NEWSPAPERS soon followed the advent of settlers in this country, and several were soon in operation. But Butler County, from its nearness to Cincinnati, did not have a press as soon as some other counties of less population. In the columns of Liberty Hall, a newspaper of Cincinnati, under date of April 16, 1813, appears the following :

"An age like the present, portentous beyond any parallel to be found in the history of mankind, will offer the best apology for the multiplication of periodical publications—whose object is : 1st. The diffusion of literature and science in the most enlightened and scientific epoch known within the pale of human knowledge, and, 2d. An early communication of the great political events, both foreign and domestic, which are now agitating every quarter of the globe.

" The proposed paper shall be conducted with the most undeviating impartiality, alike avoiding the petulance of party and the designing misrepresentations of disorganizing partisans, of whatever description they may be. It will be our aim to detail things as they are, following up the lights of truth, according to the best of our perception, and discarding every thing which may have a tendency to mislead the judgment or warp the heart from the best interests of its country. Such is the plan we are determined to pursue.

"1. The Miami Gazette will be published weekly, on a royal sheet, with an elegant new type, in the town of Hamilton, Butler County, and delivered to subscribers within the town. The first number will appear in July.

" 2. Yearly price two dollars, if paid in advance ; two dollars and fifty cents, if paid within six or twelve months, according to the term subscribed for. But if payment be delayed beyond either period, then three dollars will be demanded. Subscribers receiving their papers by a private post will be charged for the packing and postage an additional fifty cents. Country produce will be received in payment.

The Gazette does not appear ever to have been issued. But two firms of printers had their eyes fixed on this place, and had sent out notices of their intention to establish a paper. The town was clearly too small for both, and they consolidated. Keen & Stewart constituted one of the firms, and Colby & Bonnell the other. The result of their joint labors was entitled the Miami Intelligencer, and the publishers were Colby, Bonnell & Co.

Mr. James McBride owned the press and type, which he purchased at Deer Creek, then above Cincinnati, from a Frenchman named Menessier. Some use had previously been made of them, but what we are unable to learn. The first number of the journal was dated June 22, 1814. It was printed on a coarse, dingy royal sheet of four columns to the page, or a little larger than a page of Harper's Weekly. A large cut of the.Goddess of Liberty blowing her trumpet was worked in the second number. It had evidently seen hard usage. The newspaper was published in the old Wingate House, corner of Dayton and Water Streets.

" Colby, Bonnell & Co. respectfully submit to their friends, and to the friends of republicanism, the following proposals for publishing in Hamilton, Ohio, a weekly newspaper, to be called Miami Intelligencer.

" From the sheets of the Miami Intelligencer the reader may inform himself of the principles and politics of the editors. However, lest the omission of giving some small outlines of our political opinions might be construed to our prejudice, we have no hesitation in avowing ourselves as American Republicans, not of those pretended Republicans who see but to condemn, who with impunity violate all law and outrage all order, nor of those Republicans

who, under a pretended attachment to the principles of Washington, daily contradict by their words and actions every moral and political opinion which that great and good man promulgated—but of those genuine, honest Republicans who are independent enough to condemn, and candid enough to praise, where either may have been deserved ; to censure only where censure may be due, and give applause where merit deserves it.

"Although we are the avowed friends of the present administration of our country, yet we never shall become the tool of any man or set of men, be they attached to what party they may, or their station ever so high and their influence ever so extensive.

" The moralist, the poet, and the politician whose productions deserve attention shall find place in our paper for their accommodation ; but scurrility or personal abuse shall never disgrace the pages of the Miami Intelligencer. Such are our political opinions ; such are the plans which we have determined to pursue, and from them we trust no consideration shall ever induce us to swerve."

" 1. The first number was published on Wednesday, June 22, on a royal sheet of good paper, in handsome type.

" 2. Price to subscribers : Two dollars, if paid in advance, for one year; two dollars and fifty cents, paid within the year ; three dollars, if paid after the year expires.

" 3. In all cases where the paper is sent by post, there will be an additional charge of fifty cents per year.

" The subscribers, believing that a consolidation of the establishments of the Volunteer and Miami Intelligencer would be most beneficial in themselves and pleasing to the inhabitants of Butler and the adjoining counties, have formed a union. The Intelligencer shall be published every Wednesday morning.

" Gentlemen who have interested themselves in behalf of either establishment will please accept our thanks. They will confer another favor by sending a list of the_ subscribers obtained, to this office immediately, or delivering it to the post rider of their district.

The motto was " Virtue the soul of Freedom." The matter under the editorial head in the number before us is as follows :

" William H. Harrison, Isaac Shelby, and Lewis Cass have been appointed, by the President, commissioners to treat with the Indians at Greenville.

" The late arrival of the eastern mail last evening prevented our making copious extracts from our papers, letters, etc. The mail should arrive at noon. We have discovered the cause, and represented the same to the proper department. The imposition will, no doubt, soon be remedied."

" On Thursday last, by William D. Jones, Esq., Mr. Noah Wiley, of Crosby Township, Hamilton County, to Miss Mary Buffington, of Ross Township, Butler County.

"At the same time, by the same, Mr. William Russell to Miss Roxy Hungerford, both of Ross Township."

Under the date of Boston, May 30, it notices the arrival at that port of the British letter of marque schooner Brilliant, captured by the privateer brig Scourge.

Under the date of Paris, April 6, a new French constitution is given. A few of the articles are as follows :

"ART. 1. The French Government is monarchical and hereditary, from male to male, in order of primogeniture.

" 2. The French people call freely to the throne of France, Louis Stanislaus Xavier, of Fralee, brother of the late king, and after him the other members of the house of Bourbon, in the ancient order.

" 21. The person of the king is sacred and inviolable. All the acts of the government are signed by a minister. The ministers are responsible for all which these acts contain violatory of the laws, public and private liberty, and the rights of the citizens.

" 23. The liberty of the press is entire, with the exception of the legal repression of offenses which may result from abuses of that liberty. The senatorial commissions of the liberty of the press and individual liberty are preserved."

It also contains the address of the French Provisional Government, from which we extract, where they speak of Napoleon :

" He never knew how to reign, either in the national interest or the interest of his own despotism.

“He has destroyed all that he ought to create ; and recreated all that he ought to destroy. He relied only upon force ; force now overwhelms him—just reward of senseless ambition.

" At length this unexampled tyranny has ceased, as the allied powers have entered the capital of France.

" Napoleon has governed us like a king of barbarians ; Alexander [of Russia] and his magnanimous allies speak only the language of honor, justice, and humanity. They have just reconciled Europe to a brave and happy people.

"People of France ! The senate has declared that Napoleon has forfeited his throne. The country is no longer with him."

David McMechan, of Seven-mile, advertises a dark brown mare, strayed or stolen from his residence in Milford Township, about the beginning of April. He offers five dollars reward, and promises to ask no questions in case she is returned.

Michael Hagerman and Abraham Piatt & Co. advertise jointly that about the 4th of July they will haire in operation on the Miami River, a half mile below Hamilton, " three circling machines of superior quality."

James P. morton " gratefully acknowledges the partiality of a discerning public," and advertises that he has " recommenced boot and shoe making at Mr. Pearson's."

Andrew O. Rork says that he has a new cording machine on Four-mile, at Scott's mill.

Samuel Millikin, near the printing office, advertises a large lot of approved family medicines, "prepared only by T. W. Dyott, M. D., grandson of the late celebrated Dr. Robertson, of Edinburgh."

Colby and Bonnell retired from the firm September 12, 1814, at which time Keen & Stewart removed to their new office on High Street. Stewart withdrew November 14, 1814, Zebulon Colby returning, and the publishers became Keen & Colby. This arrangement continued until May 14, 1815, when William Murray, the father of the late William Murray, took an interest in the paper, to secure a debt, and the firm became Keen, Colby & Murray. -

The publication of the Miami Intelligencer was continued by this firm until March 29, 1816, when the business relations were dissolved, and Smith, Colby & Co. took possession, and changed the name of the paper to the Philanthropist.

The Philanthropist had for its motto " Man is man ; who'is more?" It was printed from the same type and press, and preserved the form and announced the same terms of subscription as its predecessor. Except in name, there was nothing in it to indicate a change. In August, Mr. Smith sold out, and the publishing firm was changed to Zebulon Colby & Co., August 23, 1816, and under their direction the paper was issued until April 18, 1817, when they sold out to Wesley Camron and James B. Camron. They issued the Miami Herald.

" Free, but not licentious."-Volume I, number 1, appearing under date of September 12, 1817. The publication office was in a frame building that stood near the north intersection of Reily with High Street. This building has since been removed to Second, below Basin, and is the present residence of Frank Martindell.

After running two years-to October 5, 1819-a new publishing firm, consisting of James B. Camron and John L. Murray (brother of the late William Murray), was organized, and the name of the paper was changed to the Hamilton Gazette and Miami Register, the first number of which appeared October 12, 1819. While the paper professed to be independent in politics, and devoted to literature, it betrayed a decided tendency to Republican or Democratic politics. The enterprise of the new firm led them to enlarge the paper to five col. umns, on January 25, 1820, and its publication was continued by them until January 3, 1821, certainly, and in all likelihood continuously until November 11, 1821, when

James B. Camron became sole publisher, changing the name of the paper to the Hamilton Intelligeneer and Advertiser.

It commenced the publication of a new series at that date, and the office was removed to the building in which, a few years ago, Tom Myers was assassinated. On January 10, 1825, Mr. Camron changed the name of his paper to the Hamilton Advertiser, with " Justice and equality" for a motto ; and again, on November 17, 1826, he changed to the Hamilton Ohio Advertiser, and began a new series, which was closed October 26, 1827.

At this last date Cameron, as he now spelled his name, began the publication of the Western Telegraph, a flaming Jackson paper, with Taylor Webster as editor. The following August (1828) the publication of the Intelligencer was resumed, under the auspices of its early friends, and with the title of the Hamilton Intelligeneer. It supported John Quincy Adams as President,. and from that time on advocated Whig measures. Dr. John C. Dunlevy was supposed to be the editor, but his name was not announced.

Mr. John Woods, then the leading lawyer of the county, and the member of Congress, became a part owner in,,,,the Intelligencer on the 15th of November, 1828, when he bought'half of the establishment from Edward Shaeffer, to begin in March, 1829. The other half was sold to Michael B. Sargeant, the law partner of Mr. Woods, in February, 1829. Mr. Shaeffer's name appeared as publisher as late as December 22 of that year. August 17, 1830, John Woods was editor and publisher. October 13, 1830, Richard H. L. Neale was announced as jointly interested, John Woods continuing editor. June 21, 1831, Mr. Woods became sole publisher. At about this time Lewis D. Campbell, who had just finished his apprenticeship on the Cincinnati Gazette, came to the office of Mr. Woods as a printer.

We have left to us in the journals of that time several articles which show the cost of carrying on newspapers. Before this period, now just half a century ago, the newspapers were carried on by printers ; after this they were conducted by politicians, who felt the vital importance of having their doctrines correctly set forth.

