HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 225

CHAPTER XXIV.

RAILROADS, TELEGRAPH AND EXPRESS COMPANIES.

SANDUSKY, MANSFIELD & NEWARK RAILROAD-FIRST

TRAINS-AGENTS- CLEVELAND, MOUNT VERNON & DELA-

WARE RAILROAD - FIRST THROUGH TRAIN-THE OHIO

CENTRAL -A COAL ROAD-TELEGRAPH-ITS MIGRATORY

OFFICE-TELEGRAPH AS A DETECTIVE -EXPRESS COMPANIES.

The coach stands rusting in the yard,.

The horse has sought the plow;

We have spanned the world with iron rails,

The steam-king rules us now.

KNOX county contains a portion of one of the oldest railroads in Ohio, the Sandusky, Mansfield &. Newark (now the Lake Erie division of the Baltimore & Ohio). That portion lying north of Mansfield was chartered March 12, 1836, as the Mansfield & New Haven railroad, and extended from Mansfield to a point a short distance west of the village of New Haven, in the southern part of Huron county. Prior to the building of this railroad, a charter, dated March 9, 1835, had been granted to the Sandusky & Monroeville railroad, running from one city to the other, This latter road, thirteen miles long, was completed prior to the former road (the Mansfield & New Haven).

The purchase of the Monroeville & Sandusky City road by the Mansfield & New Haven road, gave the latter corporations direct control of a line from Mansfield to the lake. The road as consolidated was fifty-four miles in length, and had a busy traffic. Prior to 1853 the road enjoyed a monopoly of the grain trade of this part of Ohio.

The construction of the road-bed was solid, if a multiplicity of timbers could make it so. First a "mud-sill" was laid down lengthwise of the road; strong cross-ties were then spiked on this "mud-sill;' into these, "gains," as they were called, were cut, which received the wooden rails, sawed to fit the "gains." These rails were about five inches wide, broadening out as they entered the "gains," and were about seven inches high. On them the "ribbon " was spiked, being a strip of hard-wood about two and a half inches wide, by one inch thick, and on this the strap-iron rail was laid. Spikes were driven through the strap-rail and the ribbon into the large wooden rail underneath. The heads of the spikes were sunken into "eyes " in the strap rails, leaving a smooth surface for the wheels. This superstructure required three times as much timber as the present system of ties and iron rails.

An extension further south than Mansfield began to be agitated before the road was put in running order. Considerable opposition was, however, exhibited among many classes of citizens of Mansfield, who firmly maintained the opinion that a prosperous railroad town must be a terminal point. A charter for a road, known as the Columbus & Lake Erie railroad, was

226 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

granted March 12, 1845, and, five or six years after, a road was built between Mansfield and Newark, where it could connect with a road to Columbus, known then as the Ohio Central railroad, now a part of the Baltimore & Ohio, and which was completed in 1854, so that transportation was begun. That part of this road running through Richland county, south from Mansfield, was mainly built by Mr. Frederick M. Fitting. He began the work in January, 1850, at Mansfield, doing the grading, furnishing the ties, and laying the iron. By August he had the road in running order, and his construction train running to Lexington. He went on south in the construction of the road, doing the entire work from Mansfield to a point about six miles south of Bellville. The part through Knox and Licking counties was built at the same time, so that, by January, 1851, the cars went on to Newark. The two roads-the Mansfield & Sandusky City and the Columbus & Lake Erie-continued under separate organizations until November 23, 1853, when they were consolidated and took the name of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad. Each corporation was burdened with debt and judgment, and had hoped by uniting, to establish a road that would meet the past liabilities and maintain itself in the future. This did not prove to be the case, and under an act of the legislature, passed April 8, 1856, the road and property were sold and the company reorganized. Owing to various delays, the deed of conveyance from the old to the new company was not made until March 29, 1865, several years after the sale had been made, and after the new company had taken charge of the road. This organization remained the same until February 13, 1869, when a contract was entered into by and between the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark, the Ohio Central, and the Baltimore & Ohio railroads, whereby the first named came under control of the last named, and is now operated by that extensive corporation.

During the month of June, 1847, the work on the south end of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad was put under contract from Newark to the Richland county line. The work was not commenced until about the first of August the same year. Of the contractors the names of but a few can be given at this late date. Mr. Joseph M. Byers, then of Newark, in company with Mr. A. Channell and Mr. A. J. Haughey, obtained the fifth, eighth, fourteenth, and nineteenth mile, the latter contract ending at Hunt's Station. Mr. Peter Davis had a mile contract' near Utica, and Mr. Frederick Bumphus the contract near Mt. Vernon. During the fall of 1850 the construction train made its appearance at Dry creek. The bridges over Dry creek and the Kokosing were being rapidly pushed to completion. The work on the north end was being hurried. In the Banner, of December 3, 1850, the following notice appears: "Hereafter the Newark, or eastern mail, will arrive in the cars at nine o'clock in the morning, and go out at four o'clock in the evening. The Columbus mail will be sent via Newark in a short time." And in its issue of January 7, 1851, the Banner says: "The whole railroad line between Newark and Sandusky city is finally completed, and last night (January 6th), a train of four cars passed Mt. Vernon, presenting quite a fine appearance." The connecting of the two ends of the road was effected January 5, 1851, thus giving to Mt. Vernon its first complete railroad.

The first building used for depot purposes was the brick residence formerly owned by the late Daniel S. Norton, now owned and occupied by James Worley. The following gentlemen have been agents of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad and the Lake Erie division of the Baltimore & Ohio company, as it is now styled: T. C. McEwen, James Blake, Captain Ingram, and Joseph M. Byers. Mr. Blake was agent many years; and was succeeded by Messrs. Patterson & White, John W. White, P. H. Burke, D. P. Wooten, and J. C. Patterson.

March 17, 1851, by authority of an act passed February 17, 1851 (49 O. L. 464), "to amend an act to incorporate the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad company," passed March 14, 1836, "the Akron branch of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad company," was organized as a separate and distinct company to construct a branch railroad from Hudson, Summit county, via Cuyahoga Falls and Akron, to Wooster, or some other point between Wooster and Massillon, to connect with the Pennsylvania railroad, and any other railroad running in the direction of Columbus.

The act of March 24, 1851 (40 O. L. 542), authorized the commissioners of Summit county to subscribe one hundred thousand dollars to the capital stock of the company.

The road was constructed from Hudson to Millersburgh, Holmes county, sixty-one miles, and was known and operated as the "Akron Branch" until, by order of the court of common pleas of Summit county, entered at the March term, 1853, the name of the company was changed to "Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati Railroad company." Certificate filed in the office of the secretary of state, March 17, 1853- (Record of corporation No. I, p. 159),

The company became embarrassed, and suit being brought August 27, 1861, in the Summit

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 227

county common pleas court, for foreclosure of mortgage and sale of the road, a receiver was appointed in the case, by whom, under the direction of the court, the road was operated until November 2, 1864, when, pursuant to order of the court, the entire road, property and franchises of the company were sold at public auction for three hundred thousand dollars to George W. Cass and John J. Marvin, who, on the first day of July, 1865, following, conveyed the said road and property thus vested in them by deed to the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway company, who owned and operated it until they, by contract dated June 27, 1869, leased in perpetuity to the Pennsylvania Railroad company to take .effect July 1, 1869, its own railway proper, including the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati railroad and its leased lines.

The Pittsburgh, Mount Vernon, Columbus & London Railroad company was incorporated by filing its certificate of organization in the office of the secretary of State May 11, 1869 (Record of Corporations No. 6, p. 314), road to be constructed from a point in Wayne county, on the line of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago railway, at or near Orville, through the counties of Holmes, Knox, Licking, Delaware, Franklin, through Columbus, to Madison county, at or near London.

November 1, 1869, this company acquired, by deed from G. A. Jones, trustee, etc., all that portion of the Springfield, Mount Vernon & Pittsburgh railroad (being only partly graded), extending east from Delaware, through Mount Vernon, in the direction of Millersburgh, forty-three miles, which was by him purchased at judicial sale August 31, 1857, under proceedings in Knox county common pleas court. The consideration for this conveyance was one thousand shares, of the par value of fifty thousand dollars, of the capital stock of the said Pittsburgh, Mount Vernon, Columbus & London Railroad company.

November 4, 1869, the Pennsylvania Railroad company and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad company, sold and transferred by deed the entire Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati railroad, extending from Hudson to the coal mines southwest of Millersburgh, a distance of sixty-five miles, and all its machinery, rolling stock, equipment, fixtures, etc., to the Pittsburgh, Mount Vernon, Columbus & London Railroad company, the consideration being twenty-two thousand shares of the fully paid. up capital stock of the company purchasing, the par value of which was one million one hundred thousand dollars; the latter company assuming the payment of a mortgage debt on said conveyed premises of one hundred and forty-three thousand dollars.

On the same day an assignment was made to the company-being one condition of the sale and purchase aforesaid-of the lease of the Massillon and Cleveland railroad, extending from Massillon to Canton, twelve and a half miles, which had passed into the possession of the Pennsylvania Railroad company July r, 1869, with the property and other leased lines of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad company.

December 6, 1869, George W. Cass and wife and John J. Martin and wife executed to the Pittsburgh, Mount Vernon, Columbus & London Railroad company a deed of confirmation of the Cleveland, Zanesville & Cincinnati railroad, thereby vesting any title or rights in said road possessed by said parties in said Pittsburgh, Mount Vernon, Columbus & London Railroad company.

December 20, 1869, the name of the company, by decree of Knox county common pleas court was changed to Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Delaware Railroad company. Certificate filed in the office of the secretary of State December 22, 1869.

December 17, 1872, a supplemental certificate was filed for constructing a branch from the main line in Holmes county, through Coshocton county, to a connection near Dresden, Muskingum county, with the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis and the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley railways, thirty-three miles. Report of June 30, 1874, shows seventeen miles graded on the Dresden branch, and an expenditure, including rails, etc., of over two hundred thousand dollars.

The main line was completed to Columbus, and the running of through trains commenced September r, 1873.

The Ohio Central railroad passes through Hillier township, It is, or will be, a coal road. But few if any of the financiers of the county are interested pecuniarily. The people of Centerburgh and Hilliar township are the most deeply interested in

228 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

this road. Centerburgh has already felt its influence by the increase of business. During the past year over thirty dwellings and stores have been erected.

The following extract from a Cincinnati paper gives a little inside history of this road:

The line now known as the Ohio Central railroad, owned by a powerful syndicate of wealthy capitalists, and which is on the eve of completion between one of the most wonderful deposits of coal and the northern lakes, has had an eventful history. The enterprise had its origin in a project for building a road from Pomeroy to Toledo, which was first agitated in 1868-69. Hon. V. B. Horton was for a time president of the company, which was known as the Atlantic and Lake Erie. Nothing was done of any consequence, however, until General Thomas Ewing, of Lancaster, was put at the head of the corporation. Under his management an immense amount of money was spent on the Moxahala tunnel and the difficult portion of the road near its southern terminus, and the rails were put down as far as Union Station, a short distance west of Newark, where the road crosses the Pan-Handle. Just then the panic came on and the company was left with an uncompleted section of road, no rolling stock worth speaking of, and a solitary locomotive, which the excursionists, as they inspected their property last week, saw dumped beside the track, near Moxahala tunnel. Rusty and dismantled, the worn-out iron monster was a fitting monument for the financial ruin that overtook President Ewing and the great majority of his associates who first set out to build the line.

The track lay rusting, and the ties rotted in the rain, for several years unused, when the property was sold out under the order of the Crawford county court of common pleas, by Daniel Babst, master commissioner, and bought in by J. T. Brooks, solicitor for the Pennsylvania Central interest. Since the original projectors had started in to build the road, the Hocking Valley railroad interest had completed its own line, known as the Columbus & Toledo, to the lakes, and was in successful operation. The incentives for completing the Atlantic & Lake Erie to Toledo were not promising, as the coal trade, which was almost the sole dependence of the line, had been much depressed for years; and established companies were scarcely earning more than their expenses. Under these circumstances, the road was an elephant on the hands of the purchasers at the Bucyrus sale, even if they got it at about the price of the iron rails. In the spring of 1879 Governor Foster, who had been associated with Ewing in the Atlantic & Lake Erie failure, and a number of capitalists met here, and, after a brief conference, satisfied themselves that they could turn the incomplete road into a bonanza for themselves by diverting it to Columbus. All that was necessary for them to do was to build twenty-six miles of new line between this city and Bush's Station, take the Atlantic & Lake Erie track from there to Corning all ready for the cars, and the thing was done. The finished road-bed was procured for a song, as compared to its cost to the Ewing syndicate, and the iron on the part north of Bush's, which was not to be operated, could be utilized in laying the track on the twenty-six miles to be built, so as to bring the road into Columbus. The company organized as the Columbus & Sunday Creek Valley railroad, and there was never perhaps in the history of Ohio railroad construction a larger bonanza than fell into their hands almost without effort. They had scarcely closed their contracts for the supplies and rolling stock necessary to get their road running before the business boom which followed the panic set in, and in addition to a tremendous rise in the value of the assets of the Atlantic & Lake Erie they had the benefit of a tremendous rise in railroad property of all kinds. There were but seven or eight men in the original Sunday Creek company, and before this ' road was completed, after an interval of but a few months, and without having risked scarcely any money, they were able to sell out at an individual profit of $73,000.

Governor Foster had with him in the original Sunday Creek Valley syndicate Calvin S. Brice, of Lima, long associated with him in the Lake Erie & Louisville road; General :Manager Caldwell, of the Pan-Handle, General Thomas, of this city; Josephus Collett, president of the Evansville, Terre Haute & Chicago road, and the firm of Perkins, Livingston & Post, of New York, who were the main reliance of the syndicate in the sale of the bonds of the new corporation: Collett and the :yew York firm dropped out of the arrangement as soon as it was fairly on its feet.

Had the capitalists who invested in the Sunday Creek Valley enterprise confined themselves to the original idea of a coal road between Corning and Columbus they would have had a line costing but a fourth as much as the Hocking Valley, with every prospect of an income nearly as good ; but they had underestimated one item, and that was the cost of completing the Moxahala tunnel. Governor Foster told the writer some time ago that, had they known what it would cost to finish the work on the tunnel, he and his associates would never have entered into the Sunday Creek enterprise. As he put it, they had not enough miles of road to bond, if they confined themselves to the Columbus coal road idea, and an extension was necessary, so as to float more bonds. The result was a reorganization of the Sunday Creek Valley company and the formation of the Ohio Central in its place, which change was made early last winter. The original intention at that time was to make the northern terminus at Fostoria, and the lake port for the road at Sandusky, which could be reached by joining with the Lake Erie & Western road. After some delay it was decided to push on to Toledo, and but ten miles more of track remain to be laid until j that is done. The general office of the company will then be removed from this city to Toledo. A large tract of river front has been purchased there, and it is the intention to begin the erection of buildings for terminal facilities at an early day.

The shipments of coal over the Ohio Central, according to Superintendent Hadley, are fifty cars a day. There was some falling off on account of the strike in September. The road is receiving large numbers of coal-cars from Detroit and Lafayette and new engines from the Brooks Locomotive works, and a large increase in business will follow as soon as the company can handle it.

The road is being extended south from Corning, so as to penetrate eighteen miles further into the c-al region. This will be done by going down the valley eight miles and returning on another fork of Sunday creek to within three miles of Corning. In this way an immense amount of fresh coal territory will he opened.

At the time this sketch was written, the Ohio Central had reached Fostoria. Since then work has been pushed forward rapidly, and the rails are now laid to the city of Toledo.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 229

In 1849 a few years prior to the advent of the railroad, a telegraph office was opened in Mount Verron, and Mr. John W. White was placed in charge. Two young telegraph experts, of Zanesville, Ohio, Messrs. Kent and Garlock, had undertaken to put up a line of wire from Zanesville to Sandusky. The line ran along the dirt road from Zanesville to Mount Vernon, dropping an office at Irville and Nashport, in Muskingum county; Newark and Granville, in Licking county, and to Mount Vernon via Alexandria, Horner and Brandon, leaving no office between Granville and `Mount Vernon. The first office in Mount Vernon was opened in a room in Hosmer Curtis' brick block, north of the public square. It was immediately over the present bakery of W. A. Tathwell, where it remained several years. Its next abiding place was the room occupied by the meat shop of Winterbotham & Co., and then in the room now occupied by Scribner's drug store, in what was then known as the Booth building. There it remained a number of years. From the last named place it was removed to Abernethy's drug store (now Beardslee & Barr's), where it tarried about one year. The room now occupied as a law office by Abel Hart received it next. In 1861 Mr. Buckingham offering Mr. White a book-keeper's position in his foundry, the telegraph office was removed to his counting room, where it remained until 1865, when it was taken to the depot of the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad, Mr. White having been appointed Mr. James Blake's assistant in the railroad office.

By the time Kent and Garlock reached Mount Vernon from Zanesville, Mr. J. H. Wade, of Cleveland, had reached Mansfield with a line of wire from Cleveland, on his way with it to Columbus and Cincinnati. Mr. Wade visited Mount Vernon and made overtures to Messrs. Kent and Garlock for the purpose of purchasing their line. A sale was effected, and the Zanesville company was turned over to the Cleveland, Columbus & Cincinnati telegraph company. On a new organization being made, Mr. Wade became its president, and Mr. J. W. White its secretary. Mr. White retained that position a few years, or until the Wade lines became united to the Speed and Cornell eastern lines, when the secretary's office was removed to Rochester, New York. The Wade, the Speed and Cornell and other eastern and western lines united and became widely known in after years as the "Western Union telegraph company." In becoming a part of the union, the Wade lines were put in at twelve dollars a share (the shares being fifty dollars each). Those stockholders of Mount Vernon who owned four shares thought themselves lucky in receiving one share in the Western Union. The small shareholders lost all, and there were quite a number of them.

Many interesting incidents occurred in connection with the telegraph office here, during its early days, one of which, at least, appears of historical importance.

The older citizens of Mount Vernon doubtless remember the Hinton mail robbery. It occurred in the days of Neil, Moore & Company's stage line. Mr. Hinton was the superintendent of the stage line running from Newark to Cleveland via Mount Vernon. Money letters were so frequently missed, that the general post office department placed detectives on the track. A detective visited every post office on the route on the arrival of the mail stage. The losses were sustained between Mount Vernon and Wooster. Another remarkable fact was made known, that all losses occurred on the occasions that Hinton accompanied the stage. Then it took about thirty-six hours to perform the trip; the night driving occurred between Mount Vernon and Wooster. A. J. Smith, then a banker at Newark, ascertaining that Hinton would pass over the route on a certain day, prepared a large decoy package for that day's mail, directed to Cleveland. Arrangements were made at Newark by Smith and General Jones (then United States marshal), at Mount Vernon, that they should have exclusive control of the wire that night after eight o'clock. Smith prepared a complete description of every note in the package, the letter, the number, the bank and denomination. All bills were of small amounts, so as to make the package as large as possible.

Smith had forgotten to furnish Jones with this descriptive sheet-hence the wire came in use. The message received that night was probably the longest local message ever passed over the wires at that early period in the history of telegraphy. At ten o'clock that night Thomas Jones, a brother

230 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

of the marshal, started on horseback for Mansfield with that message in his pocket. At Mansfield he took the train for Cleveland, arriving there at daylight. Hinton was arrested, and bound over for trial. By some means he escaped from the clutches of the law. A few years since, a traveler reported that he met Hinton in Cuba, and recognized him. He bore another name then.

Express companies followed naturally the advent of the railroads. The American was the first to establish an agency in Mt Vernon, the office being at the depot, and up to 1873 the ticket agents were also the express agents. The United States established an office here some years ago, and a company called the Merchant's attempted to do some business about 1866, but failed. Upon the advent of the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Columbus railroad, the Union express company opened an office in Mount Vernon, placing Mr. W. J. Horner in charge, who subsequently became the only express agent in the city.

A few years since the Baltimore & Ohio company determined to control the express business on that road and opened an office in Mount Vernon, placing it in charge of John W. Stephenson who retains the office at present.

George B. Potwin, in the prosecution of his produce business, was one of the largest shippers by express from Mount Vernon. It was not unusual for him to ship in this way at one time fifty barrels of eggs and a hundred firkins of butter to the New York market. Perhaps the most valuable shipment ever made from the Mount Vernon office in one day, was made by the banks during the war, when fifty thousand dollars in coin was sent to the New York market.

CHAPTER XXV.

KNOX COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

FORMATION OF THE SOCIETY-GENERAL PROGRESS-RE-

PORTS OF THE FAIRS FROM THE FIRST TO THE PRESENT TIME.

AS agriculture is the avocation of the great majority of the citizens of Knox county, and as it is the principal source of the wealth and prosperity of the county, its introduction and development deserves a place in the county's history.

The first thing the settler had to do, after building his cabin and domiciling his family therein, was to clear off a patch of land for corn and potatoes, in order to secure subsistence as soon as possible, Although the culture of these miniature farms was very imperfect, the implements being rude and clumsy, yet the richness of the virgin soil never failed to produce abundantly.

As the clearing of the pioneer widened, his products became more diversified; rye, oats, buckwheat, etc-, were added. Better implements and better culture followed. The introduction of agricultural papers stimulated inquiry; inquiry led to associations for mutual improvement; hence the agricultural societies.

In the winter of 1846, William Bevans, B. F, Smith, Isaac Nicodemus, Adam Rinehart, and John and William Bonar, organized what they styled "The Morris Agricultural Club," with William Bevans as its president. The object of the club was mutual improvement, by a free interchange of opinions on all subjects pertaining to the farm. The club held regular weekly meetings for discussion, which was sometimes quite animated. Two questions gave great interest to these discussions

First. Does the moon, or the twelve signs of the Zodiac, or both combined, exert such an influence on vegetation as to make it necessary, in order to secure the best results, to be guided by their different phases, in our planting and sowing.

At that time scientific knowledge of the laws upon which successful agriculture is based, was not as widely diffused through books and periodicals as now. There were many ridiculous whims, founded on the ignorance of superstitious dreamers, who said "if you plant your cucumber seed when the moon is in the sign of the virgin, they will bloom but not bear; but plant them in the sign of the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 231

twins,, and they will bear abundantly." Strange as it may appear, such nonsense found credence in the minds of otherwise intelligent men. The discussion of this topic brought out experiences and facts of great practical value. The superstitious whims were exploded, and the truth established that close observation of the earth, rather than the moon and stars, give the best results in agriculture.

The second question to which allusion has been made, was in reference 'to the transmutation of plants, or does wheat, under unfavorable circum stances, degenerate into chess or cheat?

As might be expected, the moon farmers were to a man firm believers in transmutation. In the discussion of this topic, an unanswerable array of facts were brought to bear, proving the Scripture doctrine, that, "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," to be literally true, in the experience of the husbandman. The practical working of these two opinions is, that the believer in the Scripture doctrine will be careful to keep his fields free from foul seeds, and sow pure grain, assured that in due time he will reap in kind.

One Saturday in November, 1847, The Morris Agricultural Club held a fair on the farm of William Bonar, of Morris township, in which Dr. J. N. Burr, who was an honorary member, took a lively interest. Adam Rinehart was the president. Although the day was unfavorable-being rainy-the display of grain, fruit, stock, etc., was quite encouraging to the friends of improvement. The record of this first agricultural fair exists only in the memories of a few of its participants and is therefore very meagre. Byram Leonard, of Wayne township, was there with short-horn cattle; Henry Wider, of Wayne, and Adam Rinehart of Morris, each had a fine display of apples., The record shows that Wider was so disgusted at the injustice done him by being brought in second best, that he ceased to be a competitor at fairs during life. Premiums were offered as follows: For the best stallion; breed mare; spring colt; milch cow; bull calf; heifer calf; buck sheep (first and second best); ewe (first and second best); best two dozen apples (three varieties); best bunch of grapes; best plow, harrow and cultivator; pair of blankets; pair of woollen socks, etc., etc. The reasons for ignoring wheat were two: first, the poor crop of that season; second, the wheat was sown before' the formation of the club.

From this humble beginning has been developed what is now known as "the Knox County Agricultural Society." This society confines its efforts to encouraging the improvement of farm products; including farm stock of all kinds; the products of domestic industry and skill; in short all that pertains to rural comfort, convenience and elegance; as well as the products of the skilled artisan and mechanic.

Prior to the purchase of the present finely located fair grounds, fairs were held under many disadvantages. The floral hall was migratory. One year the court room of the old court house was used; another, the lecture room of the Union church, better known as the "Peacock church,' was called into requisition; still another year the church room of the Presbyterian congregation was thrown open to the society. For the stock grounds the then vacant lot on East Chestnut street opposite the Knox county jail was used for a few years. To prepare pens for the sheep and swine on exhibition, D. C. Montgomery, then sheriff' of the county, and Dr. J. N. Burr, devoted two or three days prior to the opening of the Fair, in levying contributions upon the rails of neighboring farms to build those pens, and two or three days after the fair closed were occupied in restoring the rails to their former places. The spacious fields of the late D. S. Norton, on the west side of the town, were thrown open for equestrian uses. Under such disadvantages the infant society had to labor for several years. As to the stock, it was herded in vacant lots throughout the town, and when wanted it was driven into the impromptu fair ground, viewed by the committees, and then driven home by the owners. The horses were hitched to fences and posts here and there; and when wanted were brought in, viewed, admired, and sent home. Fairs were thus conducted until about 1853 or 1854, before permanent grounds were procured.

In 1857 and 1858, independent fairs were held at Fredericktown, but of their success or failure no trustworthy accounts can be found.

Careful researches among the newspapers of the day develops the fact that the subject of holding county fairs had not been given that attention its

232 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

importance demanded, for until the year 1849 no mention is made of a fair being held, except one held by the Farmers' club in x847, and the report of the fair of 1849 is of little or no importance. But a few facts can be gathered bearing upon the subject. The officers were: President, William Bonar; secretary, Thomas T. Tress. The fair was held October 23d and 24th; but the place of holding it is not mentioned.

From the reports of the committee it is learned that "horses on exhibition were few in number, but all were of excellent stock; that the whole number of cattle on the ground was four hundred; that only about forty sheep were exhibited; that there was a poor display of fruit, and that of domestic manufactured articles a large display was made."

The date of holding the fair of 1850 is not given. The officers were: William Bonar, president; John Lewis, James Elliott, Richard Hunt, Aaron Nevis, and James Withrow, vice-presidents; Thomas T. Tress, recording secretary; Dr. J. N. Burr, corresponding secretary; M. M. Beam, treasurer; William Bonar, Benjamin F. Smith, R. C. Hurd, Adam Rinehart, Asahel Allen, Job Rusk, Jennings Crawford, Mardenboro White, executive committee.

The stock- exhibited this year was of excellent breed, but few in number. The cattle entries were numerous, a large number being entered merely as a show, and not for premiums. The sheep few in number, but of good stock. Of hogs, the committee remark: "The long-faced gentry were few, but respectable."

The fair of 1851 was the third in number. The officers were: President, William Bonar; vice-presidents, James Elliott, John McElroy, Eli Willett, G. W. Jackson, and Asahel Allen; recording secretary, John Beaty; corresponding secretary, George W. True; treasurer, M. M. Beam; executive committee, J. N. Burr, William Bevans, Benjamin F. Smith, Jennings Crawford, Robert Graham, Nicholas Spindlar, Melvin Wing, David C. Montgomery, Gilman B. Stilley.

The fair was held on the second and third days of October, and was well attended, and the show of articles quite creditable. The exhibition of horses, sheep and hogs was good. The number of cattle was not large; the quality, however, was excellent.

The exhibition of articles by the ladies was highly creditable to them, and attracted general attention and much praise.

