208 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY
CHAPTER XX.
SANDUSKY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
IT has been often said, and will bear repeating to each generation of men, as they succeed each other, that he who makes two blades of grass grow where only one grew before, is a benefactor to mankind. The enlightened mind readily consents to the truth of this assertion. But it is equally true that he who invents the method of extracting from the earth six heads of wheat where five grew before, or of obtaining four pounds of meat from the same space of earth which before produced only three, or from the area raises ten pounds of wool, or cotton, or sugar where before only eight pounds were produced, is equally a benefactor to the hu
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man race. The same may be said of all those whose observations and reasonings result in the improvement of our fruits and vegetables, and our domestic animals. Agriculture and horticulture of late years have made rapid advances toward the front rank of the sciences, but they still fail to stand where their real importance demands them to be placed, in the social and scientific scale. Among the noblest works of the earnest, thinking men of Sandusky county, is that to improve agriculture and bring the pursuit of it into a proper position in the opinions of highminded and scientific men, by the organization of the society named at the head this chapter.
COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
In the summer of 1852 Doctor LaQuinio Rawson, who had become the owner of valuable farming lands within the city limits, began to turn his attention to the cultivation of the soil. He at once began to call the attention of neighbors and friends to the advantages which would be derived to the farmers of the county, and the people generally, by the formation of an agricultural society. His reasonings and persistent urgency of the movement, soon brought others to his support, and resulted in a meeting at the courthouse in Fremont, on the 31st day of August, 1852, at which the society was organized.
At this meeting Hon. John Bell was chosen chairman, and Daniel Capper secretary pro tem. Sardis Birchard and Jonas Smith were made a committee for the appointment of a board of directors for the ensuing year. This committee, after consultation, reported as directors for the ensuing year the following names: LaQuinio Rawson, president of said board; Samuel Hafford, vice president; Stephen Buckland, treasurer; Daniel Capper, secretary; and James Vallette, Isaac Glick, Samuel Skinner, Alvin Coles, and
D. Adams, managers, which appointments and report, on motion, were adopted and approved by the meeting. The meeting then adopted a constitution, which provides, in substance, as follows:
First.—That the officers of the society should be a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and five managers, who together constituted a board of directors for the general management of the affairs of the society, to be elected annually by the members of the society, and hold their respective offices until their successors should be chosen.
Second.—That the members of the society should be residents of the county, and pay the sum of one dollar annually to the treasurer.
Third.—That competitors for premiums must be members of the society.
Fourth.—That notice of the articles for which premiums would be awarded by the society should be published in a newspaper, or in handbills, at least one month previous to the day of exhibition.
Fifth.—That all articles offered for premiums must be owned by the persons offering the same, or by members of their families, and products of the soil or manufactured articles must be produced within the county.
Sixth.—That awarding committees to examine the articles offered for premium, and award premiums thereon, should be annually appointed by the directors.
Seventh.—That awarding committees should comply with the provisions of the law requiring competitors for premiums on crops and other improvements to furnish full and correct statements of the process and expense of cultivation, or expense of manufacture or production, etc.
Eighth.—That competitors for the premiums on crops be required to have the ground and its produce accurately measured by not less than two disinterested persons, whose statements must be verified by affidavit.
Ninth.—That premiums on crops of grain and grass should not be awarded on the crops of less than one acre of land, and those on root crops on not less than onefourth of an acre; the whole quantity produced and the amount of land specified shall be measured or weighed—the root crops to be estimated by weight, divested of the tops, and sixty pounds to be considered a bushel; and grain crops to be measured or weighed according to the usual standards; the rules in relation to other crops and productions to be agreed on by the directors of the society.
Tenth. —The tenth and last article of the constitution provided that the annual exhibitions should be held at some period between the first day of September and the first day of November, the premiums on crops to be awarded if thought necessary.
210 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
The foregoing is the substance of every provision in the first constitution of the first agricultural society in the county.
The names of the members of this society when this constitution was adopted, are recorded in this work as upon a roll of honor, to be hereafter remembered with gratitude by the future patrons of husbandry in the county. They are:
Matthew M. Coe, Samuel Hafford, James Parks, Edward Leppelman, Daniel Capper, John Bell, F. I. Norton, James Vallette, Isaac Glick, Samuel Skinner, Jonas Smith, J. F. R. Sebring, L. E. Boren, Jacob Lesher, David Garvin, Jacob Bowlus, Peter Burgoon, LaQ. Rawson, J. S. Olmsted, Alvin Coles, S. White, S. Birchard, C. D. Hall, George R. Haynes, L. B. Otis, E. F. Dickinson, C. Edgarton, S. Buckland, J. P. Haynes, James Mitchell, J. L. Greene, William Kepler, Horace E. Clark, F. Vandercook, R. P. Buckland, G. M. Tillotson, B. J. Bartlett, A. J. Dickinson, C. O. Tillotson, George Engler, J. R. Pease, D. Adams, J. S. Fouke, J. B. Downs, John S. Tyler, Homer Everett, John Moore, Samuel Thompson, Jesse Dorcas, Aaron Loveland, John Lefever, Daniel Tindall, Henry Nichols, J. C. Wales, J. Justice, Philip King, Paul Tew, Samuel Fennimore, C. J. Orton, Dean & Ballard, James Moore, William A. Hill, W. M. Stark, Isaac Knapp, Daniel G. Shutts, Joseph R. Clark, Christian Doncyson, H. Shiveley, James H. Hafford, Jacob Kridler, Thomas L. Hawkins, W. B. Stevenson, John Orwig, Seneca Hitt, J. F. Smith, N. P. Birdseye, Adam Jordan, Norton Russell, F. Lake, George Cogswell, A. B. Taylor, John Younkman, W. C. Shutts, Hiram Haff, Miles W. Plain, Jesse Emerson, Martin Bruner, Sidney Forgerson, Lyman Miller, C. King, Orlin Sylva, John Whitmore, Isaac Mowrer, Henry Bowman, Hiram Miller, A. J. Henper, Edwin Doud, S. H. Tibbals, F. M. Clayton.
FIRST MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS.
The board of directors of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society, chosen as we have mentioned above, met at the office of the secretary on the 4th day of September, 1852 ; present, LaQuinio Rawson, Samuel Hafford, Stephen Buckland, Daniel Capper, James Vallette, Samuel Skinner.
The board, after due consultation and deliberation, resolved that the first fair of said society should be held at Fremont, on the 13th day of October, 1852; andthey also then and there resolved to invite all the members of the society to exhibit at said fair horses, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, field crops, fruit, dairy products, and manufactured articles, and at the same time fixed the premiums on the various articles to be exhibited.
Although it might be interesting in the future to publish a detailed statement of the premiums offered at this first county fair, we omit the details, because we intend giving the premiums actually awarded, what for, and the amounts, which will give all the facts the reader will desire, and will avoid, at the same time, a repetition of matter in this connection.
AWARD OF PREMIUMS.
At the first annual fair of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society, held in 1852, premiums were awarded as follows:
Class A, Cattle.—Best yoke of working oxen over four years old, to Isaac Glick, of Ballville, Sr,. Best bull over four years old, William Hill, of Scott township, $3; second best bull, Otho Lease, of Jackson township, $r. Best bull over three years old, D. Seaman, Ballville township, $3; second best over three years old, Lyman Miller, Green Creek township. Best bull over one year old, James Vallette, of Ballville township; second best bull, John Lefever, Green Creek township, $1. Best milch cow, John Moore, of Ballville township, $3; second best milch cow, James Vallette, Ballville township, $2. Best fat ox, John Moore, Ballville township, $3. Best two year old heifer, George Cogswell, Sandusky township, $2; second best two year old heifer, Samuel Fennimore, of Ballville township, $1. Best yearling heifer, William Kessler, of Sandusky township, $2; second best yearling heifer, D. Seaman, Ballville township, $1.
