CHAPTER VI.
THE LAST FORTY YEARS.
DURING the civil war an income tax was imposed as a source of government revenue. In fact everything was taxed, and few escaped a fair contribution to the national exchequer. All kinds of business had to pay a license fee, even to the most humble vocation. A farmer could not butcher a beef, sheep or hog, and sell half of it to his neighbor, without paying a butcher's license fee. But the income tax was fixed on a different basis. As implied in the title, the amount of the contribution depended upon the receipts from any business or profession, the first six hundred dollars being exempt. Then, as now, people were not ambitious to pay more taxes than their apparent possessions justified, and some objected to paying even that much. In Ross county, in the year 1864, there were seven hundred and twenty-five persons who paid taxes on incomes exceeding six hundred dollars. Those Chillicotheans who paid on more than five thousand dollars annual income were George A. Emmitt, Floyd R. Emmitt, M. R. Bartlett, Othias Harmon, George P. Holcomb, Noah L. Wilson, James Boulger, J. H. Bennett, Albert Douglass, John Dun, William Fullerton, A. L. Fullerton, John Maderia, William McKeel, W. T. McClintick, Presley Morris, William Poland, Alexander Renick, Job E. Stevenson, John I. Vanmeter, S. N. Rigby, J. E. Rigby, David Moore, Elizabeth Creel and Mathias Lewis. All except six in the above list were in the class between five and ten thousand dollars, the excepted ones paying on sums exceeding the highest amount here named.
On the 4th of February, 1864, occurred the worst wreck in the history of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, near Leesburg, west of Chillicothe. Twelve persons were killed and some of their bodies burned, while twelve were injured. Some of the unfortunates were Chillicothe people. St. Burkley, of that city, was the only passenger in the rear car who escaped death or injury.
In February, 1865, the Ross County bank complied with the new laws regulating national banks, and became the present Ross County National bank. In the same year the first organization of the
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Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers was effected in Chillicothe, this being designated as Division Sixty-five.
The Ohio Insurance company was organized in this city in June, 1866, with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. It existed for ten years, when the business was transferred and the corporation ceased business. The officers and directors of the institution were : L. W. Foulke, president; William Poland, vice-president; E. P. Safford, secretary; R. H. Lansing, William Waddle, W. J. Ingham, and William Clarke, comprising the balance of the board of directors.
On the 14th of November, 1866, occurred the first match game of base ball in Chillicothe. The public was carefully warned by the newspapers that this game was different from "town ball," and "two old cat", a distinction scarcely necessary in these days of universal interest in the national game.
The first post of the Grand Army of the Republic in the county was organized in February, 1867. Col. W. A. Gage was the first post commander; Capt. W. S. Parker, senior vice-commander; Capt. A. L. Brown, junior vice-commander; Capt. C. J. McGinnis, post adjutant; Capt. H. S. McCommon, post quartermaster.
The first steam fire engine reached Chillicothe in 1867, and was considered a feature of sufficient interest to appear in the Fourth of July parade. It was named the "Scioto" and with the "Relief" and "Reliance," hand engines, and a well organized hook-and-ladder out-fit, the city's fire protection seemed impregnable.
A branch of the Southern Relief society was organized two years after the cessation of hostilities, for the aid of citizens living in the devastated districts of the South. This movement in the North, in which Chillicotheans took an active part, was an evidence of magnanimity towards a fallen foe worthy of all commendation.
In 1868 a number of prominent ladies of the city organized a sewing school on a broad basis, and gathered within its influence nearly two hundred children, one hundred and thirty-six of whom were white, and instructed them in the useful arts, without other recompense than the consciousness of a "worthy deed well done."
The Ohio Southern railway company was incorporated in 1869, with William Welsh, president ; Dr. W. C. Williams, secretary, and L. W. Sifford, John Karshner, S. C. Roberts, R. B. Smart, N. Schleich, W. W. Entrekin and J. R. Cockerill as directors.
The year 1870 opened with the greatest flood ever known in the history of Chillicothe up to that date. The water was several inches higher than during the great flood of 1832, and did great damage, not only to the town, but roads, bridges, fences and buildings were washed away or greatly damaged throughout the county.