So far as the fair of 1852 is concerned, no account can be given further than the list of officers, which is as follows: President, William Bevans; vice-presidents, Benjamin F. Smith, James Elliott, William Babcock, Marvin Tracy, and John Denny; recording secretary, A. Banning Norton; corresponding secretary, E. Ailing; treasurer, Henry P. Warden; executive committee, William Bonar, Asa. hel Allen, J. N. Burr, Isaac Bell, Benjamin Tulloss, Job Rush, Mardenboro White, Daniel McGrady, and Hugh Oglevee.

But little can be found at this late date in reference to the fair of 1853. Stock exhibited was very good. Floral hall was at the Union church, on North Main street, and attracted a large attendance. The contest for the prize for the. best female equestrian drew several thousand people to the field of Daniel S. Norton, west of town, where by universal consent the prize of a silver cup was awarded to Miss Eliza Thompson. The pleasure of the fair this year was destroyed by a serious accident that occurred upon the fair grounds, about three o'clock in the afternoon.

A grey horse hitched to the topmost rail of the fence on the east line, broke away, carrying with him the rail, to which he was fastened about midway, and ran into the crowd at his utmost speed, endangering the lives of many. Judge Hurd was standing in the crowd, and was knocked down and seriously injured, being struck upon the forehead and rendered senseless. Drs. Burr, Kirk, and others, who were present, at once came to his aid, and did all in their power to relieve him. The judge, after a long spell of sickness, finally recovered, but for long years suffered from that blow upon his head.

The fair of 1855 was held October 3d and 4th. The officers this year, as far as can be ascertained, were-President, Benjamin F. Smith; secretary, William Dunbar.

From the published report of the doings of the fair this year, the conclusion is that the stock exhibited was meager in number and poor in quality.

The committee report: They regret to say that there were but three lots of sheep exhibited, and those on exhibition were

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 233

not a fair sample of the most valuable wool sheep of our county; they being mostly a cross, of French and Spanish Merinoes, growing a heavy, greasy wool, very unprofitable to manufacturers, and if increased in our county, will have a tendency to reduce the value of our wools, and lessen the competition in the purchase of them.

The lot of sheep exhibited by Mr. Parminter, being Cotts and Leicester sheep, your committee recommend them as the most valuable sheep for mutton.

The committee on grain reported that the only grain presented was a specimen of corn, the product of two acres, raised by Mr. C. C. Curtis, of Mount Vernon. The corn was of excellent quality, and the amount per acre was one hundred and fourteen and one-half bushels.

The mechanical work, and the ladies' work exhibited, were highly commended. E. W. Cotton took the first premium on marble work, and Dr. C. M. Kelsey the first premium on dental work. Mrs. Beardslee was awarded the first premium on quilts, and Miss White the second premium.

William Turner, by report of the committee on farms and farming, was voted a premium for the neatest and best arranged garden.

The fair of 1856 was held September 18th and 19th, the officers being: President, Henry P. Warden; vice-presidents, G. F. Beardslee and Henry Phillips; recording secretary, E. Alling; corresponding secretary, John Lamb; treasurer, William Bonar.

The fair of this year was one of the most creditable and largely attended yet held in the county. The ladies exhibited numerous articles of domestic and fancy work. The horses on exhibition were an improvement on those of the last fair, both in number and quality, in style and speed. To Dr. E. M. Mast was awarded the first premium on mules. About forty head of cattle, and a fine lot of swine were on exhibition.

The time of holding the fair for 1857, is not stated. The officers were: Henry B. Warden, president; Henry Phillips, Isaac T. Beum, Robinson Frazier, John DeWolf, and Joseph Adams, vice-presidents; John Lamb, secretary; Israel Underwood, corresponding secretary, and C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The executive committee consisted of twenty persons. The society numbered about three hundred members.

The total receipts were two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six dollars and sixty-eight cents, and the expenses were three thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven dollars and ninety-six cents. The deficit was one thousand two hundred and thirty-one dollars and twenty-eight cents.

The following extracts are from the society's report to the State Board of Agriculture:

We have been struggling for existence several years and until the present year (1857) have not bad what might be called an agricultural fair.

The executive board of the past year determined to make a bold movement, and with little encouragement and no means, purchased ten and three-quarter acres of land for a fairground for two hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre, enclosed it in a board fence, erected permanent halls, stalls, pens, etc., and two temporary halls and offices. The county commissioners agreed that when the society had expended and paid upon it one thousand dollars they would appropriate a like amount.

The fair was a successful one, and a great deal of good has resulted from it. It has breathed new life into the society, and we think that the Knox County Agricultural society and fairs have become a fixed fact. There were over six hundred entries made of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, mules, fowls, farming implements, grain, vegetables, fine arts, needle and fancy work, domestic manufactures, painting, fruits, flowers, etc.

The fair of 1858 was held September 28th, 29th, 30th, and October 1st, and was a complete success. The officers were: Henry P. Warden, president; Lorin Andrews, I. T. Beum, C. P. Buckingham, H. W. Shipley, William L. King, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, recording secretary; Emmitt W. Cotton, corresponding secretary, and C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

Each township in the county was allotted a member of the executive committee.

The total number of entries was seven hundred and six.

It was evident from the amount of stock, and number of people in attendance, that the present grounds were too small, and a subscription of one thousand dollars was raised on the last day of the fair to purchase additional grounds.

The society numbered about -five hundred members.

The total receipts were one thousand nine hundred and eighty-five dollars and twenty-seven cents, and the expenses were three thousand four hundred and sixty-three dollars and three cents. The deficit was one thousand four hundred and seventy-seven dollars and seventy-six cents.

The heavy frost of June, 1859, was, for a short time, the cause of much alarm to the farming

1234 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

community, but the beautiful growing weather following. soon after, gave them hopes. of plentiful harvests. The fair of that year was held September 28th, 29th, and 30th, and was a very successful one. The officers of the agricultural society that year were as follows: Henry P. Warden, president; Lorin Andrews, C. Delano, and Henry Phillips, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The total receipts were two thousand one hundred and eighty-six dollars and sixty-six cents, and the expenses were one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four dollars and thirty-nine cents. The excess of receipts over expenditures was three hundred and twenty-two dollars and twenty-seven cents.

There was a large show of stock and machinery, and a good display of fruits and vegetables. Farm products were rather light, but of good quality.

The fair of 1860 was held on the society's grounds in Mount Vernon, September 19th, 20th, and 21st, and was reported "a complete success."

The society then owned nineteen acres of ground enclosed with a good board fence eight feet high. Upon the grounds good stalls, etc., had been erected. A splendid half-mile track had been laid out and so improved that when finished would make a beautiful drive.

The total receipts were one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine dollars and fifty-nine cents, and the expenses were two thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars and nineteen cents. The deficit was one hundred and forty-nine dollars and sixty cents.

The date of holding the fair for 1861 is not specified. The display in all departments was meagre. The officers were: Joseph M. Byers, president; Lorin Andrews, Samuel Israel, John McIntyre, Jesse Davis, Robert Miller, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, recording secretary; E. W. Cotton, corresponding secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The fair of 1862 was held September 24th, 25th, and 26th. Officers-Joseph M. Byers, president; Samuel Israel, C. Baker, Anthony White, C. L. Bennett, Robert Miller, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, secretary; E. W. Cotton, corresponding secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

No account of the fair can be found, but as it was the second year of the War of the Rebellion, it is presumed it was a slim affair. A new committee was created this year-a committee on asses - to which Dr. J. N. Burr and John Cooper were appointed.

The fair of 1863 was held September 23d, 24th and 25th. Officers-C. Delano, president; Harvey Cox, vice-president; Robert Thompson, secretary.

Samuel Israel, Charles Barker, John Lyal and Columbus Delano were appointed a committee to collect from' the General Government the bill of damages due the society for injury done the fair grounds when occupied by the Forty-third regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry.

The note due the Knox county bank for five hundred and thirty-one dollars and twenty-six cents, was ordered to be renewed.

For 1864 and 1865 no records were made in the journal. The war occupied all minds and the people were more intent on having a country than a fair.

Officers of the agricultural society for 1866, were-George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice president; Alexander Cassil, secretary; G. B. Dean, corresponding secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The date of holding the fair this year is not given on the journal Incessant rains during the first and second days were disastrous to its success. The show of horses, cattle and sheep was unusually good. Wheat and clover-seed crops of the county were almost a failure. The corn crop was good, yielding forty-five bushels to the acre. Floral hall made a fine display.

Owing to the disturbed state of the country, fairs had been on the decline; those of the past three or four years had been poorly attended. They did not pay expenses.

January, 1866, found the Knox County Agricultural society heavily in debt. The vacancies in the board were filled up with new and energetic men, and new officers elected. By the exertions of officers, aided by liberal citizens, the fair of 'x866 was one of the best ever held in the county.

Receipts of the fair, together with private subscriptions, were sufficient to pay all the premiums, and to expend large sums in necessary repairs to the grounds and buildings. January r, 1867, the .

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 235

society had on hand available funds sufficient to pay off the indebtedness. With prudent management and the proper appreciation of the enterprise by citizens, the society hoped that it would become one of the permanent self-sustaining institutions of Knox county.

Mr. John D. Thompson represented the society at the State Agricultural convention this year.

Officers for 1867 were-George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice president; Alexander Cassil, secretary; John M. Martin, corresponding secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

Fair held September 17th, 18th and 19th.

Total receipts from all sources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500 06

" expenses ...................................................................... 3,782 33

Excess of receipts over expenses .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . ....... $ 717 73

The fair this year was a brand success, more than equalling the hopes of the most sanguine. The attendance of visitors on Wednesday and Thursday was large.

The display in fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was unusually good. In the way of fruits, vegetables, domestic fabrics and machinery, the display was not large but good. Much praise was awarded the officers of the society for their untiring exertions.

The fair for 1868 was held on the society's grounds September 29th and 30th, and October 1st. The officers were: George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice-president; Alexander Cassil, secretary, and John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The display in floral and art halls was not as good as could have been desired. The exhibition of stock was excellent. The wheat crop of the year was good both in yield and quality: amount sown, small. The corn crop was large, and of a good quality; The oat and barley crops were almost a failure. Clover seed was light in consequence of raids by the grasshoppers. The hay crop was very light. The failure of the hay crop caused a falling off of winter stock fully one-fourth, compared with the last winter. This was more especially the case with sheep, as farmers sold off their whole flocks to persons who slaughtered them for pelts and tallow. The fruit crop was unusually light, and of inferior quality.

The fair for 1869 was held on the eighth, ninth and tenth or September. The weather for the first days was very unfavorable.

Stock, especially horses, was well represented. The interest in fine wool sheep continued unabated. Some fine Spanish merinoes were on exhibition. The fine flock of long wool sheep exhibited by Mr. Rinehart, attracted much attention. The ladies under direction of Mr. E. W. Cotton ornamented the new floral hall in fine style. This hall was built at a cost of three thousand dollars. The wheat and oat crop of the county was excellent. The society numbered this year four hundred members.

The officers were: George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice-president; Alexander Cassil, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The officers for 1870 were: George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice-president; Alexander Cassil (resigned), secretary; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

Fair held September 27th, 28th and 29^th.

The board was authorized to borrow one thousand dollars.

Judging from the published premium list, the fair of this year must have been a success: For horses of all grades seventy-nine premiums were paid; for. cattle, thirty-two; for sheep, twentyseven; for swine, fourteen; for farm products, agricultural implements and machinery, fruits and flowers, forty-four premiums were paid. Floral hall was replete with useful and pretty things. The committee on cattle report:

We find the showing in this class, K, the best that we have ever witnessed on exhibition, at any previous show in this county, there being two competitors, J. P. Larimore, esq., and John Lyal, esq., both of whom eqhibited very fine herds so nearly equal in points of excellence that your committee found it difficult to decide.

The premium was awarded to Mr. Larimore.

The officers for 1871 were: Robert Miller, president; Noah Boynton, vice-president; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

Fair held September 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th.

The board authorized the building of fifty new stalls, the digging of a well on the grounds, and the making of other necessary repairs.

The entries at the fair this year were uncommonly large, every stall on the ground being full.

236 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

The stock of all kinds was exceedingly good, and drew the attention of all visitors.

Some splendid horses were on exhibition.

The display in floral. hall met the hearty and cordial approbation of all.

The entries of stock were: horses, one hundred and fifty-five; cattle, eighty-four; sheep, ninetytwo; hogs, forty-two; mules, thirteen. .

The fair for 1872 was held on the twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh of September, and is reported to have been the best and largest fair ever held in the county, there having been over one thousand entries. Receipts from all sources were about three thousand three hundred dollars. There were premiums paid to the amount of two thousand dollars, besides paying on old debts six hundred dollars.

No mention is made of the stock entries, but it is believed the display was superior. The display in floral hall was large and fine. The society this year numbered about seven hundred members. The officers were: Robert Miller, president; Noah Boynton, vice-president; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

On motion, a resolution was adopted "that it is expedient to sell the present grounds in accordance with petitions of the city council and of numerous citizens."

Farms in the neighborhood were examined by a committee for new grounds. The farms of Joseph Adams and P. H. Updegraff were favorably mentioned.

Fair for 1873 was held September 23d, 24th, 25th and 26th.

The weather, the first two days, was rainy, but the last two days good. There was a small attendance of visitors. The entries numbered one thousand; receipts from all sources about three thousand dollars. The premiums, expenses and repairs about equalled the receipts. A small debt rested upon the society. The show of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was very fine, and the display of agricultural implements and products good. The floral hall was filled to overflowing and was a credit to the ladies of the county.

ACRES. YIELD.

Wheat................................. 20,858.............. 240,266 bushels.

Oats.................................... 15,136.............. 336,137 "

Corn ................................... 30,639............ 1,315,785

Potatoes ............................ 926 ............. 79,540 bushels.

Meadow............................. 19, 196 ............ 15,265 tons hay.

Butter............................................................. 634,443 pounds.

Officers-George W. Steele, president; Charles A Young, vice-president; A J. Beach, treasurer.

The question of selling the old grounds and the purchase of new, was discussed during this and subsequent years, and several farms in the neighborhood were examined and reported upon more or less favorably. Propositions to sell the grounds at public outcry to the highest bidder, and to lay them out in town lots and place them on the market, were discussed at meetings of the society, but up to the present (1881) nothing has been done. The sale of the grounds found but little favor with a large majority of the members, and citizens.

Officers for 1874-George W. Steele, president; C. A. Young, vice-president; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; A. J, Beach, treasurer.

The fair was held October 6th, 7th 8th and 9^th. Tuesday and Wednesday the weather was very unfavorable; on Thursday and Friday it was fine. On Thursday fully ten thousand people were on the ground.

The receipts at the gate on Tuesday were twentytwo dollars; Wednesday, five hundred and seventy dollars and sixty-seven cents; Thursday, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one dollars and seven cents. On Friday the receipts were given up to the jockey club.

The display of stock of all kinds was very full, the stalls and pens being all occupied. The display of machinery and agricultural implements was large and interesting, and gave great satisfaction. Floral hall presented a fine appearance, and was the most attractive feature of the fair.

Officers for 1875-C. A. Young, president; Alexander Cassil, vice-president; O. G. Daniels, secretary; Noah Boynton, treasurer.

The fair this year was held October 5th, 6th and 7th.

The weather the first day up to noon was fine, and the people from the country were out in full force, the annual fair and Barnum's circus being the objective points of interest.

The third day the attendance was good. It was remarked by all that the display of agricultural implements was excellent both in number and va-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 237

riety. Floral hall was well filled with pictures and needle work, flowers and vegetables. The show, of stock was excellent-the horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry were all of the best grades. John Lyal had some good stock, and it would seem as though he was entitled to some premiums, though he failed to obtain any. James Martin had the largest number, and, it is probable, the best show of cattle on the grounds. He received sixteen premiums on fifteen head.

Officers for 1876-Alexander Cassil, president; Peres Critchfield; vice-president; Willard S. Hyde, secretary; Ira M. McFarland, treasurer.

Fair held q-ptember 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th.

At one of the early meetings of the board a loan of one thousand five hundred dollars was authorized to be made.

At a later meeting another loan of one thousand eight hundred dollars was authorized, and the board authorized to cancel the indebtedness of the society. A committee appointed to ascertain this indebtedness reported as follows: The liabilities for 1876 were two thousand three hundred and forty-four dollars and thirteen cents; the amount due the society was two hundred and forty-six dollars and seventy-nine cents; leaving the liabilities of the society two thousand ninety-seven dollars and thirty-four cents.

On the last three days of the fair the attendance was large, bringing the receipts up to about two thousand six hundred dollars from gate money and entry fees.

All departments were well represented in the display, and commanded great attention from visitors.

Officers for 1877-Alexander Cassil, president; Peres Critchfield, vice-president: Williard S. Hyde, secretary; Samuel Bishop, treasurer.

The receipts of. 1877 were two thousand one hundred and ninety-four dollars and five cents; and the expenses, two thousand six hundred and nine dollars and thirtyone cents, leaving a deficit of four hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-six cents.

At this fair the display in every department was never excelled, although on account of rain on the first and second days, the number of visitors was small.

The display of horses was uncommonly good. About one hundred and seventy-five were entered for exhibition. The display of cattle was also excellent.

The departments of hogs and sheep were filled with stock of superior breeds. One hundred head of hogs and one hundred and twenty-five head of sheep were entered for exhibition.

In agricultural implements the display was large and fine.

Floral hall was packed full of useful and ornamental articles. The ladies' work displayed great taste, and was much admired.

The fair for 1878 was held September 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. The officers were: John C. Levering, president; Alexander Cassil, vice-president; William S. Hyde, secretary; Samuel Bishop, treasurer.

Following is the report of President Levering:

The twenty-fifth annual fair of the Knox County Agricultural society was held on the society's grounds, in the city of Mount Vernon. It was well attended, and was the most successful exhibition the society ever held, every department being fully represented. Crops of all kinds were good the past season. Our farmers have generally adopted a mixed husbandry; more profitable in a series of years than to make a specialty of any one crop, while any crop that can be grown profitably in the State, can be grown here successfully.

Wheat, corn, oats, and hay, are the principal crops grown in the county. The wheat crop of 1878 was perhaps the largest ever grown in the county, both in acreage and the yield per acre. There are many varieties of wheat grown in the county the Mediterranean still holding a prominent place as a sure crop, while the largest .t yields are reported from the Fultz; the Clawson is not yet sufficiently tested; the Gypsey is generally discarded.

A large proportion of our county is well adapted to growing corn, especially the western part, and the Kokosing valley. It is the largest crop raised in the county, and considered the most important; it is generally fed to stock, thus producing the largest income of any other crop.

Of oats, there have been several new varieties introduced, but none succeed so well as the common yellow-spangled variety. The Norway or black oats are entirely discarded.

The potato crop has assumed considerable importance, and is the chief crop grown in the county.

Of fruits, apples are the principal crop; the yield of x878 was the largest ever produced in the county, and of excellent quality. Large quantities were shipped east, and even to England. Of peaches there was more than an average crop.

In the live stock department there is a manifest improvement in all kinds bred and raised in the county.

The importation of the Clydesdale, Norman, and Percheron horses is producing some fine, heavy roadsters, which command ready sales and good prices.

Of cattle we have the shorthorn, which, by crossing with the common cows, produce good feeding steers, which find ready

238 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

market. There are several fine herds in the county. There are but a few of the jerseys, Alderneys, Ayrshires, or Devons in the county.

In the production of sheep and wool, there has been a decline in the numbers in the few past years. The Spanish or American Merino compose by far the larger proportion of sheep in the county.

Of hogs, the Poland-China, Berkshires, and the ChesterWhites make the most important showing in the "long-faced gentry." So far as this department of the fair is concerned, the exhibition was a success.

Floral hall and fine-art hall were great attractions.

Of farm products, the display was excellent. The condition of agriculture in the county is improving. The farmers are taking more pains in the cultivation of the soil, by underdraining, manuring, and a more thorough system in the rotation of crops.

The officers for 1879 were: John C. Levering, president; Alexander Cassil, vice-president; John F. Gay, secretary; B. S. Cassel, treasurer.

The fair was held October 7th, 8th, 9th, and l0th.

On the twenty-first of March Treasurer Cassel reported that there had been placed in his hands one thousand, nine hundred and four dollars and twenty-seven cents; that the amount paid out was one thousand, five hundred and ninety-one dollars and sixteen cents; leaving an excess of receipts of three hundred and thirteen dollars and eleven cents.

This year's fair is published as the twenty-seventh annual exhibition. Previous to the exhibition an addition had been made to floral hall, in which to exhibit fruits and vegetables, where they made a fine display. The halls, sheds, and stalls had also been renovated and repaired, and quite a number of new ones had been added.

Up to Wednesday morning about eleven thousand entries were made, the numbers being in excess of any previous year.

Floral hall, under the management of Mr. C. S. Pyle and Mr. O. M. Mulvany, made a splendid appearance.

In agricultural implements there was an extensive display, that attracted a great deal of attention.

In the horse and cattle departments the number of entries was larger than in any previous year. All stalls were filled. The display of sheep and hogs was very large. All the pens were occupied. The display of poultry was unusually large and fine.

The officers for 1880 were: John C. Levering, president; Alexander Cassil, vice president; John F. Gay, secretary; B. S. Cassel, treasurer.

The fair was held October 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th.

The fair of 1880 was a success. The first two days were lightly attended by visitors, but during the last two days the attendance was large, larger than on any two days of any previous fair. The total gate receipts were two thousand seven hundred and twenty-five dollars; the total entry fees were seven hundred and seventy-five dollars; total receipts, three thousand five hundred dollars.

Floral hall was attractive, and the committee deserved great credit for the admirable taste displayed in arranging the many articles belonging to that department.

Among the exhibitors in the stock department, Messrs. W. S. W. Wing and L. F. Jones had twenty-two head of Kentucky cattle; Mr. John Lyal had thirteen head of fine cattle; and Mr. James Martin fifteen head.

Holmes & Dickeson, J. C. Levering & Company, S. K. Pumphrey, and H. H. Brown, each had on exhibition draft stallions.

Hogs and sheep were on hand in splendid condition and of superior breeds.

Chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, were on hand in large numbers.

Buggies and carriages of improved styles, the manufacture of Mr. David Sanderson and Mr. George D. Neal, were on exhibition.

Messrs. Pealer & Norrick made forty-three entries of improved farm implements, and two steam engines.

At the January meeting of the members of the society, Mr. E. A. Pealer was elected president; Mr. John C. Levering, vice-president; Mr. John F. Gay, secretary; and Bascom S. Cassel, treasurer for 1881.

At the annual meeting of the Ohio State Agricultural society, held at Columbus in January, 1881 Mr. John C. Levering, of Knox county, was elected a member of the board of managers. This is the first time Knox county has been thus honored.

The board decided to hold the State fair at Columbus from August 28th to September 3, 1881. Mr. Levering was assigned to the department of "Mechanics' and Manufacturers' products."

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 239

CHAPTER XXVI.

BENCH AND BAR.

FIRST COURT IN THE COUNTY-THE WHIPPING POST-FIRST

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY - PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURT -

FIRST PRACTICING LAWYERS--A BRIEF NOTICE OF EACH

OF THE MEMBERS OF THE MOUNT VERNON BAR.

The first court held in Knox county, convened May 1, 1808, William Wilson, of Licking county, presiding. John Mills and William Gass were the associate judges. Charles Loffland was elected by the court, clerk pro tempore. The first grand jury impanneled consisted of 'Matthew Merrit, foreman, John Herrod, Samuel H. Smith, James Walker, jr., David Miller, Joseph Walker, Gilman Bryant, James Walker, sr., William Douglass, Ziba Leonard, Stephen Chapman, Benjamin Butler, Jonathan Hunt, and Ichabod Nye. The first petit jury was composed of James Loveridge, Henry Smith, Aaron Brown, James Smith, Benjamin Brown, John Beam, William Nash, Daniel Demick, \-iichael Brown, Peter Baxter, Archibald Gardner, and Levi Herrod.

Banning Norton thus introduces the first court held in the county:

On the first of May, 1808, the faces of old and young, great and small, of the male and female, upon Owl creek's "stormy banks," were anxiously turned to the south to catch the first glimpse of that august personage, "the court," then expected to make a first visitation to Mount Vernon. Ben. Butler and aunt Leah had their house all "in apple-pie order" for their grand reception; Jim Craig, at his house on the corner of Mulberry and Gambier, had laid in a fresh supply of whisky and other refreshments; Gilman Bryant had got a bran new horn for his customers, and had rubbed his little store up until the stock looked as bright as a dollar; and Sheriff Brown had caused the little wagonmaker shop of Coyle & Sons to be swept out and supplied with smooth round logs for the jurymen and others in attendance to sit on. Every man and boy that had been fortunate enough to kill his deer had buckskin leggins and a new hunting shirt, and every woman who had a wheel had spun and dyed and made herself and little ones a good homespun garment. Some few who could stand the expense had bought of store calico three to five yards, at seventy-five cents a yard, and fitted themselves with a two or three breadth dress, the third breadth, made into gores, so as to be wider at the bottom; for in those days there were no fashionable women to parade the streets with fifteen to eighteen yards in a dress, and no disposition for extravagant displays of wearing apparel. The court travelled on horse-back-handed the saddle-bags to "Knuck Harris," and, after rest and refreshment, bright and early on the morning of the second of May " opened" and proceeded to business. The whole population-men, women and childrenwere out in their best rig, to witness this great event.

The first jury trial was the State of Ohio vs. William Hedrick. The following is an extract from the minutes of that court

Agreeable to an act of the general assembly of the State of Ohio, passed on the thirtieth of January, 1808, for establishing and organizing the county of Knox

Be it, therefore, remembered and known, that we, William Wilson, president, john Mills and William Gass, associate judges for said county of Knox, did on this day, to-wit: Monday. the second day of May, in the year of our Lord 1808, meet at Mount Vernon, the temporary seat of justice for the county aforesaid, and proceeded to the appointment of a clerk for the said county, whereupon it was declared by the court that Charles Loffland was duly elected clerk pro tempore, who came into court and was duly qualified as the law directs.

Samuel H. Smith, esq., was duly elected surveyor of Knox county.

Present: William W. Farquhar, gentleman; James Armstrong, James Dunlap, and Isaac Cook, gentlemen, who were appointed by the legislature on the ninth of February last for fixing the county seat in the county fur Knox, made their report to the court of common pleas for the county aforesaid that Mount Vernon should be the seat of justice for said county.

At this court four indictments were found against one William Hedrick, as follows: For stealing a watch from William Bowen; for stealing a bay mare, property of William Wallace ; for stealing one pair of overalls, the property of Joseph Cherry Holmes; for stealing one bell and collar, the property of William Wallace. On each indictment Hedrick was found guilty, and judgment rendered against him as follows

1st charge.-Fine five dollars, pay the owner, William Bowen, fifteen dollars, and be whipped on his naked back ten stripes, imprisoned one month, pay the cost, and stand committed until the sentence is complied with.

2d charge.-Prisoner be whipped twenty lashes on his naked back, and pay a fine of twenty dollars, and be imprisoned one month, and pay the owner seventy dollars, the value of the mare, pay the. cost, and stand committed, etc.

3d charge.-Prisoner be whipped on his naked back five stripes, pay a fine of two dollars, be imprisoned one month, pay the owner five dollars, double the value of the overalls, pay cost, and stand committed, etc.

4th charge.-Prisoner to be whipped five stripes on his naked back, pay a fine of one dollar, pay the owner one dollar and a half, the value of the bell and collar, pay the costs, and stand committed, etc.

