460 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

CHAPTER XIV.

AGRICULTURE DURING THE PIONEER DAYS-ITS GROWTH AND PROGRESS

-BUILDINGS, IMPLEMENTS AND CROPS OF THE EARLY SETTLERS-PI-

ONEER FARMING AND TEAMING-LABORERS, STOCK AND MAR-

KETS-FINE STOCK-HARDIN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SO-

CIETY-ROADS AND PIKES-RAILROADS.

BY reference to the topographical description of the county in another chapter, the reader will readily infer that, although covering a small area of territory compared with other counties, few possess finer agricultural advantages. In the earlier settlement of this section, ponds, marshes and swamps abounded where to-day are found fertile and well-cultivated fields. The low and flat places were avoided for the higher ground, not only on account of the wetness, but for sanitary reasons. The proximity of a spring, also, had much to do with the location of a cabin; but in the selection of places for the erection of other buildings, convenience was the ordinary test. The corn-crib, made of rails or poles, and covered with prairie hay or clapboards, as convenience suggested. was as apt to be in close proximity to the " front door " as at the rear of the building, or near the stable. In the matter of stables and corn-cribs, very little improvement took place until long after material changes lead been made in the dwellings, and we wonder at this day at the want of consideration shown, not only in the general arrangement of these outbuildings. but of many things connected with the household work. which now are considered of prime importance. Agricultural implements were, at the first. necessarily rude, and the state of agriculture of a corresponding character. Even had such a matter been known, there was little need for "scientific" agriculture. The soil was new and productive, and it was a question simply of home supply, while for many years the markets within reasonable distance scarcely repaid the labor of hauling. The methods and implements employed fully answered the purposes for which they were intended.

The first substantial inclosures were constructed of rails in the form still used, called the worm fence-in a new country with abundance of timber the cheapest, most substantial and durable fence that, may be built. After the sod was broken, the ground was mellow and plowed with oxen. The plow in common use was a long woolen one, somewhat after the shape of the plow now in use, with an iron sole and point and an iron cutter. The immigrant usually brought his plow with him, but many did not own one until he made it, or had it made by some mechanic of the settlement. If the field was too full of stumps and roots, the mattock and hoe were required to do good service and the field was planted in corn. The corn was dropped by hand-in which work the girls took part-and was covered and cultivated with the hand hoe. Many farmers in the later days followed the same method, but the horse-hoe or shovel-plow soon began to be used, and gradually worked its way into general use, to mark out the rows and cross-furrows for the "dropper," and to follow after to cover the seed. Finally the "double-shovel" plow drove. the hand hoe from the corn-field,

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while the horse, with the changes in implements, superseded the ox. Invention has kept pace with the demand for better improved machinery, but after the lapse of more than three-quarters of a century, the science of corn raising is still far from perfect. Though great changes have been made in modes of planting and culture, as well as in the style of the implements used, it is questionable whether larger corn crops are raised than were produced fifty years ago. The future will probably show material changes in these, rather than in the form of the machinery, and the past ten years have made great changes in both respects. Today, save in the cutting, shocking and husking, the use of machinery enters into every process, while in Illinois a machine is now in use for cutting and shocking corn at the same time. Invention has come to the assistance of the farmer, as it has come to all other industries, and lifted from his life the drudgery of toil; yet it is a matter of surprise that none of the great labor-saving agricultural implements have been invented by farmers. In the cultivation of wheat, greater changes have perhaps taken place than in the planting and gathering of corn. The land was plowed the same as for corn, and harrowed with a wooden-toothed harrow or smoothed by dragging over the ground a heavy brush, weighted down, if necessary, with a stick of timber. It was then sown broadcast by hand, at the rate of a bushel to a bushel and a half per acre, and "harrowed" in with the brush. Though corn-meal was the main reliance for bread, and continued to be for many years, yet wheat was raised at an early day. Occasionally a field would be grown producing what was called "sick wheat," so named from its tendency to cause vomiting. Various devices were adopted to obviate this difficulty, but none of any avail; but this class of grain was usually converted into whisky. The cause of this poison in the wheat has never been definitely ascertained; whether it was on account of the malarial locality in which it was grown, the variety of wheat, or simply caused by the wheat getting wet and sprouting is yet a matter of dispute It has been described as differing little or none from the wheat now grown, except in the appearance of a red spot on the grain, indicating a sprout; but whatever the cause, it has totally disappeared.

