518 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVII.

THE PRESS-WHIG AND REPUBLICAN PAPERS-THE HARDIN "INTELLIGENCER"

''WEEKLY NEWS"AND "HARDIN COUNTY REPUBLICAN"-KENTON "REPUB

LICAN"-DEMOCRATIC PAPERS-THE KENTON' "DEMOCRAT"-KENTON

"HERALD "-DEMOCRATIC "" EXPOSITOR"-"NOR'WEST"- " WEST

ERN COURIER"-"HARDIH COUNTY DEMOCRAT'-"DEMOCRATIC

ADVOCATE "-KENTON "DEMOCRAT"-INDEPENDENT PAPERS

-THE KENTON "NEWS"-KENTON "WOCHENBLATT"

"CATHOLIC LOCAL. NEWS"--TILE MEDICAL PROFES-

SION OF KENTON-SECRET SOCIETIES-CITY

OFFICIALS-FILE PROTECTION AND CITY

BUILDINGS -CEMETERIES.

THE pioneer newspaper of this county was the Hardin Intelligencer, established by John Shrenk, and first issued on Saturday, October 7, 1843. It was a weekly, twenty-column sheet, price " $l for six months, if paid within three months from the receipt of the first number, otherwise $1.25 will be charged." In the issue of June 8, 1844, kindly furnished us by Robert McCurdy, of Kenton, the editorial column contains the following notice:

``WANTED,

"Bacon, potatoes and sugar, in payment of subscriptions due this office."

Its news was entirely political, foreign and advertisements. The Intelligencer was published in the interests of the Whig party, and ran until early in the fall of 1844, when Mr. Shrenk removed his press, etc., to Upper Sandusky, thus leaving Kenton without a paper.

Shortly after the removal of Shrenk, Dr. U. P. Leighton, Richard Holmes, Alexander Ballentine, Samuel Watt and John Lawrence, leading Whigs of Hardin County, raised sufficient funds to purchase a press and other necessary material at Cincinnati, for the, purpose of starting a Whig newspaper at Kenton that would assist in the election of Henry Clay to the Presidency of the United States. The printing press was hauled from Cincinnati by Hiram Furney, one of the pioneer teamsters, and A. R. Scott, now an employee in the Republican office, well remembers that on the return trip Mr. Furney stayed over night at his father's cabin, in Taylor Creek Township, and that the press was examined by the children with considerable interest and curiosity. F. W. Murray was installed as editor and publisher, and the paper came out under the title of the Weekly News and Hardin County Republican, the latter term being only a sub-head, in small type, to the principal name. A Mr. Riley was also connected with Murray, for a time, in the publication of the News, which ran until the beginning of 1847, when the owners, becoming dissatisfied with the manner in which the paper was conducted, wrote for J. S. Robinson, who was then engaged in a printing office at Tiffin, Ohio. He immediately came to Kenton, and was put in charge of the office.

Kenton Republican. - This paper was founded by J. S. Robinson, and

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 519

first issued on Wednesday, January 20, 1847. It was the lineal successor of the Weekly News; advocated the principles of the Whig party, and claimed to be "a journal of news, politics, science, education, morals, literature, agriculture and markets." At the end of six months, it adopted the motto, "Be Just, and Fear Not." The price of the Republican was $1.50 per annum, in advance, $1.75, if paid within the year, and $2 at the end of twelve months. It was a twenty-column sheet, published and edited by Mr. Robinson. On the 25th of :March, 1847, "Watt & Leighton" appear at the head of the paper as proprietors. and "J. S. Robinson" as editor. The Republican was not issued regularly on Wednesdays, but was in keeping with those pioneer times of uncertainty, often coming out on Thursday, or as late as Saturday. On the 7th of July . 1847, the following motto was adopted: "Aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail." Dr. U. P. Leighton became sole proprietor December 1, 1847, but at the close of Vol I, Mr. Robinson's name appears as editor and proprietor He immediately enlarged the paper to a twenty-four column sheet, dropped all mottoes, and issued it regularly every Thursday. "The" was attached to the title, making it read, The Kenton Republican, while its whole appearance was much improved, and its worth as a newspaper considerably enhanced. Thus it remained until February 25, 1852. when the old motto, "Be Just, and Fear Not," was again adopted, and, on August 27, the day of issue was changed to Friday.

On the 20th of May, 1853, Mr. Robinson sold the paper, etc., to R. Coulter, who had been associate editor for about, ten months prior to the elate of purchase. The new owner changed the name of the paper to The Hardin County Republican, which bore no motto. Its size remained the same, but an entire new set of type was purchased, and the Republican appeared in an improved form. Mr. Coulter ran the paper until January 20, 1854, when :Mr. Robinson, who was still connected with its publication as editor, assumed entire control and ownership, and on the birth of the Republican party it cast its fortunes with that political organization.

The office of the Hardin County Republican was destroyed by fire August 30, 1856, almost everything being swept away in a few hours, and its next issue was a half-sheet printed at the office of the Kenton Democrat and Courier. In the meantime, new material, such as press, type, etc.. was purchased, and September 12 the Republican came forth from the ashes much enlarged and improved, and containing twenty-eight columns of matter. The Republican was, at this period, recognized as an aggressive, well-conducted county newspaper, and the student who will take the pains to examine its old files, will find no "milk and water " policy contained in its articles. The paper continued to increase in worth under the management of Mr. Robinson until the breaking-out of the rebellion, in April, 1861, when its editor responded to the first call for volunteers, and A. R. Scott assumed editorial charge, which position he filled till the close of Vol. XVII, in 1864, when he, too, went into the army.

On the beginning of Vol. XVIII, Lester T. Hunt took control of the Republican: and, September 16, 1864, Hunt & Myers became owners of the paper, having previously bought it from Mr. Robinson. Mr. Hunt continued as editor, with C. S. Myers as associate. On the 9th of November, 1865, the date of issue was changed from Friday to Thursday. The name of the paper again underwent a change, July 12, 1866, when it appeared as the Kenton Republican, thus going back to its old title. It came out in an entire new dress, printed from new type, and presented a decided im-

520 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY

provement over its former issues and general make-up. The copartnership of Hunt & Myers was dissolved by mutual consent. October 24, 1866, Mr. Hunt becoming sole proprietor. In January. 1868, the Republican was enlarged to a thirty-two-column sheet, and a Campbell power press added to the establishment, which was the first of the kind in this portion of the State.

A half-interest in the Repnblican was sold to A. W. Miller, late of the Tiffin Tribune, in January, 1869, and, on the close of Vol. XXIII, Mr. Miller purchased the remaining half, and enlarged it to a thirty-six-column paper. Until April 6, 1871, "Hunt & Miller, editors," stood at the head of the paper, but the succeeding issue bore "A. W. Miller, editor and proprietor; L. T. Hunt, associate editor." In April, 1878, a four-horse-power engine was put in to run the presses, this being the first used at any printing office in Kenton. The Republican was owned and published by Mr. Miller until his death on the 17th of February, 1880.

For about two months after this event, Mr. Hunt had editorial control of the paper, but, in April, 1880, it was purchased by G. W. Rutledge from the administrator, T. H. Bagby. and first issued under his name on the 6th of May following. Mr. Rutledge, who is a native of the county and a descendant of one of the first three families who settled within its' conducted the Republican, as editor and proprietor till May 25, 1882, when he sold a half-interest to E. L. Millar, also a native of Hardin County, and formerly connected with the Ada Record. The paper has since been owned and operated by Millar & Rutledge. In October, 1882. the office of the Republican was removed to the Dougherty Block, on North Detroit street, where it occupies two stories in that handsome brick structure. The motive power is furnished by the water-works. and the office contains everything necessary in a first-class printing establishment. The Republican is newsy and full of enterprise. Politically. it is an aggressive supporter of the Republican party; claims a circulation of about 2,000 copies, and is issued every Thursday at $2 per annum in advance.

DEMOCRATIC PAPERS.

In the summer of 1844, a goodly number of the Democrats of Hardin County got up a subscription paper, with the object of raising a fund to buy a printing press, and establish a newspaper at Kenton in he interest of James K. Polk, the Democratic Presidential nominee. James Bean took the subscription list to Samuel Medary, the veteran Democratic editor, of Columbus, Ohio, and asked him to accept said paper as security in payment of an old press and set of type in his office. Medary first objected to the arrangement, asking, "Where am I to get my pay? " He, however, finally concluded, for the sake of the party, to let Bean have the press, etc., and exclaimed, "Take it along, and give them hell! " The press was hauled from Columbus to Kenton, put in charge of Mathias H. Nichols, and first issued as the Kenton Democrat. This paper existed for several years, when Nichols removed to Lima, and subsequently represented that district in Congress, from 1853 to 1859.