The Scioto Valley railway company, first talked of in the early thirties, was incorporated May 4, 1871. E. P. Safford, L. G. Delano and William Poland were the incorporators from Ross county. This
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is now the Norfolk & Western route through the valley. A year later the city voted almost unanimously to issue bonds in aid of its construction and for the Dayton & Southeastern, now the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railway.
In 1871 the need of a new building for the poor upon the county farm donated by James Dunlap in about 1810 gained official action, and the county commissioners established a brickyard on the farm, which turned out the material to be used in the erection of the buildings. Work was commenced in earnest, in 1872, and in November, 1873, the new quarters were occupied by the county's wards, the institution then taking the name of "Ross County Infirmary and Children's Home." The buildings are elaborate and expensive, covering fully an acre of land. The infirmary, proper, is a three-story brick structure, conveniently arranged for heating and lighting, with the least possible danger of fire. Water is also supplied and fire protection afforded by private waterworks on the premises. An insane ward is also provided for the care of patients designated as "harmless and incurable." The children's department is under control of matrons endowed with the requisite qualifications to properly rear and train the unfortunates left to their charge. A school is sustained in the institution. The farm has been enlarged to three hundred and sixty-one acres, and produces surplus products not consumed in the institution, to the value of about two thousand dollars, annually. The average cost of maintenance for the last twenty years, including outside relief, has been about twenty-three thousand dollars, annually. The infirmary directors have supreme control, and employ, subordinate to their directions, a superintendent and chief matron, who attend to the details of the institution. Paupers who are able to work are employed on the farm, or in caring for stock and "choring" on the premises. Good wholesome and substantial food is provided in abundance, as is also comfortable and seasonable clothing. Volunteer ministers from the various churches in the city, or elsewhere, supply the spiritual needs of the inmates, in a chapel, or room set apart for religious services. At present there are one hundred and twelve inmates, of whom twenty-eight are children.
The political campaign of 1872, Grant and Greeley being the contestants, aroused much political enthusiasm, one feature of which was the building of a "tannery" on East Second street, which was completed in one day and used for many "rallies."
A serious epidemic, known as the "epizootic," crippled all industries requiring the use of horses during the latter part of 1872, and left horse-owners with diseased and imperfect animals for a number of years afterward. In twelve hours after the first case was developed in Chillicothe, fifty horses were prostrated. The plague was universal throughout the country.
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In 1873, Ross county sent the late Milton L. Clark as a representative to the State constitutional convention.
The Campbell Light Guards were organized in April, 1873. Capt. E. R. McKee was the ranking officer, under whose tuition and careful training the company became a worthy successor to the old Chillicothe Blues, the Chillicothe Greys and other famous military organizations of earlier days. In later years it was disbanded, but there is a society of old members that meets yet on April 8th of each year for a dinner. The Sill Guards was another local military organization of high standing and efficiency. It saw active service during the great labor strikes of 1877 and 1884.
The Grange movement took shape in this county in 1873, and organizations came into existence all over the county. Some of these are still in existence, though most have been abandoned. The active movers during the early agitation, were Messrs. W. A. Jones, of Twin township ; S. H. Hurst, of Scioto ; I. J. Finley of Huntington. With these were associated local workers in various townships, as follows : A. D. Roberts, Allen Karshner, P. A. Rodes, Jere McConnell, Seth Fuller and Taylor S. Moore.
The year 1874 is remembered as the time of the "Women's Crusade." The movement developed in this city on the 14th of February, and though but one saloon keeper is known to have been driven out of business, yet the sentiment created, no doubt, had a salutary effect in curtailing lawlessness in the liquor traffic. In this year an unusual interest was developed in favor of improving and beautifying the Chillicothe park. Councilmen William Poland and John H. Bovey were the committee in charge, and are now characterized as the "fathers of the park." It is unquestionably a very beautiful resort for those seeking a cool and quiet place to escape the perplexities of business, or commune with nature, in all her lavish beauty.
The year 1874 was also characterized by another event of great importance to Chillicothe, and the county. The Scioto Valley railroad was opened to the public; the old swaying stagecoaches, which had traversed the valley for half a century, became a thing of the past, and the passenger traffic on the canal was crippled to such an extent that the "Red Bird Line" of packets was abandoned. The "Columbus" and the "Capital" continued to make the "off-railroad" points for some time, but were finally withdrawn and put to other uses.