The wheat harvest ripened in the earlier part of July, and farmers expected to be pretty fairly in the field by the " Glorious Fourth." The implement used was either the sickle or cradle, and, not infrequently, both, in the same field. The sickle was at first the only instrument; but soon the cradle came into common use, and finally superseded altogether the more primitive implement. The reaper followed in the course of time, and has now as well nigh effectually displaced the cradle as the latter did the sickle. Life on the farm necessarily compels the husbandmen to be a " jack-of-all-trades," and there were many farmers over the county who could not only make a tub or a barrel, but the frame work and fingers for the cradle. Sometimes an ingenious backwoodsman made it a business of repairing all classes of faun implements, and manufacturing new ones. When such a man lived in a neighborhood, he was usually well patronized.

There were few farmers who did not know how to swing the scythe and cradle, and there was no more pleasant picture on the farm than a gang of workmen in the harvest field, nor a more hilarious crowd. Three cradles would cut about ten acres a day, and one binder was expected to keep up with each cradler. Barns for the storage of the unthreshed grain are a comparatively modern invention, and as soon as the shock was supposed to be sufficiently cured, it was hauled to some place on the farm convenient, for threshing and feeding, and there stacked. Prior to the introduction of

462 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

threshing machines, this work was performed by flails, or tramping with horses, but generally the latter plan was adopted. The flail was used in stormy weather, on the sheltered floor, or when other farm work was not pressing the threshing by tramping, commonly in clear weather, on a level and welltramped clay floor, or in later days, if the space was sufficiently large, on the barn floor. When sufficiently tramped, the refuse straw was thrown into a stack, and the wheat cleaned by a fanning mill, or prior to the use of these mills, by letting it fall from a height of several feet, subject to the action of the wind. Other modes were also in vogue which the descendants of the pioneers are familiar with.

The next step was to get the wheat to market., but in the early days there was little surplus after the home demands were satisfied. This, however. did not continue many years, as each year added to the number of producers and as early as 1840 the hauling of wheat and other products to distant markets was the general practice. The custom was for several farmers to go in company. The roads were heavy and full of marshy places and the frontiersman's skill with the ax and ingenuity in "fixing up" a "break-down" were always in requisition. \% hen heavy loads were hauled, it was not unusual to take relays of horses with provender for the trip, the exchange of horses being made at about the half-way house on the road. Teamsters carried their own provisions, and camped out whenever nightfall came on, or if corn and hay taken for the trip were, consumed, to turn into the yard of one of the inns, to be found along the line of all the great thoroughfares, "for man and beast."

In a letter written us by B. R. Brunson, who for many years was a leading citizen of Kenton, but now a resident of ,Indianapolis, the writer in speaking on this subject says: "Forty years ago, I was engaged in the mercantile business in Columbus, Ohio, which at that time was to all appearances a finished town. In looking about for a growing town, I learned that there was a railroad to be built from the lake to the Ohio River (this being the only railroad then thought of in the State), and the idea struck me to locate on the line of the proposed railroad. As the country hart settled from the lake south and from the river north, Hardin County lying between the two settled portions of the State, was the new part "the far West." The distance to market north or south was so great that it required one week for a farmer to make the trip with his produce. At that time cash for country produce of any kind was unknown. I bought the first wheat for cash that was ever bought in the county, and wagoned it to Tiffin, then the southern terminus of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad."

Laborers were abundant, and the farmer had lithe or no difficulty in supplying himself with " hands." either for the season or for an emergency. Almost every one could swing the scythe or cradle, or perform any other work on the farm. The rule was, not only with the hired laborer, but with the farmer and his buys, to be at work with the early light. A day's work on the farm was the labor that might be performed between "sun and sun," and this was understood and accepted on the part of the employer and employs, though it was usual to perform the " shores " after the return from the field. The price of labor was 50 cents a day, which was also the wages of a harvest hand. A good farm hand could be hired at from $8 to $10 per month. There was no fixed price for produce or stock. Old settlers tell us that they have sold wheat as low as 25 cents per bushel, and stock at correspondingly low prices. In 1830, wheat hauled to Cincinnati brought 372 cents per bushel; a cow and calf, $12, and a brood sow, $5. A load

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 463

of flour containing eight barrels was exchanged at Cincinnati, in 1815, for two barrels of salt.