Norton relates as follows how the above sentences were carried into effect:

The judgment of castigation was executed upon the public square of Mount Vernon, shortly after the adjournment of court, in presence of all the people. Silas Brown was the sheriff; and it fell to his lot as such to serve the "legal process" upon the body of William Hedrick. There was a small leaning kickory tree upon the east side of the public square, between the present Norton building (now occupied by Dr. Israel Green, druggist) and High street, and a little south of where the jail was afterwards built, and this tree bent in such a way that a man could walk around under it. To this delectable spot the culprit was taken, and his hands were stretched up over his head and tied to the tree, and the stripes were applied by the sheriff to his

240 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

naked back. He was struck forty times with a heavy raw-hide whip.

The first few blows with the raw-hide were across the kidneys. Mr. Bryant, one of the bystanders, at once called oat to the sheriff to whip him elsewhere -that was no place to whip a man he should strike higher up; and the test of the lashes were applied across the shoulders.

The criminal sobbed and cried piteously, and when released went off weeping and groaning. In many places the skin was cut and broken, and the blood oozed out, making a pitiable spectacle. And yet such was the feeling against him that few seemed to sympathize with the scourged. As he started off he said to the spectators: . ' You should not blame me for this, for it was not my fault." Bob Walker replied: '-No, you wouldn't have stood up and been whipped that way, if you could have helped it." And at this prompt retort to Hedrick's explanation or apology, the crowd laughed uproariously.

From Gilman Bryant, Samuel H. Smith, Benjamin Butler, Jonathan Hunt, and Stephen Chapman of the grand jury, and James Loveridge and the Herrods of the petit jury, and Richard Roberts, who witnessed this same, this account of the first and last judicial punishment by whipping in Knox county, was gathered. Few of the present citizens are aware that such punishment of criminals was ever the law of the land in which they have the good fortune to live.

The appointment by the court of a clerk for the county, and of a surveyor, completed the organization of the county.

There being no attorney in attendance at this session,the court appointed Samuel Kratzer, a worthy and intelligent citizen, attorney to defend the said Hedrick. To him the county paid the first attorney's fees, six dollars, ever paid in the county. Kratzer, in the early courts, when no attorney was in attendance, officiated as prosecuting attorney.

Among the proceedings of the first court was the granting a license to William Thrift, a Baptist minister, to solemnize marriages. Samuel Kratzer and Stephen Chapman were authorized to retail merchandise in Mount Vernon, on paying into the treasury five dollars each. Samuel Kratzer was also licensed to keep a house of entertainment in Mount Vernon, on paying six dollars, and Daniel Ayers was licensed to keep one in Fredericktown, on paying five dollars. The last will and testament of William Leonard was proven.

The second term of the Knox common pleas was held on Monday, September 5, 1808. The grand jury for this term was Jabez Beers, foreman, Ziba Leonard, John Johnson, James Walker, Jacob Young, Benjamin Butler, William Nash, John Butler, David Miller, John Merritt, William Douglas, James Walker, jr., and James Craig. The first case tried at this term was "The State of Ohio vs, Samuel H. Smith-on a presentment for selling goods without a license. Court on consideration of the offence fined the defendant in the sum of two dollars and fifty cents and costs of .the prosecution." Afterward the court granted a license to Samuel H. Smith to sell merchandise at his store in Clinton, for one year, on the payment of ten dollars. Mr. Smith was also licensed to keep tavern on payment of five dollars.

The following notes regarding the early courts are from Norton's history:

The grand jury at the spring term of common pleas court of 1815 consisted of Anthony Banning, foreman. John Merritt, Peter Bricker, John Hawn, David Hawn, John Green, William Marquis, George Davis, Moses Craig, James Strange, Azariah Davis, Jacob Martin, Benjamin Bell, and Gilman Bryant. They returned nineteen indictments for "assault and battery" and "affrays." Quite a number of the parties plead guilty, and were fined two dollars and costs. Adnal Hersey, of the Christian church, was licensed to marry. John Cook, of the Baptist, was also licensed to do the same. Samuel Mott was appointed master commissioner in chancery. Tavern licenses were granted this year to Jonathan Hunt, Elisha Cornwall, Abner Ayres, John Baxter, and A. H. Royce; and store licenses to Nicholas McCarty, George Girty, Eli Miller, Anthony Banning, L. S. Silliman, Gilman Bryant, John Wilson, and James N. Ayres. Two important roads are opened this year, namely: from Mt. Vernon towards Sandusky, under the supervision of John Lewis, as commissioner, for which he is granted by the county commissioners orders for one hundred dollars, and is paid fifteen dollars for his services; another, a road opened by Benjamin Rush, as commissioner, to 'Mansfield, for which set. vics he is paid nine dollars, and two hundred dollars is expended by the county in work upon the same. Among the bills paid in November, 1818, by the commissioners, are; to Anthony Banning, for one hundred and eighty-two and a half pounds iron and brick for jail, twenty-six dollars and fifty-five cents; and Archibald Crofferd, for the following for the county: One pair hand-cuffs, three dollars; one hasp, fifty cents; shackles and hasp, one dollar and fifty cents; two grates, thirteen dollars and eighty cents; eight spikes, fifty cents-nineteen dollars and fifty cents. The job of making further improve. ments to the jail and jailor's house is given to William Doug. lass at one hundred and twenty-five dollars. The commissioners were determined, if possible, to make the jail burglar proof.

The first session of the supreme court of the State of Ohio held in Knox county was on the third day of August, 1810, be Honorables William W. Irwin and Ethan Allen Brown.

James Smith was appointed clerk for seven years.

The only cases were those of the State vs: Ichabod Nye and Samuel Nye. Upon oath by the defendants that they did not believe an impartial trial could be had, the venue was changed to Licking county.

E. Herrick, esq., attended as prosecuting attorney.

The second session was held May 1, 1811, but two causes were on the docket. Sylvenias Lawrence, for the use of Benjamin

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 241

Rush, vs. George Davidson, and James Peuthres vs. Samuel Kratzer; both of which were dismissed. No other business was to be transacted, and the court adjourned until the next court in course.

The third term was held April 9, 1812. In addition to the former cases the docket shows the following: Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Vendrew; William Y. Farquhar vs. James Craig; Andrew Craig vs. Henry McCart and James Cunningham; James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith; Henry Smith vs. Benjamin Barney; Henry Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith and Benjamin Barney; and Thomas Slater vs. Lovina Slater. Attachments were issued vs. Amos Yarnold and Alexander Enos, for refusing to appear as witnesses.

The case of Slater vs. Slater is the first divorce question ever presented in Knox county.

The fourth term was held on the second of August, 1813, by Thomas Scott and Ethan A. Brown.

William C. Enos was qualified as attorney and counsellor at law as the law requires.

The case of Lawrence for the use of Rush is dismissed for want of bond to prosecute the appeal.

In Craig vs. McCart and Cunningham, judgment of non-suit is entered, because of non-appearance of plaintiff. Farquhar vs. Craig is continued, and the defendant to pay all costs of this term within six months, or judgment, etc. John Jones -vs. j Joseph Cherry Holmes and George Lybarger the complainant being thrice called did net appear, nor any person to prosecute this suit for him, therefore the injunction is dissolved and bill dismissed. The injunction case of Benjamin Barney vs. Henry Smith is heard by counsel, and the injunction is made perpetual, plaintiff to pay all costs. James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith is argued by counsel, and the court decide that the defendant go hence, without day, and recover of plaintiff costs, etc. David Davis vs. John Cambridge, removed from Licking county, is continued. Slater's divorce petition is dismissed at cost of plaintiff. Lewis Dent & Co. vs. John Wheeler-judgment for plaintiff for four hundred and ninety-three dollars and eighty cents and costs. Another divorce case, Isaac Bonnet vs. Elizabeth Bonnet, is continued at cost of plaintiff, to be paid in six months, and upon condition that he give personal notice to the defendant of the pending of this suit in six months.

On the evening of the third of August, having spent two days court adjourned.

The fifth term was held August 15, 1814-Judges, William W. Irwin and Ethan A. Brown.

John Williamson vs. Samuel Farquhar is continued at defend ants cost.

Isaac Bonnet vs. Mary Bonnet, divorce. After argument the court continued the cause under advisement until the Coshocton supreme court, their decision to be certified from that or some other court to this court. The first jury cause ever tried in the supreme court for this county was that of William W . Farquhar vs, James Craig.

Jury-William Harriss, John Harriss, John Sawyer, Jacob Cooper, John Kerr, Bartholomew Bartlett, John Davidson, John Wilson, Thomas White, Francis Mitchell, Isaac Bonnet. and Benjamin Martin. Verdict for plaintiff, one hundred and. three dollars and sixty cents. A motion is made by defendant for a new trial, argued by counsel, and overruled by court.

The State of Ohio vs. Martin D. Lewis. On indictment by grand jury of Licking county for larceny. On motion, and affidavit of defendant, the court ordered venue to be changed to this county, on defendant giving bond for five hundred dollars and security in two hundred dollars to appear first day of next term. Henry Markley becomes his security. After two days' session, court adjourned.

The sixth term was held August 7, 1815. Judges-Ethan A. Brown and John A. Couch, who produced his commission in room of Hon. Thomas Scott, resigned, etc.

The only jury trial was that of Samuel Mott vs. Gilman Bryant. Jury-Isaac Vore, sr., John Vennoms, Samuel Durbin, James McGibeny, Joseph Hunt, John Arbuckle, Thomas Williams, Moses Merrit, George Dial, William Sapp, and John Stilley. Verdict for plaintiff, five. dollars and costs. Josiah Hedges vs. Samuel Kratzer, Andrew Craig, and George Davis. Default against defendants, and cause continued for inquiry. Anthony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer and John Williamson. On motion of plaintiff's counsel for dismission of appeal, on hearing the arguments of the parties by their counsel, it is therefore ordered that the motion be overruled.

August 8, 1815. John Williamson vs. Samuel Farquhar. Continued till next term, on motion and affidavit of plantiff, and at his cost. William W. Alexander vs. John Wilson. Suit dismissed at cost of defendant, except docket fee in court below, which is not to be taxed to either party. Anthony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer and John Williamson. Decree by court for plaintiff, "as per decree on file, signed by chief judge."

The above is a faithful abstract of the business of this, the sixth, term of the supreme court.

The seventh term was held August 15, 1816, by Judges Brown and Couch, the latter having produced his commission for seven years from the fourteenth of February, 18 t6. But one cause was tried by jury - Moses Robinson vs. Isaac Dial. Verdict for plaintiff, one hundred and four dollars and eighty cents and costs. Williamson vs. Farquhar is again continued, with leave to amend, and at costs of plaintiff. Stephen H. McDougal, assignee of William Taylor vs. Enoch Harris. Judgment by default, for eighty-eight dollars and eighty rents and costs. There are four other cases on the docket, in all of which our old friend Samuel H. Smith figures as plaintiff or defendant. The other patties are Robert Fulton, Erasmus Beaty, Levi Davis, Joseph Walker, administrator of Philip Walker, and John Walker. On the sixteenth court adjourned till next court in course.

The first writ of habeus corpus in the county was allowed "by the Hon. John H. Mefford, esq.," April 26, 1819. John Shaw, sheriff, brought into the court house the body of Amos Yarnall, with the mittimus, showing the cause of capture and detention. Samuel Mott, esq., appeared as his attorney, and on his motion, after the attorney for the State had duly considered the matters in law arising, the court let him to bail in the sum of fifty dollars, James Smith his security.

The second case, that of William Knight, who, on the eighth of July, 1819, was brought to the court house, and by judge Mefford admitted to bail in the sum of fifty dollars, Alexander Elliott becoming his bondsman.

The third case occurred April 3, 1820, when judge Joseph Brown set at large Abel Fowler, upon Artemas Estabrook and Alfred Manning becoming security for his appearance at the May term of Knox common pleas, in the sum of fifty dollars.

In this year an interesting case was presented in allowance of a writ, on the twentieth of November, by Judge Brown, requiring John Bird and Judah Bird to bring into court the body of an Indian child, daughter of Rachel Conkapote, deceased, by her husband, Elisha Conkapote, both Indians of the Stockbridge

242 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

tribe. Judges Young and Chapman appeared, and the whole court lent itself to an impartial examination of the case, which resulted in their leaving the little Indian in the hands of the Birds, John and Judah. This little Indian was daughter of the squaw killed.

This was perhaps the most interesting case heard upon writ of this character, until the great military case of Colonel Warden, which was tried upon writ issued in name of the State vs. William E. Davidson.

" By Judge James Elliott, September 27, 1837.

"W. E. Davidson, Provost Marshal of the and Brigade, 3d Division, Ohio Militia (late 4th Brigade, 7th Division, O. M.), in pursuance of an order by Brigadier-General Wm. Bevans (commander of said Brigade), and upon action of a Court Martial, now -in session at Mt. Vernon, convened by order of said Gen. Wm. Bevans, on Monday, Sept. 25th, 1837- Col. H. W, Strong, President of the Board. Discharged by said James Elliott, judge, &c."

Another case, of much interest, at a still later period, was about the two dwarfs-of Porter's wife-held, it was claimed, illegally by Warner. Upon hearing, however, the court did not think so, and they remained in custody of the showman, at last accounts.

The writ of habeas corpus became a favorite resort in liquor cases, where parties were, as they thought, unjustly persecuted and cast into prison, by fines imposed, upon temperance principles. During the administration of his Honor, Judge Bevans, more writs of habeas corpus were granted than in all the rest of our history put together. To such an extent was it carried, that he acquired the sobriquet of "Old Habeas Corpus." The venerable judge always leaned towards the side of suffering humanity. If he erred in judgment, it was because no work upon the subject had been published at that date. Our townsman, judge Hurd's work on Habeas Corpus, did not get into print until the year 1858.

As before stated, William Wilson, of Licking county, was the first president judge. George Tod, of Trumbull; Alexander Harper, of Muskingum ; Lane and Higgins, of Huron; and Ezra Dean, of Wayne, succeeded Wilson in the presidency prior to 1851. Since that time the most prominent have been Judges Finch and Jones, of Delaware; and Hurd and Adams, of Knox Among the early judges of the supreme court who have presided in Knox county, may be mentioned Peter Hitchcock, Reuben Wood, Frederick Grimke, Calvin Pease, Joshua Collett, John C. Wright, and N. C. Read.

The early bar of Knox county was composed entirely of visiting attorneys of distinction, citizens of neighboring counties, who were, for a great number of years, regular attendants at each session. of the court. Among these were Philomon Beecher, Charles R. Sherman, Thomas Ewing, Henry Stanbery, W. W. Irwin, Hocking H. Hunter, of Fairfield county; Edward Herrick, William Stanbery, Joshua Mathiott, Israel Dille, and George B. Smythe, of Licking county; Wyllis Silliman, Samuel W. Culbertson, Charles B. Goddard, Alexander Harper, Charles C. Converse, C. W. Searle, and George James, of Muskingum county; Orris Parish, of Franklin county; and David Spangler, of Coshocton county. All were distinguished attorneys, and many of them became prominent in State and national affairs in after days. Many of these gentlemen were, at different times, appointed temporary prosecuting attorneys. As may be remarked, from the brilliant-array of prfessional men, the early bar of Knox county stood preeminent throughout the State.

Samuel Mott, esq., a native of Vermont, was the first resident lawyer of the county. He came to Mount Vernon about 1811. In the early courts he had considerale business, and was a man of note in the county. At one time he was engaged in the mercantile business. '

William C. Enos was probably the first attorney admitted to the bar in Knox county, about 1813. He was what the people of that day called "home made," and did not attain to a high position as an attorney. He was a quiet, peaceable citizen, and a man of considerable intelligence.

Hosmer Curtis was the second resident attorney. He was a native of Connecticut and came to Mount Vernon in 1815. For a number of years he was the "father of the Knox county bar." In 1816 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, and in 1822 represented the county in the legislature. He removed to Iowa in 1858, and died in 1874, aged eighty-five years.

Henry Barnes Curtis carne to Mount Vernon in 1817, and read law in the office of his brother, Hosmer Curtis; was admitted to the bar, and at a later date to the United States courts at Columbus, and to the supreme court at Washington, D. C. On the ninth day of December, 1872, he retired from the legal profession, after a successful and lucrative professional career of half a century.

About the time Mr. Curtis entered upon his legal career, J. W. Warden, Benjamin S. Brown, Columbus Delano and John K. Miller became members of the bar. At a later period Matthew H. Mitchell, John C. Stockton, William R. Sapp, R. C. Hurd

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 243

and others were enrolled as members. Of the eight mentioned above, Columbus Delano is the only one now living. In the early days of the bar J. C. Hall was a leading member of it. Some thirty-five years ago he started west, and made his home in Iowa, where he became eminent in his profession, and at one time represented his district in congress. Of the professional career of John W, Warden and Benjamin S. Brown, little can be said at this late date, other than that they were eminent in their profession, and well known throughout the State. John K. Miller took high rank in his profession, and also in the field of politics. He represented the Knox congressional district in congress two terms, and also represented his country as consul at one of the French ports. Stricken with bodily infirmities while at the height of his usefulness, he was compelled to retire from a profession he adorned by his abilities and virtues. Matthew H. Mitchell, in the early part of his professional career, was a man of superior abilities, and stood at the head of the bar. He had no superior in the county. In 1850 he represented the county in the constitutional convention, took a leading part in that body, and enjoyed the entire confidence of his fellow-members. His death occurred a short time since.

One of the most brilliant and erratic members of the early bar of Mount Vernon was the late Major Hoey. He was a man of superior education, a comprehensive mind and inferior to none when he thought proper to devote himself to his profession. Socially inclined he deserted his profession for the companonship of the gay, and the thoughtless.

Hon. C. Delano is one of the county's most eminent attorneys, and highly honored men. He was born in Shoreham, Vermont, in 1809; removed to Mount Vernon in 1817 ; was admitted to the bar in 1831, and became eminently successful, both as a criminal prosecutor and as an advocate. In 1844 he was elected a representative from Ohio to the twenty-ninth Congress, and served on the committee on invalid pensions. In 1847 he was a candidate for governor, but lacked two votes of a nomination. In 1860 he was a delegate to the Chicago convention. In 1861 he was apppointed commissary general of Ohio and filled the office with great success until the General Government assumed the subsistence of all State troops. In 1862 he was a candidate for United' States senator, but again lacked two votes of a nomination. In 1863 he was elected to the Ohio house of representatives and was a prominent member of that body, taking a leading part in shaping the important legislation of that session. In 1864 he was a member of the Baltimore convention, and chairman of the Ohio delegation, zealously supporting President Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. He was re-elected to the thirty-ninth Congress, serving as chairman of the committee on claims. Having relinquished the practice of his profession, he became extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, and the business of banking. He was also a delegate to the Philadelphia "Loyalists' convention" of 1866; and, in 1868, having contested the seat of G. W. Morgan for the fortieth Congress, he was successful, and became a member of the House. After leaving Congress he was appointed commissioner of internal revenue, and was also appointed Secretary of the Interior in 187o, by President Grant, and resigned in 1875.

Judge Rollin C. Hurd was for many years one of the most prominent of Mount Vernon's lawyers. He was a live, active, go-ahead Yankee from Vermont, and pushed his way to the front rank in his profession. He was educated at Kenyon college, studied law with the late Benjamin S. Brown and was admitted to the bar in 1837. His practice soon became extensive not only in the county and circuit courts, but in the United States courts of the northern district of Ohio. In 1863 he was admitted to practice in the supreme court of the United States in Washington

In 1852 he was elected judge of the court of common pleas for this judicial district. Later in life he found time to publish a work on habeas corpus, and to devote much of his time and energy to the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus & Mount Vernon railroad. His death occurred February 12, 1874

Joseph Slocum Davis graduated from Kenyon college in 1835; studied law in the office of Benjamin S. Brown, and was admitted to the bar in 1837. Ill health compelled him to quit the profession after a few years' practice.

William Dunbar came to Mount Vernon in 1847,

244 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

and became proprietor of the Mount Vernon Democratic Banner. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1806, and admitted to the bar in 1842.

General George W. Morgan came to Mount Vernon in 1843, and read law with the late Hon. J. K. Miller. He has been actively engaged in three wars-the Texan war of independence, 1836; the Mexican war, 1846; and the war of the Rebellion, 1861; and has served three termsin Congress. He has also held two foreign appointments-consul and minister plenipotentiary.

The late Hon. William R. Sapp, or "Major," as he was familiarly called, thirty years ago stood high in the profession. He served in Congress two terms, and was also appointed revenue collector and United States commissioner.

John C. Stockton came to Mount Vernon from Zanesville about the year 1855. In 1814 he represented Muskingum county in the State legislature. He was a man of education and great professional ability.

William McClelland, of the firm of McClelland & Culbertson, is a native of Pennsylvania; came to Mount Vernon in 1844, and has been largely engaged in settling estates. He served as county commissioner thirteen years.

William Craig Culbertson is a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. He read law under the preceptorship of General Aquilla Wiley, of Wooster, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. He came to Mount Vernon in 1872 and entered into partnership with William McClelland.

Charles H. Scribner was admitted to the bar at Mount Vernon in 1848, and in June, 1869, removed to Toledo and entered into partnership with Hon. Frank H. Hurd. In 1867 he was elected to the State senate from the district composed of the counties of Wayne, Holmes, Knox, and Morrow. He was the author of a valuable legal work, entitled Treatise on the Law of Dower, and was a member of the convention called to revise the constitution in 1873.

Joseph C. Devin was educated at the seminary at Norwalk, Ohio, at the Wesleyan university, at Delaware; studied law under Hon. Columbus Delano, and the late William R. Sapp, and was admitted to the bar in 1851. In 1863 he was elected to the Ohio State senate from the district composed of Wayne, Holmes, Knox, and Morrow counties. 'His law partner, Henry L. Curtis, is a native of this city, and studied law under the preceptorship of his father, the Hon. Henry B. Curtis. Mr. Curtis is a graduate of Kenyon college, and a young man of much promise.

Frank H. Hurd was educated at Kenyon college, from whence he. graduated in 1859, when only eighteen years old, and entered immediately upon the study of the law. He was admitted to the bar in 1862; and during the fall of the same year was elected prosecuting attorney. In' 1866 he was elected a member of the State senate. In 1867 Mr. Hurd removed to Toledo, Ohio, and in 1874 was elected to Congress from the Toledo district, and re-elected in 1878. He is the author of the Ohio Criminal Code of Procedure. In 1876 he published a second edition of his father's work on Habeas Corpus and one of his own on Homestead and other Exemptions.

William C. Cooper, a native of Mt.. Vernon, was admitted to the bar in 1854, and has had a 'successful career as an attorney, a politician, and in a military capacity. He enjoys the respect and esteem of all the citizens of the county.

David Carter Montgomery is a native of Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in Mt Vernon in 1858. He was elected sheriff in 1846, and reelected in 1848.

Henry Harrison Greer is a native of the county, born in 1837. His law preceptors were Messrs, Delano, Sapp and Smith. He was admitted to the bar in 1860, and has enjoyed a successful professional career. In 1861 he was elected treasurer of the county, and served one term, refusing to be a candidate for a second term.

Joseph Watson is a native of Ireland; was born in 1827, and came to America in 1849, settling in Newark, Ohio. He came to Mount Vernon in 1850, and has resided here ever since. In 1859 he commenced reading law with the late Clark Irvine, sr.; was admitted to the bar in 1861, and began the practice of his profession. April, 1880, he opened an office in Columbus.

Charles Edward Critchfield commenced reading law in 1862 with the late Major William R. Sapp, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. He was in practice about fouryears.In 1869, 1872,and

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 245

1878, he was elected probate judge, which office he now holds.

Samuel J. Brent resumed the study of the law, which he had suspended in 1861 to enter the service of his country, and was admitted to the bar June, 1866. He has practiced about two years. He was elected clerk of the court of common pleas in 1869, and 1872, and re-elected for a third term in 1878.

David Wesley Wood, read law with Judge A. K. Dunn, of Mount Gilead, and was admitted to the bar in 1868, and to practice in Knox county in 1869.

Alfred R. McIntire commenced studying law, April 1, 1867, with the late judge Hurd; was admitted to the bar in 1869, and has followed his profession ever since. D. B. Kirk, the law partner of Mr. McIntire, is a son of the Hon. R. C. Kirk, and a native of Mount Vernon.

John Byron Waight, read law with Lewis Lewton, esq., of Cadiz, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar at Carrolton, Ohio, June,1873. In January, 1874, he opened an office at Mount Vernon, where he has since been practicing. January, 1880, the council appointed him city solicitor, to which position he was elected by the people in April, 1880.

Frank R Moore was educated in the city schools, and read law with Messrs. Cooper, Porter & Mitchell, and was admitted to the bar in 1875. Mr. Moore was elected prosecuting attorney in 1878, and re-elected in 1880.

Clark Irvine, jr., studied law with his father. He was elected prosecuting attorney in 1874, and reelected in 1876. At the State Democratic convention held at Cleveland, in 1880, he was elected a member of the Democratic State Central committee, and secretary of that body, and also of the ex. ecutive committee.

William McKee Koons read law under William McClelland, and was admitted to the bar July r, 1874. In his youthful days he learned the trade of machinist and drafting. In 1871, September, he was elected by the city council as city fire engineer, and continued as such until January, 1876. He was elected city solicitor April, 1876, and again in April, 1878, but resigned January, 1880. In the fall of 1879 he was elected a member of the Ohio house of representatives, which position he now holds.

Charles Austin Merriman read law at the Ann Arbor law school; was admitted to the bar in. Michigan, in 1876, and the same year in Ohio.

Frank C. Lewis was educated in the city schools, commenced reading law December 6, 1876, with H. H. Greer, and was admitted to the bar at Columbus February 6, 1878.

Sidney Wood began reading law in 1873 with his brother, D. W. Wood, and July 22, 1879, was admitted to the bar at Mount Gilead; also on the 29th of September, same year, to the bar of Indiana. In May, 1880, he formed a partnership with his brother, in Mount Vernon.

Frank Harper graduated from the city high school, June 22, 1877. He read law with Colonel W. C. Cooper; was admitted to the bar July 7, 1879, and has since practiced his profession.

Charles W. Doty came to Mt. Vernon with his parents in 1863. He read law in the office of General Morgan, and was admitted to the bar July 7, 1879.

A. B. Norton studied law with Colonel W. C. Cooper. He was admitted to practice in the supreme court at Columbus, January 6th, 1880.

A few members of the bar of Knox county went away from time to time to seek their fortunes in other fields, and some of these have became prominent in State and national affairs. Among them were Daniel S. Norton, jr., and William Windom, who left Mount Vernon about the same time, and cast their fortunes with the good people of the new State of Minnesota. Mr. Norton was born in this city, and Mr. Windom was a native of Middlebury township. Both settled in Winona. After a short residence in Minnesota, Mr. Windom was elected to the lower house of Congress. Mr. Norton, a few years later, was elected by the legislature a member of the United States senate. After a few years' service in that body with credit to himself and State, he died. Mr. Windom was elected his successor, and is now Secretary of the Treasury. He was, within the past year, frequently suggested as an available candidate for the Presidency.

Lafayette Emmett, a native born citizen of Mount Vernon, took up his residence in the same State while it was still a territory. After a short residence he was elevated to the bench of the supreme court

246 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

James Smith, jr., a son of the late Rev. James Smith, was admitted to practice in 1839. From that time up to 1856 he was an eminent member of the Knox county bar, and for many years practiced in company with the late Colonel Joseph W. Vance, who was killed at the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, April 8, 1864. In 1856 Mr. Smith took up his residence in St. Paul, and entered into partnership with judge Lafayette Emmett. He was a member of the Minnesota senate in x861, 1862, 1863, and 1865. He is now attorney for the St. Paul and Duluth land department.

A. Banning Norton took up his residence in Texas about 1857. He has been a member of the Texas legislature, postmaster at Dallas, and has twice been judge of the United States circuit court. A. Baldwin Norton entered the army and served as an efficient officer during the war of the Rebellion. He died a few years since while acting as superintendent of a number of tribes of western Indians.