In 1877, the telephone made its first appearance in the city. It was looked upon with the same curiosity which met the introduction of electric railways, a few years later. A telephone exchange was established in the city in 1880, by which time the new invention had been greatly improved and popularized.
The third execution of a murderer, in the history of the county,
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occurred on Friday, June 30, 1878, the subject being Perry Bowsher.
William Allen, a former governor and United States senator, died at his home on Fruit Hill, on the 11th of July, 1879. He was a native of Edenton, N. C., born in 1805, and was an early settler and useful and honored citizen of Ross county for many years. As a tribute to his memory, the city was draped in mourning on the day of his funeral, and all business was suspended.
The Chillicothe Gas and Coke company was reorganized in 1881, and was incorporated as the Chillicothe Gas-Light and Water company. The water system of the city was finished and set in operation a year later.
The news of the assassination of President Garfield on July 2, 1881, created tremendous excitement. After his long period of suffering, and final death, the town showed its grief and sympathy by holding public memorial services at all the churches, while at a different hour in the day there was general mass-meeting of all creeds at the fair grounds, where the various pastors and others conducted a fitting memorial service in the presence of a vast throng of sorrowing people.
On the 16th of October, 1881, occurred the death of John R. Tucker, a prominent early settler, and a man at that time known to more people in Ross county than any other one then living. Besides his early citizenship, he had served forty years as county coroner, being chosen at each succeeding election without opposition. He was born in 1803, at Shippenburg, Pennsylvania, and came to Chillicothe in 1807.
On February 15, 1883, occurred the death of William McKell, a prominent resident of this city, and rendered more so in a historical sense, in that he established the first queensware house in Ohio, and was the first man west of the Alleghanies to import. his stock direct from Europe. Mr. McKell was one of the organizers of the First National bank, of which he was president at the time of his death.
On Memorial Day, 1884, the soldiers' monument in Grandview cemetery was unveiled, with appropriate ceremonies.
The Juneman Electric Light company was formed in this year, and in 1885, the present arc light system was put in operation.
The Presidential campaign of 1884 is memorable as the nearest approach to the Harrison campaign of 1840, of any that had succeeded that event. Blaine and Cleveland had the magnetism to solidify the ranks of their respective followers, and party lines were closely drawn. The young men of both parties organized marching clubs, and wore uniforms, or hats, designating their party affiliations. The "Blaine Club" was the principal organization of the Republicans, composed of about two hundred staunch adherents to the principles advocated by the "Plumed Knight." They visited other
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localities during the campaign, and kept the Blaine enthusiasm at white heat. On the 10th of October, Mr. Blaine visited the city, and received an ovation. The enthusiasm was tremendous, and the "white hat brigade" was in its glory. The Democratic club was equally zealous and active; and though they were denied the privilege of seeing and hearing their chieftain, they had the greater pleasure of knowing that he was elected to the high office which he sought.
The Ross County Savings Bank was instituted in 1886, the officers being J. M. Vanmeter, president ; J. B. Scearce, vice-president: Frank Esker, cashier ; L. W. Foulke, F. A. Stacey, W. B. Mills and T. G. McKell, executive committee. The Savings Bank was largely owned and operated by the men who established the Central National Bank on the 3rd of July, 1883.
In the year 1886, the toll roads of the county were purchased by the commissioners and opened to the public as free thoroughfares.
In 1887, the city council, tacked by reasonable public confidence in the enterprise, sank a gas well at the lower end of Paint street. They got a fine flow of odoriferous sulphur water which the stranger approaches with fear and trembling. But he never goes back for a second "swig." The projecting tube of the well, and the "salubrious" odors of the vicinity, are the only monuments to the memory of the well-meant effort.
Gen. Samuel H. Hurst was made a director-general of the Ohio Centennial in 1887, and Hon. L. G. Delano was placed in charge of all the live stock exhibits and races to be shown on the same occasion.
