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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

The name of this able and daring officer is so intimately connected with the name and location of this county that a sketch of his career is given as a necessary part of the history thereof. While there are few historic names bet ter known in the annals of Western frontier life, there is yet a great deal of obscurity to a portion of his labors. The following is quoted from Collins' "Historical Sketches of Kentucky:''

"Gen. George Rogers Clark was born in the county of Albemarle, in the State of Virginia, November 19, 1752. Of his early years and education, but little is known. In his youth, he engaged in the business of land surveying. How long he was thus engaged is not known. He commanded a company in Dunmore's war, and was engaged in the only active operations of the right wing of the invading army against the Indians. At the close of the war, he was offered a commission in the English service, which, on account of the troubled aspect of affairs between England and the Colonies, he declined. In the spring of 1775, he came to Kentucky, drawn hither by that love of adventure which

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distinguished him through life. During his visit, he was temporarily placed in command of the irregular militia of the settlements. In the following spring (1776), he again visited Kentucky, with the intention of making it his permanent home. From this time, his name is closely associated with the progress of the Western settlements in power and civilization. He had been early impressed with the importance of this frontier country to the security of the present State of Virginia, and his reflections on this subject led him to perceive the importance of a more thoroughly organized system of public defense, and a more regular plan of military operations than the slender resources of the Colonies had yet been able to offer. With the view of accomplishing this design, he waited on Gov. Patrick Henry, of Virginia, and stated the object of his journey.

Passing over that series of private and solitary adventures in which he embarked after his return to Kentucky, we find him planning an expedition against the British posts of Kaskaskia and Vincennes, and sending spies to learn and report upon the situation.

"In December, 1777, Maj. Clark submitted to the Executive of Virginia a plan for the reduction of these posts. The result was a full approbation of the scheme, and every arrangement was soon made, which resulted in the capture of the entire chains of British outposts. Vincennes was surrendered to Col. Clark on the 25th of February, 1779. The stars and stripes were hoisted, and thirteen guns fired to celebrate the victory. Soon after this, Louisville was founded, and he made it his headquarters. In 1780, ho built Fort Jefferson, on the Mississippi. In June, 1780, 600 Canadians and Indians, under the British Col. Byrd, made a raid from Detroit against the settlements of Kentucky. The expedition was accompanied by two pieces of field artillery, and, on the 22d of June, Ruddell's Station was obliged to capitulate. Martin's Station soon shared the same fate, and the inhabitants, loaded with the spoil of their own dwellings, were driven to Canada as prisoners of war. A prompt retaliation r was required, and Col. Clark, being ever ready for a row with the Indians, called on the settlers for volunteers to accompany his little regiment on an errand of punishment. The point of rendezvous was the mouth of the Licking River. Clark, with his regiment proper and some field pieces (variously stated at from one to three guns), came up the river from the falls; when all had assembled, the force was about one thousand men. The Indian town was reached before the enemy was aware of his approach. A sharp conflict ensued, in which seventeen savages were slain, and an equal number of whites. The town was burned and the crops destroyed, Clark's forces returned and were disbanded, and the Indians remained quiet for that season.*

"He was commissioned a Brigadier General in 1781. In 1782, he led another expedition, composed of mounted riflemen, against the Indian towns on the Miami and Scioto Rivers. The Indians fled before them; five of their towns were destroyed and their provisions burned. The effect of this was that no formidable party of Indians ever after invaded Kentucky. This practically closed his career as a public man.

"Gen. Clark was never married. He was long in infirm health, and severely afflicted with a rheumatic affection, which terminated in paralysis and deprived him of the use of one limb. This finally caused his death, in February, 1818. He died and was buried at Locust Grove, near Louisville." Soon after his return to Louisville, he communicated to Hon. George Mason, of Gunston Hall, Virginia, a letter, wherein he related at length the many experiences of his campaign in the Illinois country. This letter was published in 1869, and

* This was the battle of Piqua, which see for a more detailed account; also the article, Clark-Shawnee Centennial, for various remarks and conclusions regarding the same battle.

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is now the principal source of information respecting him. From the press notices of the book we clip the following:

COL. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK'S SKETCHES OF HIS CAMPAIGN IN THE Illinois in 1778-79, with an Introduction by Hon. HENRY PIRTLE, of Louisville, Ky., and an Appendix containing the Public and Private Instructions to Col. Clark and Maj. Bowman's Journal of the Taking of Post St. Vincents.

"A little of the romance which belongs to all French colonial history hangs about Col. Clark's unconscious page, and his sketch affords here and there a glimpse of the life of the habitans in the old seventeenth-century settlements of the French at Kaskaskias, Cahokia and St. Vincents; but for the most part it is a plain and summary account of the military operations, and depends for its chief interest upon the view it affords of the character of as brave and shrewd a soldier and as bad a speller as ever lived. Some of his strokes of orthography are unrivaled by the studied grotesqueness of Artemus Ward or Mr. Yel. lowplush; he declares with perfect good faith that on a certain occasion he was very much " adjutated;" and it is quite indifferent to him whether he write privilidge, happiness, comeing, attacted, adjutation, sucksess, leathergy, intiligence, silicit, acoutriments, refutial, and anctious, or the more accepted forms of the same words, as like a bona fide bad speller, he is quite apt to do.

"The letter is now printed for the first time. We heartily commend it to all who love to taste history at its sources, or who enjoy character. It is a curious contrast to the polite narrative of Col. Bouquet, but it is quite as interesting, and the deeds it records have turned out of vastly greater consequence than those which the brave Swiss performed."Atlantic Monthly.

From the Nation : "A very original and striking Revolutionary character is portrayed by himself in `Col. George Rogers Clark's Sketch of his Campaign in the Illinois in 1778-79.' * Clark's military capacity was certainly of a high order, and it is seldom one reads of a commander possessing such boldness, resources and tact. He understood perfectly, for military purposes, the Indian nature, and how to exhibit at the right time courageous defiance and magnanimity.* The operations at Kaskaskias and Vincennes are described in a very graphic but truly modest manner-the march from the former post to take the latter being one of extraordinary hardship and enterprise. The odd spelling of the French, Spanish and Indian names mentioned by Clark, and his ordinary orthography, too, make his narrative quite amusing. Some persons may guess what ` Messicippa,' ` La prary de rush' (La Prairie du Rocher), `Canoweay' (Kanawha), 'adjutated' and' adgetation' stand for.' The notes of the editor of this volume add very much to its readableness and historical completeness."

THE SPELLING OF THE NAME CLARK.

It is generally understood that this county was named in honor of Gen. George Rogers Clark, the well-known military leader and Indian fighter, who defeated the Shawnees at old Piqua in 1780. There is no evidence, except traditional, that he was the individual Clark designated to receive this honor, yet, as it has never been disputed, it will be safe to assume that he was the one. This being true, it follows that the name should be spelled as he spelled his name.

If the petition could be found which was drawn up, and signed by many of the people here, in the year 1814, praying the Legislature to set off and erect a new county, it might, and most likely would, throw some light upon this point; but a tedious search fails to discover the document. The next in order is the result of the petition, viz.: the act of the Legislature authorizing the

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erection of a new county, to be called CLARK (see Chase's Statutes of Ohio, Vol. III, Page 2125). Here there is no final " e," neither is it often found in any of the early enactments. In the various official records of the county, the final " e " was not generally used in by far the greater portions of the early entries, though even there will be found a more or less promiscuous use of that letter. There seems to have been no real knowledge of how the name was spelled by Gen. Clark. In fact, the practice of some of the officers of the past, in this regard, amounts to little else than gross carelessness, as there are cases where the name is spelled both ways in the same legal notice, and so in other official papers. Therefore, the county records afford no more evidence of the truth of the matter than the opinions and habits of many of our intelligent citizens.

Having exhausted all accessible sources of information at home, especial efforts have been made to obtain from abroad the opinions and knowledge of those who, by kinship or by situation, are prepared to speak with authority upon this subject. To that end, a correspondence was opened with various persons who were presumed to know the facts, and the following letters have resulted therefrom:

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Dec. 22, 1880.

HISTORIAN OF CLARK CO., OHIO, SPRINGFIELD, OHIO:

Sir-Your letter of December 20, addressed to "Officer in charge of Locust Grove Cemetery," has been sent to me by the Postmaster, with request to answer. They could not find or hear about Locust Grove Cemetery.

I assisted my father, the late Judge Lewis Collins, of Maysville, Ky., in writing his "History of Kentucky," thirty-four years ago. My own "History of Kentucky," which I call a second edition of his * * * was published six years ago. They each contain a life of Gen. George Rogers Clark, which was transferred or copied bodily by Robert Clarke & Co., of Cincinnati, in their publication of "Col. George Rogers Clark's Sketch of his Campaign in Illinois in 1778-79." This life or sketch closed with saying he "was buried at Locust Grove, near Louisville." You seem to infer that Locust Grove is a cemetery. Not so; it is the name of the farm or plantation on which Gen. Clark spent the latter years of his life. The right spelling is Clark without the final e. [See the facsimile of his signature in my history, Vol. I, opposite page 16 .]

The Legislature of Kentucky, on March 10, 1856, and again on March 10, 1869, authorized and directed the removal of Gen. Clark's remains to the State Cemetery, near Frankfort, and a monument to be erected. But the Clark family objected, and it was never done. About twelve years ago, his remains, together with those of two brothers and the wife of one of them, and other near relatives, were removed to a lot in Cave Hill Cemetery, near Louisville. Hither I went to-day, to accommodate you, several miles, through a deep snow, and after a tedious search, I found the lot and grave. On the small but handsome marble headstone is engraved,

GEN'L GEORGE ROGERS CLARK,

Born O. S. Nov. 9, 1752,

Died Feb'y 13, 1818.

Similar headstones, uniform and simple, mark the other graves. * *

Very respectfully yours,

RICHARD H. COLLINS. LL. D.

By reference to the biographical sketch of Gen. Clark in this volume, it . will be seen that Hon. Henry Pirtle, of Louisville, Ky., wrote the introduction to the "Sketches in Illinois" there mentioned. He, too, was addressed, and in clue time the following answer was received:

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Jan. 3, 1881.