The Kenton Herald. - After the removal of Nichols. the publication of the paper ceased, but about 1848-49, the office was again opened up. and the Kenton Herald came forth as the organ of the Democracy of Hardin County. How long it ran, or who its editor was, we are unable to say; but in tae Kenton Republican of August 28, 1850, appears the following card:

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 521

"KENTON HERALD REVIVED.

"The paper that. bore this name is about to be re-established. The former editor is brought to the resurrection, and with the same old press and types. will give life, freshness and improved vigor to the bantling in a short time. Its friends may assuredly look for its appearance on or about Saturday week. Persons wishing to advertise, will please forward their favors at the earliest convenience. Place of publication, probably in Mr. Copeland's new building."

There are no files of any of these three papers in existence, as far as we are aware of. and the most thorough investigation has failed to throw any further light upon the subject.

Democratic Expositor. -This was the title of the next Democratic sheet, and was first issued, Friday, August 25, 1851, as the lineal successor of the Herald. It was published by Charles Warner and J. B. Atkinson, and the day of issue was subsequently changed to Tuesday. The Expositor was a twenty-four column sheet, and claimed to be "a family newspaper, devoted to politics, literature, art, science, agriculture, morals, education, amusements, foreign and domestic new:, markets, etc." Its price was $1.50 per year, in advance, and it was published about a year and a half.

The Nor'wester. - The Expositor was succeeded by the Nor'wester, which was first issued Saturday, April 9, 1853, by Will Tornlinson, formerly of the Georgetown Standard. It was the same size sheet as its predesessor, and presented a commendable appearance. On the 24th of August 1854. Ezra William., became owner and publisher, and. September 2, the name of A. S. Ramsey appeared at the head of its columns as editor, and thus remained until February 24, 1855, when he retired, and Mr. Williams edited the paper alone. The name of the paper was changed, April 7, 1855, to the Western Courier, with "E pluribus unum" as its motto. In 1856, another change took place, the paper appearing as the Kenton Democrat and Courier. Mr. Ramsey again assumed the editorial charge, and it ran until early in 1857, when it too, ceased to exist. All of these papers were Democratic.

The Hardin County Democrat. - No. 1. Vol. I. of this paper appeared Saturday, February 21, 1857. It was published by J. E. Mumford, and edited by Justus C. Stevens; was thoroughly Democratic in politics, and a goad, well conducted newspaper. It was a twenty-four-column sheet, price $1.50 per annum. in advance. $1.75 if paid in three months, and $2 after the expiration of that time. On the 29th of August, 1857, J. C. Stevens became owner of the Democrat. and he, with L. T. Hunt. were its editors from October 17 to December 26 of that year, the paper was not issued, but, on the latter date, it appeared under the ownership of C. S. and William Myers, with Stevens and Hunt. editors. The Democrat, was enlarged to twenty-eight columns, May 8, 1858, and otherwise much improved. F. M. Childs had previously purchased the interest of William Myers, and the firm was Myers & Childs. Soon afterward, Stevens &, Hunt became owners of the paper, and remained as such from June 12 until August 28, 1858, at which time A. S. Ramsey purchased it. He continued to publish the Democrat until the issue of Friday, February 8, 1861, when O. B. Happersett's name appear, as editor and proprietor. Mr. Happersett had been the editor of the Urbana Free Press, and bought the Democrat from Mr. Ramsey, whose well-trained mind and ability as a writer had greatly enhanced the value and influence of the paper.

O. B. and J. C. Happersett published the Democrat, under the firm

522 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

name of Happersett Bros., with the former as editor. Soon after the war broke out, paper, labor, etc., became more expensive, and. February 14, 1862, the sheet was reduced to twenty-four columns, and published at the following prices: $1.25 in advance, $1.50 within a year, and $2 at the end of the year. With the issue of August 8, 1862, the senior partner, O. B. Happersett, retired from the firm, selling his interest to William H. Munnell, and the firm appeared as Munnell & Happersett, editors and proprietors. In September, 1862, the Democrat was enlarged to its former size of twenty-eight columns, while its old price was also restored. J. C. Happersett slivered his connection with the paper December 5, 1862, selling out to Mr. Munnell, who thus became sole owner. On the 16th of January, 1863. the following motto appeared at the head of the editorial column

"With, or without offense to friends or foes.

I sketch the world exactly as it goes."

The stars and stripes were placed under the motto. August 28, of that year.

Mr. Munnell operated the paper as editor and proprietor till September 4, 1863, when he sold out to Col. Pike, of the Hillsboro Gazette: O. C. Wheeler assuming charge as editor and publisher. This was during the Gubernatorial campaign between Brough and Vallandigham, which was, perhaps, the most exciting period in the history of the State. The Democrat adopted as its editorial motto. "The Constitution as it is; the Union as it was; Vallandigham and Liberty:" which remained throughout the campaign.

In August, 1864, A. S. Ramsey took charge of the Democrat, after it, had ceased publication for some time, and continued as editor and proprie for till April, 1865, when he disposed of it to Charles L. Zahm, who at. once assumed entire control. After running nearly a year, Zahm concluded that a change of name would help the paper; so. in March, 1866, it was issued under the title of the Democratic Advocate: but, in December, circumstances compelled him to sell out.

Daniel Flanagan purchased the concern, December 13, 1866, anti soon after began the publication of the Kenton Democrat (Vol I, New Series). with the motto "Equal and exact justice to all-special privileges to none." It was a twenty-eight column paper, issued every Thursday at $2 per year in advance, $3 if paid within three months and $3.50 at the close of the year. Thus the Democrat continued. with slight change, until March 9, 18 71, at which time Vol. VI, began with an entire new outfit of presses, type, etc., and enlarged to a thirty-two column sheet, while greatly improved in every way. It was now a paper of large dimensions, ably and creditably edited and conducted. It will not be out of place to state here that Mr. Flanagan purchased the paper for the sum of $500, and sold it for more than $7,000. By his ability as a writer, and his shrewd business management, he brought the paper up from absolute worthlessness until it was regarded as one of the best conducted county newspapers in this portion of Ohio, attaining an influence in the party and a financial success most gratifying to its owner.

On the 1st of January, 1875, David S. Fisher bought out Mr. Flanagan. He had been the editor and publisher of the Allen Comity Democrat for about fifteen years prior to this time, and brought to the aid of his new enterprise a wide experience and a well-grounded knowledge of the business. He changed the name of the paper to the Hardin County Democrat; thus going back to the title adopted in February, 1857. It was enlarged to

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 523

a thirty-six-column sheet, and came forth in an entire new dress, bearing at its head the following motto: "A family journal, devoted to literature, news, agriculture and the dissemination of Democratic principles." About three years ago, Mr. Fisher purchased a two-story brick building on Franklin street, three doors east of Main, whither he removed his office. Since taking charge of the Democrat, in 1875, it has nearly doubled its circulation, claiming at the present time a circulation of about 1,800 copies, and is looked upon as one of the leading Democratic newspapers of Northwestern Ohio. Its price has always been $2 per year in advance, and its subscription list is now rapidly increasing. The office of the Democrat is up with the tines, all its furnishings being of a first-class order, while neatness, punctuality and dispatch pervades the whole establishment.

INDEPENDENT PAPERS.

The Kenton News was a twenty-eight column sheet, published in Tiffin by V. L. Ricketts & Co., and delivered to patrons in Hardin County. It was established in June, 1881, and,in November of that year sold to D. M. Eveland, who opened an office in Kenton. He ran it only six weeks, when, for want of patronage, it ceased publication. Politically, it was independent, but it never amounted to much as a newspaper.

The Kenton Wochenblatt, a German weekly, was established by David Rifle and John C. Born. the latter being editor. It was first issued on Thursaay, January 7, 1882; is a quarto-sheet, six columns to a page; published at $2 per year in advance, and claims a circulation of about 700 copies. The Wochenblatt is the first and only German newspaper published in the counties of Hardin, Hancock, Wyandot and Marion, and is, therefore, a good advertising medium through which to reach the large German population of those counties. It is, politically, independent, and the office is located on North Detroit street, over the post office.