The Chillicothe Board of Trade was organized in March, 1888. The first officers were Albert Douglas, Jr., president ; C. W. Story, first vice-president ; Nelson Purdum, second vice-president; M. Cahill, M. Boggs, W. E. Floyd, J. Mae Welsh, E. A. Herzog, S. E. Masher, W. M. Koblens, F. Marzluff and Joseph McKell, directors.
In this year the free delivery of mail was inaugurated in Chillicothe, under postmaster Philip Klein. Four carriers were placed on the routes, two of whom, viz.: Samuel McNally and Charles Esker, are on the force at present ; their associates were Daniel Rice and A. W. Wood.
The "Grippe" became epidemic in the city in 1893, when there were five hundred cases, many of which were fatal.
Misses Eleanor Waddle and Alice Bennett, together with Messrs. W. E. Floyd and E. R. McKee, all vocalists of more than local prominence, were instrumental in organizing the Ross County Choral society, and conducting the same successfully for some years. The leader was Prof. J. G. Bierck, then organist and choirmaster of Trinity church, Columbus. The society gave several public entertainments, rendering some very difficult but popular selections.
On the 11th and 12th of May occurred an event in Chillicothe which revived old memories among the aged, and set the young folks
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to thinking. A reunion of the veterans of the Mexican war was held in the city on those dates. A royal reception was tendered to the grizzled veterans, who were well pleased with their entertainment. The committee in charge of arrangements were: Mayor A. B. Cole, Capt. J. D. Madeira, Capt. B. F. Stone, Hon. D. M. Massie, Philip Klein, Gen. J. C. Entrekin, Hon. Archibald Mayo, Col. W. E. Gilmore, Hon. L. T. Neal, Albert Douglass, Mrs. D. M. Massie, Mrs. E. R. McKee and Miss Anna Welsh. Among those present was Gen. George McGinnis, a Chillicothean who served at the head of a company which was organized in this city. He entered the army in the civil war and rose to the rank of major-general of volunteers.
In 1892, the street railway, which had existed since the early seventies, was sold to an eastern man named George F. Woolston, who converted it into an electric road. Woolston was not a financier, and becoming involved, numerous ligitations followed, and the road passed through various hands until the "Chillicothe Electric Railway, Light and Power company," the present owners, established it on a solid basis. The street car service of Chillicothe is superior to that of many cities of twice the size. One "charming" feature is that of the handsome young ladies who are employed as conductors.
On the 6th of June, 1892, Company H of the Seventeenth Ohio National Guard was mustered into the State service, with A. L. Hamilton, captain; Edward D. Weidler, first lieutenant; G. W. Brandle, second lieutenant. The sergeants were Luther B. Hurst, H. II. Bennett, James Cronin, H. W. Hamilton and George Carroll. Captain Hamilton was made colonel of the Seventh regiment. This company saw active service under various calls of the State, in quelling riots, controlling strikers, guarding property, etc. It was recognized as the best drilled, most thoroughly disciplined and most reliable company in the regiment. Because of this recognition, it was given the post of honor on several occasions, as well as the post of greatest responsibility under trying circumstances. It was among Ohio's soldiers at the Columbian exposition of 1893 ; was on active duty during the miners' riots in Guernsey county in June, 1894; and on the 10th of October in the affair at Washington Court House, where there was a deplorable happening for which the mob was wholly responsible. In the winter of 1895, Company H organized itself into a special relief committee and worked valiantly for the relief of the distressed and worthy poor. In the furtherance of this noble work, they kept their armory open every day, giving away soup, and collecting and distributing food, clothing, and coal, which their zealous missionary work had moved the citizens to donate. In this way, some three hundred families were relieved in the pressing need for actual necessities. The further history of this company is presented in connection with its services in the Spanish war.
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At noon on April 1, 1894, the hands of the town clock of Chillicothe were turned back twenty-eight minutes, thus conforming to the legislative act, and making standard, or railway time, the legal time of the State. But the complications growing out of the change are interminable. The farmers still persist in the use of "sun" time, in which they are joined by many town people, which often results in serious misunderstandings and inconvenience.
In 1894 the old skating rink on West Main street was presented to the Grand Army of the Republic of the city, a most worthy and generous act, which is highly appreciated by the recipients. The society has converted the building into a memorial hall and general meeting place for the various organizations of civil war veterans who are not otherwise provided with post rooms.