In Mr. Woods's office there was then only a Ramage press, requiring two pulls to complete the impression, and inked by balls. There was no large assortment of type, and but little mercantile printing was done. Much depended upon legal and official advertising.

The Telegraph, in July, 1831, published the following as an attack on the other paper :

" We know a press which is doing business under the following prospects : It has two ostensible partners, and as it is published by A. B. & Co., the company style would seem to indicate that there were more than A. & B. They do not profess to have more than four hundred subscribers, and it is said that not three hundred and fifty papers are received by paying subscribers-this, for

six months (if cash were paid within that time), would be $350 ; but no subscription of that number ever paid within thati.ime $300. The actual living expenses of each of the partnerscan not be less than $5 per week— they' ought to receive $6, to make journeymen's wages. They employ a hand at not less than $5 per week; their paper for four hundred subscribers is $5; their office rent, ink, contingencies, etc., will be $2. These sums, which are all put at the lowest estimate, amount to $22 per week, which multiplied by twenty-six, the number of weeks in six months, will amount to $575. The advertising and jobs can not amount to $75. Allowing, there.- fore, four hundred subscribers, and each to pay his dollar within the six months, the receipts can not exceed $475, leaving a deficit of $100. Our knowledge of business has taught that an establishment under such regulations can not be continued a year under a certain sacrifice of $200, and a very probable sacrifice of several hundred more."

The younger members of the profession will not be able to see where he has understated the income or overstated the expense. This is, however, the case. If there were two partners, one undoubtedly was a lawyer and politician, and took nothing from the fund. They would also have received a larger sum from advertisements and job printing, certainly $200 in the six months. By taking off, therefore, $130 for one of the partners, and adding $125 to the advertising and job printing, $255 is gained, making a surplus of $155, instead of a deficit of $100.

This idea that there must certainly be a loss is carried out still further in another issue of the same

" From the preceding it will be seen that $2,138 have been expended in the process of business during the past year, not including stockholders' time—equal to $1,200— and that the actual receipts into the treasury have not exceeded $500. Thus the stockholders find themselves $1,638, in cash, out of pocket ; and (if all be collectable) only a net gain of $162, a sum not half adequate to the injury of materials."

This was a preposterously large price to pay journeymen. No office outside of Columbus and Cincinnati, in this State, paid such a sum ; and the quantity of paper used would indicate a very large subscription list.

John Woods was announced as the editor of the Intelligencer, March 31, 1829. His opening address breathes a true spirit :

"Having claimed and exercised, during the late political contest, the right of deciding for myself, and of acting upon the convictions of my own judgment, without regard to the poor popularity which is bought by the sacrifice of principle and self-respect, I need now give no other pledge than that I will still pursue a fearless and independent course. I trust, however, that I shall not be unmindful that others may have an equal right to form and act upon their own opinions.

"Whatever may be my success in endeavoring to make the Intelligencer a source of general information, and of agreeable amusement to its readers, I will at least preserve it from low scurrility and degrading personal contests. When it wantonly attacks private character, and becomes the vehicle of low and malignant slander, I will no longer ask those whom I shall assail and abuse, or the public thus insulted, to support me with their patronage and countenance."

Mr. Woods retired at the close of the presidential contest, the day of publication was changed to Saturday, and a new, series was started on Saturday, November 10, 1832, and on the 17th of that month Lewis D. Campbell was announced as editor. Mr. Campbell did all the labor—was publisher, editor, compositor, office boy and all. He employed, for the first two years, no one to help him, except when working press, when he required some one to ink the forms as he pulled off. For this he paid " one bit" per week. We quote a paragraph from his salutatory:

" It is confidently hoped that as the presidential canvass is over party spirit will soon subside, and the public mind, which has so long been kept in an unpleasant agitation, again become settled. Let the result of the contest which is now closing be what it may, our exertions will be actively employed in restoring peace and tranquillity. We are ready and willing to submit to the solemn decision of a free people."

The last sentence alludes to the second election of General Jackson, in 1832. The subsidence of party spirit and the restoration of peace and tranquillity in politics were Utopian schemes of the day. In 1834, L. Gibbon and D. B. Gardner assisted him as publishers. Mr. Gardner retired November 12, 1835, and Mr. Gibbon continued as publisher until May 12, 1836, when Isaac M. Walters succeeded. The name of the paper was changed, January 4, 1838, to the Hamilton Ohio Intelligencer, and in November of that year, Mr. Campbell retired. He had in the mean time studied law, and was admitted to the bar. His farewell article, under the head of " Editor's Adieu," contains the following paragraphs:

" I congratulate myself upon leaving my situation with a whole hide and a clear conscience, and upon placing

myself in a position which will enable me to be an observer of what is going on in the great editorial arena. It will be fun to see the lunges that will be made ; to see the Register and Statesman wool' each other ; to see the veteran of the Cincinnati Gazette deal out' is well-aimed blows at both friends and foes ; to see Prentice floor his hosts, and to see the small fry' about the country dextrously wielding their weapons.

" I now deliberately walk out of the field, and put up the bars, entertaining a hope that those friends who have stood by and patronized me may live a thousand yéars, happily and prosperously ; that all honest Van Buren men will soon perceive and flee from the error of their way, and that the Intelligencer may be more profitable to its publishers and more efficient to its object than it has been under my control."

Mr. Walters, in addition to his duties as publisher, assumed those of editor, preserving these relations until February 27, 1840, when William C. Howells, now consul-general of the United States in the Dominion of Canada, purchased the paper, and became both editor and publisher. His son, William D. Howells, the graceful essayist and novelist, was employed in the office a portion of the time. The first business Mr. Howells undertook was to restore to the paper its old name of the Hamilton Intelligencer. He conducted the paper with marked ability until November 16, 1848, when he sold it to John P. Charles. A few months after, Mr. Howells purchased the Dayton Transcript.

December 7, 1848, the firm of the Intelligencer became Charles & Boardman, Mr. Charles being the editor.

Mr. Charles disposed of his interest in the paper to Mr. J. W. McBeth, on May 17, 1849, and the style of the firm was McBeth & Boardman-Mr. McBeth doing the editorial work, and Mr. Boardman superintending the publishing department.

Mr. D. W. Halsey succeeded to Boardman's interest April 24, 1851, and the firm of Halsey & McBeth existed until February 15, 1855, when McBeth disposed of his interest to Mr. Halsey

The appearance of the newspaper had greatly changed at this time from that of the first issties of the Intelligencer. It was a large, handsome sheet, filled with good reading matter, and devoting a reasonable proportion of its space to local news. The enlargement took place at the beginning of 1852, and was the first since. 1837. Mr. Halsey owned the paper until 1857, when he died. The date was November 4. It was purchased from his executors by Minor Millikin and David W. McClung. Mr. Millikin afterward went out to the war, and was killed while bravely fighting for his country. Mr. McClung is the present collector of internal revenue in Cincinnati. Among the contributors to the paper at that time was Whitelaw Reid, now editor of the New York Tribune, who furnished the weekly Oxford letter. It was well done. Mr. McClung retired July 29, 1858, and Mr. Millikin owned and edited the paper until June 30, 1859, when he sold it to Jacob Morris. Mr. Morris associated William Bunston with him as joint owner, February 23, 1860, and this business relation existed until May, 1862, when Williams & Egry, proprietors of the Hamilton Telegraph, purchased the paper, and merged it in the Telegraph.

The Western Telegraph and Hamilton Ohio Advertiser, Volume I, Number 1, was published by James B. Camron and Taylor Webster, November 2, 1827, under the firm of Camron & Webster.

October 29, 1829, it was printed and published by Taylor Webster, no account being given of the withdrawal of Mr. Camron at that time. Mr. Camron afterward became county auditor, and died in 1843. He was not a practical printer.

March 11, 1831, the name was changed to Hamilton Telegraph and Butler County Advertiser. The motto then was "Justice and Equity."

March 9, 1832, the name was changed to Western Telegraph and Butler County Advertiser, and the place of publication changed. This paper was dated at Rossville, as were all its successors for nearly eight years.

October 28, 1836, the paper was suspended, Mr. Webster not having leisure to attend to it. He was the member of Congress at that time.

November 18, 1836, the publication was resumed by Franklin Stokes, a practical printer. A vast improvement in the typographical appearance of the paper is perceptible in his first number. John B. Weller appeared as editor.

November 7, 1839, the paper was again suspended for a brief period, for the purpose of settling up, the printing office being offered for sale. "This paper," Mr. Stokes says, "closes the twelfth volume of the Western Telegraph, and we embrace this occasion to return our thanks," etc.

February 18, 1847, the name of the paper was changed to Butler County Telegraph.

November 18, 1847, Ryan & Witherby are announced as publishers, and O. S. Witherby and N. M. Gaylord are announced as the editors. A. P. Miller was the proprietor.

October 18, 1849, M. C. Ryan, who had long before been employed by Mr. Campbell in his printing office, assumed the sole editorial charge of the paper, having had greatness thrust upon him, as he explains, by mentioning the departure of one of the editors to California and the absence of the other on the business of " Paradise Lost."

November 15, 1849, F. Van Derveer was announced as editor. He disposed of his interest to William Ramsay, of the Dayton Empire, October 1, 1850, and went to California. C. L. Weller was the editor in 1851, Ramsay only holding the paper ten days.

November 11, 1852, the official records show that William R. Kinder commenced a new series at that date, styling it volume 26, number 1. Mr. Kinder continued as editor and proprietor until June 13, 1854, when his interest was purchased by Charles I. Barker and James McCormick.

On November 8, 1855, Major Alfred A. Phillips purchased Barker's interest in the paper, and the firm name was McCormick & Phillips. Mr. Phillips remained in the business but a short while, and was bought out by Daniel R. Empson, April 17, 1856. Under this arrangement Empson became editor, and McCormick had charge of the publication. About one year later-April 23, 1857-the paper passed into the hands of the Telegraph Company, with William R Kinder as editor. Mr. Empson died June 18 of that year.

September 3, 1857, James K. Webster purchased the paper, and retained Mr. Kinder as his editor. Mr. Kinder finally retired from the editorial chair, May 6, 1858, and Mr. Webster succeeded him, F. Van. Derveer acting as editor, and owned and controlled the paper until June 6, 1861, when John McElwee and John P. P. Peck purchased it. The former remained in the paper but a short time, selling out in a couple of weeks to his partner, who made it an outspoken champion for the cause of the Union in the war of the Rebellion, which was then inaugurated.

The greater portion of the Democracy in this county were opposed to the war. It seemed to them something which could have been avoided by a few timely concessions, and they were not slow in discharging their wrath upon Mr. Peck, as a renegade Democrat. He was at that time a private banker, and a run was begun upon his establishment, resulting in its suspension. He published the Telegraph until October 24, 1861, when the paper, press, and material were purchased by Williams & Egry, proprietors of the Hamilton Intelligencer. The two papers were merged, and were thenceforward, to the present time, published as the Hamilton Telegraph.