Walter L. Simons located in Kansas, and was soon after elected to the State senate. William F. Turner went west, and became chief justice of Arizona. Fletcher W. Sapp, after practicing in Knox county a number of years, located in Iowa. He soon rose to eminence in his adopted State. He was appointed United States district attorney by the President, and served as colonel of an Iowa regiment during the War of the Rebellion. He is now serving a second term in congress. Henry B. Banning is mentioned in the military history of the county. He was a member of the lower house of congress, serving three terms.

Robert B. Mitchell, in 1846, shortly after his admission to the bar, volunteered for the Mexican war, and was elected first lieutenant of his company. He served until the close of the war, and came home in 1848. After practicing here some years, he went west. He served through the war of 1861, and came out a major-general. While stationed in, New Mexico, on the retirement of Governor Geary, he became acting governor of that territory. David A. Robertson left Mount Vernon and located in Lancaster. In 1850 he removed to St. Paul. A more extended notice of this gentleman will be found elsewhere.

James G. Chapman read law with Hon. H. B. Curtis, and subsequenly formed a co-partnership with that gentleman. As an attorney in the great sheepslaughtering case, about twenty-five years since, Chapman committed an unfortunate faux pas that worried him considerably, and some think it was the real cause of his going west. Be that as it may, the slaughter-pen became a nuisance, and the citizens made an effort to have it abated. The trial was a great one, and created considerable interest. Chapman was defending the sheep man, and thought the killing of so many sheep for their pelts and lard would result beneficially to the county, as it created a great demand for sheep. Chapman went west and became a member of the Nebraska legislature, and is doing well in his new home.

Julius B. Galusha was a student with Hon. Samuel Israel, and after his admission to the bar, became his partner. He removed to Monroe, Wisconsin, and became cashier of one of the banks there.

Caleb J. McNulty came to Mount Vernon from Zanesville about 1838. He is noticed elsewhere. William T. Curtis, a son, and William S. V. Prentiss, a step-son, of the late Hosmer Curtis, were in practice a short time about 1850. Young Curtis wandered off to Oregon, and Prentiss to Columbus, Ohio. Both are now dead.

Walter H. Smith is a citizen of Washington city, and was at one time solicitor of the United States treasury, and held an important position in the interior department. Mr. Smith is a well-read lawyer, and stood high in the profession here.

Louis H. Mitchell is one of the Knox county boys, who, while still a student in the city high school, left his books, took up a musket, and served through the War of the Rebellion. He was a first lieutenant in the regiment of Colonel Vance. After his return home he entered the law office of Colonel W. Cooper, studied the allotted time, was admitted to practice, and entered into partner ship with Colonel Cooper and Henry T. Porter. A few years since he removed to Chicago, and is doing well. There was another young Mitchell, Louis Y., who entered the army, fought through the war, and came out captain, studied law, and was duly admitted to practice. Several years ago he received an appointment in one of

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 247

the departments at Washington, D. C. Frank Green's career can be, stated in the same words as that of young Mitchell. Captain W. A. Coulter came to Mount Vernon from Delaware, Ohio. He had served in the war, and was a promising young lawyer, building up quite a practice in this county. About three years since he took up his residence at Detroit.

John J. Lennon is by birth a native of Canada. In 1861 he enlisted in a New York regiment, and served through the war with some distinction. About 1872 he came here from Wooster, Ohio, and commenced reading law. Shortly after, he was appointed superintendent of some Government work in the south, where lie remained something over a year, when he returned to Mount Vernon, finished his law course and was admitted to practice. In the early part of 1880 he removed to Columbus and formed a partnership with a leading lawyer in that city.

Of those members of the bar who still hold their residence in Mount Vernon, space will not permit an extended notice.

John Adams enjoys a high reputation as a lawyer and jurist, and is now serving out his second term as judge of the district court.

Abel Hart, jr., at one time a partner of judge Adams, is a lawyer of considerable ability. He has been twice elected prosecuting attorney. In 1876 and again in 1878 he represented the people of the county in the lower house of the State legislature.

Henry T. Porter is a native of Knox county, and has been in practice many years. Samuel Israel is a lawyer of long standing and high repute. His health for the past few years, requires him to devote himself to out-door labor.

J. D. Critchfield and J. B. Graham, doing business together, are establishing a large and paying legal business. Both are natives of the county, and both graduates of Kenyon college. John M. Critchfield, a son of Peres Critchfield, is a native of the county, and a graduate of Kenyon. He commenced his legal career in 1879. J. D. & D. F. Ewing, brothers, as well as partners, came to this county from the neighboring county of Holmes, about five years since. J. D. Ewing is now serving his second term as justice of the peace for Clinton township. Clark Irvine, sr., whose death occurred a few years since, was one of Mount Vernon's early attorneys. In 1850 he was elected prosecuting attorney, and made an efficient one. He was a man of rare mind and sound judgment. He was almost a self-educated man, and gathered during his legal career considerable business.

Emmet W. Cotton, although a member of the profession, has paid but little attention to it. He represented Knox county in the legislature during the sessions of 1846 and 1847, and also served the county as surveyor two or three terms. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1808, and came to this county in 1823.

John M. Andrews came to Mount Vernon in 1846. He has considerable practice.

B. A. F. Greer, a native of the county, entered the army at the commencement of his professional career, and served through the war of 1861. He came home broken down in health, caused by exposure, and served one term as justice of the peace for Clinton township; also, one term as probate judge of the county. Charles F. Baldwin, although by profession a lawyer, of late years has been engaged in other business. For a number of years he was in the employ of the internal revenue department of the General Government. At present he is engaged in the main office of the Pennsylvania railroad at Columbus. J. Clark Irvine, a son of the Hon. James C. Irvine, is practicing law in Missouri. A. A. Cassil, a son of Colonel Alexander Cassil, William B. Ewalt, R M. Brown, E. I. Mendenhall, H. Clay Robinson, and Samuel Kunkell, are all members of the bar. Mr. Cassil is city civil engineer of Mount Vernon. Mr. Mendenhall devotes his time and attention to the collecting and agency branch of the profession. Mr. Robinson follows the same line. Mr. Brown is mostly engaged in the collecting branch. Mr. Kunkell was admitted to the bar in 1879; his law preceptor being General G. W. Morgan. Before his admission he was twice elected county recorder. Samuel W. Farquhar was a member of the bar, but his time, while a resident of the county was entirely spent in some county office. He is now a citizen of Iowa. Samuel F. Gilcrist, about 1850, was a prominent attorney. He represented the district of Holmes and Knox in the State legislature in that year, and

248 - HISTORY OP KNOX COUNTY.

was elected probate judge in 1852. He moved west-and died. Mr. R S. Lockwood and a Mr. McIntyre opened a law office in the old market houseabout1850. Mr. Lockwood was a preacher, also, and Was at one time mayor of the city. Some years since he went west. About two years since he came back sick, and died. Mr. McIntyre, also went west. Josephus Ricketts was also a lawyer here about 1850.

The bar of Knox county has already furnished one governor, two United States senators, eight members of the lower house of Congress, six State senators, ten representatives to the lower house, five judges of circuit courts, four probate judges, one United States attorney, one commissioner of internal revenue, one Secretary of the Interior, one solicitor of the United States treasury, one clerk of the lower house of Congress, one foreign minister, two foreign consuls, one Indian superintendent, two major generals in the United States army, one brigadier general in the United States army, one State marshal, three members of Constitutional conventions. As to candidates on State tickets, the bar has furnished for governor, one; for judges, of the supreme court, three, and for attorney general, two. There is hardly an office in Knox county below the grade of probate judge that has not been filled by members of the bar.

Knox county may well feel proud of the record made by her "Bench and Bar."

(NOTE -- More complete sketches of many members of the Mount Vernon bar may be found in the biographical department of this work.]

CHAPTER XXVII.

PUBLIC BUILDINGS OF THE COUNTY.

FOUR COURT HOUSES-THREE JAILS-TWO INFIRMARY

BUILDINGS-MATTERS OF INTEREST CONNECTED WITH

THESE BUILDINGS.

THE court houses of Knox county have been four in number, and in expense of building, material, architectural beauty, etc, have kept pace with the prosperity and gradually increasing wealth of the people.

The first court house was built of logs about 1808 or 1809, and stood on the public square, near the intersection of Main and High streets, on the south side of High and west side of Main, and facing Main. It was but one story in height; fifteen by eighteen feet in size; covered with clapboards, held on by "lug" poles; was lighted by greased paper windows; with the usual large fireplace and mud chimney at one end; no floor but mother earth, and in all other respects as primitive as it was possible for a court house to be. It was only in existence about three or four years when it was removed and a new one erected.

This second building was made of brick and stood on the north side of and facing High street, and on the public square, not far from and east of Main street. The ground upon which it stood was probably ten or more feet higher than at the present time, and while grading Main street about 1828, Mr. Norton, the supervisor, plowed so near the foundation as to weaken it; this being the primary cause of its downfall. It was a square building, two stories in height, with a roof sloping from four sides to the centre upon which stood the cupola, or little square box for the bell. It had double doors on the south and west sides, thus facing both Main and High streets.

Regarding this "new" court house the commissioner's journal of that time contains this entry:

Solomon Geller and George Downs did receive by subscription seven hundred and forty-five dollars.

On the tenth of April, 1812, the following entry is made

The commissioners this day did examine the court house built by George Downs and Geller, and do receive the same.

No sooner is the new court house ready for use than the commissioners become involved in trouble about its occupancy, by different sects, as will be explained by the following entries on the journal

Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of this county have made application for the use of the court house in Mt. Vernon, for the purpose of occupying the same for preaching and holding public worship therein; it is therefore, ordered that the different denominations of Christians are allowed to occupy the same for the aforesaid purpose provided that each denomination shall have the use of the same for-one meeting once in four weeks; provided, also, that the different denominations aforesaid shall meet and mutually agree upon the time or times they shall hold the same, which shall be in force for one year unless they do not agree on the times they shall hold their meetings aforesaid, and each denomination failing to clean up the house

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 249

and leave the same in as good repair as they found it within three days, shall forfeit their privilege aforesaid, and shall at all times be liable to make good all damages done by such denomination at their meeting aforesaid; and James Smith shall keep the key of the house aforesaid; it is further provided, that each denomination aforesaid shall furnish the said house with at least fifty feet of good strong benches for the use of the house aforesaid, which shall be left there for the use of all pubick business which shall be necessary previous to such denomination occupying the said house for the purpose aforesaid.

Eminently catholic and practical-especially the bench part.

The brethren could not dwell together in unity, and accordingly the commissioners on the eighth of June, 1813, passed this resolution:

Resolved, That the court house, from this date, beclosed and kept lockt from all denominations except courts.

This brought about a cessation of hostilities, and again petitions poured in for use of the court house, agreeing to agree as to the time of using it, etc. Thereupon Commissioners Herrod, Cooper, and McMillen, on the twenty-second of June met for the special purpose of ordering "That the court house be opened as formerly, by and under the same rules as formerly-."

One difficulty was that the Methodists were unwilling to let the "New Lights," who formerly belonged to the Methodist church, occupy the court house for the purpose of holding meetings.

On the commissioners' book for July, 1814, appears another item regarding this court house, to the effect that the building is found to need repairing, and Solomon Geller purchases the privilege of making the repairs for seven hundred and ninety-nine dollars and seventy cents.

The wall of this court house began to crumble about 1828, owing, as before stated, to the dirt being taken away from the foundation in grading; and October 18, 1828, James McGibeny made a contract with the commissioners to build a stone wall to support the building, but it was too late, the building fell. December 2d the commissioners issued an order for forty dollars payable to P. S. Brown for loss and damage to his office, caused by the falling of the wall; his office being in the basement of the building.

Preparations were immediately made for erecting the third court house; meanwhile the court held its sessions in what was known as the "Golden Swan Inn," then kept by Thomas Irvine, which stood on the southwest corner of Main and Gambier streets. This tavern was one of the institutions of the town, and a famous place for many years.

This third court house was also of brick, and stood on the public square, on the northwest corner of Main and High streets. It was two stories and a basement in height, and fronted on Main street., The roof projected out over the front of the building and was supported by white, fluted columns. The entrance to the basement was from High street, and the entrance to the court room and first floor was from Main street, by a few steps. A high bank rose in the rear of the building, coming up to the second floor on that side, thus allowing daylight to enter the basement only on the east and south sides. The basement was rented out for shops and stores, the first floor was used for the court room and one or two offices, and the second floor was devoted to offices.

The following regarding this is from Mr. Norton's history.

The court house was no sooner down than the commissioners ordered proposals to be published in the Standard and Advertiser, for the purpose of making donations for the building of a new court house, and for a plan of building, etc. On the twentieth of January, 1829, they agreed with Thomas Irvine for his brick house for a court house, at twenty-five dollars per term, in orders on the county treasury. In April, James Smith is notified by Marvin Tracy that the commissioners have obtained Thomas Irvine's bar room for an office. The levy for taxes in Knox county, June, 1829, was one and a half mills on the dollar, on the whole valuation of property in said county, for State purposes, and one and a half for canal purposes, making three mills upon the dollar for State and canal purposes; and the commissioners, by and with the consent of the judges of the court of common pleas, levied a tax of three mills on the dollar for county purposes, one mill for road purposes, and three-fourths of a mill for school purposes; one of the three mills shall be assessed and collected and appropriated for the building of the court house, and for no other purpose whatever.

At the June session, the following entry is made: " The account of James Smith, presented to the board of commissioners, for one year, from June 1, 1828, to June 1, 1829, including the rent unpaid at last settlement, books and stationery for clerk's office, all of which was rejected by the board. The charges for one year's firewood, which was twelve dollars. From which decision the said Smith prays an appeal to the court of common pleas as to the fire-wood." That record is clear, is it not? The resolutions of the commissioners, published in the Standard and Advertiser, in reference to the building of a court house, represent that "they will meet on the fifteenth of July, for the purpose of receiving donations, etc.; giving the public square one thousand dollars; preference for location, etc.; otherwise at any point in the town plat where one thousand dollars is subscribed," etc. On the fifteenth of July, the commissioners met,

250 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

and adjourned till the twenty-fourth of August, to receive donations, etc., for new court house.

On the eleventh of September public notice is given in the Western Aurora and in the Advertiser and Standard, of sale of contract to build a court house, to the lowest bidder, on the fifth of October next, &c. Peris Sprague is authorized to get E. G. Carlin, or some other person, to make and draft a plat for the same. This plan, as agreed upon, appears on the journal, specifying that the building is to be erected on the west side of Main street and north side of High street, and that one thousand dollars is to be paid to the contractor on the tenth of January, 1830, and one thousand dollars annually, thereafter, and all orders to be expressly understood to be paid when due and presented. Edward G. Carlin is paid county order for ten dollars, for making plat of new court house, and describing timbers, dimensions, &c. Richard House, for assisting Carlin in describing the plan, is paid one dollar and fifty cents.

October 5th. The building of the court house is sold to John Shaw for five thousand four hundred and eighty-five dollars, who enters into bond with Byram Leonard, Philo Norton, Charles Sager, Solomon Geller, Thomas Irvine and H. B. Carter, in the sum of ten thousand nine hundred and seventy dollars. Such is the record of the third court house built in Mount Vernon, which stood on the public square until 1853. It was built of brick, two stories high, with a cupola, and a very imposing building in its time. It answered well its part for many yearsmay we not say for that generation, as almost all then upon the stage of action have passed hence without day. The supreme court, district and associate judges, the commissioners, sheriff, auditor, assessor, treasurer, surveyor, and coroner, the contractor and his sureties are all, all dead.

This court house seems also to have been poorly constructed and was partially destroyed by a storm of wind and rain that passed over Mount Vernon, Sunday night, April 9, 1854. The damage, in dollars and cents, was estimated at from one thousand five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars. The injury to the building was too severe to warrant repairs. The storm came from the southwest, and striking the west gable raised the roof and heavy timbers from their positions, and threw the rafters, shingles, etc., across Main street several hundred feet. The large brick chimneys of the west end were thrown down, and the bricks of the west gable wall blown into the main building itself, with such force that they were carried through both floors of the building, and landed, a mass of rubbish, in the clerk's office in the basement below. The two court rooms were completely demolished. The judges' bench, table, and files of the probate judge were carried below, and there piled together, and mixed in with those of the common pleas court. The clerk of the supreme court, Alexander C. Elliott, was sleeping in his room below at the time, and very narrowly escaped with his life. He was awakened by the falling of a large stove pipe across the head of his bed. He managed to get under the bed where he remained until the violence of the storm had passed, when he made his way to the residence of his mother on East High street. Sheriff Wade and Daniel Clark were the first to reach the scene of disaster, and remained there during the night engaged in rescuing the papers of the court rooms.

After this catastrophe the court was again compelled to seek quarters by renting, and for a time occupied "George's Hall," on Gambier street near Main.

Preparations were immediately made for the erection of the present court house, which occupies a pleasant site on the hill can the north side of High street, and appears solid and substantial as if it might withstand the storms of centuries.

The bell of the old court house now does service for the fire department, and hangs in the cupola of, the third ward engine house and council chamber. That bell, and a small table made from the lumber of the seats in the court room, is probably all that remains of the second court house. The table was made by Mr. John W. White for use in the telegraph office. The present court house cost about forty thousand dollars. Its completion was celebrated by the bar in a public dinner, at the Kenyon House, then located on the site of the present Kirk opera house.

The following regarding the first jail erected in Knox county, is from Mr. Norton's history:

On the sixth of June, 1808, tale commissioners of this county, finding the great want of a jail in said town, and by virtue of the powers vested in them by law,

Ordered, a jail to be built, twenty-four feet long, sixteen feet wide, nine feet high, with square timber of one foot square, including the upper and lower floor, and a petition of like timber, with a good shingle roof, and stone or brick chimney, three windows, with iron grates, of six lights each, and two sufficient doors, one on the outside and one in the petition in the inside, and the walls, petition and lower floor lined with three inch plank, spiked on with spikes seven inches in length. The front door marked A and petition door B to be one and onehalf inch stuff; -C chimney. The jail to be built on the public square of said town, on a corner.

On the thirty-first of January the following entry is made upon the journal:

This day the board has proceeded to the examination of the jail, and finding the same unfinished they do allow the under-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 251

takers thereof until the first day of May next to finish the same, agreeable to the article of agreement in that case made and provided.

On the second of May, 1809,

"Ordered that the commissioners do receive the jail from the hands of John Mills, Alexander Walker, and James Walker, sr., provided that the said Mills and others do saw down the corners of said jail, and then our clerk shall have authority to issue orders on the treasury for the sum of four hundred and thirtythree dollars and fifty cents, as shall appear by reference to the agreement, and that the clerk issue orders of such sizes as the claimants may desire, with their proper numbers to the above amount."

The jail being then declared completed the commissioners ordered fifty cents to be expended by Joseph Walker for two steeples and hasp for the jail.

The calaboose having been duly prepared, the officers of the law became exceedingly self-important, consequential and overbearing. Michael Click, an old Dutchman, who was fond of grog, was taken up, "tight as a musket," and locked up in the quarters. The constable had gone down street and was boasting of his exploit in taking up Nlike, when the voice of the old fellow was heard just behind him, shouting at the top of his lungs: " By tam, they can't keep me in their tammed shail-I am thrumps!" He had crawled up the chimney till he got near the top and stuck fast, when, as he said, he "swelled and bursted" it open, and then jumped to the ground a free man.

The chimney was repaired at the expense of the county, and Click, several weeks after, when confined, "broke out," and meeting judge Wilson on the street, narrated his several jail exploits in great glee, vowing that they never could keep old Mike in that jail any longer than it suited him to stay, for he had lent a hand when it was built and knew all its weak points. For several years, however, this little log concern served as a nominal terror to evil doers. At length so many escapes were made from it, that its fate was sealed, and it was sold to William Y. Farquhar, who moved it to the outskirts of town and constructed out of it a sort of a tobacco house.

The commissioners, on the fourth of December, 1823, determined to erect another jail and jailor's house, on the square, of brick, which remained an eye-sore to the people of the town until about 1850, when John Armstrong, street commissioner, and A. Banning Norton, councilman of the Third ward, in grading and excavating the northeast part of the public square, with "malice aforethought" undermined it, and caused the removal of that pile of rubbish.

The county seems to have had some trouble in keeping prisoners in their first jail from the following entry in the commissioners' record, from which it appears they were compelled to employ guards:

Calvin Hill three nights, $1.50; William Dehart ten nights and one day, $5.50; Henry Burge for nine nights and one day, $5; James Irvine nineteen nights and one day, $10; John Cramer thirteen nights and one day, $7; Thomas Sprague one night, $1; Samuel Kratzer for guarding, $7.50; Jacob Woodruff. $14.75; Samuel Breese, constable, .95; Michael Click for trailing after prisoner Beldon, $1; Eli Gregg $1 for aiding in committing A. Beldon to jail, and William Dehart for trailing after Beldon, $3.

Thus the snug little sum of $58.20 was expended in guarding a person named Beldon. ,

Further along in the commissioners journal appear these items

Samuel Kratzer is allowed $1.62 1/2 for iron for the jail, and Archibald Crofford $4.75 for iron and labor done on the jail. The rate of taxation on taverns in 1812 is $8 for all located on Market street, Mt. Vernon, all, others on other streets of Mt. Vernon and on road from Mt. Vernon to Newark and in Fredericktown $7, and all others in the county $6.

One of the jailors of this first jail is yet living in Brown township a Mr. Goodale.

The location of the first jail was on the square, east of Main and north of High. The second one, mentioned by Mr, Norton, was located about the same place. It seems to have required about two years in building, as in. 1825 "the jail built by Solomon Geller is found according to contract, except that he is yet to put in a stove, and the door above, going into the debtor's apartment." The old jail was sold at auction, William Bevans being allowed five dollars for crying the sale. The present jail, in the court house yard, was erected about the time the present court house was erected.

In June, 1842, Thomas Axtell, Christopher Wolfe, and Thomas Wade, county commissioners, purchased of William E. Davidson one hundred and thirty-two acres of land situated in the southeast corner of Liberty township known as the "Bricker farm," for which they paid three thousand three hundred dollars. William E. Davidson and J. R. Clark repaired and enlarged the buildings on the same at a cost to the county of seven hundred dollars. Thus fitted up it became the county poor house or original Knox county. infirmary; William Borden, John Hobbs, and I. F. McClain, directors. This building with the grounds attached, after various alterations and improvements, sufficed for the accommodation of the imfirm of the county until 1874 when it became necessary to erect new buildings.

May 12, 1874, the directors of the infirmary petitioned the county commissioners (D. F. Halsey, John C. Levering, and John Lyal) to proceed immediately to erect new buildings; and on the fifteenth of May the said commissioners employed Tinsley & Company, of Columbus, Ohio, to furnish plans and specifications for a building the cost of which was not to exceed fiftty thousand

252 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

dollars. Pursuant to this plan they contracted with J. Henegan & Company, September 30, 1874, to complete the said buildings for the sum of thirty-eight thousand nine hundred and thirty-six dollars and seventy-four cents.

The work under the superintendence of Mr. Clifford Buxton, progressed slowly, but it soon became evident that the buildings contemplated by the plans of the architect, Mr. T. R. Tinsley, could not be completed for the stipulated price. After enclosing the building Henegan & Company failed and obliged the commissioners to take the contract off their hands, paying them twenty-eight thousand dollars for the material furnished and labor performed. The commissioners now assumed the responsibility of its completion themselves, .and under the superintendence of Samuel Israel, esq., with Mr. William Bound as master mechanic, the work was rapidly pushed forward, being completed and ready for the reception of inmates in September, 1877, at a cost of eighty-three thousand dollars.

The new infirmary is situated on a beautiful rise of ground on the south side of Dry creek near Bangs Station, on the Cleveland, Mount Vernon, & Columbus railroad. The main building is seventy-five by one hundred and twenty-seven feet, with an open court in the rear thirty-four by fifty-five feet. It is four stories high, with a tower rising sixty-five feet above the roof, and consumed in its construction over one million bricks. It contains three water tanks on the upper door, containing forty barrels of water each, and is heated throughout by steam. The main entrance is on the second story, and is approached by two iron stairways. There are in the building one hundred rooms capable of conveniently accommodating one hundred and twenty-five inmates, the number of whom, March 1, 1880, was, as per report of directors, as follows: males, twenty-eight; females, thirty-three; total, sixty-one. According to the same report, it cost to support these from September, 1876, till March, 1880, the sum of four thousand five hundred and fifty-six dollars and fifty cents, and from March, 1880 to September 1880, four thousand seven hundred and forty-six dollars and eighty cents. Total for one year, nine thousand three hundred and three dollars and thirty cents. During the same year the infirmary paid into the

county treasury the sum of one thousand and seventy dollars and eight cents. The present directors are Andrew Caton, Michael Hess, and R H. Bebout. John W. Williams is superintendent.

Knox county infirmary, although it has "come up through much tribulation," is an institution of which the citizens of the county may justly be proud, and stands to-day a monument to the public spirit of the commissioners under whose auspices it was erected, and to the cultivated, benevolent spirit of the people.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

A CHAPTER OF STATISTICS.

IN 1860 this county furnished the lieutenant governor, Robert C. Kirk.

In 1850, the members of the Constitutional convention were Matthew H. Mitchell and John Sellers; in 1873, the member was Richard S. Tulloss.

The members of Congress from Knox county have been as follows:

1845, Columbus Delano; 1847-49, John K. Miller; 1853-55. William R. Sapp; 1865, Columbus Delano; 1867-yr, George W . Morgan.

The members of the Ohio State senate representing this county have been:

1808, Elnathan Scofield, whose district embraced Knox, Licking and Fairfield; 1809, Jacob Benton and Elnathan Scofield; 1810, William Trimble and Robert F. Slaughter.

In 1812, Knox and Licking were made one district, and William Gavit was elected senator.

In 1814, Knox, Licking, and Richland were made one district, and William Gass was elected; in 1815, William Gavit; x816, Mordecai Bartley; 18x8, John Spencer.

In 1820 Knox and Richland were made one district, and William Gass was elected; in 1821, John Shaw; 1823, William Gass; 1825, Daniel S. Norton; 1827, William Gass; 1829, Thomas Rigdon; 1831, William Gass.

In 1832 Knox and Coshocton were made one district, and Byram Leonard was elected; in 1834, James Ravenscroft.

In 1836, Knox, Coshocton, and Holmes were made one district, and Peter Sprague was elected; in 1838, James Matthews.

In 1840, Knox and Coshocton were made one district, and Byram Leonard was elected; in 1842, John Johnston.

In 1844, Knox and Holmes were made one district, and Jacob B. Koch was elected; in 1846, Nicholas Spindler.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 253

In 1847, Knox made one district, and Nicholas Spindler was elected.

In 1848, Knox and Holmes were made one district, and Asa G. Dimmock was elected; in 1850, Lawrence Van Buskirk.

In 1852, Knox and Morrow were made one district, and Lawrence Van Buskirk was elected; in 1854, John T. Creigh; 1856, Robert C. Kirk; 1858, David Miles; 1860, William Bonar.

In 1862, Knox, Morrow, Holmes, and Wayne were made one district, and David Miles was elected; in 1864, Joseph C. Devin.

In 1866, Knox, Morrow, Holmes, and Wayne were made one district, and F. H. Hurd and L. R. Critchfietd were elected; in 1868, George Rex and C. H. Scribner; 1870, Hinchman H. Prophet; 1872, Henry D. McDowell; 1874, Daniel Paul; 1876, John Ault; 1878, Lecky Harper and J. J. Sullivan.