Catholic Local News. - This paper was started by Rev. Anthony S. Siebenfoercher, and first issued November 1, 1878. It was a quarto size, double sheet, three columns to a pane, and was commenced for the purpose of furnishing local and general Catholic news of interest to the faithfut under his charge; also to supply short instructions on the articles of the Christian faith. It was issued twice a month, for three years, and its circulation reached 300 copies, extending into Marion and Logan Counties. Father Siebenfoercher discontinued the paper, because the missions of Ada, Dunkirk, Forest, Mount Victory and Larue were taken from under his charge; and as the welfare of these missions was one of the principal reasons why he started tile News, he concluded to abandon the enterprise when he had no longer charge of them. The News reached many Catholics whom the priest could not often visit, thereby keeping alive the spark of faith, and assisting materially in building up the Catholic Church in this part of Ohio.

THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF KENTON.

When the pioneer fathers and mothers of Hardin County located along the Scioto, the Blanchard, Hog Creek, Tymochtee and smaller tributaries physicians were almost "as rare as angels' visits;" and though malarial diseases and "milk sickness " reigned supreme throughout the Scioto Valley, yet the pioneer was compelled to apply his own remedies or ride for miles through an unbroken forest to some small hamlet where a doctor might be found. Soon after the site of Kenton was selected as the county seat of Hardin County, we find two physicians, named Clark and Blodgett,

524 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

locating in the town, the former coming in 1833, and the latter in 1834. Neither remained very long, but Dr. Clark is remembered as one of the pioneer school teachers to which profession he had to resort for his support. as the practice of medicine was not "a gold mine," in those early days. Dr. Blodgett was a native of Massachusetts, and, in 1834, erected a small frame house immediately north of where the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands, but stayed only about a year, and then left for a more congenial clime, as he was a man of delicate constitution.

Prior to 1840, only three other physicians located at Kenton, viz., Drs. Usher P. Leighton, Samuel Watt and Koontz; but of the last-mentioned little is known further than that he came in 1838-39. and practiced medicine about four years, then removed from this vicinity. Taking into consideration the brief periods that Drs. Clark and Blodgett remaine in Kenton. and that they founded no practice or left little if any impress upon the institutions of the town, it will be only justice to accord to Dr. Leighton whatever honor belongs to being called the "father of medical practice in Hardin County." He was a native of Maine. came to Ohio in 1836, and read medicine with Dr. Sampson, of McCutchenville. In the winter of 1833-34, he attended lectures at Bowdoin Medical College, Brunswick, Me., and in the spring of 1835. graduated from Brown's University, Providence. R I. He then came West, and in March. 1836, located in Kenton, whore he practiced his profession until his death, August 26, 1878-a period of more than forty-two years. Few men were so well-known as Dr. Leighton; his field of practice during the pioneer days extending throughout this and adjoining counties. He was a good financier, and accumulated a large estate. to which he principally devoted the latter years of his life, though still clinging to his profession, and taking a deep interest in the progress and development of medical science.

Some three years after Dr. Leighton's location in Kenton. or in the fall of 1839, Dr. Samuel Watt opened an office in the village. He was born in Harrison County, Ohio. read medicine with Dr. Wilson, of Cadiz, Ohio. and began practice about 1828. During his residence in Kenton, he was recognized as a good physician, and continued in practice until within a few years of his death. which occurred in October, 1876. He. like Dr. Leighton, reared a family. some of whom are yet prominently identified with the interests of the town.

In the decade between 1840 and 1850, inclusive, many physicians came and went-some remaining during their lives, while others soon removed toy other fields. Of these, we find that. Dr. W. W. Durbin came to the county in 1840-41, locating east of Patterson, in Jackson Township. About 1842, he removed to Kenton, where he practiced many years. He at one time resided in a small house on Carroll street. where the Union school building now stands. It is said, by old settlers who knew him well, that though a good doctor,he was very intemperate. On one occasion, he had a cholera patient at his house, whom he had brought there for treatment, and when night came on the Doctor got drunk, lay down beside his patient, and woke up in the morning to find that the man had been dead for some hours. He subsequently went back to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he had read medicine, and also spent a portion of his time traveling, but about 187 2-73, he returned to Kenton, where he died a few years ago.

The three next physicians to open offices in Kenton were Drs. G. W. Kishler, J. A. Rogers and A. W. Munson, the two latter being yet residents of the city. Dr. Kishler came about 1844, from Perry County. Ohio, but

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HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 527

in 1840-47, he went as a Surgeon into the Mexican war, and never returned to this county.

Dr. J. A. Rogers, a native of Greene County, Ohio, entered the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842, and in May, 1843, came on horseback from Champaign County, Ohio, and located in Kenton. He continued in the practice of his profession until 1856, when he engaged in the drug business, but still remained in practice for a few years, though b gradually abandoning the active duties thereof. Dr. Roger; has ever since followed the druggist's trade, and his store is one of the largest and most complete drug houses in Hardin County.

Dr. A. W. Munson came with his parents to Hardin County in 1838; subsequently read medicine with Dr. O. Ferris, of Marion County, Ohio, and, during the summer of 1844, began practice in Kenton. In the fall of the same year, he removed to Wyandot, Wyandot Co., Ohio, where he remained until 1850, in which year he returned to Kenton. where he has since followed the practice of medicine. Dr. Munson graduated at Cleveland Medical College in the class of 1853-54. Drs. Roger; and Munson are the two oldest physicians of Kenton, their medical experience in this town going back to 1843 and 1844 respectively; but Dr. Munson has, doubtless, spent a greater number of years in active practice than any other living physician in this portion of Ohio. He was Assistant Surgeon of the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry from December 1861 until April, 1863, and Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, from March 1865. until mustered out in the following September.

The years 1845, 1846 and 1847 brought to Kenton Drs. Latham, Thomas S. Mills, J. F. Ankeny, J. C. Wiseman and William McKean. The first mentioned came from Columbus, Ohio, in 1845, and only stayed about a year. Dr. Mills came from Iberia, Ohio, in 1845 and laid out an addition to Kenton in June of that year. But he, also, remained only about twelve months. Dr. Ankeny was from Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio, and located in Kenton in 1845. Soon after coining, he formed a partnership with Dr. J. A. R Rogers, in the practice of medicine. and, in the spring of 1849, went to California. Dr. Wise man was "a Thompsonian, or Botanic Doctor," who settled in Kenton about 1846, where he practiced his peculiar school of medicine until his death, in 1851. Dr- McKean came from Richland County, Ohio, in 1847, and continued in the practice of his profession until his death, November 3, 1852. Many of our readers will, doubtless, remember these pioneer physicians, though some of them remained here but a very brief period.

From 1847, up to and including 1850, there were Drs. Michael Holmes, J. S. Dimmitt, Henry Russell, William Jones, J. Y. Cantwell, George Watt, W. W. Moore, J. M. Chesney and Delong. About 1848, Dr. Holmes located in Kenton, coming hither from Highland County, Ohio. He practiced in this vicinity until his death, which occurred on his farm, a short distance east of Kenton, whither he had removed some time prior to this event. Dr. Dimmitt came to Kenton from Claremont County, Ohio, about 1848. He was a young. single man, and subsequently married a daughter of David Goodin's. After two years' practice, he removed to Iowa. Dr. Russell read medicine in the office of Dr. Driesbaek. of Tiffin, Ohio, and, in 1848-49,came to Kenton. He was a young man of considerable ability, and, after practicing here about five years, went to Cincinnati, and there died. Dr. Jones was a native of Southern Ohio, who first, began practice at West

528 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Liberty, Logan Co., Ohio; thence removed to the village of Round Head, and, about 1848-49, came to Kenton. He was a man of eccentric habits, and religious turn of mind, and finally quit his profession to preach the Gospel. This not proving suffciently remunerative, he abandoned preaching and returned to the practice of medicine in Kenton, where he died. Dr. Cantwell came from Mansfield, Ohio, in 1848-49, but stayed here only, a short time, and then returned to Mansfield. Dr. George Watt came to Kenton from Xenia, Ohio, in 1849, and practiced his profession at this point, about two years. He then returned to Xenia, subsequently took up dentistry, and has become prominent in that calling. Dr. W . W. Moore remained but a brief period in 1850. Dr. J. M. Chesney was a native of Mercer County, Penn.; studied medicine with his brother, William M., at Marseilles, Wyandot Co., Ohio, and, about 1849, began practice at Huntersville, in this county. He soon removed to Kenton, and formed a partnership with Dr. McKean, and, about 1854, removed to Marseilles, Ohio. There were three brothers named Delong, who practiced medicine in Hardin County. H. P. and Allen Delong had an office in Kenton a short. time, but were first at Wheeler's Crossing as early as 1844-45, and subsequently at Round Head. The Dr. Delong who lived in Kenton, and was a partner of Dr. Leighton's, went to California in the spring of 1849.