The Democracy were not satisfied with the withdrawal of their patronage from Mr. Peck's bank and his paper, but set up a new journal, entitled the True Telegraph. It was printed on type bought in Oxford, and was issued by Dr. John McElwee and Abram C. Marts. Thus there were three papers here in progress at the same time-the Telegraph, the True Telegraph, and the Intelligeneer. The editors of the latter, after the consolidation with the Telegraph, were Valentine Chase and H. P. K. Peck, to November 27, 1862, and W. S. Bush to March 12, 1863. At the last date, Mr. John C. Lewis purchased the interest of Mr. Williams, and became the editor. Mr. Lewis disposed of his interest to Mr. Egry, November 2, 1865, who remained sole owner, with J. T. Langstroth as editor, until October 31, 1867. At that time F. H. Scobey became a part proprietor, which interest he retained for one year. In October, 1868, Mr. Egry again became sole owner of the paper, with F. H. Scobey for editor-relations that continued unbroken until Mr. Egry sold out to C. M. Campbell, on the 17th of December, 1879. The next week appeared the first number of the Daily News, an evening daily, which has been continued up to this time. Mr. Scobey acted as editor until March, 1880, when he withdrew, shortly afterward going to Kansas. Since this time Mr. Campbell has acted as editor. Albert Dix has been the business manager since Mr. Campbell took possession, and Fred L. Rosemond has been the city editor since Mr. Scobey left. The Telegraph is still continued as the weekly.

It is difficult for those not on the ground to conceive the intense excitement that prevailed here at the outbreak of the war. The outbreak of patriotic feeling at the time Sumter was fired on was enough to silence dissent, but in a month or two affairs had changed. We had lost some small engagements ; the war was by no means as successful as had been hoped, and business was stagnant. To those who believed that the struggle should have been averted the course of the Telegraph was extremely offensive. Its proprietors were Democrats, but" the bulk of the party charged them with being traitors. The proposition, therefore, to establish a new paper devoted to sound principles was hailed with alacrity. Once begun, its course was plain. It denounced the administration and the war, it ridiculed the leaders in Congress, declared Democrats who had sprung to the assistance of the country were hypocrites or turncoats, and was never tired of harping the changes on the negro, Old Abe, }east Butler, and the downfitll of the Constitution. The leader of the peace party in this section was Clement L. Valandigham, of Dayton, a man of high standing, and of great personal magnetism. They continued this opposisition during the war, and for years after, although Mr. Vallandigham did not. He saw and accepted the new situation very soon after the close of the contest.

The True Telegraph began in September, 1861, and soon forced the other Democratic paper to sell out to its Republican rival. The paper was edited, at the beginning, by Dr. McElwee. Within a few weeks the paper was sold to Marts & Mayo. Mr. Mayo acted as editor. He had previously been a school-teacher, and had written a life of Vallandigham. October 30, a new series of the True Telegraph was started, and styled volume 36, number 1. The paper was published by the True Telegraph Company, with Owen Morony business manager.

Under this management, Crane and Palmer appear as editors, March 26, 1863, and on April 23d of that year they became proprietors. On July 21, 1864, Crane & Palmer sold the paper to the True Telegraph Company. They secured the services of John McElwee as editor, who served as such until February 23, 1865, when he was succeeded in the editorial chair by John A. Cockerill. Mr. Cockerill, at this time, was a very young man, but a writer of great force. John A. Cockerill & Brother

became the owners of the paper, October 26, 1865, and on April 25, 1867, Mr. John A. Cockerill became sole owner of it, and so remained until July 2, 1868, when he sold to Jacob H. Long, who installed Colonel H. H. Robinson as editor. Mr. Lon continued in ownership of the paper, and Mr. Robin n was its editor, until January 13, 1870, when it was sold to John R. Nickel, editor-in-chief, and L. B. De la Court, managing editor, and its name changed to the Butler County Democrat, March 10, 1870 ; owing to legal complications, the additional name and True Telegraph was appended to it.

Dr. Nickel retired from the paper, May 11, 1871, and its entire possession passed- into the hands of L. B. De la Court, who retained Dr. Nickel as its editor. Mr. De la Court owned the paper until December 21, 1873, when Thomas H. Hodder purchased it, and held it until April 15, 1875. During this time, Mr. Hodder changed the form of the paper from a folio to a quarto, and made some other mechanical improvements in it.

The firm of R. N. Andrews & Co. succeeded Mr. Hodder in the ownership of the paper, April 15, 1875. Mr. J. W. Shares name appeared in the initial number as its editor, and until June 24, when it was dropped. Later in the year it was edited by J. P. Caldwell for a brief season and by Thomas H. Miller and others.

On May 13, 1875, the paper assumed the name of the Butler County Democrat and Hamilton Guidon, McElwee & McMaken selling the Guidon to the Democrat. On December 2, 1875, the paper was purchased by the Democratic Printing Company, composed of R. N. Andrews, Thomas Miller, and H. C. Hume-Mr. Hume acting as editor. Subsequently Andrews disposed of his interest to George R. Vinnedge, and afterward Mr. D. J. Callen, of Mercer County, purchased the interest, first of Miller, then of Vinnedge, and then came into entire possession of the paper, by purchasing the interest of Mr. Hume. Callen became financially embarrassed, and the Democrat was placed in the hands of a receiver. The receiver, N. E. Warwick, under the order of the Court of Common Pleas of Butler County, edited and continued the publication of the paper until February, 1877, when it was sold by him to H. C. Hume, Mrs. Catharine Miller, and George Vinnedge, who soon afterward sold the establishment to B. K. Brant, its present proprietor, who is assisted by Isaac Coy. It is Democratic in politics. A daily paper was issued from this office in the Fall of 1881.

In April, 1821, a paper was commenced by John L. Murray, called the Volunteer, and afterwards Murray's Weekly Volunteer, which was continued to December, 1825, when it was discontinued.

The next earliest periodical of which we have any account was published at Oxford. It was edited by the professors, and printed by John B. Smith. Its title was the Literary Register, and it had for motto " Prodesse pain conspici." It was in magazine form, two columns to the page, and devoted a trifle of its space to local matters. It appears to have continued only about two years, for we find in the Hamilton papers an advertisement of the material for sale :

" The Erodelphian and Union Literary Societies of Miami University will dispose of a good printing press, together with

a large quantity of type, to suit the purchaser, if application be made immediately.

The Rev. Dr. MacDill, a name ever to be honored in this county, began the publication of a religious periodical in Hamilton, in the year 1829. It began in January. It was entitled the Christian Intelligencer, and was published in pamphlet form, forty-eight pages to each monthly number. It was devoted to the defense of the doctrines of the Associate Reformed Church and the diffusion of religious intelligence generally. After editing the paper for three years, 1829, 1830, and 1838, it was then suspended, but resumed again in March, 1833. . At this time the fourth volume commenced. At the close of the thirteenth volume the name was changed, and it was then called the Evangelical Guardian,. In 1847 it was called the United Presbyterian. At this time the Rev. James Pressley, then of Cincinnati, was associated with Dr. MacDill as publisher and assistant editor. At the close of the eighteenth volume, Dr. MacDill concluded to remove West, and the Rev. James Claybaugh, D. D., succeeded him, although the former still contributed articles from his home in Illinois. The journal is still carried on in Pittsburg.

In July, 1830, James B. Cameron commenced a weekly paper in Rossville, called the Ohio Independent Press, which was afterward published by Cameron, Hutchins & Co., until February, 1832, at which time the publication was discontinued, the publication not having been regular during the latter part of the time.

The Free Soil Banner was issued in Hamilton, August 21, 1848, giving an active support to Van Buren. It was edited by the following committee : John W. Erwin, John W. Wilson, Henry S. Earhart, Mark C. McMaken, Alfred Thomas, and John R. Lewis. John H. Elliott, Hamilton, and H. C. Bird, Rossville, were publishing agents. John C. Skinner, treasurer. It was issued weekly, for three months.

The Daily Press was issued in Rossville, in May, 1851, by James H. Green and Alfred L. Sewell, two practical printers. Four numbers only were published.

The Miami Democrat was begun iu Rossville, in January, 1850, and was conducted by Wilson H. Laymon. He retired from the paper, Tuesday, September 9, 1851, and the next number was owned by an association of Democrats-Longfellow & Co. ; L. J. Strong, editor.

Of the Hamilton and Rossville News we know nothing but its death. This happened on the 10th of February, 1848.

Democracy Untrammeled and Butler County Investigator was first issued at Rossville, September 20, 1849. It was printed by J. M. Christy.

The Hamilton Daily Chronicle was proposed by S. R. Smith & Co., in 1855. We do not know whether it came to pass.

The Herald of Education was published by J. P. Ellinwood, in 1854. He was then superintendent of schools here.

Steph. R. Smith issued the Butler County Democrat, in August, 1861, which died after one week.

The Tri-weekly Advertiser was published March 14, 1867, by Jacob H. Long, and a weekly newspaper of the same name was begun by Mr. Long, February 24, 1875. The first was afterward merged into the Independent, which began in 1871. Mr. Long afterward disposed of his interests to Dr. J. R. Brown, Samuel L'Hommedieu, and W. H. Beardsley. The paper was edited by Colonel H. H. Robinson, and was printed until 1874, when it was disposed of to the Hamilton Printing Company, and merged into the Examiner.

The Examiner was begun in 1874, by the Hamilton Printing Company, and was conducted thus until in October of that year, when it was sold out to the Guidon, and became merged into that paper. It was edited by Thomas A. Corcoran, of Cincinnati, six or eight weeks, and afterward by John F. Neilan.

The Guidon was started August 26, 1875, by John McElwee. It established a reputation at once for ability to criticize, ridicule, and lecture the community in general. Its proprietor associated with him J. J. McMaken, and they bought out the Examiner, and the paper then became more conservative, and was removed to West Hamilton. In May, 1875, McElwee and McMaken sold out to the Butler County Democrat, and the Guidon and Examiner were merged into that paper.

The Orcus was originated in 1878, by S. D. Cone, who published and edited it for about three months ; then being purchased by Lou J. Beauchamp and Robt. S. Carr, when it was bought by B. R. Finch and N. E. Warwick, and ran about six months—being noted for its sprightliness. Then, on account of change of business affairs, it was discontinued, the proprietors refunding advance subscriptions.

July 17, 1876, S. D. Cone and Colonel P. H. Gallagher, formerly of Charleston, West Virginia, and who was Mr. Callen's business manager of the Democrat, began publishing the Sunday Morning News. Mr. Cone was the originator of the venture, in the belief that a Sunday paper issued at an early hour, before the arrival of the Cincinnati trains, could acquire a large and profitable circulation, and in great measure supplant the Cincinnati Sunday dailies. With that view, special telegraphic dis etches were engaged, by the Atlantic and Pacific line,

in all important points—the first attempt at newspaper special telegraphing ever made in Hamilton. The News ran its career in a little less than four months, and was highly appreciated. It came to an end through the business troubles of the Democrat, and not through lack of support.

