to $512.982. Under the law of March 1, 1879, spirits can remain in bond three years before being taxed. Five hundred and eighty-one barrels of apple brandy were manufactured in this district last fall, the principal manufactory being at New Richmond. Within the last year there has been exported from this district 4,820 gallons of whisky, of which 1,938 gallons went to the Bermuda Islands, and 2,882 to New Brunswick. A portion of this liquor goes to supply the saloons here, of which there are twenty-five. This is the cloud that casts the only shadow on the town. Turn on what street you may, near the central part of town, and you see them with their painted glass in the windows, and the screens near the doorway. It is sad to contemplate the vast amount of vice and crime that flows from them. There is an ordinance of the village that requires them to close up at 9 o'clock in the evening, but we are told that it is not enforced. Boys attending the public school have been known to patronize these places, but as a consequence, they soon lose interest in the school and finally drop out and never return. It is a sad and dreary feature of this town. OLD TIMES. The following is from the Fayette County Herald of September 8, 1881: An old friend from the country, who has lived in the county from the time of its organization, was sitting in our office the other 470 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. day, and looking across the street at the old Parvin building, which was made of hewed logs and weather-boarded up, noticed that the boards were torn off and the old logs exposed, said that his mind was carried back-sixty years or more, when the old log house was occupied by the late John Popejoy as a tavern; and, said he, " when we youngsters used to come here to muster, we used to buy whisky of John and pay him in Piatt shinplasters, and he would stick the currency into a crack between the logs, and the mischievous young soldiers would take the same currency from its depository and buy more whisky with it from John." This is the last old log relic of pioneer times we know of in town, and it is now taking its departure from the ground it has so long and so honorably occupied. It is an innocent old relic, but if it could give a history of the varied scenes that have occurred in it as the pioneer hotel of Washington, it might be of interest to the generations of these modern days. Probably there may be found some of Piatt's shinplasters yet remaining between its ancient timbers. We understand that when the weather-boarding is entirely removed from it, it is to be photographed. THE PIONEER HOUSE. The old house on the public square, Main Street front, known as the Parvin property," now being dismantled and stripped of the weather-boarding, reveals to nearly three generations a two-story hewed log house that was erected in 1811, from logs that were cut from the ground upon which it stands. It is the last relic of the pioneer days of' the early settlement of Washington, which will soon be numbered with the things of the past. Those who would look upon a picture in real life of' seventy years ago, will have to do so soon, as Mr. P. S. Collins, who has bought it, will remove it shortly. It was the first hotel in the place. COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS. February 25, 1831, an election was held at the court house, and the following officers were elected: Mayor, Benjamin Hinton; recorder, Calvin B. Woodruff; trustees, Thomas McGarraugh, William Halt, Jesse Millikan, Eber Patrick, and James Shivers. UNION TOWNSHIP - 471 April 4, 1831, Daniel McLain was appointed treasurer, and Arthur McArthur was appointed marshal. April 13, 1831, it was ordained that all grocers who wished to sell spirituous liquors in less quantities than one quart, must first obtain the privilege from the mayor by paying license of $3.75. April 13, 1832. Resolved that stated meetings of council shall be held on the first Mondays of June, September, December, and March, of .each year. April 28, 1832, it was resolved not to license any person to retail spirituous liquors from and after the first day of July next (1832). June 4, 1832, two mills to the dollar were levied on the taxable property of the city for corporation purposes. At same meeting an ordinance to prohibit shooting within the city limits was passed, and the penalty for violation of the same was fixed at one dollar. March 15, 1833, the mayor and recorder were instructed to advertise for bids for the erection of a house on the west corner of the public square. March 19, 1833, Henry Phelps, Norman F. Jones, Wade Loofborrow, and Jesse Millikan were allowed $9.37 1/2 for their interest in the fire engine "Leo," which they purchased of W. H. H. Pinney. April 13, 1833, it was decided to build a fire-engine house fourteen feet long, eight feet wide, and eight feet high, and the contract was awarded to Thomas, at thirty-nine dollars. June 3, 1833, two mills were levied to the dollar on the taxable property, for corporation purposes. October 28, 1833, engine house received by council. January 6, 1834, a committee was appointed to examine fire engine, and order the same to be put in complete repair, and have ten ladders made for the use of the corporation. June 7, 1837, a levy of two mills made for corporation purposes. June, 1838, levy of two mills made. June 24, 1838, levy of two mills made. August 10, 1839, John L. Vandeman was appointed marshal, to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of David McLain. September 30, 1839, John Saunders was appointed mayor, to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of Dr. James M. Beard from the corporation limits. 472 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. March 23, 1840, Joseph Bell was elected mayor, Orlando Loofborrow recorder, and Alfred S. Dickey, John Saunders, William A. Tulleys, Nicholas Hays, and L. D. Willard, trustees. March 3, 1840, Elam Hinton elected treasurer, and William P. Rowe marshal. April 8, 1840, it was decided to make extensive improvements on the streets and alleys. April 14, 1840, Joseph Bell tendered his resignation as mayor, which was accepted, and Thomas Hall appointed to fill the vacancy. April 17, 1840, Wade Loofborrow was appointed mayor, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Colonel Bell. [From this it would seem that Mr. Hall declined the appointment received the 14th.—WRITER.] June 15, 1840, Fletcher Backenstow was appointed councilman in place of L. D. Willard, who had removed from the city limits. February 5, 1840, E. W. Turner appointed marshal to fill vacancy caused by the removal beyond the corporation limits. March 22, 1841, the following officers were elected: Mayor, John McLain, jr.; recorder, William Halt; councilmen, Peter Windle, Samuel McLain, Richard Smith, Joseph Blackmore, and Jeptha Davis. March 22, 1841, Orlando Loof borrow was appointed to serve as marshal, and Jared Plumb to serve as treasurer, till others could be appointed. June 5, 1841, William McElwain was appointed treasurer in stead of Jared Plumb, who refused to serve longer. August 11, 1841, twenty-one dollars appropriated to purchase a plow and two scrapers for use of corporation. August 19, 1842, it was ordained that all male citizens between the ages of twenty-one and sixty years of age, living within the corporation limits of the city, should perform two days' labor on the streets of the village each year. June 3, 1843, a levy of one mill was made for corporation purposes. March 21, 1845, ordinance adopted making it lawful for three months for citizens to kill any dog running at large on the streets after 12 o'clock the following day. [That council ought to have had a monument erected to its memory.—WRITER.] November 22, 1846, in order to protect property from fire, an ordinance was passed making it unlawful to deposit ashes within ten UNION TOWNSHIP - 473 feet of any building; also, it was ordered that the marshal inspect all fireplaces, and see that they were put in proper repair if in an unsafe condition. October 23,1847, it was ordered that a walk he constructed across Market Street; one from Hinds Street, at the Presbyterian Church; and from Fayette Street, adjacent to the property of N. Hay, to the property of Peter Windle; said road walks to be four feet wide, six inches deep in the middle of the street, and three inches at the side. August 7, 1848, adopted rules and regulations for the government of Washington Fire Company, which was reorganized under act of General Assembly, passed March 13, 1843. August 15, 1848, ordinance passed prohibiting hogs from roaming at large within the corporation limits. August 25, 1851, license issued to J. M. June & Co., to exhibit their "American and European Amphitheater" on August 8th, on payment of ten dollars. November 15, 1851, mayor and recorder were instructed to grant the right of way on the north side of East Street to the Cincinnati, Zanesville and Wilmington Railroad. June, 1852, levy of three mills on taxable property of corporation was made. June 29, 1852, ordinance passed to prohibit the sale of intoxicants within the corporation limits. December 2, 1852, $1,255 were ordered paid to Newman & Pritchard, of Cincinnati, for fire engine, hose reel and hose carriage. January 7, 1853, paid William Burnett $25 for bringing engine, hose, etc., from Cincinnati. April 2, 1853, appropriated $150 for the building of a cistern, to hold not less than one hundred and fifty barrels, at the crossing of Main and Court streets. June, 1853, two and one-half mills were levied on the dollar for corporation purposes. August 23, 1853, passed ordinance regulating the buying and selling of hay and grain, and establishing the office of weigh master. March 3, 1855, an ordinance passed prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors in the village of Washington. (This ordinance was afterward declared to be in conflict with the state laws on this subject, and was desisted ineffectual.) 474 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. On pages 240 and 241 of the minutes appear an ordinance creating permanently the office of street commissioner, but the date of its passage is not given. June 17, 1858, an ordinance was passed creating a special police, enlarging the force to four, and defining their duties. July 16, 1858, an ordinance was passed making the flying of kites within the city limits an offense, and fixing the penalty for the violation of the above ordinance at not less than fifty cents, nor more than five dollars. December 10, 1858, an ordinance was passed allowing the mayor in certain cases that came before him for adjustment to appoint a jury to sit upon the same. At the same meeting an ordinance was passed requiring persons offering goods at auction in the city of Washington, to pay into the treasury a license of not less than five, nor more than twenty dollars, at the discretion of the mayor, for said privilege. December 17, 1858, an ordinance was passed allowing the mayor to COMMIT offenders (the ordinance don't say where) who refuse to pay the fines assessed against them. December 6, 1859, an ordinance was passed making it an offense to create any loud or boisterous noise within the corporation limits of the village of Washington, and imposing fines upon persons convicted of such misdemeanors of not less than two dollars, nor more than twenty dollars, with costs of prosecution. September 11, 1863, an ordinance was passed prohibiting swine from running at large within the city limits. July 4, 1864, ordinance passed making it an offense to leave, or cause to be left, any team, wagon, buggy, or other vehicle, or any horse, mule, or other animal, on any street in the village within thirty feet of any house or dwelling, or any fence in front of same, without the consent of the owner of said premises, or hitch or fasten any horse or other animal to any ornamental or shade tree, planted or growing along or upon any such street, any person shall, upon conviction thereof, be fined not more than five dollars, nor less than fifty cents, for each offense. February 20, 1866, an ordinance was passed, submitting the question of the annexation of certain territory to the village of Washington to the qualified voters of Washington, bounded and described as follows: "Beginning at a stone in the line of John Vandeman and Curran Millikan, where an elm bears S. 30̊ E. 16 links UNION TOWNSHIP - 475 and 72 poles west of the west corner of said incorporated village; thence N. 46 1/2̊, E. 425 poles (crossing the Jamestown road at 34 poles and the Jeffersonville road at 208 poles) to a jack oak in the line of M. A. Melvin and Lenox Campbell; thence S. 431̊ E. 340 (crossing the Columbus road at 150 poles and the Circleville Turnpike at 303 poles) to a stone on the line of Daniel McLean; thence S. 46 1/2̊ W. 425 poles (crossing the railroad at 88 poles and the lower Greenfield road at 244 poles) to a stone in Daniel McLean's pasture, where a burr oak bears N. 66̊ E. 36 links, and a jack oak bears S. 51̊ E. 48 links; thence N. 43 1/2̊ W. 340 poles (crossing the Greenfield road at 60 poles, and the Leesburg road at 162 poles, and the turnpike at 186 poles) to the beginning thereof." The above was submitted to the qualified voters of Washington at the regular annual election in April, 1866, for their approval or rejection. February 11, 1867, ordinance passed making it unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, or give away, any obscene literature, picture, or statuary, bathe between sunrise in the morning and dark in the evening, harbor any strumpet or whore, or misuse any animal, within the corporate limits of Washington, and imposing fines not exceeding fifty dollars for said offenses. June 1, 1868, an ordinance was passed making it unlawful for persons to hold familiar conversation with ally common prostitute on the streets, at fairs, or any public place or gathering, within the limits of Washington, or to keep any house of infamy within the corporate limits of said village, and imposing fines of not more than thirty dollars, or imprisonment not more than ten days, or both, at the discretion of the mayor. July, 1868, ordinance passed punishing vagrancy and prostitution within the city limits. February 2, 1869, ordinance passed to prohibit ale and porter shops, and other houses of resort for tippling and intemperance, within the corporation limits. (This has since been repealed.) April 16, 1870, ordinance passed requiring certain municipal officers to execute the following bonds before entering upon the duties of their respective offices: Mayor, one thousand dollars; marshal, two thousand dollars ; and the clerk, one thousand dollars. May 24, 1870, ordinance passed authorizing the destruction of gaming implements found within city limits; also, ordinance passed closing business places on Sunday. 476 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. August 15, 1870, ordinance passed requiring persons running hack coaches, or omnibuses, first to obtain a license from the mayor for such privilege. October 10, 1870, ordinance requiring owners of shade trees to keep the same trimmed to the height of not less than eight feet from the ground, and imposing fines of not less than one dollar, nor more than five, for the neglect of the above requirements. October 10, 1870, ordinance passed to prohibit the running at large of vicious dogs on the streets of Washington, and fixing the penalty of the owners of such animals, in case of the violation of the above ordinance, at not less than two dollars, nor more than dollars, and costs of proseention. January 2, 1875, ordinance passed establishing a board of health in Washington Court House, and to define the duties of said board. February 20, 187—, ordinance passed authorizing the removal of members of council, or any elective officers of Washington, for any malfeasance in their official duties. Section 2 of the above ordinance provides that charges shall be preferred in writing, and may be made by council, or any three citizens of the cillaye. March 8, 1875, ordinance passed to punish vagrancy, disturbance of the peace, and to apprehend and confine suspicious (characters. May 11, 1875, ordinance passed permitting the Washington Gas Light Company to establish works within the city. January 10, 1876, ordinance passed supplementary to an ordinance entitled "Au Ordinance to Punish Vagrancy," etc., passed March 25, 1875. March 16, 1876, ordinance fixing the salaries and regulating the fees of mayor, marshal, and clerk, which are as follows: Mayor, two hundred dollars ($200) per year, with such fees as are allowed by law when the fines are collected; marshal, three hundred dollars ($300), and such fees as may be allowed by law; clerk, two hundred dollars ($200) per year. May 8, 1876, ordinance passed amending the ordinance of March 25, 1875. May—, 1876, ordinance creating the office of street commissioner, and regulating the duties thereof. August —, 1876, ordinance passed regulating the sale of intoxicating liquors in Washington Court House. August 14, 1876, ordinance passed to punish fast driving or riding through the streets of Washington. UNION TOWNSHIP - 477 January 14, 1878, ordinance passed regulating the price of gas At the same meeting an ordinance was passed creating the office of city solicitor, and to provide for the election of said officer. October 14, 1878, ordinance passed punishing vagrancy, disturbers of the peace, and suspicious characters. October 17, 1878, ordinance passed for the suppression of houses of ill-fame within the city limits. July 28, 1879, ordinance passed to regulate the use of vehicles the railroad depots, and to prevent disturbance and disorderned, and to protect travelers in and about said depots. Janury 22, 1880; oordinance passed to regulate and license auctioneering, hawking, peddling, and huckstering in the incorporate village of Washington Court House. March 11, 1880, ordinance passed authorizing the annexation to Washington of certain territory lying contiguous thereto. RELIANCE FIRE ENGINE, HOOK AND LADDER, AND HOSE COMPANY. The organization of this company took place at the court house, Friday evening, September 20, 1872. W. G. Gould was made temporary chairman of the meeting, and C. J. Bell, secretary. An election of officers was held, which resulted as follows : President, E. B. Updegrove ; vice-president, A. Black ; secretary, F. D. Bradley ; treasurer, A. Hamilton ; foreman of engine department, H. E. Lidy ; assistant foreman of engine department, James Calkins ; foreman of hose department, A. J. Jennings ; assistant foreman of hose department, Z. T. Johnson ; foreman of hook and ladder department, William Deson ; assistant foreman of hook and ladder company, William Hettesheimer. The roll book shows one hundred and ninety-two signers to the constitution. October 11, 1872, the following uniforms were adopted : Round top hat of heavy leather, flannel shirt, and black leather belt. November 4, 1872, the city was divided into four fire wards; Court Street being the dividing line. The first ward composed of that portion of the city lying north of Court Street and east of Fayette; the second ward consisted of the territory. lying north of Court and west of Fayette ; the third occupied that part of the city lying south of Court and west of Fayette ; and the fourth comprised the remainder of the corporation lying south of Court and east of Fayette. 478 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. At the same meeting the president was authorized to order trumpets for the use of the foreman of each department. Compensation of steward was temporarily fixed at seventy-five dollars per annum, and it was resolved that honorary members would be admitted to the company by the applicant paying five dollars into the treasury. November 18, 1872, the following uniform was adopted : Engine department, red shirts trimmed in blue ; hook and ladder department, blue shirt trimmed in red ; hose department, red shirt trimmed in buff. December 2, 1872, the office of foreman of hose department was declared vacant. January 6, 1873, A. J. Jennings was re-elected foreman of hose department. At the same meeting, it was resolved that the fire company give a ball at Fireman's Hall, February 21, 1873. January 21, 1873, Chillicothe band was engaged at thirty-eight dollars, and expenses, to play at the ball. February 6, 1873, company met to make arrangements to attend in a body the funeral of brother firemen, James T. Gould. Also resolutions of respect to the deceased brother and condolence to the family were passed, and sent to the bereaved friends. March 30, 1873, John Miser, treasurer of dance committee, reported the following : Receipts, $120.25 ; expenses, $99.75 ; profit, $20.50. April 7, 1873, A. J. Jennings, foreman of hose department, resigned. May 5, 1873, apparatus taken out and company drilled one-half hour. At the same meeting, J. W. Duffee was elected foreman of hose department by acclamation. July 8, 1873, the Sabbath-schools of West Lancaster and Staunton, were awarded mottoes from the fire company for their attendance at the celebration of the fourth—the presentation being made by W. C. Gould. In return for this the Staunton school gave the fire company a picnic. December 1, 1873, it was decided to hold a fair at the hall during the holidays. The following committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions to the enterprise in the city proper : A. Hamilton, George Ely, George Miles, G. W. Gossard, John Bentz, and W. C. Gould. J. P. Wyott was selected as a committee of one to solicit aid in that delectable part of the town, known then by the euphonious title of " Bulltail." UNION TOWNSHIP - 479 June 1, 1874, it was resolved to celebrate the Fourth of July in an appropriate manner. At the same meeting, A. Hamilton resigned as treasurer and F. D. Bradley was elected by acclamation to fill the vacancy. January 4, 1875, company requested council to provide steam fire engine in place of the Babcock engine in use till then by the department, which was granted by the council. January 25, 1875, special meeting was called to make arrangements to attend the funeral of brother M. Blanchard. A committee of three, consisting of C. A. Palmer, Samuel W. Stuckey, and A. W. Black, was appointed to draft resolutions appropriate to the memory of the deceased brother. April 5, 1875, services of steward and office engineer inaugurated. A ball was given by the company at their' hall, February 22, 1876. March 1, 1876, treasurer reported $22.92 net profits from the ball ; the total receipts being $65.10; and expenses $44.18. March 13, 1876, Samuel W. Stuckey, treasurer, made the following financial report. CASH RECEIPTS. November 1, 1875, from F. D. Bradley, ex-treas., $79.49 December 11, 1875, " E. B. Updegrove, 75.00 March 11, 1876, from E. B. updegrove, and committee on dance, 20.00- $174.49 DISBURSEMENTS. November 2, 1875, to J. B. Wyott, $5.00 ,, 6, " " T. Nitterhouse, 18.40 December 11, " " S. N. Yeoman, 22.31 January 3, 1876, " George P. Barnes, 8.00- $ 53.71 Balance on hand, $120.78 April 12, 1876, department adopted new constitution and by-laws, and one hundred copies of the same were ordered printed for use of the company. June 11, 1876, met to make arrangements to celebrate the Fourth, but M. Barclay stated that the citizens desired to celebrate the day 480 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. in the old fashioned way, and that the company was requested not to turn out as an organization. July 11, 1876, motion to disband company lost. At the same meeting the following resolutions were passed : WHEREAS, it appears that it is distasteful, or obnoxious to many of the citizens of Washington, that card playing is permitted in the engine house; and believing as we do, that it is the duty of every good citizen to observe a due and proper respect for the opinions of others ; therefore, be it Resolved by this company, that no more card playing be allowed in the engine house, nor on the premises thereof. September 1, 1876, the department in full uniform attended the funeral of Captain Samuel W. Stuckey, late treasurer of the company. December 4, 1876, it was decided to give a free ball, to which a limited number of tickets were issued to the members of the company and the municipal officers of the city. January 3, 1877, decided to hold a ball February 22, 1877. March 5, 1877, treasurer reported 84.30 net receipts from the dance. June 4, 1877, it was decided to purchase new uniforms, aNd committee appointed to select the same. At same meeting it was agreed to celebrate the Fourth in appropriate manner. Also, official seal was changed from " Reliance Fire Department" to Washington department. June 18, 1877, Wittrock & Co., of Cincinnati, were awarded the contract of manufacturing five dozen pair of pants, at five dollars per pair, for the members of the department. July 31, 1877, special meeting held, and arrangements made to attend the funeral of J. W. Cleveland at 3 o'clock P. M., on 1st of August. \August 1, 1877, resolutions of respect to memory of Cleveland, and condolence to the bereaved relatives were passed. December 3, 1877, committee appointed to procure one copy daily of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and weekly copies of the Burlington Hawkeyeand Detroit Free Press, to be kept in the engine house for the use of the members of the department. December 14, 1877, special meeting, to arrange to attend the funeral of brother M. Blackmore. Resolutions of respect, etc., passed. January 6, 1879, a vote of thanks was taken to J. B. Hudson, for UNION TOWNSHIP - 481 a beautiful clock presented to the company by that gentleman. At same meeting, a literary society was formed within the ranks of fire department. May 11, 1879, E. B. Updegrove, who had served as chief of the company since its organization, tendered his resignation of that office, which was accepted, and J. B. Colier and Bowman Hess were appointed to fill vacancy. May 22, 1879, special meeting to make arrangements to attend the funeral of C. C. Larrimer. Resolutions of respect to deceased brother passed. June 2, 1879, Bowman Hess was elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of E. B. Updegrove. July 5, 1880, Captain E. B. Updegrove, after serving as a member of the department eight years, six years as its chief, tendered his resignation as a member of the company, which was not accepted. December 6, 1880, it was agreed to hold a fair during the holidays. March 7, 1881, Captain E. B. Updegrove, on account of impaired health resulting from wounds received in the services of his country in the late war, requested his name dropped from the company, which was finally agreed to. April 13, 1881, at a special meeting, Mr. Fuller stated that he had raised from the citizens of Washington Court House, the sum of $148.25, to which he added his individual check for $25.00, making in all $173.25, which he presented to the tire company for its excellent services during the recent series of fires. Donation accepted with thanks. May 1881, it was decided to observe the Fourth in an appropriate manner. List of officials since organization of the company with date of election : September 20, 1872, president, F. B. Updegrove ; vice president, F. D. Bradley ; treasurer, A. Hamilton. September 1, 1873. president, E. B. Updegrove ; vice president, A. Black ; secretary, J. B. Koontz ; treasurer, A. Hamilton. September 7, 1874, president, E. B. [pdegrove ; vice president, C. A. Palmer ; secretary, George P. Barnes ; treasurer, Frank D. Bradley. September 6, 1875, president, E. B. Updegrove ; vice president, 484 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Mr. Clark received $7.23 for services as treasurer during the preceding year. A tax levy of two mills on the dollar, for township and poor purposes, was ordered May 31st. S. Dempsey filed commission as justice of the peace the same day. June 23d, the trustees apportioned funds for road purposes as follows : For improvement of Wilmington road, $50: Hillsborough, $35; Leesburg, $30; Xenia, $12; and the 18th and 19th days of July following were designated as days to award contracts. November 28, Wade Loofborrow was allowed $2.50 for legal advice in a putative case of illegitimacy. December 3d, .Jacob Glaze was appointed school director in district No. 3. January 17, 1835, George Henkle having removed from the township, Isaac Jenkins was appointed trustee to fill vacancy. March 2d, on settlement with the treasurer, it was shown that Union Township received from the county treasury $220.31. The balance in the township treasury the same day was $78.48 in cash, and $9.45 in notes; total, $87.93. April 11, Robert Robinson received $12.50 for legal services. There was a woman in the case, and a distant, relative (as " all the world is kin") of Captain John Smith, of' Pocahontas' time, was an interested party. James Vance, Daniel Bush, and James Shivers, took oath of office as trustees the same day. William hawk qualified as fence viewer and overseer of the poor, Joseph Blackmore as treasurer, and F. M. Penland and Samuel Hamilton as constables. April 18th, Mathias Van Deman qualified as overseer of the poor, and Thomas Holland was appointed overseer in place of John Woodruff. A tax levy of two mills on the dollar was ordered the same day. June 2d, Robert Wilson was appointed overseer of' the poor, to fill vacancy. August 1st, the trustees appointed John McLain township clerk. pro tem., to fill vacancy occasioned by William Hill having been declared incapacitated to discharge the duties of the office. March 7, 1836, the trustees settled with the township treasurer, and found the cash in his hands to be $183.43; notes $75.88 1/4 ; total, $259.311. Messrs. Bush, Shivers, and Vance were allowed $4.50 each the same day, for services as trustees, and John McLain received $3.50 for services as township clerk. UNION TOWNSHIP. - 485 April 4th, an appropriation of $50 was made for road-scrapers, for township use. Ten were furnished