The swine of the early settlers, compared with the hogs of 1883, would present as wide a contrast as it is possible to conceive. Whatever the breed may have previously been called, running wild, as was customary, the special breed was soon lost in the mixed swine of the country. They were long and slim, long-snouted and long-legged, with an arched back and bristles erect from the back of the head to the tail, slab-sided, active and healthy; the "sapling-splitter,"and "razor-back," as he was called, was ever in the search of food, and quick to take alarm. He was capable of making a heavy hog, but required two years or more to mature, and, until a short time before butchering or marketing, was suffered to run at large, subsisting mainly as a forager, and in the fall fattening on the "mast." Yet this was the hog for a new country, whose nearest and best markets were in Detroit, Cincinnati and Baltimore, to which places they were driven on foot. Persons, then as now, engaged in the purchase and driving of swine or cattle as a special occupation, and, by means of trustworthy agents, visited distant sections to buy up large droves. It was not uncommon to see a drove of hogs driven to a certain place to be weighed before starting them on their long journey. As each porker was caught, it was thrust into a kindof leather receptacle, which was suspended to steelyards. As soon as the hog was fairly in the contrivance, the whole was lifted from the ground, and thus, one by one. the drove was weighed and a minute made of each, and with a pair of shears, a patch of bristles was cut from the hindquarters or some other mode of marking followed as evidence of the fact that the hog had been weighed. Two or three days' drive made the hogs quiet enough to be driven along the highway without much trouble, moving forward at an average gait of from eight to ten miles a day. Whenever the animals were wilder than usual, they were enticed into a pen, there caught, and their eyelids "stitched." or this was done during the weighing process. Thus blinded, the hogs seemed instinctively to keep the road, and reaching their destination a clip of the scissors or knife made all things right again. Almost every farmer raised a few hogs for market. which were gathered up by drovers and dealers. The delivery of hogs began usually in September, and the business was carried on past the middle of winter. The price ranged at about $1.25 per 100 pounds, though at times running up to $3.25 or $3.50, with a fair margin after driving to Cincinnati or Baltimore. About 1840, the hog trade was brisk, and speculation ran high. Many men about this time laid the foundation of subsequent fortunes, while doubtless others lost all in wild speculation. In no stock of the farm have greater changes been effected than in the hog. From the characteristics of this wild animal, long. legged, slab- sided, roach-backed, muscular, tall, long, active and fierce, it has been bred to be almost as square as a store bog, quiet as a sheep, taking on 250 pounds of flesh in ten months. They are now ranked in two distinctive breeds, which as far as Hardin County is concerned, have mainly narrowed to the Poland-China, though other breeds are found here.

In the early history of the county, there were few stock speculators, but those few supplied a want very much needed and appreciated by the first settlers. To raise cattle and hogs was not very difficult or expensive; but the difficulty consisted in getting them to market. There were but few marketable points within reach of the settlements, and the demands of these were in limited numbers only. The government agencies at San-

464 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

dusky or Detroit were ready purchasers for a small amount of this class of farm products. Subsequently, however, in the latter place, Canadian speculators purchased largely of cattle and hogs that were packed for the English markets. In addition to these places, some of the towns in the neighboring counties did a small amount of this kind of business; but the Eastern markets were the principal points of trade, yet to reach them was a difficult task. All this stock must necessarily be driven on foot a distance of hundreds of miles, with such surroundings as were peculiar to a country like this. With the coming of railroads, all such difficulties vanished as these great tramways of progress brought into easy access the most distant markets.

FINE STOCK.

The breeding of thoroughbred stock is not carried on so extensively in Hardin County as in the older counties further to the south and east; but it can claim a goodly number of those progressive men. who have done so much all over Ohio toward building up and improving the fine stock culture. In July, 1859, Justice C. Stevens, of Kenton, purchased, in Madison County, a fine bull calf, out of "Starlight," an imported animal owned by Hon. Charles Phellis, of Madison County, Ohio. Starlight was brought from England in 1853 by the "Madison County Stock Importing Company," and sold to Mr. Phellis for $3,000. This calf was the first short-horn animal that was brought to Hardin County, and may be said to have been the pioneer, though many years elapsed ere Mr. Stevens went into the business of breeding and dealing in fine stock. About 1870, he embarked regularly in the growth of thoroughbred short-horns, anal has since continued in the business. At the present time, he says," My herd numbers about sixty head of the following families: Rose of Sharon, Red Roses. Phyllises. Craggs, Louans, Clarksvilles, Victorias, Matildas, Denannas, etc. It is headed by the Pure Princess bull, Bell Bates, from the Fourteenth Duke of Thorndale, that sold at Mr. Bedford's sale for $17,900. My herd is large in size, mostly red, and many will make fine show animals when in flesh." Mr. Stevens is a resident of Kenton and President of the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank.