The Observer is published by Jacob H. Long, and is a continuation of the Advertiser. It was established February 24, 1876. From the same office there was published, in the Fall of 1881, a Democratic daily of the same name, and later, another daily, entitled the Daily People.

The Hamilton Register was established in 1877, by J. W. Bennett, and was afterward changed to the Hamilton Free Lance. It suspended publication in 1879, and its editor entered the field of journalism in Warren County, where he continued his labors.

The Schildwache was established in May, 1859, by F. E. Humbach and John P. Bruck, being edited by John P. Dietz, of Dayton. After six months' service in this capacity he resigned, and was succeeded by L. F. Schmidicke, of Cincinnati. During 1860, F. E. Humbach sold out to J. P. Bruck. In 1861 J. P. Bruck responded to the call of the President for troops, and raised the first company that left Hamilton for the seat of war, of which he was elected captain. During his absence in the field (three months), Frederick Egry acted as superintendent, and attempted to run it in the interest of the Union cause, although it was originally an outspoken Democratic sheet. In November, 1862, Captain Bruck sold out to Peter Milders, with Professor A. Goering and Louis Hey as editors. In 1863 Milders disposed of the Schildwache to Robert Christy, Esq., now a prominent practicing attorney at Washington, D. C., who immediately sold it to J. H. Long, the latter publishing it as the Butler County Democrat, a short time, in connection with L. B. De la Court. After a brief partnership, De la Court withdrew, and, in 1864, began the publication of the National Zeitung.

After the close of the Fall campaign, in the year 1863, the German Democrats of Butler County manifested a desire to start a new German Democratic newspaper, not having been satisfied with the policy pursued by the Democrat. The project was carried out by a number of German Democrats, who called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a stock company. On the thirteenth day of April, 1864, the following persons met at Rumple's Hall, West Hamilton : Messrs. Christian Morgenthaler, January Getz, Eberhart Botlinger, John Fischer, L. B. De la Court, Adolph Schmidt, Peter Becker, and others. Mr. Morgenthaler was elected president ; Adolph Schmidt, secretary ; and January Getz, treasurer of the company. The meeting resolved to publish a German Democratic newspaper, to solicit subscriptions for stock, and elected L. B. De la Court

editor and business manager of the concern.. On the fourth day of July, 1864, the first number of the Hamilton National Zeitung was published. A few years later the paper passed into the sole possession of L. B. De in Court, who bought the entire stock of the company. The National Zeitung has been published since without interruption, and is at present the only German newspaper published in Butler County.

Preceding the Schildwache there had been a German paper called the Wachter, and, during the war, a Republican journal was issued in Hamilton, entitled the Beobachter.

We can not refrain from expressing our indignation at the vandal who destroyed a series of files of these newspapers, running up to the beginning of the county, and of priceless value. He had before refused to allow access to them on the ground that Butler County had not treated him right. He was a disappointed candidate for office, and his fellow-citizens had undoubtedly judged his capacity and public spirit correctly.

There are now published in this city the News and Telegraph, from the same office, by C. M. Campbell, the former being daily ; the Democrat, by B. K. Brant ; the Observer, by Jacob H. Long ; and the National Zeitung, by L. B. De la Court. Two advertising sheets are also issued.

BUTLER COUNTY was formed and organized in 1803. The following table will show the march of population since the organization of the State government, according to the quadrennial enumeration of the free males over twenty-one years of age, made for the purpose of apportioning the representatives and senators to the State Legislature :

The whole population was, in 1810, 11,071; in 1820, it had increased to 21,726; and in 1828, amounted to about 26,000. The whole number for each of these dates may be ascertained with sufficient accuracy by multiplying the number over 21 years by 5.6. The whole number of free persons of color, in 1820, was 158.

In 1820, there were in this county, of free white males, under 10 years of age, 459; between 10 and 16, 1,774; between 16 and 26 years, 2,656; between 26 and 45, 1,976 ; and of 45 years and upward, 1,242. And there were also of free white females under 10 years, 3,870 ; between 10 and 16 years, 1,694 ; between 16 and 26 years, 2,022; between 26 and 45 years, 1,835 ; of 45 years and upward, 961. From this data it will appear that in 1820 the number of males exceeded that of the females 928.

This excess was accounted for, in part, by the spirit of adventure and the prospects of success inducing more young men to emigrate to and try their fortunes in the new countries than young women ; but, even of that class under 10 years of age (upon whom these circumstances could have little or no influence), there is an excess of 189 males.

Fairfield Township contains 26,294 acres of land, valued, with the improvements, in 1827, at $192,112. It contained, in 1827, 522 voters, and 2,923 inhabitants. It contained also 594 head of horses, and 863 head of cattle, valued at $30,664. The foregoing items, together with the town property, valued at $160,990, and the capital engaged in merchandise, estimated (before the court) at $6,600, made the aggregate value of the township $300,366. This amount of property paid a tax of $941.14, for State and canal purposes; $640.60 for school and county expenses ; and $330.11 for township expenses; making, in the whole, $1,911.94.

Hanover Township contains 21,890 acres of land, valued, in 1827, at $101,876. There were in this township 391 horses, and 540 cattle, valued together at $19,960. Total value of the township, $128,836. On this amount there was paid $387.50 State and canal tax ; $258.35 county and school tax ; and $64.91 for township uses ; total, $710.32. Number of voters, 285, and of inhabitants, 1,596.

Madison Township contains 24,502 acres, estimated, then valued at $134,972. Horses, 532 ; cattle, 786 ; value, $27,688. Capital engaged in merchandise, $2,976. Town property, $6,074. Aggregate estimate, $171,710. On this amount was paid $534.90 for State and canal purposes; $363.20 for county and school uses; total, $898.11. Number of voters, 418; of inhabitants, 2,340.

Lemon Township contains 22,165 acres of land, then valued at $153,458. Horses, 632; cattle, 886; estimated at $32,376. Capital in merchandise, $16,900. Town property, $33,395—making the aggregate value of the township, $236,129. On this was paid $726.12 State and canal tax ; $495, for county and school purposes ; total, $1,221.19. This township contained 554 voters and 3,100 inhabitants.

Liberty Township, 17,783 acres of land, estimated, in 1827, at $105,439. Number of horses, 377 ; and of cattle, 529; valued at $19,212. Town property, estimated at $700; capital in merchandise, $1,750. Giving an aggregate value for this township of $127,101; paying a tax of $389.54 for State and canal expenses ; $262.74 for county and school uses ; and $128.55 for township purposes ; total, $781.25. Number of voters, 255 ; of inhabitants, 1,428.

at $104,984. There were owned in it 428 horses, and 600 cattle, valued at $21,920 ; town property, $2,400 ; mercantile capital, $4,780. Value of this township, $134,004. Taxes: State and canal, $407.10; county and school, $273.02; total, $680.12. Number of voters, 306 ; and of inhabitants, 1,713.

Oxford Township contains 1,583 acres of taxable land, valued at $7,886. The college lands, amounting to 17,464 acres, valued at $59,257, were not subject to taxation. This township contained 332 horses, and 8,607 cattle ; valued at $18,136. Town property, $10,585; merchants' capital, $6,700; property of the Miami University, buildings, etc., $25,000'. Total value of the township, $127,566. This township paid $104.35 for State and canal purposes ; and $87.50 for county and school purposes ; making only a total of $198.05. The number of voters was 367, and of inhabitants 2,050. The annual rents paid to the university by the lease-holders of this township amounted to upward of $4,000.

Morgan Township contains 23,003 acres of land, then valued at $72,072. It also contained 392 horses, and 654 cattle ; valued at $20,912 ; capital in merchandise, $700; total value, $93684. This township paid $291.37 for State and canal purposes"; and $197.95 for county and school expenses ; total, $489.32. Voters, 333 ; inhabitants, 1,884.

Ross Township-acres of land, 18,395; value, $105,306. Horses, 369; and cattle, 586; value, $19,424; town property, $6,700 ; merchants' capital, $4,400 ; total value, $135,930. This township paid a tax of $416.73 for State and canal purposes ; $280.90 for county and schools ; and $105 for township expenses. It contained 304 voters, and 1,702 inhabitants.

Reily Township-22,125 acres of land, valued at $70,463. Horses, 397, and 624 head of cattle, valued at $20,872 ; merchants' capital, $800. Tax : $278.34, State and canal ; $186.21, county and school ; $186.99, township ; total, $464.56. Number of voters, 268 ; and of inhabitants, 1,500.

St. Clair Township contains 17,761 acres of land, valued, in that year, at $125,638. Number of horses, 356, and of cattle, 509, valued at $18,312; town property, $28,120; merchants' capital, $10,075; making the aggregate value of the township $182,145. This township paid $556.12 State and canal tax ; $373.98 county and school tax ; and $186.99 township tax ; making a total of $1,117.09. Number of voters, 294 ; and of inhabitants, 1,664.

Union Township contains 21,104 acres of land, then valued at $120,220. Horses, 397, and cattle, 574, value $20,472 ; town property, $3,413 ; capital in merchandise, $1,250 ; aggregate value of the township, $145,355. Taxes : $468.51, State and canal ; $323.25, county and school ; $97.17, township. Number of voters, 315 ; and of inhabitants, 1,164.

Wayne Township-This township, the last in their alphabetical order, contains 21,207 acres of land, valued, in 1827, at $122,974. There were in this township 525 horses, and 676.cattle, valued at $26,384; and also town property worth $5,748; with $4,500 of capital engaged in merchandise; making an aggregate value of the township. of $159,606. Tax : $483.24, State and canal ; $223.63, county and school ; and $80.90, township ; total, $887.78. Voters, 294 ; inhabitants, 1;646.

To arrive near the whole value of the county, to the items above enumerated must be added the value of the young horses and cattle under three years old, and the sheep and swine, which would amount to a very considerable sum, and also the amount of household furniture, farming implements and mechanic tools. These items would probably increase the amount nearly one half, the horses and cattle being each valued at a fixed rate-the horses at $40 each, the cattle at $8-probably much below the average value which they would then sell for in the market.

An ingenious writer who collated the above statistics indulges in the following anticipations as to the future of this county. He writes in 1828:

" We will indulge, here, in a few speculations on the energies which heaven has imparted to the soil, and to how great an extent its resources may be developed. Butler County contains about 15,000 acres of first-rate land; 180,000 acres of second-rate land; and 80,000 acres of third-rate. This 15,000 acres of first-rate land will produce annually of corn, at the rate of 45 bushels per acre, 675,000 bushels.