by Micajah Draper, at five dollars each. James Shivers was allowed seventy-five cents for services in procuring the scrapers. Samuel Hamilton qualified as township clerk on the 5th of April, J. L. Van Deman took oath as fence viewer on the 9th, and Joseph Blackmore qualified as treasurer. John Sanders, constable, made return on the 16th, that he had notified the township officers elect to qualify according to law, for which service he was allowed one dollar. May 7th, James Heaton was allowed fifteen dollars for medical services rendered a family which had become a township charge, and Benjamin Henton received four dollars for like services. The same day, Berry Stewart, a man of color," was allowed one dollar for digging the grave of a township charge. May 28th, a tax levy of two mills on the dollar was ordered. July 30th, the township trustees (James Shivers, Isaac Jenkins, and Benjamin Henton) ordered appropriations for road purposes, as follows: To improve Leesburg and Snow Hill road, $40 ; Wilmington, $43.46 1/2 ; Xenia, $15; Devalon, $15; Columbus, $25; Circleville, $50; Greenfield, $30; Hillsborough, $30. Benjamin Holland was appointed constable the same day, to fill vacancy occasioned by the removal of John Sanders. March 6, 1837, the trustees settled with the township treasurer, when it was shown that after deducting his fees ($21.22) there was a cash balance in his hands of $189.74 1/2 and notes amounting to $92.841; total, $282.59. Daniel Bush was allowed seventy-five cents the same day, for services as trustee in 1835. April 4th, L. D. Willard qualified as constable, and Orlando Loofborrow as township clerk. The same day Merrit Jamison was allowed $1.50 for services as judge, and A. S. Dickey a like sum, for services as clerk at annual election. A summons was issued to L. D. Willard, constable, the same day, commanding him to summon Arthur McArthur to take oath of office as constable; also, Jared Sexton, Stephen Baxter, and Daniel McLean, to take oath as trustees; Joseph Blackmore, as treasurer; J. Scott, Jacob Jamison, E. Taylor, G. W. Richey, David Morrison, J. Vance, P. Fultz. W. Baker, J. Fisk, Aaron Melvin, and Joseph Gillespie, as road supervisors; S. A. Smyth and J. A. Millikan, as overseers of the poor; N. H. Heaton, James Vance, and John Rankin, as fence viewers; 486 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. and Robert Robinson, Wade Loofborrow, and Alfred S. Dickey, as school examiners. April 12th, L. D. Willard was allowed five dollars for services as constable, in notifying those elected to office April 3d to qualify. A certification records S. F. Yeoman as mayor of Washington at that time. Curran Millikan was appointed fence viewer, April 12th, in place of John Rankin, who refused to serve; for which refusal Mr. Rankin was fined two dollars. On the 3d of May following, Mr. Millikan refusing to serve, he was fined two dollars, and Membrance Blue was appointed to till vacancy. Mr. Blue qualified on the 12th of the same month. In choosing men to discharge the duties of the office of fence viewer, a good deal of humor was indulged in. At times the question of height would determine who should he elected—one being chosen to discharge the duties of the office because tall, another because short in stature; one to look over, the other under the fences. The office, too, was one not much sought, and hence men were frequently chosen through a spirit of vindictiveness. The bonds of N. F. Jones and Joseph Bell, as justices of the peace, were examined and approved May 27th, and a tax levy of half a mill on the dollar, for township and poor purposes, was ordered the same day. March 5, 1838, the trustees settled with Joseph Blackmore, treasurer, when it was shown that the total funds which had been received by him since the previous settlement, amounted to $368.80. Deducting disbursements made during the same period ($306.76), the cash balance remaining in his hands was $62.04. He also held notes amounting to $86.59 1/2. April 3d, James Pursell and Samuel Millikan were each allowed $1.50 for services as clerks at the annual spring election. April 14th, Joseph Bell, justice of the peace, certified that John C. Eastman took oath as overseer of the poor; also, that Edward Smith, Jacob Jamison, James Allen, and Edward Taylor, took oath as road supervisors. A tax levy of one mill on the dollar was ordered on the 29th of April. During the same month Reuben Pursell, Jared Sexton, and Micajah Draper, took oath of office as township trustees, George Easterbrook qualified as township clerk, and John Sanders was commissioned justice of the peace. UNION TOWNSHIP - 487 October 13th, James Beatty was appointed supervisor of the Circleville and Chillicothe roads, in place of George Rodgers, deceased; and Thomas Holland was appointed overseer of the poor, in place of Dr. Jennings, who had removed. A special election for justice of the peace was called December 15th, to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of Samuel Loofborrow. During April, 1839, William Hill qualified as township clerk; James Pursell and Nathan Kimball, as fence viewers; Jacob Jamison, James M. Smith, John Jackson, James Greenlee, Thomas Sexton, Isaac Jenkins, David Webster, John Judy, John Coil, G. W. Richey, Peter Carder, and James Pursell, as road supervisors; Joseph Blackmore, as treasurer; O. Loof borrow and L. D. Willard, as constables ; Robert Wilson and James Grubbs, as overseers of the poor. May 4th, L. D. Willard, constable, was allowed $1.37 1/2 for advertising spring election, and serving a notice for overseers of the poor. The same day G. W. Easterbrook was allowed $10.31 1/2 for services as township clerk in 1838. May 30, 1839, the township trustees (Daniel McLean, M. Draper, and Reuben Pursell) ordered a tax levy of four mills on the dollar, for township and poor purposes. At a meeting held in July, the trustees appointed William Ledwith township clerk, in place of William Hill, who had left the county. April 10, 1840, J. L. Van Deman was sworn in as township clerk, and on the 13th of the same month Daniel McLean, Reuben Pursell, and James Allen, took oath as trustees. During the same month Clarence Parvin qualified as overseer of the poor; James Pursell and J. B. Webster, as constables; John Irion, as justice of the peace; Joseph Blackmore, as treasurer. June 1st, the trustees ordered a levy of four mills on the dollar, for township and poor purposes. July 20th, Clarence Parvin and Richard Evans, as overseers of the poor, through James Pursell, constable, caused notice to be served on various persons (in summons named) to depart the township, so that they might not become " charges" thereon. In April, 1841, Reuben Pursell, Daniel Bush, and James N. Wilson, qualified as trustees; clerk, James C. Bell; overseers of the poor, J. S. Bereman and Clarence Parvin, 488 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. May 23d, a tax levy of four mills on the dollar was ordered. August 28th, William McElwain was appointed overseer of the poor, in place of Clarence Parvin, resigned. September 11th, Daniel McLean and Joseph Bell were, on petition, "attached to the school district composed of corporation of the town of Washington." October 30th, William Holt, James N. Wilson, and Joseph Blackmore, were appointed school directors for the corporation. March 7, 1842, Joel S. Bereman was allowed $5.50 for printing. The same day, Curran Millikan, Lydia Millikan, and Micajah Draper, were attached to the school district composed of the corporation of Washington. By order of the trustees, through O. Loufborrow, constable, notice was given to the electors of the township, March 11, 1842, that they proceed to elect township officers oil the 4th day of April next ensuing, as follows: Three trustees, two constables, one treasurer, one clerk, two overseers of the poor, three fence viewers, and fifteen road supervisors. April 2d, it was shown by settlement with Joseph Blackmore, treasurer, that there was no unappropriated money in his hands. On the 5th of the same month, John L. Van Deman' took oath of office as township clerk, and Jame:, Pursell, Peter Wendel, B': Martin, and N. Bush, were allowed two dollars each for services as judges and clerks at the annual spring election. Micajah Draper, James N. Wilson, and Daniel Bush, took oath as trustees on the 6th. J. S. Bereman and William McElwain filed certificates on the 12th as overseers of the poor, and Joseph Blackmore qualified as treasurer the same day. May 31st, the trustees ordered a tax levy of four mills on the dollar. December 10th, it is recorded that the trustees, " after examining the books of Union Township, including the entire record of said township, they have authorized the clerk to procure a book for the township, and to examine all the records, and place all matters of business, of different kinds, in separate books." A good idea. The accounts ought to be so kept, in ledger form, as that, at any time, it could readily be seen what the amount paid the several township officers, for services rendered, may be; and so, in like manner, should it be shown what the expenditures for specific purposes have been. UNION TOWNSHIP - 489 Union Township received from the county treasury, during the year 1880, $12,738.83; from other sources, $100; total receipts, $12,838.83. The expenditures for the year, we suppose, will be about the same. The trustees now, are Jacob Dahl, Micajah Draper, and William Brannon. W. H. Dial is township clerk. A few years ago, owing, it is stated, to a weak point in, or construction put upon the law then in force, the raids on the township treasury were frequent, and the township officers enjoyed "a feast of fat things." The township clerk, at the time alluded to, received about seven hundred dollars for a year's services (some place the figures considerably higher), and the fees of the trustees, in like manner, were on a pretty liberal scale, while the physicians who then gave special attention to the poor, in the medical line, reaped a rich harvest. They all manifested a very tender regard for " the dear people." The fees of township trustees and clerks are now limited. They are each allowed $1.50 per day for each day's service rendered; but their total fees during the year, out of the township funds, must not exceed $150 each. Under the law now existing, it is argued that injustice is done officers in townships wherein county seats are situated, as in such localities attention to the discharge of duty requires special and almost daily attendance on the part of the trustees and clerk. CHURCHES. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Washington was organized at the solicitation of John Bohran, during the summer of 1817, by John Solomon and Thomas Carr, at the house of Robert Wilson. Through the courtesy of Mr. John Trimble, of Columbus, Ohio, we have been furnished with the following list of ministers that have preached here since the organization of the society : John Solomon and Thomas Carr, 1818; William P. Finley, 1819; Andrew McLain, 1820; D. D. Davidson, 1821; James Smith, 1822; John Summerville and James Smith, 1823; Benjamin Laurence 490 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. and George Gatch, 1824; Andrew F. Baxter, 1825–6; Z. Westlake, 1827; James T. Donahoe and Jesse Prior, 1830 ; Augustus Eddy and William T. Snow, 1831; William T. Snow and Henry Turner, 1832. Name changed to Washington Circuit in 1832. James Turner and E. M. Dailey, 1833 ; E. T. Webster and Lester James, 1834; E. T. Webster and John Rogers, 1835; C. C. Lyhand and J. A. Brown, 1836; S. Clarke and E. Estell, 1837; Eli Truett and Joseph M. Smith, 1838; James Laws and Henry Wharton, 1839; James Laws and B. A. Cassat, 1840; Joseph A. Reeder and B. A. Cassat, 1841; John Fitch and O. P. Williams, 1842 ; Noah Hough, 1843. N. Hough and Martin Wolf, 1844 ; John W. Keeley and B. N. Spahr, 1845 ; John W. Keeley and V. Beemer, 1846; J. B. Auston and Archibald Flemming, 1847; J. B. Austin, 1848; T. W. Chandler and S. Haines, 1849; Samuel Brown and M. G. Baker, 1850; M. G. Baker, S. Middleton, and J. C. Reed, 1851; Barton Lowe and H. F. Green, 1852; B. Lowe and William Sutton, 1853; Moses T. Bowman and W. Sutton, 1854; I. P. Morris and J. T. P. Williams, 1855–6. It was constituted a station, with one hundred and sixty-seven members, and Thomas H. Phillips was pastor in 1868–9 ; Henry T., Magill, 1860–61; Isaac Cook, 1862–3 ; E. H. Dixon, 1864; E. P. Hall, 1865–6 ; J. B. Brodreck, 1867–8–9; G. F. King, 1870–71; Samuel A. Keene, 1872–3; A. C. Hirst, 1874–5; James H. Gardner, 1877–8–9; W. D. Chemingten, 1880; T. M. Leslie. The following have been presiding elders: From 1828 to 1831, John Collins; from 1831 to 1833, Augustus Eddy; 1833, John Ferree; 1834, J. B. Finley ; 1836, James Quinn; 1839, M. Mailay ; 1841, Z. Connell; 1843, William Summers; 1847, David Kemper; 1849, Cyrus Brooks; 1851, J. M. Jameson ; 1852, John W. Clarke; 1856, Joseph M. Trimble; 1860, D. D. Mathers; 1861, Z. Connell; 1864, William Porter; 1868, Thomas H. Phillips; 1872, Isaac F. King; 1876, J. S. H. Creighton; 1880, Wellington Harvey. After the organization of the society, in 1817, services were held part of the time at the old court house, and a part of the time at the residence of some of the congregation till 1828. In that year the brick school on Market Street, now a part of the residence of Richard Millikan was completed, and was occupied by this congregation for church purposes till 1834, when the brick church on the north corner of Main and Market streets was built. This was an immense structure for a village like Washington in those days; UNION TOWNSHIP - 491 its dimensions, according to the best authority on the subject, being about the same as those of the present Methodist Church on the corner of Market and North streets. As the walls of this building were considered unsafe, it was never completed on the inside, and on account of its unfinished condition—having nothing but a brick floor, and being without ceiling or plastering—it could be occupied during the summer months only, and in three years was abandoned entirely. From this time till 1845, the society occupied the court house and the Presbyterian Church, when a frame church on Market, between Fayette and North streets, now occupied as a residence by William Weller and E. Saul, was erected and occupied till 1866, when the present church was completed at a cost including interest, of about fourteen thousand dollars. In 1870, this building was repainted and frescoed at a considerable expense, and the house which is about 50x80, is perhaps the most valuable church property in Washington. MOUNT OLIVE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH. The organization of this society was effected, in 1829, by the Rev. Father Dobbins of Jamestown, Greene County, Ohio, and at first consisted of the following members : Henry Burnett and wife, Thomas Burnett and wife, Peter Fultz and wife, John Coile and wife, and George Hinkle and wife. For fourteen years services were held in the winter season at the different dwellings of the members, and in summer, in barns and in the groves—" God's first Temples "—Father Dobbins removing from Jamestown at stated periods to minister to his small congregation. In 1831, he removed to the banks of Sugar Creek, four miles west of Washington, and settled in the midst of his small flock, in whose interest he labored assiduously till his death, which occurred January 13, 1860, at the advanced age of ninety-two years, eight months and twenty-three days. He was a man of superior talents, oratory and energy, and represented Greene and Fayette counties each two terms in the Ohio Legislature. His life has been written by the Rev. Charles Caddy. In 1843, this little congregation, with the help of some outsiders, erected a large hewed log church, on the banks of Sugar Creek, on land owned by Daniel Bush, which was dedicated as a Methodist Protestant Church, but which was named " Union Church," as it 492 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. was understood that when not occupied by the Methodist Protestant Church, it was to be free to any and all other denominations. Though the membership increased slowly, yet the pioneer Christian did not falter in his duty, and their hopes that the future would bring a glorious reward to their labors were fully realized in 1848, when a glorious revival occurred, which gathered into the church many of the young married people of the neighborhood, and also several of the older people. That revival is still remembered with gratitude by the few surviving members, as one of the most happy Christian experiences of their lives. Though at this time Father Dobbins was eighty years of age, yet his mind was as active and powerful as ever, and he labored day and night at this meeting. About the year 1856, it was thought best for the convenience of some of the members to divide the class, which was accordingly done, and the branch organization held services in what was called the Coile school house, two miles north of the present church, till 1863, when the society erected an elegant frame church on the farm of Isaac Coile, near the Coile Cemetery on the Plymouth pike, and named it "Sugar Creek Chapel," from the name of the creek on whose banks it stands. The members remaining in the class at Mount Olive, considering the old church too much dilapidated for further use, in 1863 selected a site on the farm of Samuel Coile, on the Wilmington pike, three miles west of Washington, on which, in 1864, they built a commodious frame church at a cost of seventeen hundred dollars, the plans and specifications, of which, were similar to those of the Sugar Creek Church. These two classes have made rapid growth, and are supporting good Sunday-schools. Harmony Church on the Plymouth pike, six miles northwest of Washington, a full account of which appears in the history of Jasper Township, is an outgrowth of the Mount Olive Church. The seed sown by the Rev. Father Dobbins so many years ago fell on good ground, and the three above named churches are the fruit thereof. These churches are embraced in the Washington Circuit of the Methodist Protestant Church. The following is a list of the ministers who have preached at one or all of these churches : Revs. Father Dobbins, A. McGuire, Joel Dolbey, sen., Jonathan Flood, sen., A. H. Bassett, C. Caddy, S. Evans, _____Pealon,______Stubbs,_____Trumbo,______Riely, T, P. Rowe, __________Warrington, UNION TOWNSHIP - 493 J. Litter, P. F. Johnson, R. K. Davis, C. S. Evans, R. M. Dolbey, Joel H. Dolbey, and Jason F. Hinkle. The following named gentlemen have served as superintendents of the Sabbath-school since its organization, in 1849: At Union Church, Noah Hinkle four years, Amizi Hyer five years, Enoch Bush two years, John Fultz two years, Jesse Hyre fourteen years, Moses Carl one year, Daniel B. Tupes one year, J. F. Henkle one year, and N. S. Henkle two years. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, COLORED. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Dennis Brown's house, in July, 1867, by Rev. Mr. Arnett, of Circleville, and services were held at the house of several members of the congregation for more than a year. Hamilton was rented and occupied for some time, after which the congregation rented the old Methodist Episcopal Church, where services were held about one year. In 1875, a committee, consisting of David Rodgers and Mills Gardner, were appointed to negotiate the purchase of the old Catholic church, on Main Street, for this congregation. This they accomplished, paying two thousand dollars for the property. Mr. Rodgers donated one thousand dollars to the society, toward the purchase. Mr. Arnett preached only four times. William Hogan was appointed, and remained with the charge until his death, which took place at Wilmington about a year afterward ; Perry Ross filled his unexpired time. Wadkins Lee was then appointed, and remained two years. He was succeeded by Father William Morgan, and since Morgan, the following ministers have served in the order of their appointment : Edward Wright two years, Mr. Toney two years, Elder Green two years. Rev. Charles Bundy was appointed in August, 1877, and still remains. CATHOLIC CHURCH. Catholic worship in Washington Court House was begun, and for sometime maintained, under very trying circumstances. Rev. Father Blake first celebrated mass in 1852, in a shanty occupied by Michael Flynn, while engaged in constructing the C. & M. V. R. R. The attendants were principally railroad men, most of 494 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. whom left when the road was completed. The following, however, remained, and became the pillars of the present flourishing society : John Coghland, and his brother Thomas, Michael O'Garrath, Martin Brannan, John Saunders, Patrick Burke and mother, Mr.Grady, and Michael Flynn. Of these all are living except Brannan, and all are citizens of this county, except O'Garrath and Brady, who moved to Lancaster in about 1859. Father Blake continued to preach occasionally, until the road was finished, after which Father Duffey, who was stationed at Circleville, came once a month, bringing with him a choir from that place. He first celebrated mass at Flynn's house, but shortly after, Ely's Hall, then just completed, was engaged, and Father Duffey continued to come till his death, which occurred at Circleville about one year after his first services at Washington. After Father Duffey's death, Father Reagan, stationed at Lancaster, came occasionally during one summer, and ministered to the small flock. After him, Father Everett, of Lancaster, paid it one visit ; and he was followed by Father Fitzgerald, of Columbus, who celebrated mass once. Father Pindar, who was stationed at Circleville, then came once a month for about a year, and mass was celebrated at Ely's Hall, but confessional was held at John Sanders' house. Near the close of Father Pindar's services, the Catholic church on Main Street, now owned and occupied by the colored Methodist Church, was completed, and was dedicated by the Rev. Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, who in his remarks on the occasion explained the origin and mission of the Catholic Church. Father Pindar and Father J. B. O'Donohue were present at the dedication. Pindar remained with this charge about one year, when he apostatized, married, and became an Episcopal minister. Archbishop Purcell appointed Father J. B. O'Donohue, stationed at Morrow, to take charge of the congregation. About six months after Father O'Donohue's appointment, he proposed to the congregation the erection of a more commodious. place of worship, in a part of town more suitable for a cemetery. Accordingly, the church property on Main Street was sold to the colored Methodist Episcopal congregation, for the sum of two thousand dollars, and three acres of land were purchased of Judge D. McLain, at one hundred dollars per acre, east of town, near the C. & M. V. R. R., just outside of the present corporation limits, on
UNION TOWNSHIP - 495 which a substantial two story brick church, 40x62 feet, was erected. In the fall of 1879, Father Felton, by nativity a German, succeeded Father O'Donohue. During his pastorate a fair was held, which was attended largely by Protestants, and $1,700 were cleared to the congregation, which was to be appropriated toward purchasing a residence for the priest. In August, 1880, Father Felton was transferred, and Father Michael O'Donohue was sent from Hillsboro, Ohio, to supply his place, and still remains. At present the church is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of two hundred and upwards. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. The Baptist Church is often defined to be an evangelical denomination of Christians, which differs from others in certain principles connected with baptism as the initiatory ordinance of Christianity. This difference is commonly understood as limited to the proper age, and mode of its administration, and those who believe in adult baptism by immersion. But this definition is inaccurate and incomplete. Inaccurate, for in the view of Baptists age is nothing, but spiritual qualification is everything; hence they baptize all who repent and believe the gospel, whether in childhood, youth, or manhood, and very frequently whole households at once, as did the apostles. The definition is incomplete, for many who are not baptized believe that the immersion of adults was the primitive baptism of the New Testament. The fact is generally admitted in works of scientific authority, both historical and archaeological. Baptists, then, properly defined, are those who hold that the baptism of Christian believers is of universal obligation, and practice accordingly. And they hold this because they acknowledge no master but Christ; no rule of faith but his word; no baptism but that which is preceded and hallowed by personal piety; no church but that which is the body of Christ, pervaded, governed, and animated by his spirit. Whatever diversities of opinion and usage are found among them, these are their common and characteristic principles; by these they are known and distinguished in every country, and in every age. On like grounds, also, the Baptists reject (though with less concern) the substitution of sprinkling for the entire immersion of the 496 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. body, which, they maintain, was originally practiced in the administration of baptism, and, except in cases of the sick, universally observed throughout Christendom for thirteen hundred years. For the universal obligation of immersion as identical with baptism itself, and essential to its specific spiritual purposes, they urge the admitted signification of the word baptizo, the places where the rite was originally performed, and the phraseology employed in describing it, the undeniable example of Christ himself, and the metaphorical allusions of the sacred writers when explaining the spiritual import of the rite, all of which, they say, confirm the meaning to be immersion, and necessarily exclude every other. On the subject of church communion, the Baptists generally agree with other denominations that it is not proper before baptism. As they find no exception to this rule in the New Testament, they do not feel authorized to invite those who are not, in their view, duly baptized, to unite with them at the Lord's table, however highly they esteem them. They profess, in this limitation of church communion, that they do not judge the consciences of others, but seek to preserve their own. Yet, while holding these views, they claim to feel a cordial sympathy with other evangelical denominations, and rejoice to co-operate with them, as far as possible, in the work of Christ. The government of the Baptist Church is congregational. Each body being immediately dependent on Christ, is therefore independent of all others, and is complete in itself for the management of its internal affairs, such as the choice of its officers, declaration of faith, acceptation, dismission, or discipline of members. As such church is a little spiritual republic, so every member is entitled to a vote, and is trained to all the duties of an active citizen. The voice of the majority governs. They recognize no higher church officers than pastor and deacons. Elders as evangelists and missionaries are also ordained, after due trial, and sent out to preach the gospel. Councils are usually called by the churches, to advise, and assist in the ordination of ministers, the formation of churches, and the settlement of serious difficulties, though they have neither judicial nor appellate powers. Whatever be their differences in other things, Baptists all agree in maintaining the congregational form of church government. "The ministry of the Baptists," says Dr. Baird, "comprehends a UNION TOWNSHIP - 497 body of men who, in point of talent, learning, and eloquence, as well as devoted piety, have no superiors in the country." The Baptists have never made classical scholarship a prerequisite to the ministry of the gospel, lest they should seem to be wiser than God; but it is a mistake to suppose they have ever despised education or knowledge, except when substituted for holier gifts. As early as 1764, when numbering sixty churches and about five thousand members, they founded their first college in Rhode Island Long before they had fostered Harvard, and helped Franklin to lay the foundations of the University of Pennsylvania. They now have about forty colleges and universities of their own, over one hundred academies and female seminaries of a high grade, and about fifteen theological schools. They have publication societies at Philadelphia, Charleston, and Nashville, besides many flourishing private publishing houses in our larger cities. Their missions are planted in Canada, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Hayti; in France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway; in western and central Africa; in southern India, Assam, Burmah, Siam, and China. The Baptists claim their origin from the ministry of Christ and his apostles. They claim, also, that all the Christian churches of the first two centuries after Christ were founded and built up on the principles they profess; in proof of which they appeal to the high critical authorities in church history—Mosheim, Neander, Hagenback, Jacobi, and Bunson. They furthermore claim to be able to trace their history in a succession of churches essentially Baptist, though under various names, from the third century down to the Reformation. These churches, from the fifth century onward, were the subjects of systematic persecution from the state churches, both in the east and in the west. Cyril, of Alexandria, and Innocent I, of Rome, according to the historian Socrates, began this persecution by depriving them of their houses of worship, and driving them into secret places, under the laws of Honorius and Theodosius II, which forbid