During the succeeding six years, from 1850 to 1856, the following physicians opened offices in Kenton, viz.: Drs. Edwin Ashton, G. W. Kemp, O. L. Rider, Horace Lawrence, Solomon Kraner, I. E. Nagle, W. H. Phillips, J. F. Hance, A. S. Cowden, Charles Steyer, C. I. Neff, Frederick Sagebiel and M. M. Stimmel. Some time in 1851-52, Dr. Ashton came from Mansfield, Ohio, to Kenton. He practiced medicine here several years; thence removed to Lima, Ohio, where he now carries on a drug store. Dr. Kemp succeeded Dr. Wiseman in the Tbompsonian or botanic system of practice. Upon the breaking-out of the civil war, he went into the army as Surgeon, and after its close located at Marseilles, Ohio, and now belongs to the allopathic school. Dr. Rider, an eclectic physician, came to Kenton about 1852, but stayed only a brief period. Dr. Lawrence came to Kenton from Greene County, Ohio, in 1852. On the 13th of May 1854, while on a visit to a patient, he met with an accident from which he never recovered consciousness, and died on the 19th of June following. It is not positively known how he met his death, whether by being thrown from his horse or that a falling limb struck him while riding through the forest. He was found lying in the roadway, with his skull fractured, but unable to speak, and lived for more than a month, dying without being able to give any account of the affair. Dr. Kraner read medicine with William McKean; attended lectures at Starling Medical College in 1852-53, and began practice in Kenton during the latter year. In 1855, he removed to Round Head, where he continued in the practice of his profession until his election to the office of Probate Judge, in 1872. He has not since followed the practice of medicine. Dr. Nagle was a Pennsylvanian, who came to Kenton, about 1853. He clerked in a drug store, and, though a physician, never practiced in this locality. Dr. W. H. Phillips was born in Washington County, Penn.; began the practice of medicine in 1849, and, in 1854, located in Kenton. He graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill., in 1856, and,for nearly thirty years,has bean actively engaged in the practice of his profession in Hardin County, still ranking as one of the leading practitioners and contributors to medical science in this part of the State. He was Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer In-

HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY. - 529

fantry from December 1862, until May 1864, when he resigned the position and retired to private life. Dr. Hance was an eclectic physician, who came to Kenton in about 1854, and practiced here a few years, then removed elsewhere. Dr. Cowden came from Greene County, Ohio, in 1855, entered into partnership with Dr. Phillips and practiced medicine here two years: thence removed to Iowa. Dr. Steyer was a graduate of Leipsic Medical College, Germany, and.in 1853, opened an office at Dunkirk, Ohio; thence, about 1855. removed to Kenton, where he practiced his profession until his death in 1863. Dr. Neff read medicine in the office of Dr. Munson, and .in 1856, formed a partnership with Dr. Leighton. In 1857, he removed to Lima, Ohio and during the war was Examining Surgeon for that district. Dr. Sagebiel was a native of Germany, and began the practice of medicine in Kenton in 1856, dying here in October, 1859. His son, Herman, is the present Postmaster of Kenton. Dr. Stimmel is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, whence he received his diploma in 1853. In 1856, he came to Kenton, and continued in practice, until 1868, when he removed from the county. In 1872, he returned to Kenton, where he has since been in active practice. He was Surgeon of the Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry about two years, and of the One Hundred and Thirty-fifith Ohio National Guard, during its four months' term of service in 1864.

In the following eleven years, from 1857 to 1867, inclusive. Drs. J. N. Green, William Watt, P. H. Loring, William Green, William M. Chesney, J. S. Pollock, J. W. Binckley, Henry Carver, C. H. Smith and Jesse Snodgrass began practice in Kenton. Dr. J. N. Green belonged to the eclectic school of medicine, and came in 1859. He went into the army, and soon after the close of the war settled in Indiana. Dr. Watt was a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, and a son of Dr. Samuel Watt, previously mentioned, He read in the office of Dr. W. H. Phillips. graduated from Starling Medical College in February, 1861, and immediately commenced his medical practice in Kenton. In April, 1863, he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Forty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until mustered out in June, 1865. Dr. Watt remained here. following the duties of his profession, until his death. He died. February 11, 1878. Dr. Loring was recognized as a young man of fine mind, and extensive knowledge of medical science. He located in Kenton, in 1861, and soon took a leading place among the older and more prominent members of his profession. Near the close of the war, he received an appointment as Surgeon of United States Volunteers and selling his effects was preparing to enter upon the duties thereof, when he was taken sick and died. Dr. William Green was born in this county, his family being pioneers. He began the practice of medicine about the beginning of the war; remained a year or so in Keuton; then got an appointment in a Tennessee regiment as Surgeon, and subsequently settled at Greenville, in that State. Dr. William M. Chesney is still a resident of Kenton, though not in active practice. He is a native of Mercer County, Penn.; there read medicine, and graduated from Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, in the class of 1848-49, subsequently locating at Marseilles, Ohio. In 1863, he opened an office in Kenton, and followed his profession until 1880, when on account of ill-health, he retired from practice. Dr. Pollock came from Logan County, Ohio, to Kenton, in 1863, went into the army in his capacity as a physician, and, after coming back, returned to Logan County, where he now resides. Dr. Binckley, a physician of the homoeopathic school of medicine, began practice at Kenton in October, 1861. He

530 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

graduated from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College in the class of 1866-67, and is yet a resident of the city, though not in active practice. Dr. Carver was an old man, who came here in 1864, remained a short time, and then removed to the West. Dr. C. H. Smith graduated from Starling Medical College in 1865, and commenced practice in Kenton the same year. From March until July, 1865, he was Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and also Surgeon at Camp Denison. He is still actively engaged in the practice of medicine, and is one of the well-known physicians of the town. Dr. Snodgrass is a native of Hardin County, and he, like others mentioned among the later practitioners, read medicine under Dr. W. H. Phillips, whose high reputation in the medical profession and as an able contributor to medical literature, has given his students a prestige over those of many other physicians. Dr. Snodgrass graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical College in the spring of 1867, and opened an office in Kenton the same year. He has since maintained a high standing in the profession as a successful and able physician, thus reflecting honor upon his preceptor and winning for himself a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Snodgrass served as Assistant Surgeon of the Eighth Tennessee Volunteer Infantry, from August, 1863. until July 1865, when he was mustered out of the service.

The next ten years, from 1868 to 1877, inclusive, added eleven physicians to the list previously given, whose names are as follows: Drs. E. W. Moore, Silas Protzman, E. M. Pinney, F. D. Bain, G. D. Jenney, Ezra B. Hiestand, B. F. Cessna, Henry L. Steiner, D. P. Phillips, L. G. Glenn and F. O. Clemmer. The first mentioned, viz., Dr. Moore. was a native of Pennsylvania, and son of George R. Moore, of Kenton. He read in the office of Dr. Phillips; graduated at Cleveland Medical College in 1869; began practicing in Kenton, and. in 1871, removed to his native State. Dr. Protzman received his diploma from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in 1868; commenced practice. and in June, 1872 opened an office in Kenton, where he has since remained. Dr. Pinney removed here from Dublin, Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1873, and entered into partnership with Dr. Munson, which continued two years. He then continued alone until his death, at Forest, where he was run over by the cars. Dr. Bain is a son of Judge James Bain, one of the well-remembered attorneys of Kentun, and he also is a student of Dr. Phillips. He is a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical College and began practice in 1872, in Pennsylvania. In 1873, he removed to Kenton, went back to the Keystone State, in 1875, and, in 1879, again returned to this town, where he has been in active practice up to the present. Dr. Jenney was a graduate of Pulte Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, a homoeopathic institution, and came to Kenton in the spring of 1873, where be died four years later. Dr. Hiestand has been a medical practitioner since 1850, and, in 1851, graduated from Starling Medical College. He located at Ada, Ohio, in 1861, where he practiced his profession for fourteen years, coming to Kenton in 1874. Dr Hiestand has also a diploma from Bellevue Hospital Medical College, which he received with the class of 1872-73. His practice has grown rapidly since coming to Kenton, as he is among the older and better-known physicians of the county, having been a resident thereof for twenty-three years. Dr. Cessna, though one of the oldest living physicians of Kenton, and a pioneer of the county, never practiced medicine here to any extent. He graduated from the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, in 1852, and from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn., in 1858. He practiced a little in