" This amount of corn, at two gallons per bushel, would yield 1,350,000 gallons of spirits, which at 20 cents per gallon, would amount to $270,000 ; and it would produce, allowing 10 bushels to yield 100 pounds, 6,750,000 pounds of pork, which at 2z cents per pound,

“ The 180,000 acres of second-rate land, supposing it to yield 15 bushels of wheat per acre, would produce 2,700,000 bushels, which would make about 500,000 barrels of flour, worth $3.25 per barrel, and would amount to the enormous sum of $1,375,000, exclusive of the price of the barrel and expense of grinding and packing ; and at 40 cents per bushel would amount to $1,080,000. This quantity of wheat would subsist 400,000 persons, allowing each to consume 61- bushels, which is rather more than is actually consumed in bread-stuffs. One-third of the second-rate land, 60,000 acres, in grass, would yield, at 142-- tons of hay per acre, 90,000 tons, which would winter about 90,000 head of horses, or 120,000 head of cattle ; and the remaining two-thirds, 120,000 acres, would yield sufficient grazing to feed them through the Summer. Were they disposed of, either horses or cattle, at three years old-in general, the most judicious age- if horses, 30,000 (one-third) might be disposed of annually, which, at an average of $40 each, would yield

$1,200,000 ; if cattle, 40,000 would be disposable annually, which at $10 per head, would yield $400,000. This showing proves clearly that horses are much the most profitable species of stock.

" The living animals which are annually sent from the Western States into the Southen markets (principally horses) yield about $3,000,000. It is, perhaps, not rating horses too high in those markets at $80 per head ; and 37,500 horses only would be required to produce that sum. Butler county, alone, appropriating all her lands, could produce this number.

" Eighty thousand acres of third-rate land, very proper for that purpose, would support, at 5 sheep to the acre, 400,000; which, averaging each fleece at 2 pounds, would yield 800,000 pounds, worth, at 30 cents per pound, $240,000.

"These calculations have been made, supposing every acre of land to be under cultivation. At present the quantity in actual agriculture does not greatly exceed one-third, and there is a very small portion of it, indeed, under that high state of cultivation to which it will probably arrive at some future day, when the great increase of population will demand every energy of the soil to produce aliment to sustain animal life. We may gather a knowledge, satisfactorily accurate, of the prospective population which this county may one day contain, or at least support, by ascertaining the greatest quantity of grain which it will produce. It is a principle infallible in the economy of nature to produce life to as great an extent as nature and art furnish means to sustain it.

" The whole quantity of land (rating the first quality at 30 bushels of wheat per acre, the second quality at 15, and the third-rate at 8) would produce 3,790,000 bushels. Estimating the consumption of each individual, young and old, in bread, meat, liquors, clothing, and that consumed by the necessary proportion of domestic animals, to be equal to 25 bushels (and this is apportioning a more liberal allowance than is consumed in some countries of Europe), it would give 156,000 inhabitants—a number greater than was contained in the States of Delaware and Rhode Island in 1820. And yet this would not make a population much more dense than some sections of country in the old world. It gives 326 to the square mile. The Netherlands contains 214 persons to the square mile ; England, 225 ; and Ireland, 228. In countries as extensive as either of the last mentioned, there must be considerable quantities of land which will not produce; in this county there is scarcely a rood which may not by profitably improved.

" There were in 1810, in this county, 10 tanneries, and 74 stills for distilling ardent spirits. We have no data from which we could form any tolerable estimate of their numbers at present, but the numbers of both are considerably increased. There was also, in that year, in it, 514 looms, upon which were woven 156,476 yards of various kinds of fabric, estimated at $130.000. The number of looms, and the quantity of labor performed on them, has not probably increased since then with the amount of population. Our citizens now purchase much of their clothing which they were then compelled to manufacture for themselves.

" In 1820, there were 1,022 persons engaged in manufactures. This number probably includes adult artificers of every kind. There were also 59 persons employed in mercantile business, and 3,961 persons engaged in agricultural pursuits.

"There is at this time (1828) in operation within the county 38 grist-mills, driving from 1 to 3 run of stones ; 45 saw-mills ; and 12 fulling mills. Besides these, there are various other kinds of machinery propelled by waterpower, and a large amount of water-power yet to be improved and brought into profitable operation."

EMERSON says : " The world exists for the education of each man." The founders of the American Republic believed that a free government is a government for each man, and that without universal education a permanent republic is impossible. In the famous ordinance of 1787 are these words :

" Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."

The men who wrote the great ordinance were no dreamers. They applied their theories of government, and in educational affairs at least they were eminently successful. They provided that no State or territorial legislature should interfere with the disposal of the public lands by the general government, and that a portion of these lands should form the nucleus of a fund for the education of the whole people.

The constitution of Ohio, formed in 1802, as well as the constitution of 1851, copied, in substance, the part of the ordinance which is above quoted, and from this it will be seen that the fostering of schools has been one of the objects which the State of Ohio has constantly sought to attain.

It is not sufficient to show that Butler County has borne a worthy part in the promotion of that intelligence for which the State has become so favorably known, and in which the people of the commonwealth have a laudable pride.

This county was organized in 1803. The first settlers came from nearly all the older States, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky being most numerously represented. No sooner did the pioneer finish his cabin than he began to plan for the education of his children. The primitive log school-house, with its "stick and mortar"

chimney, paper windows, puncheon floor, slab seats, and itinerant schoolmaster, immediately followed the completion of his dwelling, and although not much was attempted in these schools, what was attempted was thoroughly done.

The children learned to spell, read, write, and cipher (often as far as the " rule of three"). One of the best features in the training of pioneer children was the physical exercise which all received—boys and girls alike. At home the boys cut fire-wood, fed the stock, broke the flax, and went to the mill, ten or even twenty miles away. The girls milked the cows, worked in the fields, spun flax and wool, wove, and did all manner of housework, and thus became accustomed to labor with their hands—a schooling that is not less valuable in business life than that derived from the study of books. Nor was moral training neglected in these days. Habits of industry, thrift, and patience were universally inculcated.

The children crossed the threshold of the school-room prepared to respect and obey the rules of the teacher, and when this respect and obedience were not given, the offender was promptly punished, both by teacher and parent.

The training in these schools and homes did not end with school-books and moral precepts. The first exercise at school was commonly the reading of a chapter of the Bible; and in many a cabin, at night, before the family retired, was enacted the scene of family worship, so beautifully pictured by the poet Burns, in " The Cotter's Saturday Night :"

The backwoodsman's children entered the field of active life with strong bodies and good characters, and with a very fair common school education. The physique and the sturdy character of these children were chiefly due to their parents, but the faithful work of the humble and poorly paid schoolmaster had not been in vain.

The primitive teacher in Ohio was either from one of the older States or from across the Atlantic. With rarely an exception, he was earnest, industrious, and conscientious. He was dignified, and could scarcely be called genial by his pupils. He believed in his prerogative, and would sacrifice his position rather than humiliate himself in his own estimation. He was often a classical scholar. He taught for three months at a time, and boarded around among the parents of his pupils. His pay was always meager, being but a few cents per day for each pupil. Once a quarter., generally at Christ- mas time, "the big boys" would meet at the school-house before daylight, fasten the shutters and the door, and thus " bar out" the master, demanding of him "a treat." Sometimes he would give them apples and cider, and sometimes he would not. In case he refused to comply with the demands of the boys, they would either yield gracefully to their master's firmness, or otherwise they would treat him with personal violence, such as immersing him in the nearest mill-pond, or, in very rare cases, inserting his head under the corner of a fence. These were rude times, which, for the good of all, have long since passed away, never to return ; but, for the sake of truth, it should be remembered that what the " big boys" did to the master was prompted more by their love of fun than by their desire to see any one suffer physical pain.

These early schools began 'about eight o'clock in the morning, and continued till four or five in the afternoon, with an hour's intermission at twelve. Nearly all the pupils " brought their dinners," which consisted of apples, bread, meat, and sometimes milk.

After the dinner had been eaten, the boys would play ball, and the girls "black man," and other lighter games, till the time for books. All played hard, and all studied hard.

In the school-room there were nearly as many classes as would. be obtained by multiplying the number of pupils by the number of the R's. Blackboards were not known, and school apparatus had not been thought of west of the eastern cities.

The text-books were not uniform. Each pupil used what he could get. Webster's and Dillworth's Spelling- books, the New Testament, the English Reader and its Introduction, Pike's and Bennett's Arithmetics, and Mur' ray's Grammar were among those most common. Penmanship was taught by copies written by the master, and the goose-quill pen was in general use. Occasionally there was a school in which geometry, surveying, and natural philosophy were taught, but such were exceedingly rare. In these schools the higher branches were recited at the noon hour, or after the lower classes had been dismissed. Nothing but the love of learning could have induced these overworked teachers, in their log school-houses, to have done such work for their older pupils.

In these same log school-houses statesmen, authors, and generals were inspired to study and to acquire the knowledge which afterward made them a power in their day and generation. The primitive schoolmaster, as we now call him, builded wiser than his patrons knew. But we are mistaken if these early and true teachers did not expect to see their ambitious pupils become useful and eminent citizens. Whoever seeks an honest answer to the now general inquiry, What is the cause of such a host of great men in Ohio? will find the true answer in the lives and services of the primitive schoolmasters of our great State. Grant, Sherman, Hayes, Garfield, Halstead (and hundreds

of really great men in Ohio, whom the world does not know), were not all of these the pupils of the primitive schoolmaster?

A roll of the names of those who were especially useful in developing Butler County into an influential part of a great commonwealth would be incomplete without Ritchie, Pardee, Proudfit, McMechan, Smith, Monfort, Beers, Marston, Gailbreath, Thomas, Bebb, Hughes, Clack, Bishop, and others who taught the children of the pioneers.

There are no records to show when the first school was held within the limits of what is now Butler County. It is said that reading and writing were taught in Fort Hamilton during the Autumn of 1791, by a soldier to some of his comrades. It is not probable that any school existed before 1805. In every new settlement, however, there was one during a part of each year. These were subscription schools, and the names of the teachers have not been preserved.

In Hamilton a Mr. Ritchie, the Rev. M. G. Wallace, Benjamin Pardee, Alexander Proudfit, the Rev. James McMechan, Henry Baker, Hugh Hawthorne, Miss Ellen A. McMechan, the Rev. Francis Monfort, and Benjamin F. Raleigh all taught prior to the year 1830.

In. Middletown, Judge Beers, Marsha Wilson, Ephraim Gray, Joseph Worth, and Jeremiah Marston were among the earliest teachers.

In New London, Adam Mow, a Mr. Jenkins, David Lloyd, and the Rev. Thomas Thomas taught school at an early date.

The Rev. R. H. Bishop, who was the first president of Miami University, is justly entitled to a place on the roll of the great teachers of Butler County. James M. Dorsey was the first teacher in Oxford.

In Butler County the higher education has not been limited to the university at Oxford. In 1810 the Rev. Matthew G. Wallace taught the classics and the higher English branches in Hamilton.

In 1815 Alexander Proudfit, an alumnus of the Ohio University, taught Latin and Greek to the sons of Dr. Daniel Millikin, and to others. In 1818 the Hamilton Literary Society erected a substantial building for academical purposes. In 1821 the Rev. Thomas Thomas established a high-school at New London, and in the same neighborhood, in the same year, a library association was formed.

One of the teachers in the New London. High School was William Bebb, afterward governor of Ohio. Evan Davis taught in New London from 1830 to 1836, inclusive. For nearly forty years this gentleman occupied a prominent place in the educational work of the county.

Of the teachers who won distinction in the New London High School, the Rev. B. W. Chidlaw deserves favorable mention. Murat Halstead, who has won a more than national reputation as a journalist, was one of his pupils.