This year was characterized by the great coal strikes all over the country, and the exceptionally "hard times" incident to the closing of manufactories. Coxey, and his army of followers, marched through the land en route to Washington, where he assumed that the apparent distress would stimulate favorable consideration of the Congressional bodies. Coxey greatly desired to be voted a martyr in the interest of the common people, and courted arrest as an insurrectionist, studiously avoiding occasion for the same. But his impudence and indiscretion finally brought the coveted prize he was arrested for "walking on the park grass" in Washington. But he accomplished more. He won recognition in polities, on the principle that "anything is better than nothing" and became well-to-do. Some of his band passed through Chillicothe, described as "motley specimens of unwashed humanity," but they were not received with open arms, and so passed on.
Local chapters of the "Daughters of the Revolution," and "Daughters of the American Revolution" were organized in Chillicothe, during the year 1894. The two patriotic organizations enrolled among their members the leading ladies of the city. The "Columbus Club" was also organized in this year, by the young men of the Roman Catholic churches. It is a purely social organization, and has been a prominent feature in the social life of its numerous members. A year later an effort was made to organize a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, which resulted in failure; and, as a substitute, the "Young Men's Club" came into existence, but even this did not prove a success, and it died from lack of interest and support.
In April, 1894, the legislature passed an act extending the right of suffrage to women, in the selection of school officers. The female voters of the city exercised this right, for the first time in April, 1895. But, aside from this election, in which comparatively few women took an active part, the interest waned and educational affairs have not been influenced, greatly, by the changed conditions.
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The Home Telephone company was granted a franchise in 1895, and has accomplished immeasurable good to the city in the reduction of rates, and in establishing prompt and intelligent service. This is on the principle that "competition is the life of trade."
The Logan Natural Gas and Fuel company was also authorized to do business in the city during this year, and their pipe lines were extended from wells in Fairfield county to Chillicothe. This has proved a great convenience which the people fully appreciate, although there is serious complaint about the price and about the quality of the gas. At one time the city brought action in the courts to compel the company to lower its rates, but lost the case.
The Emergency Hospital was established in 1895, and was opened to the public on the 27th of January, 1896. This was an enterprise which met with hearty approval, and it has been of incalculable value in the prompt alleviation of suffering. It is governed by a board of control, consisting of men and women from the several churches and charitable organizations, while the city physicians donate their services.
On the 24th of December, 1895, the old covered bridge across the Scioto at the foot of Main street, was burned, the fire being considered of incendiary origin. It was replaced by a steel bridge at a cost of thirty-two thousand dollars, and this was destroyed by the great flood of I8 98. In 1899 the present structure was built.
In January, 1896, the Ross County Historical society was formed. It embraced among its charter members a number of men whose ancestors were among the earliest pioneers of Ross county, and who achieved national distinction in the various avenues of life.
The Century Club, a ladies' organization, also came into existence in 1896. The name chosen is in commemoration of the city's life, and the purposes of the club are of a purely literary character. Membership is limited to one hundred, and applicants for admission are always waiting for vacancies to occur. The most prominent ladies of the city are active and interested members of the "Century Club."
But the crowning event of 1896, in the history of Chillicothe, is left for the last. Since the story is told most admirably in the "Centennial Scioto Gazette," the article is here reproduced: "The event of I896 was the celebration of the city's centennial. This celebration was held during the week of July 20-25. Preparations had been making for months. In April there had been a preliminary celebration at Memorial Hall, as nearly as could be determined on the date of the first laying out of the city, but, for various reasons, the main celebration was in July. The central committee having charge of arrangements was composed of Messrs. W. T. McClintick, W. E. Gilmore, W. H. Safford, D. M. Massie, Albert Douglas, C. C. Waddle, F. C. Arbenz, S. H. Hurst, and Secretary E. S. Wenis.