Dear Sir-Your letter of the 20th ulto., addressed to lion: Henry Pirtle, was delivered to me as Executor of his estate. My father died in March last, having attained his eighty-second year. I have the original manuscript dictated by Gen. George Roers Clark, and signed by him. * * * His name, as signed, is Clark. I have inquired of a number of the Clark family, many of whom live here, if the General ever used the final e in writing his name, and learned that neither he nor any of the family ever wrote the name otherwise than Clark. You might write to Gen. Mereweather Lewis Clark, or Col.

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M. Lewis Clark. of Louisville, Ky.: or to Dr. Jonathan Clark, of Paducah, Ky. The two first are descendants (son and grandson) of Col. Williams Clark, and the latter a grandson of Jonathan Clark, brothers of Gen. G. R. Clark.

Very truly yours,

JAMES S. PIRTLE.

The Clarks mentioned in Mr. Pirtle's letter were written to, and a reply received from Dr. Jonathan Clark ends thus: "Jonathan Clark"--Clark without an 'e."'

The final "e" is used by only three out of twenty-five of the various authors who have written concerning the early history of the territory where Gen. Clark's deeds are most conspicuous. The only explanation to offer for disturbing this question (for question indeed it has been, and yet is) is a desire to get at the truth, believing that the history of our county is a proper place to present it.

SIMON KENTON.

Inasmuch as portions of this county were the scenes of many of the events in the life of this sturdy pioneer, it is proper to devote some space to such brief sketches as can be procured relative to him. was born in Fauquier County, Virginia, on the 15th of May, 1755. Of his early years nothing is known, save that his parents were poor and that he was never taught to read and write. At the age of sixteen, he, with many others of about his age, were suitors for the hand and heart of a young lady of that neighborhood. Kenton and a young farmer named Leitchman were the most favored, until finally Leitchman found an opportunity to challenge Kenton to a trial of their mutual prowess in an old-fashioned fight, in which Kenton was defeated This and the loss of the lady's hand he silently endured for a time, but resolved to wipe out the foul blot upon his hopes and pride as soon as he should attain sufficient strength in other words, " whip him when he got big." In due time, the boy came to be a man, and he determined to delay the hour of retribution no longer. So, having sought out his old enemy, the former rivals clinched in combat once again. Now, Leitchman's hair was long, and as they rolled and struggled, Kenton managed to bring his adversary's head near enough to a small tree to enable him to make a quick turn of Leitchman's scalp-lock around the tree. This enabled Kenton to return with interest the debt he owed his enemy, and so effectually did he do it that Leitchman soon ceased to move. Kenton supposed he had killed him, and instantly fled, and directed his steps Westward. From this time forward for a period of years, he knew no home but the forest or camp. As hunter, scout, spy or guide, he participated in most of the events which transpired upon the then broad field of our Western frontier. During his captivity among the Indians, he was eight times exposed to the gauntlet, three times tied to the stake, and as often thought himself upon the eve of a terrible death. He was a companion of George Rogers Clark, Daniel Boone, and other noted frontiersmen; also of the celebrated renegade, Simon Girty before Girty joined the Indians. From Howe's "Historical Collections of Ohio," the following is quoted: "About the year 1802, he settled in Urbana, where he remained some years and was elected 'a Brigadier General of Militia. In the war of 1812, he joined the army of Gen. Harrison, and was at the battle of the Moravian towns, where he displayed his usual intrepidity. About the year 1820, he moved to the head of Mad River. A few years later, he was granted a pension of $20 a month, which secured his declining years from want." In Dr. Ludlow's "Early Recollections of Springfield" is the following article:

"In the year 1802, Simon Kenton lived within the present limits of our Moorfield Township, in Clark County, and made some improvements on the land now owned by the family of the late Maj. Hunt as a residence, and desig-

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nated as the Kenton farm. At the time of Kenton's residence there, and at a place about a mile up the run, was the residence of Philip Jarbo, who was a brother-in-law of Kenton, and the two were steadfast companions and friends. Both came into the Territory and to the Mad River country in the year 1790. The run above mentioned crosses the Urbana road near the present farmhouse of Edward Cassily, and was named by Kenton as Jarbo's Run. Kenton's cabin stood a little to the west of the Hunt mansion, and near to Jarbo's Run; the old apple-trees yet standing in irregular order about the Hunt mansion were planted by Simon Kenton. He also planted a peach orchard, which bore fruit before he left the place. But Kenton's roving disposition led him to quit the place in 1806, when he moved to the rapids of Buck Creek, now known as the village of Lagonda. Here he built a grist-mill, and undertook to connect a carding-machine with it, but the enterprise almost failed. The mill was a poor affair, while the bolting-machine was propelled by hand-power. Mr. Caleb Tuttle, who is still living (1811), in Springfield Township, says he often went to this mill when a boy, and well remembers its appearance and location, and many a time he has labored at the bolting-machine to complete his father's grist. While Caleb thus labored, his heart grew light at the presence of a fair 'young damsel whose father worked in the mill.' In after years, she became the wife of Mr. Tuttle. There is also another person living in Springfield who often went to this mill when Kenton was the proprietor. The mill was located just on the narrow gorge of the creek where the turnpike bridge now crosses the stream. Kenton left Lagonda and his mill in the early part of the year 1812, to join the army of his country in the war with Great Britain. He was made a Brigadier General of militia, and joined the army tinder Gen. Harrison."

As Urbana was then the county seat of Champaign County, which extended over nearly the whole of what is now Clark County, and his first location was only a few miles south of Urbana, it is easy to account for the statement in Howe's Collections that "he settled in Urbana in 1809-."

In an appendix to a small pamphlet (1852) by R. C. Woodard, entitled "Sketches of Springfield," we find the following: "My first visit to Springfield and the Mad River country was in October, 1839. I took lodging with Col. Werden, then keeper of the National, for the night. When I entered the two-horse hack in the morning, I found seated therein a very elderly and dignified gentleman, who at the first glance commanded my respect. By his side sat a lady, much younger in appearance than himself. We three formed the load. The lady and myself soon fell into a running conversation, and I found her to be a very agreeable and companionable traveler. Among other facts, she told me that Springfield was so named at her, suggestion, on account of the many delightful and valuable springs within and around the plat located for the town. While we chatted, the old gentleman sat in silence, and, as his grave appearance was not of a character to invite conversation, with a young and bashful man, I had to be content, for the while, with looking at him, and wondering who he was? At length, however, when we came into the neighborhood of Maj. William Hunt's, I ventured to ask him if he were 'going far north.' He said, `No.' The lady then said they were going to their home near Zanesville, in Logan County. This question happened to break the ice a little, and the gentleman became somewhat talkative-in a slow way. He told me he had been to Newport, Ky., to attend a meeting of pioneers appointed fifty years before, but that the cholera had thwarted the meeting. He pointed out along the verge of the road, nearly opposita the Half-Way House, the path along which the Indians had once escorted him, a prisoner, on the way to Zanesfield, to make him run the gantlet, and gave me sundry snatches of detail as to his early

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hardships in the backwoods, and adventures with the Indians, so that by the time we came to Urbana, we had all become quite flee talkers. All the time, I did not take any hint as to who he was, though I tried hard to study him out, and thought I had been somewhat familiar with his history from my boyhood. When we landed at Urbana, at the house kept by Daniel Harr, Esq., the people collected pretty feely around the hack, all anxious to see and speak to who I Dow became convinced was a man of eminent distinction. On eager inquiry. I soon learned that I had been traveling with him whom I had, till then, known only in history-the celebrated pioneer, SIMON KENTON, and his excellent lady."

The many incidents of his romantic and eventful life are well detailed by his friend and biographer, Col. John McDonald, from whose work we extract the following description of his personal appearance and character:

"Gen. Kenton was of fair complexion, six feet one inch in height. He stood and walked very erect, and, in the prime of life, weighed about one hun dred and ninety pounds. He never was inclined to be corpulent, although of sufficient fullness to form a graceful person. He had a soft, tremulous voice, very pleasing to the hearer. He had laughing gray eyes, which appeared to fascinate the beholder. He was a pleasant, good-humored and obliging companion. When excited, or provoked to anger (which was seldom the case), the fiery glance of his eye would almost curdle the blood of those with whom he came in contact. His rage, when roused, was a tornado. In his dealing, he was perfectly honest; his confidence in man and his credulity were such that the same man might cheat him twenty times; and, if he professed friendship, he might.

In the Addenda to Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, under the title, "Clark County," it is stated very directly that Simon Kenton came here in 1799, in company with John Humphreys and six other families from Kentucky. This party made a settlement at or near the confluence of Buck Creek with Mad River, and erected a fort or block-house station; fourteen cabins were raised and partly finished within the cover of this work. At the time Howe visited this county (1846) for notes to his collections, Mr. Humphreys was living, and either communicated the above directly to him, or for him. In a communication from T. McKinnon, of London, Ohio, read at the Clark-Shawnee Centennial, held on the old Piqua battle-ground in August:, 1880, he states that, while Kenton lived on the Hunt farm before mentioned, he discovered, among a party of Indians camped near by, one of his former captors, who had grossly mistreated him while a prisoner in the hands of the Indians. Kenton cut a hickory withe and whipped the redskin severely; this affair created no little alarm in the neighborhood, the whites fearing that the Indians would take revenge; but a big dinner for the whole party, served the next day, so appeased the wrath of the Indians that nothing further ever came of the circumstance. Kenton died April 29, 1836, aged eighty-one years and twenty-six days, according to the inscription on the slab at his grave, which is in Logan County, on the head-waters of Mad River.*

From the records of the Common Pleas Court, June term, 1818, the following is taken:

"Be it remembered that James McIllroy, Robert Renick and Zephaniah Platt (the Sheriff having returned non est inventors as to Simon Kenton, against whom the capias ad respondendum in this case also was issued)," etc. This is interesting as showing the entire uselessness of following Simon Kenton with a

* The statement at the head of this article that he was born in Fauguier County, Virginia, on the 15th of May, 1755, wall taken from McClung's Sketches of western Adventure, but is not comfirmed by the inscription on the tombstone, which fixes his birth at Culpeper County, Virginia, on the 3d day of April, 1755. The latter is undoubtedly correct.