The members of the house of representatives from this district have been:

In 1808, Alexander Holden, whose district embraced Knox and Licking; 1809, William Gass; 1810, Jeremiah R. Munson; 1811, William Gass.

In 1812, Knox made one district, and Samuel Kratzer was elected.

In 1813, Knox and Richland were made one district, and William Gass was elected.

In 1814, Knox made one district, and Samuel Kratzer was elected.

In 1815, Knox and Richland were made one district, and Alexander Enos was elected.

From 1816 to 1848 Knox county made one district, and elected in 1816, Jonathan Miller; 1818, William W. Farquhar; 1819, Royal D. Simons; 1822, Hosmer Curtis; 1823, Royal D. Simons; 1824, Thomas Rigdon; 1825, John Shaw; 1826, William Robson; 1827, Thomas Rigdon; 1828, C. Colerick, B. Leonard; 1829, Byram Leonard; 1830, John Greer; 1831, Charles Colerick; 1832, John Schooler; 1834, Peres Sprague; 1836, S. W. Hildreth, Marvin Tracy; 1837, Marvin Tracy; 1838, James Elliott; 1839, Byram Leonard; 1840, N. Spindler, Dr. McGuigin; 1841, Caleb J. McNulty; 1842, Caleb J. McNulty, N. Spindler; 1843, William Smith; 1844, J. McFarland, G. Ankeny; 1845, William H. Smith; 1846, T. McFarland, E. W. Cotton; 1847, Emmit W. Cotton.

From 1848 to 1851 Knox and Holmes were made one district, and elected, in 1848, J. Vorhes and L. Van Buskirk; in 1849, William Given, E. Boggs; 1850, E. Glasgo; S. F. Gilcrist.

From 1851 to 1875 Knox again made one district, and elected in 1851, James Withrow, 1853, Jacob Merrin; 1855, G. W. True, B. F. Smith; 1857, W. McCreary, William B. Cox; 1859, William B. Cox; 1861, Wait Whitney; 1863, Columbus Delano, 1865, Henry B. Banning; 1867, Robert Moffet; 184 John D. Thompson; 1871, William C. Cooper; 1873, Allen J. Beach; 1875, Abel Hart, jr.; 1877, Abel Hart, jr.; x875, William M. Koons.

The common pleas judges, who were chosen by the legislature and have presided in this district are:

William Wilson, of Newark; Alexander Harper, of Zanesville; Ezra Dean, of Wooster; Jacob Parker, of Mansfield; Levi Cox, of Wooster; and James Stewart, of Mansfield.

The following were elected by the people:

Rollin C. Hurd and John Adams, of Mount Vemon; Sherman Finch and Thomas C. Jones, of Delaware; and Samuel M. Hunter, of Newark.

Clerks of the court of common pleas, prior to 1851, were Charles Loffland, James Smith, and Isaac Hadley, who were appointed by the judges. Since that date the following have been elected by the people:

Samuel W. Farquhar, Alexander C. Elliott, William S. Hyde, and Samuel J. Brent (present incumbent).

Deputy clerks elected have been:

Henry B. Curtis, E. C. Vore, Horatio S. Miller, F. O. Griffith, A. C. Elliott, T. V. Parke, and William J. Silcott.

The clerks of the supreme court have been:

James Smith, Alexander Elliott, S. N. Farquhar, A. C. Elliott, Samuel J. Brent, Willard S. Hyde, and Samuel J. Brent (present incumbent).

The associate judges have been:

1808, John Mills, William Farquhar, and William Gass; 1810, James Colville, vice Gass, resigned. In 1813, Jacob Young, vice Farquhar, resigned. In 184, Samuel Kratzer, in place of Mills; 1815, John Trimble and Abraham Darling; 1818, John H. Mefford, in place of Darling; 1819, Stephen Chapman; 1820, Joseph Brown and James McGibney; 1827, Anthony Banning; 1834, Eli Miller, Abner Ayres and James Elliott; 1838, William Bevans; 1839, Richard C. Davis; 1841, William Bevans and Isaac N. Richardson; 1846, William McCreary; 1848, Jacob B. Brown and B. H. Taylor.

By the adoption of new constitution in 1851, the office of associate justice was abolished.

County auditors.- 1820, W. Y. Farquhar, the first officer of this description, was appointed to value the lands for taxation, and when the law creating a district bureau passed, having been clerk of the board of commissioners and conversant with its business, he was re-appointed annually until 1824, from which time the people have elected the auditors for a term of two years.

From 1824-28, Alexander Elliott served; 1828-34, Marvin Tracy; 1834-42, S, B. Kenton; 1842-46, K. Winne; 1846-50, M. M. Beam; 1850-54, B. F. Smith; 1854-58, John Lamb; 1858-62, S. W. Farquhar; 1862-64, John D. Thompson; 1864-68, Alexander Cassil; 1868-70, S. W. Farquhar; 1870-71, John D. Thompson; 1871-75, John M. Ewalt; 1875-80, Alexander Cassil; 1880, John H. Stevens.

In 1851, the constitution created the office of probate judge, and at the election in October, Samuel G. Gilcrist was elected to serve three years, commencing in February 1852. In 1854 Joseph S. Davis was chosen; served until 1860, when he was succeeded by Thomas V. Parke, who held the office until 1866, when Edmund V. Brent was elected. In 1869. C. E. Critchfield was elected, and served until 1875, when B. A. F. Greer was elected, who served until 1878, when the present incumbent, C. E. Critchfield, was chosen.

The members of the board of equalization have been:

254 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Daniel S. Norton, Byram Leonard, Henry B. Curtis, James McFarland, and S. T. Cunard.

Until 1825 the office of treasurer was filled by appointment of the commissioners each year, and from that time the people elected the treasurers for a term of two years. The following have held the office in this county:

1808, Henry Haines; 1815, George Downs; 1818, James Mc Gibney; 1817, Gilman Bryant; 1819, James McGibney; 1825, W. Y. Farquhar; 1838, S. W. Farquhar; 1841, James Blake; 1847, Jacob W. Lybrand; 1851 J. H. McFarland; 1855, John Beatty; 1859, Alexander Greer; 1861, H. H. Greer; 1863-67, S. S. Tuttle; 1867-71, Lewis Button; 1873-77, William E. Dunham; 1877, Thomas Odbert; 1879, John Myers.

County collectors.-The commissioners appointed annually the collector of personal tax, and that upon lands of residents. In 1820, the duties of this officer were somewhat changed, and in 1827, the office was established by law, and its business transferred to the county treasurer. List of collectors: 1808, Silas Brown; Amount of bond, six hundred and fifty-eight dollars and eighty-seven cents; 1809, James Smith; 1812, John Greer; 1817, John Shaw; 1819, Eli Miller; 1830, William Bevans; 1821, Benjamin Jackson, jr.; 1822, A. D. Simons; 1823, Joseph Brown; 1824, John Shaw; 1825, Silas Brown; 1827, Jacob M. Banning.

In 1822, a system of cutting under was commenced by competitors for this office, as the State tax was collected this year for two and three-fourths per cent., and county tax gratis; the next year Brown underbid one-fourth per cent; and Shaw, in 1824, capped the climax by proposing to collect State and county tax gratis.

Assessors were appointed by the commissioners until 1827, when the people by law were required to elect such officers. After 1841 the office was abolished, and the old system of township assessors re-established.

Prior to 1827, the commissioners appointed as assessors

R. D. Simons for 1824 and 1825; Marvin Tracy, 1826, and Hill Runyan in 1827, the last of whom served from March until the October election, when he was elected for two years. In 1829 John Greer was elected, and having resigned in October, 1830, McDaniel Farland was elected, and continued until 1834, when Henry B. Curtis was chosen, and served two terms. In 1838 Uzziel Ball was elected; in 1840, Wait Whitney.

County Commissioners-October 11, 1808, Joseph Walker, John Harrod, John Lewis, Henry Markley, Mathew Merrit and William Douglas were elected; and; by lot, it was declared that Markley continue three years, Merrit two, and Douglas one. 1809, William Douglas; 1801, Robert McMillen; 1811, John Harrod; 1812, Daniel Cooper; 1813, William Mitchell, appointed by court May 9, 1814, vice Harrod, deceased; 1814, William Mitchell; 1815, Jonathan Miller; 1816, Moses Merrit; 1817, William Mitchell, John Warden, vice Miller; 1818, Allen Scott; 1819, Gilman Bryant; 1820, Abner Ayres; 1821, John Wheeler; 1822, John Kerr; 1823, Abner Ayres; 1824, John Stilley; 1825, Daniel Sapp; 1826, Byram Leonard; 1827, Levi Harrod served, and Gilman Bryant, appointed; 1828, Peres Sprague and Jabez Beers; 1829, Francis Wilkin, one year; 1829, William McCreary, three years; 1830, David Shaw vice Wilkin, deceased; 1831, John Jeffers, three years, and David Shaw, two years; 1832, William McCreary; 1833, David Shaw; 1834, Silas Brown; 1835, William McCreary; x836, David Shaw; 1837, Thomas Wade; 1838, Christopher Wolf; 1839, Thomas Axtell; 1840, Thomas Wade; 1841, Christopher Wolf; 1842, Thomas Axtell; 1842-44, Henry Prather; 1844, James Witherow; 1845, Robert Graham; 1846, William Babcock; 1850, Wait Whitney; 1851, George McWilliams; 1852, Abraham Darling and M. H. Mitchell, vice Whitney resigned; 1853, George W. Jackson; 1854, Newell Gray; 1855, John McElroy; 1856, Jacob Bell, three years, W. McClelland, vice Gray resigned; 1857, W. McClelland; 1858, John McElroy; x859, Jacob Bell; 1860, W. McClelland; 1861, J. Mr. Bradfield; 1862, John S. McCamment; 1863, William McClelland; 1864, J. W. Bradfield; 1865, S. L. Bonnett; 1866, William McClelland; 1867, Lyman W. Gates; 1868, S. L. Bonnett; 1869, David F. Halsey; 1870, John Lyal; 1871, John C. Leveling; 1872, David F. Halsey; 1873, John Lyal; 1874, John C. Levering; 1875, Samuel Beeman; 1876, John Ponting; 1877, Moses Dudgeon; 1878, Samuel Beeman; 1879, John Ponting; 1880, Steven Craig.

Sheriffs- 1808, Silas Brown, appointed by Thomas Kirker, acting governor of the State, June 6th, till October election, and reappointed by Governor Samuel Huntington, October 11, 1808; 1811, Ichabod Nye; 1813, John Hawn; 1815-'19, John Shaw; 1819, Alexander Elliott; 1820-'24, William Bevans; 1824-'28, Charles Colerick; 1828-'30, John Shaw; 1830-'31, Hugh Neal; 1834-'38, Isaac Hadley; 1838-'42, William Beam; 1842-'46, Absalom Thrift; 1846-'50. David C. Montgomery; 1850- '54. Thomas Wade; 1854-56, Lewis Strong; 1856-'60, Israel Underwood; 1860-'62, James Shaw; 1862-'64, Allen J. Beach; 1864-'68, George W. Steele; 1868-'72, Allen J. Beach; 1872-'76, J. M. Armstrong; 1876-'80, John F. Gay; 1880, John K. Schnebly.

It is worthy of mention in connection with this office, that all persons elected sheriff from 1808 (Silas Brown) to the re-election of Hugh Neal, in 1832, twenty-four years, are dead; but from the election of Isaac Hadley in 1834, to the year 1880 (John F. Gay, incumbent), forty-six years,only two are deceased-Thomas Wade and George W. Steele.

The following persons have acted as deputy sheriffs at different periods:

John Cramer, Isaac Hadley, Resin Gates, Benjamin Jackson, Henry Prather, D. C. Zimmerman, Johnston Elliott, Jesse E. Rogers, William Beam, Simon B. Kenton, E. W. Cotton, W. D. Headley, Stiles W. Thrift, D. C. Montgomery, John Beatty, T. P. Morton, James Myers, Israel Underwood, T. V. Parke. Josiah Cochran, George W. Steele, Allen J. Beach, William T. Elwell.

Coroners Jonathan Craig was elected to this office April 4, 1808. and John Merritt appointed October 11th; in 1809, John

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 255

Butler appointed; 1811-18, Dr. Timothy Burr; 1828, Dr. Robert D. Moore; 1819, Dr. Waitstil Hastings; 1820, Dr. E. G. Lee; 1822, James McGibeney; 1824-30, Hill Runyan; 1830, George Low; 1832, W. E. Davidson; 1834-'40, Andrew Vance; 1840, Richard Hunt; 1842-'46, Asa Freeman; 1846-'50, Michael Miller; 1850-'54, Alexander Low; 1854, William Bonar; 1856-'60, Albert Ellis; 1860, John W. Leonard; 1862, M. M. Shaw; 1864-'70, Robert Graham; 1870, George W, Welker; 1872, G. A. Welker; 1874, George Shira; 1878, Dr. S. L. Baker; 1880, Dr. R W. Carey.

The first prosecuting attorney in Knox county was Samuel Kratzer, esq., who officiated in behalf of the State when no better qualified person was present. He was not an attorney, but appears to have been allowed fees for his services. The first fees for services as prosecuting attorney was by order of the court of common pleas, at its first session held May 2, 1808, the order reading as follows: "On motion, a certificate was issued by the commissioners in favor of Samuel Kratzer, esq., for his services, for six dollars, in acting on the part of the State against William Hedrick, who was found guilty of felony"-a modest fee when compared with charges for similar services in these days. Edward Herrick was the main reliance in this branch in the early courts, until 1812, when Samuel Mott was appointed March 14th. In January, 1814, Charles R. Sherman was appointed, and at different times S. W. Culbertson, and Willis Silliman, both of the Zanesville bar; Hosmer Curtis' John W. Warden, and other attorneys were appointed by the court, as business required, until in the year 1833, the legislature provided for the prosecuting attorney's election biennially by the voters of the county, who made the following selections 1833, Benjamin S. Brown; 1835-1839, Columbus Delano, 1839, M. H. Mitchell; 1840, M. A. Sayer-, 1842-1846, John K. Miller; 1846-1850, Lafayette Emmett; 1850, Clark Irvine, sr.; 1852, William Windom; 1854-1858, W. F. Sapp; 1858-1862, W. C. Cooper; 1862, Frank H. Hurd; 1864-1868, Walter L. Simmons; 1868, L. H. Mitchell; 1870-1874, Able Hart, jr.; 1874-1878, Clark Irvine, jr.; 1878-1880, Frank R. Moore.

Until 1831, the court of common pleas appointed the surveyor of the county, and the office was filled by the following persons: In 1808, Samuel H. Smith, appointed May 2d. In 1810, John Dunlap, in June, in place of Smith, resigned; 1825, William Y. Farquhar, April 15th; resigned 1827 ; 1827, Edson Harkness. The act of the legislature of March 3, 1831, having provided for the election of this officer for a term of three years, those elected by the people since that time areas follows: 1831, Edson Harkness; 1834, Thomas G. Plummer; 1837, T. C. Hickman; 1840, T. G. Plummer; 1843, T. C. Hickman; 1846-1852, David Gorouch; 1852, T. C. Hickman; 1855-1864, David C. Lewis; 1864, Henry Cassell; 1867-1875, E. W. Cotton; 1875-1878, J. N. Headington.

County Recorders.-The judges of the court of common pleas appointed this officer until 1829, and at the October election of that year, the people elected a recorder. Under the former system, the term of service was seven years; under the present, three years. Those appointed were: 1808, Gilman Bryant, May 2d, until 1815; 1825, Alexander Elliott, May 2d, until 1822; 1822, Henry B. Curtis, until 1829.

The legislature of 1828-9, having provided for the appointment of reorders by county commissioners, where the office became vacant prior to October, the commissioners appointed John A. Colerick, May 29, in 1829, in place of H. B. Curtis, whose term of office had expired. In 1829, Hill Runyan was elected; 1838, David Montgomery; 1847, Elijah Harrods 1856, Canton C. Bough; 1856-1865, Elijah Harrods 1865-1871, Thomas K. Hess; 1871-1877, John Myers; 1877-1880, Samuel Kunkel.

Infirmary Directors.-1842, John Hobbs, J. F. McLain; 1842-43, W. Borden; 1844, Abraham Darling; 1845, C. A. Drake; 1846, Abraham Darling and Absalom Buckingham; 1847, G. W. Jackson; 1848, Abraham Darling; 1849, Christian Musser; 1850, G. W. Jackson; 1851, Timothy Colopy; 1852, John McCamment; 1853, G. W. Jackson; 1854, J. B. McGrew; 1855, Thomas Rogers; 1856, Lewis Larimore; 1857, E. I. Whitney; 1858, Thomas Rogers; 1859, Thomas Larimore; 1860, E. I. Whitney; 1861, Asahel Allen; 1862, James Scott; 1863, R. H. Bebout; 1864, Asahel Allen; 1865, P. G. Beardslee; 1866, R. H. Bebout; 1867, Luther L. Hyatt; 1868, P. G. Beardslee; 1869, R. C. Campbell; 1870, Samuel Snyder; 1871, William Cummins; 1872, R. C. Campbell; 1873, Samuel Snyder; 1874, Andrew Caton; 1875, Adam Hornwell; 1876, R. H. Bebout; 1877, Andrew Caton; 1878, Michael Hess; 1879; R. H. Bebout; 1880, William Rinehart.

The following table of votes cast in Knox county for governor, at the several elections held in the county since its organization in 1808, are compiled from official returns

For the year 1808, Samuel Huntington 83 votes, Thomas Kirker 4 votes; 1810, R. J. Meigs, jr. 99 votes, T. Worthington, 90 votes; 1812, R. J. Meigs, jr.; 1814, T. Worthington; 1816, T. Worthington 447 votes. E. A. Brown 23 votes, James Dunlay 2 votes; 1818, E. A. Brown 532 votes, James Dunlop 38 votes; 1820, E. A. Brown 675 votes, Jer. Morrow 24 votes, H. H. Harrison 2 votes; 1822, W. W. Irwin 905 votes, A. Trimble, 80 votes; Jer. Morrow, 24 votes; 1824, Jer. Morrow, 716 votes, A. Trimble 582 votes; 1826, A. Trimble 1,729 votes, B. Tappan 22 votes; J, Bigger 19 votes, J. Campbell 15 votes; 1828, John W. Campbell 1,352 votes, A. Trimble 776 votes; 1830, D. McArthur 1,093 votes, Robert Lucas 993 votes; 1832, Robert Lucas 1,783 votes, David Lyman 948 votes; 1834, Robert Lucas 1,802 votes, James Findlay 1,203 votes; 1836, Eli Baldwin, 1,829 votes; Joseph Vance, 1,398 votes; 1838, Wilson Shannon 2,645 votes, Joseph Vance 1,922 votes; 1840, Wilson Shannon 2,936 votes, Joseph Corwin 2,470 votes; 1842, Wilson Shannon 2,936 votes; Thomas Corwin 2,194 votes, L. King 125 votes; 1844, David Tod 3,289 votes, M. Bartley 2,696 votes, L. King 150, votes 1846, David Tod 2,647 votes, William Bebb 2,103 votes, Samuel Lewis 190 votes; 1828, J. B. Weiler 3,224 votes, S. Ford

256 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

2,228 votes, scattering 32 votes; 1850, Reuben Wood 2,700 votes, W. Johnson 1,909 votes, E. Smith 267 votes; 1851, Reuben Wood 2,454, votes S. F. Vinton 1,533 votes, Samuel Lewis 409 votes; 1853, William Medill 2,159 votes, Samuel Lewis 1,069 votes, N. Barrere 869 votes, 1855, S. P. Chase 2,166 votes, William Medill 1,916 votes, Allen Trimble 219 votes; 1857, S. P. Chase 2,385 votes, H. P. Payne 2,223 votes, P. Van Trump 82 votes; 1859, William Dennison 2,603 votes, R. P. Ranney 2,533 votes; 1861, David Tod 2,831 votes, H. J. Jewett 1,998 votes; 1863, John Brough 3,160 votes, C. L. Vallandigham 2,552 votes; 1865, J. D. Cox 2,692 votes, G. W. Morgan 2,428 votes; 1867, :R. B. Hayes 2,814 votes, A. G. Thurman 2,811 votes; 1869, G. H. Pendleton 2,708 votes, R. B. Hayes 2,761 votes; 1871, G. W. Cook 2,820 votes. E. F. Noyes 2,767 votes, G. T. Stewart 13 votes; 1873, William Allen 2,792 votes, E. F. Noyes 2,108 votes, G. T. Stewart 432 votes, I. C. Collins 33 votes; 1875, William Allen 3,132 votes, R. B. Hayes 2,835 votes, Jay Odell 101 votes; 1877, R. M. Bishop 3,063 votes, William H. West 2,588, H. A. Thompson 199 votes, L. H. Bond 117 votes, Stephen Johnson 26 votes; 1879, Thomas Ewing 3,436 votes, Charles Foster 3,282 votes, G. T. Stewart 119 votes, A. S. Piatt 51 votes.

Knox county contains three hundred and twentyfour thousand three hundred and twenty-two acres of land, valued at ten million one hundred and eighty-three thousand two hundred and eightysix dollars. The 'value of real estate in cities, towns, and villages, chattel property, (including valuation of dogs), is six million three hundred and thirty thousand seven hundred and three dollars, making an aggregate amount of sixteen million five hundred and forty-threet housand nine hundred and eighty-nine dollars.

CHAPTER XXIX.

WAR OF 1812.

CONDITION OF KNOX COUNTY-SAMUEL KRATZER JOSEPH

WALKER-MUSTER ROLL OF WALKERS COMPANY JOHN

H. MEFFORD-R. M. BROWN-MARCH OF CAPTAIN WALK-

ER'S COMPANY-CAPTAIN JOHN GREER-THE SCALPING OF

THREE PERSONS ON OWL CREEK-CONDITION OF THE NOR-

THERN FRONTIER OF KNOX - DISPOSITION OF TROOPS -

ERECTION OF BLOCK-HOUSES-SKETCH OF GENERAL

BEALL'S LIFE -ORGANIZATION OF HIS ARMY--SCARCITY

OF SUPPLIES-BEALL'S MARCH-CAMP COUNCIL-MUTINY

AMONG THE TROOPS-GENERAL HARRISON ARRIVES-HIS

SPEECH-GENERAL BEALL'S DIFFICULTY WITH GENERAL WADSWORTH-ARRESTED, COURT-MARTIALED AND AC-

QUITTED - HIS BRIGADE DISBANDED-THE EXPEDITION OF

GENERAL CROOKS AND COLONEL ANDERSON.

THE citizens of Knox county, or a part of them at least, have taken part in four wars-those of 1812, the Texas troubles, the Mexican war and that of the great Rebellion. In none of these has she been behind her sister counties in patriotism, and in furnishing from her great resources the muscle, nerve and sinews of war. In all, her sons freely volunteered and hundreds of them have perished upon the battle-field, in the hospital and prison pen, falling here and there by the wayside that the Republic might live and the flag float in triumph over a free people.

In the first of these wars (1812) Knox county was in a wilnerness state. It was covered with a dense forest, with only here and there a clearing and a log hut; the great wave of white emigration having but just touched its borders. Mount Vernon was at that time a rough, hilly spot of ground with a few cabins in it, but mostly covered with hazel and other brush, while logs, trees and stumps blocked up its streets. It was upon the border, although not upon the extreme frontier and Indians, bears, wolves, rattlesnakes and other 'varmints" and reptiles were in the majority, largely.

Mount Vernon was a place of rendezvous for volunteers for the war, and two or more companies were raised in this vicinity. Colonel Samuel Kratzer was a prominent man in the early days of Mount Vernon and in the militia, part of which, under his command marched to the defence of the frontier at Mansfield. As early as 1808, he appears in Mount Vernon as a tavern keeper and merchant, both branches of business being conducted at the same time in the same building. He also appears as one

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 257

of the judges of the first election in Knox county, held in April, 1808; also as a justice of the peace in the same year. He figures considerably in the courts of that day, sometime.on the jury, but generally as plaintiff or defendant, from which it is reasonable to conclude he was somewhat belligerent in his nature. He was prominent with Butler and Patterson, although a "Methodist" as Butler says, in their "trick" to get the county seat. It appears he came to Mount Vernon from Lancaster where he had been acting as land tax collector for Fairfield county, in 1805. He had there reported himself robbed of money while on the road and before making his return. "He was a fine, large, fleshy man and wore buckskin breeches. They had holes in them which he claimed had been made by bullets in an encounter, but which bore the appearance .of having been cut; his saddle-bags also were exhibited with horrid gashes in them, and making a proffer of these, he petitioned the legislature for relief, and at the session of r 806, the bill for his relief was lost by a vote of ten yeas to seventeen nays.(H. J., p. 114).

"Certain it is Kratzer lost caste, and broken up and humiliated, he came to the new town site, bought out Patterson's interest in the town of Mount Vernon, and it is represented that one of the commissioners was counted on by the settlers as certainly in favor of making said place the countyseat; he got another of the board with him and Mount Vernon came off victorious. Subsequently -and as resulting from this judgment-Kratzer was enabled by the rise in property to pay off his debts, and did the fair and just thing by the commissioners."

When war was declared Kratzer appears to have been major in a regiment of militia of which Alexander Enos was colonel.

Captain Joseph Walker was also an important individual in Knox county, not only in connection with the war, but in civil affairs. He seems to have owned some land where Mount Vernon now stands, and his cabin was the first one erected on the town plat; he was influential in getting the county-seat, and occupied generally a prominent position among the pioneers. He emigrated to this country from Pennsylvania about 1804, and settled near Mount Vernon.

Major Jeremiah Munson, who resided near Granville, in Licking county, was the officer designated by the Government to recruit for the war in this part of the country and for this purpose he came to Mount Vernon one day when the militia was to assemble for general muster and drill. This was on the 8th day of June, 1812, and upon the call of Major Munson for volunteers the whole of Captain Joseph Walker's company, numbering forty-two men, volunteered. The following is the muster roll of Captain Joseph Walker's company, under the command of Colonel Lewis Cass, mustered into the service of the United States for one year:

Joseph Walker, captain, June 8, 1812. R. M. Brown, lieutenant, June 8, 1812. John Elliott, first sergeant. John Barney, second sergeant. Archibald Crawford, third sergeant. Peter Kyle, fourth sergeant. Samuel Everett, first corporal. George Dickinson, second corporal. Josiah Trimbly, third corporal. Lewis Grandstaff, fourth corporal.

PRIVATES.

Abram Emmet, John Smith,

James Wood, Samuel Yoman,

Harley Strong. John Sunderland,

Michael Barton, Alexander Enos,

David Elwell, Jacob Wolf,

John H. Mefford, Alexander Walker,

Phillip Walker, Robert Davidson,

Andrew Welker, Powell Welker,

Paris Sprague, Isaac Rogers,

Joseph King, John Ryan,

John McConnell, Benjamin Simpkins,

Riverius Newell, Daniel Swigart,

Emanuel Hawn, Adam Lynn,

Michael Davis, Nicholas, Kyle,

William Wallace, Rawley Clark, fifer,

Henry Clemmens, drummer.

Among these volunteers, it will be perceived, was John H. Mefford, subsequently an old and respected citizen of Mount Vernon. He was a native of Connelsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, who at the time of the breaking out of the war was teaching school in Hawkin's neighborhood, about five miles from Shrimplin's mill. He served under Captain Walker, and also in Captain John Spencer's company, the latter company from Licking county. In this last company he was a lieutenant. He was a justice of the peace after his return from the war, also an associate judge, and a man. of con-

258 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

siderable popularity and influence. He died in 1845, at Findlay, Ohio.