In 1833 Nathaniel Furman established an academy in Middletown. His school was continued for fifteen years, and became widely known for its excellence.

In 1835 " The Hamilton and Rossville Female Academy" was opened. In 1836 the number of pupils in this school was one hundred and twenty-seven. Miss Maria Drummond, Miss Georgietta Haven, Miss Amelia Looker, Miss Eliza Huffman, Mr. Nathan Furman, and others, were at different times teachers in this academy.

The educational revival, which began in the United States in 1825, bore fruit in Ohio in 1853. The new school-law then enacted put an end to nearly, all private schools, except seminaries, colleges, and universities. With scarcely an exception all the citizens of Butler County united in availing themselves of the privileges of the new law. County examiners were appointed, school directors were elected, school-houses built, apparatus and school libraries purchased, teachers employed, and for once in the history of the State nearly all the children were in school a part of each year.

Under the law of 1853 the most important and influential school officers in a county are the school examiners, whose duty it is to examine teachers and to give certificates to those who are of good character, and who possess an adequate knowledge of the various branches studied in the schools.

The following is a complete list of all who have been school examiners in Butler County since 1853 : Evan Davis, Benjamin F. Raleigh, Andrew G. Chambers, S. V. Chase, J. T. Killen, W. H. Wynn, S. A. Campbell, J. Longnecker, John R. Chamberlin, A. Crider, Benjamin F. Thomas, H. C. Williamson, Gilbert L. Travis, H. D. Henkley, F. Z. Leiter, Wesley Thomas, A. Ellis, D. P. Nelson, S. I. McClelland, J. Q. Baker, and L. D. Brown. The last three named constitute the present board.

A sketch of the educational history of Butler County would be incomplete without at least a brief mention of the Western Female Seminary, at Oxford, and of the Oxford Female College. The seminary was incorporated in 1853. In 1860, and again in 1871, the buildings of the seminary were destroyed by fire. Since the last fire, the building has been rebuilt, and the school has been more prosperous than ever before. The Female College, under the careful supervision of Dr. Robert D. Morris, has done great good to the public. As a whole, the schools of Butler County are in a highly prosperous condition. Hamilton, Middletown, Oxford, Monroe, New London, Amanda, and West Chester have excellent buildings and excellent graded schools. Hamilton and New London have well-equipped public libraries, and Middletown stands first in her supply of school apparatus.

In the towns the majority of the teachers are ladies. In the country this is not the case. Teachers still receive wages that are too low in comparison with what is generally paid for skilled labor. Nevertheless, Butler County

has for years paid her teachers far better than the average county in the State has done.

The following school statistics for Butler County have been taken from the last annual report of the Hon.. J. J. Burns, state school commissioner of Ohio : Number of youths between 6 and 21 years of age, 14,844; number of school-houses, 123. Value of school property, $421,550; number of teachers necessary to supply the schools, 201; number of different pupils enrolled, 9,067; average daily attendance of pupils, 5,796. Number of certificates issued, 226. Average wages of teachers per month in township districts : Gentlemen, $45 ; ladies, $33. In special districts : Gentlemen, $59 ; ladies, $46. In high schools, gentlemen, $65; ladies, $78. Average number of weeks schools were in session : Township, 35; separate districts, 37.

An interesting chapter on the growth and influence of the Butler County Teachers' Association could be written. The names of Thomas M. Mendenhall, Emanuel Richter, Alston Ellis, James A. Clarke, J. W. Judkins, J. P. Sharkey, John Q. Baker, Professor B. Starr, James M. Slither, Isaac S. Coy, L. E. Grennan, and many others, would deserve more than mere mention in such a chapter.

Were a complete list of the benefactors of the public schools of Butler County to be prepared, many pages would be required. It is certainly in place, however, to state here that Clark Lane, the founder of the Lane Free Library, of Hamilton, is one of the greatest of these benefactors. The library that he established will be an imperishable monument in the lives of those that have been enriched by the healthful literature he made free to the people of his city.

BUTLER COUNTY contains four hundred and fifty-seven square miles. This area, as returned and assessed for taxation, contains 293,605 acres. The county, therefore, is of medium size ; there being three counties in the State which contain less than 200,000 acres, and four counties which contain over 400,000 acres, all averaging 288,346 acres.

The lands of the county, from the latest data available, and from the known changes which have since taken place, are subdivided about as follows :

The value of the lands, exclusive of the real estate in towns and cities, exceeds in value per acre the value of

the lands in any of the other counties in the State, excepting the counties of Hamilton and Montgomery.

There are no data of recent date which exhibit the present subdivision of lands ; but it is believed that the lands are now divided into about 4,000 farms of the following dimensions :

The geological formation of Butler County is identical with that which exists in the Miami Valley, known as the Lower Silurian. Throughout the county blue limestone rocks, of good quality, are found in great abundance.

Geographically considered, its location is not liable to serious or well-grounded objections. It enjoys superior business advantages from its proximity to the city of Cincinnati. There the farmer can, at all times, find a fair and ready market for all his productions. The facilities of access to the city by canal, by railroads, and by turnpikes, relieve the farmers from the unpleasant necessity of submitting to either exorbitant charges for transportation or to the unreasonable and more odious exactions of those who have control of grain elevators. If farmers are not satisfied with the margin of profit claimed by grain-dealers, they can transact their own business in conformity with their own views. They enjoy like opportunities in the purchase of staple goods for their family use. Hence, the position of Butler County in reference to business affairs is unusually favorable.

The soil of this county is properly designated as limestone soil. It is exceedingly variable in character, but highly productive. Much of it is unsurpassed in fertility, while there is only a small portion which is not susceptible of being made of good quality by judicious husbandry. It has neither barren plains, nor sterile hills, nor marshes, nor swamps,, which mar the beauty of the landscape, or generate noxious and unhealthy atmospheres.

As the characteristics and productive qualities of the soil in a county can be more correctly estimated and determined by the number, size, and character of the streams which flow through it, a skeleton map of the county is herewith presented, exhibiting the course of the Miami River, and the many large creeks, small creeks, runs, and streamlets which so abound and which so thoroughly ramify the entire county. This map will not only be valuable as indicating the quality of the soil, but will exhibit the abundance of water which the streams afford, and which is used for propelling machinery, as well as supplying water for farm and other purposes.

The lands known as " bottom lands " on the Miami River are generally composed of a sandy alluvial deposit. The predominant timber upon these lands is hackberry, buckeye, box-alder, sycamore, honey-locust, walnut, and

sometimes sugar-tree and hickory. Nearly all the lands in this county of this quality have been cleared for more than fifty years, and have since been cultivated almost continuously. Portions of these lands have been occasionally subject to inundation from backwater, and have thereby become greatly enriched, while other portions have been injured by the displacement of the soil or the covering of the same with gravel.

The same quality of rich alluvial lands is to be found along the larger creeks, and is liable to like overflows and subject to like casualties. Such lands do not constitute either the most valuable or the most desirable farms. They subject their owners sometimes to great inconvenience and loss, and are not so suitable for the production of the various grains, grasses, and other crops raised as are lands of essentially different quality. Nevertheless, these " bottom lands" are highly prized by many, and greatly preferred by a few of our farmers.

Lands known as " second bottom," whether near the Miami River or in the vicinity of our largest creeks, constitute a larger proportion of our good choice lands. Farms composed of such soil are more highly valued, and are regarded as decidedly superior in quality. Such lands usually abound in about the following varieties of timber : Hackberry, cherry, walnut, buckeye, blue ash, gray ash, pin-oak, white oak, burr-oak, and sugar- tree. Sometimes sycamores grow on such soils, in connection with elms and the several varieties of haw-trees. It is not intended to say that all these several varieties of trees are found in the same locality ; sometimes particular varieties prevail in one neighborhood, while other varieties predominate in another.

The surface of such soils not only furnishes exceedingly eligible sites for the location of farm buildings, but it is very favorable for farming operations. The soil is composed of a dark sandy loam, which originally abounded in vegetable mold. The land is, therefore, almost uniformly friable and easy of cultivation ; sometimes it is based upon a gravelly subsoil, and at other times upon a clay substratum. This quality of soil is not confined to the immediate vicinity of either the Miami River or the largest creeks, but is to be found in great extent throughout many parts of the county. Farms consisting of lands of this quality have maintained their fertility surprisingly, even under improvident cultivation. They are easily recuperated with clover, which takes readily, and grows with vigorous luxuriance.

The " uplands" are very variable in quality. In one portion of the county, where the hills are unusually high for this part of Ohio, the land is of exceeding richness. The soil is adapted to the production of every variety of grain grown in the county. It is based upon a clay subsoil, and was originally covered with a rich, dark-colored vegetable mold. These hills, which have an altitude above the Miami River of about three hundred feet, were originally covered with a very thick growth of timber, indicating the very best quality of soil, entirely dissimilar from that which usually grows upon our uplands. On the very highest points on these hills, sycamore, black walnut, white walnut, black locust (trees between two and three feet in diameter), box-alder, gray ash, blue ash, pawpaw, etc., grew to an unusual size. And, notwithstanding the irregularities in the surface of this region, and the rich and friable character of the soil, yet there is no excessive gullying or washing away of the surface of the fields. Tile rich and favorable character of these lands, and their high elevation, make them especially valuable for the cultivation of fruit of every variety.

The other uplands, although somewhat different, are nevertheless similar in quality to most of the uplands in the Miami Valley. In some places they have incorporated with the surface soil a good proportion of vegetable material, while in other localities the soil is purely argillaceous. The farms on these uplands, usually denomi-

nated " clay farms," have for the last thirty-five years continuously grown upon public favor. By judicious culture they have regularly improved in' productiveness. Clover usually takes readily, and all the labor and means applied in renovating these soils have been successful in producing good and enduring effects. Farms located upon these uplands are generally favorable for fruit- growing, for the production of small grain and grasses, and for general farming purposes. Indeed, farmers occupying such lands are already competing in large crops of corn with those who reside upon purely bottom lands. The prevailing timber is white oak, pigeon-oak, hickory, ash, red-bud, dogwood, and elm. Intermixed with these we generally find metre or less of walnut and sugar-tree.

The climatology and meteorology of Butler County vary immaterially from that which prevails in southwestern Ohio. The most important characteristic of the climate is its uniformity. By this we do not mean to say that we are exempt from the usual changes- and fluctuations of temperature, of wind and of rain, which are found to exist in other localities. What is claimed is great uniformity, for a series of years, of mean temperature, of mean precipitation of rain, and of mean force and frequency of winds. Consequently, although, in common with others, the county has occasionally suffered from the effects of droughts, from an excess of rain, and slightly from severe winds, yet its farmers have not encountered such privations and sustained such losses from the above causes as are common in other localities in the country. Our mean temperature for many years has been about fifty-three degrees ;, and the mean fall of water varies but little from forty-eight inches.