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civil writ, unless he was willing to be found. A Sheriff might as well go after a deer.

Kenton's remains were removed to Urbana in 1865, where they now rest.

JOHN HUMPHREYS

was a native of Ireland, Tyrone County, born March 6, 1764 ; emigrated to America in August, 1780, landing at Philadelphia, and, in October of the same year, he settled in Greenbrier County, Virginia. On the 25th of November, 1790, he was married, to Miss Jane Ward, whose father was killed in an engagement with the Indians at Point Pleasant, Va. In 1793, he removed from Virginia to Mason County, Kentucky, where he remained till April, 1799, when he came to Ohio and settled on Mad River, about two and a half miles north of Springfield, on the same section of land on which he died, his death occurring :March 19, 1857, he being ninety-three years of age. and having been a citizen of Clark County fifty-.eight, years. He was one of the pioneers, and truly an invader of the forests of Clark County; was a valued and highly esteemed citizen, who contributed much by his virtues, as such, to edify the social interests of the community of which he was a member; but, what was better still, he was an earnest, consistent Christian, one whose memory will long be cherished by those who knew him. He professed religion in Ireland, and became a member of the Presbyterian Church in the year 1787, and in that church lived and died, having sustained the life of a professor for seventy years; was one of the two elected to the office of Elder upon the organization of the Presbyterian Church at Springfield. July 17, 1819. and duly ordained to that, office August 19 of the same year. This office he continued to exercise until superannuation disabled him from performing its more active functions.

Though very aged, he was peculiarly cheerful and happy, possessing an unusual amount of vigor and vivacity, which he retained till death. He was the father of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity and became heads of families.

He left as survivors six sons and two daughters, fifty-five grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren--in all, one hundred descendants.

Mr. Humphreys was one of the parties who came here in 1799 with Simon Kenton and made the settlement on the forks of Mad River. (See "First White Men," in another part of this volume.) His grandson, John A. Humphreys, is now one of the business men of Springfield, and has the time-stained "church letter" which his grandfather brought from Ireland nearly one hundred years ago. This unpretentious little document is interesting as having been present during many a scene in the early days of the Western settlements, of which

"No record exists, and no whisper is breathed."

DAVID LOWRY, JR.,

was born in Pennsylvania in November, 1767. He was the third son of David and Lettice Lowry, who came from Scotland. Mr. Lowry came down the Ohio River with a boat-load of locust timber, for boat-building, early in the spring of 1795, and became one of the first white men who settled in this county, as has been stated elsewhere. His first settlement was on the south half of Section 3, Town 3, Range 9. The next was on the southeast quarter of Section 9, same town.

He was married, in November, 1801, to Sarah Hammer; she died in August, 1810. Second marriage was to Mrs. Jane Hodge, February 14, 1811. Mr. Lowry died in September. 1859, aged ninety-two years. His wife died

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in 1868. He was a man of great nerve, and not often disturbed by any occurrence. Strictly temperate and never profane, he was a model citizen. His frequent use of the expression "My gramany" obtained for him a friendly nickname, used only by his neighbors as a mark of good-natured familiarity.

JONATHAN DONNEL.

Of this early pioneer, who was the companion of David Lowry, in the first known settlement in this county, but little can be learned now. He was born in Lycoming County, Penn., and came "West" in 1795, during the spring of which year he met Mr. Lowry at or near Cincinnati, and united his interests with those of his new-formed acquaintance, as is stated elsewhere in this work, which resulted in his selection of a portion of Section 33, Town 4, Range 9 (now in Bethel Township), as his future home. In 1797, Mr. Donnel returned to Pennsylvania and brought out his brother James, who was then but eight years old, this brother grew to manhood under the guardianship of Jonathan Donnel, who was an active business man, and an accomplished surveyor.

He had a family of five children, viz., John, who died in Oregon; Jonathan, Jr., now living in Iowa; Elizabeth, who married Gen. John Keifer; Rachel, who married George Layton, Lucinda, who married and removed to Michigan. Mr. Donnel was engaged in furnishing supplies to the Western army during the "war of 1812," and, through the sudden ending of the war, or some other unknown cause, he lost quite an amount of property; this combined with ill health, brought on by exposure, resulted in a temporary fit of insanity, during which he committed suicide by hanging.

This event transpired in the spring-house, on what is known as the farm of A. Holcomb, near the limekilns in the extreme western part of Springfield Township. The date of this sad act has not been learned, but is generally conceded to have occurred just after the close of the war of 1812, probably in the year 1815 or 1816.

The cause of his death has also been attributed to family troubles, but the best opinions of by far the greater number of old citizens, are that the latter reason is only an unkind rumor, without good foundation. He was buried in the graveyard at "New Boston," and his remains are among those of many other of the early pioneers, whose resting-places are unmarked and unknown in that neglected inclosure of thorns and brambles. (See the article "Boston.")

Donnel's Creek was named in honor of the subject of this sketch, while the village of Donnelsville is supposed to have been so named also, yet the public records show that the town was surveyed by James Donnel and Abraham Smith in August, 1836, and it may be that it was named on account of the latter Donnel.

ISRAEL LUDLOW.

Few names are more thoroughly identified with the lands known as the "Symmes Purchase," or indicated by the mystical M R S (Miami Rivers Survey) found upon the field books of all the old surveyors of this broad quarter of Ohio, than the one at the head of this article.

In 1788, three persons, viz., Matthias Denman, Robert Patterson and John Filson purchased a tract of land, amounting to something less than two whole sections, where the city of Cincinnati now stands, and came to the spot with the intention of laying off a town there. This land was purchased from John Cleves Symmes, who was also interested in the new enterprise. Patterson appears to have been the "moneyed" head of the concern, while Filson, who was an ex-school teacher, general linguist, etc., was to act as surveyor. Denman was a sort of "advance agent" and heralded the scheme to those afar off. In September;

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1788, this party, together with a few Kentuckians as escort, undertook to explore the country a few miles north of the Ohio River, when Filson became separated from the main party and was killed by a band of straggling Indians. "The locality of this occurrence was not far from the northern boundary line of Hamilton County, and northeast corner of Colerain Township."

The circumstance of Filson's death seems to have staggered matters "opposite the mouth of the Licking," and the whole party retreated to Limestone (now Maysville), Kentucky, where, in the language of one of the party, " another man, Israel Ludlow, was engaged to supply as best he might, the place of Filson;" in December of the same year (1788), the party returned, and, in January, 1789, the first survey of Cincinnati was completed by Mr Ludlow, and his future connection with the land established. From this beginning he became one of the most prominent members of the little colony which huddled around Fort Washington.

He was the surveyor who laid out the city of Dayton, in which he was an interested'partner, and for twelve or fifteen years was engaged in dividing the public lands of this "grand tract." Mr. Ludlow's contract with the Government was for $3 a mile for the survey.

From the head-stone which marks his grave, in the churchyard of the First Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, the following inscription is copied:

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

ISRAEL LUDLOW,

One of the Original Proprietors of Cincinnati,

who departed this life at

Ludlow's Station.

January 21, A. D. 1804,

in the 39th year of his age.

SKETCH OF THE CLARK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

At a meeting of the citizens of Clark County, held on Saturday, the 25th of January, 1840, pursuant to a call, at the court house in Springfield, for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society, on motion, John R. Leman was appointed Chairman, and Will Spencer Secretary. On motion, the law of Ohio relating to agricultural societies was read. Ira Paige offered a resolution requesting the President (Chairman?) to nominate suitable persons, who shall be a committee, to report a list of officers for the society, whereupon the following persons were nominated, viz.: Ira Paige, Mathew Bonner, Charles Ward, William H. Harris, Anthony Bird, John H. Cartmel. Some remarks were made by John M. Gallagher and by E. H. Cummings. The committee reported the following as suitable persons for officers of the society: John R. Leman, President; James Bogle, Vice President; W. W. Spencer, Recording Secretary; Benjamin Moore, Corresponding Secretary; Adams Stewart, Treasurer; S. G. Moler, W. G. Serviss, John A. Alexander, Executive Committee.

"Resolved, That the doings of this meeting be published in the Republic." It is supposed that the meeting adjourned, though the records do not mention it. At the next meeting, which was of the Board of Officers, various items of business were transacted, the principal of which was the selection of a committee of threefrom each township to promote the objects of the society.

The Township Committees were:

Springfield-Andrew Gowdy, Jacob Wolf, George Warder. Harmony-Herriman Chamberlin, Mathew Bonner, Thomas Wright. Pleasant-John H.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 347

Cartmel, William Coffee, John L. Mowder. Green- John Budd, John A. Stewart, John Luce. Madison-Rowland Brown, Alexander Waddle, Doctors Houston, Joel Van Meter, Malyne D. Baker, Samuel Drummon. Moorfield - William H. Harris, James Foley, James Humphrey. Bethel-Ebenezer Porter, David Lowry, John Menich. Pike-Samuel Black, William Spencer, John Thomas. German-John Beman, Daniel Kiblinger, John M. Calla. Meeting adjourned to meet Friday, March 6.

At a meeting held June 14, same year, Adam Stewart, Ira Paige, E. H. Cummings and Charles Anthony were appointed a Committee of Arrangements, to prepare for the first fair. At the next meeting, held on the 19th of August, 1840, it was reported that all who had been invited to act as Judges had accepted except Allen Trimble, and that Col. James, of Urbana, would deliver the address. Committee on Premiums reported a schedule, which would absorb the sum of $205, to be distributed through a list of sixty-seven awards.