repaptism (so called) under penalty of death. Yet their principles reappear among the Culdus of the west, and the Panlians of the east ; the Vallesii and the Paterines, the Albigenses and Waldenses, and emerge on all sides at the first dawn of the Reformation. In the opinion of Sir Isaac Newton, as reported by Whiston, "the Baptists are the only body of Christians that has not symbolized with the Church of Rome." 498 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Of the German Baptists, Mr. Bancroft has summed up the matter in a few pregnant words: "With greater consistency than Luther, they applied the doctrine of the Reformation to the social positions of life, and threatened an end to priestcraft, spiritual domination, titles, and vassalage. They were trodden down with foul reproaches and most arrogant scorn, and their history is written in the blood of thousands of German peasantry. But their principles, secure in their immortality, escaped with Roger Williams to Providence, and his colony is witness that naturally the paths of the Baptists are paths of freedom, pleasantness, and peace." In England, from the time of Henry VIII to William III, a full century and a half, the Baptists struggled to gain their footing, and to secure not only toleration for themselves, but for all, on the broad basis of liberty of conscience. From 1611 (as appears from the documents recently published by the Hanserd Knolly's Society), they issued appeal after appeal, addressed to the king, the parliament, and the people, in behalf of their soul liberty, written with a breadth of view and force of argument hardly since exceeded. Mr. Locke has truly said: "The Baptists were from the beginning the friends of liberty, just and true liberty, equal and impartial liberty." Yet, until the Quakers arose, in 1660, the Baptists stood alone in its defense amid universal opposition. In the time of Cromwell they first gained a fair hearing, and under the lead of Milton and Vane, would have changed the whole system of the church and the state but for the treason of Monk. In the time of Charles II, the prisons were filled with their confessors and martyrs. Yet their principles gradually gained ground in the public mind, and hastened the revolution of 1688. "The share which the Baptists took," says Dr. Williams, "in showing up the falling liberties of England, and infusing new vigor and liberality into the constitution of that country, is not generally known. Yet to this body English liberty owes a debt it can never acknowledge. Among the Baptists, Christian freedom found its earliest, its staunchest, its most consistent, and its most disinterested champions." Nor less powerful has been the influence of the Baptists in the United States. Introduced into Rhode Island with Roger Williams and John Clark, in 1638, their history for more than a century, in UNION TOWNSHIP - 499 most of the colonies, is that of proscribed and banished men. Yet; persecuted themselves, it was their glory to have never persecuted others. "In the code of laws established by them in Rhode Island," says Judge Story, "we read for the first time since Christianity ascended the throne of the Caesars, the declaration that conscience should be free, and should not be punished for worshiping God in the way they were persuaded he requires." From that declaration Rhode Island has never departed, and in it she was followed first by Pennsylvania and New Jersey, afterward by Virginia, and since by all the United States. The article on religious liberty in the amendments to the American constitution, was introduced into it by the united efforts of the Baptists, in 1789. (See Howell's Address before the American Baptist Historical Society, 1856.) The First Baptist Church of Washington was formed by eleven persons, namely : John Franks, William Harper, Z. W. Baughn, Samuel F. Yeoman, Asenath Yeoman, Bethiah L. Yeoman, N. K. Dickerson, Mary Franks, Rebecca Baughn, Rebecca Blue, and Mary Curry. These were the constituted members of the church. For many years Asenath Yeoman was the only Baptist in Washington ; but in all these days she was thoroughly grounded in the belief that a brighter day would dawn upon her vision. The church was organized in due form on the 21st day of February, A. D. 1840. Revs. Azel Waters and Albert Wedge, ministers, consecrated to the cause of the Master, acted as moderator and clerk. The session was held in the Presbyterian Church. On the 24th day of December, of the same year, Rev. A. D. Freman, who was of a well known Baptist family for centuries back, was called to the pastorate. The first protracted meeting held after the organization of the church commenced on Wednesday, January 27, 1841, in the Presbyterian House. Rev. A. D. Freman assisted by Revs. W. D. Woodruff, and I. K. Bronson, preached the gospel earnestly and efficiently. Many inquired the way of life. On the 30th day of the same month, Frank Closa, George Heagler and wife, were received members by letters from sister churches. On Wednesday, the 3d day of February, of the same year, Dr. Jeptha Davis, Lydia Davis, and Josiah Healer were baptized. 500 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. In the year 1842, Elder W. D. Woodruff came to visit the church, and held an interesting meeting of days. On the 24th day of August, 1844, the church through her deligates, Pastor Thomas, Goodwin, E. F. Yeoman, Dr. J. Davis and J. W. Poff; with letters from the church, applied for admission into the Straight Creek Association, held at Winchester, Adams County, Ohio, and duly admitted a member of that body on date above named. During this year, two or three members of the church were carried away by Mormonism. These are the first expulsions noted in the records of the church. After more calm deliberations they were convinced that it was a delusion. Some of them returned. During this year, Rev. Thomas Goodwin was called to the pastorate of the church. In 1847, Rev. W. D. Woodruff came to Washington to live, and was called to the pastorate in place of Elder Goodwin, resigned. Being without a house to worship in, the meetings were held in the court house. In the year 1849, the church deeming the Caesar's Creek Association (now Clinton) more conveniently situated, took a transfer from Straight Creek Association and united with the former body. In many of its deliberations, among other matters of business, a meeting house to worship in was presented. In 1854, Deacon Claypool offered to sell a lot, on which to build, for the sum of three hundred dollars, donating fifty dollars of the amounts; S. F. Yeoman, Hugh Campbell, James Zumalt, A. M. Ogle and Dr. Allen, each gave fifty dollars and paid for the lot. In 1856, Rev. J. W. Heistand was called to the pastorate of the church in place of Elder Woodruff, resigned. On the 8th day of March, 1859, J. B. Tuttil, a young man of rare ability, was chosen to labor as supply for six months. On May 18, 1861, the church called a council of messengers from several churches of the association to ordain Brother J. B. Tuttil to the ministry. Elder James Sargeant was chosen moderator, O. A. Allen clerk. After a satisfactory examination, the council set him apart to the ministry. On December, 1862, Rev. C. T. Emerson was called to the pastorate. His energy was directed principally towards raising means to build a church. In 1868, Rev. J. R. Powell was called to the pastorate, and he UNION TOWNSHIP - 501 was installed on July 19, 1868, in our new house of worship erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars. Ministers present, Pastor Rev. B. Bedell, Chambers, and J. W. Heistand, a former pastor. The first summary of membership recorded in the minutes, is given in the meeting of February 4, 1870. A committee had been previously appointed to revise the records; and ascertain the numerical strength of the church, which revision showed that there were seventy-seven members in good standing. The church having in thirty years increased from the original number, eleven, to seventy-seven. In December, 1870, Rev. Winham Kidder was called to the pastorate of the church, and having served three years was called to the church above. His loss was a severe affliction to the cause. In 1873, Rev. Armstrong was called to the pastorate. The church took an active part in the temperance crusade during his stay with us. In 1874, Rev. W. W. Sawyer was called to the pastorate. He was the most scholarly minister of the place. In February 1879, Rev. S. T. Griswold was called to the pastorate, the ablest of all. In 1880, Rev. C. A. McManis was called for six months to supply the pulpit of the church. The report to the association this year (1881) shows a membership of ninety-one. Thus we note that the church has been in existence almost forty-two years, and that it has ordained one minister ; that it has admitted by baptism about one hundred and thirty persons ; that it began with eleven members, and has now ninety-one ; that it has had but twelve pastors. Church Covenant.—Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior ; and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in presence of God, Angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ. We engage therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this church in knowledge, holiness and comfort ; to promote its prosperity and spirituality ; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline 502 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. and doctrines ; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry; the expenses of the church ; the relief of the poor, and the spread of the gospel through all nations. We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion ; to religiously educate our children ; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling and back-biting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of' intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior. We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love ; to remember in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress ; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech ; to be slow to take offense, but always ready to reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Savior ; to rescue without delay. We morever engage when we move from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word. The above history of the Baptist Church was kindly furnished by Dr. Allen, of Washington Court House. SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, COLORED. The Second Baptist Church of Washington C. H. was organized June 12, 1855, by Elder George W. Bryant, with three members: Jordan Kelly, James L. Thornton, and Boswell Kelly. Jacob Emmons, a licensed preacher, was called as a supply, and preached for them until the year 1858, when Elder A. Carter was called to the pastorate. In the latter part of 1858 he departed this life in full triumph of the faith. He was succeeded by Elder R. Allen, who continued in charge of the church till 1860, when he was succeeded by Elder A. Pratt, who continued pastor till 1866. He was succeeded by Elder H. Cox. Up to the year 1867 there had been no special revival of religion, but the church had gradually grown from three members to thirty. In the winter of 1867, under the administration of Elder Cox, an interesting revival took place, and thirty persons were added to the church. Elder Cox remained pastor till 1872, when he was succeeded by Elder John Powell, who remained pastor till some UNION TOWNSHIP - 503 time in the year 1873. Elder Powell was succeeded by W. A. Meridith, a licensed preacher, who was ordained in 1875, and remained pastor till about the year 1877. During his pastorate a very interesting revival was held, which resulted in the addition of twenty-seven members to the church. Elder Meridith was succeeded by Elder Benjamin Smith, who took charge of the church in 1878, and remained pastor till June, 1879, when he was succeeded by Elder E. M. Marion, in September, who is the present incumbent. On the first of January, 1880, a revival of religion was begun, and resulted in fifty additions to the church ; making in all about one hundred and sixty members who have been received into the fellowship of the church. The present membership is about one hundred and ten. In the year 1857, the church purchased a lot on North Street, opposite the Central School building, and built a frame house, in which they held services till about the year 1868, when the old house was torn down, and a brick building erected, costing about two thousand five hundred dollars. For Church Covenant, see First Baptist Church. There has been a Sabbath-school connected with the church since the year 1858. THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The Presbyterian Church of Washington Court House was organized October 10, 1813, three years after the county was organized. There were thirteen members, and James Clark, William Blair, Samuel Waddle, Anuences Allen, and Col. James Stewart, were chosen elders. The Rev. Mr. Baldridge had charge of the church for a time. After him the pulpit was supplied by several different ministers, till Rev. William Dickey came to be pastor in 1817. The church had no house of worship, and meetings could not be held very regularly. In 1817 part of the church was set off to form a separate congregation at Bloomingburg, and Thomas McGarraugh and Henry Snyder were chosen elders. Mr. Dickey supplied the church at Washington, and also the one at Bloomingburg, which was now the larger. Shortly after he seems to have given all his attention to Bloomingburg, and there are no records of the Presbyterian Church of Washington for fifteen years. 504 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. In 1834, the church took a new start. Nine of the old members were still on the ground, and seventeen were received. James Pollock, John Wilson, Isaac Templeton, and Joseph McLean, were chosen elders, and S. F. Kerr was made clerk of the session. About 1835, Rev. John C. Eastman took charge of the church, and the church seemed to progress nicely. They undertook, for the first time, to build a house of worship, and soon it was constructed and dedicated. In 1840 Mr. Eastman left the church, after six years of faithful and successful labor. The next eight years passed with very irregular ministrations. Rev. James Dunlap, and Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, preached for a. time. In the winter of 1847-8, the church was incorporated. About this time J. G. Hopkins came, as a licentiate, to supply its pulpit. James N. Wilson and Eliphas Taylor were chosen and ordained elders. Mr. Hopkins, some time after, was chosen pastor and ordained. A division in the church grew out of this. Robert Robinson and Joseph McLean, two of the elders, and others, left the church; among them Col. S. F. Kerr. This was a great loss to the feeble church. Mr. Hopkins soon left, and in the spring of 1851 Rev. S. J. Miller, was called to the pastorate, after which church affairs ran along more smoothly. A new church edifice was built about 1856. Rev. Miller continued pastor for fifteen years, leaving the church in 1866 with seventy-five members. In January, 1867, the Rev. George Carpenter was called to the pastorate, and is still at his post, in the fifteenth year of his labors. The church has had some very precious seasons of revival, and has a membership of two hundred. The house of worship has lately been enlarged, improved, and greatly beautified, and has a competent corps of elders and deacons, and a good Sabbath-school. During the pastorate of Rev. Miller, James Allen, Henry D. Ritter, and Joseph Bryan, (perhaps others,) were made elders. During the last pastorate, in 1867, I. C. Van Deman, William Robinson, Joseph Parrett, and William H. Devalon, were made elders. In 1871 J. P. Robinson, and P. E. Moorehouse, and in 1879 Dr. S. S. Salisbury and W. A. Ustick, were made elders. Some have gone to their reward, and some have moved away. The present session are: William Robinson, I. C. Van Deman, J. P. Robinson, Dr. S. S. Salisbury, W. A. Ustick, and Rev. George Carpenter, pastor. UNION TOWNSHIP - 505 THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The history of Trinity Episcopal Church is necessarily short, for the simple reason that at this date (August, 1881) it is, as a church, less than two years old. . On Thursday evening, December 4, 1879, a meeting, presided over by the Rev. J. H. Logie, rector of St. Philip's Church, Circleville, was held at the residence of Mr. J. M. Love. At that meeting all the persons in Washington Court House who were interested in the Episcopal Church were present. An organization was effected by the election of an executive committee, composed of the following gentlemen: J. M. Love, Edwin Bird, R. M. Campion, J. S. Gold, Clarence Snyder, Edwin Proctor, and Charles A. Palmer. These gentlemen were invested with authority to act in the capacity of a vestry; Messrs. Love and Bird to act as wardens. Previous to this date (December 4, 1879), occasional services had been held by the Rev. Mr. Logie, of Circleville, and the Rev. Mr. Fischer, of Chillicothe, but at this meeting arrangements were made for regular services, and the first of such services was held on Thursday evening, December 11, 1879. At this service further arrangements were made by which the Rev. Mr. Logie was to take pastoral oversight of the work, and, with the assistance of the neighboring clergy, hold services on alternate Sundays in the Baptist Church. The first Sunday service was held December 28, 1879. In the afternoon the Sunday-school was organized. At first the school met at the residence of Mr. Love; but its growth was so rapid that it became necessary, in the course of three weeks, to take it to the church. For several months the services were held in the Baptist house of worship, but were removed to the city hall, and subsequently to the court house, where the members are still worshiping God in accordance with the faith and practice of the Apostolic Church. On the 16th of May, 1880, the mission was placed in the hands of the Rev. Norman H. Badger, who thus became the first rector of Trinity Church.' His tenure of office was, however, very short, he being called to a parish in northern Ohio in January, 1881. For three months the mission was without a pastor. The Sunday-school was, however, carried on by the ladies of the congrega 506 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. tion, of whom mention may be made of Miss Nannie Love, Miss Julia Campbell, Mrs. J. C. Von Buhlow, Mrs. Campion, and Miss Tinnie Cleaveland. In March, 1881, arrangements were made by which the Rev. George Rogers, a graduate of Bealey Hall Theological Seminary, Gambier, Ohio, and a presbyter of the Diocese of Kentucky, took charge of the mission, and is still pastor of the church. The growth of the Episcopal Church in the county seat-has been rapid and solid. The dignity and beauty of its service; its broad, catholic spirit; its adaptability to old and young, rich and poor; its freedom from partizanship—all commend it to the thinking men and women of the community. So far from being a new church, it is the oldest of all the religious bodies. It was first organized in the United States in 1784, obtaining its orders from the Mother Church of England. The student of history will not need to be told that there was an English Episcopal Church long before the Reformation in the sixteenth century, and that what was done at the time of the Reformation was not the making up of a new church, but the cleansing of the old from Romish errors. There was an English Episcopal Church, with bishops, presbyters, and deacons, at the time of the Council of Arles, A. D. 314, and through this church the Protestant Episcopal Church of America traces her lineage back to the days of the apostles. She is the daughter of the Church of England in precisely the same sense in which America is the child of Great Britain. We as Americans are not ashamed to call England the mother country. The government of the church is both lay and clerical, the secular part of the administration being confided to the care of the vestry, composed of the minister and several laymen, in the case of the parish; and in the case of the diocese, to an annual convention, composed of both clergy and laity, with the bishop as presiding officer. The spiritual government is, of course, committed to the bishop and clergy. The doctrines of the church are summed up in the Apostles' Creed. She believes in God, in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic (or universal) Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting, and does not demand that her children shall believe any more. She does not lay upon men a "yoke which neither we UNION TOWNSHIP - 507 nor our fathers were able to bear;" but simply asks of them a profession of belief in this creed, and a sincere and honest desire to live a godly life. Being baptized and confirmed in this faith, she helps men to live an earnest Christian life. The non-essentials of religion are left between every man and his Maker. With malice toward none, and charity toward all, she believes it to be especially her mission to preach primitive Christianity, to help the distressed, to comfort the sorrowful, and to lead erring men back into the path that leads to God. Such is the history, and such are the objects of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Washington Court House. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. This church is the creature of the fifth missionary district of the Ohio Missionary Society. It is a mission of the district board. They instructed J. C. Irvin, who is still in charge of the mission, to go to Washington and make a reconnaissance. He visited all the members in the city, and established preaching temporarily in the Baptist Church. This was continued for five mouths. In December, 1874, Rev. W. W. Sawyer and Mr Irvin, joined in a union service of Baptists and Disciples, which meeting lasted one week ; all intercommunion service was held and friendly relations cultivated. This year several sermons were preached in the city hall. During the next winter, Elder Robert Moffett, state evangelist, of Cleveland, Ohio, held a meeting of three weeks, in the Baptist house of worship, which was well attended. The interest, good from the beginning, increased to the close. At this meeting, two young ladies were added to the church. The board, encouraged by this meeting, determined to make the mission permanent. J. C. Irvin was continued in the management. His health failing however, he was not able to preach, and was compelled to abandon active work ; yet he never abandoned the idea of ultimate success. During the year 1878, he held Bible services and social meetings in the temperance hall. These meetings began as early as November, 1877, and have been held regularly ever since. Organization.—The organization dates from April 6, 1879. There were but six members present, whose names were J. C. Irvin, Mrs. J. C. Irvin, Miss Jennie Davis, Mrs. Maggie C. Hess, Mrs. Julia Benjamin, and S. Eldan Irvin. 508 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. These solemnly covenanted with each other, and with the Great Head of the church, to live as be cometh saints, and to keep the ordinances of the Lord's house. This little band has met regularly, and their members have gradually increased. Benjamin Rankin and family have permanently settled in the neighborhood, and others having moved into the city, so that the number has increased to about twenty. In November, 1880, a Sunday-school was organized in the city hall, and the meetings removed to that place. The school has succeeded well and is in a flourishing condition at present. The attendance is about sixty-five. The church since its organization has had a slow but steady growth. Since which Elder A. A. Knight of Wilmington, J. S. Hughes of Dayton, and Dr. Oliver Hixon of Iowa, have preached for the organization. The weekly meetings are conducted by J. C. Irvin, assisted by Benjamin Rankin. Since the election of General James A. Garfield to the presidency of the United States, public attention has been called to this denomination of Christians so prominently, that we feel justified in giving a somewhat extended view of their faith and practice. This will be the purpose of the brief sketch which follows : It is proper to state that this denomination of Christians prefer the simple term Christian Church, but do not wish to assume a designation that might seem to deny the appellation to others. They are willing to be known as Disciples, or to be distinguished by any term that is applied to the Church of Christ in the New Testament. Their aim is to bring Christianity back to what it was in the beginning. They reject all symbols of faith except the Bible, desiring to restore the primitive simplicity of the Gospel, as preached under the supervision of the heaven inspired apostles of Jesus Christ. Previous to the inauguration of this movement, the condition of religion in this country was truly to be deplored. The religious parties of those times were extremely selfish, and were the bitter antagonists of each other. The spirit of rivalry and of sect had largely supplanted the Spirit of Christ. Ignorance and superstition were more prized than an intelligent knowledge of the word of God. Human creeds were the standards of faith and practice ; while the Divine creed was regarded as a dead letter. The result UNION TOWNSHIP - 509 was that the very life of religion became subject to a selfish despotism which was cruel and unrelenting. The careful and impartial reader of the history of these times must see that a reformation was greatly needed. The success of Christianity in the world depended upon a movement that would break down this ecclesiasticism, and bring the people back again to the true knowledge of Christ. Early in the present century an attempt at this was made. But before entering upon a notice of this movement, it is proper to call attention to what had previously been accomplished. Luther's was a noble work, but it was principally confined to one thing, namely : the restoration of the freedom of thought, freedom of speech, and the right of individual interpretation. This was his distinctive work. It broke the fetters of the papacy which bound the human soul, and gave liberty once more to the individual conscience. Calvin restored to the church the idea of God's sovereignty. This had been partially obscured by the works of supererogation which Catholicism enjoined upon its subjects; and it was necessary to any satisfactory progress in the restoration of primitive Christianity, that the Great Father should be properly recognized as the author of " every good and perfect gift." Extremes beget extremes, is the universal testimony of history. Hence, under the influence of Calvin's teachings, it was not long before the religious consciousness swung round to the extreme of a cold, lifeless formalism, which entirely ignored the human side in the plan of salvation, and left every thing to the unalterable fate of what were called the Divine decrees. Wesley restored to the church the idea of human responsibility. He taught that there was something for man himself to do in order to salvation. Hence his teaching infused new life into the religious convictions of the people, and give a new energy to the work of converting the world. To sum up the work of these reformations, it is sufficient to say, that Luther restored conscience to its proper place ; Calvin restored the Divine sovereignty, and Wesley human responsibility, as part of the remedial system. Two things yet remained to be done : the word of God must be restored to its proper authority, and such an adjustment made of the elements eliminated by the reformations just referred to as 510 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. would secure a rapid and harmonious development of the religion of Christ in the world. This of course would involve a complete restoration of the primitive order of things, and this was the work proposed by the reformation of the nineteenth century. A few words concerning the origin and character of this movement are necessary at this point. In the year 1807, Thomas Campbell, a Presbyterian minister, of the north of Ireland, arrived in the United States. He soon conceived a plan of Christian union upon the basis of the Bible alone. In the advocacy of this plan, he published the celebrated " Declaration and address," and a " Prospectus of a religious reformation." The burden of these papers was the inefficiency of denominational organizations, and the necessity of a return to apostolic teaching and practice, before the world could be converted to Christ; discarding all human creeds and confessions of faith. A society was formed in Washington, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of propagating these sentiments. Soon after two churches were organized, and these agreed in the purpose of absolute and entire rejection of human authority in matters of religion, and the determination to stand by each other upon the proposition that the Holy Scriptures are all sufficient, and alone sufficient as the subject matter of faith and rule of conduct, and that therefore, they would require nothing as a matter of faith or rule of conduct, for which they could not give a " thus with the Lord," either in express terms or by approved precedent. This was the beginning of the great reformatory movement known as the great reformation of the nineteenth century. Since this early beginning it has spread into all the states and territories of the federal union, where the number of communicants is now six hundred thousand. They are also numerous in Canada, Jamaica, the British Isles, Australia, and a few are to be found in France, Norway and Turkey., They also control a large number of fine colleges and schools. Among these may be named Bethany College, founded by Alexander Campbell, in West Virginia; Butler University, Indiana; Kentucky University; Hiram College, Ohio; Oskaloosa College, Iowa; with others too tedious to mention. They also have their share of men in public places in the government, both state and federal. The most prominent among these is James A. Garfield, president of the United States, and Judge Jeremiah Black, of the supreme bench. UNION TOWNSHIP - 511 They are fairly represented in congress, having a larger number of representatives than any other church, except one. SCHOOLS OF WASHINGTON. The first school in Washington was taught in 1813, by Samuel Loof borrow, in a double log house (one part of which he used for a dwelling), on the corner of Paint and Hind streets. The school, as was common in those days, was made up by subscription, and could not have continued more than one or two terms, for in 1814 the first building intended for school purposes in the village was built, and James Webster installed as teacher. This was a rough, round log structure, 16x18, with clapboard roof, fastened with weight-poles, and was minus a floor. The door was also made of clapboards, arranged horizontally, and secured by wooden pegs. One side of the frame extended above and below some inches, the lower end resting in a notch cut in the sill, or bottom log, and the upper end was fastened by pins, driven obliquely into the log above on each side, and served as a hinge to the door. The sill mentioned above was more than two feet in diameter, and it was with difficulty that the smaller children got over it into the school house. Of course it was supplied with the customary greased paper window lights, and was heated by the huge old-fashioned fireplace peculiar to those primitive days. This building was located on the northeast side of Market, between Fayette and North streets, on in-lot No. 47, now in possession of Colonel H B. Maynard, and occupied a part of the present situation of the old frame Methodist Episcopal Church. Webster was followed as teacher in this building by James Clark, an Irishman, who taught here till the house was abandoned in 1816, when school was held in the old court house for some years. James G. Gray taught here first, and was succeeded by Hiram M. Parish, and he in turn by Erasmus Grovesnor. About the close of Grovesnor's services, a log school house was erected on the corner of Market and Hind streets, and was occupied first by a man named Pearson. The house was built of round logs, which were "scutched" after the building was erected, and was located where the mill now stands, on the southeast corner. 