Commencing some time after Mr. Stevens in the breeding of fine blooded stock, but cotemporary with him in the quality of his herd. may be classed E. S. Butler, of Hale Township. We have been told that he possessed one of the finest show herds in Hardin County up to the fall of 1882, when he sold off the greater number of his animals, though still possessing some of the choice strains of the shorthorn breed. We also understand that he anticipates replenishing his herd in the near future, as he has always taken a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of the business.

Among other fine stock breeders of Hardin County, we have been given the names of Daniel H. Waggoner, of Pleasant Township; E. and John Allen, of Buck; J. AV. Stinson, of Round Head, and Americus Hartel, of Goshen. William Moore has been in the business, but has now abandoned the growth of thoroughbreds.

There are many very fine flocks of sheep scattered over the broad pastures of the county, but among those best known as fine sheep breeders are W. J. Emmons, of Goshen; E. S. Butler, of Hale; J. B. Pumphrey, of Goshen; D. H. Benton, of Buck; D. H. Waggoner, of Pleasant; J. R . Dunlap and J. B. Murray, of Marion; Aaron Curl, of Hale; George P. Frame, of Buck; John Woods, of Blanchard; A. S. Ranney, of Taylor Creek. and Jasper N. Welsh, of Kenton.

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 467

The principal Poland-China hog breeders are S. W. Phillips, of Marion Township; J. B. Pumphrey, of Goshen; Jasper N. Welsh, of Kenton; George Ansley, of Hale, and J. C. Stevens, of Kenton. We do not mean to say that the names here given are the only men in Hardin County who own and breed thoroughbred cattle, sheep and hogs, but they are considered the largest and best known breeders and dealers in fine blooded stock. Indeed, there are few good farmers in the county who do not possess some fine sheep, hogs or cattle, but they do not make a specialty of the business, and only raise them for the general market as they do any other productions of the farm.

In the last few years the breeding of thoroughbred horses has been commenced in Hardin County by Asher Letson, of Kenton. Though other horse fanciers own and deal in fine blooded horses, Mr. Letson continues to be the principal breeder in this county. It is a business that few men care to risk their money in, and it will, doubtless, be some years ere it reaches any magnitude in this portion of the State. It requires a wide experience and large means in this age of fast horses to breed. develop and successfully train those animals. and the owner of them finds the business Everything but money-making.

HARDIN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Pursuant to previous notice, a large number of the farmers and other citizens of Hardin County, Ohio, met at the Court House in Kenton on the 11th of February, 1851. for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society. David Kinnear called the meeting to order, whereupon Shepard Green was elected Chairman, and Charles Ashton, Secretary. Moved by David Kinnear that the chair appoint a committee of three to draft a constitution and by-laws-adopted. Accordingly the chair appointed Thomas Rough. William Kinnear and Walter King as said committee. David Thomson then ably addressed the meeting, showing in a brief speech the necessity of and advantages to be derived from an agricultural organization. Edward Stillings being called upon ably showed the benefits to be derived from farming by an intelligent system, and the best way for farmers to procure the necessary information. The committee appointed for this purpose then reported a constitution and by-laws, which, after a few amendments were adopted.

The society then elected the following officers for the present year: John F. Henkle, President; Thomas Rough, Vice President: Joel K. Goodin, Secretary; Walter King. Treasurer; Shepard Green, Obed Taylor, Moses Kibie. Daniel K. Seig and Abraham Dille, Board of Managers.

On motion, the following committee. consisting of one person in each township to solicit names to become members, was then appointed: Abner Snoddy, of Hale; Peter C. Boslow, Jackson; Portius Wheeler, Dudley; Harvey Buckmister, Buck; Squire Yeager, Goshen. Jacob Holmes, Pleasant; David Kirkpatrick, Marion; J. P. Price, Taylor Creek: Bernard Matthews. Cessna: Barnhart Wagoner. Washington; Daniel Campbell, McDonald; John Tressel. Libertv; Hugh D. Miller. Blanchard; James M. White, Round Head.

The first fair was held by the Society at Kenton, Wednesday, October 22, 1851, and great efforts were put forth to make it a success. Temporary grounds were fitted up in a rude way on a vacant lot west of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad, on the north side of Columbus street. The weather was fine and a large attendance greeted the opening. The exhibit was a

468 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

good one; nearly every portion of the county was represented, and the premiums were, therefore, equally distributed, while the fair as a whole proved a gratifying success and very creditable to its projectors and promoters. Thus was laid the foundation of the Hardin County Agricultural Society, whose prosperity, with the exception of a few years, has continued to the present. On the 1st of January, 1852, the Society held its second regular meeting at the court house. The President being absent, Thomas Rough, Vice President, called the meeting to order, and stated that the present was the annual meeting of the Society, for the election of officers, and such other business as may be brought before the Society. On motion of Isaiah McConnell, the constitution was so amended that the election of all officers should be by ballot. On motion, the Society then proceeded to the election of officers, which resulted as follows: Thomas Rough, President; David Kinnear, Vice President; Joel K. Goodin, Secretary; Walter King, Treasurer.