Although the surface of Butler County, sixty years ago, was thickly covered with a heavy and vigorous growth of timber, eight-tenths of which has been removed, yet there are now no perceptible changes in either the mean temperature, the mean quantity of rain precipitated, the frdquency or duration of showers, or in the character or direction of the prevailing winds. Neither is it believed that our atmosphere is less humid than it was fifty years ago. Some slight modifications of our climate may have taken place. They are, however, not so marked as to be appreciable, even by those who have been careful observers of the weather and its influence upon the vegetation of the county.

The thorough clearing up of farms, however, has produced very decided effects upon our streams. They now rise more rapidly, attain to a great height, and subside, consequently, in much less time than heretofore. Obstructions have been removed from low lands, from runs and streamlets, and from creeks ; and water now flows speedily off, instead of remaining spread over large tracts of laud, to the great detriment and loss of our farmers.

In view, therefore, of the foregoing, we believe that it will not be unsafe to say that if a favorable geographical and commercial position—a climate singularly favorable for the production of the great agricultural staples and for the cultivation of fruits, and a soil variable in character, yet highly rich in all essential elements—are necessary to constitute a good farming region, then the farmers of Butler County are in the possession of that rich boon. In fertility of soil, in her temperate climate, in her favorable geographical position, her numerous streams of water, her timber, her exhaustless quarries of blue limestone, and her abundance of water power, Butler County may be equaled—she can not be excelled.

The cultivation of the lands of this county is by no means what it ought to be. The farmers are not sufficiently alive to the importance of a very complete knowledge of the general principles of such branches of learning as relate to agriculture. They hesitate, in many cases, to adopt, and in other cases they reject, not only the teachings of science, but refuse to profit by the practical demonstrations of our more intelligent and experienced cultivators. Notwithstanding the existence of this state of feeling among some of our farmers, we have the gratification of being able to say with truth that the husbandry of the county has, in many important regards, attained a commendable thoroughness, and is now rapidly improving. Farmers are becoming less and less unwilling to learn from others, and are more ambitious to investigate and consider the reasons assigned for the various systems or modes of culture. In due season, we do not question but what an improved state of husbandry will generally prevail, and that the annual product of this county will be quadrupled.

The productiveness of the lands of the county will best be understood by a full statement of the annual amounts of grains produced and the number of domestic animals Owned in the county since the year 1850. And, first, of the grain produced.

Under this general head it is proposed to give a brief account of the mode of culture, with the results of wheat, barley, corn, rye, oats, and buckwheat, and to present such other facts and statements in reference to the same as may be deemed of general interest.

WHEAT.—This is one of the staple and most profitable crops raised in Butler County. The mode of culture generally adopted gives conclusive indications that the farmers have given great attention to the production of this favorite crop ; and the results prove that they have generally met with fair success.

Wheat ground is generally prepared with more than ordinary care. Everything necessary to be done for the proper preparation of the ground is more faithfully attended to than in preparing the lands for any other crop. The grain is generally put in with a drill. There are some, however, who adhere to the old way of sowing broadcast. Barn-yard manure on hand at the time of plowing for wheat, if unrotted, is carefully plowed under. If thoroughly rotted, it is applied as a top-dressing before

The old mode of plowing up " bare fallows " during the Summer, and then replowing the same before sowing in wheat, has fallen into almost general disuse. If there are any fallow grounds, they are what are termed in England " green fallows." Clover-fields are esteemed the best for the production of a good crop of wheat. There are many who have great faith in the productive capacity of a good timothy meadow field, or timothy and clover field under pasturage for a good crop of wheat. Wheat stubble, barley stubble, and oats stubble grounds continue to be used by many for growing wheat. The practice of sowing wheat upon the same ground for many successive years is not so common as heretofore, although very frequently followed.

The breadth of land sown in wheat in this county is by no means uniform. It is as variable as the product per acre is uncertain. The crop harvested in 1862 was nearly forty-five per cent greater in breadth of land than the crop harvested in 1865; and the aggregate product of wheat in the county in 1862 more than doubled that harvested in 1865. The yield per acre of the crop of 1862 was fifteen and a half bushels, while the .yield of 1865 was less than eleven bushels per acre.

To show the capacity of Butler County as a wheat- producing county, we herewith present a statement showing the number of acres sown and the number of bushels harvested per annum. Our statement refers to the years in which the crops were produced.

BARLEY has been extensively cultivated in this county for many years. It has in many instances been one of the most remunerative crops grown, particularly when sown upon land specially adapted to its production. At times when barley-commanded a high price, some of the farmers have produced such crops as would enable them to realize from fifty-five to seventy dollars per acre for a single crop.

The soil best adapted for raising barley must be a rich, warm, loamy soil, in good filth and condition. On poor soils it is an unreliable and poorly paying crop. Fall barley is more generally raised than Spring. The first is more certain as a crop, and is more desired by brewers. Neither are regarded as being as exhaustive of the soil as wheat ; and the stubble of barley is generally regarded as favorable for sowing wheat upon. The straw of barley is much used for feeding cattle, and as a substitute for hay for horses that are not performing very severe service. In the table that will be hereafter' given it will be seen that the number of acres sown in barley varies from six to sixteen thousand acres per annum, and that we produce from 165,000 to 340,000 bushels per annum.

Barley being a crop quite extensively grown and relied upon by many farmers of this county, they will be interested in knowing the number of acres annually sown and the product thereof. The following will give the desired information :

YEARS

No. Acres

sown

Annual

product

YEARS

No. Acres

sown

Annual

product

1858

1859

1860

1861

1862

1863

1864

1865

1866

1867

1868

1869

17,383 15,749

9,171

10,569

6,211

9,501

11,644 14,179

944

12,394

6,692

9,165

389,995 339,935 230,560 224,639 163,714 187,393 289,151 280,645 14,160 346,552 83,646 245,747

1870

1871

1872

1873

1874

1875

1876

1877

1878

1879

1880

1,021

16,887 18,857 14,026 12,443 10,155 10,126 15,852 11,841 15,995 23,693

15,732 400,918 398,558 309,110 464,632 71,318 193,542 484,734 435,150 449,786 489,055

The crop of barley produced in 1866 was the most deficient of any that has been raised at any time within the last forty years.

RYE receives but little attention from the farmers of this county. Some sow it to provide early green feed for their mulch cows, while others raise very small quantities for the grain and choice straw.

OATS are more extensively cultivated, although our farmers have been greatly discouraged in their production by the injuries which have for many years been done that crop by rust.

BUCKWHEAT is raised to a very limited extent indeed. Why it is so much neglected it is hard to determine. The quantity produced does not equal the demand for home consumption.

The corn-crop of this county is the crop, of all others, upon which farmers must rely. It is the basis of our agricultural prosperity. It is indispensable to the diversified system of husbandry which farmers have so long practiced with such pre-eminent success.

In this chapter it is deemed unnecessary to go into any special examination of the several modes or systems of culture which have been practiced in4 raising this crop. The qualities of land best adapted to the production of this important staple have already been given, when

One very marked as well as important change in the culture of the corn-crop has taken place within the past ten or fifteen years. Farmers no longer restrict themselves, as formerly, to any specific number of what were styled " plowings" before " laying by" their corn-crop. It now receives much more attention than formerly, and many more " workings." The mellowness of the ground and its freedom from Weeds have much to do in determining when it will be either safe or prudent to cease further cultivation of the land. A fixed number of times of "going through" no longer determines or regulates the operations of the intelligent cultivator of corn. •

The following statement will exhibit the number of acres of corn planted in the years stated, and the number of bushels produced in each year :

YEARS

No. Acres

planted

No. bushels

produced

YEARS

No. Acres

planted

No. bushels

produced

1850

1851

1852

1853

1854

1855

1856

1857

1858

1859

1860

1861

1862

1863

1864

1865

62,031 54,640 57,763 62,470 55,594

61,939 59,513 56,383 49,848 57,237 55,566 58,093 58,353 57,666 46,905 51,273

2,646,353

2,696,183

2,446,123

2,406,733

1,815,161

3,245,186

2,288,713

2,696,597

1,448,846

2,089,463

2,581,596

2,425,379

2,215,510

2,275,145

1,252,636

2,181,989

1866

1867

1868

1869

1870

1871

1872

1873

1874

1875

1876

1877

1878

1879

1880

13,411 51,374 53,039 52,258 42,350 58,723 57,690 54,971 58,110 73,388 72,247 75,744 68,841 65,547 59,031

136,000 1,838,375 2,164,062 1,601,229 1,239,132 2,522,690 2,738,309 2,437,997 2,300,388 2,935,430 3,000,546 3,273,070 2,946,815 2,516,016 2,358,833

With this exposition of the grain--producing capabilities of this county, we pass to the consideration of other questions connected with our agriculture.

In the further presentation of such facts-and considerations as are pertinent to an exposition of the state of agriculture in this county, we shall give, briefly, some account of the cultivation of other articles which are included in agricultural products.

Among these may appropriately be mentioned the growing of potatoes, of flax, of sorghum, and of tobacco. The quality of our soil is well adapted to the raising of potatoes. Farmers who have given their attention at the right time and in the right way to the proper cultivation of this highly prized and indispensable esculent have always been well rewarded for their labor and painstaking. And yet potatoes are not so generally cultivated as they should be. We do not produce more potatoes than we consume. We should produce largely for exportation. It is a staple vegetable, universally used, and always commanding a fair price, and its production should, therefore, be greatly augmented.

Flax, although grown in this county, is not as extensively raised by our farmers as by those residing in some of the adjoining counties. It is more generally cultivated for the seed, which has become an important article of commerce, and is industriously sought for at high prices. The fiber is now only incidentally valuable. It is not relied upon to any great extent as a source of income, because of the unsalable condition in which the same has to be sold. If a cheap and speedy way can be discovered by which the fiber can be so manipulated as to make it an available and desirable stock for the manufacture of a good quality of paper, then the business of growing flax would rapidly increase, and soon become a prominent and profitable' crop in this county.

Sorghum cane is cultivated with us, and manufactured into syrup, to a moderate extent. It has proved a very valuable substitute for other molasses, and has been used extensively by those who felt themselves unable or unwilling to purchase sugar or other molasses at the exorbitant prices demanded. If science, and the practical skill of those who are now investigating the subject and making experiments, shall successfully ascertain some real, certain, and not extravagantly expensive process, by which farmers and others can manufacture a fair article of sugar, then the introduction of sorghum will have been proved to be of exceeding great value to the country. A s yet no satisfactory testimony of such success has been given. That sugar has been produced from sorghum is unquestioned. That the process of its production is easily to be understood and practiced, so that success in making sugar is certain, no satisfactory proof has yet been adduced. It is earnestly to be hoped that our farmers may soon be able to obtain such information and instruction as will enable them to manufacture their own sugar from sorghum syrup in such quantities as will at least enable them to meet the demands of their own households.

Tobacco is the last of the four articles named in the preceding list. How great a curse it has been to the soil unwisely prostituted to its cultivation we have no time to consider at length. It is enough for the intelligent and conscientious husbandman to know that every district of country devoted to the raising of tobacco for a series of years has been almost irreparably injured in its productive capacity. Small and particular localities which have been cultivated in tobacco may have had their fertility maintained for a while by robbing other portions of the farm of their due proportion of manure ; yet, sooner or later, the exhaustive process will ultimately work the deterioration of any neighborhood or farming district where tobacco-raising is a prominent part of the farming operations.