Class B, Horses.—Best stallion, S.. H. Tibbals, York township, $3; second best stallion, John Colvin, York township, $2. Best brood mare and colt, P. Burgoon, Sandusky township, $3; second best brood mare and colt, John Whitmore, Townsend township, $2. Best pair matched horses, J. C. Wales, of York township, $3; second best pair matched horses, H. Haff, Townsend township, $2. Best gelding over four years old, J. Hale, Sandusky township, $3; second best gelding over four years old, B. J. Bartlett, Sandusky. Rest work horse over four years old, Otho Lease, of Jackson, $2; second best work horse over four years old,
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E. Doud, York, $1. Best carriage horse, William Tew, Townsend township, $2. Best three year old colt, C. G. Green, Ballville township, $3; second best three year old colt, N. Bowlus, Sandusky township, $2. Best two year old colt, W. Shutts, York township, $2; second best two year old colt, Hiram Haff, Townsend township, $1. Best yearling colt, John Whitmore, Townsend township, $2; second best yearling colt, John Whitmore, $t. Best three year old stallion, J. Gibbs, Riley township, $3; second best three year old stallion, William Shrader, $2. Best jack, Joseph R. Clark, Riley township, $2.
Class C, Sheep. Best buck, Hiram Haff, Townsend township, $2; second best buck, S. Hafford, Ballville township. $r. Best pen of five ewes, D. Capper, Sandusky township, $2; second best pen of five ewes, S. Fennimore, Ballville township, $1.
Class D, Hogs.—Best boar over one year old, James Vallette, Ballville township, $2. Best breeding sow, John Moore, Ballville township, $2; second best breeding sow, James Vallette, $1. Best fat hog, S. Thompson, Sandusky township, $2. Best pen of pigs, William Kepler, Sandusky township, $2.
Class E, Fowls.—Best lot five domestic fowls, P. Brush, Ballville township, $2; second, James F. Hults, $1.
Class F, Dairy and Kitchen—Best roll five pounds butter, Mrs. Treat, Ballville township, $2; second do. Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1. Best lot cheese, Mrs. P. Tew, Townsend township, $2. Best bread, Mrs. P. Brush, Ballville township $2 ; second do. Mrs. S. Buckland, Sandusky township, $1.
Class G, Fruit.—Best variety table fruit, Lyman Miller, Green Creek township, $2; second do. A. Loveland, Sandusky township, $1. Best lot winter fruit, H. Bowlus, Sandusky township, $1; second do. William King, Ballville, $1. Best lot grapes, Mrs. L. B. Otis, Sandusky township, $r. Best quinces, Mrs. Russell, Green Creek township, $1; second do. Mrs. S. Treat, Ballville township, $1; third do. Mrs. R. P. Buckland, Sandusky township, $r.
Class H.—Best acres of corn, H. Haff, Townsend township, $5; second do. William Hyatt, Ballville township $2. Best variety garden corn, Mrs. Dickinson, Sandusky township, $r. Best potatoes, George Brim, Woodville township, $r. Best turnips, George Hyatt, Ballville township, $1. Best squashes, Miles W. Plain, Greek Creek township, $1. Best beets, Mrs. Vallette, Ballville township, $1 Best honey, Mrs. S. A. Loveland, Sandusky township, $1.
Class I.—Best farm wagon, J. C. Wade, York township, $3; second do. M. Halderman, Rice township, $2. Best straw cutter, William Orr, Sandusky township, $1. Best dressed calf skin, Dickinson & Co., Sandusky township, $1. Best side harness leather, same, $2; second do. M. Justice, $1. Best buggy, William Raymond, Sandusky township, $3. Best barrel flour, James Moore, Ballville township,$2. Best bacon, M. W. Plain, Green Creek township, $z. Best twohorse buggy harness, James Kridler, Sandusky township, $2. Best farm harness, M. W. Plain, Green Creek, $2. Best lot fruit trees, J. A. Watrous, Green Creek, diploma. Best tin roof, Canfield & Co., diploma. Best sofa, J. W. Stevenson, Sandusky, $3; second do. same, $2. Best card table, same, $2. Best panel door, F. Luke, Sandusky, $2. Best domestic carpet, M. W. Plain, Green Creek, $2; second do, S. E. Edgerton, Sandusky, $1.
Class K.—Best woollen stockings, Mrs. Tew, Twonsend. $2; second do. Mrs. Tyler, Sandusky, $1. Best comforter, Mrs. Norton, Sandusky, $1. Best made quilt, Mrs. Hyatt, Ballville, $2; second do, Mrs. Zimmerman, Sandusky, $r. Embroidery, A. M. Olmsted, Sandusky, $2; do. Miss E. Knapp, $2; do. Miss A. Kepler, $1; do. Mrs. Thorndyke, $r; do. Miss E. Ball, $r. Needlework, Mrs. Thorndyke, $2; do. Mrs. Parker, 2; do. Mrs. Boren, $1; do. Mrs. J. Nyce, $2; do. Miss Taylor, $1; do. Mrs. Momeny, $2. Best coverlet, Mrs. Younkman, $2; second do. Mrs. Treat. Embroidery, Miss Justice, $1; do. Miss S. E. Ball, $r. Drawing, Miss A. Norton, Sr; do. Miss O. Dickinson, $1; do. Miss S. Dickinson, $x. Best variety house plants, Mrs. J. W. Wilson; second do. Miss Olmsted. Best collection wax work flowers, Mrs. Orton, $1. Best basket of flowers, Mrs. C. King, $1. Needlework, Mrs. Wells, $1; do. Miss Montgomery, $1; do. Miss Raymond.
RECEIPTS.
From voluntary subscriptions and donations,
......and from fees ...................................................$236 54
From the county treasury under the law to
......encourage the formation of agricultural
......societies .............................................................200 00
For lumber sold after the fair......................................58 88
.......Total.................................................................$495 42
DISBURSEMENTS.
For lumber ...............................................................$105 00
For laborers ..................................................................88 00
For printing ..................................................................23 00
For brass band...............................................................15 00
Premiums awarded......................................................205 00
Total expenses...........................................................$436 00
Balance in the treasury on settlement..........................$59 42
This detailed statement of premiums awarded, to whom and what for, and the statement of the receipts and disbursements of the first agricultural fair in the county, may not now be of much interest to the reader. But the time is coming when, like the incidents of early pioneer
212 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
life, to the present age, all the particulars of the first fair will be deeply interesting to those who would watch the progress of the society in all its phases, and more especially to that portion of the people of the county who would measure the progress of the county in the most important of all the industries pursued by man.
WHERE THE FIRST FAIR WAS HELD.
The society had acquired no land on which to hold the fair of 1852. However, it procured the right to sufficient room to begin. If the reader will take the map of Fremont, find State street, and follow it to the east end of the bridge over the Sandusky River, and find lots number four hundred and sixty-four and four hundred and sixty-five, fronting that street on the south side of it, and notice numbers four hundred and thirty and four hundred and thirty-one in the rear of them, they will find the ground where the first agricultural fair was held, beginning on the thirteenth day of October, 185 2.
The memoranda of the finances of this first fair are worth preserving in history, and the names of the men and women who organized or patronized the society, are worthy of preservation, and will receive the honor due them for the starting of an institution which has been productive of so much good already and promises so more in the future of the county.
FAIR OF 1853.
A meeting of the board was held on the 15th day of September, 1853, at which it was resolved that the second fair of said society be held at Fremont on the 12th and 13th days of October, 1853; also a resolution fixing the premiums for different articles, animals, and agricultural products, and works of art and domestic industries. This fair was held on ground, the use of which, for the purpose, was donated by General John Bell, on the eastside of the river, on an out-lot since subdivided, and about where inlots eleven hundred and sixty-two and eleven hundred and sixty three now are in the third ward of the city, as now bounded.
The receipts for this year were as follows:
Balance in treasury, 1852...........................................$ 59 42
Amount received by voluntary subscriptions
.....and fees imposed on members...............................356 78
Received from county ................................................200 00
From sale of lumber, etc ..............................................62 45
From sale of hull ..........................................................41 76
..................................................................................$720 41
EXPENDITURES.