512 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. Norman F. .Jones was Pearson's successor here, and continued till the house was abandoned. After this, school was held in the old court house, and in unoccupied buildings in different parts of the town, till 1828, when a small, one-story brick house was erected on Market Street, between Main and Fayette streets, which now forms a part of the dwelling of Richard Millikan ; but on account of some illegal technicality concerning the levy or appropriation made for the building of this house, it was thrown on the-hands of the school trustees, but was afterward rented and occupied for school purposes principally till 1845, when a two-story frame school house was built on the site of the old log building, on the corner Market and Hind streets, and is nOw a part of the steam mill operated by Joseph Allen. This house was used till the present union school building, on North Street, between Temple and Paint streets, was completed, in 1856, which originally was two stories high, sixty-five feet square, and contained eight rooms, four above and the same number below, with a ten-foot hallway leading through both the upper and lower stories of the building. The house, and site of three acres of ground, cost about fourteen thousand dollars. In 1872, another story and a steam heating apparatus were added, at a cost of eight thousand three hundred dollars. The following is a list of some of the early teachers since Norman F. Jones, arranged as nearly in their proper order as possible, in the absence of records to guide us: Henry Phelps, James Latta, Smith Latta, John A. Pledge, William Westlake, Alvira Gordon, William H. Shim, Zeno Wilcox, ______Rawlings, Elam Hearts, A.K. Eaton, S. F. Kerr, L. D. Willard, A. S. Dickey, Dr. Donohue, and Harvey Jones. SECRET ORGANIZATIONS. ODD-FELLOWS. Temple Lodge No. 227, was instituted in a hall in the attic story of the old brick building on Court Street, northeast of Fayette, over the printing office, March 13,1854, by the Most Worthy Grand Master of Ohio, William G. Neilson, who delivered the charter to UNION TOWNSHIP - 513 five persons, as follows : Captain John M. Bell, Colonel S. N. Yeoman, M. Livingston, William H. Lanum, and John Backenstoe. Four persons were initiated into the order on the night of institution, as follows : John Millikan, C. H. Bell, V. M. Ogle, and Dr. Brown. The lodge continued to meet in that old attic room for about two years, when they removed to the third story of J. F. Ely's frame building, on the corner of Main and East streets, where they also remained about two years. They then secured the third story of a new brick building on Court Street, built by Z. W. Heagler, and which is now the central room in the Yeoman Block. This was unfinished, but the lodge finished and furnished it, and made them there a comfortable home for about sixteen years. In the spring of 1873, they organized the Odd-Fellows Building Association, which bought a piece of ground on Court Street, southwest from the Vandeman corner, and proceeded to build thereon a fine business building; and in the spring of 1874 the lodge removed to their beautiful and commodious new hall in this "Odd-Fellows' Building," it being one of the largest and best lodge rooms in the state, and handsomely furnished. In the following October, on the night of the 13th, the "fire fiend" claimed for his own this splendid temple, with all the furniture, pharaphernalia, regalia, records, and other property of the lodge, not a single thing being saved. A meeting of the lodge was called, and held in the Masonic Hall, which was kindly tendered for the purpose, on the night after the fire, at which there was a very large attendance; and it was then unanimously resolved to rebuild the building and hall. This was at once entered upon, and in the winter and spring of 1875, a new building arose, phoenix-like, upon the ashes of the first, equal to it in size and beauty. The lodge furnished the new room very well, though not quite so elegantly as the first one, and moved into it on the 6th day of November, A. D. 1875, where they have continued to meet to the time of this writing. During the building of the second hall, the lodge met in the third story of the First National (now the Peoples and Drovers) Bank building. Its Strength.—In the beginning the lodge was very weak in numbers, but strong in faith and purpose, and they had quite a struggle 514 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. for existence the first two years; when, on the anniversary of the order (April 26, 1856), Dr. Strickland, of Cincinnati, came here at their solicitation and delivered a public address upon Odd-Fellowship, in the old Methodist Church, which was followed by a number of very valuable accessions to the lodge, and from that time on it has had a steady and substantial growth, until at this writing it numbers one hundred and thirty active members, and has upon its rolls the names of many of our best and most prominent citizens. Representatives to the Grand Lodge.—There have been only three from Temple Lodge, as follows: Colonel S. N. Yeoman, elected in 1856; Judge J. B. Priddy, elected in 1870; and the present representative from the district, J. N. Vaudeman, Esq., elected in 1878, and re-elected in 1880. District Deputy Grand Masters.—Captain John M. Bell was the first District Deputy Grand Master, appointed in 1856, and John L. McKee is the present one, appointed in June, 1881. Officers.—The first elective officers of the lodge were: Captain John M. Bell, Noble Grand; Colonel S. N. Yeoman, Vice Grand; M. Livingston, Recording Secretary ; William H. Lanum, Permanent Secretary; John Backenstoe, treasurer. The present ones are: S. M. Stein, Noble Grand; P. Sheerman, Vice Grand; E. S. Stinson, Recording Secretary; John L. McKee, Permanent Secretary ; A. L. Reid, Treasurer; S. W. Cissna, Dr. O. A. Allen, Bowman Hess, Dr. S. S. Salisbury, and S. L. Hooker, Trustees. The Fathers.—Of the charter members, only two remain—Brothers Colonel Yeoman and William H. Lanum. The others have laid down their armor, and rest in the silent cities of the dead. Of those who were initiated on the night of institution, only Brother John Millikan still has his connection with the lodge, two of the others having gone West years ago, and removed their membership there, and the other one is dead. The loss of the lodge records, and want of space, forbids giving many other historic facts which would doubtless be of interest. Patriarchal Branch.—Fayette Encampment No. 134, was instituted by Grand Patriarch C. G. Russell, May 17, A. D. 1871, in the Odd-Fellows' Hall, on Court Street. The charter was delivered to L. C. Karney, Colonel S. N. Yeoman, C. L. Getz, Dr. O. H. Saxton, M. Blanchard, W. S. Stewart, J. C. King, William Wilts, and Charles Duffee. There were eleven persons admitted on the night of institution. UNION TOWNSHIP - 515 The encampment grew very rapidly for about three years, when it suffered the loss of a good many of its members, by reason of the institution of encampments at Sabina and Greenfield, from which it has never fully recovered. It numbers at this writing forty active members. It, too, was "burnt out" and lost everything at the time the lodge building was destroyed, in October, 1874. Its first elective officers were: L. C. Karney, Chief Patriarch; M. Blanchard, High Priest; William Wilts, Senior-Warden; Dr. O. H. Saxton, Junior Warden; William Stewart, Scribe; J. C. King, Treasurer. The present officers are: S. L. Hooker, District Deputy Grand Patriarch ; Mark Howell, Chief Patriarch ; John L. McKee, High Priest; Marshall Hyer, Senior Warden; Frank A. Murry, Junior Warden; J. N. Vandeman, Scribe; John B. Shum, Treasurer; John L. McKee, John B. Shum, and John N. Vandeman, Trustees. MASONIC. Fayette Lodge No. 107, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted and commenced work in Washington C. H., Ohio, December 7th, A. L. 5839, (A. D. 1839) pursuant to a dispensation granted by the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, under date of November 29, 1839. It was dedicated December 26, 1840, by the M. W. Grand Master, Bro. W. J. Rees, under a charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio, bearing date October 22, 1840. The charter members of this lodge. were Joel S. Bereman, Samuel F. Yeoman, Samuel Millikan, Joseph Bell, Jacob Ott, Valentine Coil, and Daniel McLean. Bro. McLean is the only charter member now living, and is the oldest affiliating Mason in Fayette County. Ile was initiated an Entered Apprentice, July 2, 1825 ; passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, August 6, 1825, by Hillsboro Lodge No. 38. He has taken all the degrees up to and including Knights Templar, and is an active member of all the bodies. The following are the officers who have filled the several stations in the lodge, from the date of its organization, in the year 1839, up to the present time, 1881 : 516 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. |
Year |
Worshipful Master |
Senior Warden |
1839. |
J. S. Bereman |
Jacob Ott |
1840. 1841 1842. 1843 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1848. 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871. 1872. 1873. 1874. 1875. 1876. 1877. |
J. S. Bereman,, J. S. Bereman,, Samuel Millikan, J. S. Bereman, J. S. Bereman, M. V. Rawlings, Samuel Millikan, Samuel Millikan, Samuel Millikan, Samuel Millikan, J Daniel McLean, Amos Wright, N. Blodget, .N. Blodget, Amos Wright, Amos Wright, John M. Bell, Amos Wright, M. V. Rawlings, J. L. Parish, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner,, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, Mills Gardner, C. Garis, C. Garis, C. Garis, Mills Gardner, C. Garis, C. Garis, H. L. Robinson, |
Jacob Ott M. V. Rawlings J. S. Bereman Jacob Ott Jacob Ott, Samuel Millikan, Amos Wright, Daniel McLean, N. Blodget, S. Bereman, Amos Wright, M. Livingston, J. M. Bell, J. M. Bell, A. J. Lewis, A. J. Lewis, J. L. Parish, George Knott, S. N. Yeoman, Mills Gardner, George Knott, George Knott, A. Hamilton, J.W. Cleaveland, J. W. Cleaveland J. M. Thurston, A. C. Johnson, C. Garis, C. Garis, J. P. Robinson, J. P. Robinson, A. M. Stimson, H. L. Robinson, H. L. Robinson, H L. Robinson, John Miser, John Miser, M. S. Creamer, |
UNION TOWNSHIP - 517 |
||
Year |
Worshipful Master |
Senior Warden |
1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. |
H. L. Robinson, C. S. Snyder, H. L. Robinson, S. S. Salisbury, |
C. S. Snyder, T. J. Lindsey, A. B. Adams, H. L. Robinson. |
Year |
Junior Warden |
Senior Deacon |
1839. 1840. 1841. 1842. 1843. 1844. 1845. 1846. 1847. 1848. 1849. 1850. 1851. 1852. 1853. 1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865.1866. 1867.1868. 1869. 1870.1871. 1872. |
S: F. Yeoman, S. F. Yeoman, J. S. Myers, Daniel McLean, J. S. Myers, Samuel McElwain, J. S. Bereman, William Smith, Amos Wright, Amos Wright, William Smith, M. Livingston, Daniel McLean, M. Livingston, George Knott, M. Livingston, George Knott,, S. N. Yeoman, S. N. Yeoman, Amos Wright, A. Bybee, A. Hamilton, E. H. Shoemaker, E. H. Shoemaker, J. A. McLean, William Noble, William Noble, C. Garis, James Straley, James Straley, P. E. Morehouse, J. A. McLean, A. J. Lewis, John Millikan, |
James Sharp, M. V. Rawlings, Samuel McElwain, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, Amos Wright, M. R. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, William Smith, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings M. V. Rawlings, M. V. Rawlings, George Knott, A. Hamilton, A. Rogall, J. F. Ely, M. V. Rawlings, J. F. Pugsley, A. Hamilton, M. V. Rawlings, J. H. Yeoman, A. M. Stimson, A. M. Stimson, A. M. Stimson, A. M. Stimson, George Estep, George Estep, |
518 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Year |
Junior Warden |
Senior Deacon |
1873. 1874. 1875.1876. 1877. 1878.1879.1880.1881 |
John Millikan, J. B. Hudson, W. C. Tanzey, C. S. Snyder, J. R. Snyder, T. J. Lindsey, H. E. Browne, S. S. Salisbury, . E. J. Light, |
W. C. Tanzey, George W. Chaffin, George W. Chaffin, M. S. Creamer, George W. Chaffin, H. E. Browne, M. E. Hard, W. C. Tansey, Willis N. Allen. |
Year |
Junior Deacon |
Treasurer |
1839.1840.1841.1842.1843.1844.1845. 1846.1847.1848. 1849.1850.1851.1852.1853.1854. 1855. 1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861. 1862. 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. |
Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, John Sanders, Samuel McElwain, Samuel Millikan, Samuel McElwain, Samuel McElwain, John M. Bell, John M. Bell, Amos Wright, John Irions, John Irions, Daniel McLean, Amos Wright, J. F. Ely, J. F. Ely, George Knott, C. Garis, A. Hamilton, A. Rogall, Amos Thornton, Amos Thornton, James Miller, A. Rogall, E. H. Shoemaker, Jacob Thurston, W. P. Cleaveland, J. A. McLean, |
Joseph Bell, Joseph Bell, John Jackson, William McElwain, John Sanders, Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, N. Blodgett, Daniel McLean, M. Livingston, E. L. Ford, E, L. Ford, George Knott, Samuel Myers, Samuel Myers, Samuel Myers, J. F. Ely, John Sanders, John Sanders, John Sanders, David Being, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, |
UNION TOWNSHIP -519 |
Year |
Junior Deacon |
Treasurer |
1868.1869.1870. 1871. 1872.1873.1874.1875.1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. |
J. A. McLean, H. L. Robinson, H. L. Robinson John Millikan, J. W. Duffee, J. W. Duffee, W. C. Tanzey, C. S. Snyder J. R. Snyder, T. T. Beatty, H. D. Pursell, M. Barclay, Philip Kober, Charles E. Silcott, |
John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, John Miser, Joseph M. McLean, Joseph M. McLean, Joseph M. McLean, D. Furtwaugh, D. Furtwaugh, D. Furtwaugh, D. Furtwaugh. |
Year |
Secretary |
Tyler |
1839.1840. 1841.1842.1843.1844.1845.1846.1847. 1848. 1849.1850. 1851.1852.1853.1854.1855. 1856. 1857. 1858.1859. 1860.1861.1862. |
Samuel Millikan, Samuel Millikan, Samuel Millikan, William H. Latham, Samuel Millikan, S. F. Yeoman, John M. Bell, J. S. Bereman, J. S. Bereman, J. S. Bereman, N. Blodget, N. Blodget, N. Blodget, Amos Wright, John Sanders, John M. Bell, Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, Daniel McLean, A. C. Johnson, A. C. Johnson, A. C. Johnson, C. A. Palmer, John L. Wilson, |
Valentine Coil, Valentine Coil, John Sanders, S. F. Yeoman, Daniel McLean, John Sanders, William Smith, John Sanders, William Smith, John Sanders, John M. Bell, M. V. Rawlings, William Smith, John Sanders, M. Livingston, M. Livingston, S. F. Yeoman, John Sanders, John M. Bell, John M. Bell, John M. Bell, L. C. Karney, James W. Miller, L. C. Karney, |
520 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY. |
||
Year |
Secretary |
Tyler |
1863.1864.1865. 1866.1867.1868. 1869.1870.1871.1872.1873.1874. 1875. 1876.1877.1878.1879. 1880.1881. |
J. P. Robinson, J. P. Robinson, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, B. H. Millikan, |
James W. Miller, James W. Miller, A. J. Lewis. L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, L. C. Karney, S. F. Johnson, W. H. Hammer, C. H Larrimer, George W. Chaffin, C. S. Snyder, W. H Hammer, J. L. Millikan, J. L. Millikan, J. L. Millikan. |
Royal Arch Masons.—Fayette Chapter, No. 103, was organized July 1, 1867, under a dispensation granted by Grand High Priest George Rex, and signed by the following companions: John Turk, S. N. Yeoman, J. W. Cleveland, Mills Gardner, E. L. Ford, Lewis Cook, Adison Bybee, Benjamin F. Mouser, and James F. Ely. The officers under the dispensation were as follows : John M. Turk; High Priest ; S. N. Yeoman, King ; J. W. Cleveland, Scribe ; J. F. Ely, Captain of the Host; Mills Gardner, Principal Sojourner; Lewis Cook, Royal Arch Captain ; E. L. Ford, M. of 3d V.; Adison Bybee, M. of 2d V.; Benjamin Mouser, M. of 1st V.
The first election was held November 6, 1867, and the following officers were chosen : J. M. Turk, High Priest ; S. N. Yeoman, King; J. F. Ely, Scribe; J. W. Cleveland, Captain of the Host; Mills Gardner, Principal Sojourner; W. P. Cleveland, Royal Arch Captain; A. M. Stimson, M. 3d V.; Conrad Garris, M. 2d V.; B. F. Mouser, M. 1st V.; B. H. Millikan, Secretary; John Miser, treasurer; L. C. Karney, Guard.
J. M. Turk served as High Priest till December 23, 1868, when he was succeeded by Mills Gardner, who served till December 20,
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1871. C. Garis was then elected to this office, and succeeded himself annually till December 27, 1876. J. M. McCoy was his successor December 19, 1877, and served till December 4, 1878, when H. L. Robison was chosen December 17, 1879. C. Garis was again elected, and continued till December 15, 1880, when he was succeeded by W. W. Savage. At that meeting the following officers were chosen : W. W. Savage, H. P.; Milo Rockwell, King; Z. Smith, Scribe; T. D. McElwain, C. H. ; C. S. Snyder, P. S.; H. D. Pursell, R. A. C. ; T. J. Linsey, G. M. 3d V. ; M. Barclay, G. M. 2d V.; J. E. Jenkins, G. M. 1st V.; W. C. Tanzey, treasurer; R. Millikan, Secretary; J. L. Millikan, Guard.
The last report to the Grand Chapter showed a membership of one hundred and six. Ely commandery No. 28, K T.—A dispensation, dated August 30, 1876, was granted by the R. E. Grand Commander of Ohio, to the following Sir Knights, to form and open a commandery of Knights Templar, and the appendant orders, in Washington Court House, to be called Ely Commandery:
|
Mills Gardner, J. P. Ely, Benjamin F. Coffman, C. O. Stevens,, A. C. Johnson, J. F. Hopkins, |
C. Garis, E. L. Ford, A. P. Kirk, E. B. Updegrove A. M. Stimson, John R. McLean. |
The first conclave of the new commandery was held in Masonic Hall, Washington Court House, on the 11th day of October, 1876, at which the following applications for the orders of knighthood were presented:
Daniel McLean, R. A. Robinson, Daniel Baker, B, H. Millikan, W. H. Hammer, W. C. Tanzey, J. R. Snyder, |
T. J. Lindsey, J. B. Hudson, H. L. Robinson, George W. Chaffin, M. S. Creamer, C. S. Snyder, Joseph M. McLean, |
These applications were, by permission of the R. E. Grand Commander, balloted for at once, after which the commandery adjourned until the following evening, for the purpose of conferring the Orders of Knighthood on the above named applicants.
Sir Knights R. H. Lansing, E. P. Safford, W. E. Evans, J. N.
522 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Miller, and A. C. Ireland, of Chillicothe Commandery No. 8, were present to assist in conferring the orders.
The first knight created was Daniel McLean, the oldest Mason in the county. He was made a Master Mason in Hillsboro, Ohio, in July, 1825, and was in his seventy-second year when created a knight.
The first regular officers appointed were : C. Garis, E. C.; J. F. Ely, G.; A. M. Stimson, C. G.; Mills Gardner, P. ; J. W . Woods, S. W.; A. C. Johnson, J. W. ; A. B. Adams, R.; J. R. McLean, W.; B. F. Coffman, S.
A charter was granted by the Grand Commandery, August 27, 1877. Since the organization eighty-three knights have been created, and four received on dimit. There have been ten withdrawals on dimit, seven suspensions, and death has also stricken from the roster the following worthy Sir Knights : George H. Smith, of Wilmington, Ohio, in 1878; M. S. Creamer, in 1879; and Henry E. Browne, in 1881.
The following Sir Knights constitute the present officers : J. B. Hudson, E. C.; R. Millikan, G.; R. B. Brown, C. G.; Mills Gardner, P.; C. S. Snyder, S. W.; W. W. Savage, J. W.; D. Furtwangler, T.; T. J. Lindsey, R.; M. Rockwell, S. B.; B. H. Millikan, S. B.; T. D. McElwain, W.; J. L. Millikan, S.
The commandery has participated in two National Triennial Conclaves—at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1877, and at Chicago, in 1880. It is now in a thoroughly prosperous and growing condition.
THE CRUSADE.
Three movements for the suppression of intemperance, nearly allied to each other in mode of operation, and almost simultaneous in organization, were set on foot in three different localities. Washington Court House can not, strictly speaking, claim priority of organization, yet while the other movements never reached beyond the limits of the point of initiation, and proved in themselves local and ephemeral, the seed fell upon good ground in Washington, and sprang up, grew, and multiplied, forming a nucleus from which it has radiated in every direction all over the civilized world, wielding an influence that is felt by every nation, morally, socially, and
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politically, and as a matter of history should be recorded as a standing monument to the heroism of our modern American women.
INAUGURATION.
On the evening of December 24, 1873, the Lecture Association of Washington Court House had in its course a lecture on "Our Girls," by Dio Lewis. During the evening he dwelt somewhat largely upon the havoc being made by tobacco and ardent spirits, and offered to suggest a new plan for fighting the liquor traffic, which, he asserted, if carefully adhered to, would close every saloon in the place in one week's time. The proposition was heartily accepted, and a meeting appointed for Christmas morning, at 10 A. M., in the Presbyterian Church.
At the appointed hour on Christmas morning a large congregation assembled in the Presbyterian Church, eager to see the plan of Dr. Lewis inaugurated with all earnestness and prayer. "Awake! awake! put on thy strength, 0 Zion!" was sung by the choir; prayer by one of the pastors, and reading of a Bible selection by Dr. Lewis, who at once proceeded to his work. We will attempt no report of his words; suffice it to say that his arguments were unanswerable, and his expose of the fallacious subterfuges presented by temperate drinkers was complete. For one hour, argument, illustration, appeal, and demonstration, followed in rapid succession, until at the conclusion of the address the entire audience were ready to heartily indorse the plan presented, and there was organized one of the grandest reformatory movements of the age—the movement now so well and fitly known as the " Woman's Crusade."
On motion of Dr. Lewis, three secretaries were elected and instructed to report the names of all the women present, as a committee of visitation, whose business should be to go in a body to each of these places, and personally appeal to the proprietors of the same to stop the business at once, and seek other means of livelihood. This committee was to enlist for the war—that is, to keep up the work until accomplished.
On motion of Dr. Lewis, a secretary was appointed to take the names of a number of men, to be called a committee of responsibility, who should furnish pecuniary means needed in the prosecution of this work. William Millikan, sen., was elected to this office, and in a few moments the following persons volunteered for this committee :
524 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
A. E. Silcott, James Pursell, George Carpenter, John Foster, Mills Gardner, H. P. Cherry, Allen Heagler, R. C. Miller, C. L. Getz, M. Herbert, L. C. Vandeman, C. H. Brownell, James M. Adams, William Pine, E. C. Hamilton, W. A. Ustick, James King, J. L. Vandeman, J. P. Robinson. |
C. O. Stevens, O. M. Grubbs, G. M. Ustick, R. Simpkins, A. L. Reed, Dr. Salisberry, Thomas Craig, William Craig, A. McCandless, William Heagler, H. P. Ustick, T. M. Ustick, P. E. Morehouse, Dr. Matthews, C. F. Dean, John Vandeman, William Millikan, Z. W. Heagler, |
The committee appointed to present the names of the ladies offered the following names, all of whom were unanimously elected, and better still, nearly all served in daily work :
Mrs. P. E. Morehouse, Miss M. A. Love, Mrs. William Stevens, Mrs. O. Grubbs, Mrs. J. Vandeman, Mrs. E. Millikan, Mrs. A. Blakemore, Mrs. William Smith, Mrs. P. T. Light, Mrs. H. L. Hadley, Mrs. B. Ogle, Mrs. Mrs. F. Nitterhouse, Mrs. D. McLean, Mrs. Allen Heagler, Mrs. G. Carpenter, Mrs. M. V. Ustick, |
Mrs. George Dahl, Mrs. M. Gardner, Miss Kate Foster, Mrs. Colonel Maynard, Mrs. A. C. Hirst, Mrs. Dr. Dennis, Mrs. Dr. Coffman, Miss Bell Stuckey, Mrs. H. P. Cherry, Mrs. J. B. Priddy, Allen Heagler, Mrs. M. Blackmore, Mrs. A. E. Silcott, Miss L. Millikan, Miss Emma Wilcox, Miss Ustick, |
UNION TOWNSHIP - 525
Miss A. E. Robinson, Miss Julia Wood, Miss Anna Cherry, Mrs. S. Lydy, Miss Brightie Ogle, Miss Flora Ogle, Mrs. Barnett, Mrs. Farmer. |
Mrs. H. P. Ustick, Miss Ida Dean, Mrs. J. Hopkins, Mrs. C. L. Getz, Mrs. T. Gardner, Mrs. William Gordon, Miss A. Kephart, |
On motion of Dr. Lewis, a committee of these ladies was appointed to draw up an appeal to our citizens engaged in the liquor business. The chair appointed Mrs. George Carpenter, Mrs. A. C. Hirst, and Mrs. A. E. Pine, to serve on this committee. Mrs. B. Ogle was then added to this committee of appeal. Closing appeals of stirring power were made by Dr. Lewis and Rev. A. C. Hirst; and after a vote of thanks to Dr. Lewis, for his work among us, the meeting adjourned to convene in the Methodist Church and hear the reports of the committees appointed. Temperance was the all-absorbing theme on that day around every Christmas board, and upon all the street corners. In the evening a prayer-meeting was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, at which time the chairman of the committee on appeal, Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, reported the following:
APPEAL.
"Knowing, as you do, the fearful effects of intoxicating drinks, we, the women of Washington, after earnest prayer and deliberation, have decided to appeal to you to desist from this ruinous traffic, that our husbands, brothers, and especially our sons, be no longer exposed to this terrible temptation, and that we may no longer see them led into those paths which go down to sin, and bring both body and soul to destruction. We appeal to the better instincts of your own hearts in the name of desolated homes, blasted hopes, ruined lives, widowed hearts, for the honor of our community, for our happiness, for our good name as a town; in the name of the God who will judge you as well as ourselves; for the sake of your own souls, which are to be saved or lost, we beg, we implore you, to cleanse yourselves from this heinous sin, and place yourselves in the ranks of those who are striving to elevate and ennoble them-
526 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
selves and their fellowmen ; and to this we ask you to pledge yourselves."
This appeal was adopted, and has since been used very generally, not only in Ohio, but in several other states. Many prayers and earnest words were uttered. and the meeting adjourned to reassemble Friday morning in the Methodist Episcopal Church, at 9:30 A. M.
On Friday, December 26, 1873, the meeting convened, pursuant to adjournment, in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The services-were opened with singing and prayer, and reading of the Scriptures. One hundred copies of the appeal, to be presented to dealers in intoxicating drinks, were Ordered to be printed and circulated throughout the community. Mr. John S. Foster and Mr. Allen Heagler were appointed to attend to this business.
A call for volunteers being made, Mrs. Dr. Dennis, Mrs. Hopkins, Mrs. Getz, Mrs. Blakemore, Mrs. Gardner, and Mrs. Johnson, added their names. Mrs. J. L. Vandeman and Mrs. D. McLean were appointed to lead the procession, and Mrs. George Carpenter was appointed captain and reader of the appeal. Mrs. A. E. Pine was elected to lead the singing, and Mrs. M. V. Ustick was elected secretary.