Board of Managers----Obed Taylor, of Pleasant; Abner Snoddy, of Hale: Samuel Wilmoth, of Pleasant: John F. Henkle, of Round Head; Sheppard Green. of Buck.

On motion. a committee of three in each township was appointed to solicit names for membership for the year ensuing, as follows: Abel H. Allen, Harvey Buckmister and Thomas Dodds, of Buck; John Goodin, G. P Ingman, and J. S. Robinson, of Pleasant; Abner Snoddy, Benjamin R. Beamer and Jonathan Seig, of Hale: Portius Wheeler, Elias Lounes and Miles W. Van Fleet, of Dudley; Bernard Matthews, F. M. Cory and James Leeper, of Cessna; R. M. Brayton, -- Corbin and Thomas Hueston, of Jackson; Reuben Huff, James Thompson and William Dempster, of Marion; Robert Miller, Esquire Ridgeway and Robert Dixon, of Goshen; HD. :Miller, J. A. Thomson and Joseph Reed, of Blanchard; Hugh McElroy. James Candler and David Sleicter, of Liberty; Andrew Kridler. Blanchard Waggoner, Jr., and Squire Jones. of Washington; Samuel McCullock, P. K. Seig and Nathaniel Norman, of Taylor Creek; George Martin, J. F. Henkle and J. M. White. of Round Head; P. Wells, Alexander Given and Joseph Williams. of McDonald. The fair of this year was held on the same lot as the previous one. The two following fairs of 1853 and 1854 were held in the northern part of Kenton. in a lot between Detroit and Main streets, south of the railroad crossing.

Prior to the fair held October 5 and 6, 1855, the Society purchased five acres of ground west of Kenton for "county fair grounds." It was immediately inclosed and was used by the society until 1869. Early in that year. the property known as the " Trotting Park," lying south of the river, bounded by the Scioto, the railroad and the Round Head Pike, and containing twenty-eight acres, was purchased for the sum of $3,500. J. S. Robinson, J. C. Stevens and John R. Gunn were appointed a committee to superintend the fitting up of the grounds for the coming fair. In October, 1869, the first fair was held in these grounds, which were used as the fair grounds of the Agricultural Society for thirteen years. On November 15, 1881, this second ground was sold to J. C. Smith for the sum of $9,000; and, January 13, 1882, J. L. Clark, Chairman, W. A. Kelly, Jacob Kenzig, J. C. Marshall and D. H. LeVan were appointed a committee to select. a site for a new fair ground. On the 3d of February, 1882, the committee reported that they had purchased from Asher Letson a tract of land for the new ground. The board ratified their action, and on the 17th of March the contract was signed and the sale became valid.

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 469

The ground embraces 45 and 41-100 acres, and cost $6,811.50. It lies immediately south of Kenton, just across the corporation line. The following committees were appointed at the February meeting to superintend the necessary improvements, viz., buildings and wells, Dr. D. H. LeVan, W . A. Kelly and John H. Pfeiffer; stalls and fence, J. C. Marshall. J. L. Clark, W. A. Kelly and Alonzo Lynch; cattle arrangements, Jacob Kenzig, E. H. Allen, and Alonzo Lynch: pig pens and sheep pens, J. D. Cessna, Frank Given and A. Shaw; Supervision of Building the Track, James M. White. The fence cost $890.74; buildings and stalls, $2.645.28; well, $167.62; clearing $40.92; ditching. $229.49; track. $1,376.04, which, together with the land, made a total cost up to the close of 1882 of $12,161.59, while its total debt is about $2,6O0. The officers of 1882, under whose administration the grounds were bought and improved were as follows: J. M. White. President: J. L. Clark, Vice President: O. E. Rhodes. Secretary: W. A. Morton, Treasurer. Board of Managers. -E. H. Allen, J. D. Cessna, Frank Given, W. A. Kelly, Jacob Kenzig, Alonzo Lynch, D. H. LeVan, J. C. Marshall, John H. Pfeiffer and A. Shaw. The grounds are new and will. therefore. need much more improvement ere thev present a finished appearance: yet they possess one of the best half-mile tracks in this portion of Ohio. The first fair was held thereon October 4, 5, 6 and 7, 1882, and was very successful, showing that the people fully appreciated the indefatigable exertions of the officers and Board of Managers in procuring a fair ground worthy of Hardin County. We notice that the books of the Society date its organization from 1855, which was the year the first grounds were purchased. following the fair of 1882, " the 28th Annual Fair of the Hardin County Agricultural Society." We do not know why no notice has been taken of the first four fairs hold, viz., 1851, 1852, 1853 and 1854; but suppose that upon the purchases of grounds in 1855, the Society was reorganized, and dated its beginning from that year.