Payment on premium list ......................$188 00
Paid lumber, labor, printing, etc...............325 22
Loss on county bull.....................................11 25
Unpaid bills last year...................................55 67
.........................................................................................583 71
Balance in treasure.........................................................$136 67
At a meeting of the society held at the courthouse in Fremont, on the 8th day of July, 1854, the following officers for the ensuing year were chosen, to wit:
Horatio Adams, president; W. H. Reynolds, vice-president; Hiram Hurd, treasurer; A. Thorpe, secretary; C. G. Sanford, John Moore, Lewis Wright, Stephen Buckland, and Jeremiah Gibbs, managers. At a meeting held at the courthouse in Fremont, June 17, 1854, the next fair was appointed to be held in Clyde, Ohio, on the 26th and 27th days of September, 1854. At a meeting in Clyde in July, 1854, a premium list was made out and published. The fair for that year was accordingly held at Clyde on the days appointed, with the following results :
Total receipts, including two hundred dollars paid by the county and balance from
the preceding year, amounted to................................................$483 45
Total disbursements...............................................................................413 41
Balance in treasury............................................................................$70 04
On the 25th day of April, 1855, the board met in Fremont; present, LaQ. Rawson, president; William Russell, vice-president; C. R. McCulloch, treasurer;
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D. Capper, secretary, and Paul Tew, Henry Nichols, and Samuel Skinner, managers.
On motion it was ordered that James Vallette be and is appointed one of the managers of the society, in the place of Samuel Treat, deceased.
At this meeting the society took the first step towards purchasing a suitable parcel of land on which to build proper structures, whereon to hold their future fairs, and LaQ. Rawson, Daniel Capper, James Vallette, and C. R. McCulloch, were appointed a committee to negotiate for or purchase the ground, and also to make out and publish a premium list for the next fair.
THE FAIR OF 1855.
The annual fair of the society for the year 1855, was held on the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October of that year, on the ground bargained for by the committee above named, being what was then known as the east part of out-lot number one hundred and sixteen, in the city of Fremont. The purchase was made of Downs & Company, and consisted of seven and two onehundredths acres, bounded by the river on the east, and situated east of their mill race.
The result of the fair held in 1855, was financially as follows :
Receipts from certificates of membership......................$ 366 82
From donations to purchase and improve
.....fair grounds...................................................................646 00
From county treasury .........................................................489 08
From unpaid subscriptions..................................................148 50
J. C. Wales' note from former treasurer..................................5 00
Donations from publishers of papers....................................14 20
.....Total .........................................................................$1,669 60
EXPENDITURES.
Paid expenses of fair....................................$ 39 99
Paid printing....................................................27 00
Paid premiums.................................................62 80
Paid silver cups................................................24 06
Paid improvement of fair grounds ................564 53
Paid Morgan & Downs on land......................691 89
.....Total — .................................................1,510 27
Balance .......................................................$ 159 33
The society from this time had a local habitation as well as a name.
At a meeting of the members of the society, held pursuant to notice at the office of John Bell, in Fremont, on the 1st day of March, A. D. 1856, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: LaQ. Rawson, president; William Russell, vice-president; C. R. McCulloch, treasurer; Daniel Capper, secretary; James Vallette, Samuel Skinner, Martin Wright, Nathan P. Birdseye, Paul 'Tew, managers.
On the 22d day of August, 1856, at a meeting of the board, it was ordered that the annual fair for the year should be held on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October. A premium list was made out and published soon after, and the annual fair held accordingly. The financial results of this fair were a total expenditure, including two hundred and twenty-three dollars and seventy-five cents for premiums, and two hundred and eighteen dollars for fitting up the grounds, amounting to six hundred and thirty-nine dollars and thirty cents. Receipts, six hundred and thirty-eight dollars and fortythree cents. Being an excess of expenditures over receipts of eighty-seven cents.
At a meeting of the members of the society, held at the office of John Bell, on the 28th day of February, 1857, John Bell chairman and B. Amsden secretary, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: L. Q. Rawson president; Jacob Winters, vice-president; J. F. R. Sebring, secretary; Daniel Capper, treasurer; H. R. Adams, James Vallette, James Parks, Daniel Smith, and Peter King, managers.
FAIR OF 1857.
The board met at the office of John Bell, in Fremont, Ohio, on the 18th day of April, 1857, and ordered that J. F. R. Sebring, Daniel Capper, James Vallette,
214 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
and L. Q. Rawson, be appointed an executive committee to prepare and publish a premium list, and fix the day, and to prepare the grounds for the next fair.
The journal of the society hitherto recorded the premium list, the premiums awarded, and the financial results of the year's transactions, but no such record is made for the fair of 1857, and therefore the figures in these respects are omitted. But it is quite apparent that a fair was held in 1857, because the record shows that on the third day of the fair in that year, the society, at the office of the secretary, on the fair ground, pursuant to public notice, elected the following officers for the ensuing year: L. Q. Rawson, president; S. Buckland, treasurer; Daniel Capper, secretary; James Parks, Charles Powers, A. Thorp, J. Vallette, and Jacob Winters, managers. We have thus given the meetings, officers, and financial results of the society and its fairs up to the year 1857, and the election of officers for the ensuing year.
FAIR OF 1858.
The fair of 1858 was successfully held on their ground in Fremont, and on the last day of this fair, according to notice, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: James Vallette, president; James Parks, vice-president; S. Buckland, treasurer; William E. Haynes, secretary; L. Q. Rawson, U. B. Lemmon, and Charles Powers, managers.
Each year of the fair produced an enlarged premium list, and increased premiums for the various articles exhibited.
THE FAIR OF 1859.
This fair was duly and successfully held on the same ground purchased by the society, but the minutes of the proceedings do not show who were elected officers and managers for the ensuing year.
FAIR OF 1860.
On the third day of the fair, held on the society's grounds, in October, 1860, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Daniel Capper, president; John M. Smith, secretary; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; John S. Gardner, vice-president; Jesse Emerson, Benjamin Inman, Saxton S. Rathbun, Timothy Wilcox, and Alfred Black, managers.
On the 8th day of January, 1861, the society had paid for, and received a deed from Morgan & Downs, conveying to the society the east part of out-lot number one hundred and sixteen, in Fremont, containing seven and two-hundredth acres of land, for a fair ground. For this ground the society paid the sum of one thousand and fifty-three dollars. It was a very good location, affording shade and convenient access to the Sandusky River for water. But time afterwards showed the ground was subject to inundation by the river, and the fences and other structures were sometimes swept off by flood. For these reasons and also to accommodate the expansion of the society in the future, this land was sold, and other ground bought, as will be noticed further on.
On the 5th day of June, 1861, the board met at the store of Theodore Clapp, in Fremont. At this meeting there were present, D. Capper, president ; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; and Platt Brush, Benjamin Inman, Saxton S. Rathbun, and Jesse Emerson, directors. At this meeting John M. Smith was elected secretary, to fill the vacancy caused by the absence of A. J. Hale, former secretary, and Amos R. Carver was elected vice-president, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John S. Gardner, former vice-president, the persons so elected to serve in the respective offices for the ensuing year, and until their successors should be elected. At this meeting Theodore Clapp, Platt Brush, and John M. Smith, were appointed a committee to make out a premium list
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for the year, to be submitted to the board at their next meeting.
On the 22d day of June, 1861, the board again met at the store of Theodore Clapp. At this meeting those present were D. Capper, president; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; John M. Smith, secretary; and Platt Brush, Benjamin Inman, Saxton S. Rathbun, Jesse Emerson, and Timothy Wilcox, directors.
The committee to make out a premium list for the annual fair made their report which was read and approved by the board. The fair was appointed to be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October, 1861, and the meeting then ordered the premium list published.
On the 26th day of August, 1861, the board met and appointed Jeremiah Gibbs director, in place of Timothy Wilcox, absent. The premium list of this year was extensive and more elaborate than those of former years, and the fair was a success. But the financial results are not given on the journal of the society, and we therefore omit any statement of them.
WHO FITTED UP FLORAL HALL IN 1861.