During the years 1841 and 1842, the record shows that fairs were held, officers elected in regular order, etc. February 22, 1843, it was ordered that all officers hold their places during the coming year, and that the meeting adjourn subject to the call of the President. From the fact that there is no record of any fairs or proceedings until 1853, the above may have been an easy way of "going out of business." The next entry in the record book informs us that a meeting of citizens assembled in the City Hall Saturday, February 12, 1853, and organized an agricultural society by electing officers and a Board of Managers. June 11, 1853, "the committee reported the purchase of ten acres of ground of William Huntington, at $120 per acre, which was approved." Since that date, no less than seven other parcels of land have been added by pur-chase, making a tract of about forty-six acres of highly improved ground, which is the scene of the annual county fair. The fair grounds are within the limits of the city of Springfield, and are used largely for general purposes, such as camp meetings, militia encampments, conventions, re-unions, etc. There is a half-mile track on the grounds, besides ample stabling, which makes it a favorite place for the meeting of those who are interested in the breeding and training of horses. In May, Y876, the County Commissioners bought the grounds from the Agricultural Society, and the property is now owned by the county. During the late war, the fair grounds were used as the camps of general rendezvous for several bodies of volunteer troops.

The Ohio State Fair was held on these grounds in the years 1870 and 1871.

During the early history of the first organization, the fairs were held in different parts of the county.

In the list of officers on the following page it will be observed that the names of the Managers, or Directors, have been omitted. This was done on account of want of space, and the large number of names included in the list. The vacancies are on account of not having access to the records, and the incompleteness of the records themselves:

348 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

OFFICERS OF THE CLARK COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY FROM 1840 TO 1881. EXCEPT MANAGERS.

THE CLARK COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

BY DR. ISAAC KAY.

The Clark County Branch of the Ohio Medical Society was organized in Springfield May 30,150. The records for one year from the date of its origin are not in existence.

On the 21st day of May, 1851, a meeting of the physicians of Springfield was held at the office of Dr. Robert Rodgers-Dr. J. Hendershott, Chairman, and Dr. E. M. Buckingham, Secretary. A committee was appointed to draft constitution and by-laws; also a committee to invite the profession throughout the county to join in the association, and one to make arrangements for a room in which to meet.

At the next meeting, May 30, the constitution and by-laws were adopted.

The following were the original members:

(2) Jesse W. Cook,* Berkley Gillett,* Robert Rodgers,* G. W. Runyan,* M. L. Houston, A. C. McLaughlin, James Sprague, Elijah Collins, E. M. Buckingham, Isaac Hendeshott,* Cornelius Smith.* R. Houston,* V. Smith, J. N. Stockstill, D. C. Poage,* George Keifer (removed), R. J. Shackelford (removed),

*No record for the ten years from 1843 to 1853.

t Resigned. L. H. Olds appointed to fill vacancy.

(2) Those marked with an Asterisk (*) are deceased.

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 349

E. W. Steele (removed), John A. Skinner,* J. C. Stoddard, Tobias Barr (removed), James H. Gillet, Isaac Meranda, David Serviss,* James R. Bayley, W. W. Dawson, Andrew Bruce.* E. Thorn,* H. H. Young, J. B. Lingle, H. C. Foster.* B. Winwood,* G. F. Kennedy, G. C. Paoli (removed), T. P. McCullough (removed), John H. Laurence (removed), Thomas C. Eakin (removed), George P. Hackenbery (removed), C. S. Smith (removed), M. Buffenbarger (removed). H. H. Seys, Isaac Kay, E. Owen, Ed D. Roe,* Daniel Neff (removed), William Marquart.

At the above meeting, by request, Dr. Gillett submitted an article to the society upon the position which its members should take concerning quackery and quack medicines. A resolution was passed inviting members of the profession in adjoining counties to co-operate in this enterprise. A Committee on Medical Ethics was appointed, and empiricism definitely discountenanced. Dr. Robert Rodgers was chosen President for the ensuing year-1850-51.

At the November meeting, 1850, Dr. Skinner read an essay upon "Medical Science," which was followed by one from Dr. Stockstill upon "Malaria." A committee was appointed 'to memorialize the Legislature to tag quack medi cines and nostrums, and one to draft and report a bill of minimum prices. The report of this committee was adopted at the next meeting. February 4, 1851, four members were admitted. Dr. Cook made a verbal report of the "Phenomena connected with the prevalence of cholera in Newark, Ohio," etc., and a resolution was passed that, "when called for," essays should be made the property of the society. Dr. Runyan also read an essay upon " New Medicine and New Instruments." (1) Dr. R. Houston was chosen President for the ensuing year, 1851-52. (2)

The object of this meeting being rather to give an historical remme of the more salient and important features of this organization than to present the proceedings of each meeting in detail, through a period of more than half a century, the method pursued in treating of the first two years will not be adhered to closely in the remainder of this chapter; nevertheless, we hope to let no essential point of historic interest go unrecorded.

November 4, 1851, "after some discussion," a resolution not to patronize, except in cases of necessity, drugstores that sold patent medicine, was withdrawn. The first "request of dismissal" on the records occurred at the same meeting. Dr. Buckingham read an essay upon the "Advancement of the Regular Profession of Medicine." February 3, 1852, the first "case of discipline" was presented, verbally, which led to a resolution requiring that, when charges were made against members, they shall be in writing, and the accused shall be duly notified thereof by the Secretary. This was also the first meeting on record wherein an autopsy took place. Dr. Runyan exhibited to the society a heart obtained by post mortem examination, possessing great interest. At this session, a gentleman who preferred justice to generosity-and who probably expected to "pay for his funeral " suggested that ministers of the Gospel should be charged the same as other patients. May 4, 1852, Dr. Shackleford read an essay upon the " The Properties of Quinine." An effort was also made, but failed, to obtain permission of the society to reduce the established fees in Carlisle, Charleston, Vienna, Enon, Fremont, and their respective vicinities. State delegates were appointed, and Dr. B. Gillett was chosen President for the ensuing year. The President-elect read an essay upon " The Influence of the Passions and Emotions of the Mind upon the Body." November 16, Dr. Paoli read an essay on the " State of Medical Science in France." At this meeting

*Those marked with an asterisk (*) are deceased.

(1) A copy of the retiring President's address was requested by resolution for publication.

(2) Dr. B. Gillett and J. Hendershott, vice Presidents; Dr. 1°.. 1H. Buckingham. Secretary, and Dr. G. H. Runyan, Treasurer. Drs. Gillett, Cook, Stockstill, Runyan and Rogers composed the first board of censors.

350 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

A committee was appointed to report upon the "Nature and Treatment of the first expulsion occurred -cause, the advocacy and practice of homoeopathy. Typhoid Fever," and the "Medicinal Virtues of Cod Liver Oil." At the next meeting, February 1, 1853, Dr. Paoli reported on the latter, after which the subject was generally discussed. At the morning session of the May meeting this year, Dr. Hackenberg read an essay on "The Influence of the Atmosphere upon the Human System," and Dr. Paoli read an interesting report of a case of "Erysipelas Phlegmanodes." Dr. Hendershott was chosen President for the ensuing year, 1853-54. November 1, 1853, the society met at Carlisle. At the next meeting in Springfield, essays on special subjects, and the report of the Committee of Ethics occupied the attention of the society. May 7, 1854, it was resolved that any member removing and remaining out of the county one year would forfeit his membership. Also, that absence for three successive meetings would have the same effect. Dr. McLaughlin read a description of a case of malignant epidemic. Dr. Sprague, of Vienna, described an instance of obstetrical malpractice. Committees were appointed on the practice of physic, on surgery, and on obstetrics, whose duty it shall be to embody the experiences and observations of the society thereon in separate reports, to be submitted at the next annual meeting. Dr. R. J. Shackleford was elected President for the ensuing year.

The meetings thus far summarized correspond in character to those which followed until November 6, 1855, inclusive. From various causes, the sessions of the society were discontinued until April 12, 1864, when a convention was held to effect a re-organization, fifteen physicians of Clark County and vicinity responding to the call previously made. The meeting was held at the office of Dr. Rodgers. Present: Drs. Rodgers, Owen, Bruce, Thorn, Lefevre., Dunlap, Hazzard, Stockstill, Rector, Reeves, Pratt, Clark, Janney and Kay. Dr. Rodgers was appointed President, and Dr. Kay Secretary. The fee bill was readjusted in committee of the whole. The name of the society was changed to "The Clark County Medical Society." May 5, the constitution and by-laws of the old medical society were adopted, and the society virtually resuscitated. November 1, 1864, the fee bill was further discussed, amended, and ordered printed Dr. Hazzard read an essay on "Pneumonia; its Pathology and Treatment," etc. This and other medical topics were discussed. At the February meeting, 1865, Dr. E. Owen read an essay on " The Treatment of Neuralgia by Strychnine." May 2, 1865, the Treasurer's report for the year just closed showed: Receipts, $16; expenses, $5.50. A. C. McLaughlin was chosen President. Dr. Kay read an essay on "The Medical Properties and Uses of OxGall;" Dr. Cravath on "The Claims of Medicine as a Science;" Dr. Hazzard on "The Change of Type in Disease;" and the retiring President delivered an appropriate valedictory address. A strong resolution was passed in regard to practitioners in the county who would not affiliate with the society, and thus help to promote the best interests of the profession. Dr. Rodgers read a paper on "Anesthesia." November 7, Dr. Dunlap verbally reported a case of craniotomy, and Dr. Buckingham a special operation in surgery.