As the very choicest land of a farm has to be used for growing tobacco-as it is an exacting crop (not only upon the land, but upon those who work it, and who worm the plants)-as the product has to be housed and handled, stemmed, and prepared for market in a most careful manner, by those whu have practical experience in its management-as the crop is precarious and uncer-,

tain, and the price which it commands is exceedingly fluctuating—we are happy to know that many of the farmers of this county, who were beguiled by its tempting but false promise of gain, have entirely abandoned its cultivation. The losses which some of our farmers have sustained by reason of their devotion to the weed have sadly modified their admiration of its money-producing qualities. We have no commiseration for those who have sustained losses. On the contrary, we rather rejoice that something has occurred to induce them to withdraw from the pursuit of a business which at no time and in no manner has promoted the happiness or well-being of a single consumer, but which, on the contrary, has strongly tended to injure, mentally and physically, all who permitted themselves to be brought within its baneful and destructive influence.

In addition to the foregoing statements relating to the past and present condition of many important branches connected with the agriculture of Butler County, it will not be inappropriate briefly to make reference to other products which deserve attention, and which constitute a part of our productive wealth.

With us, as yet, fruit culture has not received merited attention. As a substantial element of food for many— as a valuable agent in preserving and promoting good health—and as a luxury which all classes may enjoy with a zest and a relish unknown to the non-producer, good fruit, upon the farm or in the garden, may be justly re-garded as the best indication that the agriculturist or horticulturist has been mindful of his duty to his family and himself, while he has been considerate in looking to the sure and liberal pecuniary reward which will follow the labors of the careful, industrious, and intelligent cultivator. The growing of fruits is not only an attractive pursuit in which men become intensely enthusiastic, but it is profitable employment. Hence, under favorable circumstances, every desirable point for raising fruit should be speedily and thoroughly improved.

The orchard culture of apples is improving regularly; while the orchard culture of peaches and pears is making rapid progress. Some exceedingly eligible localities in various parts of the county have already been well improved by the establishment of large peach orchards. One of these localities, on the west side of the Miami River, near Middletown, has attained a creditable notoriety as a valuable fruit producing point, from which extensive crops of peaches have been profitably shipped. Its location is exceedingly favorable as a shipping point. Fruit designed for the North may be taken in the morning from the trees, and properly boxed and delivered at the depot in time for the morning express train from Cincinnati. Thus fresh fruit may be landed in Toledo, Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, or Buffalo, and intermediate points within from six to twelve hours of the time the fruit was taken from the tree.

The cultivation of all the esteemed varieties of small fruits is receiving increased attention. Blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, and gooseberries are being disseminated . more thoroughly throughout the county. Amateurs, gardeners, and farmers are vying with each other for prominence in their cultivation.

Grapes are receiving increased attention. All the more modern and all the esteemed varieties are receiving proper culture in the vineyard as well as in the garden of the amateur.

Vegetable gardening for the supply of the markets has increased with unusual rapidity. The same is true of the country. Farmers everywhere are giving more time and labor to the cultivation of their own fruit and vegetable gardens. They are manifesting a becoming and an increasing regard for the comforts of their family, by supplying them with the fruits and garden products that constitute to so great an extent the substantials and luxuries of life.

Superadded to these productions, our farmers are giving more and more attention to the

cultivation of sweet potatoes, and the field culture of pumpkins, turnips, beans, etc. All these things, concerning which we have no statistics, constitute in the aggregate a valuable item in making up a full statement of the entire agricultural products of this county.

The domestic animals of the county now claim special attention, that their qualities, their numbers, their value, and the state of improvement which they have undergone or are now undergoing, may be fully given and understood. And first of the horses. For their general- good qualities they are not surpassed by those of any other county in the State. In size, symmetry, fine style, etc. ; in adaptation to the wants and tastes of our people, who take a pride in having fine horses—they are deserving of high commendation. Good judgment and fine taste have secured to us our present stock of horses, which is the result of judicious and long-continued crossings with the best thoroughbred horses to be found among Us. Horses, either thoroughbred or of esteemed high blood, have been so long used for improvement as to justify one of the most experienced and best informed breeders of Ohio in saying that " there is a large infusion of thoroughbred blood in our stock of horses." The history of our improvements in horses will verify the truth of his statement.

As early as about 1816, a very superior horse, called " Shakespeare," was brought into the county, from New Jersey. He was a horse of fine size and appearance, and proved to be a horse of high quality as a breeder. He was extensively used as a breeding horse, and the improvement in the size and substantial character of his descendants was very marked. No higher commendation for a horse, thirty years ago, could be given, than to say he was a " Shakespeare."

This horse was sired by " Valerius," a colt of Colonel Smock's " Badger," of Maryland. The dam of " Shake-

speare" was a descendant of the famous high bred horse of Somerset, New Jersey, called " Don Carlos."

About the same time, a horse which acquired a great notoriety in the county, called " Badger," was introduced to the attention of our farmers. This horse was also a colt of " Valerius," and consequently a half-brother of " Shakespeare." Both had more than one-half thoroughbred blood in their veins, and both were extensively used as breeders, and the result was a marked and decided improvement in the size and general good qualities of our stock of horses. The " Badger" stock stood preeminent, as spirited, active, and fleet travelers, with surprising powers of endurance. The writer recollects most marvelous stories which were told fifty years ago of the facility with which this strain of horses could carry men eight and ten miles per hour, under the saddle, without exhibiting signs of distress. These horses, and the numerous " Young Shakespeares " and " Young Badgers," which did not discredit their illustrious sires, prepared the way for further improvements, which were made through the introduction of other horses of good quality and high blood. Among these we are enabled t) name " Kirkland" and " Miami Chief," both thoroughbred horses, " Flag of. Truce," " Defiance," and other horses of other like good qualities.

About 1831, a fresh impetus was given to the improvement of our horse stock by the introduction into our county of the fine horse "Cadmus." He was a colt_ of " American Eclipse," out of " Di Vernon," by Ball's " Florizel," and consequently a horse of unsurpassed "breeding qualities. He became the sire of a large number of popular stallions, and of many fine breeding mares. Among the number of his colts was a stallion called " Sheppard's Cadmus," the sire of the-unequaled " Pocahontas," who was described by Frank Forester as " one of the most superb, most sumptuous of animals, as well as the fastest of the day."

Subsequently, a horse called "American Boy" was brought from Monmouth County, New Jersey. He had a large infusion of good blood in his veins, from such noted horses as "Seagull," "Imported Expedition," and " Imported Royalist." This horse produced much valuable stock, among which may be mentioned " Belmont," " American Boy, Jr.," and these in turn had their descendants, also much esteemed.

The original stock of our improved horses, which were at an early day brought into this part of the State, came from New Jersey, Long Island, Virginia, and Maryland. Their get constituted the base upon which subsequent improvements have been made. And in addition to the strains of horses, and particular horses above given, it is proper to state that many other horses of good qualities have been used by our breeders. Among these we can give the names of " Orphan Boy," " Comet," " Miami Chief," " Friendly Tiger," " Top Gallant," " Young Cadmus" (by " Cadmus," and dam by "Sumpter "), " Bell Founder," " Archie," " Lightfoot," " Mambrino," " Vic tor," " Highlander," and " Perfection." Others of equal merit, whose names are not readily called to mind, have had their part in the improvement of our stock.

We have not relied alone upon our own stock. That which has been introduced into neighboring counties has been used, and its improving influence is manifest. One thing we have carefully avoided : We have not deteriorated our stock by using what Dr. Clemens styles the " Morgans of to-day," and what he describes as stock "not suited for any thing, badly gotten up, and bogus."

It will be seen, by reference to the foregoing table, that the number of horses in this county for the last thirty-five years has undergone but a very slight change. Their average price, however, has undergone very decided fluctuations. The average value of horses, as returned for taxation in 1847 was $38.04. The average value in 1866 was $83.39, an increase of about 109 per cent, a decided change in twenty years. The decrease in the value of horses as returned in 1862 was violent and excessive, resulting from the apprehensions of all classes that the effects of the rebellion would be to destroy the value of all of our property. The mistaken views of all were soon made apparent, and the result is that in 1866 the value of horses per head had increased in four years from $51.04 to $83.39, being an increase of 63 per cent.

The average value for 1865 and 1866 of the horses of Butler County was $83.50 per head. That is a higher average than was attained in those years by any county in the State, save the county of Hamilton. Notwithstanding the many fine single horses, and fancy matched horses of great value, owned in the cities of Dayton, Columbus, Toledo, and Cleveland, the averages in their respective counties did not equal the average value of the horses in this county. This fact conclusively sustains the

YEARS

No. Horses

Value

YEARS

No. Horses

Value

1836

1843

1844

1845

1846

1847

1848

1849

1850

1851

1852

1853

1854

1855

1856

1857

1858

1859

1860

1861

7,846

7,970

8,102

8,618

10,690 10,516 10,507 10,632 10,319 10,175

8,465

10,894 11,262 10,963 11,160 11,307 11,400 11,799 12,551 12,023

$313,840 318,800 324,080 344,720 427,600 400,027 388,513 400,009 412,805 430,767 402,081 586,319 694,233 687,471 801,667 894,093 870,583 859,932 830,511 728,550

1862

1863

1864

1865

1866

1867

1868

1869

1870

1871

1872

1873

1874

1875

1876

1877

1878

1879

1880

1881

11,817 11,512 11,375 11,055 11,219 11,165 11,414 10,471 10,342 10,860 10,899 10,504 10,470 10,638 10,809 11,277 11,442 11,482 11,246 11,300

$603,160 666,366 803,422 925,996 935,5t 0 956,658 975,602 863,499 864,415 830,342 819,410 779,487 769,255 951,822 735,417 722,138 680,147 645,492 635,094 650,019

assertion that we very confidently made, that in the blood, size, fine style, symmetry of form,

and enduring qualities of the horses of this county, we are not excelled. With this confident expression of our opinion we conclude what we have deemed it proper to say upon this division of our report.

Mules, by consanguinity, and the uses to which they are applied, rather than by numbers or value, next claim our attention. They have never been received with favor by our farmers. Their appearance was not prepossessing, and a strong repugnance to permit any uncomely mongrel to supersede the noble horse has seriously interfered with their introduction into this county. They were, therefore, slow in gaining a foothold among us. Now they have some fast friends who regard them as indispensable helpmates in the work of the farm-as reliable and enduring slaves, and as profitable stock to raise and feed for market. The slow progress of their introduction, and their numbers and value, will be seen by the following table :

YEARS

No. Mules

Value

YEARS

No. Mules

value

1846

1847

1848

1849

1850

1851

1852

1853

1854

1855

1856

1857

1858

1859

1860

1861

1862

1863

154

169

161

249

240

217

226

281

252

$530

438

458