And now came the most interesting moment of this meeting. More than forty of the best women in the community were to go forth on their errands of mercy. There was much trembling of hearts, much taking hold on God, much crying, and supplication in prayer. Such a scene was never witnessed in Washington. Down the central aisle of the church marched these women to their work, while the brethren continued in prayer to the Almighty, that he would be with these people as they went from place to place, with Christian song and prayer, to appeal, face to face, in their various places of business, to those men who were at work selling liquor. the tolling of the church bell keeping time to the solemn march of the women, as they wended their way to the first drug store on the list.
The number of places within the city limits where intoxicating drinks were sold was fourteen—eleven saloons and three drug stores. Here, as in every place, they entered singing, every woman taking up the sacred strain as she crossed the threshold. This was followed by the reading of the appeal, and prayer; then earnest pleading with the saloon keeper to desist from his soul-destroying traffic, and sign the dealers' pledge.
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The novel procession created the wildest excitement on the streets, and was the subject of conversation to the exclusion of all others. The work of the ladies was thoroughly done. Not a den escaped. Into the front door, filling both the front and back rooms. Prayer, followed by Bible arguments, was the answer to the excuses of these men. Down into the cellar, everywhere, they went with the same eloquent plea: " We pray you to stop this!" "We mean you no hurt!" "We beg you to desist!" In tears the mothers, wives, and sisters, pleaded for their cause.
Thus, all the day they went from place to place, without stopping even for dinner or lunch, till five o'clock, meeting with no marked success. But invariable courtesy was extended them; not even their reiterated promise, "We will call again," seeming to offend.
No woman who has ever entered one of these dens of iniquity on such an errand, needs to be told of the heart-sickness that almost overcame them as they, for the first time, saw behind those painted windows or green blinds, and entered the little, stifling "back room," or found their way, down winding steps, into the damp, dark cellars, and realized that into such places those they loved best were being landed, through the allurements of the brilliantly lighted drug store, the fascinating billiard table, or the enticing beer gardens, with their siren attractions. A crowded house at night, to hear the report of the day's work, betrayed the rapidly increasing interest in this mission.
Saturday morning, December 27th, after an hour of prayer, an increased number of women went forth again, leaving a number of men in the church, who continued in prayer all day long. Every few moments the tolling bell cheered the hearts of the crusaders, by pealing forth the knowledge that another supplication had ascended for their success, meanwhile notes of progress being sent by the secretary to the church from every place visited.
On this day the contest really began; and at the first place the doors were found locked. With hearts full of compassion, the women knelt in the snow upon the pavement, to plead for the divine influence upon the heart of the liquor dealer, and there held their first street prayer-meeting.
At night the weary, but zealous workers, reported at mass-meeting the various rebuffs, and the success, in having two druggists' sign the pledge not to sell, except upon the written prescription of a physician.
528 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
The Sabbath was devoted to union mass-meeting, with direct reference to the work in hand; and on Monday the number of ladies had increased to nearly one hundred. That day (December 27th) is one long to be remembered in Washington, as the day upon which occurred the fiat surrender ever made by a liquor dealer of his stock of liquors, of every kind and variety, to the women, in answer to their prayers and entreaties, and by them poured into the street. Nearly a thousand men, women, and children, witnessed the mingling of beer, ale, wine, and whisky, as they filled the gutters and were drank up by the earth, while bells were ringing, men and boys shouting. and women singing and praying to God, who had given the victory.
But on the fourth day the campaign reached its height, the town being filled with visitors from all parts of the county and adjoining villages. Another public surrender, and another pouring into the street of a larger stock of liquors than on the previous day, and more intense excitement and enthusiasm.
Mass-meetings were held nightly, with new victories reported constantly, until on Friday; January 2d, one week from the beginning of the work, at the public meeting held in the evening, the secretary's report announced every liquor dealer unconditionally surrendered, some having shipped their liquors back to wholesale dealers, others pouring them in the gutters, and the druggists having all signed the druggists' pledge.
Thus a campaign of prayer and song had in eight days closed eleven saloons, and pledged three, drug stores to sell only on prescription.
At first men had wondered, scoffed and laughed, then criticized, respected and yielded. Morning prayer and evening mass meetings continued daily, and the personal pledge was circulated till over one thousand signatures were obtained. Physicians were called upon to sign a pledge not to prescribe ardent spirits when any other substitute could be found, and in no case without a personal examination of the patient.
A property holder's pledge was also circulated—pledging men not to rent or lease property to be used as saloons, nor to allow any dealings of the liquor traffic to be carried on upon any premises belonging to them. This pledge was generally signed by holders of real estate.
During this week came a plea for help from Hillsborough. In
UNION TOWNSHIP - 529
answer to that call on Monday, January 12, a committee consisting of Profs. Morehouse and Dean, and Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, Mrs. Judge McLean, Mrs. Judge Priddy, and Miss Annie Ustick went to Hillborough, spent the evening in attendance upon a mass meeting there, and next forenoon in prayer and conference with the workers, returning in time to attend the mass meeting at home, bringing with them encouraging words.
By this time, the new method of fighting whisky began to attract the attention of the press and people in surrounding places, and meetings were announced to be held in every village and school district in the county ; committees of ladies and gentlemen were sent out to assist in these meetings. Committees were also sent, by request, into all adjoining counties, the meetings being constantly kept up at home and all the while gaining in interest. Early in the third week, the discouraging intelligence came that a new man had taken 'out license to sell liquor in one of the deserted saloons, and that he was backed by a whisky house in Cincinnati, to the amount of $5,000, to break down this movement. On Wednesday, the 14th, the whisky was unloaded at his room. About forty women were on the ground and followed the liquor in, and remained holding an uninterrupted prayer meeting all day and until 11 o'clock at night.
The next day—bitterly cold-was spent in the same place and manner without fire or chairs; two hours of that time the women being locked in, while the proprietor was off attending a trial. On the following day, the coldest of all the winter of 1874, the women were locked out and stood on the street holding religious services all day.
Next morning a tabernacle was built in the street just in front of the house, and occupied for the double purpose of. watching and prayer through the day, but before night the sheriff closed the saloon and the proprietor surrendered ; thus ending the third week.
A short time after, on a dying bed, this four days' liquor dealer sent for some of these women, telling them their songs and prayers had never ceased to ring in his ears, and urging them to pray again in his behalf; so he passed away.
About this time came word from Columbus that the Adair Liquor Law was in great danger of being repealed ; consequently the following communication was sent to every known temperance organization throughout the state:
530 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
" WASHINGTON, C. H., January 30.
" To the Secretary of Women's Temperance League at_______
" DEAR SISTER-By order of the entire body of our Temperance League, we send you an urgent request that you immediately appoint a committee of not less than six of the most earnest and effective workers, who shall be ready at an hour's notice to respond to the call embodied in the following resolution :
" Resolved, That the secretary of this meeting be requested to correspond with the ladies in all places where the temperance movement is now, or may be progressing, asking the same to appoint a delegation to appear at Columbus when called, if any action of the legislature threatening the safety of the Adair Liquor Law may be contemplated."
" Please notify us of your decision in the matter, forwarding us one name to whom we may telegraph."
[Signed by the secretary.]
"Responses poured in from all leagues addressed—the word ready.' But the law remained undisturbed that winter.
At this time the Cincinnati Commercial sent a reporter to view the land, from whose graphic pen we, quote the following:
" I reached Washington at noon, of January 20, and seeking a beer garden in the vicinity, found-the owner in a state of terrible nervousness, as the ladies had spent the forenoon in front of his place. He evidently regarded me as a spy, but was much mollified when assured that I was only a journalist, and made voluminous complaints in High Dutch and low English :
I got no witnesses. Dem vimens dey set up a shob on me. But you don't bin a 'bitual drunkard, eh? No, you don't look like him ; veil, coom in, coom in. Vat you vant, beer or vine? I dell you dem vimins is shust awful. Py shinks dey puild a house right in the sthreet, and stay mit a man all day a singin, and oder voolishness. Bud dey don't git in here once agin, already.'
In obedience to his invitation, I had entered by the side door—the front was locked and barred—to find four customers indulging in liquor, beer, pigs feet. One announced himself as an ' original Granger,' a second as a retired sailor, while the others were non-committal. They stated that two spies had just applied for admission—' men who would come in and drink, then go, and swear they were habitual drunkards under the Adair Law'—and that accounted for the proprietor's suspicion of me.
UNION TOWNSHIP - 531
"The Adair law I find everywhere to be the great horror of saloon-keepers. It allows any wife or child, or other relative directly interested, to prosecute for the sale of liquor to husband or father ; and almost any one may prosecute for the sale of liquor to an ' habitual drunkard.'
" Whether such a law be just or constitntional there is much dispute ; but it is evident that it gives great opportunity for fraud and blackmailing. It is, however, just now the strong rock of defense of the Ohio temperance people ; and it may be that by its enforcement, some saloon keepers have been driven out of the business who would have withstood the prayers of an archangel and all the tears that sorrowing pity ever shed.
"At the saloon just referred to, the house was kept open nearly all night; the sounds of revelry were plainly heard, and in the morning several drunken men came into town, one of whom tumbled down in a livery stable, and went to sleep on a manure pile, from which he was carried to the lockup. Matters were evidently coming to a crisis, and I went out early, but the ladies reached there in force just before me. I met the proprietor hurrying into town to consult his lawyer, , or, as he phrased it, ' to see mein gounsel venn I no got a right to my own broperty: " The main body of the ladies soon arrived, and took up a position with right center resting on the doorstep, the wings extending each way beyond the corners of the house, and a rearward column along the walk to the gate. In ludicrous contrast the routed revelers, who had been scared out of the saloon, stood in a little knot fifty feet away, still gnawing at the pigs feet they had held on to in their hurried flight; while I took a convenient seat on the fence. The ladies then sang-
`Oh, do not be discouraged, for Jesus is your friend, He will give you grace to conquer, and keep you to the end.'
"As the twenty or more clear, sweet voices mingled in the enlivening chorus
I'm glad I'm in this army,'
The effect was inspiring. I felt all the enthusiasm of the occasion, while the pigs feet party, if they did not feel guilty, certainly look-
532 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
ed so. The singing was followed by a prayer from Mrs. Mills Gardner, who prayed for the blessing of God on the temperance cause generally, and in this place particularly; then for the saloon keeper, and his family and friends, his house, and all that loved him ; and closed with an eloquent plea for guidance in the difficult and delicate task they had undertaken. In one respect the prayer was unsurpassed; it was eminently fitting to the place and the occasion. As the concluding sentences were being uttered, the proprietor and his ' gounsel ' arrived. The ladies paid no attention to either, but broke forth in loud strains :
` Must Jesus bear the cross alone? No, there's a cross for me.'
" I should need the pen of an Irving and the pencil of a Darley to give an adequate idea of the scene. On the one side a score of elegant ladies, singing with all the earnestness of impassioned nature; a few yards away, a knot of disturbed revelers, uncertain whether to stand or fly; half way between, the nervous proprietor, bobbing around like a case of fiddle-strings, with a hundred pounds of lager beer fat hung on them, and on the fence by the ladies a reporter scribbling away as if his life depended on it. It was painful from its very intensity.
The song ended, the presiding lady called upon Mrs. Wendels, and again arose the voice of prayer—so clear, so sweet, so full of pleading tenderness, that it seemed she would, by the strength of womanly love, compel the very heavens to open and send down in answer a spark of divine grace that would turn the saloon-keeper from his purpose. The sky, which had been overcast all morning, began to clear, the occasional drops of rain ceased to fall, and a gentle south wind made the air soft and balmy. It almost seemed that nature joined in the prayer.
"Again the ladies sung :
`Are there no foes for me to face.'
With the camp-meeting chorus
` O, how I love Jesus, Because he first loved me.'
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"As the song concluded, the lawyer suddenly stepped forward and said :
'Now, ladies, I have a word to say before this performance goes any further. This man has employed me as his attorney. Ile can not speak good English, and I speak for him. He is engaged in a legitimate business, and you are trespassing on his property and right. If this thing is carried any further you will be called to account in the court, and I can assure you the court will sustain the man. He has talked with you all he desires to. He does not want to put you out forcibly; that would be unmanly, and he does not wish to act rudely. But he tells you to go. As his attorney I now warn you to desist from any further annoyance.'
"Again the ladies sang :
`My soul be on thy guard, Ten thousand foes arise.'
" Miss Annie Ustick followed with a fervent prayer. After consultation the ladies decided to leave the premises, and take a position on the adjoining lot. They sent for the ' tabernacle,' a rude frame building they had used in front of Slater's saloon. This they erected on an adjoining lot, put up immense lights to illuminate the entrance to the beer garden, and kept up a guard from early morning till midnight."
For two weeks religious services were held in the tabernacle day and night, and the women were constantly on duty. At the end of that time an injunction was granted the saloon keeper, and the tabernacle was taken down. Suits were then in progress against the two beer sellers, under the Adair Law, and judgments were being obtained in various amounts; the ladies appearing in force in the court room during each trial, thus giving their moral support to their suffering sisters. On Friday, February 6, another man opened a beer saloon in a new locality. The ladies immediately visited him by committees, and thus spent the day. Next day, however, they took up their stand in front of his door, continuing their services until late in the evening, at which time their force was increased by the entire congregation at mass meeting, who chose to conclude their services with the watchers in front of the saloon.
Temperance was still the pulpit theme on the Sabbath, and on
534 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Monday morning, February 9, all the business houses were closed from 8 to 9 o'clock, to attend the business men's prayer meeting. Large delegations were present from adjoining villages at that early hour. At the meeting, there come a messenger from this man, stating that he would give up his business, which announcement was received with cheers. It was then decided that all who were not enjoined from so doing, should march out to the beer garden before referred to. They were met at the gate by the proprietor, and after a brief consultation with a committee appointed for that purpose, he publicly announced : " You gomes so many I quits. I vill never sell any more beer or whisky." Again the crowd gave vent to, their feelings in cheers. Messengers were dispatched to the women, who remained praying in the church, to join them. All the bells commenced ringing, and the procession, numbering two hundred strong, started out to Sullivan's beer house, now the only remaining saloon in the township. Marching up Court Street, the number increased, and amidst the most profound silence the men and women pursued their journey. About half way there the man in question was met and interviewed. He asked two days to consider, which was granted. The procession then returned, the bells all the time ringing out their chimes upon the crisp morning air. Meetings, morning and evening, continued with unabated interest, and at each came the cry from other points: " Come and help us."
On Wednesday morning, February 11, at mass meeting in the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Sullivan came in and publicly pledged himself to "quit forever the liquor business." A general rejoicing and thanksgiving followed this surrender of the " last man."
Thus through most of the winter of 1874 no alcoholic drinks were publicly sold as a beverage.
As Dr. Dio Lewis had signified his intention of again visiting Washington on Tuesday, February 17, that day was appointed as one of general rejoicing and thanksgiving. Accordingly arrangements were made for a mass meeting to be held in Music Hall at 2 P. M. At 1:30 a thousand people were gathered at the depot awaiting the arrival of the train. Promptly at the hour, Dr. Lewis, accompanied by quite a corps of newspaper men, alighted from the car, and was greeted with music from the band and cheers from the vast concourse of people. The address of welcome was made by Mrs. M. G. Carpenter, and after the response by Dr.
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Lewis, the remainder of the afternoon was spent in general speech making. The evening was occupied in listening to a lecture by Dr. Lewis, and the day fitly closed by an informal reception given the orators of the occasion, at the home of one of the crusaders.
At the spring election for mayor and city council, temperance was made the issue, and from motives of policy the temperance men brought out conservative candidates. The other party did the same thing. The whisky party were successful, and emboldened by that success, many of the former saloonist gradually reopened their business. Since that time, five of these men have gone to render to God an account for their violated vows.
" The word of the Lord is true from the beginning, and he that being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
The summer was given up to the defeat of the license clause in the new constitution, which was to come before the people on the 18th of August.
Mass Temperance picnics were a prominent feature of the season,. and the untiring zeal of the workers was crowned with success on election day.
During the intervening years, weekly Temperance League meetings have been kept up by the faithful few, while frequent Union Mass Meetings have been held, thus keeping the subject always before the people.
Today, the disgraceful and humiliating fact exists, that there are more places where liquors are sold than before the crusade. Does any one ask the result of all this labor, and if the movement was a failure? We answer to the first question of results: The idea that women are to take an active part in the great conflict between Religion and the Rum power, was evolved by this very crusade. None saw quicker than the women themselves the weak and strong points of the movement, and these praying bands have become thoroughly organized Women's Christian Temperance Unions; and reform clubs, reading rooms, coffee houses, and friendly inns are the outgrowth of these " Unions." Other countries have felt the impulse, and the best women of Europe and Canada are being organized into " Leagues "'and " Unions."
Another result was the great International Women's Temperance Convention, held June 10th to 12th, and World's Congress on the 13th day of June of the centennial year, in the land that gave
536 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
the crusade its birth, where were convened representatives from our own land, from every country in Europe, from the Sandwich Islands and Japan, to pray and plan together as to the best means for carrying forward this great work.
Was this movement then, a failure? No ! No! The long list of reformed lives, the restored happiness and prosperity of once desolated homes, the still longer list of our noble young men, who were arrested in their first downward steps in the path of intemperance and ruin, and whose upright and useful lives will be standing monuments of good for years to come ; who dares to compute such results ? The improved public sentiment, banishing the wine cup from the social circle, from the sideboards and cellars of respectable homes, the awakening and uniting of all Christian hearts in one grand work for God and humanity. All these are the outgrowth of a reformation which has since belted the world—the most farseeing being utterly unable to grasp its results.
During the winter of 1876, a grand banquet was given the Ohio General Assembly, Judiciary and Military officers, by some of the prominent citizens of our capital city. No labor or expense was spared in ministering to the comforts or pleasure of the guests, yet no wine was to be found in all that banquet hall. One of the hosts of the evening remarked, that " before the ' Women's Crusade,' the giving of such an entertainment without wine would have been impossible."
A failure? No ! Eternity alone will unfold the glorious success of that work. To have banished liquor from the land, as at first the movement seemed to promise, would have been a miracle, and God does not now work in such manner, and the work we feel he meant to do in this crusade, was to rouse up his people to a sense of their duty, to awaken his church which seemed to be strangely indifferent, and asleep to this terrible evil. Thus he crowned the movement with success, and while his followers believe and trust Him, the good work. will go on to completion, for
" Right is right, as God is God, And right the day will win, To doubt would be disloyalty, To falter would be sin."
Thus far we have copied from the report prepared for the World's Congress, June, 1876, but a word of the work since that half de
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cade of years has flitted by, and where are we now in this great reform, in which the citizens of Fayette County have so much reason to rejoice in their having led the van. For while Dr. Dio Lewis inaugurated a similar movement in three other places during the same winter before it was started here, it would have been classed as the idle vagary of a bewildered brain, but for the marvelous success which attended it first in Washington, and gave it a "local habitation and a name " which struck fire there, and has been answered by flame upon every hill top in almost every state of our land.
Among the later outgrowths of the crusade was the Murphy movement, which counts its reformed men by the thousands ; and the Reynold's movement of almost equal proportions—waves of reform which have swept across the nation from Maine to the sunny Pacific slopes, and brought happiness and comfort to untold thousands. But above all, stands our thoroughly organized " Women's Christian Temperance Union," representing twenty-seven states and thirty-one thousand six hundred and thirty earnest, devoted Christian women, pledged to the cause for life. This mighty host of workers are making themselves heard and felt on our platforms, in our pulpits, through our legislative halls, and all over our land ; and must be a great "power behind the throne" of our law makers.
They are moving in every direction ; introducing temperance lessons in Sabbath-schools, and scientific temperance into public schools and colleges, forming juvenile temperance schools ; inducing corporations and employers to require total abstinence in their employes ; scattering temperance literature broadcast in the land, influencing the spirit of the press, working in our jails, prisons, among foreign population, Indians, and colored people ; establishing drawing-room meetings, reading rooms, and friendly inns to save the unfortunate victims of this cause, by reaching out a helping hand and to bind the work together by publishing a sprightly organ, " Our Union," which should be in the hands of every temperance woman. In many of these lines of work, Fayette County is showing herself worthy of the spirit which could inaugurate so wonderful a movement.
At the last annual convention held in Boston, October, 1880, there gathered such numbers, such eloquence and power, such devotion to God and temperance, and such faith in the triumph of our
538 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
cause, that the proud old city felt her pulses stirred, and her soul quickened with such an awakening upon this subject as she had never felt before. On the Sabbath immediately following the close of convention, twenty-four Boston pulpits were filled by members of that convention, who spoke to crowded audiences in earnest, burning words. Upon this all important theme, later, during inaugural week in our capital city, our gifted President, Miss Willard, honored herself, and the great body she represented, in presenting-to the nation the portrait of Mrs. Hayes, who will always be " honored among women" as having first banished the fateful cup from our national home, America's highest social pinnacle; thus setting an example to all other lands.
We are saddened when we recall the old crusade days as we find so many vacant places, and long for the touch of vanished hands, and the sound of voices that are still.
THE PRESS OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
We are indebted to Mr. M. Herbert for the following exhaustive account (with very slight changes) of the newspapers and newspaper men of this county. Not only does his excellent article embrace these, but much matter of great historic interest is also incorporated:
Of the pioneer press of the county, we have found it impossible to procure necessary material or information wherewith to compile such a record as would enable us to present to our readers a clear and succinct summarizing.
Of the earlier newspaper publishers, none are left to enlighten us as to their varied experience, by detailing the many perplexities and annoyances which encompassed and surrounded them in prosecuting their labors. Their brightest thoughts and chief chroniclings lay buried with them.
But a few fragments of pioneer journalism remain—but a few scattering numbers of the many and different newspapers published here "in the long ago" can now be found—and relics historic they are truly! serving forcibly to remind us that we of today are also makers of history, and that they who come after us may regret that we did not better keep and store the record.
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FREEDOM'S ADVOCATE.
The first newspaper published in Fayette County, was issued here on Saturday, February 21, 1829, by Joel S. Berman. It was styled Freedom's., advocate. Mr. Bereman came here from Hillsboro, in the adjoining county of Highland, where he had studied the intricacies of "the art preservative." Through the columns of his journal, he promulgated and advocated Whig doctrines and principles. We have seen but one copy (No. 13) of the paper, which is now in possession of one of his daughters, Mrs. M. V. Logan, of this place. It is considerably frayed, and presents an aged appearance. Mrs. Logan prizes it highly. It is encased in a frame, under glass, so that both sides may be read without danger of further mutilation in handling and perusing.
In the Advocate of date mentioned, there is published a portion of a letter from one of the engineers of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company, who was then sojourning in England in the interest of that great thoroughfare, the letter bearing date Liverpool, February 4, 1829, and in which the writer mentions having traveled on the Stockton and Darlington Railroad. The distance (twelve miles) between the points named, he says, was traversed in about an hour and a half, the locomotive engine and " wagons" in the train weighing about eighty tons. In those days, with such a load, that was considered rapid transit! The letter writer further says that "the snow had just been scraped off the rails, so that they were not in the best state for locomotion," and that experiments made before snow fell, on a down grade of ten feet per mile, fifteen miles per hour, with a load of about seventy tons were made. The engineer closes his letter by saying: "Upon the whole, we have every confidence that we shall succeed with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad." The letter was first published in the Baltimore American, which journal still has existence.
Mention is made of a steam canal boat, a packet called the "Enterprise," which had then commenced running between Cincinnati and Dayton, at speed-rate of four miles per hour! The cabin contained twenty-seven berths, and two cords of wood were used as fuel in making the trip, as stated by the Dayton Journal at the time. It was also stated that George Washington Adams, son of ExPresident John Q. Adams, was lost overboard from the ship Benja-
540 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
min Franklin, on the morning of April 30, 1829, while the vessel was on her way to New York—from what port not mentioned. Among the Advocate's selections is a chronological list of the principal officers of the United States Government under the constitution, from 1789 to 1829. An interesting compilation for the time.
From the advertising columns we learn that Joseph Bloomer was sheriff of this county in 1829, and that Samuel Millikan was deputy clerk of court. A. Johnson and H. L. Akin were hotel keepers here then, the former being landlord of "Washington Hall," and the latter of the "Washington Hotel." Andrew Holt was engaged in the business of wool-carding here, and John Messmore at Isaiah Pancoast's factory, on Deer Creek. Benjamin S. Yeoman announces that he has commenced the Windsor chair-making business at the shop formerly occupied by Samuel F. Yeoman, in Wayne Township. Samuel Lydy and Joel Bohrer publish notices of partnership dissolution, Mr. Lydy stating that he would still continue to sell groceries and liquors at the old stand. Thomas Rickey was then conducting the tailoring business here.
The Advocate of date referred to contains but one local news item, and that of an advertising character, while there is but one original general news item in the issue—brief mention of a fire in Cincinnati! Such a newspaper, nowadays, would be of brief existence. Yet, when it is understood that rags, feathers, beeswax, tallow, flour, sugar, bacon, oats, wheat, and deerskins, were taken in payment of subscription (two dollars per annum), editorial labor was doubtless but poorly recompensed then.
THE PEOPLE'S PALLADIUM.
Some time in 1831, as we are informed, Arthur Critchfield became proprietor of Mr. Bereman's establishment, and issued there-from the People's Palladium, a Democratic journal. We have failed to procure a copy of the paper.
WASHINGTON HERALD.
In the fall of 1832, the office, we are told, passed into the possession of S. F. Yeoman and S. Lydy, who commenced the publication of the Washington Herald, the tone of which was Democratic, Mr. Yeoman, as our informant states, "furnishing the brains" in its editorial conduct.
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WASHINGTON HERALD AND FAYETTE COUNTY REGISTER.