As a matter of history, already interesting in the county, and to become more and more interesting as time rolls on, we give the names of the committee designated by the board of the society, to fit up floral hall for the fair of 1861. We record them here for two reasons. First, because it gives some idea of the interest the people took in these annual exhibitions. Secondly, because it preserves for future mention the names of a number of the men and women then prominent in our social circles, for their taste and devotion to the cause of improvement in all directions. The committee named by the board for fitting up floral hall, for the annual fair of 1861, were as follows:
J. W. Failing, O. W. Vallette, Henry Buckland, Willard Norton, L. Morehouse, E. Simpkins, Mrs.
G. Grant, Mrs. L. Q. Rawson, Mrs. G. Canfield, Mrs. Nat Haynes, Mrs. John Magee, Miss Eliza Simpkins, Miss Beckey Simpkins, Miss Isabella Nyce, Miss M. Justice, Miss Martha Raymond, Miss Ellen Hafford, Miss Jennie. McLellan, Miss S. Botefur, Miss E. A. Morehouse, Miss Mary Canfield, Miss Amelia Norton, Miss Sarah Jane Grant, Miss H. Thompson, Miss Myra Kepler, Miss L. Kepler, Miss Emma Downs, Miss A. Sharp, Miss Sarah Wilson, Miss Mary Durand, Miss Eva Bartlett, and Miss Bell Maxwell.
To the resident of Fremont in the year 1861, who was familiar with the social organization at that time, the names on this committee will awake reminiscences of intense interest. The list of young, and beautiful, and cultured ladies, embraces what was, at that time, the cream of our collected beauty of person, and culture of intellect, and, no doubt, those who resided in Fremont in the fall of 1861, and witnessed how these earnest, and beautiful, and good women labored to make the fair of the society for 1861 interesting and profitable, will trace the history of each gentleman and lady of this committee through the checkered scenes of their after life with intense interest.
On the third day of the fair held in 1861, the members met according to notice, and elected officers for the ensuing year, as follows: Daniel Capper, president; Hiram Haff, vicepresident; O. W. Vallette, secretary; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; S. S. Rathbun, C. G. Greene, Jeremiah Gibbs, Samuel Hafford, and Daniel Waggoner, managers.
A premium list for the next fair was prepared by Daniel Capper and O. W. Vallette, and submitted to the board, and approved at a meeting held on the 31st of May, 1862. At this meeting it was resolved that the next annual fair should be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 1st, 2d, and 3d days of October, 1862.
216 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
DURING THE WAR.
From the formation of the society in 1854 to the year 1862, although the civil war broke out in 1861, the annual fairs had been held without a single failure in any year. True it is that in the year 1861 the war cloud hung heavy over all the land, but so remote were the people of Sandusky county from the contending armies and the battlefields, that our business was not seriously interrupted until the summer of 1862. Then the cloud, thicker and darker than before, spread over the whole sky and enveloped us in darkness, gloom, and fear.
After the premium list was published and the days for the fair selected, we find the following entry on the journal of the society, in the handwriting of the secretary, Vallette:
Owing to the unsettled state of the county on account of the war, and the fact that the draft in our county came on the days appointed for our fair, it was decided by the officers of the society to postpone the fair for this year.
O. W. VALLETTE, Secretary. Fremont, August, 1862.
Hence, the society held no fair in the year 1862.
At the meeting of the members of the society held at the store of Theodore Clapp, in Fremont, in January, 1863, the following officers were elected to serve the ensuing year: Daniel Capper, president; Platt Brush, vice-president; Theodore Clapp, treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secretary; S. S. Rathbun, U. B. Lemmon, C. G. Greene, and Daniel Waggoner, managers. An extended premium list was made out and published, and the fair was held successfully on the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October, 1863. The premiums were regularly awarded and paid.
At a meeting of the members held on the 16th of January, 1864, the following officers of the Sandusky County Agricultural Society were elected to serve the ensuing year: J. L. Greene, sr., president; John Moore, of Ballville, vice-president; John P. Moore, treasurer ; O. W. Vallette, secretary ; Daniel Waggoner, Jasper King, William E. Lay, Jason Gibbs, and Warren G. Hafford, managers.
At a meeting of the officers of the society held on the 26th day of March, 1864, the president, J. L. Greene, sr., and Secretary O. W. Vallette, were appointed a committee to prepare a premium list for the next fair.
On the 16th of April, 1864, the board met and appointed the fair to be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the 12th, 13th, and 14th days of October.
The financial results of the fair of 1864 are not recorded, and therefore not published.
On the 18th day of January, 1865, the members of the society met at the office of John L. Greene, sr., and elected the following officers to serve the ensuing year: Theodore Clapp, president; William E. Haynes, vice-president; DeWitt Krebs, treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secretary; Edward Tindall, U. B. Lemmon, James N. Campbell, B. Amsden, and Charles Powers, directors.
On the 27th of March, 1865, the board met at the office of Theodore Clapp. At . this meeting William E. Haynes, DeWitt Krebs, and O. W. Vallette, were appointed a committee to revise and prepare a premium list for the next fair and report the same to a future meeting of the board. The premium list was approved and published, and the fair again successfully held on the 6th, 7th, and 8th days of September, 1865, and the premiums awarded and paid.
On the 27th day of January, 1866, the society met at the office of Theodore Clapp, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year. Theodore Clapp, president; William E. Haynes, vice-presi-
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 217
dent; D. W. Krebs, treasurer; O. W. Vallette, secretary; Edward Tindall of Ballville, James N. Campbell of Washington, B. Amsden of Sandusky, Hiram Haff of York, managers for one year; O. W. Vallette of Ballville, D. W. Krebs of Sandusky, J. P. Elderkin of Woodville, Benjamin Inman of Scott, S. S. Rathbun of Green Creek, and David Betts of Sandusky township, managers for two years.
In May, 1866, the board met and ordered that Theodore Clapp superintend the building of a new fence around the fair grounds, and put the grounds in good condition.
On the 28th of September the board met and made the following entry on their journal:
FREMONT, September 28, 1866.
Owing to the late floods, and the damage done on the fair grounds, it has been decided to postpone the fair for this year.
O. W. VALLETTE, Secretary.
Therefore no fair was held in the year 1866, on account of a flood. Thus we see the society was prevented from holding its fairs twice in the first fourteen years of its existence, first in 1862, by the war, and, second, in 1866, by a flood which overflowed and damaged its grounds.
On the 14th of February, 1867, the members of the society met at the office of Theodore Clapp, and elected the following officers to serve the ensuing year: Platt Brush, president; Charles H. Bell, vice-president; E. Walters, Charles Powers, George W. Beck, and J. V. Beery, managers.
On the 7th of March following, the board met, and elected J. V. Beery secretary, and J. P. Elderkin treasurer.
Let it be remarked that about this time some enterprising gentlemen who were fond of cultivating speedy horseflesh, had organized the Fremont Driving Park Association, and had rented some out-lots on the hill, on the east side of the river, onwhich a fine track was formed, on which the speed of trotting and running horses could be tested and compared. Let no one think or suspect that anything like vulgar horse-racing was connected with this Driving Park Association. The out-lots rented by this association were very finely situated for a fair ground. Hence, at the meeting of the board in March, 1867, on motion of Mr. Rathbun, Platt Brush and Charles H. Bell were appointed a committee to confer and make arrangements with a committee of the Driving Park Association, to hold the county fair upon their ground.
On the 23d day of May, 1867, the board met; present, P. Brush, George Beck, D. Betts, B. Inman, E. Walters, and John V. Beery. The committee, C. H. Bell and P. Brush, reported that they had rented the driving park for nine years, at a yearly rent of seventy-five dollars, for the purpose of holding the fairs of the society. After the adoption of this report, the president appointed Charles H. Bell and Saxton S. Rathbun, a committee to attend to the removal of floral hall from the old fair ground to the driving park. At this same meeting the premium list was arranged, and the next fair of the society appointed to be held on the 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October, 1867, the days of the week being Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The fair was held, accordingly, on the grounds of the Driving Park Association, the premiums awarded and paid, and the fair was now established on the east side of the river, on the hill and above the reach of floods. But the facilities for procuring a supply of water were lacking, and there was no shade. Still the fair was well attended, and was reasonably successful.