The Medical Society was now again under full headway, and the meetings have been held with great regularity ever since. Subjects of vital interest to the profession have constantly engaged the attention of the members, and great benefit has been derived from the essays and discussions, not only to the fraternity, but to the community also. An elevated standard of medical ethics has been secured, and incompetence and charlatanism uniformly rebuked. Looking over the records for the past fifteen years, we find that more than one hundred meetings have been held during that. time. As a matter of course, it would require almost a separate volume to given even a synopsis of each. Not less

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 351

than one thousand medical topics have been discussed, about two hundred essays have been read, and more than that number of verbal reports made of important cases under treatment. All the leading questions connected with the progress of medical science for the last half-century have been canvassed, prevailing diseases and local epidemics considered, and a vast amount of co-operative work done in the society's sessions, the valuable results of which the community are now receiving, almost wholly unconscious of the source whence, to so great an extent, they have come. This has not been a " Mutual Admiration Society" in any sense. While nearly a hundred practitioners have been admitted, the rules of discipline have been frequently enforced, and the records show instances of criticism, censure and expulsion.* The Presidents, from our last mention, have been Drs. E. Owen, J. S. R. Hazzard, Isaac Kay, E. M. Buckingham, H. Senseman, A. Bruce, J. H. Rodgers, W. G. Bryant, Calvin Pollock, W. H. Reeves, W. H. Banwell, H. H. Seys and J. M. Harris. The principal Secretaries have been Drs. E. M. Buckingham, from 1850 to 1853; Isaac Kay, from May, 1854, to May, 1865; and from November 10, 1870, except two years, by Dr. Totten to date. Very full and systematic minutes have been made throughout, and, generally speaking, copious publications received through the local press. The early records are in a good state of preservation, and the later are seldom equaled in neatness and convenience of arrangement. The present membership is twenty-eight. Monthly meetings are bold, with occasional exceptions, and the old-time enthusiasm still characterizes the sessions. Of the original members of the first society, only thirteen now remain, viz.: Drs. Buckingham, McLaughlin, J. H. Gillett, Kennedy, Seys, Kay, Hazzard, Senseman, Herble, Owen, J. H. Rodgers, Reeves and Stonebarger. The officers of the society for 1880-81 are: President, J. M. Harris; First Vice President, W. L. Stonebarger; Second Vice President, T. M. Carroll; Secretary, Isaac Kay; Treasurer, John Reddish; Board of Censors, W. G. Bryant, J. H. Rodgers, D. C. Huffman, H. H. Seys and McK. Driscoll.

CLARK COUNTY BIBLE SOCIETY.

To show the manner in which the Bible Society of this county was organized, we quote from the record of the first meeting held, as follows:

"Formation of the Auxiliary Bible Society of Springfield, Clark County, Ohio.-Agreeably to a request made by the Rev. Mr. Hall, a number of the citizens of this county convened in the Methodist meeting-house on the 6th of August, 1822, for the. purpose of taking into consideration the expediency of forming a Bible society. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Archibald Steel, after which the Rev. Archibald Steel was appointed Chairman; Rev. Samuel Henkle, Secretary; and Isaac T. Teller, Assistant Secretary, for the present meeting. Letters from the American Bible Society showing Rev. Mr. Hall to be an agent of that society were then read, after which the meeting adopted the following resolution, viz.: Resolved, Unanimously, that this meeting, impressed with the importance of a general circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and of furnishing the destitute therewith, form a Bible society for this county, auxiliary to the American Bible Society of New York." At this meeting a constitution was adopted, which, being somewhat lengthy, and being later superseded by the present constitution of the society, we omit. However, the following names were signed thereto as the first members: John S. Galloway, M. M. Henkle, Saul Henkle, Archibald McDonald McConkey, W. M. Spencer and James S. Christie.

* From the first organization of the society to February 17, 1873, seventy-two physicians had been connected with it as members.

352 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

A committee was then appointed to solicit signers to the constitution, to report at the first annual meeting, and, after ordering a copy of Dudley's Analysis of the Bible Society System, and the publication of the constitution and minutes in the Farmers' Advocate, the meeting adjourned. to meet September 2, 1822. At that date, the society completed its organization by electing Rev. Archibald Steel, President; George N. Jewett and Moses Henkle, Sr., Vice Presidents; Pierson Spinning, Treasuuer; Samuel Henkle, Corresponding Secretary; Isaac T. Teller, Corresponding Secretary; and for Directors, John Ambler, Joel Van Metter, Jeremiah Sims, Robert Humphreys, Griffith Foos, Archibald McConkey, Thomas Patton, Joseph Keifer, Maddox Fisher, Daniel McKinnon, Jr., Daniel Moore and Andrew Hodge.

The old record book of the society seems at some later day, to have been taken apart and incorporated with a better quality of paper into the present bound record, and in this process the minutes of the first anniversary have been partially omitted, and a general disarrangement of the records made. Yet the good work seems to have gone along prosperously until about 1840, from which time up to 1842 no certain record appears.

On the 7th of March, 1842, the friends of the Bible Society met at the Methodist Episcopal Church and "organized as a Bible Society," with the following officers: President, Solomon Howard; Vice Presidents, Charles Anthony and E. H. Cumming; Secretary, Henry Hedrich. Treasurer. James T. Murray. At this meeting, the following constitution was adopted:

CONSTITUTION OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY.

ARTICLE I. This society shall be called the Bible Society of Clark County, Ohio, auxiliary to the American Bible Society.

ART. II. The object of the society shall be to promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures "without note or comment," and in English those of the commonly received version.

ART. III. All persons contributing to its funds shall be members for one year. and shall be entitled to purchase Bibles and Testaments at the Depository at cost prices. Those contributing $1 or more, shall receive (if called for within twelve months) a common Bible in return. Those contributing $10 at one time shall be members for life.

ART. IV. All funds not wanted for circulating the Scriptures within the society's own limits shall be paid over annually to the parent society to aid distribution among the destitute in other parts of the country, and in foreign lands.

ART. V. The officers of the society shall consist of a President, two Vice Presidents. Secretary and Treasurer, whose duties shall be such as their respective titles import.

ART. VI. The management of the society shall be intrusted to an Executive Committee of seven (including the Secretary and Treasurer), which shall appoint its own Chairman, and make its own by-laws, and fill vacancies that may occur in its own body. October 20, 1870, Art. VI was so amended as to read: The Executive Committee shall consist of one member from each Evangelical Church, and also include the Pastors of said churches, five of whom shall constitute a quorum.

ART. VII. It shall be the duty of the committee to meet frequently on adjournment, or on call of the Chairman, to keep a good supply of books on hand, to appoint local distributors, to see that collections are made in some way. annually, in every congregation, and that all funds are forwarded early to the parent .society. with a stateinent as to the portion designed for the payment of books, and that as a free donation.

ART. VIII. There shall be a general meeting of the society at such time and place, each year, as the Executive Committee shall designate. when a full report of their doings shall be presented by the committee (a copy of which shall be furnished the parent society), and when a new election of officers and committee shall take place. Should the society fail of an annual meeting, the same officers and committee shall continue until an election does occur.

ART. IX. Any branch society or Bible committee formed within the bounds of this auxiliary, by paying over its funds annually shall receive Bibles and Testaments at cost prices.

ART. X. No alterations shall be made in this constitution except at an annual meeting, and by consent of two-thirds of the members present.

To this constitution 100 names are subscribed:

That this was an entirely new organization seems apparent from the minutes of the Executive Committee of a meeting held March 14, 1842, wherein

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 353

the following record appears: "On motion of Hedrick, the Treasurer was required to secure the Bibles belonging to the old Bible society and distribute for sale.

The first annual meeting of this society was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, Springfield, March 20, 1843, with Gen. E. H. Cumming, Vice Pres ident in the chair, and H. Hedrick, Secretary. The annual report of the Exec utive Committee, the Treasurer's report and the report of the Female Bible Society were presented and read, and a resolution was passed making the life members of the Springfield Bible Society life members of this, the Clark County Bible Society. Officers were chosen as follows: John W. Weakley, President; James F. Sawyer and Willard Pinbury, Vice Presidents; Henry Hedrick, Secretary; and W. M. Spencer, Treasurer. A resolution was passed favoring the introduction of the Bible into the common schools.

The minutes of the various meetings of the Executive Committee show that though search was made in every township of Clark County by earnest laborers, who reported the number destitute of Bibles, the number by them sold and donated, and the fact that many families who were without the Word of God expressed their shame and humbly begged not to be reported, as they would supply the deficiency themselves.

The second annual meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening, March 28, 1844, and the usual reports submitted but not recorded. An address was read by Gen. Cumming, which was ordered published in the Republic. The subject of the Bible in the schools was ably discussed by Rev. Sawyer and others, and a resolution passed urging the same. James F. Sawyer was chosen President for the year, and Mr. Hedrick continued as Secretary.

In the second annual report of the Executive Committee they say that fifty Bibles were presented to the Wyandot tribe of Indians, as they passed through Springfield on the way to their Western home.

April 23, 1845, the third annual meeting was held in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was opened by prayer by Rev. William Simmons. The proceedings were of the usual interesting character, and Rev. John S. Galloway was chosen President, Mr. Hedrick being continued as Secretary. An adjourned meeting was held Thursday evening, April 24, 1845, in the Presbyterian Church, a full report of which was not given.

The Executive Committee at their meeting June 16, 1842, took measures to establish a depository at New Carlisle.

The fourth annual meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church Thursday evening March 26, 1846, with Vice President Rev. A. T. McMurphy presiding. Prayer by Rev. Ezra Keller As heretofore, the ladies seem to have been but silent spectators in these meetings, the annual reports of the Springfield Female Bible Society being duly read by the gentleman. Era Keller was made President, and Mr. Hedrick continued as Secretary.

The fifth annual meeting, April 28, 1841, was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was opened by the President, Dr. Keller, in the usual manner. Prayer by Rev. Gray. Rev. William Sym was elected President, Mr. Hedrick, Secretary. An address was delivered by Rev. R. S. Foster, and the agent of the American Bible Society. The annual report of the Executive Committee shows $260.71 paid for books and sales to amount of $63.97, with thirty-seven volumes donated. "Among the Bibles donated" says the report, "were twenty-two to those persons who had volunteered to be soldiers in Mexico."

At the sixth annual meeting held in the Episcopal Church, April 26, 1848, but little business was transacted beyond the election of officers. Rev. Foster preached an able sermon on the authenticity of the Scriptures. On May 10,

354 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

following, the Executive Committee appropriated $150 to create Samuel Barnett a Life Director in the American Bible Society.

The seventh annual meeting occurred at the Presbyterian Church April 4, 1849, at which time James L. Grover was chosen President, and Rev. Mr. Edwards delivered an address, followed by appropriate remarks by C. Elliott, D. D. The Executive Committee at its meeting June 14, 1849, records "The committee to visit the hotels reported through Mr. Anderson. The report states that the Buckeye had thirty rooms, the National sixty-two, the United States eighteen, American twelve. Four hotels, 122 rooms. On motion, it was determined to put Bibles into the above hotels, and the Treasurer was directed to order the books, and to report whole cost, and the cost of each hotel."

The eighth anniversary was held in the Episcopal Church May 8, 1850. Rev. C. Robbins was chosen President, and an address delivered by Rev. Grover. The annual report showed a healthy and progressive state of the society.