We have before us four copies of the Washington Herald and Fayette County Register. The first (No. 35 of Vol. 1) is dated Friday morning, May 31, 1833. The name of S. Lydy appears as proprietor, and that of William Hill as printer and publisher. In his published prospectus the proprietor announces-that "the columns of the paper shall be open to all well-written essays, either on politics, morality, literature, or religion ; but at no time shall anything like personal vituperation or political invective be encouraged or inserted." In the announcement of terms of publication, notice is given that " all persons whose names are on the subscription list of the People's Palladium will be considered as subscribers to the Herald until notice to discontinue delivery shall be given;" and that "any person who has been taking this paper, as published by Yeoman & Lydy, wishing to withdraw, will be so good as to give immediate notice."
The Herald above mentioned does not contain a news item of a local character; but the publisher apologizes for its non-appearance at the usual time, "in consequence of having the list of forfeited lands to publish, together with other inconveniences which we (the publisher) have labored under!" From its advertising columns we learn that James Henton was auditor, and William S. Williams sheriff of the county, in 1833. Daniel McLean and Henry Blystone, jr., were then operating a wool-carding machine here, Mr. Blystone attending to the practical part of the business. The Siamese twins were then on exhibition here, at Stockdale's inn.
The Herald of date Wednesday, June 25, 1834, gives the names of Hill & Baird as its publishers, and champions the Whig cause. It contains the proceedings of a Whig meeting held at the court house here on the 21st of that month, on which occasion Dr. T. McGarraugh was appointed president, Benjamin Rodgers, vice-president, and H. C. Stewart, secretary. The meeting was addressed by Robert Robinson, General W. Vance, William Edwards, and J. S. Bereman. William Vance, Jesse Millikan, sen., and W. A. Ustick, were appointed a committee to report names of delegates to the nominating convention of the then seventh congressional district, to be held in Chillicothe on the 3d of July following. Delegates were chosen as follows : For Union Township, J. S. Bere-
542 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
man, Dr. T. McGarraugh, R. Robinson ; Paint Township, Colonel S. Myers, John Hays, Moses Stitt; Jefferson, Joseph Parrett, sen., E. Popejoy; Wayne, Benjamin Rodgers, William Edwards; Concord, Peter Brown, Leonard Bush; Madison, General B. Harrison, James Manary; Green, Robert Trion, R. Eyre, Jesse Millikan, sen., J. S. Bereman, R. Robinson, John Rankin, James Stewart, Samuel Myers, J. B. Webster, N. F. Jones, B. Harrison, .H. Burnett, David Creamer, W. S. Cockerill, and J. F. Claypoole, were appointed as County Central Whig Committee.
The county auditor (James Henton) publishes a list of receipts and expenditures in the Herald of above date, by which it appears that the total expenditures for the year ending on the last Saturday in May, 1834, were $4,301.57. Among the listed contingent items, we notice that Samuel Lydy was paid $99 "for publishing list of forfeited lands, expenditures, and notices, in 1833;" and he was also paid $57 "for publishing list of delinquent lands in 1833, and notices to school clerks." Three dollars and sixty-one cents were paid for paper, pasteboard, chair, etc., for use of auditor's and commissioner's office. The quantity of stationery used in the public offices here in those days must have been immense, and the furniture and fixtures therein at the time quite elaborate ! The latter is simply gorgeous now ! The account of the county treasurer (Benjamin Renton) shows the total receipts for the year to have been $8,845.19.4, including balance his hands at June settlement in 1833 ($1,368.72.7). The total disbursements for the year were $6,983,88.7, which left a balance in treasurer's hands of 81,861.30.7. Among the receipts we notice that $52 was paid for tavern license, and $215 for horse license. Jesse Millikan was clerk of court here in 1834, and postmaster also.
October 22, 1834, the names of Baird & Lydy appear as publishers of the Herald. The issue of that date closed the second volume of its existence. On that day, however, but a half-sheet was printed, for which the publishers apologize, assigning as cause therefor the failure to receive paper in time for that week's issue. In speaking of the election news, the Herald says " the returns come in gloriously from all quarters," portending victory for the Whigs. Notice is given that flour, corn meal, corn, potatoes, wheat, oats, hay, tallow, hog's lard, pork in proper season, and firewood at all times, would be received in payment of subscription to the paper.
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The Herald of November 13, 1834, (No. 3, of third volume,) presents the name of Robert R. Lindsey as the printer and publisher. Through the advertising columns, Messrs. Baird and Lydy give notice that they have disposed of their interest in the office, and call upon those indebted to them for the last year's subscription, or part thereof, to settle their dues at the Herald office. Notice is also given that a petition would be presented to the State Legislature, asking for the creation of a new county to be taken off the counties of Ross, Highland, Adams, Pike and Fayette—Bainbridge to be the county seat. But that quiet village still nestles cosily among the hills of Ross ! Editorial mention is made that " an Englishman by the name of Thompson, in addressing an anti-slavery convention in Augusta, Maine, used language and preached doctrines, which were so offensive to the citizens that a committee of their appointment requested him to leave the place," which request he complied with, but asserted however, that he had " as good a right to lecture on our internal affairs as we had to send missionaries among the heathen." N. F. Jones, as secretary, notified the board of directors of the county agricultural society, to meet at the court house on the 15th of November, 1854. L. P. Reid was the laudlord of the " National House," and Joshua Holmes was caterer in " Washington Hall," previously known as " Stockdale's Hotel," in which latter building Jesse Millikan preceded William Stockdale as hostelry keeper. The Herald, under Mr. Lindsey's management, disseminated Whig doctrine.
GENIUS OF LIBERTY.
We have also before us three numbers of the Genius of Liberty, a Democratic journal, printed and published here, in 1834, by J. M. Morgan. The first (No. 14, of volume 1,) bears date Saturday, November 1, 1834, and is but a half-sheet, from which issue the publisher apologizes, making mention that it is the first occurrence of failure to print a whole sheet, "a. number of circumstances preventing the appearance thereof." It chronicles the destruction of "the splendid mansion of President Jackson," near Nashville, Tennessee, by fire, on the 14th of the preceding month. Its news columns contain nothing of a local character, but the delinquent tax list occupies nearly an entire page (four of the five columns) of the paper.
544 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
The Genius of November 8th, glorifies over the result of the election returns; the prominent issue then pending being the re-chartering of the United States Bank, which was favored by the Whigs and 'opposed by the Democrats. The editor says : " The late elections have spoken in a loud voice. The bank and its advocates can not but have heard that voice. It is to them a warning voice. The people have spoken. They have been true to themselves ; and by their united efforts, they have rescued their country from the wide extended jaws of a hydra-headed monster." The Genius of November 15th, after indulging in further exultation over the election returns, gives us an idea as to what was then the method of conducting a partisan newspaper. "And now," says the editor, "come on all the evils that are incident to printers. After battling for many months one party strikes a decisive stroke. That done, all is over * * * To gain so many and such triumphant victories are bad things for a party, but far worse for the printer. While the success of one party lulls them asleep the other is silenced by defeat; so the printers have nothing to write about nor think about. * * * 0 for an election every month ! (cries the editor in conclusion,) that the people might feel and know that they are still in existence ! "
And so the meager mention—the almost total neglect, in fact—of matters local, may be accounted for in those days, politics being then the all-absorbing " stock in trade," especially of the village press. But journalism has changed since that time : The spirit of enterprise has long since crept into and taken control of its direction and management. The "home newspaper " of today which does not give special notice to local affairs, is deemed unworthy the patronage and support of the community wherein it is published. The journalist who takes note of and chronicles, with encouraging word and well-timed encomium, our advancement in the march of progress and improvement is a benefactor; for he thereby effectively aids in the accomplishment of beneficial results and achievement of mighty deeds.
The prurient newspaper conductor is but a cankerous incubus on journalism ; the slime and filth which he uproots and scatters, proves but pestilential and injurious to the well-being of society, and his noxious ebullitions should be summarily and effectually discountenanced. The journalist who, by decorous use of the pen, causes evil to vanish and righteousness prevail is a moral teacher,
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whose good works and wholesome endeavor should be fostered and cherished. The political writer, too, who falsifies in statement and perverts truth, is but a driveler whose frothings should be swept up and carted away as rubbish ; while he who manfully combats misrepresentation by clear citation of fact is to be commended for his candor, and rewarded for his uncompromising advocacy of and adherence to right.
We have been favored with a copy of the Genius of Liberty and Democrat Republican., (No. 33 of volume 1,) of date Saturday, May 16, 1835. Beneath its lengthy title, the Genius sports the. motto :
Unawed by the influence of the rich, the great or the noble, the people must be heard, and their rights vindicated." The names of J. Jamison and W. Loofbourrow are given as its proprietors, and that of William Hill as its editor and printer. It was Democratic in tone.
Editorial mention is made of the issuance by Governor Robert Lucas of proclamation, convening the legislature in special session on Monday, June 8th, then next ensuing, for the purpose of settling difficulties between Ohio and the then territory of Michigan, relative to the locating of what was termed our northern boundary line. For a time affairs looked warlike, the governors of the state and territory (Lucas of Ohio and Morrow of Michigan) having each marshalled armed forces in support of their positions and views, as to the adjustment of the question pending—and Buckeye and Wolverene in hostile array confronted each other. The case was peaceably settled, however, by congressional interference hr favor of Ohio.
In a local and advertising way, the Genius announces that W. Loofbourrow, one of its proprietors, was appointed a delegate to the National Democratic Convention, which was to meet in the city of Baltimore on the 20th of May. James M. Baird notifies all persons who know themselves to be indebted to the former proprietors of the Washington Herald, (he being one of said proprietors,) for advertising, subscription, etc., to call immediately and settle with him. Judging from the tenor of his notice, some other party or parties must have supposed themselves to be entitled to receive such funds. A conflict had evidently arisen as to who was justly entitled to receive the ducats. Joshua Holmes, landlord of the hotel known as Washington Hall, died on the 7th of May, of typhus fever, in the twenty-fifth year of his age.
546 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
The bank of Chillicothe, (J. Woodbridge cashier) gave notice that it would furnish sight checks on New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, at premium of half per cent; and that notes of most of the banks in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky would be received in exchange, subject, of course to current discount charge. D. McLean advertises his wool-carding and fulling establishment for rent. Joseph Bell announces the purchase, by him, of the stock of goods of S. F. Knight & Co., and that he would continue the general mercantile business at the old stand. Mrs. Robert Wilson was then engaged in the millinery business here. Having a supply of leghorns, she was "prepared to alter and do up bonnets after the latest fashion." She had on hand boys' silk and Circassian caps ; and would make girls' bonnets, etc., to order.
Matthew J. Ivy then conducted a shaving, haircutting and renovating establishment here, in the room formerly occupied by J. L. Millikan as a store. In making the announcement, he says:
" In trimming hair it wanteth taste, To suit the person and the face; And scraping chins, that tender part, To do with ease requireth art. With scissors sharp and razors keen, 'Tis I can scrape your faces clean ; And last of all, to serve you well, I'll from your clothes the dust expel."
S. A. Smyth was then engaged in the tailoring business here, one door east of L. P. Reid's National House. The prospectus of the Phrenological Journal, the initial number of which was to have been issued on the 1st of August, 1835, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., appears in the Genius of May 16th. Among the news gleanings, under the caption, " Gratifying news from France— favorable report on the American indemnity question," the New York Evening Post states that by packet-ship Sylvie de Grasse from Havre, French papers of March 30th and 31st had been received, which contained the highly gratifying intelligence that the committee of the chambers had reported in favor of an appropriation of 25,000,000 francs, being made to comply with the terms of the treaty of July 4, 1831, between the King of the French and the United States.
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POLITICAL HORNET.
In 1836, there was published here a campaign paper styled the Political Hornet, which advocated the claims of W. H. Harrison for president. The Hornet, we learn, had " numerous contributors," among them Robert Robinson and J. S. Bereman. M. V. Rawlings, now a resident of Missouri, executed the mechanical work on the paper. Mr. Rawlings commenced the study of the printing business here in 1832, in the office of the People's Palladium, under A. Crihfield. We are informed that "the county, up to 1836 had been Democratic ; but that year, by the assertion of many truths and some lies, the Whigs elected the entire county ticket." We have not found a copy of the Hornet, but wish we could obtain one. It was, no doubt, a spicy political sheet.
THE CIRCULATOR.
Saturday, January 6, 1838, Elisha Williams Sexton issued here the first number of a journal styled the Circulator. It was printed in this place, and, as we learn by the third number, dated January 20, 1838, was "published simuuItaneously in Washington and London, in the legislative district composed of the counties of Fayette and Madison," being delivered in London, by private express, on the day of its issue. At that time, according to the published prospectus, there was no other paper " in course of publication within the limits of the district." In the prospectus, Mr. Sexton says : " It is not our intention to publish a strictly neutral journal, inasmuch as we hold the right of expressing our humble opinions too sacred to be dispensed with ; yet we will endeavor to make it (the Circulator) so decorous and mild in its course that the most violent partisan may not take umbrage at it. Our sentiments, (says Mr. Sexton,) in the modern acceptation of the term, are decidedly Whig."
By the Circulator of the date last mentioned, we learn that the Mexicans were about to invade Texas; and Mr. Sexton, in alluding thereto, says : " Hurra for Texas !" The postmaster-general of Texas, it is stated, had appointed Mr. Samuel Ricker, jr., of New Orleans, agent for the post-office department of "that republic." Letters destined for "that country," postpaid to New Orleans and
548 - HISTORY OP FAYETTE COUNTY.
directed to his care, would be forwarded by the regular mails. The phrasings quoted, that republic and that country, sound strange now. The closing part of President Van Buren's proclamation relative to the Canadians difficulties then pending, (insurrectionary movements began there in 1837,) and which the Circulator, in publishing, says is just what it anticipated, and as it should be, reads as follows: " Now, therefore, to the end that the authority of the laws may be maintained, and the faith of treaties observed, I, Martin Van Buren, do most earnestly exhort all citizens of the United States, who have thus violated their duties, to return peaceably to their respective homes ; and hereby warn them, that any person who shall compromit the neutrality of this government, by interfering in an unlawful manner with the neighboring British provinces, will render themselves liable to arrest and punishment under the laws of the United States, which will be vigorously enforced ; and, also, that they will receive no aid or countenance from the government, into whatever difficulties they may be thrown by the violation of the laws of their country, and of the territory of a neighboring and friendly nation." The proclamation bore date January 5, 1838.
Some statistics of Fayette County, as compiled from the report of the auditor of state for 1837, are published in the third issue of the Circulator. The number of acres of land in the county is given as 236,265 acres; value of same, including houses, $356,212; value of town lots, including buildings, $33,258; number of horses, 3,565; value of same, $142,600; number of cattle, 5,753; value of same, $46,024; merchants' capital and money at interest, $35,727; number of pleasure carriages, 27; value of same, $1,779 ; tax on physicians and lawyers, $24; total amount of taxable property, $615,580 ; amount of tax paid into state treasury, $7,397.
Other items of interest, of like character, contained in the report, are also published. The greatest amount of tax paid by a single county, during 1837, was by Hamilton, $156,437; the least by Henry, $1,056; greatest number of acres of land in one county was in Trumbull, 556,296 ; least in Wood, 2,956 ; most horses in Richland, 9,141; least in Henry, 180; greatest number of cattle in Trumbull, 24,107 ; least in Henry, 510.
George Mantle, Samuel Sollars, and James Kirkpatrick, surplus revenue Fund Commissioners of Fayette County, publish a statement, dated January 6, 1838, relative to the condition of said funds,
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as used in this county. The, total amount thereof received from the state was $14,485.92, and it was loaned to individuals at the rate of 7 per cent. per annum, on personal security. The amount loaned in each township was : Union, $4,350 ; Paint, $4,650 ; Jefferson, $2,350 ; Madison, $1,000 ; Concord, $500 ; Wayne, $1,400 ; Green, $250. The amount due and not in suit was $300. Of the annual income of the fund ($1014.01.4) $724,29.6 was appropriated for school purposes, $126.21.8 for county purposes, and $163.50 to defray expenses of management.
In 1835 the United States was out of debt! An occurrence which has but once (at that time only) transpired in our national history; nor is it likely ever to occur again. The funds in the national treasury then increased and rapidly accumulated in excess of the expenditures.
S. F. Yeoman, in a comma cation to the Circulator of January 20, 1838, defines his position o on the question, " Would a well-regulated national bank advance the prosperity of the United States ?" Mr. Yeoman took position on the affirmative side of the question. In closing, he says : " I have only to say in conclusion, that ' men change, but principles never.' And I most unequivocally declare that I hold the same principles now that I did prior to the election of General Jackson. I then thought the administration was corrupt, and believed the public good required a change ; and I now think the administration equally corrupt, and most conscientiously believe that the policy recommended by Mr. Van Buren will, if carried into operation, produce a state of unexampled embarrassment in public business, and of general distress to the community."
As to what the mail facilities of Washington then (January, 1838) were, may be inferred from the following published " mail arrangements ": Eastern mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, and closes at 9 o'clock P. M.; Western mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night ; Chillicothe mail leaves every Tuesday and Friday at 12 M., and arrives Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 P. M. The mail from Washington to Decatur, via Hillsboro, leaves every Friday at 12 M., and returns every Monday at 12 m.; Columbus mail departs every Tuesday at 5 A. M., returns every Thursday at 8 P. m.; Centerville mail arrives every Wednesday at 10 A. M., and departs same day at 1 P. M. S. A. Smyth was then postmaster, and L. J. Wood was coroner of the county.
550 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
From the Circular of April 14, 1838, we obtain some information of a general and local character. By it we learn that eighty thousand copies of a speech delivered by Mr. Webster, on the sub-treasury bill, had been printed. Also, that Whig meetings were being held in all quarters of the state, and that it was thought the then ensuing 31st of May convention would be a very large one. Foreign wheat, it is stated, was then " again pouring into the country." The Baltimore American, at that time, stated that one vessel, the Prussian brig Frederick, had just brought a cargo of 17,000 bushels from Wolgast. Four or five other cargoes, then afloat, had also arrived ; and that some parcels previously received had gone into store. Wheat was then sold in Baltimore at $1.60 to to $1.67 per bushel.
Wade Loofbourrow, William Edwards, and David Creamer, were then county school examiners, having been so appointed under the then new law, by the court of common pleas. At that time, it is stated, there were twelve hundred newspapers in the United States. The Circular says : " Printers are so scarce in Indiana that some of the editors are learning their little girls to set type. We have had a female apprentice in our office for some time."
The proceedings of a Whig meeting, held in the court house here, April 7, 1838, by " citizens opposed to the (then) present administration, for the purpose of appointing delegates to the state convention," to meet at Columbus on the 31st of May following, appear in the Circulator of April 14th. Colonel Samuel Myers was chairman, and E. W. Sexton secretary of the meeting. A committee of one from each township was appointed to nominate suitable persons as delegates to the state convention, which committee was composed as follows : From Paint Township, J. L. Myers ; Madison, Major J. Leavel; Union, R. Robinson; Wayne, Benjamin Rodgers; Green, John King; Jefferson, D. Creamer; Concord, R. Burnett. Delegates to the state convention were named and appointed as follows: For Wayne Township, Jackson Rodgers, William Gorm ley, and William Edwards; Paint Township, John Hays, Thomas Green, and Samuel Myers; Jefferson, Membrance Blue, John Parrett, and David Creamer; Concord, Peter Brown, Henry Burnett, and Charles Williams; Green, Robert Eyre, Jacob Todhunter, and John King; Madison, Batteal Harrison, William Pinkerton, and Shreve Pancoast; Union, Joseph Bloomer, John Rankin, and Wil-
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liam Rush; Town of Washington, J. S. Bereman; Bloomingburg, Dr. E. Martin.
The delegates, in the discharge of their duties, were instructed to use all honorable means to promote the nomination of General W. IL Harrison for president; but that they should at the same time assure their associates in the convention that their constituents would "give their undivided support to Mr. Clay, or any other nominee." The delegates were also instructed to use their exertion to secure the nomination of General Vance for governor. By resolutions, "the work of political reform so earnestly begun in other portions of the United States," was commended, and the disorganized state of the country at that time deprecated—our country's "paralyzed commerce, and her depreciated currency, were brought about by a malignant and unwise course of public policy, pursued by those who administer the affairs of our national government. Instead of giving us a golden currency, wherewith every ' substantial farmer' would have an abundance, we have a currency the most worthless in the world."
The " act to abolish imprisonment for debt" in the State of Ohio is published in the Circulator of April 14, 1838. In business line here then, we notice that Olds & Yeoman were engaged in mercantile pursuit, Benjamin Bowers in chair-making, and C. Parvin in tailoring; and Sanders & Millikan published notice of business dissolution. Daniel McLean, as executor, advertised that he would sell on the 21st of April, 1838, the effects, real and personal of N. F. Jones, deceased, including two hundred and forty acres of land, at late residence of deceased, in Jefferson Township. Nicholas Hay, as administrator, notified those indebted to, and having claims against estate of Christopher Miller, deceased, to call and settle.
In the Circulator of October 6, 1838, W. H. Creighton and William Palmer, rival candidates for the State Legislature, in district composed of the counties of Fayette and Greene; having been questioned in reference thereto, defined their position as to the civil rights of colored, persons, at that time, in Ohio—the colored man's status, as they understood it to be fixed by law, state and national.
What a grand glorious work was consummated, and triumph achieved when we forever wiped out the foul blot of slavery from our national escutcheon! Truly, an all-seeing eye, an overruling providence must have guided and controlled our destiny, when and
552 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
while the terrible conflict was being waged. Ah ! in that gigantic struggle, vice and error on the a side did menacingly stand, while truth and right did boldly confront, and in battle's dread gauge were victor.
Says the Circulator of above date : " No man can, henceforth, be heard through our columns unless he be a yearly subscriber. Some of these times we shall publish a communication precisely as it is sent to us." That policy adhered to, a mighty host of would-be-great ones, would speedily be extinguished. Micajah Draper was appointed, October 1, 1838, assistant treasurer of the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike Company, the stock subscription books for construction of which thoroughfare were then open. Eight death notices were in the Circulator, of October 6, 1838 : Catherine Millikan, consort of Curran Millikan, on the 1st of that month; same day, in Paint Township, John Wilson, sr. ; Arseneth, youngest daughter of S. F. Yeoman, on the 2d ; George Rodgers on the 3d ; same day, near this place, Mrs. Carr, consort of Jehu Carr ; a few days before, Mary Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late S. A. Smyth; and Miss Crothers, daughter of Judge Crothers, of this county ; also, Obediah Edge, an old inhabitant of this vicinity.
By the advertising columns of the Circulator, above date, we learn that Webster, Melvin & Co. succeeded the firm of Plumb & Webster in general merchandizing here ; Daniel McLean was dealing in produce, provisions, and patent medicines ; E. H. Crow was tailoring opposite the court house, in the room formerly occupied by M. Blue as a tavern; Mrs. Susan Henkle was conducting business as seamstress; Robert Wilson was engaged in the saddlery business; and J. L. Millikan was running a tan-yard adjoining Wade Loofbourrow's premises, immediately south of the court house. While Richard Millikan was "off on the high seas rolling," he was legally notified (in the Circulator) to " plead, answer, or demur," within sixty days after August 25, 1838, to a petition in court here, he being an interested party in partition disposition of certain real estate in notice of partition referred to, and of which Jesse Millikan was stated to have died seized. Dr. A. A. Morrison then tendered his professional services to the public, and announced that he would adhere, in practice, to the "principles taught at Worthington College, prohibiting the use of mercury and all its preparations; antimony, arsenic, and all minerals of a poisonous
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and corrosive nature." Office at Cissna's hotel. Dr. F. H. Jennings, at the same time, announced that he would leave Washington, and advised those indebted to him that they would confer a lasting favor by settling their accounts. Eneas F. Yeoman then appealed to his fellow-citizens to elect him county assessor, having been, early in the spring, afflicted with white-swelling in one of his legs, which incapacitated him for active work, and rendered him a cripple for life. Wade Loofbourrow was postmaster here then, and John B. Webster county treasurer.
The Circulator of March 10, 1838, contains an obituary notice of the death of Norman Fennel Jones, who died here March 1, 1838. He had served as county auditor, and had been elected justice of the peace for many successive terms. He was born in Pittsfield, Vermont, August 28, 1796. His mother died when he was in his fifth, and his father when lie was in the sixteenth year of his age. Shortly after his father's death he went to the State of New York, and while there learned the saddlery business. After residing in that state about seven years, he came to this place, and subsequently acquired considerable property. Soon after he cane here he united with the Presbyterian Church. In May, 1819, he married Mary McLean, sister of Judge D. McLean. He is spoken of by his biographer as having been a kind and affectionate husband and father—one who, as a neighbor, was beloved by all, and as a public servant commanded general respect.
The Cirulator above alluded to mentions having learned, the evening previous to the date of its publication, through the Ohio Statesman, of Columbus, that J. S. Bereman had been appointed associate judge for this county.
The following ticket is published in the Circulator of October 6, 1838:
For Governor—General Joseph Vance. For Congress, to represent seventh district, composed of the counties of Ross, Scioto, Jackson, and Fayette—Colonel W. K. Bond, Allen Latham.
For Representative (counties of Fayette and Madison)—William H. Creighton; (nominated by a district convention), William Palmer.
For Sheriff—Arthur McArthur, L. P. Reid, Curran Millikan, John McLain, jr., William S. Williams, Seth Hukill, Joseph Bell, John Jackson, Samuel Dunkle, Stephen Yeoman, Solomon Carr, Benjamin F. Dewitt.