On the 1st day of February, 1868, the society met at the office of Theodore Clapp and elected the following officers:
218 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
Charles H. Bell, president; Oscar Ball, vice-president; J. P. Elderkin, treasurer; J. V. Beery, secretary; B. Inman, John P. Elderkin, jr., Samuel Skinner, Platt Brush, William McPherson, and David Fuller, managers.
On the 6th of February the board met and appointed Samuel Skinner, Oscar Ball, Benjamin Inman, Platt Brush, and William McPherson a committee to prepare a premium list for the fair of 1868.
The fair was held on the 17th, 18th, and 19th days of September, 1868, and the premiums were awarded and paid as usual. This fair was held on the Trotting Park ground, east side of the river.
The officers and directors of the society for 1868, met on the 13th day of January, 1869. Present—C. H. Bell, Platt Brush, Benjamin Inman, David Fuller, George Beck, J. P. Elderkin, jr., and John V. Beery.
The object of this meeting was to consider on the disposal of the old fair ground, and to arrange the distribution of the finances, and pay out the funds on hand. It was, on motion of Platt Brush, resolved that the old fair ground be offered for sale, provided that over fifteen hundred dollars should be offered for it, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Here crops out the intention of the society to abandon the old fair ground, purchased of Morgan & Downs long before. The reasons for this movement were sufficient justification for abandoning the location. First, all the fences and buildings the society might erect there were subject to be annually swept away by the floods in the river. Second, the quantity of ground was insufficient to accommodate the growing demands of the society.
The secretary was ordered to advertise the ground in both the county papers, to be sold on the 29th day of January, 1869, at 2 o'clock P. M., at the east door of thecourt house in Fremont, and that it should be sold to the highest bidder. After ordering the payment of certain sums out of the treasury, the meeting adjourned.
On the 30th of January, 1869, the members of the society met pursuant to published notice, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year: Benjamin Inman, president; Charles H. Bell, vice-president; Frederick Fabing, treasurer; James S. Vanvalkenburg, secretary; Elijah Kellogg, George Beck, James Parks, and John K. Richards, managers. This meeting appointed the time for holding the next fair to be on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the 7th, 8th, and 9th days of October, 1869.
The old fair ground was sold at auction at 2 o'clock P. M., January 29, 1869, to Canfield & Co., for sixteen hundred and five dollars. Such is the mention of the record on the journal of the society. But the record of deeds shows that the old fair ground was conveyed to Downs & Co. (which is probably another name for Canfield & Co.), by deed dated February 11, 1869, for the consideration of one thousand six hundred and fifty-five dollars.
On the 2d day of June, 1869, the board met upon notice, and Charles H. Bell, George Beck, Benjamin Inman, and Frederick Fabing were appointed to prepare a premium list for the year 1869, which they did.
For this year the results of the fair are summed up as follows:
Amount received from former treasurer ..............................$ 1 32
Amount from State Board of Agriculture............................106 00
Amount from rents of ground and tickets sold....................741 45
............................................................................................$848 77
EXPENDITURES.
Paid expenses and repairs at fair.........................$219 47
Paid printing ...........................................................66 00
Paid secretary's salary..............................................50 00
Paid assistants............................................................9 00
Paid treasurer's assistants ........................................10 00
Paid premiums to date............................................454 55
.............................................................................................$809 02
Cash balance on hand............................................................$39 75
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 219
The foregoing exhibit of the financial transactions of the year was reported to a meeting of the board, held on the 29th of January, 1870, and was then approved
On the same day of the above mentioned meeting of the board, after the approval of the treasurer's report above given, the members of the society proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, with the following result: President, Benjamin Inman; vice president, Beman Amsden; treasurer, Christian Doncyson; secretary, William H. Andrews. The directors were David Fuller, for one year; for two years, W. W. Cooper, Green Creek; James Havens, Jackson: H. B. Hineline, Rice; Peter Burgoon, Sandusky; and Samuel Skinner, of Washington township.
At this same meeting, held on the 29th January, 1870, James Parks, Samuel Skinner, and George W. Beck were appointed a committee to report on the purchase of fair grounds.
PURCHASE OF NEW GROUNDS.
At a meeting of the board of directors of the society, held at the county auditor's office, on the 17th day of March, 1870, the board received the report of the committee above named on the purchase of a fair ground, and by a unanimous vote selected the site proposed to be purchased of LaQ. Rawson, and appointed B. Amsden to survey the same under the direction of a committee consisting of James Parks, Peter Burgoon, and Samuel Skinner. The board then adjourned until the 23d day of April, 1870, to meet at the county auditor's office at 10 o'clock A. M. A meeting was duly held at the time and place appointed. The committee and surveyor made their report.
Without narrating tedious details, we may state that the survey and report offered the society twenty acres of land,fronting west on Elm street, and going near the brow of the hill overlooking the Sandusky valley, but did not include the sidehill. The society desired the hill, and hillside, and on further negotiation relinquished a strip about fourteen rods wide on Elm street, and took about twentyseven acres covering the sidehill, for the sum of about seven thousand dollars. By this purchase the society acquired one of the most convenient and beautiful sites for a fair ground in the State.
Pursuant to notice the members of the society met at the courthouse, in Fremont, on the 10th day of February, 1871, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year.
William E. Haynes, president; Oscar Ball, vice-president; William H. Andrews, secretary; John M. Smith, treasurer; David Fuller, B. W. Lewis, Elijah Kellogg, Benjamin Inman, Jacob Stetler, and James Parks, directors.
At a meeting held March 11, 1871, Peter Darr was added to the list of directors to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of H. B. Hineline. The board at this meeting also appointed Oscar Ball, B. Inman, David Fuller, B. W. Lewis, Peter Burgoon, and William E. Haynes, an executive committee to transact all business of the society in the absence of the board, and this executive committee was instructed to prepare a premium list for the next fair. At this meeting, it should be noticed, the society adopted a new constitution, the particular changes in which from the former one it is not deemed necessary to particularize, but it made some changes which time and experience had proved necessary to the more successful management of the affairs of the society.
At a meeting of the board, held May 13, 1871, it was ordered that the next fair be held on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th days
220 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
of October, 1871. Vigorous measures were adopted to prepare the new grounds, and erect suitable buildings for the fair of 1871, the first held there.
The fair was held according to appointment, and the popular verdict was that the society had done a good thing in securing such an admirable location. The results of this fair were reported to the next meeting, held February 3, 1872, and may be briefly stated as follows. The report was made by the 'treasurer, Isaac M. Keeler, successor to John M. Smith, and shows
RECEIPTS.
Citizens' loan.............................................$2500 00
County agricultural fund..............................2745 00
Nineteenth annual fair and excursion..........2465 66
....................................................................$7710 66
DISBURSEMENTS.
Improvement of new grounds......................$5490 00
Old debts prior to 1871....................................571 60
Premiums to date.............................................848 50
Expenses of nineteenth fair..............................498 07
.....Cash on hand...............................................302 49
......................................................................$7710 66
At a meeting held at the courthouse on the 3d day of February, 1872, the following officers were unanimously elected: William E. Haynes, president; Oscar Ball, vicepresident; Joseph Waggoner, Peter Burgoon, William J. Havens, Peter Darr, W. W. Cooper, and R. P. Buckland, managers.
On the 23d of April, 1872, William H. Andrews was elected secretary, and Isaac M. Keeler treasurer for the year. At this meeting it was resolved to hold the twentieth annual fair of the society on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th days of September, 1872. The following committee was then appointed to arrange for the fair, namely: William E. Haynes, Oscar Ball, B. W. Lewis, David Fuller, and William H. Andrews. The fair was successfully held at the appointed time. Mr. Edward Tindall reported and proved to the board, according to the rules of the society, that at the harvest of 1872 he raised two hundred and twenty bushels of wheat on six and thirtyonehundredth acres of his land. The land was measured by J. L Rawson, surveyor, the wheat was measured and the quantity sworn to by Mr. A. Mosier. Mr. Tindall was awarded the premium.