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Kenton ere graduating. but, in 1852, located in Van Wert County, Ohio, where he followed his profession. until 1876, when he took up his residence in Kenton. Dr. Steiner, a native of Hardin County, graduated at Ann Arbor, Mich., in the class of 1875-76. He began practice in Kenton during the latter year and so continued until his death, in September, 1880. Dr. David P. Phillips read in his father's office, and began practice in the spring of 1877. Dr. Glenn is a pupil of Dr. William Watts, and graduated at the Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, in the class of 1876-77. He immediately commenced practice in Kenton, which he has since continued. Dr. Clemmer is a graduate of Pulte Medical College of Cincinnati, receiving his diploma in February, 1876. He came to Kenton in January, 1877, and is said to be the leading homoeopathic physician of the town at the present time.

During the past five years, Drs. J. C. Campbell, Gould Smith, L. D. Munson, G. G. Laughead. W. H. McIlvain and A. J. Crane have "hung out shingles," and cast their fortunes among the people of Kenton. Dr. Campbell belongs to the homoeopathic school. a graduate in the class of 1872-73,. from the Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College, and located in Kenton in 1880, where he has since resided. Dr. Gould Smith is another pupil of Dr. W. H. Phillips, and in the spring of 1880, began practice at Galesburg, Ill. After about a year had passed away, he returned to Kenton, where he now follows the duties of his profession. Dr. L. D. Munson studied medicine with his father, and graduated at Columbus Medical College in 1881. He spent one year at Larue, Ohio, thence removed to Kenton. Dr. Laughead graduated front Ohio Medical College, in 1878, but had been practicing for four years prior to that date and in 1881, opened an office in this city. Dr. McIlvain real medicine in Richland County, Ohio; was admitted to practice in 1870, thence removed to Champaign County, Ohio, coming to Kenton in the fall of 1882. Dr. Crane is a graduate of Cleveland Homoeopathic Medical College, and came to Kenton in the fall of 1882. This closes the article on the medical profession of Kenton, and. while there may be some forgotten, yet we believe that this list. contains all the physicians who founded a practice or left any impression upon the minds of the people. Some of the fraternity have filled public positions of honor and trust, but, as their names will be found in another part of this work, we have thought best to refer the inquiring student to the chapter on public officials for information on that subject, while leaving this article as a guide-board by the wayside to enlighten the reader on the past and present medical profession of Kenton.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Amicitia Lodge, No. 79, I. O. O. F., is the pioneer secret society of Kenton. The dispensation was granted November 21, 1846,. to H. P. Ward, Jeremiah McLene, J. K. Goodin, E. T. Stevens, S. H. Donnel, D. D. Ogden, W. G. Kishler, T. M. Lewis and A. Campbell, and the lodge instituted February 17, 1847, with the following officers: Jeremiah McLene, N. G.; S. H. Donnel, V. G.: J. K. Goodin. Sec.: E. T. Stevens, Treas. The lodge room was first located in the second story of a brick residence on Franklin street, near the northeast corner of its junction with Cherry, where they remained some three years; thence removed to a room in the third story of the Leighton building, which stood on the site of the Southard House. In 1857, they fitted up the third story of the Goodin Block, which had just been erected on the southeast corner of Detroit and Frank-

532 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

lin streets, and here remained until the erection of the Odd Fellows Block, in 1878, on Main street, facing the public square, whither they removed. The hall is large and nicely furnished, and the present officers of the lodge are: D. L. Dow, N. G.; H. C. Stinson, V. G.; S. E. Lambert, Sec.; A. R. Scott, P. S. ; D. J. Mentzer, Treas.

Scioto Encampment of Patriarch's, No. 179, I. O. O. F. - On the 6th of May, 1874, a warrant or dispensation was granted to Luther Furney, M. L. Rockafield, D J. Mentzer, Henry Loeffert, W. J. Kellogg, Curtis Wilkin, P. S. Howe, Jeff M. Maine and Joseph Erwin. and the encampment was instituted July 17, 1874. Its first officers were Luther Furney, C. P.: M. L. Rockafield, H. P.: Jeff M. Maine, S W.; W. J. Kellogg. .J. W.; Curtis Wilkins, Scribe: D. J. Mentzer, Treas: while the present officers of the encampment are C. A. Musgrove, C. P. ; Charles Morton. H. P.; H. H. Wynn, S. W.; H. C. Stimson. J. W.: T. C. Ferguson, Scribe: D. J. Mentzer, F. S.; Herman Sagebiel, Treas. The meetings of the encampment are held in the Odd Fellows Hall on Main street.

Latham Lodge. No. 157. F. & A. M. was one of the first secret societies organized in Kenton. On the 17th of .June. 1848. M. Z. Krider. Grand Master of Ohio, granted a dispensation to the following persons by whom said lodge was instituted: Abner Root, W. M.; James Mumford, S. W.; J. A. Rogers. J. W.: John Stevens, John Souls, H. P. Ward, Joseph Ullman, and S. D, Seymore. The first meeting took place July 14, 1848, and in October of the same year the lodge was granted a charter. Its first permanent officers were as follows: Abner Root, W. M.: James Mumford. S. W.; J. A. Rogers. J. W.: John Souls, Treas.: John Stevens, Sec.: E. G. Spelman, S. D.: Hugh Letson..J. D. The lodge room first occupied was in a brick building on the northeast corner of Franklin and Market streets, which was used for a few years: thence they moved to a frame building on Detroit street, opposite the public square, and remained there until the erection of the Cary & Kinnear Block on Detroit street in 1856, when the lodge built the third story of the north half of said block and occupied it for a lodge room. Upon the erection of the Masonic Block, which adjoins the Cary & Kinnear Block on the south, the Masons rented the third story and fitted it up for a lodge room though still owning the old hall. It is commodious handsomely furnished and well adapted for the purpose. Since the lodge was instituted, 237 persons have been admitted to membership. The present officers are Solomon Kraner, W. M.; David S. Fisher, S. W.; O. E. Rhodes. J. W. : J. A. Rogers, Treas.: W. W. Stevenson, Sec.

Scioto Chapter, No. 119, of Regal Arch Masons.- A dispensation was granted June 2, 1869, to David Thomson, W. H Phillips, James M. White, Edmund Cary, J. H. Harrod, Andrew Vance, A. W., James, A. P. Cutting. John F. Henkle. Charles Mains and A. R. Scott, for the purpose of organizing the above chapter at Kenton, and said organization was effected, October 16, 1869. The first officers were David Thomson, H. P.; W. H. Phillips, King; James M. White, Scribe; while the present officers are A. P. Cutting, H. P.; J. A. Rogers, King; Solomon Kraner, Scribe.

Kenton Council, No. 65, Royal and Select Masters. -- A petition was presented to Samuel W. Courtright, Grand Master of the State, by David S. Fisher, James M. White, Edwin C. Humphreys, A. C. Ramsey, Wellington McColloch, G. H. Zngschwert, E. B. Hiestand, John Wilson and A. P. Cutting, and a dispensation was granted to said petitioners March 20, 1876. The Council was duly instituted April 18, 1876, and the following officers

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elected: David S. Fisher. T. L. M.: Edwin C. Humphreys. Deputy; John Wilson, P. C. W.: James M. White, Treas.: Wellington McColloch, Recorder. Under the charter granted by the Grand Council. January 19, 1877, the Kenton Council was permanently instituted, while the same officers previously mentioned were again elected. The membership is twenty-eight, and the present officers are J. A. Rogers. T. I. M. ; Solomon Kraner, Deputy; A. P. Cutting, P. C. W.: E. C. Humphreys, C. G.: James M. White, Treas. ; David S. Fisher. Recorder.