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For Recorder—Samuel Loofbourrow, S. F. Kerr, C. B. Woodruff, Thomas Holland. For Auditor—Samuel Millikan, James Henton, Charles M. Williams, Jared Plumb. For Coroner—Layton J. Wood, Z. W. Heagler. For Commissioner—Merrit Jamison, George Mantle, William Limes, Benjamin A. Crone. For Assessor—John L. Chorn, Samuel Hamilton, J. W. Williams, Eneas F. Yeoman, Jacob Wood.
The omnibus was well filled inside, somewhat crowded outside, and "somebody got left."
The Cincinnati Chronicle gave the aggregate value of three staple articles of produce in this country, during 1839, as $100,500,000 (cotton, $81,000,000 ; tobacco, $15,000,000 ; rice, $4,500,000) ; while the value of breadstuffs was $275,000,000.
FAYETTE REPUBLICAN.
A copy of the Fayette Republican (No. 4, Vol. 1; R. R. Lindsey, publisher); dated Washington, January 11, 1840, has been handed to us. It was printed in Wilmington, Clinton County. The number before us contains nothing of special local interest to readers in this county; even the advertisements (that of C. Parvin and F. H. Tomlinson, tailors, excepted), are those of Wilmington business houses, etc. By it we learn that R. S. Beeson (now engaged in the hardware business here) was the engaged in general merchandising in Wilmington, on South Street, opposite the court house. The surplus revenue fund commissioners of Clinton County, at that time (William Walker, Ezekiel Haworth, and David F. Walker), publish a statement relative to said fund, by which it appears that Clinton County received from the state treasury, of that fund, $19,926.55.
President Van Buren's message, of date December 2, 1839, appears in the Republican. The Columbus Statesman having spoken of it as a "second declaration of independence," the Republican said "the Statesman must certainly be crazy," and pronounces the message "the lamest production that ever emanated from the chief magistrate of this nation. It is," says the Republican, " the distillation of loco-focoism; and the doctrines therein advanced breathe the spirit of a monarch."
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The Republican prints, as "true Whig doctrine," the embodiment expression of Governor Barbour, of Virginia: "One presidential term; the integrity of the public servants, and safety of the public money; and the general good of the people." It also announces that " Mr. Pendleton, of Ohio, stated in the convention that it was the wish of General Harrison, if elected to the presidency, to serve only one term."
Mention is made in the Republican above referred to, that the publication of a new paper, to be called the Whisky Barrel, was then soon to be commenced in Louisville, Kentucky, the object being, through its columns, "to make war upon all temperance laws and temperance societies." Wesley Roberts & Co., it was stated, were "to preside over the bung-hole and spigot." Its line of argument must have been of an ardent, stimulating—we might say intoxicating—nature. And its array of figures in proof were, doubtless, somewhat fab'lous.
THE WASHINGTONIAN.
The first (No. 3 of Vol. 1), of date August 22, 1840, issued under the editorship of J. S. Bereman and E. W. Sexton, the latter gentleman being announced as publisher, contains a "plan of the standing army of two hundred thousand men (militia) submitted to congress by the secretary of war, and recommended by the president of the United States." The Washingtonian editorially opposes the measure. It says : " The power it gives to the president is such as illy becomes a republican people, and as is only to be found in the most absolute despotisms of Europe This is. the strong feature of the bill. The concentration of power in the hands of the executive is what all Democrats oppose. It is what they opposed in Jefferson's day, and to which they still stand opposed."
Samuel Pike must, at the date above mentioned, have been engaged in publishing a paper here, as we find in the Washingtonian a "proposition" submitted, that if he would publish in his journal (alluded to as the Democrat), from that time until the election, the annual expenditures of the general government, from 1824 until 1840, exclusive of payments on account of the public debt, the Washingtonian would publish a like amount of matter, to be submitted by Mr. Pike, provided that it should be suitable to appear in print.
556 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
The following ticket, surmounted by a log cabin, with "hard cider" barrel alongside, and captioned " Democratic-Whig nominations," is printed in the Washingtonian of date above mentioned:
For Governor—Thomas Corwin. For Congress—William Russell. For Representatives for the counties of Fayette, Highland, and Adams—James Crothers, David Reese, James Smith. For Sheriff—Robert Cissna.. For Auditor—Jared Plumb. For Commissioners—Isaac Jenkins, John Hays. For Assessor—Membrance Blue. For Coroner—James Vance.
The "Harrison and Tyler" central committee for Fayette County was constituted as follows: Samuel F. Yeoman, Robert Robinson, Robert Cissna, Daniel McLean, J. S. Bereman, Samuel F. Kerr, James N. Wilson, Samuel Lydy, Joseph Blackmore.
Z. W. Heagler was county treasurer in 1840. R. Robinson and B. Martin were then associate partners in the practice of law here, and Richard Smith & Co. were engaged in general merchandising and manufacture of "patent brooms."
In the Washingtonian of Saturday, August 22, 1840, is announced the marriage, on Thursday preceding, by Rev. J. C. Eastman, of Mr. Elisha W. Sexton, junior editor of that journal, to Miss Margaret Sutherland, of this vicinity.
In the same number (3 of volume 1) is also published, with caption " the People's Ticket," an aphorism of Patrick Henry : " Who can save the liberty of the country when the purse and the sword are united in the hands of the executive ? "
For President-William Henry Harrison. For Vice-President—John Tyler, of Virginia. For Governor of Ohio—Thomas Corwin. For Congress—William Russell. Senatorial Electors—William R. Putnam, of Washington County; Reazin Beall, of Wayne.
DISTRICT ELECTORS.
1st District, Alexander Mahew, Hamilton County. 2d " Henry Harter, of Preble. 3d " Aurora Spafford, of Wood.
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4th District, Joshua Collett, of Warren. 6th “ Samuel F. Vinton, of Gallia. 7th " John I. Vanmeter, of Pike. 8th " Aquilla Toland, of Madison. 9th " Perley B. Johnson, of Morgan. 10th " John Dukes, of Hancock. 11th " Otho Brashaer, of Guernsey. 12th " James Raguet, of Muskingum. 13th " Christopher Miller, of Coshocton. 14th " John Carey, of Crawford. 15th " David King, of Medina. 16th " Storm Rosa, of Geauga. 17th " John Beatty, of Carroll. 18th " John Augustine, of Stark. 19th " John Jamison, of Harrison.
The same paper of Saturday, September 19, 1840 (No. 7 of Vol. 1), says: "We have just returned from the great Harrison convention held at Chillicothe, the ancient metropolis. We have only time to say, as our paper is going to press, that it was emphatically a coming together of the people—a turnout of the western democracy in their strength. We can scarcely form a conjecture of the number present; estimates were from sixty to eighty thousand. * * * On Thursday General Harrison addressed the vast multitude for more than two hours in a strain of eloquence that would have done credit to the best orator of the Grecian age, and in a voice that was heard distinctly by at least fifty thousand."
The same paper of above date exults aver the result of the election for officers of the new township of Marion, the Whigs having, the Saturday previous, elected A. Lloyd and G. Mantle justices of the peace, and W. Penniwell and E. Griffith constables; in connection with which we are led to infer that there must have been published here, at that time, a Democratic campaign paper styled the Pop-gun, which having suggested the advisability of the Tippecanoe Club sending a log cabin to "young Marion" before the holding of the above election, the Washingtonian subsequent thereto says: "This was rather a premature pop of yours, Mr. Pop-gun. * * * Suppose you wad again, and give us another pop for `young Marion' in anticipation of the October election?"
John Jackson, as sheriff, publishes a proclamation for holding
558 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
an election on the second Tuesday of October (13th day of month) then next ensuing, for the purpose of choosing a governor for the State of Ohio, a representative in congress for the seventh congressional district of Ohio, three representatives to represent the counties of Fayette, Highland, and Adams, in the house of representatives of Ohio, one sheriff for the county of Fayette, one auditor, two commissioners, one assessor, and one coroner.
The paper mentions the destruction by fire, on the 11th of September, of the woolen factory of Mr. Bush, on North Fork; and chronicles the death of Henry Snyder, at Greenfield, Highland County, on the 17th of the month, after a long and painful illness. Two of his brothers and his father from the same cause (typhoid fever), died about the same time. W. H. H. Dunn, successor to L. Campbell, was then conducting the saddlery business here.
The Washingtonian of January 16, 1841, publishes what it. styled " new idea," which was advanced by a writer in the Ohio Confederate. It was "that the appointment of postmasters be subject to laws to be enacted by the states respectively; that the people in the several townships, villages and cities of the Union be permitted to choose their own postmaster—to be responsible to the head of the department for the faithful performance of the duties of the office. This plan, simple and singular as it is, (says the writer in the Confederate,) would certainly prevent the department from becoming that huge engine of power in the hands of the executive that it has been for the last ten years."
James Pursed was secretary of the " Tippecanoe Club," here, in 1841. William McElwain & Co., successors to Yeoman & Rawlings, (S. F. Y., and M. V. R.,) Shivers & Melvin, successors to Tulleys, MAn & Co., and Henry Robinson, successor to Lydy & Rankin, were then engaged in merchandising here ; and E. P. Haigler was then conducting the saddle and harness business— shop on north side of Court Street, adjoining McCoy's hat store.
The Washingtonian of January 16th, also contains the intelligence brought by the ocean vessel Arcadia, that Queen Victoria, of England, on the 21st of November, was safely delivered of a daughter. Ii connection with which the London Globe, of the last mentioned date, says : " Her Majesty's marriage, it will be remembered, took place on Monday, the 10th of February, nine months and eleven days since." By the same vessel it was learned that the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, from St. Helena, (where he died in cap-
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tivity, May 5, 1821,) had arrived in France, the French Bing, Louis Philippe, having procured the assent of the British government to their removal. December 15, 1840, the remains were deposited in the Hotel des invalides.
The Washingtonian of March 20, 1841, (edited by J. S. Bereman,) contains the inaugural address delivered March 4th by President Harrison. Referring thereto, that journal says " it is a plain, sensible document; and will serve as a political textbook well suited to all republican governments." Alluding to the inauguration ceremonies, that paper says: " We have no room for even an epitome of the proceedings of the inauguration. It was a grand affair. If the reader will call to mind the Dayton or Chillicothe gatherings, last fall, he can form some idea of the parade." Speaking of the corporation election, then about to take place, the Washingtonian says: "On this occasion we hope the citizens will determine definitely their wishes in regard to the continuation of whisky shops, and their attendant advantages in our village. If we are to have these conveniences entailed upon us by party supremacy, why then we ought to know it, that we may enjoy the blessings to be conferred in moderation." By the advertising columns, we learn that Lenox Campbell was then engaged in the saddlery business here, and that Robert Cissna had succeeded Robert and Charles Cissna therein ; in general merchandising, J. C. Bell and Samuel McElwain were conducting business here, and J. M. Willis in Bloomingburg. Samuel Sollars, George Mantle and Daniel McLean, were then surplus revenue fund commissioners for this county.
The Washingtonian last mentioned announces that Elisha W. Sexton, its junior editor, died on the 16th of March, 1841, aged twenty-five years. It says that he learned the art of printing in the city of Washington, under the tuition of General Duff Green, who in 1828 conducted there the United States Telegraph, at that time said to have been the principal journal of the Democratic party.
At a meeting held here on the 4th of March, 1841, "the following ticket was agreed upon to be supported by the Democrat-Whigs of Union Township," at the then ensuing spring election :
For Justice of the Peace—Samuel F. Yeoman. For Trustees—Daniel Bush, Reuben Pursell, James N. Wilson. For Constables—John S. Blackmore, James Pursell.
560 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
For Clerk—John L. Van Doman. For Treasurer—Joseph Blackmore. For Overseers of the Poor—Clarence Parvin, J. S. Bereman.
Some years ago, a disease known as " milk sickness" prevailed hereabout to an alarmingly fatal extent, and a Dr. Drake wrote and caused to be published a book, treating on the disease and its cause. In the Washingtonian of the 29th of May, 1841, appears a lengthy editorial relative thereto. The editor differs with the doctor as to the cause of the disease ; the doctor attributing it to cattle browsing on a vine technically called " rims toxicodendron," familiarly known in southern Ohio as "poison oak;" while the editor, writing, as he says, " from observation," and " arguing from cause to effect," attributes the prevalence of the disease to cattle eating the "eupatorium." In closing, the editor (Mr. Berman) says: "In peculiar diseases, experience must be combined with scientific knowledge to give a proper understanding."
In the Washingtonian of date last mentioned appears the announcement of marriage, by Rev. John Jenkins, of Mr. James Pursell to Miss Margaret Hartsell, both of Washington.
L. P. Reid, at the " Little Store," (" in Sanders' store room adjoining the tavern,") announced in the Washingtonian above referred to, that he still superintended that establishment, and that he would at all times give " cheap bargains " in goods line, for cash or "farmers' currency," such as bacon, eggs, chickens, .feathers, rags, butter, and all kinds of "truck." He said that as he worked for his board, he sold goods without regard to profit! Mr. Reid also announced himself as a licensed auctioneer, and that he would prosecute any of whom he might obtain knowledge as acting in that capacity without authority. By the same issue of the Washingtonian, we learn that J. H. Jones was to have opened a school here on the 17th of May, " for instruction in the English branches, at the brick school house on Main Street."
The Washingtonian of September 16, 1843, (Harvey C. Blackman, editor,) has at its " masthead" the name of Henry Clay, of Kentucky, for president, and that of Elias Florence, of' Pickaway, for congress. The following October election "Democratic-Whig ticket" is published in the Washingtonian of September 16:
For the State Senate, district composed of Fayette, Highland and Adams—John M. Barrere, of Highland County.
For Representatives—Burnam Martin of Fayette; Hugh Means, of Adams.
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For Auditor—James Pursell. For Treasurer—Z. W. Heagler. For Recorder—John McLean. For Commissioner—Joseph B. Creamer. For Prosecuting Attorney—Samuel F. Kerr. (See page 455.)
The Washingtonian of November 11, 1843, (printed and published by Harvey C. Blackman and .John W. Poff—Harvey C. Blackman, editor,) contains a eulogistic notice, from Allen Trimble, of Hillsboro, of the Gershom Perdue nursery, in Martinsburg, this county. James Pursell was county auditor in 1843.
With Mr. Poff's retiracy, the Washingtonian, after having passed through many hands, finally ceased to exist. During its career—1840 to 1847—it was edited and published, successively, by Bereman & Sexton, J. S. Bereman, Bereman & Butler, Poff & Deterline, (Edward H. Deterline,) Harvey C. Blackman, Blackman & Poff, and, lastly, John W. Poff.
PEOPLE'S PALLADIUM.
Under date of .Tune 2, 1822, the People's Palladium, Demcratic in tone, (A. Crihfield, editor and publisher,) announced its preference as to standard-bearers, as follows :
For President—Andrew Jackson. For Vice President—R. M. Johnson, of Kentucky. For Governor—Robert Lucas.
The " Democratic-Republican Convention," which met in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 21st day of May preceding, having nominated Martin Van Buren, of New York, as candidate for the office of vice president, the Palladium immediately acquiesced therein, and pledged support to the nominee. The vote in convention, on first ballot, stood 208 for Martin Van Buren, 49 for Philip B. Barber, and 26 for Richard M. Johnson; which result being made known, the convention, by resolution, unanimously concurred in the nomination of Mr. Van Buren.
It may seem strange to many of our readers that the Palladium did not receive intelligence from the convention until twelve days after it. had convened. But there was no railroad then by which the papers from Baltimore could have been, at express speed, whirled along in Uncle Sam's mail-bags; nor was there any telegraph line then thought of and projected to span the Alleghanies.
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Those were coach days, when " a good whip," with " four-in-hand," afforded to the traveler inland passage, with "good cheer" at the wayside inn.
The paper of the date mentioned does not contain a news item of a local character—no, not one. From its advertising columns, however, we glean something which may be of local interest to our readers just now. The " town dads" must then have had sonic trouble in managing and controlling John Barleycorn, judging from the tenor of the following resolution, adopted by the town council, May 5, 1832:
"Resolved, by the Town Council of the town of Washington, That they will not license any person or persons to retail spirituous liquors, from and after the first day of July next."
The resolution was signed by Z. W. Heagler as mayor, and C. B. Woodruff; recorder. Mrs. Louisa Head was then engaged in the business of "tailoring and mantna-making, together with all other plain sewing." Peter Wendel advertised for information as to the whereabouts of his brother, Daniel Wendel, tailor, who had then " lately come 'to America from Germany," and requested editors in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, to make mention thereof."
The paper also contains an account of " another attempt at assassination at Washington," as detailed by the Saturday Evening Post, of New York. The Post, in referring thereto, says : "Again the Washington papers are filled with another attempt to assassinate a member of Congress. The situation of affairs at that city is horrible and appalling. The place resembles more the haunt of banditti than the seat of government of a free, virtuous and intelligent people. What is our Country coming to ? Is there not a remedy within the reach of the people, and if so, will it not be applied?" The bludgeon, pistol and sword-cane were the weapons used on the occasion alluded to—the assaulter using the two first, and the assaulted the latter. A Major Heard was the offensive, and a Mr. Arnold of Tennessee the defensive party. The rencounter arose from words spoken in debate by Mr. Arnold, who, we judge, must have been a rather expert swordsman, for he quickly disarmed Heard of his bludgeon, whereupon the latter immediately drew an eight-inch barrel duelling pistol, carrying an ounce ball, and fired at Arnold, lacerating his arm; after which Arnold succeeded in knocking his adversary down with his swordcane, and the scab
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bard flying off, would have pierced him with the sword, had not his arm, in making the thrust, been arrested by General Duncan, of Illinois. The account says that there were more than a hundred members of Congress within range of the ball when the shot was fired, the house having just adjourned, but Mr. Arnold was the only person injured. It was the second assault upon Heard by Arnold.
S. F. Yeoman publishes a card denying certain allegations circulated by a party named Baker, concerning a case of crim. Con wherein Mr. Yeoman should have been officially connected. In closing, Mr. Yeoman cautions those interested to be a little more careful what liberties they take with his name. " I am," he says, " willing to put up with anything in reason; but there is a point beyond which they shall not proceed with impunity."
We are informed that subsequent to the death of Mr. E. W. Sexton, (in March, 1841) Bereman & Butler, (Joel S. Bereman and David Butler) became associate publishers of the Washingtonian; and about the same time John O. Truesdell published a Democratic paper here. Some time afterward, Mr. Butler having died, Poff & Deterline, (John W. Poff & E. H. Deterline) we are told, run the Washingtonian for a season, and that subsequently Mr. Poff alone published that journal for a time. The office changes about that time were frequent—the continuous proprietorship being of quite brief duration ; the title of the paper, ( Washingtonian,) however, was continued several years.
STAR SPANGLED BANNER.
The Star Spangled Banner, of date Friday, December 17, 1847, (No. 2, of volume 2) W. H. H. Thompson publisher, office over McElwain & Stuckey's store, opposite the postoffice, contains a short review of Henry Howe's "Historical Collections of Ohio," (then not long issued from the press of Derby, Bradley & Co., Cincinnati) which is styled " an interesting volume on the Buckeye State." The reviewer says: " This book is not made up like most historical works of our day, from the libraries of the land ; but it is the result of close personal observation in every part of the state, the author having made, for this purpose, the entire tour of Ohio, spending more than a year in traveling through it, everywhere taking sketches of our towns, historic localities and objects of in-
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terest, and deriving an immense amount of information from the lips of pioneers and men of intelligence. * * Several pages of the above work are given to our own county, among which is an elegant view of the court house (old ' pea-green ') and public buildings. A fine view of Sanders & Jenkins' storehouse is also given—history of the settlement of the county, and names of some of the early settlers."
The Banner says : " Mr. Poff having relinquished the publication of the Washingtonian, in this place, offers his printing material for sale. We have partially bought him out, and made arrangements to receive his subscription list and advertisements. Mr. Poff, according to this paper, went to Convenience to engage in mercantile pursuit ; and it stated that he contemplated opening a hotel there, and would be sworn in as postmaster under James K. Polk. The Baltimore Patriot, in its Washington City news of December 8, 1847, (republished in the Banner,) says : " The house of •representatives has at last been organized. All its elective officers have been appointed; and the result is a Whig speaker, a Whig clerk, a Whig sergeant-at-arms, a Whig door-keeper, and a Loco-foco postmaster."
In its news from the State Legislature, this paper says : Mr. Olds offered a resolution providing for an alteration in the election law, so as to allow volunteers in Mexico, who are qualified voters in Ohio, to vote at the annual election for state and United States officers." This paper makes mention that Secretary Walker has accepted, in behalf of the General Government, the munificent gift of a whole square, made to it by the first municipality in New Orleans, for the site of a custom-house. The edifice, it was stated, would be built of Quincy granite, and occupy the entire ground.
The following list of Fayette County officers was published in this paper of December 17, 1847 : Associate Judges of Court-Daniel McLean, S. F. Yeoman, James Manary.
Clerk of Common Pleas and Supreme Courts-Sarnuel Millikan. Prosecuting Attorney—Nelson Rush. Treasurer—Z. W. Heagler. Sheriff—J. S. Bereman. Recorder—John Douglass. Auditor—James Pursell. Commissioners—Isaac T. Cook, James Shivers, Joseph B. Creamer.
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Drs. A. Worley & A. W. Brown, office . in the drugstore of Brown & Worley, announced that they were " fully prepared to treat diseases of all kinds, both chronic and acute, on either the botanic or mineral system." Their store, called the " Fayette Drugstore," was one door east of Rawlings & Smith's store. Richard Smith was then landlord of the hotel, here, known as the " Virginia House ;" and E. W. Turner was then conducting the " National House" hotel, opposite the court house. Stewart & Osborn were engaged in the tailoring business—shop in Wade Loofbourrow's brick building, opposite McElwain & Melvin's store. John Lewis & Joseph Allen were manufacturing tin, copper and sheet-iron ware; and announced that they would sell stoves " at Cincinnati prices, with the addition of expense of hauling."
John L. Scott published a paper here, a copy of which we have failed to obtain, for some time previous to 1849.
THE FAYETTE NEW ERA.
The Fayette New Era, of date June 13, 1850, (No. 14, of volume 2, George B. Gardner, editor and publisher,) contains the "act to amend the act to incorporate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies, passed February 24, 1845, "' which enactment, of date March 9, 1850, applies specially to the extension, for three years, of privileges of the original act to the Clinton Bank of Columbus—the capital stock of said bank to be entered upon the duplicate of Franklin County for taxation, for all purposes, state, municipal, etc., and taxes aforesaid, " in lieu of the tax upon the profits, as provided by the at to which this is amendatory," and to be subject to any general law which might thereafter be passed altering or changing the mode of axing bank capital.
In the same issue is also published the "act to amend the act entitled an act fixing the rate of interest, passed January 12, 1824,' and all other laws on that subject," which last-mentioned act was passed March 15, 1850, to take effect on the first day of May following. It legalized interest rate of tell per cent, if expressed in bond, bill, note, or other instrument; but provided that no incorporated banking institution of the state should "he entitled to receive more than the rate of interest specified in its charter, or, if no rate be specified, more than six per cent yearly upon any loan or discount whatever." Interest upon judgments or decrees, too, to
566 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
be computed till payment at rate specified in bond or instrument as aforesaid; in case no rate was specified, then, as before stated, six per cent to be the rate charged.
The New Era above mentioned contains a letter from California, written by Thomas Burnett to his father, then residing near here (but both are now dead). The letter is dated "North Fork, American River, April 6, 1850;" and in it, as was his wont, Mr. Burnett in cheery, bright-sparkling, poetical imagery. In his opening paragraph he says:
"DEAR FATHER:—With thankfulness to Divine Providence, I have the pleasure to inform you that I am in good health and fine spirits; and trust that you, and all my relatives and friends in Ohio, are yet on the shores of Time, and in the enjoyment of Nature's choicest blessing, health."
Speaking of the ruling market prices for provisions, etc., there then, Mr. Burnett said they fluctuated greatly, varying with the season and situation. Within one mile of his then present location flour was selling at 50 cents per pound; pork, 90 cents; beans, 67 cents; saleratus, $2. per pound ; molasses, $5 per gallon ; sugar, 50 cents per pound; and everything else in proportion. He says that he paid $139 for seventy-five pounds of pork during the winter preceding. Doctors then charged, for professional services, one to two ounces of gold per visit; one ounce for all calls out of tent, distance not exceeding one mile; for extracting teeth, one ounce each. Mr. Burnett speaks of having seen there, from this region, during the month of August preceding, George Buckner, Messrs. Delaney, Sunderland, Millikan, Cornell, and H. C. Bell, during September; S. N. Yeoman, and Marshall and Theodore Ogle, in October.
The New Era says that the county commissioners, on the 8th of June, 1850, levied a tax of two mills on the dollar for the purpose of planking that portion of the Circleville and Washington, and Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus turnpikes lying within this county. Notwithstanding the opposition to the measure, and attempts made to delay action, the editor regarded the movement as the best thing that could have been then clone for the general interests of the county, and expected that all whose prejudice was not more powerful than their reason, would be of the same opinion before taxpaying time.
A wise and most excellent enactment was adopted by our State Legislature, in March, 1850, relative to the keeping and preserving
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our local history, as found recorded in the county newspapers. If the legal requirements had been complied with (and they unquestionably should have been), an immense amount of really interesting and valuable information, which can not otherwise be obtained, would have been readily accessible. The act referred to provides "that the county commissioners of each county in this state be, and they are hereby, authorized and required to subscribe for one copy of the leading newspapers of each political party printed and published in each county, and cause the same to be bound, and filed in the auditor's office, as public archives, for the gratuitous inspection of the citizens of such county."