It now embraces a membership of 212, with the following officers: J. L. Clark, President: W. A. Kelly. Vice President; Charles Collier, Secretary; W. A. Norton. Treasurer; Board of Managers-E. H. Allen, J. D. Cessna, Frank Given. Jacob Kenzig, G. P. Frame, J. C. Marshall, John H. Pfeiffer. A. Shaw, A. S. Ranney and G. S. Binckley. One of the truly creditable evidences of stability connected with the Agricultural Society is that its fairs have been regularly held since 1851. without missing a year. Few county societies in Ohio can say as much, and we feel justified in asserting that it has grown in importance from year to year, until today it is one of the most prosperous societies in the State.

ROADS AND PIKES.

With the beginning of the present century, the topography of the territory now composing Hardin County was unbroken by a aingle road, but early in the war of 1812, a military road was opened through the forest from Bellefontaine to the Maumee River, passing through the center of this county from its southern to its northern boundary line. This road was known as "Hull's trail," being called after Gen. Hull, who then held the chief command of the Western army, but whose career came to an ignominious close through his disgraceful surrender at Detroit. The second road through this county was made by Gen. Shelby in September, 1813, on the line of the "Old Shawnee trail," spoken of in a previous chapter. Soon after the erection of Hardin, in 1820, this old road was occupied by the Cincinnati & Sandusky Stage Line Company; and these two roads were the

470 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

main communications between the settlements south of the Hardin County line and those along the Manmee and the shores of Lake Erie.

Throughout the earlier years of the county's history, roads were opened in nearly every portion thereof. and running in every direction; but most of them were little better than wagon tracks through the almost unbroken forest. Many of these highways were wide enough, but as a rule were execrable in wet weather. The undrained country partly explained the cause. At certain times when the grnund was frozen and worn smooth, or dry and solid, no roads were better; but for many years the proceeds of the road laws, in money or labor, were totally inadequate to keep them even in tolerable condition at the time most wanted, and only within recent years has it dawned into the minds of our road-makers that a good drainage is essential to a good road bed. Thirty years ago, in every section of the county, the "corduroy" was found on every road, which was the name given to the roads made of rails or poles placed crosswise, through the soft and miry places. Occasionally heavy loads at this day will cut through the gravel crust and tear up fragments of the hidden "corduroy." Hardin County was noted for bad roads, and many persons who came with a view of locating in the county would leave in disgust after seeing the roads.

Thus they remained until 1869, when the Legislature passed a very liberal law to encourage the improvement of roads. The Commissioners realizing that what Hardin County needed was better roads, took steps toward constructing free turnpikes under the new law. The Commissioners at that time were Samuel Wood, David Snodgrass and Benjamin R. Brunson, the latter of whom was the prime mover in the proposed improvements. They were immediately confronted by a violent opposition, claiming that the taxes would bankrupt, the county. The two Commissioners, Messrs. Brunson and Snodgrass had to shoulder the responsibility, as Mr. Wood protested. It was well known that there was plenty of material in the southern part. of the county, but, as was supposed, there was none in the northern part, consequently the tax-payers in the northern part. supposing they would be taxed to improve the southern part, without receiving any benefit. were very furious. At one time it was hardly safe for Mr. Brunson to go north. The question arose--How could this gravel, three miles south of Kenton, be transported to the northern part of the county? It could only be done by building a railroad track to the gravel bank, and chartering a train of cars for that purpose. There was no law authorizing the Commissioners to do this, and the opposition threatened an injunction if the attempt was made. The law authorized the Commissioners to levy a tax of 4 mills for road making to be used as they thought best, also to issue bonds in anticipation of collection. A clamor was made for a division of the finds. This was not deemed advisable by the Board of Commissioners, who then made the following proposition. that where the land-holders would agree to pay one-third the cost they would have an equal benefit of the county tax of 4 mills. This proposition gave general satisfaction, but the work could not get forward until the county had built a half mile of railroad to the gravel banks and chartered trains of cars. There would be no money collected before the following Jannary, and this could not be done without money. How could it be arranged so as to prevent a year's delay? There had been collected and was lying in the county treasury $10,000 for ditching the Hog Creek marsh. The season had been so wet that no work could be done on the marsh; but the owners of the marsh objected and had instructed their attorney, Judge Bain, to enjoin the Commissioners in

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 471

case they attempted to use the fund for road purposes. The Legislature, however, had passed a law, authorizing Commissioners (where a tax had been levied, and the money was in the treasury, not immediately required), to use that money for another fund if necessary, and replace it when the tax was collected. When Mr. Brunson called the attention of Judge Bain to this law, no further effort was made to prevent the use of the money.