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One of the features of the centennial was the loan exhibit, held in the Central school building under the auspices of the ladies. This was a most interesting and valuable collection of historical relics. A small fee was charged for admittance, and the proceeds were turned over to the hospital. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the Central Ohio Saengerbund held at. Memorial Hall its eighth saengerfest. (The first one had been held in this city in 1863.) On the evenings of those three days, there were fine concerts, with some of the best soloists in the country, and with a chorus over four hundred strong. On Thursday, July 23, the formal centennial was observed. In the morning there was a procession which took over an hour to pass a given point. In it were the military, all civic societies, secret societies, fire department, city officials, visiting singing societies, and many floats, representing historic houses and pioneer scenes. One feature was the "Cornplanter Tribe" of Redmen, from Adelphi, fifty strong, who were capitally got up as Indians, and looked very realistic. The city was extensively and elaborately decorated, the central part being a glowing mass of color with flags and bunting, while nearly every house in town was decorated. Arches were erected at Main and Paint, Second and Paint, and at the head of Paint street, and these were illuminated at night with hundreds of electric lights. The centennial closed Thursday night with a great meeting at Memorial Hall. The speaker of the occasion was Postmaster-General Wilson, who came from the part of Virginia now West Virginia, whence many of the first settlers came."
In March, 1897, the city and its environs was again visited by a disastrous freshet, the river and creeks doing great damage. Boats were floated in the streets of the southeastern part of the city.
The "Curfew" ordinance was passed in this year, which requires that all children under sixteen years of age shall be off the streets at the ringing of the curfew bell, at nine o'clock p. m. This was a most salutary rule, still in operation.
The greatest. flood in Chillicothe's history occurred in March, 1898. The entire eastern and southern parts of the city were inundated, and boats plied on Hickory and parallel streets east of that from the river to near Main street. Five hundred yards of the railroad fill across the park was washed away, and the water flowed in unobstructed carnival from the foot of Mount Logan to Paint street. People were taken out of their homes in boats, and all travel to and from the city was cut off for several days. The new steel bridge at the foot of Main street, just completed, went down, along with others all over the county, entailing a public loss of many thousands of dollars. Immense damage was also done to private property throughout the city and country districts, but., fortunately, no human lives were lost.
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In the spring of this year came the declaration of war between the United States and Spain, and the equipment of an army and navy, to combat the haughty Spaniard. Between the general revival of business, the excitement due to the war, and the flattering reports of immense wealth discovered in Alaska, the public press was satiated, and the people satisfied.
The inborn spirit of freedom and equality among men, transmitted by the Revolutionary sires, revolted against Spanish atrocities in Cuba, and led to expressions of sympathy with the struggling colony. This covered a period of many years, and angered the haughty Spaniard with each succeeding year. The inhuman and barbarous destruction of one of our warships at Havana, was the culminating point, and precipitated war with Spain. The young men of the North and South arose as one man, all former animosities and sectional feeling forever buried, and vied with each other for the freedom of Cuba, and in the resentment of our national insult.
The achievements at San Juan, Manila and Santiago, are household themes which have called forth the plaudits of the civilized world, while also emphasizing the valor of American soldiers and seamen. The complications arising from this controversy have been farreaching among the nations of the world, involving troubles unlooked for, and which could not have been anticipated. Cuba is free from Spanish domination, and peace reigns throughout the Republic.
In the settlement of this trouble, Ross county again responded with old time valor and enthusiasm. The noble sons of patriotic sires promptly offered their services in the cause of liberty, as had their illustrious ancestors, and performed their duty with equal devotion. The response was so universal over the land that many were disappointed in not reaching the scene of action; but they had shown their devotion to country, and sympathy with the downtrodden and oppressed. The Ross county boys, mostly members of Company H of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, were off to the rendezvous at the earliest opportunity. They returned after a few months of service, but were dissatisfied that they could not have done more. A grand reception was accorded to the company on its return, and thus its members resumed the thread of peaceful life.
A few Ross county men reached the scene of action in the Philippines, where they rendered valiant services, and proved their worthiness on every field. The heroism of Capt. George W. Brandle, First Infantry, U. S. A., a Chillicothe boy, is worthy of special mention : At the risk of his life, under fire, he sprang into the water and rescued a wounded and drowning comrade. For this daring and self-sacrificing act he was warmly commended by his superior officer, and recommended for promotion. Other officers and soldiers in that faroff country have deported themselves with equal bravery and for-
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titude, as opportunity offered. Thus, on every field, and in every war of the nation, Ross county soldiers have demonstrated that the faith of the dear ones at home, was well founded.