The ninth annual meeting was held May 28, 1851, at 2 P. M., in the Associate Reformed Church, and Dr. R. Rogers was called to preside. Rev. R. W. Henry was elected President, and Rev. J. S. Galloway delivered an address. An adjourned meeting was held in the evening in the Presbyterian Church, addressed by Rev. William P. Strickland, of Dayton. The annual report gave the result of the third exploration of Clark County. Number of families visited, 2,898; found destitute, 232; being an average of about one in twelve.

The tenth annual meeting occurred at the High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, at 2 P. M., May 26, 1852, and was opened with prayer by Rev. Weakley. Rev. N. C. Burt was chosen President. Life memberships were conferred on Henry Hedrick, John Ludlow, Revs. Chandler Robbins. J. C. White, Solomon Howard, J. C. Schulze and Mrs. Spencer and Jonah F., Spencer; and, in the evening at the same church, the society was addressed by Rev. White on "The Bible."

The next annual meeting, the eleventh, was held at June 8, 1823, in the Episcopal Church. In the absence of the President and Vice President, Rev. C. H. Williams was called to preside, and prayer offered by Rev. Dr. Peasley. The reports were of great interest, showing the society free from debt, having $58.82 in books, and $404.03 cash on hand. Revs. Enoch West, John McLain and Samuel Ham, made life member of parent society. In the evening an address was delivered, at the Associate Reformed Church, by Rev. James Presley, of Cincinnati.

The twelfth annual meeting occurred at the Episcopal Church May 14, 1854. Rev. J. F. Chalfant presided in the absence of the regular officers, and opened the meeting with devotional exercises. The usual programme was enacted, and an evening meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church; address by Rev. Sloane.

At the thirteenth anniversary held at the Presbyterian Church May 30, 1855, the Revs. William L. Hypes, Wesley Webster and John Braden were made life members by contribution, and William Barnett and William Runyan, Esqs., by contribution of $30. Samuel Barnett was chosen President. The meeting was concluded in the evening at the same place.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee March 21, 1856, Mr. Henry Hedrich, who had served so faithfully as Secretary of this society since its organization in 1842, resigned, by reason of removal from Springfield, and William Runyan was chosen to fill the vacancy.

May 26, 1856, the fourteenth annual meeting convened at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mx. Runyan was elected Secretary, and the usual routine of business was conducted, and completed at an evening meeting. Rev. Dr.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 357

Brooks addressed the meeting. At this meeting was read the thirty-fifth annual report since the first organization, and the thirteenth under the present organization. The report says: "The Female Bible Society has control of Springfield. They have proven themselves very efficient, having visited over four hundred families and found some forty or fifty families destitute of a Bible."

The fifteenth annual meeting, at the Presbyterian Church, May 27, 1857, was presided over by Hon. S. Mason, and reading of Scriptures and prayer was offered by Rev. J. F. Marley. Rev. T. M. McWhinney, Pastor of the Christian Church in Enon, was made a life member by his congregation contributing for that purpose.

The sixteenth annual meeting, at the Associate Reformed Church, was held May 26, 1858. John Ludlow was made President, and David Cooper, Secretary. The annual report shows that the whole amount donated to the parent society since the organization of this auxiliary, in 1822, was $2,262.28, and the gross amount remitted for Bibles and Testaments, in the same period, was $3,670.06. The Female Bible Society, of Springfield, since its organization in 1842, had donated to the American Bible Society $354.

The seventeenth annual meeting occurred May 25, 1859, at the Congregational Church, John Ludlow, President, William Spencer, Secretary, in place of David Cooper, resigned. Quoting from the record of the Secretary, "The meeting was an interesting one, but it was to be regretted that but few of the friends of the Bible cause were present."

The eighteenth anniversary was held at the Presbyterian Church March 28, 1860. Rev. Joseph Clokey was made President, and T. A. Wick, Secretary. The reports were as usual, and showed a favorable condition of the society.

On the 25th of March, 1861, the nineteenth anniversary service was held at the Presbyterian Church, being the thirty-ninth since its organization. Rev. J. S. Galloway, agent of the American Bible Society, addressed the meeting. Rev. Allen T. Thompson was chosen President for the year.

The twentieth annual meeting occurred at Union Hall, on Monday evening, June 7, 1862. A full report of a canvass of the county by Rev. S. Scott was made, and published in the city papers. Rev. J. Clokey, D. D., chosen President, and Charles L. Petts, Secretary. In the Treasurer's report it is shown that the society supplied Testaments to the members of the Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on their leaving Springfield for the field of battle.

At a meeting of the Executive Committee held April 11, 1863, the following resolution was adopted on the death of an old member:

"WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God to remove by death, since the last annual meeting of the Clark County Bible Society, viz., August 24, 1862, Rev. John S. Galloway, who has been identified with the County Bible Society for nearly thirty years, and served devotedly for eleven years as an agent for the Bible cause in Western Ohio, therefore,

Resolved, that this committee deems it befitting in them, and due to the memory of our departed brother, to record our just appreciation of his excellences of character, and his devotion and untiring energy in behalf of the Bible cause, and our sincere sense of the loss sustained in the decease of so ardent a fellow-laborer, and our earnest prayer that God may raise up other holy and zealous men to fill the places of those who are called from labor to reward." The twenty-first annual meeting, and the forty-first since organization, was held in the First Presbyterian Church July 9, 1863. The same President and Secretary were re-elected to serve another year.

The twenty-second anniversary was held July 18, 1864, at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Clokey was continued as President, and J.

358 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

W. Gunn chosen Secretary. The attendance was poor, and there seemed to be a lack of the former interest manifested in the welfare of the society.

The twenty-third anniversary was held at the Second Presbyterian Church June 29, 1865. Rev. E. M. Bower elected President, T. J. Finch, Secretary. The following resolution on the death of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, was offered and adopted:

"Resolved, That the members of the American Bible Society regard with deepest sorrow the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the late President of the United States; and that they hereby record their sense of the loss which the nation and the world have sustained in the decease of this illustrious servant of the people, whose interest in the work of this society, of which he was a member and Director for life, and whose devout reverence for the Word of God characterized his Presidential career as a merciful, just and great ruler, the breaker of the bonds of 4,000,000 of people, and the worthy successor of Washington."

The twenty-fourth annual meeting was held at the First Presbyterian Church in the afternoon of June 19, 1 866. Rev. T. T. Titus was elected Pres ident, and Rev. J. W. Gunn, Secretary. At night an interesting public meeting was addressed by Revs. Titus, Wombaugh and Ames.

The twenty-fifth anniversary, at Christ Church, July 22, 1867, selected Rev. A. T. Fullerton for President, Rev. J. W. Gunn, Secretary. The sum of $800 was donated to the parent society.

The twenty-sixth annual meeting was held in the English Lutheran Church July 6, 1868, and the usual business transacted. Rev. J. B. Helwig was elected President, and J. W. Coles, Secretary; $400 was appropriated to the parent society.

The twenty-seventh meeting was held Monday and Tuesday evenings July 26 and 27, 1869, and were of great interest. The various reports showed the society in a flourishing condition. Rev. Charles Stroud chosen President, and J. W. Coles, Secretary.

The twenty-eighth anniversary was held July 27, 1870, at the Second Pres byterian Church. Rev. P. H. Mowry was chosen President, J. W. Cole, Secretary. The meeting was without special interest, excepting the annual reports which showed a steady growth and prosperity.

The twenty-ninth anniversary was held September, 1871, at the Second Presbyterian Church. Rev. George F. Cain chosen President, and J. W. Coles, Secretary. A lengthy and interesting report of the canvassers which was submitted by S. Cochran, agent, together with the usual reports.

The thirtieth annual meeting was held September 16, 1872, at the Second Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Lucien Clark elected President, J. W. Coles continued as Secretary. Rev. S. Cochran reported that this was the fiftieth, or Jubilee Year, of the Clark County Bible Society from its first organization. The Executive Committee was instructed to arrange for a jubilee meeting in November, but no record of such meeting appears in the books of the society.

The thirty-first meeting, and fifty-first annual meeting since organization, was held September 29, 1873, at the first Presbyterian Church. The following were chosen as officers for the ensuing year: President, Rev. Joseph L. Bennett; Vice President, James L. Christie: Secretary, J. W. Gunn; Treasurer, George Horner.

The thirty-second annual meeting was held October 20, 1874. Very few were present, and Rev. W. H. Webb was elected President, Rev. R. P. Thomas elected Secretary. At the anniversary meeting, on Sunday evening, held jointly at the English Lutheran and Second Presbyterian Churches, both were filled to their utmost capacity.

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 359

The thirty-third meeting, October 20, 1875, was held at the English Lutheran Church. Rev. W. H. Webb was elected President, and J. W. Gunn, Secretary.

On Sunday, October 25, 1876, Rev. E. T. Wells, of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, preached an able discourse to the united congregations of the city, in the First Presbyterian Church, on the subject "Send out thy Light and thy Truth."

On the following Monday evening the thirty-fourth annual meeting was called for the same place, but, as only a few were present, adjourned.

In 1877, it appears from the minutes of the Executive Committee, no annual meeting was held, owing to delays in the reports of collections, etc. However, the committee called a meeting for February 26, 1878, which was held at the Second Presbyterian Church at that place, and the usual yearly exercises took place.

The thirty-sixth annual meeting was held at the Central Methodist Episcopal Church November 11, 1878, and Rev. Joseph Kyle was elected President, and C. C. Taylor, Secretary. The usual reports were read and published in the city papers.

The regular annual meeting for 1880 was held in the First Presbyterian Church April 2. After the usual religious services in the opening, the society proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year, the following being the result: President, S. A. Brewster; Secretary, C. C. Taylor. The usual reports were then submitted, after which the society adjourned.

CLARK COUNTY SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.

This organization seems to have had its origin with a convention of Sunday school teachers held at South Charleston November 2, 1865, at which time a constitution was adopted, the first section of which explains the object of the body.

SECTION 1. This association shall be known as the Clark County Sabbath School Union. Its object shall be to unite all Evangelical Christians in the townships in efforts to promote the cause of Sunday schools in co-operation with the County Sunday School Union, aiding in establishing new schools where they are needed, and awakening increased interest and efficiency in such as are already in operation.