Kenton Grove of Druids, No. 17. was instituted by the officers of the Grand Grove of Ohio, February 26, 1861, with the following members Andrew Roeder, Andrew Scheidemantel, Charles Kaufmann, .John Pfeiffer, Andrew Mayer, Albert Zugschwert, Lazarus Zugschwert, John Steively, Earhart Bloom, Conrad Euler, George Lautenschlaeger, Peter Pfeiffer, John Roeder, William Schrader, Conrad Glock and Henry Loeffert. The first officers were Andrew Roeder. G. A.: Andrew Scheidemantel, D. Charles Kaufmann, Sec. ; John Pfeiffer, Treas. Their first meetings were held in the Goodin Block. southwest corner of Detroit and Franklin streets: but, in .June, 1868, they purchased the third story of a building on Detroit, opposite the public square, which they have since used. The present officers of the Kenton Grove are .John Alt, G. A.: .John Belz., D. A. ; Lazarus Zugschwert, Sec.: Andrew Lautenschlaeger, Treas. Some years ago, the Grove had more than sixty members, but it has dwindled away, until now its membership is only fourteen.

Robert Bruce Lodge, No. 101, Knights of Pythias, was instituted September 4, 1876, by Dr. J. L. Gilley, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Kenton then contained five Knights, who were members of other lodges. viz.. A. B .Johnson, W. J. Niblock, F. M. Childs. S. .J. Friedlander and W. M. Dixon. Besides these five. there were thirty-one charter members, as follows: Lewis Houser, John D. King, W. D. Dean, H. C. Bohnar, H. Sagebiel, H. C. Palmer, N. S. Weaver, J. R. Selders, Dorr White, William G Born, John V. B. Maine, J. H. Garrison. Charles L. Jones, Hance White, O. G. Gale, J. B. Fletcher, E. H. Gary, Robert G. Moore, Jr., C. H. Harris, Ed Sorgen, T. J. Barlow, Charles Brumm, James R. Dow, J. A. Fridiger, J. A. Atkinson, William Siferd, D. J. Mentzer, Alexander Kerr, J. B. Seymore, Z. A. Musgrave, Charles H. Shanefelt. The first officers of the lodge were W. J. Niblock, P. C.: A. B. Johnson. C. C.; .John D. King, V. C.; F. M. Childs, P.: W. D. Dean, M. of E,; H. Sagebiel, M. of F.; H. C. Bohnar, K. of R. S., Dorr White, M. at A. Their hall is in the third story of the Brunson Block, on the northwest corner of Detroit and Franklin streets, and the present officers are D. S. Fisher, C. C. ; C. C. Russell, V. C.; J. A. Holmes, P.; Simon Price. M. of E.; J. V. B. Maine, M. of F.; Henry Dorn, K. of R. S.; Wellington Wilmoth, M. at A. The lodge now contains fifty-five members.

Pythian Lodge, No. 164, Knights of Pythias, was instituted July 10, 1883, with the following officers: D. J. Mentzer, P. C.; Frank C. Aull, C. C. ; John H. Smick, V. C.; .J. A. Steiner, M. of E.; J. E. Lowrey, P.; T. C. Ferguson, K. of R. S.; W. M. Ellis, M. of F.; I. M. Collins, M. at A. The lodge room is in the Odd Fellows Hall, on Main street, and the membership to sixty, all of whom are charter members.

Cantwell Post, No. 97, G. A. R., was organized August 1, 1881, and held but one meeting. The post was re-organized April 24, 1883, with the following officers: Charles Canaan, P. C.; John S. Scott, 2d P. C.; D. J. Mentzer, 3d P. C.; I. M. Collins, O. of D.; Lewis H. Wells. Adjutant; W.

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M. Ellis, Q. M.; W. W. Stevenson, Chaplain; J. V. B. Maine, O. of G. The post embraces a membership of sixty-eight, and bids fair to preserve a useful existence as a reminder of the greatest war in modern history.

CITY OFFICIALS.

The act incorporating the town of Kenton was passed at the legislative session of 1844-45, but in the latter year, on the 14th of July, 1845, the first election for town officials took place, and resulted as follows: Mayor, William Jackson; Recorder, Samuel Smith; Councilmen, David Goodin, John O. Fox, John Kaiser, John H. Tanke and Luther Damon. At the first meeting of the Council, held July 16, 1845, William McGavern was elected Marshal and John R. Gunn, Treasurer. September 1, 1845, Jacob Schoonover was appointed a member of the Council, vice John O. Fox, resigned, and at the same time 50 cents per meeting was adopted as the remuneration of the board. James Faught succeeded to the Marshalship, November 3, 1845, and thus the list of officials remained during the first year. On the 14th of July, 1846, E. G. Spelman was elected Mayor, George P. Ingman, Recorder, and A. M. McConnell, J. A. Rogers, B. R. Brunson. David Snodgrass and John Parkinson, Councilmen. Lazarus Zugschwert was elected Marshal. and Hugh Letson, Treasurer. The officers elected July 14, 1847, were George Johns, Mayor, W. G. Kishler, Recorder; William Cary, John Stevens, Sr., John Goodin, William Wilson and John Ross, Councilmen. Lazarus Zugschwert, Marshal, and Samuel Campbell, Treasurer, were chosen by the board, July 28. On the 6th of September, 1847, William L. Walker was appointed Recorder, vice W. G. Kishler, resigned. On the 14th of July, 1848, the following officers were elected: Andrew Dodds, Mayor; Jeremiah McLene, Recorder; Abner Root, Harris Pool, Asa Strong, John Stevens, Sr., and A. L. Ballentine. On the 18th of July, Hiram Furney was elected Marshal, and A. L. Ballentine, Treasurer. May 16, 1849, a vacancy having occurred in the Council through the death of Mr. Ballentine, Benjamin Eglin was chosen to fill the position, and Asa Strong as Treasurer. Lazarus Zngschwert was at the same time appointed Marshal, to succeed Mr. Furney, whose time had expired.

We have now given all of the officials for the first three years after the town was incorporated, and will briefly continue the list, giving the date of election or appointment and officers chosen: July 14, 1849-John Stevens Sr., elected Mayor: Jeremiah McLene, Recorder; Albert Dean, Jacob Schoonover, Hugh Letson, Luther Damon and William Cary, Council; William Cary, Treasurer; P. A. Blanebard, Marshal. The Recorder resigned, also was the Marshal, and P. A. Blanchard and Jacob Butcher were elected to fill those offices in the order named. July 15, 1850--Daniel C. Hulbert elected Mayor; John A. Shectala, Recorder; James S. Ballentine, David Snodgrass, Cyrus Smith, Daniel Barron and Goerge C. Lauman, Council; G. C. Lauman, Treasurer; W. P. Lauman, Marshal. The Recorder resigning, E. T. Stevens was elected to that office, May 14, 1851, and, on the same date. George Fry was chosen to fill the vacancy in Council caused by the resignation of George C. Lauman. Cyrus Smith succeeded Mr. Lauman as Treasurer. July 15, 1851-Lyman C. Hurd elected Mayor; Sewell Coulson, Recorder; Hugh Letson, H. J. Miller, Day Pugh, Luther Furney and A. M. McConnell, Council; J. D. White, Marshal; Hugh Letson, Treasurer. In August, R. G. Jamison was elected Councilman, vice A. M. McConnell, deceased. July 15, 1852-C. H. Gatch elected Mayor; David Stanford, Recorder; Edward Stillings, Albert Dean, William Mc-

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Connell, George P. Ingman and Obed Taylor, Council; Henderson Carothers, Marshal; Albert Dean. Treasurer.