The officers of Company H, of the Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry were Capt. George W. Brandle, First Lieut. Luther B. Hurst, Second Lieut. Robert Franklin. Lieut. James Purdum, of the signal corps, was also a Chillicothean. Maj. Edward U. Weidler, a most exemplary young man and efficient officer, lost his life as a result of the service. While at Camp Alger he contracted a fatal case of typhoid fever, from which he died at his Chillicothe home on the 14th of July, 1898. His untimely death was universally regretted by his regiment, and his large circle of admiring friends in Chillicothe, his native place.
Several other Ross county men were officers in the Seventh, among them Maj. Jacob Honk, quartermaster ; Dr. E. F. Waddle, assistant surgeon: Lieut. J. W. Woltz, battalion adjutant; Lieut. Tiffin Gilmore, regimental adjutant; W. W. Brown, sergeant major; Lieut. J. D. Wood, later of the signal corps in Cuba. Ile saw service in Puerto Rico, and afterward was acting quartermaster of the Seventh army corps. Gen. Thomas Anderson served in Cuba and the Philippines; Maj. S. A. Day was with the Fifth artillery; Capt. R. H. Anderson, Fourth artillery; Lieut. M. E. Hanna, Second cavalry; Lieut. Edwin Safford, in the nay, and later lieutenant-governor of the province of Guam; Ensign J. W. Timmons of the cruiser Minneapolis; Captain and Quartermaster W. S. Ball, and Lieut. Horace Lansing of the United States signal corps, were prominent representatives of Chillicothe in the Spanish--American war.
Other residents of Ross county who lost their lives in the service, were Walter Brown, who was killed at El Caney, while in advance of his regiment cutting a barbed wire obstruction. Hugh Parrett died at Montauk Point ; Richard Carroll and Edward Cox were killed in Luzon, P. I.; Capt. George W. Brandle, previously mentioned, commanded company H, of the Seventh, until it was mustered out ; after which he reentered the service as a captain in the Twenty-seventh United States Volunteer Infantry, and is now stationed in Samar. A number of Chillicothe boys accompanied him to the Oriental country, among whom are Lieut. Lee McCoy, whose promotion from the ranks is an evidence of efficiency and soldierly qualities, and Lieutenant Korst.
The Klondike excitement was somewhat abated during the Spanish troubles, and many young men who would otherwise have gone to the new territory of the far northwest, were diverted from that purpose, to enter the army. But Chillicothe had its representatives in the Alaskan gold fields, five young men having tried their fortunes and their endurance, with results not entirely satisfactory.
The paving: of the city 's streets was commenced in 1898, and has
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been continued, in season, to the present. Several miles of fine brick paving has been laid on the main thoroughfares, and a thorough system of street-sweeping inaugurated, which adds greatly to the sanitary conditions of the city.
Absorbing interest was manifested in the National campaign of 1900, as it had been on a similar occurrence in 1896. In both cases, a distinguished citizen of the State led the successful party, and inaugurated and carried forward national policies under which the United States now abide. In Ross county the two campaigns were fought with old-time vigor by the adherents to each party creed. The opposing candidates were the same and the issues somewhat similar. Ross county politicians of both parties acquitted themselves nobly before the people, and won fresh laurels in the political arena.
The United States census of 1900 showed the population of the county to be 40,940.. By townships the population is as follows: Buckskin, 1,896; Colerain, 1,862; Concord, 2,957; Deerfield, 1,456; Franklin, 1,136; Green, 2,011; Harrison, 1,162; Huntington, 2,269; Jefferson, 936 ; Liberty, 1,599 ; Paint, 1,068 ; Paxton, 1,934; Scioto, 14,949 ; Springfield, 1,133 ; Twin, 2,255 ; Union, 2,317. These figures include the city of Chillicothe, in Scioto, with a population of 12,976, and the following villages in various townships : South Salem, 264 ; Adelphi, 516 ; Frankfort, 7 17 ; Clarksburg, 551; Kingston, 735 ; Bainbridge, 954 ; Bourneville, 356.