It was also provided by this instrument that the usual officers should be chosen at certain periods, and that there should be one Vice President in each township, whose duty it should be to look after the welfare of Sunday school interests in his township.

The first officers chosen were: President, E. M. Doty; Secretary, James Evans: Treasurer, J. M. Sheeder.

And the following Vice Presidents from the various townships: Rev. N. C. Smith, Madison Township; Rev. E. Hills, Harmony Township; A. B. Runyon, Pleasant Township; Robert Black, Pike Township; John Swearinger, German Township; John Johnson, Bethel Township; G. L. Massey, Mad River Township; Rev. D. R. Culmerry, Green Township; Rev. M. Thomas, Moorefield Township; William Berger, Springfield Township.

This organization has accomplished a great labor in connection with the branch of Christian work for which it was formed. Yearly meetings have been held in various parts of the county, and a free interchange of ideas by more frequent meetings of such as were disposed to grow in the service. Some idea of the method of work may be formed from the subjoined scheme which governed the last session of the Union, held in the English Lutheran Church, Springfield, Ohio, Thursday, May 27, 1880.

360 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

The order of exercises was as follows: 9 o'clock, sharp, Devotional Exercises; 9:30, President's Address; Secretary's Report; Treasurer's Report and appointment of committees; 10, reports of Vice Presidents, Secretaries and others; 11, question box.

Afternoon session-2, devotional exercises; 2:15, reports of committees; 2:45, question box; 4, Interchange of thoughts of what we have heard and what we will take home with us.

Evening-8, Sabbath school mass meeting; to which all are invited. Come all, and join us.

Members of the convention were urged to come prepared with practical questions upon the Sabbath school work in our county.

The officers were, President, J. M Jones; Vice President, W. M Berger; Secretary, A. L. King; Treasurer, G. W. Winger; Executive Committee, C. M. Nichols, C. A. Phelps. P. A. Schindler, A Barr, W. H. Weir and Ross Mitchell.

THE GRANGE IN CLARK COUNTY.

The Grange movement reached Clark County early-the first grange organized in the county being No. 50, and the work progressed rapidly until twelve had been organized. Of these, five have gone entirely out of existence, and only two can be called really strong and successful organizations.

The Grange is an organization first formed in 1867, and full completed and perfected in 1873, designed to unite the farmers of the country in one great brotherhood, in which by mutual existence, mutual prctection, mutual instruc tion, and mutual encouragement., they can advance in financial prospects in intellectual progress, and in social life and enjoyment.

In 1873 and 1874, the movement advanced with unparalleled rapidity, and Granges were organized at a rate utterly unheard of in the annals of any similar organization.

It could be compared to nothing, but a great wave sweeping across the country. In the nature of things such advance could not be healthy, and, after it had passed, many were the wrecks of imperfect organizations left behind. A period of depression followed, and the impression was spread that the Grange was dead. At the present time the organization is coming out of this depressed stage, and a healthy activity is manifested in almost all quarters. In Clark County the order is less prosperous than in many others. It is, however, well grounded here, and is likely to gradually gain strength as its purposes become better, and more widely understood.

THE MAD RIVER VALLEY PIONEER AND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

was the name of an organization which was formed in May, 1870. Its existence as an active society was of short duration, but it developed a great deal of valuable historical matter while it did exist. " The Early Settlement of Springfield" was the title of a paper prepared by Dr. John Ludlow, and read before this body in January, 1871. Dr. Ludlow's article has been used here and there throughout this work, and was invaluable as a source of information.

The Battle of Piqua, by Thomas F. McGrew, Esq., was one of this class of papers, though not prepared until within the present year; yet, as will be seen, Mr. McGrew was one of the prime movers in this association.

As the proceedings of the society were of a decidedly historical nature, the details of the first meeting are given entire, at the risk of being tedious. Many of the incidents mentioned in the opening address have been alluded to in other parts of this volume, yet the same facts related by different persons will never

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 361

be treated quite alike, and one author thereby becomes "confirmation strong" for another.

This association has held no meetings for several years, though its books and papers are yet in the hands of some of its former officers who now reside here.

A permanent organization of the Mad River Valley Pioneer and Historical Association was effected at its first regular meeting, held in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association on May 3, 1870. The name "Mad River Valley " was inserted in lieu of " Clark County," which had been determined upon at the first meeting. The chair was occupied by Thomas F. McGrew, Esq. The Rev. A. H. Bassett delivered the inaugural address:

MR. PRESIDENT: To rescue from oblivion interesting facts and important information would seem a duty which we owe to those who come after us. The present is indebted to the past; so the present should provide for the future. To-day has the benefit of yesterday's observations and experiences; so should to-day preserve and carry forward its accumulated information for the benefit of to-morrow.

Our American continent, which we are wont to term our Western World, is eminently a land of rapid development and marvelous progress. Our forefathers and foremothers were men and women of great toil, and patience, and endurance, and perseverance. They began at the sterile Plymouth Rock, making it a fruitful field. Then, they erected there a State, diminutive in size, but of mammoth enterprise, and a very empire in resources and population. Then they proceeded to found and build and people State after State in their westward progress, not stopping for mountain barriers or for savage opposition. As they advanced, they had to penetrate vast forests and traverse great mountain ranges, with or without roads, and with or without teams, carrying fire-arms to secure game for their sustenance and to protect themselves from savage assaults. They constructed boats for crossing our great rivers, and even for navigating them for many hundreds of miles (downward). Selecting the sites for their dwellings and for their prospective towns, they wielded the echoing ax to fell the timbers of the dense woodlands, and constructed substantial but rude dwellings of primitive materials. The labor and hardship and exposure they went through would to us seem incalculable, as unendurable; but they heeded it not. Their methods, their experiences, their sufferings, their exploits, we have loved to hear them relate. But alas! many of them have passed away. And again, alas! many of them have left no record of their thrilling story, of their eventful and adventurous life. Of our own city, within a very few months or years, the following-named venerable citizens have taken their departure: Col. Werden, Col. Baker, Gen. Anthony, Gen. Mason, Judge Torbett, Dr. Hendershott, Squire Spining, Father Kills, Father Barnett, Father Schindler, Father Watkins, and a score-it may be scores-of others.

But it is yet fortunate that some of the fathers are still with us. We have amongst us honored citizens, whose memories are not in pioneer associations, who have lively-remembrances of the primitive and backwoods experiences. If we have not living old physicians, who used to click the spring lance, and bleed the patient in every fever, we have some old ministers, as Bishop Morris and Dr. Brown, who used to be pioneer itinerants, at half paid allowance (not to say salary), which would not to-day keep your clergyman in books and periodicals. If we have not Judges who used to preside in log court houses, or lawyers who used to collect their fees in coon-skins and maple sugar, we have those of different professions who used to attend school (if at all) in houses of unhewn logs, with puncheon floors, mud chimneys, and window-lights of greased paper. We have among us men who were soldiers in the. war of 1812, who used gun-

362 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

flints, and carried punk and a tinder-box for striking fire, for percussion caps and friction matches were unknown. We have still among us many who used to be happy in log-cabin houses; who used to hunt deer and wild turkeys for provisions; who used to thrash their grain and shell their corn by hand, beat it to a degree of fineness in a log mortar, with a stone pestle. The generation has not passed away of men who knew no reaper but the sickle, no mower but the scythe, no threshing-machine but the flail, no cider-mill but the home-made press. The men are here who saw nearly, if not quite, the first steamboat on the Ohio, who witnessed the beginning of your canals, your macadamized roads, your railways and your telegraphs. Yes, you have yet pioneers in your midst whose memories, as we have said, are rich in story of the past, filled to the brim with incidents and experiences of thrilling interest. Then, whilst we yet have them amongst us, let us, as opportunity may serve, gather around them and listen to their simple and unvarnished narrative, for it will have the eloquence of personal realization.

Here, now, is one of the objects of this association: We would supply a sensible lack, i. e., one means of public entertainment which has not yet been brought before our community. We have no lack of concerts, festivals, fairs or picnics. We are amply favored with the visits of the menagerie, the circus troupe, the dramatic corps, the minstrel band. And our graver and more sensible courses of popular lectures furnish literary entertainment, and sometimes amusing pastime. But, to make up the variety, you need a pioneer association, to furnish you the entertainment of an occasional evening in the personal recitals of such as can tell you about the past of our now well-fixed and prosperous country, and State, and city. The pioneers are passing away. Let us ask them to relate to us their story before they go hence. And let us make reasonable haste to do this, as their time may be short.

Another object of this association is to answer the purpose of an historical society, to gather facts, documents and relics for preservation, that we may leave intelligible and useful records for the inspection and benefit of coming generations.

We have evidence that the ancients, from remotest ages. used to erect monuments to perpetuate the knowledge of events. And, as they knew not the art of printing, they were accustomed to engrave their historic facts upon the enduring marble. A great many ancient records in this form are extant, some in a wonderful state of preservation. And modern oriental researches are continually bringing to light additional marble chapters of this ancient history. All this evidences the wisest forethought in the men of the primal ages. It seems that they even thought of us, though then unborn, and did us the great favor to send down to us these simple, primitive records. The value now placed upon them is inestimable.

Grateful, then, to the ancients for their forethought toward us, should we not learn from them with our ten-fold increased advantages to convey records forward to posterity? The very winds are daily sweeping away many leaves of important information, which should be snatched, as it were, from destruction, and laid away for future inspection and use. And for what you may do in this regard, the men and women of hereafter, whom you and I may not live to see, will rise up and call you blessed.

Then, let us make a beginning of an historical collection-books, papers, manuscripts, fragments, relics, antiquities, curiosities, or what not, pertaining to the history of our country; and its accumulations will soon produce archives which will do credit to our city and county, and be of unending benefit to coming generations.