Pursuant to published notice the members of the society met at the courthouse in Fremont, on Saturday, February 1, 1873, and elected the following officers: William B. Sheldon, president; J. R. Gephart, vice’president; Z. Brush, B. W. Lewis, T. H. Bush, J. Fairbanks, and Frederick Smith, managers. Mr. Sheldon refused to serve, and on the 22d of February, 1873, Platt Brush was elected president, and on the same day F. J. Giebel, jr., was elected secretary, and John P. Elderkin, jr., treasurer, for the ensuing year. Mr. Brush declined serving as president, and, on the 3d of May, 1873, the society elected John R. Gephart president. By this election a vacancy was caused in the office of vicepresident, and T. H. Bush was elected to that office, which left a vacancy in the board of managers, which was filled by the election of Charles H. Norton. An executive committee was chosen, and the time for holding the next fair fixed for the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th days of October, 1873, and the fair was held accordingly.
This fair was a financial failure, for an entry on the journal shows that afterwards the executive committee met, and ascertained by the treasurer's report that the disbursements exceeded the receipts by the amount of seven hundred dollars, and that the treasurer had paid the excess of expenditures out of his own private funds. The committee authorized a loan to be made by the society for the amount, to be paid, with eight per cent. interest, on the 2d day of November, 1874.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY. - 221
On the 7th day of February, 1874, pursuant to the provisions of the constitution of the society, and to printed notice, the society met at the county auditor's office, in Fremont, and received the treasurer's report, which shows the following receipts and disbursements:
RECEIPTS.
1873.
March 22, cash on hand...............................$ 23 63
August 27, cash from excursion....................208 75
October, cash receipts from fair..................2,687 00
Cash, city of Fremont ....................................100 00
Cash, loans .....................................................689 50
...................................................................$3,708 88
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid interest on loan ..................$ 200 00
Paid premiums on class 17 ............617 00
Paid improvements on grounds......538 56
Paid premiums ...............................818 00
Paid expenses during fair...............425 00
Paid band for music..........................50 00
Paid sec'y salary and expenses..........90 00
Paid L. Q. Rawson on land..............561 06
Paid printing, etc .............................222 55
Steamer and band for excursion.......185 00
Balance on hand ......................................73
.......................................................................$3,708 88
On the 27th day of February, 1874, the society met at the county auditor's office and elected the following officers, to serve the ensuing year, namely: R. P. Buckland, president ; W. W. Stine, vice-president; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary; W. H. Andrews, treasurer.
The president was instructed to appoint an executive committee, to consist of five members. The committee was afterwards appointed, and consisted of the following persons: C. A. Norton, W. W. Stine, B. W. Lewis, Joseph Waggoner, and E. W. Amsden.
During the summer and autumn of the year 1874 an amphitheater or grand stand was erected on the fair ground, which afforded visitors an excellent view of the ground, and all the proceedings of the fair to be seen by the eye. It also afforded shelter from the rain and shade from theoften uncomfortable rays of the sun.
The contract for this building was awarded to Mr. A. Foster, of the city of Fremont, at the price of one thousand two hundred' and seventyfive dollars.
It was also arranged and ordered by the board that there should be several new features in the fair of 1874, such as a special premium for the best pair of draught horses, and mules, also for single horse or mule. The first were offered a premium of twenty. dollars, and the second ten dollars, to be tested on the ground by the dynamometer. Premiums were also offered for plowing, dragging, and drilling contests, to be put under the charge of D. C. Richmond, of Erie county, then member of the State Board of Agriculture.
The fair of 1874 began September 30, and continued four days, with the following financial result:
RECEIPTS.
Received from former treasurer.........................................$ 179 96
From loan of C. Norton .....................................................3,000 00
From loan of W. W. Stine.....................................................350 00
From loan of Bank of Fremont..............................................175 00
From annual fair .................................................................4,291 40
From J. M. Raymond, pasture..................................................24 00
From State Board of Agriculture............................................227 52
...........................................................................................$8,047 68
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid F. J. Geibel, secretary, 1873...........................................$ 21 50
Paid F. S. White, trustee citizens' loan.................................2,500 00
Paid F. S. White, interest on citizens loan ..............................200 00
Paid C. A. Norton, interest on loan............................................45 00
Paid L. Q. Rawson, on ground...............................................1,088 00
Paid B. Donahue, for loan.........................................................400 00
Paid B. Donahue, loan interest....................................................23 29
Paid Bank of Fremont, loan and interest...................................318 20
Paid W. W. Stine, interest.............................................................6 53
Paid I. M. Keeler, expenses to Columbus...................................15 00
Paid premiums to date ...........................................................1,682 00
Paid fair expenses .....................................................................253 71
Paid permanent improvement on grounds.................................840 40
Paid Bank of Fremont on note...................................................150 00
...............................................................................................$8,042 68
Cash on hand February 5, 1875...................................................$ 3 28
Here it will be noticed that the fair of 1874 shows a marked increase in the re-
222 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
ceipts and disbursements of the society.
In an elaborate report made by the secretary, Isaac M. Keeler, of the fair of 1874, to the State Board of Agriculture, held at Columbus, Ohio, January 6, 1875, he says, among other things:
The exercise of horses on the half mile track during a portion of each day, attracted a large crowd, and some excellent time was made.
Further on the report says:
The results of the fair of 1873 were unfortunate to the society, for instead of decreasing the sum of its indebtedness, it added considerably thereto, and left a bad feeling among former friends of the society. The officers of 1874, therefore, felt the greater necessity for economy in expenditures, and at the same time to make the exhibition so attractive as to induce the people from all parts of the county to show their interest in the society by being present at the annual fair. The total indebtedness of the society at this time cannot be far from four thousand five hundred dollars.
On the whole, the fair of 1874 was a success, and awakened a new interest in its support.
Pursuant to notice, the society met at the county auditor's office, and, after hearing the treasurer's report, and ordering it referred to a committee, a resolution was passed at this meeting to amend the constitution, so that thereafter there should be thirteen directors of the society. One thereof should be chosen from each township, there being twelve townships, and also one director at large. Thereupon the following persons were unanimously chosen directors for the ensuing year: J. K. Richards, of York township; Levi Cowell, of Riley; W. G. Hafford, of Ballville; Platt Brush, of Sandusky; Adam Bair, of Scott; John Sandwish, of Woodville; Casper Stausmlre, of Madison; David Fuller, of Townsend; R. B. Hayes, Fremont, director at large.
Of the preceding board the following directors held over and were also part of the board for 1875, namely: Henry Ludwig, of Jackson township; Joseph Waggoner, of Washington; S. S. Rathbun, of
Green Creek; and Fred Smith, of Rice township.
On the 13th of February, 1875, the board met and elected the following officers: William W. Stine, president; Charles A. Norton, vicepresident; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary; Henry Baker, treasurer.
A premium list was prepared and adopted by the board at their meeting, May 1, 1875.
The board of directors appointed the time for holding the annual fair to be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, September 21, 22, and 23.
An extended premium list was prepared and the fair was held according to appointment. This year the fair was not as successful as the year before. The entries for exhibition were about one hundred and fifty less than at the fair of 1874. Another injurious fact was the unfavorable weather of the first two days, which greatly reduced the entries, the attendance, and the amount received at the entrance gates.
RECEIPTS.
Cash received from treasurer.........................................................$ 11 78
Cash received from city of Fremont...............................................100 00
Cash received from annual fair....................................................3,438 14
....................................................................................................$3,549 92
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid interest on loans .....................................................................$ 182 67
Paid premiums on class 18 ................................................................417 00
Paid annual premium list ...................................................................818 25
Paid L. Q. Rawson, on land ...............................................................615 95
Paid permanent improvements ...........................................................575 00
Paid printing and stationery ................................................................180 00
Paid Light Guard Band, music ..............................................................75 00
Paid secretary, for services ....................................................................50 00
Paid Bank of Fremont, note for ............................................................101 75
Paid bills of 1873 and 1874 ....................................................................72 00
Paid expenses of the fair .......................................................................437 00
Paid cash in treasury ...............................................................................30 00
..........................................................................................................$3,549 92
The wheat crop of 1875 was reported not to be as good nor as large as that of 1874, but was, notwithstanding, above an average crop.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 223
The fair was actually held four days, the last two of which brought fine weather and greatly increased the attendance and swelled the receipts, and also rescued the society from the losses of the first two days.