The lieutenant of Captain Walker's company, Richard Montgomery Brown, was born in Massachusetts, and was of Revolutionary stock. His father, Samuel Brown, was under Montgomery at Quebec, was imprisoned pine months and subsequently became a pensioner of the United States. Richard M. came to Mount Vernon in October, 1811, and engaged in chair making and as a house painter. He was mainly instrumental in recruiting Captain Walker's company.

Colonel Cass' regiment, to which this company was attached, rendezvoused at Dayton, with the regiments of Colonel McArthur and Colonel Findley, composing General Hall's brigade, and at once began its march northward. While they were passing through the Auglaize region, war was declared on the eighteenth of June. The noted scouts Zane and McCulloch were the principal pilots for the army.

When Hull surrendered, Captain Walker's company returned home by way of Greentown.

Another active man in those stirring times was Captain John Greer, who raised a company in the eastern part of the county, of which Daniel Sapp was lieutenant and George Sapp ensign. When the Indians threatened the frontier, and the Zimmers, Ruffner and James Copus were murdered, the militia was called out and marched from Mount Vernon under Major Kratzer to Mansfield, where they built forts and assisted in guarding the frontier line from that place to Wooster.

Colonel Enos insisted on taking command of the militia in this march, but Major Kratzer would not allow it, insisting that Enos was a parolled prisoner and thereby disqualified for the command.

Many of the pioneers of Knox county, with gun and bullet-pouch, went to the defence of Fort Meigs without organization, but the battle was over before their arrival and their services were not needed. Among them was John Stilley, whose adventures are detailed in another chapter. Stilley was adjutant in Colonel Kratzer's militia, and rendered important service in defence of the northern frontier of this county during the threatened Indian raid.

The following regarding a tragedy in this county during the war is given on the authority of judge Burnet, a very reliable writer. It appears in Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, and is given for what it is worth Judge Burnet says:

When the war broke out in 1812, there were sixty-seven families residing at the foot of the rapids of the Maumee. Manor or Minard, a Frenchman, states that the first intimation that the settlers had of Hull's surrender at Detroit, manifested itself by the appearance or a party of British and Indians at the foot of the rapids, a few days after it took place. The Indians plundered the settlers on both sides of the river, and departed for Detroit in canoes. Three of their number remained, with the intention of going into the interior of the State. One of these was a Delaware chief by the name of Sac-a-manc. Manor won his confidence, under pretense of friendship for the British, and was by him informed, that in a few days a grand assemblage of all the northeastern tribes was contemplated at Fort Malden, and that in about two days after that assemblage, a large number of British and Indians would be at the foot of the rapids, on their march to relieve Fort Wayne, then under investment by the American army as was supposed. He also informed him that when they came again they would massacre all the Yankees found in the valley. Sac-a-manc left for the interior of the State, after remaining a day at the foot of the rapids.

Sao-a-manc on his return from the interior of the State, a few days after, showed Manor the scalps of three persons that he had killed during his absence, on Owl creek, near Mount Vernon.

Judge Burnet gives no further particulars of this affair, and now the question is, who were these three persons who were scalped on Owl creek in 1812 ? It seems very strange, if this statement be true, that no account of it appears in the annals of Knox county. The killing of three persons near Mount Vernon in 1812, would have created a panic, that it seems could not have been overlooked by the earlier historians of the county.

By far the most interesting part of Knox county during the war was the northern portion (now Richland county), a region of considerable excitement during the first year of the war, and replete with stirring scenes and incidents the march of armies, erection of forts and Indian massacres.

Mansfield, a little hamlet to the wilderness, was at that time on the extreme frontier border. There were few, if any, settlers north or west of it. The line of the new settlements then extended through Canton, Stark county, and Wooster, Wayne county, to Greentown and Mansfield, the latter being the extreme out-post located in the midst of savage tribes that had always been the friends and allies

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 259

of the British, and which, it was reasonable to believe, would again join the British standard. Hence the uneasy feeling, the thrill of fear that ran through this region, when war was declared. Hitherto, for many years, the Indians had been peaceable and friendly, therefore the settlers had not thought it necessary to construct block-houses for defence, and, at the time war was declared, no block-houses were in existence on this extreme frontier line, where they were most needed. It was not until the surrender of Hull, August 16, 1812, that the pioneers began the erection of block-houses. Hitherto, the people had confidence in this army, feeling it would stand between them and their savage enemies, and the surrender came like a clap of thunder from a clear sky. Meanwhile, the militia of the State had been gathering in every direction; the governor, Return J. Meigs, and other officers, were working hard to get the army into fighting trim and get forward supplies. Upon the news of Hull's surrender, all the militia in the State were moved forward to the frontier line. A company of men from Coshocton, under Captain Williams, had preceded Colonel Kratzer and erected a block-house on the public square in Mansfield; another blockhouse was erected at the same time on the square by Captain Shaffer, of Fairfield county. These block-houses sprang up as if by magic all along the frontier line. One was erected on the Rocky fork, three miles below Mansfield, at Beam's mill; another by Samuel Lewis on Clear fork; another by James Loudon Priest on Lake fork; also one at Belleville, and one (according to the recollection of Dr. Bushnell) east of Lucas, on the Rocky fork, near the eastern line of Monroe township; Thomas Coulter's cabin, near Perrysville, was converted into a block-house; there was a block-house at Wooster, then a small village, and Captain Murray, of General Beall's army, was sent to Jeromeville, where he erected a block-house for the protection of the settlers along the Lake and Jerome forks. The block-houses at Fredericktown and Clinton were also erected about this time. Many families, not near enough to get into these block-houses, or preferring to remain nearer their homes, collected together and fortified the strongest of their cabins. There was a good deal of fear and confusion along the frontier, the settlers fearing that the Indian hordes of Tecumseh would soon be upon them. However, in a few days after the cowardly surrender of Hull, the frontier line was fairly protected. On the west end, at Upper Sandusky, was General Harrison, awaiting supplies and reinforcements; at Mansfield was Colonel Kratzer with several companies of militia and two good block-houses; at Wooster, General Beall was collecting an army, and between Wooster and Mansfield, the different block-houses were rapidly garrisoned by the troops of Beall or Kratzer. The line was very.quickly complete, though weak in places. Roads had been cut between these points so that any part of this line could be speedily reenforced. This was the condition of things in September, 1812.

Early in September, General Reasin Beall began raising a brigade for the protection of the frontier and the assistance of General Harrison. As it is necessary to give pretty fully the particulars of this expedition, a sketch of General Beall's life may be appropriately inserted here.

Reasin Beall was born in Maryland, December 3, 1769; removed with his parents, while yet youngto Washington county, Pennsylvania, where they made a permanent' settlement. In 1790, Beall served in General Harmar's campaign against the Indians, as an officer in the quartermaster's department, and was in the action under Colonel Hardin, when that officer was defeated near Fort Wayne, by the Indians under Little Turtle. Beall then returned to his friends in Pennsylvania, and was not in the disastrous campaign of General St Clair; but, when Wayne took command of the army, and led it to victory over the Miami Indians, he accompanied him in the capacity of ensign. In this campaign he became intimately acquainted with Captain, afterward General, Harrison, who was on General Wayne's staff. In 1793, he resigned his position in the army and returned to his friends in Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Rebecca Johnson. In 1801, he removed with his family, and settled, for a short time, in Steubenville ;. removing, in the fall of 1803 to New Lisbon, in Columbiana county. He was here when the War of 1812 began, holding the position of clerk of the court He had served long enough in the army to give his mind a military turn, and to render his services desirable by the Government

260 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Soon after his removal to New Lisbon he was made colonel of militia, and a few years afterward was promoted to brigadier general, which office he held at the breaking out of the war. When the news of the surrender of Hull reached him, General Beall put himself at the head of his command and marched to the relief of Richland (then Knox) and Wayne counties. His command was made up of a regiment from Jefferson and Harrison counties, a regiment from Columbiana, and a small draft from Stark, all of which rendezvoused at Canton, in Stark county, where General Beall, being the senior officer, took command. While collecting and drilling his troops at Canton, General Beall sent forward a few squadrons in detachments, to reconnoitre the country west, afford protection to the trembling settlers, and garrison the newly constructed block-houses, beginning his march with the main army (about two thousand men) the latter part of August.*

The General Government had no military stores from which supplies could be drawn, nor was it possible to obtain a sufficient quantity of cloth, or a reasonable number of blankets, to supply the army then in the service with even one-half which the health and comfort of the troops required; nor had the State the means of meeting the necessities of the troops on short notice. The consequence was that those who were unable to purchase their own necessaries (and most of them were) suffered greatly. To supply the army with rations in a sparsely settled frontier region, where the inhabitants were few in number and had not enough for themselves, and the commissary department destitute of funds to purchase or transport from a distance,. was a matter of the utmost difficulty; indeed, it presented a barrier almost insurmountable. With all these difficulties, General Beall felt the necessity of pushing forward, his first day's march taking him to the Tuscarawas river, near where Massillon is now located. After halting here a few days, he continued his march into the present county of Wayne, and camped about three weeks

* One authority says General Beall began orgauizing his troops about the twenty-fifth of September; another, that he had arrived at Wooster with the main body of his army when the Zimmer and Copus tragedies occurred. As these tragedies occurre early in September, the above date is believed to be correct

on the west side of the town of Wooster. Here he erected a block-house, and was joined by two or three new companies. His camp here was called "Camp Christmas." Here he learned of the Zimmer murder, and dispatched a company of men to that neighborhood. This company returned in a few days, and reported that they were unable to find the Indians who committed the murder.

From Camp Christmas the army continued its march west, so as to cover the border settlements, encamping the first night on the west bank of the Killbuck, cutting a road wide enough to permit the baggage wagons to pass. From there, by the most direct route, a road was cut to Jeromeville. At the latter place, General Beall detached Captain Murray to occupy the block-house, and at the same time sent forward a party of pioneers, under guard, to cut a road through to the State road, which had been opened from Zanesville to the mouth of the Huron river. This party started west, about twelve degrees north. About three miles from Jeromeville the army camped on a small stream, on what was subsequently known as the Griffin farm. This camp was called "Musser," in honor of Major Musser, who commanded one of the regiments. They remained in this camp, in the northern part of Vermillion township, about two weeks.

The pioneers, who had been sent forward, cut the road through the north part of Vermillion and south part of Montgomery, passing two or three miles east of the present town of Ashland, and through Milton Township, in a northwesterly direction. This was known many years as "Beall's trail," and was used as a common highway by the settlers. General Beall then moved forward, aiming to keep between the enemy and the settlements, and encamped on a smalll stream near the present site of the village of Olivesburg, within the present limits of Richland county. This was called "Camp Whetstone," owing to the quality of stone found there, which made excellent whetstones. Remaining there about a week, he moved forward to the present site of Shenandoah; thence he turned southwest about one and a half miles, and again went into camp on the bank of a small stream, and on the north and south road, to better a enable him to get forward supplies.

The troops of General Beall had been called

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 261

into service by the governor of the State for the purpose of protecting the frontier settlements. Impressed with the importance of his movements, his obligations to the settlers and to his country, General Beall halted here for the purpose of holding a council with the judicious men of the State, and, in the mean time, sent out in various directions detached parties of troops to reconnoitre the surrounding country and report occasionally at headquarters. For this reason he named it "Camp Council." It was exceedingly difficult now to procure rations, as the army had advanced into the unsettled part of the country. The troops were compelled to live on half rations, and for a day or two they received only enough to keep soul and body together. This caused a spirit of mutiny to appear among a few of the troops, who quietly began to make preparations to march to their homes. About a week, from the time the troops went into camp here, and the evening previous to the morning on which the mutineers above mentioned intended to depart, a stranger suddenly made his appearance from the south on the Huron trail. The sentinel, named Hackethorn, who was stationed on this post, says the stranger was on horseback, and was followed by seven mounted Indians, in Indian file.

"Halt!" said the sentry.

The stranger stopped and said he wanted to pass through.

"You can't pass without the countersign."

"I don't know the countersign."

"You can't pass then," replied Hackethorn.

"But I must pass," said the stranger, and started up his horse.

Hackethorn cocked his musket, and the man again halted. He then informed the stranger if he moved another step he was a dead man.

"You would not shoot a man, would you?" said the stranger.

"I would."

After some further parley, Hackethorn called t the next sentry, and in this way conveyed the intelligence to the officer of the guard, who came out and at once addressed the stranger as General Harrison, and allowed him to pass.

Harrison turned to Hackethorn and said, "that's right, young man. Let no one pass without the countersign; it's the only way to keep 'em at gun's length."

It was dark when Harrison rode into camp and located at headquarters.

The next morning the troops were ordered to parade in close column at precisely six o'clock, which order was promptly obeyed. As they thus stood at "parade rest," some fifty of them appeared with their knapsacks and blankets buckled on, ready to commence their homeward march. At this moment, when a breathless silence pervaded the whole encampment, the commander-in-chief of the Northwestern army (whose presence was unknown to the troops) stepped from the headquarters tent, and, mounting the trunk of a large tree, which lay within two feet of the front line, addressed the troops as follows: "Fellow-soldiers, we are called upon to vindicate our rights, to repel the insults, and chastise the arrogance of a supercilious nation, which has invaded our rights, insulted our flag, impressed our citizens, and totally disregarded our remonstrances. It is thus demonstrated, that we must either teach that nation that the progeny of the Revolutionary fathers have not degenerated and become dastards, or tamely submit to the dictation of that haughty people, and be reduced to vassalage. Can a man be found in this brigade who is willing to surrender to the British Government the liberties achieved by the Revolutionary patriots? I trust no such individual can be found in the State or Nation.

"I have been informed that rebellion against the authority of your general has been threatened, and that the mutiny is to be consummated this morning by the mutineers departing for home. Soldiers, if you go home, what will your neighbors say? Will not they frown upon you? How will your wives look upon you? They will shut the door against you. Young men, your sweethearts would scorn you; all would call you cowards. No class of people are so immediately interested. to defending their country as those in Ohio. The Indians have already commenced their incursions in your State, and already have barbarously murdered several families. Should we abandon the defence of the State, the British army could safely march to the s Ohio river, and take possession of the State. You are defending your wives and children, your fathers

262 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

and mothers and your property. It is true you have met with some privations, but, as soon as we can obtain the necessaries required, all crooked things shall be made straight. Your sufferings are light, compared with those of your sires in the war of the Revolution. They were content with such fare as the limited means of the colonies at that time could furnish. They could ofttimes be traced, when marching to meet the enemy in bloody conflicts, by the blood that issued from their bare feet upon the frozen earth. Fellow-soldiers, cultivate a spirit of suburdination, patriotism and courage, and ere long the recent victory gained at Detroit by the enemy shall be refunded with double interest, and ultimately the haughty British Lion shall be subdued by the talons of the American Eagle." During the delivery of this speech, those troops who had their knapsacks and blankets on, began to unbuckle and drop them to the ground one by one, and at its conclusion not one appeared in his marching rig, and, from that time forward, until honorably discharged, no better soldiers were found in the army. Soon after the delivery of the address General Harrison departed from camp to attend to duties elsewhere.

Up to this time, the troops of General Beall had not been mustered into the United States service, but were serving the State, and the major general of the division to which they belonged, Wadsworth, claimed the right to control their movements, under the State law. In the exercise of his authority, he ordered. General Beall to march his brigade to Cleveland. This General Beall declined to do, believing it to be his duty to defend the frontiers from Indian raids, and to deter the British army from marching into the State, left in an exposed condition by the surrender of Hull. No part of the State was more exposed than Knox county, as the murders in the county by the Indians clearly established. Moreover, Wadsworth was an old, superannuated man, who had been brave and efficient in the Revolutionary war, but had outlived his physical and intellectual powers, and was thus incompetent to render service to his country.

As General Beall remained at Camp Council several weeks after Wadsworth ordered him to Cleveland, that general dispatched General Perkins with an order to arrest General Beall and march the brigade to Camp Avery, near the mouth of the Huron river. This order was promdtly obeyed, and General Beall, in accordance with the rules of the army, delivered his sword to Perkins, and, two days subsequently, the brigade arrived at Camp Avery. Here a court-martial was ordered for the trial of General Beall for disobdience of orders. ,Upon a full hearing of the charges he was acquit. ted, and ordered to take .his command and re-enforce General Winchester, who was. then in the neighborhood of the river Raisin. Marching as far as Lower Sandusky (Fremont), he there received orders to return to Camp Avery and disband his army, which he did, his soldiers returniug along the route by which they had advanced, to their homes, the term of their enlistment having expired.

The general himself returned to his home in New Lisbon, and was elected to Congress, serving two terms. In 1814, he was appointed register of the land office in Wooster, and resigned his seat in Congress to accept that position, removing his family to Wooster in 1815. In 1824 he resigned this office and retired to private life. He was president of the Whig convention held in Columbus February 22, 1840, and was afterwards chosen one of the electors for President and Vice-President, and had the honor and pleasure of casting his vote for his old friend, General Harrison. No incident of his life gave him more pleasure. He died at his home in Wooster February 20, 1843.

Before the close of General Beall's expedition, the governor of Pennsylvania raised and dispatched a force of two thousand men to the assistance of General Harrison in the west, under command of General Robert Crooks. As this expedition passed through Mansfield on its way to the seat of war, a brief account of it is considered appropriate, Crooks marched his command by way of New Lisbon, Canton and Wooster, following in the track of General Beall, arriving at the latter place about three weeks after Beall left-probably about the eleventh or twelfth of October.

The train connected with General Crook's brigade numbered, as near as can be remembered, some twenty-five or thirty six-horse teams; the wagons being covered with canvas and filled with army stores of every description. Halting a day or two at Wooster to repair broken wagons, and allow the jaded

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 263

teams to rest, the brigade was again put in motion. It reached the block-house at Jeromeville in one day, where the army crossed the Jerome fork and turned southwest, leaving the trail of General Beall, and passing up a small stream by what was afterward known as Goudy's mill, and began cutting the path afterward known as the "old portage road." The pioneers cut the road along an Indian trail as far as the Quaker springs, the first day, where the brigade halted and encamped for the night. The next day the pioneers continued along the old trail in a southwest direction, cutting a path large enough for the teams to pass. That night the brigade encamped at Greentown. Nearly all the Indian huts had been burned prior to this, and the village was deserted. The next day they crossed the Black fork, and proceeding southwest a short distance struck a new blazed road leading to the west. They continued on this road until they reached the cabin of David Hill, on the present site of Lucas, where the brigade again encamped for the night. In the afternoon of the following day, they reached Mansfield, going into camp on the east side of the public square, in the woods. The date of General Crooks arrival here has not been ascertained to a certainty, but it must have been about the eighteenth or twentieth of October. He was in camp here about six weeks, awaiting the arrival of quartermasters' stores, under Colonel Anderson. During his stay in Mansfield, his soldiers cleared off considerable land east of the square, and when his camp became quite muddy, he removed his army to, and encamped on, the west side of the square, where he cleared off another piece of ground. Crooks received orders to leave Mansfield for Upper Sandusky, and was compelled to march before the arrival of Colonel Anderson with his supplies. He probably left Mansfield sometime between the first and tenth of December. On this subject Dr. Hill says: "About the fifteenth of December, General Crooks was ordered to proceed to Upper Sandusky to assist in fortifying that point." It will be perceived that he is in doubt as to the date, and, in the same paper, a little further along, in speaking of Anderson's march, he says: "On the twelfth (December) he reached the village of Mansfield, where they found two block-houses, a tavern and one store.

General Crooks had left before the arrival of Colonel Anderson." As he speaks positively about this date, it is evident that Crooks must have marched from here before the twelfth. Comparing this date with that of other incidents occurring about this time, the evidence is very conclusive teat he left early in December. In piloting General Crooks through to Upper Sandusky, Jacob Newman (the first settler in what is now Richland county) lost his life; contracting a severe cold on the trip, from the effects of which he died the following June.

Crooks' quartermaster, Colonel James Anderson, could not have been far from Mansfield when General Crooks left. His command was composed of Captain Gratiot, engineer of equipments; Captain Paul Anderson, foragemaster; Captain Wheaton, paymaster; Captain Johnston and ninety men, and Lieutenant Walker, with forty men, as a guard. Walker was afterwards killed, while out hunting, by an Indian, while the command was encamped at Upper Sandusky.

Anderson's convoy consisted of twenty-five iron cannons, mostly four and six pounders. These, and the balls fitting them, were placed in covered road wagons, drawn by six horses each. The cannon carriages, twenty-five in number, empty, were each drawn by four horses. The cartridges, canister, and other munitions, were in large covered wagons. There were fifty covered road wagons, drawn by six horses each; they were loaded with general army stores, and one or two of them with specie for paying the troops, this specie being put up in, small, iron-hooped kegs. Thus equipped, Colonel Anderson left Allegheny City about the first of November, 1812, and followed, as rapidly as possible, the trail of General Crooks' army. About the eleventh of November, he reached Canton, where he remained ten days, repairing the wagons, shoeing the horses, and gathering provisions. On the twenty-first, he reached Hahn's Swamp, and was three or four days passing over the same to Wooster, owing to the fact that Beall's and Crooks' wagons had cut up the road badly. He left Wooster December loth, arriving in Mansfield on the twelfth.

The teamsters being volunteers at twenty dollars per month, and their time having expired, desired

264 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

to return home. Colonel Anderson, being ordered to follow General Crooks to Upper Sandusky, offered to pay the teamsters one dollar per day to continue with him. These terms were accepted, and each teamster furnished with a gun, to be kept in the feed trough for use in case of an attack. The command was hardly out of sight of Mansfield when it began to snow, and continued until it was two feet deep. The ground being unfrozen, the heavy wagons cut into the soft earth, and the horses were unable to draw them. A council was held, and the fifteen gun carriages were sent ahead to break the path. By this and various other means, they made a few miles each day. When a team gave out, it was turned aside and another put in its place. At night, the soldiers were compelled to work three or four hours shovelling off a suitable place to pitch their tents, build fires to cook their food, and keep them from freezing. After two weeks of hardship and exposure, the . command reached Upper Sandusky on New Year's day, 1813.

The troubles between the Indians and the early settlers, during this war, will be found in another chapter. But few of the heroes of that time are yet living. One by one they drop, like ripened fruit, and are gathered home. Here and there they are yet found, tottering on the verge of the grave, looking always back through the mist of years, and living over again, in memory, the thrilling scenes through which they passed. Thus history repeats itself; fifty years from to-day the survivors of the great Rebellion will be looked upon in the same light, and will rehearse to their grandchildren, as these veterans are rehearsing to-day, the story of their exploits.

CHAPTER XXX.

KNOX COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR.

THE TEXAS WAR-COLRICK'S COMPANY-BEGINNING OF

THE WAR WITH MEXICOORGANIZATION OF OHIO REGI-

MENTS-ORGANIZATION OF A COMPANY AT MOUNT VER-

NON-THE OPERATION OF THE TROOPS IN MEXICO -

GENERAL MORGAN'S ADDRESS-MUSTER ROLLS.

IT was on the twenty-third of February, 1836, and not on the eighth of May, 1846, that the first battle was fought in our war with Mexico. Years prior to the tragedy of the Alamo, the government of Mexico had invited emigration from the United States, and twenty thousand of our citizens, some of them our ablest and bravest men, became citizens of that beautiful land. Prominent among the emigrants were Stephen F. Austin of Connecticut, David G. Burnet of Ohio, Mirabeau B. Lamar of Tennessee, James Bowie of Missouri, Albert Sidney Johnston of Kentucky. Felix Huston of Mississippi, William and John Wharton of Virginia, and many others scarcely less able or distinguished.

Between the mongrels of Mexico, composed of a cross between the Spaniards, Aztecs, and Negroes, and the proud race of the Americans, fused into one people out of the aggressive blood of the Teutons and the Celts, a conflict was inevitable.

Never in the world's history was there brought together twenty thousand men with a larger amount of intellect, ambition, and intrepidity than was possessed by the first American colonists in Texas.

Coahuila and Texas were separate States under one legislature and one governor. The Texans claimed certain privileges which were denied them by the Mexicans, and a revolt was the result.

At the head of a considerable force Santa Anna rapidly advanced against Fort Alamo, held by Colonel W. B. Travis, with one hundred and forty men, among whom were David Crocket and the redoubtable James Bowie. The fort was situated near the San Antonio, which flows through a country as lovely as the garden of Eden.

Samuel Houston, the commander in chief of the army of Texas, sent orders for Travis to fall back. The order was disobeyed and the utter destruction of Travis and his command was the result. The siege continued from the twenty-third of February, 1836, until the sixth of March, when the place was

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 265

carried by storm. When the enemy entered the fort but six of its defenders were found alive, and among them were Crocket and Bowie, who, after a desperate defence, were butchered as their comrades had been. A Mrs. Dickinson and a colored servant were the only persons left alive.

Next followed the massacre of Fannin and his I five hundred men at Goliad after their surrender to Urea.

These tragedies thrilled the whole country with horror, and a desire for vengeance. Nor was vengeance long delayed. Houston had advanced beyond the Colorado, but had previously selected his battle ground on the San Jacinto. Against the protests of Colonel Sherman and the Whartons he re-crossed the Colorado, and moved towards the field selected by him. He was without artillery, and he received intelligence that two six pounders sent to him from Cincinnati through the instrumentality of William M. Corry and Robert Lytle, had been landed in Texas and were en route to join him under the command of Captain George Lawrence, and on the tenth day of April, 1836, the re-inforcements of Lawrence reached Houston's army, which numbered seven hundred and eightythree, all told.

The plain of San Jacinto was bounded on three sides by the river of that name, and Buffalo Bayou, and on the fourth side by a forest which was occupied by Houston. As soon as the rear guard of Santa Anna had crossed the bridge over Buffalo bayou, Houston dispatched Deaf Smith, the Henry Birch of the Texan revolution, to destroy the bridge, and thus cut off Santa Anna's retreat. The bridge was destroyed, the operation being masked by the tall grass which covered the prairie, which afterwards concealed the advance of Houston against Santa Anna.

At noon on the twenty-first of April, while the Mexicans were at dinner, Houston advanced to the attack and took Santa Anna by surprise. When discovered, the Texans raised their fierce battle-cry, "Remember the Alamo!" "Remember Goliad!" and rushed to the assault. .The fight was short, quick and terrible. The enemy fired a few volleys from their cannon and Houston was struck on the ankle with a copper grape shot as he was leading on his men. Every Texan was armed with a rifle and bowie-knife, and closed in on the butchers of the Alamo and the assassins of Goliad. From first to last the fight occupied but seventeen minutes. The Mexican loss in killed and wounded was fiftyfive greater than Houston's whole force, and he took as many prisoners as he had soldiers; while the Texan loss was only eight killed and twentyfive wounded.

While a prisoner, Santa Anna made a treaty of peace which the government of Mexico not only refused to ratify, but commenced the organization of a large army for the second invasion of Texas. It was then, summer of 1836, that Sam Houston appealed to the citizens of the United States for assistance. The Texans were blood of our blood, and hoped to become once more citizens of the Union. The flag which floated over the one hundred and forty heroes of the Alamo was composed of one solitary star and thirteen red and white stripes; they died fighting to add that star to our national constitution.

Citizens of many of the States responded to Houston's call. Charles Colerick of Knox county, organized a rifle company, of which-he became the captain, and the muster roll of his company as well as of the companies commanded by Captain Harle, ten years afterwards will follow this narrative.

Colerick rendezvoused at Louisville, Kentucky, with the companies of Captain G. H. Burroughs of Zanesville, Ohio, and of Captain Thomas J. Morgan, organized in Washington, Pennsylvania. Colerick's men were uniformed in green; those of Burroughs' in Scotch plaid, and Morgan's men in blue. The three companies embarked in a covered flat-boat, propelled by the current, for New Orleans, and the starry banner of the Union, and the "lone star" of Texas floated side by side over the prow of the boat.