The time of election was now changed to the spring, and, April 4, 1853, Cyrus Smith was elected Mayor; William McConnell, Recorder; Amos Johns, Samuel Campbell, David Goodin, William Schrader and Luther Damon, Council; Hugh Letson, Treasurer; Nelson Miller, Marshal. On the 1st of August, 1853, Samuel Smith was elected Mayor, to succeed Cyrus Smith, deceased. April 3, 1854-G. P. Ingman elected Mayor; Samuel Smith, Recorder; David Goodin, Luther Damon, William Schrader, G. W. Kemp and George Fry, Council; G. W. Berry, Treasurer; Jacob C. Born, Marshal; but the latter resigning in September, David Faurot was appointed to till the vacancy. April 2, 1855-Gordon A. Stewart elected Mayor; David Stanford, Recorder; Edward T. Bogardus, Treasurer; Isaac Bolenbaugh. Marshal; C. H. Gatch, A. S. Hoon, William Pool, Day Pugh and R. F. McConnell, Council. April 7, 1856-Daniel Barron elected Mayor; Henry H. Smith, Recorder; John Wingett, Samuel Gilmore, Ulrich Gerlach, Benedict Fink and Edward Smith, Council; Samuel Calloway, Marshal; George Fry, Treasurer. April 6, 1857-A. S. Ramsey elected Mayor; Daniel Barron, Recorder; George Fry, A. M. Davis, Samuel Campbell, W. F. Damon and William Schrader, Council; John W. Letson, Marshal. April, 1858-Benjamin Eglin elected Mayor; J. M. Brunson, Recorder; George Fry, Treasurer; John W. Letson, Marshal; A. M. Davis, William Schrader, Samuel Campbell, W. F. Damon and William W. McConnell, Council. April, 1859-Lester T. Hunt elected Mayor; M. M. Stimmel, Recorder; George Fry, Treasurer; John W. Letson, Marshal; A. M. Davis, David Goodin, Benjamin Eglin, Earbart Bloom and Daniel Barron, Council. April, 1860-A. S. Ramsey elected Mayor; W. F. Damon, Recorder; George Fry, Treasurer, who resigned in February, 1861, and Isaac G. Williams was chosen to fill the vacancy; James R. Deniston. Marshal; A. M. Davis, Earhart Bloom, William Pool, David Goodin and Edward Smith, Council. April, 1861-:A. S. Ramsey elected Mayor; F. S. Letson, Recorder; Isaac G. Williams, Treasurer; John W. Letson, Marshal; William Dougherty, Fred Fogle, Ulrich Gerlach, C. H. Gatch and Benjamin R. Brunson, Council. April, 1862-David Stanford elected Mayor; F. S. Letson, Recorder; Isaac G. Williams, Treasurer; John W. Letson, Marshal; William Dougherty, George W. Kemp, J. M. Brunson, William Pool and Alonzo Bogardus, Council. April, 1863 - Charles Kaufman elected Mayor; A. M. Burke, Recorder; David McKenna, Treasurer; C. S. Howe, Marshal; Benjamin R. Brunson, Earhart Bloom, William-Scbrader, Peter Pfeiffer and Elliott Stalter, Council. April, 1864-A. S. Ramsey elected Mayor.; Elliott Stalter, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Isaac Bolenbaugh, Marshal; J. M. Brunson. Samuel Campbell, Jeremiah Crewley, Henry Reese and A. W. Japes, Council. April, 1865-W. T. Cessna elected Mayor; Elliott Stalter, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah Eastgate, Marshal; Samuel Campbell, Earbart Bloom, A. W. Janes, A. B. Ingersoll and F. S. Letson, Council. April, 1866-W. T. Cessna elected Mayor; Elliott Statler, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah Eastgate, Marshal; Asher Letson, Samuel Campbell, Henry Loeffert, D. P. Zearing and Jeremiah Crowley, Council. April, 1867-A. S. Ramsey elected Mayor: A. B. Johnson, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah, Eastgate, Marshal; Earhart Bloom, J. M. Brunson, F. T. Schrader, William Dougherty and O. E. Rhodes, Council. April, 1868-David R. Foreman elected Mayor; A. B. Johnson, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer;

538 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

Hezekiah Eastgate, Marshal; Henry Loeffert, Conrad Kahler, Fred Fogle, William Gilmore and A. W. Janes, Council. April, 1869-F. S. Letson elected Mayor; Elliott Stalter, Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah Eastgate, marshal: Jeremiah Crowlev, J. M. Brunson, John Ries, Conrad Kahler and Earhart Bloom, Council. April, 1870-A. W. Janes, elected Mayor; Elliott Stalter. Recorder; A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah Eastgate, Marshal; Peter Dorn, Jeremiah Crowley, John Reis, Joseph Paulucci, F. T. Schrader and Asher Letson, Council.

This completes the roll for the first twenty-six years succeeding the act of incorporation. and we will now give the official list for the past thirteen years: The last Mayor, Recorder, Treasurer. Marshal, and the following members of the Council, viz., Asher Letson, F. T. Schrader and John Ries, were elected in April, 1870, for the term of two years; therefore, in April, 1871, but three Councilmen were chosen-Charles Brumm, Martin Price and John Alt-whose term was also for two years. April, 1872-William L. Walker elected Mayor; Elliott Stalter, Clerk: A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Hezekiah Eastgate. Marshal; Leander King. James Young and F. T. Schrader, Council: all of whom served until April, 1874, In April. 1873, D. J. Mentzer, Asher Letson and Martin Price were elected as Councilmen, but in January 1874,. Letson resigned April 1874,-A. B. Johnson elected Mayor; J. W. Binckley. Clerk; W. F. Damon. Treasnrer; John Pool, Marshal; Lewis Merriman, James Young, James Vance and F. T. Schrader, Council-men. April, 1875, three Councilmen were elected, viz., P. P. Whitehill, John H. Gary and Peter Corken. April, 1876-David S. Fisher elected Mayor; Eugene Rogers, Clerk: A. M. Davis, Treasurer; Thomas N. Maple, Marshal; N. S. Weaver, W. S. Lieurance and Curtis Wilkin, Councilmen, John Gary resigned April 11, 1876, and Dorr White was elected, April 25, to fill vacancy. In December, 1877, Mr. Fisher resigned the Mayoralty, and J. W. Binckley was appointed to fill out the unexpired term. In April, 1877, three Councilmen were elected as follows: J. V. B. Maine, Dorr White and Adam Rinehart. In April, 1878-J. W. Binckley elected Mayor; J. H. Lawton, Clerk: A. M. Davis, Treasurer; C. C. Russell, Marshal; W. S. Lieurance, N. S. Weaver, Jacob Bush, Samuel Magley and John Callam, Councilmen; two additional members having been added to that body. In April, 1879, on account of the resignation of Mr. Bush, five Councilmen were elected. viz., Jacob Forbing. A. W. Munson, Peter Houser, Charles Canaan and H. W. Atwood. In April, 1880, W. T. Cessna elected Mayor; James C. Howe, Clerk; John A. Steiner, Treasurer; C. C. Russell, Marshal; H. W. Atwood, W. S. Lieurance, Henry Price and John Gerlach, Councilmen. In April, 1881-Jacob Forbing, Charles Canaan, J. Dever and P. Geisel were elected members of the City Council. In January, 1882, H. M. Shingle was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by the removal of Charles Canaan from his ward. The officers chosen in April, 1882, were as follows: A. W. Munson, Mayor; J. C. Howe, Clerk; J. A. Steiner, Treasurer; C. C. Russell, Marshal; J. H. Camper, Charles Canaan, H. M. Shingle. J. Gerlach and Henry Price, Councilmen. In September, 1882, William P. Steffen was appointed, vice Jacob Forbing, resigned, August 1, 1882. In April, 1883, William P. Steffen, Thomas Hicks, Hance White and Frederick Machetanz were elected Councilmen, and, together with the officers elected the previous year, constitute the present officials of Kenton.

FIRE PROTECTION AND CITY BUILDINGS.

The earliest record we find of any movement toward providing fire pro-

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tection in Kenton, was the purchase of some "fire hooks" July 6, 1850, at which time $13.50 was expended in that direction. In March, 1853. Obed Taylor was ordered to buy ladders, hooks, pikes, ages and ropes, to aid in extinguishing fires within the corporation, and about that time a "hook and ladder company" was organized. On the 12th of July, 1858, the Town Council appropriated $500 to purchase a fire engine, hose-reel and 300 feet of hose. A. M. Davis, W. F. Damon and J. M. Brunson were appointed a Committee to make said purchase. They went to Cincinnati and bought the "Reindeer Fire Engine," at second hand, it being one of those primitive concerns operated by hand power. The Reindeer Fire Company, No. 2, was organized in January, 1859, a temporary engine-house fitted up, and, for the first time, Kenton began to feel her importance as a growing town. We however see by the records that this old engine was eontinually needing repairs, and was not a very effective fire preventative; lout it served the purpose for many years, and, doubtless, did much good.