No bound files, as authorized, can be found in the auditor's office here of (late previous to 1866 ; nor is the filing complete since that date. During the interim subsequent to the passage of the law and that period (1850 to 1866), history of great importance, chroniclings of vast enterprises and gigantic achievements, rapidly accumulated, and note was doubtless taken thereof, and record made by the county press; but we are, in consequence of dereliction on the part those whose duty it was to take, preserve, and keep the archives, as by law contemplated, deprived of an immense amount of information which had been garnered and compiled, through great expenditure of time, thoughtful labor, and money, by those who presented it to us in printed form. It will be impossible, therefore, to obtain accurate and complete information relative to the papers published between the years 1843 and 1866.
Aside from all the journalizing recorded, within the time alluded to, what pleasure (though doubtless not unmixed. with sorrowful regret and pain) it would have afforded our citizens to peruse and read over again the record of our " boys in blue!" The recital would not tire; age would but impart keener interest to, and shed brighter luster on the story.
But to repine at or grieve over the loss is futile; we can but hope that in the future, due attention will be given to the keeping of our county newspapers, as by law required. The cause of its not having been done heretofore, in our opinion, arose from lack of knowledge of the legal requirement. And we would here suggest to the county commissioners the propriety of procuring a suitable case wherein to keep the bound volumes of the journals subscribed for and taken, through them, by the county.
Persons desiring to peruse and transcribe therefrom should, of
568 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
course, be permitted to do so; but in no case, except when required for temporary use in a court of justice, should permission be given to take any of such bound volumes outside of the auditor's office; and a penalty for wanton destruction or mutilation thereof should be fixed and imposed. This done, an important step will have been taken toward preserving in best (printed) form a large portion of our local and county history.
Published in the Fayette New Era of June 13, 1850, we find the following official directory:
UNITED STATES.
President—Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana. Vice-President—Millard Fillmore, of New York. Secretary of State—John M. Clayton, of Delaware. Secretary of Treasury—William M. Meredith, of Pennsylvania. Secretary of the Interior—Thomas Ewing, of Ohio. Secretary of War—George W. Crawford, of Georgia. Secretary of Navy—William B. Preston, of Virginia. Postmaster-General—Jacob Collamer, of Vermont. Attorney-General—Reverdy Johnson, of Maryland. Chief Justice—Roger B. Taney, of Maryland. Associate Justices—John McLean, of Ohio; James M. Wayne, of Georgia; John Catrow, of Tennessee; John McKinley, of Kentucky; Peter Daniel, of Virginia; Samuel Nelson, of New York; Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire; Robert C. Grier, of Pennsylvania.
OHIO.
Governor—Seabury Ford, of Geauga County. Secretary of State—Henry W. King. Auditor of State—John Woods, of Butler County. Treasurer of State—Albert A. Bliss, of Lorain County. Librarian—John Greiner, of Muskingum County. Chief Justice—Peter Hitchcock, of Geauga County. Associate Judges—Edward Avery, of Wayne County; Rufus P. Spalding, of Summit County; William B. Caldwell, of Hamilton County. Attorney-General—Henry Stanberry, of Fairfield County.
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Reporter—Hiram Griswold, of Stark County. Clerk—Lewis Heyl, of Franklin County.
COUNTY.
Associate Judges—Daniel McLean, James Manary, James Crothers. Clerk of Courts—Joel S. Bereman. Sheriff—James Vance. Treasurer—Z. W. Heagler. Auditor—Henry Robinson. Recorder—John Douglas. Commissioners—J. A. Rankin, I. T. Cook, Joseph Mark. Prosecuting Attorney—Nelson Rush. Coroner—Timothy Jayne. School Examiners—P. D. Putnam, J. M. Edwards, D. M. Jones.
TOWNSHIP.
Justices of the Peace—O. Loofbourrow, Richard Evans, John McLean. Constables—Arthur McArthur, William Burnett. Clerk—John Backenstoe. Treasurer—Lennox Campbell. Trustees—James N. Wilson, Micajah Draper, Joseph McLean.
CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON.
Mayor—Richard Evans. Recorder—D. Amerman. Treasurer—A. W. Brown. Marshal—William Burnett. Trustees—A. W. Brown, F. B. Backenstoe, Lennox Campbell, James Purcell, M. V. Rawlings.
WASHINGTON MAILS.
Eastern arrives Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—goes on west. Western arrives Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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Columbus arrives every Friday morning, and departs every Tuesday morning. Chillicothe arrives every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and leaves every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Xenia arrives every Thursday, and leaves the same day. London arrives every Tuesday, and leaves every Thursday morning. Hillsboro arrives every Saturday evening, and leaves every Friday morning.
By the advertising columns of date above mentioned, we learn that Benjamin F. Baughn was then engaged in merchandising here. Having purchased the stock of goods owned by the firms of McElwain & Stuckey and Burnett & Jenkins, he united the same, and opened the " Union Store," in the room formerly occupied by Burnett & Jenkins, on Court Street, two doors below the "Fayette Drug Store." Richard Millikan's book store was then located in a room on " Sander's corner." Willard & Jones (L. D. W. and D. M. J.), were then engaged in the practice of law here. The issue of February 5, 1852, contains editorial mention of the death of Judge Wade Loofbourrow, and also proceedings of the members of the bar in reference thereto, at a meeting held in the law office of Robert Robinson, of which meeting Mr. Robinson was appointed chairman, and D. M. Jones secretary. Mr. Loofbourrow died on Tuesday, February 3, 1852, at his residence in Washington, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; came to Washington in 1811, and commenced the practice of law; had been a resident of this place nearly forty-one pears, and was prominently identified with the early history of the county; was editor of the Genius of Liberty, a Democratic organ, the publication of which was commenced here in 1834. He is spoken of, when in the prime of life, as having "ranked among the great men of the state, and was known as one of the oldest lawyers in Ohio."
The same issue also contains an account of the burning of the old state house at Columbus, about four o'clock on Sabbath morning preceding. Loss to the state, account says, not great. It was then thought that the new state capitol might be occupied in the winter of 1853-4. Temporarily, the senate would meet in the United States courtroom, and the house in Odeon Hall, at the capital.
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The issue of February 26, 1852, publishes an account of the death, on the 14th of that month, of' Richard Douglass, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, at Chillicothe. He commenced the practice of law in Chillicothe in 1809. At the time of his death it was stated that he was the oldest lawyer in the Scioto Valley. He was a native of New London, Connecticut. In early life he had "followed the ocean," in the whaling service, and had done military duty in the war of 1812.
Richard Millikan was postmaster here in 1852. In the same issue we learn, too, that William Robinson had, in November, 1850, purchased the saddle and harness establishment of A. M. Ogle, and " removed to .J. C. Bell's brick building, opposite J. L. & I. C. Van Deman's store," where he would conduct said business. Z. W. Heagler was then engaged in the insurance business. C. H. Bell & B. F. Thompson succeeded .James C. Bell in general merchandising. Baughn, Burnett & Baughn (B. F. Baughn, A. Burnett, G. W. Baughn), were also conducting like business ; they "bought out the firm of Blodget & Smith."
The issue of March 18, 1852, chronicles the death of Robert R. Lindsey, on Sabbath, 7th (lay of that month, at Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where he had been engaged in publishing a paper styled the Whig. He published the Herald here during 1834. In the same issue is also announced the marriage, at Ripley, Ohio, by Rev. W. I. Fee, of Robert Cissna, ex-sheriff of this county, to Miss Mary W. Courtney, of that place. The Ripley Bee says "the printers were handsomely remembered." At the spring election that year, Z. W. Heagler was elected mayor, B. Thompson recorder, and M. Blackmore, G. B. Gardner, and L. Campbell trustees. J. M. Bell, in making his return as says: "The Mormons are again gloriously triumphant."
Monday, April 6, 1852, officers were elected for Union Township as follows : Justice of the Peace—O. Loofbourrow. Assessor—B. F. Baughn. Treasurer—Joseph Allen. Trustees—James N. Wilson, Peter Wendel, sr., William H. Latham. Clerk—Joseph C. Plumb. Constables—H. C. Burnett, Arthur McArthur. Supervisors Corporation—Jesse Burnett, J. M. Bell.
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About noon of April 1st, 1852, " the great fire in Chillicothe " commenced to burn and lay waste the then most compactly built part of that city. It was caused by the bursting of a stove in a cabinet-shop in rear of the Clinton House. The account, (published in the New Era,) written by Seneca W. Ely, editor at that time of the Chillicothe Daily Gazette, for the Ohio State Journal of Columbus, says that "fully one-fourth of the taxable property in Chillicothe, including all the buildings on the two most valuable squares stores, hotels, dwellings and warehouses—was destroyed. * * * It is impossible to arrive at a correct estimate of losses. Old Chillicothe has received a blow from which she cannot recover in years. * * * Two thousand of' our population are houseless. From six to eight hundred thousand dollars' worth of property consumed. All our principal warehouses, with their stocks of groceries, pork, bacon, etc., are burned."
The first sewing machine brought to Washington was by Clarence Parvin, tailor, in May, 1852. It was of the Wilson make. Mr. Parvin purchased the right to use and sell it in Fayette County. Yeoman & Finnigan, (S. N. Y., and Thomas,) were merchandising here, in June, 1852. Sabbath, June 13, 1852, John Durham, aged ninety-two years and two months, died at the residence of Joseph Bloomer, in this county. Elizabeth McCoy, wife of John McCoy, sr., aged about ninety years, died on Friday, 18th of same month.
The issue of July 1, 1852, chronicles the death of Henry Clay, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, at Washington City, on Tuesday, June 29, preceding, at 11:20 A. M., after protracted illness. At the time of his death, he was serving as United States Senator from Kentucky.
In the issue of August 26, 1852, announcement is made of the death, on Sabbath, 22d of that month, of Samuel McLean, in the forty-second year of his age ; and that journal, of date September 9, 1852, contains an obituary notice of the death, August 28th preceding, of Maria Louisa, consort of Henry Robinson, then auditor of this county, in the thirty-second year of her age, of consumption.
In the issue of October 28, 1852, is published the death, at Marshfield, Massachusetts, of Daniel Webster, at three o'clock on the morning of the 24th of that month. The Cincinnati Gazette, in alluding thereto, says : " A great man has indeed fallen—one who
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has rendered varied and most important :services to his country—whose fame is worldwide, and whose loss will be felt and lamented by the whole country." Mr. Webster was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, January 18, 1782. At the time of his death he was Secretary of State, in the cabinet of President Fillmore.
The issue of November 4, 1852, by special telegram from " Bascom," its Columbus correspondent, indicates briefly the result of the presidential campaign of 1852, thus: Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York gone for Pierce. Massachusetts and Vermont only certain for Scott. Used up badly."
The issue of December 16, 1852, contains editorial mention of the death of Robert Robinson, in the sixty-second year of his age, of asthma. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1791, and died at his residence here December 11, 1852. He emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, front his native state, in 1809, and thence moved to this county, in 1813. While serving as sheriff of this county, he was elected to the State Legislature, in 1822, which caused him to resign the sheriffalty. He studied law under Wade Loofbourrow, and was admitted to practice here, in 1826.
At a meeting of the bar here, held in the law office of Willard & Jones, Samuel F. Kerr being called to the chair and D. M. Jones appointed secretary, Alfred S. Dickey and B. V. W. Pugsley were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions expressive of the feeling and sympathy of his brothers of the legal profession, with reference to his demise. One of the series of resolutions, as indicative of the sentiment pervading the whole, we reprint, as follows :
" Resolved, That in his death hi family have lost a faithful, kind and affectionate head, the community a useful and trustworthy citizen, the church a living example of moral worth, and we of the bar our senior brother, whose talent and experience we revered, whose integrity we loved, and whose social virtues we admired."
The issue of December 30, 1852, contains tidings of the death of Samuel McElwain, on the 5th of that month, at the California House, Panama, where at the time he was sojourning, on his way to California. Nicholas Hay was engaged in tailoring here, in December, 1852, on Court Street, under the New Era office.
In January, 1853, Messrs. Ogle & Robinson, (Captain John and Alf.) advertised that they had determined to fit out another (the third) overland train to California, having previously crossed the plains with trains, in 1850 and 1852.
574 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Robert Stewart and A. S. Ballard also advertised in the New Era that they, too, would fit out a train for the same destination, and would go west about the first of the month then next following to complete arrangements for starting. They would take passengers through from St. Joseph, Missouri, for $200 cash, or $250 at the end of twelve months. They would furnish a good physician for the company, and a riding horse or mule for each mess, and their "wagons and teams would be well fitted up." Messrs. Stewart & Ballard had previously been in California.
The building of a railroad from Columbus to Masysville, by Washington and Hillsboro, was enthusiastically talked of here during 1853; and so, also, was the building of the Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad.
Mention of the death of William Rufus King, thirteenth Vice-President of the United States, appears in the New Era of April 28, 1853. According to the published account, he died on Monday, the 18th of that month, at his residence in Alabama, a short time after returning from Havana, Cuba, whither he had gone during the January preceding, with the view of benefiting his health. He was born in North Carolina, on the 6th of April, 1786, and had served three terms in congress from that state. He moved to Alabama, in 1818, from which state he subsequently served time terms as senator in congress. In 1844, he was appointed Minister to France by President Taylor. After the death of President Taylor, in July, 1850, and the accession of Vice-President Fillmore to the presidency, he was elected president of the senate. When Franklin Pierce, in 1852, was elected president, he was elected vice-president of the United States; and by special act of congress, he being in Cuba at the time when he should take the oath of office as vice-president, the American Consul-General at Havana, at the time, was empowered to administer the oath in this case.
It is stated in the New Era above mentioned that. George Washington Parke Custis, (grandson of Mrs. Washington) of Arlington, Virginia, had attended the inauguration of all our presidents, from Washington to Pierce included. He was born at Mount Airy, Maryland, April 30, 1781, and died at Arlington House, Fairfax County, Virginia, October 10, 1857.
The marriage, on Tuesday, May 3, 1853, by Rev. B. Lowe, of George B. Gardner, editor of the New Era, to Miss Maria Amanda Robinson, of Washington, is announced in the issue of that journal
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of May 5th. In consequence of the event, the readers of the paper were requested to excuse all lack of editorial matter that week, as the editor and his bride had " started away on a rural jaunt." In the issue of the New Era, of May 19, 1853, is published the marriage, on the 18th of that month, of Hugh F. Kemper, of Walnut Hills, Ohio, to Miss Mary Jane Miller, daughter of the officiating clergyman, Rev. S. J. Miller, then pastor in charge of the Presbyterian Church of Washington. D. A. Harrison was practicing law here then, and A. S. Dickey and Robert M. Briggs were partners in the practice of the same profession. C. H. Bell was postmaster here, in 1853. July 2d, of that year, by a vote of 247 ballots in favor and 41 against, the citizens of Union Township, this county, instructed the township trustees to subscribe $15,000 stock toward the building of the Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad. It cost "the dear people," however, about $30,000 before they got through the grubbing process; and the road—well, it wasn't built !
From the same paper we learn that Wilmington, Clinton, County, was placed in railroad communication with Cincinnati on the 11th of August, 1853, by the Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville Railroad, which thoroughfare now forms part of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad system. The celebration of the event, according to the published account, brought together about nine thousand people at Wilmington. Speech-making on the occasion was indulged in by Dr. Griswold, of Circleville; Colonel McVay, of Lancaster; William Neil, of Columbus ; Judge McKay and Isaiah Morris, of Wilmington ; and A. De Graff, contractor, then known as " the railroad king." In connection therewith, it was mentioned that Mr. Ashmead, the contractor for laying down the iron of the road, had been engaged, twenty-six years before, on the Liverpool and Manchester (England) Railway, "the first road constructed in the world (as was stated) for general travel and traffic." Frank Corwin was then president of the C. W. & Z. R. it, and E. W. Woodward chief engineer. Trains commenced running from Washington to Cincinnati on the 24th of November, 1853. In November, 1855, trains were regularly run through to Zanesville.
576 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
WASHINGTON REGISTER.
George B. Gardner commenced the publication of the Fayette New Era in March, 1849, and continued to issue it until March, 1855, when he and his brother, Thomas F., who had for some time held a partnership interest in the journal, disposed of the office and business interest to Elgar B. Pearce and J. C. D. Hanna, who, on the 15th of March of that year, issued the initial number of the Washington Register, with E. B. Pearce as editor. In his salutatory the editor says : "The Register, untrammeled by the chains of party influence, will go forth free to condemn the evil and approve the good, whether in high places or low—it will go forth invoking the spirit of truth to guide its voyage. The platform we stand upon is projected of good, substantial material—independent in all things, neutral in nothing. * * * We wish it to be distinctly understood that the Register is not a neutral paper. Of all things, we most detest a sluggish neutrality."
The leading feature of the Register was the giving of special attention to the publication of home news, for which purpose a "local department" was immediately created by its editor—a new departure in journalism here—a field, in fact, until that time sadly neglected.
September 10, 1857, Mr. Hanna disposed of his interest. in the establishment to Mr. Pearce, who, as sole proprietor, continued to publish the Register until near the close of April, 1864. He died at his residence here, June 8, 1864.
OHIO STATE REGISTER.
A short time afterward Samuel Pike effected arrangements whereby he procured and took control of the office, and commenced the publication of the Ohio State Register, a Democratic journal. After a six months' probation, he was succeeded in the proprietorship and management by W. C. Gould, who caused the Register to do service for the Democracy until April 24, 1873. During 1871 Mr. Gould changed the title of the paper to Register and People's Advocate, with the motto: "That nation is most prosperous where labor commands the greatest reward." Its hobby was opposition to "monopolies" and "middlemen."
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April 24, 1873, Simmons & Beasley (H. H. Simmons and W. A. Beasley) succeeded W. C. Gould in proprietary interest. They revived the title of Ohio State Register, and continued to promulgate Democratic doctrine and theory. March 25, 1875, Mr. Beasley assumed entire control of the establishment, by arranging for the purchase of Mr. Simmons' interest therein, and continued to publish the paper until October of that year. He died here, at the Shaw House, on the 24th of that month. D. I. Worthington (who had in the meantime caused the publication of the journal to be continued), as administrator, a short time afterward sold the office and business interest to H. V. Kerr, who issued his commencement number December 9, 1875. At the time of purchase Mr. Kerr was Democratic state senator from the district composed of the counties of Brown and Clermont. He died suddenly, of neuralgia of the heart, at his home in Batavia, Clermont County, March 27, 1881. At the time of his death he was state librarian. He was a man of fine social qualities—one who, in deportment, was remarkably courteous and gentlemanly. J. D. Kerr, his son, has, as proprietor since his father's death, conducted; the affairs of the paper. Since Mr. Pike's advent, in .June, 1864, to the present time, that journal has been the Democratic organ here.
FAYETTE COUNTY HERALD.
The publication of this paper was commenced here December 11, 1858, by William Millikan. November 26, 1868, W. W. Millikan, son of the former gentleman, was admitted to partnership in its management and editorial conduct
It was the first journal to espouse the cause of Republicanism in this county. In that field, as well as encouraging the upbuilding of our business and local interests, it has done, and will continue to do, noble and valiant service.
THE NEWS.
Gould & Jones (W. C. Gould and Frank M. Jones) Commenced the publication of the News in the second story of McLean's block, opposite the court house, June 3, 1874. As briefly expressed by its publishers, it was a journal " independent upon all subjects—opposed to all monopolies." November 28, 1874, the interest of Mr.
578 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
Gould in the paper was purchased by Mr. Jones, who continued its publication until March 18, 1876. when he moved the office material to Mount Sterling, in the adjoining county of Madison, where for a time (about four months, as we are informed,) he still further continued its publication. Mr. Jones subsequently sold the material to A. Voigt, who removed it to Bainbridge, Ross County, where he published a paper for a season. Mr. Voigt afterward shipped the material to Jeffersonville, this county, where, on the 16th of October, 1880, he commenced (and still continues) the publication of the Jeffersonville Chronicle, the pioneer journal in that village. It is "devoted to Jeffersonville and vicinity, the farmer, mechanic, and business men, local and general news," etc. Office over Howard's harness shop.
FAYETTE REPUBLICAN.
Wednesday, September 17, 1879, T. F. Gardner commenced the publication of the Fayette Republican. In his initial number Mr. Gardner says: "The Republican will advocate the principles of the party whose name it bears. * * * As a journalist, it shall be our aim to chronicle all the local events of town and county, of which we may become cognizant, be they good or bad." And the woefully bad he with gall-tipped pen doth flagellate, to the intense edification of the truly good.
As indicative of the business changes which have taken place within the interim, we give below the names of those engaged in mercantile pursuits here during 1855, together with the amounts by them invested in business operations, and returned for assessment purposes, as shown by the books of the county auditor. We take the statement from the Washington Register of July 12th, of the year mentioned.
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At the meeting of pioneers held here on the 4th of July, there was present, according to the Herald
How many of them can answer roll call here today ?
580 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
In the Register office, (the Register office that was, but which years agone ceased to be,) there stood for some years, after Elgar B. Pearce took editorial control of that establishment, the first printing-press brought to Washington. It was shipped here 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 ii business pursuit. It was afterward shipped to that establishment, and is no doubt yet to be seen in the queen city, among the many rare and well-kept relics which there have an abiding place. 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 caustic and severe ; and many truths which bore good fruit sprung 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, the 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 sheet impressions per hour was considered quite rapid work, but today, in the Herald office, with power-press facilities, one thousand sheets per hour can be printed. Then the size of the newspapers published here was 18x26 inches; today they are 28x44. Of reading matter one paper of today will contain as much as six did then ; yet the subscription price then was greater than now.
WOOLEN MANUFACTURES.
In the early settlement of this county the work of manufacturing woolen goods was all done by hand, handcards, the common spinning wheel, and the loom ; and if any fulling, it was done by the feet on the floor.
The first of the advance was said to have been a set of roll-cards, propelled by horse power, introduced about the year 1814 by a Mr. Lupton, from Clinton County, Ohio. This manufactory was located in the eastern part of Washington. The business was
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continued some three or four years, when the machinery was sold and removed out of the county.
In the year 1825, Dr. Thomas McGarraugh and Joseph Elliott erected a building in the most central part of town for the same purpose. It was limited in capacity, and continued for some three years, when it was sold to Andrew Holt, who purchased a lot near the old graveyard, and erected a large frame building in which to carry on the business. After running it two or three years, in about 1830 he sold to Eber Patrick, who continued in the same place—with the exception of one or two years, while it was in the hands of J. Webster—until the year 1843, when he sold the premises and entire machinery to John and William Robinson, who immediately introduced steam power. They also added fulling, dyeing and finishing.
In 1832, Judge D. McLean purchased a full set of cards, with an outfit for dyeing, fulling, and finishing. His building was on lot number five, Court Street. He continued the business for five or six years, and then sold out to Mr. Walker, formerly of Washington, who removed the machinery to Indiana.
Samuel Lydy bought one set of cards of E. Patrick, and introduced steam power—having purchased boiler and engine from Y. Green—probably the first brought to this county. In a short time it was purchased by Robert Robinson & Son (Henry), and was controlled by them until 1845, when the building and power were sold to Weller & Mizer for a blacksmith shop, and the machinery was abandoned and sold for old iron. Soon after this, J. & W. Robinson purchased the premises of Eber Patrick, and added some spinning machinery, yet on a limited scale. In 1848, James Pursell and
J. Bohrer bought the interest of William Robinson. Again machinery was introduced for carding, and also a new jack for spinning.
In 1850 the firm was known as Pursell & McElwain. They added to the machinery, and by procuring skilled workmen kept, or rather increased, the home manufacture. But with the improvements necessary for the development of the county dame the railroad from Cincinnati to Zanesville, and compelled its removal.
In 1855 it passed into the hands of B. Pursell and George Wherritt, and was removed to a school building on lot number twenty-one. In 1856 it was purchased by B. Pursell and George Easterbrook. In 1857 it was sold to George Price, an experienced
582 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.
manufacturer, who anticipated an improvement, but for want of means only added a small twister for making stocking yarn. He continued the business until the close of the year 1860.
In 1861 it passed into the hands of I. C. Van Deman The home manufacture bad been largely diminished by the introduction of foreign ready-made goods, but that dark year, when all home productions were at extremely low prices—corn as low as fifteen to sixteen cents per bushel, and wool twenty-five cents per pound—attention was turned somewhat to home work. By securing competent workmen, the business was again increased, and soon it became necessary to enlarge the building. In 1864, D. Clark, a former manufacturer in London, whose mill was destroyed by fire, became a partner. The improvements began were completed, and more machinery purchased. Another set of machines, with eight power looms and a larger twister, was added. In the early part of 1866 D. Clark sold his one-half interest to J. Dews. He also was a practical manufacturer. The increase of business under his persevering and skillful management, necessitated the introduction of the latest improved machinery, in order to manufacture the finest class of wool grown in the county. To this end, the large brick building, first built for a distillery, and afterward used for a hub and spoke factory, was purchased, and the machinery moved into it in the winter of 1867-8. More machinery was added as means could be procured. An effort was made to secure a company for the purpose of increasing the facilities for manufacturing, but capital seemed to be otherwise directed.
In February, 1872, Mr. Dews died, and his interest was immediately withdrawn. Not only his capital, but his skill was missed, yet the business continued.
In the summer of 1875 more capital was procured, and the business increased. This firm was known as J. C. & E. B. Van Deman, and in 1876 Van Deman & Jones. Water Street being dedicated to two railroads—the Dayton & Southeastern and the Springfield, Jackson & Pomeroy—communication was cat off for retail trade, and not having sufficient capital to increase to general wholesale trade, in 1880 the machinery was sold and removed to Fort Scott, Kansas. At this time there is not a woolen mill in the county for general manufacture. |