While the flat-boat was lying to at a wood yard on the Mississippi, a superb steamer bound for St. Louis, came steaming in for wood. In malicious sport the steamer struck the flat-boat with sufficient force to cause a violent jar. The ready wit of Colerick turned the affair to practical account. Water was pumped out of the boat on one side, and filled with camp kettles on the other. The three captains repaired with a guard to the steamer and a demand was made for reparation, and the

266 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

captain was given to understand that his boat would not be allowed to proceed until satisfaction was made. The captain, clerk, and carpenter of the steamer repaired to the flat-boat where they found men working the pumps. A sufficient sum was paid as damages to enable the three companies to take the first down-going steamer as passengers. At New Orleans a company from Norfolk, Virginia, was awaiting transportation for Texas. In a few days the four companies were embarked on a Bangor brig, and after a long and boisterous passage, the vessel all battered and torn, safely anchored in Matagorda bay.

The main body of the army was in camp on the La Bacca, under the command of General Felix Houston, late of Mississippi.

To camp Independence, for it was so called, the newly arrived troops marched; and were entranced by the loveliness of the scene which surrounded them. The prairie was carpeted with every variety of brilliant wild flowers; the air seemed filled with beautiful birds, whose plumage bore all the tints of the sun, and here and there were wandering herds of dear not yet familiar with the crack of the hunter's rifle. Shortly after the arrival of the re-enforcements a new regiment was organized, and Joseph Rogers, an octogenarian, now residing in ;Madison, Indiana, was made colonel. This disappointed Colerick, who possessed the soldierly qualities of courage, energy and ambition, and aspired to the colonelcy. Sometime after the honorable discharge of his company, Colerick returned to Ohio, but died at Cincinnati on his way home. It is said that Lieutenant Lemon, now a ranchero in Texas, is the only member of Colerick's company now residing in that State. Indeed very few of them are alive. Among the survivors is Sergeant Lorenzo Jones, now employed at a great old age as teamster of Mr. Christian Keller of Mt. Vernon; George McKee, another of Colerick's men is still alive and a well-to-do farmer of Coshocton county.

Ten years passed away and the independence of Texas had not been recognized by Mexico, and was not so recognized until Texas was acknowledged as one of the States of the American Union by the treaty of peace between the Unitd States and Mexico, entered into in the summer of 1848.

France, England, and the United States had long before acknowledged Texan independence, but Mexico preserved her attitude of hostility until peace was conquered by the capture of her capital.

In 1844, on the issue of the annexation of Texas, Van Buren was thrown overboard at Baltimore, and Polk and Clay became the opposing candidates for President. March 1, 1845, the joint resolutions of the Congress of the United States, favoring the annexation of Texas, were approved by the President. On the fourth of June following, the President of Texas issued a proclamation suspending hostilities with Mexico; the next month joint resolutions were unanimously passed by both branches of the Texan legislature favoring annexation; and on the twenty-seventh of December, 1845, Texas was admitted into the Union.

Mexico was defiant, and prepared for war. Early in the spring of 1846 a squadron of dragoons, commanded by Captains Hardy and Thornton, was captured near the Rio Grande, and carried into Mexico as prisoners. This act was the inauguration. of the war.

The brilliant victories achieved by Taylor at Palo Alta and Resaca de la Palma on the eighth and ninth of May, thrilled the country with enthusiasm, and there was a general cry, to arms: Congress authorized the President to organize fifty thousand volunteers, and an appropriation of ten million was voted to maintain the integrity of the Union.

Ohio was called on for three regiments of infanty, and Governor Bartley issued a proclamation calling for volunteers. Samuel R. Curtis was appointed adjutant general of the State, and Benjamin F. Brice was made assistant adjutant general, both of whom were men of military training, and were graduates of West Point.

A meeting was called in Mount Vernon to consider the necessary steps to be taken to organize a company. Daniel S. Norton was called to the chair, and addressed the meeting on taking his seat. L. W. Strong, Eli Miller, and Hosmer Curtis were appointed vice-presidents. The meeting was further addressed by John K. Miller, J R., Vance, Caleb J. McNulty, Captain G. W. Morgan, A. Banning Norton, and Major William A. Hoey According to the Times, the organ of the Whigs of Knox, "there was considerable division in the

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meeting, the Whigs being opposed. to the manner in which the Government went into the war, though they were ready to say, `Our country, right or wrong."'

The Second brigade Third division Ohio militia, called out by Brigadier General G. A. Jones, was formed on the fiat facing on High street, and west of where is now the track of the Baltimore c& Ohio railroad. The brigade was massed and addressed by Captain Morgan. The same afternoon, those who proposed to volunteer assembled in the court house to organize. By a unanimous vote George W. Morgan was elected captain, Simon B. Kinton was chosen first lieutenant, and Thomas P. Morton second lieutenant. Caleb J. McNulty enlisted as a private soldier. Although only in his thirtieth year he had achieved a national reputation. He thrice represented Knox county in the Ohio legisluture; had been clerk of the lower house of Congress; and was the Democratic candidate for that body against Columbus Delano, the Whig candidate, in 1844. Mr. Delano was elected by a majority of twelve votes. Mr. McNulty had the faculty of intuition to an extraordinary degree, and was one of the first popular orators of his day. He did not live to see Mexico, but died a victim of intemperance on the steamer which bore the right wing of the Second Ohio volunteers to New Orleans. The boat stopped in the night at Memphis to obtain a coffin, and the next morning poor McNulty was buried at the foot of a grand old oak near Helena, Arkansas.

Daniel S. Norton, jr., son of Colonel Daniel S. Norton, who was prominently active in the organization of the "Young Guard" was also a private in that company. Young Norton said to his captain, "I would like to become an officer, and if I cannot do that, it will be my ambition to become the best soldier in the company." He was then probably seventeen years of age. He did make a good soldier, but contracted a malignant disease in consequence of which he was honorably discharged. He afterward studied law with Rollin C. Hurd, and finally removed with his fellow student, W. H. Windom, to Minnesota, from which State he was sent as a Republican to the Senate of the United States, where, in the struggle over the reconstruction laws, he acted with the Republican Senators Cowan, Trumbull, Doolittle, and Rose, and sustained the policy of Andrew Johnson, and voted against his conviction on his trial before the Senate. Senator Norton was a man of fine intelligence and marked independence of character. He died before the expiration of his term of service in the Senate, and W. H. Windom, the present Secretary of the Treasury, became his successor.

Another private in the "Young Guard" was Robert B. Mitchell. He was made quartermaster sergeant in Morgan's regiment, and second lieutenant in Captain Harle's company in the Second Ohio, reorganized. He removed to Kansas, and on the breaking out of the civil war, organized, and became colonel of the First Kansas infantry; and distinguished himself in the action at Wilson's creek, Missouri. He was afterward made brigadier general, and governor of New Mexico, and now resides in Washington, District Columbia.

During ten successive daysafter the organization of his company Captain Morgan drilled his men eight hours each day. One-half of that time was exclusively given to the school of the soldier. The company was composed of excellent material, and made rapid progress in drill and discipline.

On Saturday the sixth of June, 1846, the ladies of Mt. Vernon, through Colonel D. S. Norton, presented the "Young Guard" with a flag, upon the folds of which their names were inscribed, and a few shreds of this old banner are still in possession of General Morgan who received them.

The company then took tip its line of march for Columbus, accompanied for some distance by a large concourse of citizens, and was greeted with banquets along the route; and on Sunday afternoon was escorted into Columbus by the companies of Captains Walcott and Latham.

The general rendezvous of the Ohio troops was at Camp Washington, near Cincinnati, where thirty-eight companies soon assembled, and others were ready to march from different parts of the State. So fierce was the desire to go to the field that an armed collision seemed inevitable and was only prevented by the address of Brigadier General John E. Wool, of the United States army, who superintended the mustering into the United States' service. The Ohio regiments were organized as follows

268 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

First regiment, Colonel A. M. Mitchell.

First regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel John B. Weller.

First regiment, Major Thomas L. Hamer.

Hamer was immediately made brigadier general by President Polk, and Giddings was elected to fill the vacancy.

Second regiment, Colonel George W. Morgan.

Second regiment, Lieutenant Colonel William Irwin. Second regiment,

Major William Wall.

Third regiment, Colonel Samuel R. Curtis.

Third regiment, Lieutenant Colonel George W. M. Cook.

Third regiment, Major John Love.

When Morgan was made colonel, Simon B. Kenton was elected captain and Charles D. Miller was elected first lieutenant of company °` B," formerly known as the "Young Guard." Some time later Kenton was assigned to the duty of assistant quartermaster and private James E. Hade was elected captain. Arrived in Mexico, every regiment of every State was eager to go to the front; every man in the language of the camp wanted "a chance." General Taylor organized regiments into brigades according to their numbers. The First Ohio and First Kentucky formed the brigade of General Hamer, while the Second . Ohio and Second Kentucky formed the brigade of General Thomas Marshall (not Thomas F. who was a captain of cavalry). This equitable adjustment of a troublesome question, in a volunteer army, caused the Third Indiana to be stationed at the mouth of the Rio Grande; and the Third Ohio to be stationed at Matamoras; while the Second Ohio and Second Kentucky were stationed at Camargo.

It was past midsummer. The hospitals were full, but thanks to the skill and devotion of Surgeon William Trevitt the loss of the Second regiment from sickness was less than that of any other volunteer regiment in the army. Dr. Trevitt lately departed to the great camp in the spirit land to join a large majority of his old comrades who had encamped there long before him. Those who remain behind cherish his memory with affection, and before many years will pass away all will be again reunited. A rigorous system of drill was adopted, and in precision and promptness the men of the Second acquired the character of veterans. Before advancing from Camargo Morgan's regiment could execute every manoeuvre in the school of the battalion with rapidity and exactness. When this was done he taught his regiment to march in square, and to form square from line of battle, without breaking into column, neither of which was taught in our tactics. To the steadiness and precision acquired by the second regiment in marching in square, it afterwards owed not only victory but existence.

While stationed at Camargo, under the direction of Colonel Morgan, Major William Wall built an earthwork with five bastions which was christened Fort Wall, and it has since become historic in the civil wars of Mexico.

There was an enemy in Mexico more dreaded by our soldiers than the Mexicans. It was the tarantula. The tarantula belongs to the family of the spider. In Italy it is comparatively small and not .esteemed dangerous; but in Mexico it attains a size that an ordinary pint cup would scarcely cover. The back and legs are covered with a long hair of a reddish color, and the eyes project from its head.

One morning T. Burr Wadsworth, a solider in Kenton's company, called at the hospital and complained at what appeared to be a carbuncle on his cheek. Surgeon Trevitt told him that it was not sufficiently ripe to lance, but applied some lotion. A few hours later Wadsworth returned, with his face and head badly swollen. Trevitt applied the lance, pouring ammonia on the wound In the meantime a large tarantula was found in Wadsworth's blankets. Stupor set in; the poor fellow died, and company B had to mourn the loss of one of its best soldiers. A tragedy of a different character occurred not long afterwards. Morgan's regiment was broken into detachments; five companies under the colonel remained at Camargo; two companies under the major at Punta Aguda; and three under the lieutenant colonel at Ceoralvo. Lieutenant Miller and Frank Winne asked permission to go to the latter place on duty, and an es. cort was ordered to accompany them. Through a reckless contempt for the Mexicans, without the knowledge of their commander, they set out for Ceoralvo. They were bright young men, full of hope, courage, and energy. They were ambushed by a party of guerillas at Chickaronis. The bloody and torn ground gave evidence for days afterwards of a murderous conflict. Both were killed; and their hearts and other parts of their persons were

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hung upon bushes by the roadside. Similar atrocities had been committed elsewhere, and the Mexican authorities professed to be unable to prevent them. Colonel Morgan determined to give public security against bandits and assassins. The alcades of every town within a radius of sixty miles of Camargo were required to send to Morgan's headquarters three of their wealthiest citizens j as hostages against private rapine and murder within their jurisdictions. The hostages were held as prisoners, but were provided with every comfort, and were kindly treated. They were allowed to communicate with their friends, who were given to understand that for every murder of an American soldier not killed in fair fight, there would be prompt retaliation. The measure was stringent; it called forth bitter complaints. Delegates of Mexicans visited the headquarters at Monterey to protest against the requirement of hostages. Morgan was sustained He then went further, and authorized each alcalde to mount a force of twenty armed men to scour the roads as a police force, under commissions issued by Morgan himself. It was done; and the roads and country became more secure than was ever before known. Not another murder was committed, and in time the hostages were restored to their homes.

In the month of September, 1846, the battle of Montery was fought and won by brave old Zachary Taylor. The main attack was made in front, by the divisions of Twiggs and Butler, while Worth turned the enemy's position in the city by carrying the enemy's works on Independence Hill.

Butler was a gallant Kentuckian, and was an aid-de-camp of Andrew Jackson at New Orleans. Worth was a high-mettled steed, and one of the palladiums of the Mexican war. He snuffed with joy the smoke of battle, and was grand in victory or defeat. As his division passed in column before him when about to breast the Hill, he had a smile and words of cheer for each regiment in its turn. As the Fourth infantry advanced under the lead of the famed Martin Scott, Worth hailed them "Well, major, how is the Fourth?" "Fierce as tigers, sir. By --, I can hardly hold them." And a laugh and a cheer passed along the column. The Hill was carried by storm, and Worth dashed into Monterey from the rear. The troops of the enemy were massed on the piazza, but out of any direct line of fire from the streets which entered it, and then for the first time perhaps the exploit was performed of shooting around a corner when some distance from it. This was done by

Duncan, then a of artillery. He charged his guns with half the ordinary amount of powder, and then if he wished to throw his shot into the portion of the piazza to the left of the entrance of the street, he directed his guns so as to strike the wall of the house on the right corner of the street, and the ball glancing would fly into the interior of the square to the great astonishment, and but little to the comfort of the Mexicans.

In front the fight was hot and galling. The batteries of the enemy were masked by groves of oranges and pomegranate, and the position of a battery was only discovered by the roar of its discharge.

The heaviest loss was sustained by the divisions or Butler and Twiggs, but the storming of the works on Independence Hill decided the day. The whole army was covered with laurels, and the Ohio troops under Hamer and Mitchell won their full share.

It was now generally believed that the last battle of the war had been fought; and the conviction that there would be a speedy peace spread with the news of victory. Among the few who did not so believe, was Colonel Morgan. In a letter to his brother William, giving the rumors of victory, he said: "The general belief is that Taylor has conquered a peace. It is a mistake. There will be no peace till a great battle is fought and won before the walls of Mexico."

At length the disagreeable duty of conveying trains from Camargo to Monterey devolved mainly on the Second Ohio. *It was a duty full of danger but devoid of glory.

Camargo was the base of Taylor's supplies; and shortly after the battle of Monterey, our army was nearly destitute of stores, and orders were received to press them to the front. As a private enterprise a Scotchman of intelligence and energy named Thompson undertook to convey a train of three hundred mules heavily laden, to Monterey.

Captain William A. Latham, afterwards lieutenant. colonel of the Second regiment, when re-organized,

270 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

was assigned to the duty of guarding the train with his company, which sickness had greatly reduced. At the request of Thompson the route by Los Aldamos till then unused for military purposes, was chosen, on the supposition that it would be the least dangerous.

The third night after the departure of the train, a breathless courier from Latham reached Morgan, asking for succor. Latham was entrenched about six miles beyond Los Aldamos, and a large force of Mexicans under Carrajaval (still notorious in the regions of the Rio Grande) was hovering in front of him. Morgan had no cavalry; but within an hour, with sixty picked men of his regiment mounted on quartermasters' horses, he went to the rescue. The night was intensely dark, but under the lead of a Mexican guide who rode by Morgan's side and acted under the double inspiration of a large reward if he acted in good. faith, and of death if he did not, the march was continued during the entire night, and at about the hour of ten the next morning the command wet, hungry and weary, halted at Aldamos for rest and refreshment. Morgan dispatched a courier to announce his arrival to Latham, and a Mexican spy to reconnoitre Carrajaval. About four in the afternoon, Morgan joined Latham, and shortly after dusk the spy returned. He reported the force of the enemy at over three hundred strong, and that he had fallen back sixteen miles 6n the road leading to Monterey. The spy was directed to hover near the enemy, and to report to Morgan while en-route the next morning. He departed, but did not return. At dawn next morning the convoy was in motion with front, flank and rear guards, with orders to keep well closed up, and to concentrate on any point seriously attacked. The march was of exciting interest. The enemy hovered around the train, but kept beyond the reach of our muskets.

At night Morgan halted on the banks of the Rio Capidero. A redoubt was constructed of mule packs, and the mules were corralled, but a short distance away, under the care of Thompson and his muleteers, all of whom were armed. Towards morning a scattering escopet firing was heard from the direction of the corrals and. the muleteers came flying in. Apprehensive that the attack on the corrals was a diversion in favor of a movement to destroy the commissary stores, Morgan sent a detachment of troops accompanied by Thompson and his muleteers to reconnoitre the ground, and if possible, re-capture the mules, and all but eighty, were recovered. Lieutenant Brown of Julians company was ordered to follow the enemy's trail till daylight. On Brown's return, Morgan left Captain Reynolds with one third of the entire force to defend the redoubt and with the remaining force gave pursuit, which was pushed with such vigor that a number of horses fell dead in their tracks, and others were broken down and abandoned. The riders mounted behind their comrades or upon the first horse, found on the route. The town of Chuia on the Rio San Juan was reached late in the afternoon. Two hours before Morgan's arrival Carrajaval following the tactics of the Indians, scattered his command in small parties with orders to rendezvous on the day after the morrow.

In the meanwhile the stores at Monterey were growing less and the supplies on the Capidero must be got there at whatever cost. From a renegade American residing at Chuia, Morgan learned that the authorities were in league with Carrajaval, and he at once levied a contribution on the town for eighty mules, twelve horses and necessary supplies. The alcalde replied that he possessed no authority by which he could fill the requisition. Morgan told him that by the laws of war he conferred such authority upon him, and that if the mules and horses were not furnished by sun set the next day he would reduce the town to ashes. Before the hour named several hundred mules and horses were brought in; but only eighty mules and twelve horses were taken. To protect the alcalde, Morgan gave him a certificate stating that he had filled the requisition under protest, and on compulsion. At dawn the next day Morgan divided his little . command into two equal parts, one for Latham, the other for himself. He directed Latham to proceed with the mules to the redoubt on the Capidero, and with the command of Reynolds to escort the train to Monterey, where they arrived without further accident.

Morgan was now left on the same side of the San Juan with Carrajaval and with only one tenth his force. Morgan set out for Camargo by a route seldom travelled, not wishing to encounter a force

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 271

so much larger than his own. All went well, when suddenly the advanced scouts came to a dead halt till the main body joined them. A Mexican was found hanging by his feet to the limb of a tree, his hands were bound over his head, which rested on the ground He was stone dead; the face terribly swollen and the eyes projecting and blood-shot. Around his neck was suspended a label bearing the single word "traidor!" (traitor). The unfortunate victim was the spy sent by Morgan to watch Carrajaval. While gazing upon the dead man some one called out, "Look! A drove of mustangs grazing," Telling his men to keep together, Morgan galloped towards the horses which were fastened with lariats. In a moment Carrajaval and his men swarmed from the chaparral and commenced to saddle. Morgan returned to his men and moved forward at a trot. The Mexicans were soon in the saddle, and moved forward in a line parallel to the road followed by the Americans. Toward evening the little party reached a ranch on the summit of high ground and with a strong corral from which Morgan intended to fight if attacked. Pickets were stationed and orders to look to the horses had hardly been given, when a tall and graceful young Mexican, mounted and armed in superior style, rode up and asked in pure English to see the commandant of the Americans. He represented that a large body of robbers, under Carrajaval, were roving over the country plundering American and Mexican alike, that he was going to Camargo, and desired the protection of the. Americans to that place. Satisfied that he was dealing with a spy, Morgan told him that his horses were fagged: that he would remain at the ranch till morning and would be gratified to have his company to Camargo. He further urged him to remain with the Americans at the ranch all night; this he declined doing, but he accepted an invitation to take a cup of chocolate. During supper Morgan expressed a hope that Carrajaval would attack him, which caused the Mexican to smile He asked, "How many men have you?" "Thirty picked men, and every man a dead shot, and as for that, Carrajaval has only three hundred." The spy's dark eyes twinkled but he made no reply. In the course of conversation he said that he had been educated in Kentucky; liked the Americans, and spoke carelessly of the war. He turned out to be one of the brothers Alderetta, who had been educated in the United States, but remained true to their native land. At length he re-mounted his horse saying, "Good night, we will meet in the morning," and cantered away. A profound quiet pervaded the American bivouac; at midnight the pickets were called in; the command silently mounted, and at a slow walk proceeded towards Camargo. About two miles from the ranch was a point of real danger; the road wound across a deep arrayo (the dry bed of a stream); the crossing was shaped like a horse-shoe, and a party in ambush could have opened a tripple fire on any force marching towards the opposite bank. A reconnoisance was made, the place was found unguarded, and the thirty descended into the winding arrayo and emerged in safety on the opposite bank. The road was composed of a loose sandy soil, which deadened the sound of the horses' feet. Scarcely half a mile had been passed, when off to the right, and some distance from the road, was discovered the bivouac of the enemy, who soundly slept, dreaming of the morrow. For a mile further the march was continued, when in a low voice "Trot! March!" was given, and at dawn of day the wearied troops entered Camargo. It was afterwards learned that towards morning Carrajaval went into ambush at the arrayo, but his sleepless foe had vanished in the starlight.

Morgan was next ordered to establish his headquarters with five companies at Ceoralvo, and to occupy Punta Aguda and Marin. The former place was occupied by Wall with two companies and the latter by three companies under Irwin. The Thirtieth Ohio under Colonel S. R. Curtis now occupied Camargo.

As a meteor suddenly bursts upon the sky, so must Louis P. Cooke appear and vanish from this brief narrative. He was one of those eccentric beings who now and then appear in life to disturb its dull monotony. A Kentuckian by birth, he passed some time at West Point, when the tragic events in the early history of Texas induced him to abandon school and country to become an actor in the stirring scenes of the Lone Star State. He had jet black hair, dark blue eyes, and a florid complexion somewhat bronzed by wind and storm. Tall and

272 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

slender, he had the strength and agility of an athlete, with the soft voice and emotional heart of a woman. When aroused, he was a tiger. Never the aggressor, he was victor in every deadly conflict in which he had engaged; and in duel and rencounter five men had fallen before him. A man of education and refinement; danger fascinated him, and action was the imperative law of his being.

Cooke and Morgan had known each other while serving ten years before in the army of Texas, and when on the evening of the twenty-second of February, 1847, Cooke rode up to Morgan's quarters at Ceoralvo, he was received with the cordiality with which one old comrade is sure to greet another. While at supper, Cooke said: Morgan, is your position fortified?" "No, we have been here but a few days and hope to go forward." "But you are in immediate danger." "From whom?" "Santa Anna is advancing with a large army to attack Taylor; and will seek to cut off his supplies by sending a large cavalry force through the pass at Caderitta to cut off communication between Camargo and Monterey." "You anticipate a speedy battle?" "They are probably fighting now; at any moment you may be attacked." "Whence your information?" "From my own observation. When Scott withdrew the regulars from this line to advance upon Vera Cruz, I felt certain that Santa Anna would push forward from San Luis de Potosi, and attack Taylor while his army was reduced. My instinct carried me to the front. I saw Taylor at Aqua Nueva, twenty-five miles beyond Saltillo. Rumors had reached him that the enemy was advancing. He did not credit them. Alone I pressed forward to Encarnacion, and then feeling the breath of the coming storm, I hastened back to Aqua Nueva, but Taylor remained incorrigible. Wool was impressed with my report, and the army may have fallen back to Angostura (the narrows) in front of Buena Vista. If it has not it will be destroyed, and we will be driven back to the gulf, if not annihilated." The next morning Cooke and Morgan parted never to meet again.

Morgan put a large stone building in a state of defence, but that very night he received orders from Taylor dated on the twenty-first of February directing him to concentrate his regiment and advance to Monterey. Lieutenant Joline with an escort of ten men was dispatched to Punta Aguda with orders for Major Wall to advance at once to Ceoralvo. There being no means of transporting his stores, during the night they were burned on the piazza. Wall with his two companies reached Ceoralvo at two in the morning, and at dawn of day the march was taken up for Monterey. At the "nine mile ranch" a rumor was heard of the destruc tion of a large wagon train under the escort of Captain Barbour of the First Kentucky. The route was utterly abandoned.

The following is from the official report of General Z. Taylor: "On the morning of the 25th Colonel Morgan was joined by twenty-five drivers and wagonmasters who had fled to the hills when Barbour's train was attacked and thus escaped the awful fate of their companions. At two o'clock he reached the scene of the disaster and found the bodies of forty or more of the drivers horribly mutilated, the wagons burning, and a number of bodies thrown into the flames. Finding no wounded the march was continued to Marin," which was reached about night fall, and found to be in flames. Morgan halted in front of the town and sent a reconnoitring party of wagoners under w wagonmaster Box to ascertain and report its condition. They soon returned at a gallop, bringing with them all spattered with blood a Mexican, lassoed to the pummel of a wagoner's saddle. From him it was learned that the enemy's cavalry under General Urea had been before Marin for two days, and several skirmishes had taken place between them and Lieutenant Colonel Irwin's command. That the arrival of reenforcements of infantry and two pieces of artillery, under Major Shepherd, of the First Kentucky regiment, had caused the enemy to retire, and relieved Colonel Irwin, who knew nothing of Colonel Morgan's approach. At Marin it was ascertained that the escort of the train (thirty men under Lieutenant Barbour, First Kentucky regiment) had been surrounded and captured. Having stationed his pickets and given directions as to the command of his men, Morgan rode out on the Monterey road. He gained a slight elevation which commanded a view of the surrounding country. After some time he discovered to the left and front the dim outline of extended camp fires. It was the bivouac of the

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same Urea who butchered the soldiers of Fannin after they had surrended at Goliad. Satisfied that an encounter was inevitable, to avoid the chance of an ambuscade Morgan determined to advance at midnight. Neither he nor his men had slept since leaving Ceoralvo. All but the poor fellows on guard were now asleep, and throwing his horseblanket on the sidewalk of the plazza, with his saddle for a pillow, he slept thirty minutes, and the march was resumed. Towards morning the tramp of Urea's cavalry was heard on every side closing in on the little column, which at once closed to half distance and formed square. At the first streak of dawn the rattle of muskets and escopets was heard, and the flankers ran in and took their places in the square. In a few moments the road passed through a clear piece of ground, and the opposing forces were in full view of each other. The little square was like a rock, surrounded by an ocean of lancers, whose gay uniforms and bright pennons shown brilliantly in the Sunlight. About half a mile to the front a squadron of lancers mounted on gray horses halted in the road, and. Urea, for it was he, raised his glasses to make a reconnoissance. Morgan cantered a hundred paces towards him and halted, when Urea advanced a short distance and saluted with his hand after the style of the Mexicans. Morgan returned the salutation by raising his cap, galloped back to the square, and ordered the musicians to strike up Yankee Doodle. The enemy answered the defiance with loud huzzas, and at the sound of the bugle on every side bore down on the square. On they came in serried columns, and the earth seemed to tremble beneath the shock. "Steady, ,men!" exclaimed Morgan. "Look for the whites of their eyes! Fire by rank! Ready! Aim! Front rank! Fire! Rear rank! Fire! Load, and fire at will!" On every side saddles were emptied; horses maddened by their wounds became unmanageable; the running fire from each front of the square was kept up with precision and rapidity until the enemy first wavered; tried to rally, and then on every side fell back in confusion. The boys of the Second yelled like demons, and every successive charge was received with the steadiness of veterans. Thus the fight went on,. advancing when the enemy fell back, halting and facing outward when he renewed the charge. At length Urea placed a large body of cavalry in front, dismounted the remainder of his force, and at long range opened fire on the square from his escopetas. The larg balls of the escopetas as they tore through the air made a most uncomfortable sound, and as they whistled past the heads of the men in the ranks they would instinctively dodge. Morgan and Wall were on horseback in the middle of the square, and seeing the boys dodge their heads as the balls whistled past them, the colonel exclaimed, "Come boys, no dodging! When you hear the balls whistle the danger is over." The boys would still bob their heads, look around at the colonel and laugh. At length a shower of balls passed a little higher than usual and whistled close to Morgan's head, who bobbed as the boys had done; and laughingly exclaimed, "Dodge and be d-d boys!" which incident is to this day narrated by the surviving veterans of the old Second.