The way was now clear, if the board were willing to assume the responsibility of building the railroad and chartering the cars at a cost of $50 per day. The two Commissioners named took the responsibility. besides buying forty acres of gravel land, and from this they took gravel to make 100 miles of pike and then sold the land for cost. Some croakers found fault with the Commissioners for buying the land at a high price, and when they sold it for as much as it cost the county growled because it was sold so low. The following winter the pike law was so amended that it could not be enforced until submitted to a vote; enough had already been done to show the benefits of good roads, that a majority vote was obtained. The next move was to get a law passed to legalize what had been done, and in the face of a strong opposition, with hundreds of names remonstrating against any law to relieve the Commissioners, the law was passed. An injunction had also been prepared, but when bonds were required for damages if not sustained, they prudently withdrew. The pikes became so popular that afterward land-holders willingly paid one-half the cost on all the hikes they could get authority to make. Few counties in this portion of Ohio have such a complete network of gravel pikes as Hardin can now boast of. Radiating from Kenton in every direction, the traveler will find splendid pikes: and since they were begun in 1869, the population of the county has increased about 10,000 inhabitants. while the value of real estate has "gone up" beyond the most sanguine expectations of its owners. The county now contains about 230 miles of gravel roads, valued at $2,500 per mile. Its streams are spanned by good bridges, and its citizens are proud of the high reputation their county bears as the possessor of these evidences of civilization sod progress. The work of building pikes still goes on, under the supervision of competent men employed by the County Commissioners, and if good roads is a sign of intelligence among the people, its all political economists claim thenare. Hardin County may proudly court comparison.

RAILROADS.

On the 5th of January, 1832, the Ohio Legislature passed an act incorporating the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company. This company was " vested with the right to construct a railway from Dayton via Springfield, Ravenna, Bellefontaine, to or near Upper Sandusky, Tiffin and Lower Sandusky (Fremont), to Sandusky City." On the 25th day of March, 1837, the Stare of Ohio passed a law loaning the credit of the State to the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad Company to the extent. of $270,000. With this amount as a basis. the incorporators commenced the construction of the Mad River & Lake Erie Railroad from Dayton to Sandusky City. On the 16th of March, 1839, an act was passed authorizing the Commissioners of Hardin County to subscribe $30,000 to the capital stock of said compauy. The subscription was made and the road located through Kenton. It was many years in building, and, being the first road proposed through this county, its advent was looked for with great interest by the citizens thereof. The northern end of the road was early placed under contract, and though the company experienced many financial embarrassments, it was finally

472 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

completed from Sandusky City to Kenton, on the 4th of July, 1846. A grand demonstration was held at Kenton on that day in honor of the arrival of the first train from Lake Erie, and every one. felt joyous and happy over the completion of this much-needed commercial highway, connecting the Eastern markets with Kenton. On the 30th of July, 1848, the road was completed to Urbana, and, September 2, the first train reached Springfield. January 25, 1851, the last rail was laid connecting Dayton with Lake Erie. The Little Miami Railroad, which had been completed from Cincinnati to Springfield, in 1846, made an unbroken line of road from the Ohio to the Lake. The road has experienced many vicissitudes of fortune and changes of name. In 1858, its name was changed to the Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad Company. In 1866, it was re-organized under the title of the Sandusky & Cincinnati Railroad Company, who leased the road to the Cincinnati, Dayton & Eastern Railroad Company for ninetynine years, but by mutual agreement the lease was surrende red Jan nary 9, 1868. Two days afterward, the name was changed to the Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad Company. It was operated under this title for something over thirteen years. but on the 8th of March 1881, the read was leased to the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad Company for ninety-nine years, who took control May 1 of that year. It enters the northeast corner of Hardin County, in Section 5, Jackson Township, thence runs in a southwesterly direction through Jackson and Pleasant Townships to Kenton; thence in the same general course, passing through the corners of Buck, Lynn, Taylor Creek and McDonald Townships, leaving the county near the southeast corner of the latter township, in Survey 14,032 It has three stations north of Kenton in Hardin County. viz., Grant, Patterson and Forest, and two south of that town, Silver Creek and Yelverton. The progress of this great thoroughfare since 1881 has been rapid, and to-day it is one of the great lines among the many in this State.

The Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad Company was incorporated February 25, 1848, and in 1852, the road was built through Hardin County, Hale Township subscribing $15,000 toward the enterprise. It extended eastward from Union City, on the Indiana State line, to Galion, Ohio; and in 1864 was consolidated with the Indianapolis, Pittsburgh & Cleveland Railroad, which ran from Union City to Indianapolis, under the name of the Bellefontaine Railway Company. Iii April, 1868, this line was consolidated with the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati Railroad Company, under the title of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway Company. which has ever since been one of the most popular and successful lines operated in the West.. It enters Hardin County in Survey 10,239, Hale Township; thence passes in a northeast direction through Hale, crossing the southeast corner of Dudley Township and on into Marion County, leaving Hardin in Survey 14,910. Mount Victory and Ridgeway are its only stations in this county.

The Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company was incorporated March 20, 1850, and the road was constructed in 1853-54. The contest between Kenton and the northern portion of the county for the location of the road was sharp and spirited; but the people of Kenton let the opportunity pass, refusing to appropriate the required amount until it was too late, then they regretted their apatby or want of enterprise. It strikes the eastern line of Hardin County on the Section line between Sections 5 and 8, Jackson Township; running in a southwest course, it crosses Jackson, Blanchard, Washington and Liberty Townships, and enters Allen County near the southwest

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 473

corner of Section 19 in the latter subdivision. The stations on this road inside the boundaries of Hardin County are Forrest, Dunkirk, North Washington and Ada. In 1856, the Ohio & Indiana Railroad Company was consolidated with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company, which corporation has since operated the line. This well-known highway has always borne a first-class reputation for speed, accommodation, convenience and safety.

One of the most, if not the most, important public improvement constructed in Hardin County during the last thirty years was the building of the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad. This road starts at Marion and runs to Chicago via Lima, so that the route through Kenton is on the line of a direct course from one to the other of those places. It strikes the eastern line of Hardin County in Section 13, Dudley Township, and runs in a northwest direction. From a point a short distance north of the old Cape bridge in said township, it follows close along the river to near Nicholas Rarey's in the southeast corner of Pleasant Township, where it crosses by a solid iron bridge to the south side and enters the limits of the corporation of Kenton just at the corner of Gen, Walker's premises and just south of the site of a pottery once located there. Crossing the Marysville pike at that point, it enters the lands of Asher Letson. crossing the west end of the old George Reese outlot lying between the two Steiner lots to the Bellefontaine pike and through the Hannah Murphy lot to the Indianapolis, Burlington & Warsaw Railroad. Thence across Hiram Kettle's premises and a number of small lots to the Round Head pike, and then cutting off a portion of the old fair grounds, enters the farm of Gen. Robinson and up the Scioto, clipping bends and straightening the stream for nearly a mile, and continuing the course taken from a point on Asber Letson's land, north 69' 45' west, crossing McCoy Run a quarter of a mile above its mouth and the Scioto River in the marsh on a pile bridge 1,600 feet long; thence to the Shadley farms. where a slight change is made in the course that carries it across the Ada pike at Jagger's, just north of Section 17, crossing the county line on the Connor farm south of Albert Dempster's, in Section 7, Marion Township, and thence to Lima. The side tracks, water tank and depot in Kenton are located east of the Bellefontaine pike, the side tracks extending to near the Marysville pike. The rails are laid on the entire line and many of the depots, round houses, etc., built. The ballast is on for many miles, the section between Marion and Lima being completed and opened for traffic May 1, 1883. There are two stations in this county east of Kenton. viz., Dudley and Hepburn, and three west, viz., Oakland, Scioto and Preston. Gen. James S. Robinson, Thomas Espy and L. T. Hunt were the prime movers in securing the favorable location of this great thoroughfare, the building of which has already increased the population of Kenton in a large degree, besides enhancing the value of real estate all along its line. These men are true benefactors of the people, who owe them a deep debt of gratitude for their enterprise and public spirit.

In 1841, the whole State contained thirty-six miles of railroad; in 1882, it had more than 7,000 miles within its borders: while to-day, Hardin County alone possesses about ninety miles, or nearly three times as much as the whole State of Ohio forty-two years ago. Judging the future growth and prosperity of the county by its past history, we can safely conclude that ere the close of this century its internal improvements will have reached a point far beyond the fondest hopes of its present inhabitants.