In May, 1870, a tax was levied for the purpose of erecting a building for the fire department, constructing two cisterns, and to purchase a fire en gine. Plans for the building were drafted by E. T. Bogardus, and corn prised an engine house, town hall and station house in one structure. The contracts were let in August, 1870, to erect said building on North Maim street.. D. P. Stevenson was given the carpenter work, at $2,769.96; Ambrose Burkhart the masonry, at $3,000; and Dennis Kelly the painting, at $156. Charles V. Lunney was awarded the contract to build the two cistern for $900, and Earhart Bloom the iron work for the prison cells for $477. After the building was up, the Council concluded that the fire department was not sufficient. for the wants of the town, and, in May, 1871, appointed Asher Letson, Charles Brumm and F. T. Schrader a committee to purchase a steam fire engine. The engine, hose and hose carriage were bought of the Silsby Manufacturing Company, Seneca Falls, N. Y., for the sum of $7,850, and, June 22, 1871, John W. Born was appointed Engineer of "Simon Kenton, No. 1," the name given to the new engine. In July Mr. Born resigned, and Louis Hoofnagle succeeded him, while James Young was appointed Chief Engineer. In July 1883, a new horse hose-reel, purchased of E. B. Preston & Co., Chicago, Ill., was added to the department, at a cost of $650. The construction of the water-works has rendered the presence of engines almost useless at the majority of fires in such towns as Kenton, but even yet they can be often used to good advantage.

During the summer of 1882, the interior of the city building was remodeled and finished. Prior to that time, the Council had no permanent place of meeting, but their new chamber is not only large and well ventilated, but creditably furnished. Much credit is due Dr. A. W. Munson, who began and supervised this improvement until completed. The Mayor's office, council chamber, city prison and engine-house are all located in this building, which is a large, two-storied brick, solidly built and well finished. Everything around the building bears the impress of solidity, care and cleanliness, reflecting credit upon the officials in charge.

CEMETERIES.

At the time that Kenton was laid out, a small lot was reserved in the northeast corner of the original plat, now occupied by the residences of Metellus Thomson and George R. Moore. It was, however, never used for burial purposes, but a subscription was taken up, soon after the location of the county seat, and 1 92-100 acres purchased of Jacob H. Houser, located on

540 - HISTORY OF HARDIN COUNTY.

East Franklin street, near the suburbs of the town. The land was partly donated by Mr. Houser, he receiving $20 subscribed by those then residing here. When the ground was selected and surveyed, in which work Daniel Barron assisted, a contention arose as to whose name the deed should be made out in; the Methodists claiming that their church, being the only one then organized, ought to have the title in the name of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Others objected to this, and the ground was deeded to the County Commissioners, who subsequently deeded it back to the Trustees of Pleasant Township. On the 20th of July, 1834, the first interment was made here, viz., Maria, the infant daughter of Robert McCloud, whose headstone may yet be seen in the northeast corner of the ground. The cemetery was then covered with the primitive forest; a rude wagon track wound through the timber, and so little was known of its exact location, that Mr. Houser had to go with Mr. McCloud for the purpose of pointing it out. This graveyard was used until the purchase of the present cemetery, in 1854, though many interments have occurred there since that date. It now presents a neglected appearance, weed-covered graves and broken headstones denoting little thought of the silent sleepers beneath, who are, seemingly, forgotten in the strife and turmoil of life.

Soon after the old graveyard was platted, the Methodist Episcopal Church bought the point of land between Columbus and Carroll streets, at the eastern terminus of the latter, and laid it out for a cemetery. This was used for several years, when it was abandoned and the Methodists buried their dead in the public ground.' Most, if not all, of the bodies were subsequently removed, the land sold, and it is now covered with private residences.

Grove Cemetery Association.-On the 17th of August, 1854, Hugh Letson. Daniel Barron, Samuel Smith, Samuel Campbell, David Snodgrass, David Thomson, George Fry, William Cary, Day Pugh, James S. Robinson, James Bain, William L. Walker, C. H. Gatch and others met at the. court house for the purpose of forming a cemetery association, with Hugh Letson in the chair. and Samuel Smith. Secretary. The persons present formed themselves into a corporate body, to be known as "Grove Cemetery Association." and elected the following Board of Trustees: David Thomson, Day Pugh, Luther Damon, William Cary and James Bain, with C. H. Gatch as Clerk of the Board. On the 24th of August, 1854, William Cary and David Thomson were appointed a committee to purchase of William Dodds ten acres of land located one mile east of Kenton, between the Marion and Marseilles pikes, at a price not exceeding $50 per acre. The committee bought the ground, and the Board ratified said purchase, September 12, 1854. Edward T. Bogardus drew a plan of the cemetery, which was adopted October 2, 1854, and the first sale of lots took place on the 12th of the same month. By-laws, for the government of the association, previously drafted by Col. A. Root, Samuel Smith and C. H. Gatch, were adopted December 2. 1854, and,on the 4th of January following, William Cary was chosen Treasurer.

There now occurs a break in the records from February 1, 1855, to April 4, 1864. We understand that the association elected its Trustees regularly, and that it was in active existence during this time, but as there were no minutes kept of its transactions, we are unable to tell who these Trustees were. On the latter date, a meeting was held, with James Bain in the chair, and G. A. Stewart, Secretary. Three Trustees were elected, viz.. B. R. Brunson, W. . F. Damon and Lazarus Zugschwert; William Cary, Treas-

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urer; William C. Ross, Clerk and Superintendent of Cemetery. In the fall of 1864, land was purchased for a roadway, on the west line of the cemetery, running from the Marion to the Marseilles pike; and Charles Kauf man, by order of the board, made a new plat of the cemetery. In April, 1865, Lazarus Zugschwert succeeded himself as Trustee; W. F. Damon was his own successor in April, 1866; B. R. Brunson was again chosen in 1867; Lazarus Zagschwert in 1868; W. F. Damon in 1869; B. R. Brunson in 1870; William C. Ross in 1871; D. J. Mentor in 1872. William C. Ross served as Clerk of the Board from April, 1864. up to July, 1872, while William Cary was Treasurer of the association from its organization until its transfer to the corporation of Kenton in 1874. From the 4th of April. 1864, up to the time of said transfer-excepting from April until October, 1872, when D. J. Mentzer was President-B. R. Brunson held the Presidency of the board, and was the leading spirit in beautifying and enlarging the cemetery. The association was re-organized October 17, 1872, and B. R. Brunson, D. J. Mentzer and J. A. Rogers were elected Trustees, and re-elected October 18, 1873. Upon the re-organization, Thomas Espy was chosen Clerk of the Board, and served in that capacity until the town took control of the cemetery. On the 16th of April. 1873, twenty-five acres of land lying east of the graveyard were purchased of Misses Martha arid Sarah Glenn, for the sum of $3,600. It extended from the north line of the old ground south to the Marion pike. Early in 1874, Grove Cemetery was transferred to the Corporation of Kenton, the association again reorganized, and, in April of that year, the following Trustees were elected for three, two and one years respectively: D. J. Mentzer, J. A. Rogers and B. R. Brunson. The latter succeeded himself in April, 1875, but soon afterward removed to Indianapolis, and William Gillmore was appointed to fill vacancy until the next election. From that time up to the present, the following Trustee, have been chosen: April, 1876, J. A. Rogers and William Gillmore; April, 1877, D. J. Mentzer; April, 1878, William Gillmore; April, 1879, Dorr White; April, 1880, D. J. Mentzer; April 1881, Asher Letson; April, 1882. Joseph Ichler; April, 1883, D. J. Mentzer. The term of service being three years, and the office rotary, but one Trustee is chosen each year. unless a vacancy should occur, through death, resignation or removal. Dr. J. A. Rogers was Clerk of the board from April, 1874, until April, 1879, when he was succeeded by Dorr White, the present incumbent. In February, 1879, the Trustees bought five acres of William Schrader, lying immediately south of the Catholic Cemetery, which was purchased by that church in 1872. In September, 1882, another lot of five acres was added, thus making forty-five acres in one body, besides St. Mary's Cemetery, which is located between the north and south portions of Grove Cemetery. Twelve acres and a half were sold off the eastern part in February, 1883, leaving Grove Cemetery with thirty-two and one-half acres, mostly laid out in handsome lots, many of which contain beautiful monuments, marking the last rusting-place of those who sleep in this "city of the dead."