SHADE TREES.
This year the board, to encourage the planting of shade trees along the highways in the county, offered premiums for their planting. To the owner planting the best row of not less than forty trees, twenty dollars. For best row containing not less than twenty-five trees, ten dollars. The trees were to be planted during the year ending June, 1876, and the premiums to be awarded at the annual fair, in 1876.
Pursuant to notice published, the members of the society met at the auditor's office, on the 5th day of February, 1876. A committee was duly appointed to report the names of seven directors, whose time had expired, and one director at large. This committee consisted of Henry H. House, Joseph Waggoner, James Wickard William J. Smith, and Nehemiah Engler, who reported the following names: W. B. Lewis, director at large for one year; W. D. Stine, one year; Casper Stausmire, William J. Smith, James D. Benner, S. S. Rathbun, W. H. Hineline, and E. A. Beebe, each for two years. The directors holding over were J. K. Richards, Levi Cowell, W. G. Hafford, P. J. Gossard, and John Sandwish. This board met on the 12th of February, 1876, and elected the following officers for the year : General R. P. Buckland, president; J. P. Elderkin, vicepresident; Henry Baker, treasurer; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary.
Afterward, Vice-President Elderkin being about to remove from the county, resigned his office, and Henry Coonrod was elected to fill the vacancy. The premium list was agreed to and duly published. The fair was held October 3, 4, 5, and 6, 1876. The number of entries for premiums was eleven hundred and seventy-five. The membership tickets, at one dollar each, were twelve hundred and seventy-eight. The total receipts of this fair amounted to three thousand two hundred and seven dollars and forty cents. The premiums paid, including races, amounted to one thousand four hundred and thirty-seven dollars and seventy-five cents. The more particular items of disbursement are not given, but the fair was a success, as the receipts appear to embrace no loans.
On the 2d day of November, 1876, at night, floral hall, the pride of the fair grounds, was totally consumed by fire, which was said to be no doubt the work of an incendiary. It was, however, fully insured.
In the secretary's report to the State Board of Agriculture, on the fair of 1876, the following showing is made:
RECEIPTS.
Amount received for tickets of membership, single tickets and tickets to the
......grand stand, .................................................................$2,672 90
For booths, refreshments, stands and permits.........................357 00
From other sources .................................................................437 25
On hand from 1873 ..................................................................39 42
...........................................................................................$3,526 64
DISBURSEMENTS.
Paid premiums....................................................................$1,438 00
Paid permanent improvements.............................................1,057 16
Paid fair expenses ...................................................................928 00
Paid balance to new account ...................................................103 48
............................................................................................$3,526 64
This must have been a prosperous year for the society, for the fair made by this showing more than a thousand dollars' worth of permanent improvements, paid all expenses and left a balance of one hundred and three dollars and forty-eight cents, in the treasury. Besides the items of receipts given in the secretary's annual report to the State Board of Agriculture, the State Board had paid
224 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
the society one hundred and twenty-seven dollars and fifty-one cents, and the insurance on floral hall was paid into the treasury on the 3d day of February, 1877, amounting to one thousand dollars, which amounts do not appear in the secretary's report, and were no doubt standing to the credit of the society for the succeeding year, or promptly applied to the society's indebtedness. These two items were probably received too late to be included in the financial report of 1876, though paid in before the annual election of officers.
This fair was remarkable for a better exhibition of horses, cattle, and sheep than any preceding one, also for a better; exhibit of mechanic arts, and of machinery, among which latter the Hubbard mower and reaper, manufactured by the Fremont Harvester works, was prominent; also June & Company's portable engine, manufactured in Fremont, and invented here. Lehr Brothers, also of the city of Fremont, had on exhibition agricultural implements and other articles, which did great credit to the growing manufactures of the county. At this fair it was shown that the farm products of grains, seeds, vegetables, butter, cheese, etc., were greater and better than ever before. Fruits, excepting peaches, were fine and in great variety. The hay crop was unusually abundant and good. Potatoes were what is commonly expressed as a short crop.
In the report of 1876, the secretary estimates the value of the fair grounds and improvements, the land being about twenty-eight acres, at fifteen thousand dollars, which is generally thought to be a low estimate.
Lewis Balsizer, of Riley township, raised on seven and one-eighth acres, two hundred and forty-eight bushels of wheat by weight, and on seven and oneeighth acres five hundred and thirty bushels of corn,and being the only one who made an entry for premium on these crops, took a premium of ten dollars on each. It is not improbable that other farmers raised an equal and even greater quantity per acre than Mr. Balsizer, but did not see fit to make the entry for the premium.
We have mentioned that the property of the society was estimated at fifteen thousand dollars at the close of the year 1876. On the 17th of February, 1877, the secretary, Mr. Isaac M. Keeler, endeavored to ascertain accurately the entire indebtedness of the society, and after doing so stated it to be, on the 17th of February, 1877, one thousand nine hundred and ninetyeight dollars and thirty-two cents. This showing indicates a healthy financial condition, which promises well for the future.
Assets in real property ...................$15,000 00
Debts .................................................1,900 00
Net balance on real estate ..............$13.100 00
At a meeting of the members, held at the auditor's office, on the 17th of February, 1877, the following directors were elected, towit: At large—Hiram Pool, Ballville township. For two years—W. D. Stine, Sandusky; Fred Smith, York; Joseph R. Clark, Riley; James Wickard, Ballville; D. S. Tinney, Scott; Henry Herman, Woodville. For one year—T. D. Stevenson, Madison, to fill vacancy.
The directors holding over were: William J. Smith, Jackson; James D. Benner, Washington; S. S. Rathbun, Green Creek; W. H. Hineline, Rice; David Fuller, Townsend.
This board of directors met on the 3d day of March, 1877, and elected the following officers: L. Q. Rawson, president; W. W. Stine, treasurer; Isaac M. Keeler, secretary.
The executive committee was then chosen, consisting of the following named persons: C. H. Bell, W. W. Stine, W. H.
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 225
Hineline, James D. Benner, James Wickard, and Hiram Pool.
The board, at their meeting April 25, 1877, resolved to encourage the planting of Osage orange hedge, and offered a premium of twenty dollars for the best forty rods, and ten dollars for the best twenty rods.
At the same meeting the president and vice-president were appointed a committee to select the place and decide upon a plan for a new floral hall. The plan for the hall was made by J. C. Johnson, architect, and the place chosen near the site of the one destroyed by fire.
The contract for building the hall was awarded to Henry Shively on the 2d day of June, 1877, at the price of one thousand six hundred and fifty-nine dollars. Floral hall was insured while being built, and was ready in time for the fair.
On the first day of the fair of 1877, being October 2, at 9 o'clock in the evening, fire broke out at the northeast corner of the fair grounds, a locality occupied by trotting and running horses. In a very short time a block of stalls, twenty-two in number,. were consumed. The loss on the stalls was fully insured. Mr. J. H. Harley, of Huron, lost a valuable mare, and some valuable harness, and some saddles were also burned.
This fire was said to have been caused by fire communicated to straw in the halls from candles used by men who were sleeping in the stalls, and who went to sleep without properly caring for the light they had used. Perhaps the man fell asleep while reading. The damage done to the property by this fire was less than one hundred dollars, and was repaired by vigorous work the next day, without interrupting the proceedings of the fair.
The receipts and disbursements of the society, for the fair of 1877, were as follows :
RECEIPTS.
Amount in treasury from 1876 ............................................$ 161 81
Gate fees and entrance.........................................................2,714 84
Stand rents...............................................................................465 00
Permits.......................................................................................75 25
Pasturage, racing, etc...............................................................455 55
...............................................................................................3,872 46
DISBURSEMENTS.
Amount of premiums paid.................................$1,400 00
Paid on real estate and improve-
......ments .............................................................1,288 95
Current expenses other than pre-
......miums ...........................................................1,217 75 ..............3.872 46
Funds in treasury December 14, 1877 ..................................................15 76
The society, at the date of this report, had a membership of fifteen hundred and fifty persons, with an indebtedness of two thousand five hundred and seventy-one dollars and sixty cents.