The square again advanced, and the lancers withdrew to the right and left of the road, and once more charged, and were once again repulsed. Morgan now called for a volunteer to bear orders for Irwin to return. Lieutenant Stewart, of the Highland company, at once offered to run the gauntlet, and mounted on a fleet horse he shot from the square like a rocket. The Mexicans were dumbfounded, and seemed to have lost voice and power of action, while Stewart dashed on. At length they raised a yell and sent wild shots after him, but he safely reached Irwin who rapidly marched to the succor of his comrades, and at 11:30 A. M. he joined Morgan, but before doing so he poured several volleys from his two guns into the lancers, who fell back and soon disappeared

The Second continued the march to Monterey, and made the march of eighty miles in two days and a half, six hours of which time were occupied in fighting Urea. Immediately after the victory at Buena Vista Taylor again advanced to Aqua Nueva, and was there joined by Morgan's regiment but the old chieftain soon returned to Monterey, leaving General Wool in command of the main body of the army at Buena Vista, where it was encamped in three lines; the Second and Third Ohio and the two Illinois regiments forming the third line on a plateau of unrivalled beauty. The fight

274 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

ing was over on Tayior's line; but. two incidents occured at the camp at Buena Vista which are vividly recollected by the soldiers of the Ohio regiments. Between the second and third lines of encampment there was an excellent spring at which the soldiers of the two lines often met to relate the camp stories of the war. One day a fight occured between an Ohioan and a Kentuckian. The latter was a giant in size, strength, and courage, and the Ohioan was worsted. The quarrel was taken up by a broad-shouldered and good natured man of the Second Ohio, named Frost; a second encounter took place, which resulted in the Kentuckian's being so badly pounded that he had to be carried to his encampment. All of this occured without the knowledge of the officers of either regiment; nevertheless for a time it created an ugly feeling between the two regiments.

The other incident is historic in its character. The annexation of Texas was bitterly opposed by the Whigs, who charged, which was true, that it caused the war with Mexico. And although both Taylor and Scott were Whigs, and although many officers and soldiers belonged to that party, many of the leading Whigs in Congress denounced and opposed the war. Foremost among these were two Ohioans, justly celebrated for their eloquence and ability; they were the Hon. Thomas Corwin of the United States Senate, and the Hon. Columbus Delano of the House. When the intelligence of this opposition to the war reached the army it created intense feeling, and one night just before tattoo a sudden flame shot up on the parade ground of the Third Ohio, and loud groans rent the air. Morgan was field officer of the day, and happened to be making a call on Colonel Curtis, when seeing the flames and hearing the groans he sprang to his feet to suppress the strange and unlooked for disorder. Colonel Curtis said "Remember Colonel that is my parade ground," intimating that it was for him and not Morgan to interfere. Morgan answered "Yes, but I am the field officer of the day." On reaching the ground a large crowd of the troops of the different regiments were gathered around a burning effigy which was addressed with jeers and taunts by the soldiers. Morgan ordered the men to cut down the figure and return to their regiments; -but the order was only answered by a good natured laugh; and it was not until a detachment of guards arrived that the crowd dispersed, and by that time the effigy was consumed.

This brief narrative would be incomplete without a word in regard to Brigadier General Thomas L Hamer, the senior officer from Ohio, in the war with Mexico. He was justly esteemed as one of tile ablest men in the country, and had he lived, might have reached the Presidential chair. He was the only man in Ohio capable of meeting Mr. Corwin before a popular audience. Hamer won the confidence of General Taylor, and, indeed, of the officers of the regular army generally, who alike admired his modesty and merit. At Monterey he bore himself with marked gallantry, but did not live to enjoy the honors which would have been showered upon him had he returned to Ohio. He died at Walnut Springs, near Monterey, on the third day of January, 1847, after a lingering illness of nearly three weeks. His remains lie buried in the cemetery at Georgetown, Ohio, and to the discredit of this State they slumber there without a monument.

During the session of 1846-7 the general assembly passed a vote of thanks to the Ohio volunteers in recognition of their services in the field. The following letter of acknowledgment was addressed by Colonel Morgan to Governor Bebb of Ohio:

CAMP OF THE SECOND REGIMENT, O. V.

BUENA VISTA, April 12, 1847.

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your communication of February 10, 1847, accompanying the preamble and resolutions adopted by the legislature of Ohio commending the bravery of the troops on the field.

Permit me to say, on behalf of my comrades that the approbation of his fellow-citizens is the highest reward a soldier can receive for the hardships and perils of war. My comrades only

regret they were not able to do more for their State and country, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE W. MORGAN.

To His Excellency,

GOVERNOR BEBB.

Among the officers of highest merit who ever served in the army of the United States was Brigadier General John E. Wool. Regarded as a martinet, he was like a father to his soldiers. Amid the greatest danger and excitement he was always self-possessed, and by his admirable bearing inspired in those around him confidence and courage. Probably no other living American than Zachary Taylor, could have won and held the field

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 275

of Beuna Vista, yet a large share of the honor of . the victory belongs to John E. Wool. It was he j who placed the troops on the field; and seldom did a commanding general have so able a lieutenant to support him in the hour of trial.

The day before the Ohio regiments took up their line of march for their homes, General Wool published the following order:

HEADQUARTERS BEUNA VISTA,

May 16, 1847.

ORDER No. 190.

The general commanding cannot see the Ohio regiments separate from his command without expressing the entire satisfaction which their good discipline, orderly conduct and fine military appearance have uniformly given him, and which causes hum so deeply to regret they are not to be with him in future operations.

The Second and Third Ohio regiments will return to their homes with the consciousness that they have done great credit to their State, rendered good service to their country, and that hey bear with them the hearty good-will and sincere admiration of their companions and commander. In parting with the officers and men the general wishes them a pleasant journey and a happy return to their families and friends.

By command of

BRIGADIER GENERAL WOOL.

Irwin McDowell, :A. D. C.

Nor was General Wool the only commander who bore testimong to the bearing of the Ohio troops. General Taylor devoted an entire report to the encounter between Urea and Morgan, which he concludes as follows:

The loss of Colonel Morgan in these affairs was three Americans and one friendly Mexican killed, one wagoner mortally, and one soldier slightly wounded. The enemy is supposed to have sustained a considerable loss, but from the nature of the engagement its amount conld not be ascertained. We have to lament the fall of Captain B. F. Graham, assistant quartermaster in the volunteer service, after behaving in the most gallant manner. I would recommend to particular notice the gallant conduct and energy of Colonel Morgan throughout these operations. Lieutenant Colonel Irwin, Major Wall, and Adjutant Joline, Second Ohio regiment, and Major Shepherd are also entitled to notice for good conduct and valuable services.

Captain Barbour whose command was captured by the enemy near Marin was a prisoner of Urea, during the operations just referred to. At the close of the war he stated at Vera Cruz, when en route to his home, that the loss to Urea in his encounter with Morgan, was over three hundred. The usual proportion between killed and wounded is about one to six or seven, but in these affairs with Urea only six of our people were struck, and five out of, the six were killed.

Just before the march was taken up by the Ohio troops at Beuna Vista for the Rio Grande, a melancholy affair occurred at or near the guard tent which cost a man his life. Noah F. Johnston, of Licking county, was a law student in the office of Miller & Morgan when the first company from Mt. Vernon went to the field. He was a private, and was always prompt in the discharge of his duties,' but had no desire for promotion. He was a great wag and practical joker. On the evening referred to he was teazing another soldier who became angry and called Johnston some harsh names. As a joke, of which the other knew nothing, Johnston challenged him to fight with muskets. The intention was that the muskets should not be loaded, and that of Johnston was not. By some sad mischance the gun of the other was regularly charged. The distance was only eight paces. The word was given; a smile of merriment was playing on Johnston's lips, when he was shot dead in his tracks.

At Camargo Colonel Morgan bid good-bye to his cornrades and set out for Vera Cruz to take command of the Fifteenth regular infantry, to which he had been promoted as colonel; while under Lieutenant Colonel Irwin the Second proceeded to New Orleans, where it was honorably discharged.

The officers of "the Young Guard" were welcomed back to their homes by a procession, a banquet, and bonfires, and many hearts were made glad by their return.

Lieutenant Colonel Irwin obtained authority to reorganize the old Second regiment, of which he was made the colonel. Captain William Latham was made lieutenant colonel, and Captain Lick was made major.

For this regiment a new company was organized at Mount Vernon, on the fourth of September, 1847. James E. Harle, the old captain of company "B,"was chosen captain. Robert B. Mitchell was made first lieutenant, and Stiles L. Thrift and Jabez J. Antrim second lieutenants. Harle, Mitchell, Morton, and others were members of "The Young Guard," and all of the field officers of the Second, reorganized, had been officers in the old Second The material of Irwins' regiment was first rate. General William Lytle who was killed during the late civil war was one of its captains.

On arriving in Mexico Lieutenant Colonel La-

276 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

tham, with four companies, was stationed at Puebla; and Colonel Irwin, with six companies, was stationed at Agua Frio, the highest part of the mountain before descending into the glorious and'lovely valley of Mexico, and continued to occupy those posts until the close of the war, when they were all welcomed back to their homes with every demonstration of joy.

But few of the veterans of that war remain. They were boys then; they are gray haired sires now. They hold national and State reunions, and it is well to close this chapter with an address delivered by General Morgan at one of these held at Columbus, Ohio, February 22, 1879.

Comrades and Veterans of the Army of Mexico:

A third of a century has passed away since the soil of the Republic was invaded by Mexican troops, and one companies of Hardy and Thornton were captured and carried beyond the Rio Grande as prisoners of war.

That was the opening scene in the glorious drama which excited the attention and commanded the admiration of the world, during two years of unbroken triumphs, and of deeds never excelled in the annals of war. It possessed all the romance of the crusade against, the Saracens, and, like the crusade, was a blessing to mankind.

The plumed knights brought back from the Holy Land the reflected light of a higher civilization, which penetrated the gloom of the dark ages, revived the divine spirit of the Christian religion, and restored the arts and sciences to the European world.

Mexico was the mystic land of the Montezumas ; the scene of the exploits of Ferdinand Cortes, the first person to carry gunpowder and the Bible to the date and the orange groves of the Aztecs. And later it was the twice won and twice lost empire of Santa Anna, the great general, the remorseless butcher, who survived one Waterloo at the bands of Sam Houston, to be overwhelmed in a second at the hands of Winfield Scott, in that Garden of Eden known as the Valley of Mexico.

The war was full of romance and dazzling with glory. The volunteer was paid eight dollars a month to be shot at as a target, and was as proud and happy as a troupadour. At the first blast of the clarion which summoned him to battle, he kissed the girl of his heart good-bye, and sought a new idol in the starry flag of his country, till the war was over; when like a true knight he returned, if he came back at all, to the allegience due to his ladylove.

If the crusaders revived the civilization of Europe, so did the war with Mexico throw forward the civilization of the world one hundred years. The bayonet of the soldier was the wand which opened the exhaustless gold and silver mines of California, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, and Wyoming, and caused a greater material, moral, and intellectual development than had ever before taken place in any two consecutive centuries of the world's history.

Taylor had the honor and the glory to fight and win the first two battles of the war; and ever after, the American went into battle with the prestige of victory, and the Mexican with the certainty of defeat.

I can only glance at some of the brilliant and successful campaigns, which for the first time in our history caused the Republic to be recognized as a first-class power throughout the world; and must limit myself to reminiscences of a few of the many heroes whose names should not be allowed to die.

The enemy, with pennons flying and bands playing, was deployed as if for review upon the extended plain of Palo Alto; while Taylor quietly held his little army in double columns ready to be advanced or deployed.

Blake, of Taylor's staff, was directed to make a personal reconnoissance to ascertain the Mexican strength. With his saber and his pistols for his escort he dashed forward towards the right of the enemy's line, halted within range, counted the number of files to a company, and of companies to a battalion; and thus, as though reviewing the hostile line, slowly cantered along its front, taking notes as he advanced. When .he result was ascertained, lie raised his cap, gracefully saluted the enemy, and galloped back to report to his chief.

The battle was like a tournament, and the laurel of the victor tested upon Taylor's brow.

But Blake, where was he? While the battle raged, like a meteor he flashed over the field, bearing orders to the troops. The victory won, the camp pitched, his face still flushed, his eyes still lighted with the fire of battle, poor Blake carelessly threw aside his pistols, when one of them exploded, and he who but an instant before was the boast and pride of the army, was dead.

The next day brought another victory, gained upon another field. If Palo Alto was a tournament, Resaca de la Palma was a rout, an assault, a storm upon the battle-field.

The guns of the enemy occupied a gorge flanked on either side by dense chaparral. The squadron of Charley May was ordered to carry the battery. Randolph Ridgely, one of the best horsemen of the army, and one of its paladins, had his battery in position and saw May approaching at a gallop. He also saw that the guns of the Mexican battery were loaded. To save May's command he waved his arm on high, and with the voice of a clarion caned out: "Hold, Charley, till I draw their fire," and poured a volley into the gorge, Upon the instant the fire was returned, and while the defile was still choked with powder-smoke, the squadron of May swept through the gorge like a hurricane.

There was another reminiscence of that same field, which it gives me a sad pleasure to recall.

George Lincoln was as true a type of genuine chivalry as ever shivered lance in tournament, or bore a sword upon a battlefield. I knew and loved him well.

In that headlong fight, a few against many, Lincoln, with a handful of comrades, was surrounded by the enemy. What sometimes happens, the fight was hand to hand, and the Mexicans bore themselves in a manner worthy of a better fate; but destiny was against them. Lincoln wore a heavy Prussian sabre, which none but a Hercules could wield on foot. At one time he was assailed by three Mexicans with bayonets. The odds were formidable; but one thrust and two cuts lay his three antagonists dead at his feet, and their congealed blood was still on the sword which was in the hero's grasp when he died upon the red, red field of Buena Vista.

The President's proclamation for troops quickly followed the victories of Palo Alto and Resaca. The requisition was promptly filled by every State called upon, and amidst the heat of summer, northern, western, and southern soldiers hasttened to that far-off land of the sun.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 277

It was at Monterey that Ohio soldiers first tasted the smoke of battle. The First Ohio, under Mitchell, and the First Kentucky, under Ormsby, formed the brigade of the loved and lamented Hamer, which was greatly distinguished on that memorable day. "Old Zach," for so the boys delighted to call him, attacked the city in front with the divisions of Twiggs and Butler, while Worth executed a brilliant but not bloody flank movement by Federation hill. In Taylor's front the city was completely masked by groves of orange, fig, and pomegranate, and each grove was an ambuscade. There the fight was murderous and destructive, for the Americans were exposed while the Mexicans were concealed.

On the right stood Worth, the Bayard of the army, uttering words of cheer to his troops as they ascended the hill. At the head of the Fourth infantry advanced Martin Scott, whose name was then a household word throughout the land.

Monterey fell, and new laurels clustered round the brows of Taylor and h: heroes. Scott arrived. The regular divisions under Twiggs and Worth were embarked for Vera Cruz, and Taylor was left with the volunteers to protect a line which was believed to be free from danger. At this time the First Ohio was at Monterey; the Second held the line between that place and Camargo; and the Third under Curtis was at Matamoms.

One evening, while at Camargo, I had strolled with George Lincoln to the tent of the sutler, and soon afterward the famous Thomas E. Marshall entered. He was in one of his moods, and talked ramblingly. Just then we heard the nearing clatter of a horse's hoofs, and a moment after the rider dismounted and entered. "Where are you from?" "Monterey," was the quick question and prompt reply. "What news?" "As Randolph Ridgley was galloping along the flintly streets of Monterey, his horse's feet flew from under him, and Ridgely was killed." Marshall drew himself up, and exclaimed" Great God! As well might you expect an eagle to die from the fall of his own pinions, as Randolph Ridgley to die from the fall of his horse."

The great souled-orator and the great souled-warrior, both, are asleep now, and may the memory of their virtues be long cherished.

Old Zach with his volunteers had advanced to Aqua Nueva, nineteen miles beyond the defile of Augostura. Rumor followed tumor of the advance of a large army under Santa Anna, but Taylor had learned to regard his enemy with contempt, and would not believe that he was coming. - But had he remained twenty hours longer in that exposed position his army would have been overwhelmed and destroyed, for he would not have surrendered. .

Upon the urgent advice of Wool, Taylor fell back upon Buena Vista, and at the moment the head of his column passed the defile, Santa Anna established his headquarters at Aqua Nueva.

You can all bring back to memory the beautiful field of Buena Vista, with its web of impassable ravines extending from the right of the defile to the mountain wall which abruptly rises two thousand feet above the plain, and to the left, the small but ragged hills, which form a cordon to the grand plateau which lies at the base of the opposite mountain wall.

Despite all the advantages of the ground, Taylor's little army, deployed in a single line, was too small to extend across the plain.

This morning thirty-two years ago, there stood arrayed five thousand volunteers, with a few hundred regulars, against a splendidly appointed army of nearly thirty thousand regulars, under the command of one of the best generals of the age.

For two long days, from noon till night, from night till morn, and from noon till night again, our citizen. soldiers held the field, and the third morning found the immortal band stiff with cold and sore from wounds, ready to renew the battle, determined to conquer or to die.

McKee, Hardin, Clay, Yell, and Lincoln of the lion-heart, and hosts of other heroes, died upon that field, and by their deaths made their country's flag victorious.

I do not intend to describe that battle. None but giants could have held that field against such odds, and even they would have failed under the lead of any other man, then living, save Zachary Taylor.

Another reminiscence and I will have done:

"A little more grape, Captain Bragg." So says fiction, but it is not history. No, no; such is not the impassioned language of battle. A large body of the enemy's cavalry had turned Taylor's left, and was doing severe execution in his rear. Bragg, with his battery, almost unsupported, dashed forward to resist them, and while the battle uneasily balanced in the scales of fate, old Zach. galloped up and exclaimed, "Give them hell, Captain Bragg! " Bragg did give them hell, and the huge column of the enemy's cavalry rolled back to their own lines.

For a moment before I close let me call the roll of our great chiefs: Taylor, Scott. Wool, Worth, Twiggs, Kearney, Hamer, Pierce, Cadwalader. From the far off camp in the spirit land, they answer "Here !"

Ohio had five volunteer regiments, five companies of the Fifteenth infantry, and several independent companies, with its full proportion among the regulars, in the war with Mexico.

Our brigadier-where is he? Dead. The colonel of the First? Dead. The colonel of the Third? Dead. The colonel of the Fourth? Dead. The colonel of the Fifth? Dead. And of the other field officers-Howard and Mills, of the Fifteenth infantry; Irwin and Wall, of the Second and Fifth Ohio; Weller. of the First, and McCook, of the Third-all are dead; and of seventy thousand men enrolled, less than six thousand live to day.

This is the anniversary of the great battle on what was known as the upper or northern line, and I will leave for some other tongue, or till some other time, the splendid campaigns of Scott, from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico, during the second year of the war. It was my fortune to command a regiment under each of the great captains-the Second Ohio under Taylor, the Fifteenth infantry under Scott. They were composed of my comrades and my brothers, and are equally dear to my heart.

Thinned by the bullets and the diseases of two wars, it is not strange that after the lapse of a third of a century so few of us should be still lingering along the lines. But while we do remain, let us often meet as now, to recall the legends of the past, cherish the memory of the heroic dead, and offer up our earnest prayers for the liberty, peace and prosperity of our glorious land.

Muster roll of Captain Charles Colerick's company, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, volunteers, temporarially attached to the First regiment of volunteers in the Texan service, commanded by Colonel Rogers, December 31, 1836

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

[Enrolled August 22d.]

Charles Colerick, captain.

John Lemon, first lieutenant.

278 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Edward Smith, second lieutenant.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

(Enrolled August 22d.)

Thomas W. Carter, first sergeant.

Joseph Meix, second sergeant.

Jackson Blackmore, third sergeant.

Lorenzo Jones, fourth sergeant.

Benjamin West, first corporal,

Jesse Axtel, second corporal.

Benjamin Downs, third corporal.

Orlando Forest, fourth corporal.

PRIVATES.

[Enrolled August 22d.]

D. Campbell Dunlap, Stephen Cook,

Thomas R. Gaplet, Ebenezer Ingraham.

John Lewton, John Snider,

James H. Larabee, Charles Cosner,

Edward Money, Joseph Preston,

John Hughes, Enoch Poland,

Benjamin F. McMiller, George McKee,

Robert Hunter, Samuel Mott,

E. H. Shryock, Gordon N. Mott,

Marvin Dellano, Mile Jones,

Joseph Cummings, Seth Corpaning,

Jeremiah Tracy, Alexander McMiller,

N. C. Griffin, George Miller,

John J. Akin, John Dermis,

George W. Duff. Eli Shriver, Oct. 28, 7836.

Thomas Rock, Oct. 29, 1836. John Culleth. Nov. 76, 7836.

Lewis Marwell, Nov. 1, 1836 John Mathias, Nov. 20, 7836.

Thomas Sargent, Nov. 20,'36. John P. Mills, Nov. 20, 7836.

John Guisar, Nov. 27, 1836. Joseph Sharp, Nov. 23, 1836.

Robert Martin, Nov. 26, 1836. Alexander S. Green, Nov. 22,'36

Ed. Williams, Nov. 20, 1936. James P. Dial, Nov. 27, 1836.

John T. Violet, Nov. 21, 1836. Henry Carheart, Nov. 27, 1836.

Wm. Hudson, Nov. 22, 1836. George Hall, Nov. 24, 1836.

Wm. Muller, Nov. 23, 1836 James Franklin, Nov. 24, 1836.

S. W. Upshaw, Nov. 24,'36. Wm. Collins, Nov. 22, 1836.

Andrew Moore, Nov. 20, 1836. Robert Kennedy. Nov. 21, 1836.

David Lockhard, Nov. 22,'36. Warren Sanes, Nov. 20, 1836.

Benj. F. Adams, Nov. 20,'36. Aaron Edwards, Aug. 22, 1836.

I hereby certify that this muster roll exhibits the true state of the company of Mount Vernon, Ohio, volunteers now in the Texan service, and temporarily attached to the First regiment

of volunteers, commanded by Colonel Rogers, for the period designated in this roll.

Given at Camp Independence this thirty-first day of December, 1836.

CHARLES COLERICK. Captain.

GENERAL LAND OFFICE,

AUSTIN, TEXAS, June 16. 1880.

I, W. C. Walsh, commissioner of the general land office, hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the record of the original muster roll now on file in this office.

In testimony whereof I hereto set my hand and affix the impress of the seal of said office, the date last above written.

W. C. WALSH, Commissioner.

Muster-in-roll of Captain Simon B. Kinton's company, in the Second regiment of Ohio volunteers, commanded by Colonel George W. Morgan, called into the service of the United States by order of the President, under the act of Congress approved May 13, 1846, from the first day of July, 1846 (date of this muster), for the term of twelve months, unless sooner discharged.

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Colonel G. W. Morgan.

Captain S. B. Kinton. First Lieutenant C. D. Miller.

Second Lieutenant T. P. Morton.

NON-COMMISSIONER OFFICERS.

First Sergeant F. B. Davis.

Second Sergeant A. J. McFarland.

Third Sergeant William Watson.

Fourth Sergeant William N. Color.

First Corporal N. F. Johnson.

Second Corporal John Watson.

Third Corporal Charles White.

Fourth Corporal Manly Foote.

Musician John P. Miller.

Musician J. I. Antrim,

PRIVATES.

Anderson, James Allen, David

Barry, Joseph Berry, James

Bower, Adam Bull, William

Bolger, Abraham Cullen, Peter

Coyle, William Cochran, John

Clarke, Luke Dixon, Joseph

Elliott, David Farnum, E. B.

Fuller, John Fishburn, Elijah

Flemming, J. C. Greenlee, Robert

Glancy, James Huntley, G.

Harle, James E. Huffman, George

Henry, W. N. Holbrook, William

Heddington, Jesse Hacken, Samuel

Ireland, David Ireland, Samuel

Johnston, Noah F. Krider, Robert

Leonard, Joseph Lafever, James

Laton, Isaac W. Luke, Jackson

Marker, John D. Mitchell, B. K.

McWilliams, Charles Murphy, Michael

McNulty, C. J. Morningstar, Philip

Menyhue, W. Murphy, David

Miller, John Moore, John

Norton, D. S jr. Norton, Henry C.

Nichols, Elijah Peterson, Henry

Robertson, J. A. Ridgely, William

Ream, Andrew Scott, James F.

Smith, Jabez Spry, Sylvester

Showers, William Sullivan, John

Smith, N. H. Sweeny, Alexander

Smith, J. P. Smith, F. M.

Vanloon, John Wadsworth, T. B.

Warden, James Winne, F. J.

Williams, J. Wolfe, George

Wrightmire, A. D. Wolford, George

Akins, George Freeman, A.

Harrod, Joseph Underwood, W.

Underwood, O. McWilliams, W.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 279

Muster-in roll of Captain James E. Harle's company, in the Second regiment of Ohio foot volunteers, commanded by Colonel William Irvin, called into the service of the United States by the president of the United States, under the act of congress approved May 13, 1846, from the fourth day of September, 1847, [date of this muster] for during the war with Mexico, unless sooner discharged:

COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

James E Harle, captain.

Robert B. Mitchell. first lieutenant.

Stiles L Thrift, second lieutenant.

Jabez J. Antrim, second lieutenant.

NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.

Peter T. Morton, first sergeant.

Andrew S. Gleaner. sergeant,

Jared M. Hoed, sergeant.

John Hawn. sergeant

Lemuel L Ireland. corporal.

Hiram Miller. corporal

James J. Runyan. corporal.

William Campbell, corporal.

PRIVATES..

Ayres, Washington G Ball, William T.

Bechtel, Charles Beckwith, Thomas

Bell, George H. Bennett. Henry P.

Cable, George R. Carper, George W.

Critchfield Jefferson Camp, Balsar

Darling, John Dower, Peter

Davison, James Edwards, Jared L

Eaton. John Fearne. Charles G.

Gamuel, John M. Gunning, Jesse

Gibbons, Theodore Hyatt, John W.

Harle, William Haywood, Thomas I.

Harrod, Jesse B. Hammon, Robert

Ireland, David Johnson, Jesse

Jordan. Peter Leighty. Alexander M.

Morton, David Marble, Warren

Morris, William F. Mimtis, Malon

McGugin, Charles McKinsey. Joseph L

McChristie. John Norton. Henry C.

O'Donnell Uriah Perkins, William

Pazig, Ferdinand Parnell, Peter

Parker, William Reece, William

Robeson. Robert Rhoding. Ambrose

Searles, William Smith. Caleb

Smith, Jeremiah Siler, Jacob

Simpkins, George Simkins, Benjamin

Simpkins, Charles Sprague, William E. D.

Shekels. Noah Taylor, Joseph

Taylor, William H. Fayman. Benjamin

Tucker, Jones Welker, Hiram

Wagner, Lewis Wagner, George

White. Thomas P. Yeitman, Peter

Zales, Joseph.