Directors were elected on the 2d day of February, 1878, for the ensuing year, as follows: Henry Filling, Madison township; Joseph D. Benner, Washington township; W. H. Hineline, Rice township; W. J. Smith, Jackson township: E. A. Beebe, Townsend township; Henry Herman, Woodville township, each for two years, and Henry Coonrod, of Fremont, director at large.
On the 16th of February, 1878, the board of directors met and elected the following officers: L. Q. R.awson, president; Charles H. Bell, vice-president; W. W. Stine, treasurer ; John Landgraff, jr., secretary.
The president then appointed an executive committee, as follows: L. Q. Raw . son, C. H. Bell, Henry Coonrod, W. W. Stine, and William J. Smith. This committee, on the 5th of March, arranged a premium list for the next fair.
In this list, for the first time, a premium was offered to encourage bee culture.
This year the board designed and completed a building for the use of the officers of the society, on the grounds.
The fair was held on the 1st, 2d, 3d,
226 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
and 4th days of October, 1878, and was attended by an estimated number of ten thousand persons: The weather was of the most favorable character for the exhibition. The arrangement was good, the grounds in better order than ever before, and the fair a success in all respects. The Driving Park Association were permitted to use the race track for a consideration, which no doubt contributed to swell the attendance.
The receipts and expenditures for the fair of 1878 are as follows:
RECEIPTS.
Amount in treasury February. 1878 ..............................$ 15 76
Received from State allowance for 1877........................127 52
Received from sale of tickets.......................................2,888 40
Received from stands and permits..................................852 00
Received from county ....................................................507 00
Received from other sources...........................................402 66
....................................................................................$4,793 34
DISBURSEMENTS.
Premiums paid............................................................$1,609 50
Paid for permanent improvements ..................................860 21
Paid on old indebtedness ..............................................1,325 82
Paid for current expenses .................................................992 51
Balance on hand December 19, 1878....................................5 30
........................................................................................$4793 34
The great financial success and the success in other respects of this fair, encouraged the society to hope that in another year it would free itself entirely from debt, and be on the highway of advancement clear of all obstructions.
This year's statistics showed that there were forty thousand acres of wheat raised in the county, and that the average yield was twenty-two bushels to the acre.
The exhibition of machinery exceeded any thing done in that way on the ground at any previous fair. The inventions for binding grain were first exhibited at this fair, and attracted much interest and close attention.
On the 1st of February, 1879, the members of the society met at the courthouse in Fremont, for the election of directors. At this meeting, before proceeding to the election, the president, as a matter of advice, wished an expression of the sense of the members on the question of allowing the sale of beer on the fair grounds.
After considerable discussion, on motion of L. W. Ward, a vote was taken to express the opinion of the meeting on the question, but not to be binding on the directors, nor to take away their control of the matter. The vote was taken by ballot. The whole number of votes was forty-three; of this number thirty-two were in favor of allowing the sale, and eleven against it.
The members then proceeded to the election of directors for the ensuing year, with the following result: Sandusky township, Manual Maurer, two years; York, T. E. Gardner, two years; Riley, Joseph R. Clark, two years; Ballville, James E. Wickert, two years; Scott, D. S. Tinney, two years; Woodville, H. Herman, two years; director at large, Joseph Waggoner, one year. Directors holding over one year were Joseph D. Benner, W. H. Hineline, William J. Smith, E. A. Beebe, S. S. Rathbun, and Joseph Waggoner, the director at large.
On the 8th of February, 1879, the board met, and elected L. Q. Rawson, president; John L. Greene, jr., vice-president; William B. Kridler, secretary, and E. B. Moore, treasurer.
The executive committee for 1879 consisted of the following named gentlemen, who were appointed by the president, namely: Manuel Maurer, John L. Greene, jr., and William J. Smith. At this meeting the rule of the State Board of Agriculture, requiring the exhibitors of thoroughbred animals to furnish the secretary of the society a pedigree of the animal at the time of making the entry, was adopted. At the same meeting the board resolved to hold the next annual
HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY - 227
fair on the 30th of September and the 1st, 2d, and 3d days of the month of October, 1879.
The premium list was revised and published, and the fair was held at the appointed time. The receipts and expenditures of this fair, according to the treasurer's report, were as follows.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in treasury, February, 1879..............................$35 89
From sale of 4,500 tickets .........................................1,127 75
From sale of 251 half tickets ..........................................25 10
From sale of 856 grand stand tickets...............................58 60
From sale of 1,543 membership tickets, ....................1,543 00
Received from other sources ...........................................81 80
...................................................................................$3,601 14
DISBURSEMENTS.
For current expenses ................................................$ 1,157 15
For permanent improvements.........................................958 96
For premiums paid ......................................................1,977 10
....................................................................................$4,093 21
The total indebtedness of the society on the 1st day of January, 1880, as stated in the journal of its proceedings, was one thousand three hundred and nineteen dollars and eighty-three cents. While apparently the expenditures of the society for the fair of 1879 exceeded the receipts by the amount of four hundred and ninety-two dollars and seven cents, it must be remembered that nine hundred and fifty-eight dollars and ninety-six cents were invested in permanent improvement of its property. This shows, in fact, a net gain of four hundred and sixty-six dollars and eighty-nine cents, which is doing well. It should also be noticed that the amount of premiums paid in 1879 is much greater than that paid at any preceding fair.
At a meeting of the society held at the courthouse on the 7th day of February, 1880, Joseph Waggoner was elected director at large, but declined to act as such, and William J. Smith was elected to the office.
The directors for the year 1880 were as follows : For Fremont township, M. Maurer, one year; York, T. E. Gardner, one year; Riley, Joseph R. Clark, one year; Ballville, James E. Wickert, one year; Scott, D. S. Tinney, one year; Woodville, H. Herman, one year; Madison, J. Marvin, two years, Jackson, Daniel Sueckert, two years; Washington, N. Engler, two years; Green Creek, Joseph Lutz, two years; Rice, Peter Darr, two years; Townsend, Frank Dirlam, two years; Sandusky, Fred Smith, two years; director at large, William J. Smith, for one year.
Amongst the proceedings at this meeting was the passage of a resolution forbiding the sale of beer or any intoxicating liquors on the grounds of the society, which was passed by a unanimous vote of the members of the society present at the meeting. At this meeting another resolution was unanimously passed, that the directors be requested to obey the laws of the State of Ohio in the matter of gambling, and that no wheel of fortune or gambling device of whatever kind be permitted upon the society's grounds at their annual fair.
On the 14th day of February, 188o, the board of directors met at the city council chamber, and elected the following officers, namely': J. L. Greene, president; Joseph Waggoner, vicepresident; William B. Kridler, secretary, and E. B. Moore, treasurer.
At this meeting, February 14, 1880, the time for holding the next annual fair of the society was fixed for the 28th, 29th and 30th of September, and the 1st of October, 1880.
The fair was held according to appointment, and was a success, as the treasurer's report to the board, made on the 1st of February, 1881, will show, and which is as follows :
228 - HISTORY OF SANDUSKY COUNTY.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in the treasury February 1, 1880.......$ 189 17
Received from sale of tickets.........................2,622 27
Received from sale of stands and permits.........347 00
Received from other sources ............................188 00
Received from pasturage ....................................95 50
Received from county.......................................479 48
......................................................................$3,921 42
DISBURSEMENTS.
Amount paid for premiums..........................$1,861 17
Amount paid for permanent improvements .....813 11
Amount paid for current expenses....................794 09
Amount paid for interest on certificates..............63 00
Amount paid on principal of debt.......................72 62
Balance in treasury ...........................................316 86
......................................................................$3,921 42
At the meeting on February 1, 1881, the total indebtedness of the society was ascertained, and stated to amount to six hundred and sixty dollars.
This shows the society to be on a solid financial basis, with the good will of the people to support it in the future, and in possession of one of the most attractive county fair grounds in the State.
NOTE.—The reader will find inaccuracies in the figures forming the tables of receipts and disbursements, but wherever they occur the publishers have followed the manuscript exactly, and are not responsible for the errors and discrepancies.