In the principal counties throughout the State, pioneer associations have

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 363 .

been formed and are in active operation-wide awake in the matter. Let us not be behind the times. Do we not consider Clark County one of the best? Are we not wont to regard Springfield the very garden spot of Ohio? Would we not scorn to fall behind in intelligence, or in enterprise in any respect? We think we have cause to feel proud of our improvements and of our achieve ments in mechanical and manufacturing enterprises. It is indeed said that we boast much of our progress, and of the extensive amount of our industrial products sent abroad to all quarters under heaven. This is well. Let no man stop us of this boasting. But we have been lacking of one cause of boasting. Up to this time, it has been said that Clark County has no pioneer association, no antiquarian society, no historical club. Please, sir, let us have an end to this. Never again, after to-day, let such a thing be said of Clark County. I trust you will so decide, and that this community will sustain you with its hearty amen and its prompt co-operation.

I need not ask, are our people generally aware that Clark County, of which we are citizens, contains some historical localities of rare interest? We have just at hand the famed Mad River. I have been curious to learn, and have made considerable search to ascertain, the origin of this unique name. You may smile at my simplicity, as I confess that for many years I had an idea that this river derived its name from the appellation given to Gen. Anthony Wayne, as Mad River Valley was partly the theater of his important operations. On account of his characteristics of uncommon daring and bravery, he received the epithet, "Mad Anthony." But I have had to relinquish this supposition, so long entertained, for my researches have brought to light but one explanation -that given by Timothy Flint, in one of his volumes of Western History. He represents Mad River as thus named because of the furious character of its current! Now, it so happens that I have not traveled extensively enough up and down the stream to discover its furious portions. It has usually appeared quite calm and unassuming when I have met with it.

Long before the settlement by whites, one hundred years ago, and how much longer I presume no living man knoweth, there was an Indian town called Piqua, situated on the opposite side of Mad River, five or more miles below this point. I think this was the original Piqua, as may appear presently. The name (Piqua), in the Shawnee, is said to signify a man that sprang up out of the ashes. Now, some of us white men may have had such antecedents as this, and we might not relish being reminded of it. This Piqua, on Mad River, was a place of much consequence for the time, extending for more than three miles up and down the margin of the river. Its reputation as a headquarters of the Shawnee tribe was known far abroad. And even before the settlement of Ohio, as long ago as 1780, an army of a thousand men was raised in Kentucky, and, under command of Gen. George Rogers Clark, came out through the wilderness (for there was no white settlement even at Cincinnati), all the way to the Piqua town, on Mad River, to subdue and destroy it. On their way, they came to old Chillicothe town, on the Little Miami, which was at the spot you now call Oldtown, a little this side of Xenia. (But then there was no Xenia, mind you.) Apprised of their approach, the Indians had not only abandoned the place, but had set fire to their houses, and nearly all were consumed. The army pursued the Indian road from Chillicothe across to Piqua, probably passing near where Enon now stands. You know there is an ancient mound in that vicinity. To be brief, Piqua and its forts were destroyed. And the army, having fulfilled its mission, retraced its steps to Kentucky, and was forthwith disbanded. Just here, observe, we are honoring the memory of Gen. G. R. Clark, who led this army, by calling after him the name of our county.

Meanwhile, it seems the Indians were dispersed from old Piqua, and went

364 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

over to the Great Miami and built another Piqua, which still survives, and the white man's edition of it they now call "City."

About the year 1768 or 1769, little more than a hundred years ago, at Piqua, on Mad River, Tecumseh was born. He must have been a half-grown lad at the time his native town was destroyed; old enough, however, to be an observer of the sad scene, and to receive his impressions of the affair. It was natural, if not meritorious, in him, that he should be loyal to his nation and strive to repel the encroachments of the whites. He grew to be a leading and influential chief and warrior. It is said that he traveled so extensively as to visit all the tribes east of the Mississippi.. from Mackinaw to Georgia, to endeavor to unite all in a planned combination against the American Government. It seems that, in the Indian style, he was a natural orator, and sometimes wielded a marked power with his eloquence. But his plans were foiled, and had to be given up. In the year 1812, he was induced to become an ally of the British army. They made him a Brigadier General, and it is said he was in every battle in the Northwest, except that of Tippecanoe, until he fell in the battle of the Thames, 1813, as was believed, from a pistol shot from the hand of Richard M. Johnson. Gen. Tecumseh, though an Indian, and though he did not please Gen. Harrison, had his noble traits of character. It is particularly represented that he behaved with great humanity toward our men at the siege of Fort Meigs.

When Gen. Proctor had abandoned the American prisoners to the ferocity and tomahawks of the savages, one great Indian chief, Tecumseh, came rushing in, and exerted his authority to arrest the massacre; and, meeting a Chippewa chief who would not desist for persuasion or threats, he buried his tomahawk in his head. Tecumseh fell in his prime-in his forty-fourth year. Now, be it remembered that this Tecumseh, celebrated throughout two great nations, beside his own people, had his birthplace here on Mad River, in our very vicinity. If we are not proud of this association of ideas, I apprehend we have no cause to be ashamed of it. I know not why we have not given his name to something, if it were only a way station or a back street. We have certainly immortalized the names of some meaner white men. I have passed through important towns named Tecumseh in other States, hundreds of miles from the birthplace of the warrior. He was certainly a shrewd and brave man; and, viewed from his standpoint, was a man of principle. Could he rise from the dead and appear among us, I apprehend we would have to give him amnesty, though a red man, and I think he would be a pretty popular fellow. Had I assurance of a second, I would move that we yet set up the name of Tecumseh somewhere in Clark County.

But, pardon me; I have gone beyond my intention when I set out. I had no purpose to give a sketch of Tecumseh, or of our local history. There is a rich theme for some gentleman more competent than your present speaker. I desired it should be suggested to this community, as many may not be aware of it, that Clark County, Ohio, is rich in historical associations. And, this being the case, it is a lack which is not creditable to us that we have in existence no organization of the character of a pioneer, or antiquarian; or historical, society. I am gratified to know that we have among us intelligent and honored citizens, who have lived nearly or quite all their lives in this section, some who were living in this valley whilst Tecumseh was yet living, and whilst his tribe was yet residing, or at least wandering, in Ohio, and not far distant. And I do not despair of finding out some one of our old settlers who has actually seen Tecumseh. The inquiry would not be an unworthy one. My old friend, John R. Crain, of Bethel Township (I wish it were called Tecumseh), who was Postmaster in Springfield thirty years ago, informs me that he was born on the very

PAGE 365 - PICTURE OF GEORGE W. HASTINGS - SPRINGFIELD

PAGE 366 - PICTURE OF F. HOLFORD - SPRINGFIELD

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 367

farm where he now has his home, more than half a century ago, and this is at the very locality of old Piqua town. Had I not, in time past, repeatedly visited the place, I should certainly now desire to make an excursion to look upon the famed spot. Through the kindness of a member of the family of Mr. Crain, I am furnished with some ancient relics from the battle-ground of old Piqua. He informs me also, as I trust I may use the freedom to mention, that Gen. J. W. Keifer was also born in the same vicinity; and Mr. Shellabarger, too, had his birthplace but a short distance from there, on the opposite side of the river. These gentlemen, I doubt not, would be able to communicate many circumstances of interest, historical, or, at least, national, connected with the old Piqua locality. Many other citizens, doubtless, are also possessed of facts and incidents, historical or antiquarian, pertaining to the Mad River Valley or some other portion of the State. I trust these will become enlisted in behalf of this association, and will be induced to give us hereafter their views and their narrations for the entertainment of the public.

I pray you that you go not back from this movement. Let it be a success and a perpetuity. And let us not forget that all should be done in God's fear, and to the glory of His name.

After the conclusion of the address, W. W. Beach, from the committee appointed for that purpose, reported the constitution, which was unanimously adopted, and signed by a majority of those present. The by-laws were also unanimously adopted.

CLARK-SHAWNEE CENTENNIAL.

Monday, August 9, broke upon this community with a cloudless sky, favoring the ceremonies for which such extensive and laborious preparations had been made during the past few weeks, and the centennial of Gen. George Rogers Clark's victory over the Shawnee and Mingo Indians, at Old Piqua, four miles west of this city, was given an encouraging send-off. Everything was in complete readiness Saturday evening, the grounds being properly laid out and signals set. The Memorial Guards and Cummins Cadets pitched their tents in a shady spot Saturday, and remained on guard in anticipation of a crowd of curious and impatient people Sunday. The crowd was there sure enough, 200 carriages and buggies coming in from all directions, loaded with people, who inspected favorably the preparations made. In the city, the flags of all nations appeared at the early hour from windows and roofs, not only of business houses, but of dwellings, giving the streets the holiday aspect desired. The celebration had been the talk of the people in this part of the State since it was first suggested, and at the last interest became intense. This was shown by the crowds of people which began pouring into the city soon after sunrise, increasing every hour until one could scarcely move along the streets. First on the day's order of exercises was the reception of distinguished guests, the Governor and staff, Mayors and Councils of sister cities. Interest therefore centered in and about the railroad depot. At the appointed hour, the various bodies and organizations to take part in the procession and proceedings at the grounds met at headquarters, and at 9 A. M., massed on Market square.

368 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

HOW THE CELEBRATION ORIGINATED.

In the issue of the Daily Republic for June 14, 1880, appeared an able article from the pen of Mr. Thomas F. McGrew, of this city, the historian of the celebration, entitled " The Siege of the Old Indian Town of Piqua," giving a detailed account of the battle of the 8th of August, 1880, with the circumstances leading to the encounter and showing the objects accomplished in the opening of this rich and fertile valley to settlement and civilization. That paper attracted wide attention and was reproduced by the press of other cities. The propriety of a fitting celebration of the anniversary, as one of paramount importance in the history of Clark County, which took its name from the hero of the enterprise, immediately suggested itself, and at the regular July meeting of the Clark County Veteran Memorial Association, Capt. Alden P. Steele moved the appointment of a committee to consult with citizens and consider the propriety and feasibility of so celebrating. The motion prevailed and the Captain of the association appointed as such committee Capt. Steele, Col. Howard D. John, Andrew Watt, Capt. D. C. Balentine and William H. Grant. At a subsequent meeting, this committee reported favorably upon the proposition and it was resolved by the association to celebrate accordingly, on Monday, August 9, the 8th, the day of battle, falling on Sunday. The original committee was continued in charge of necessary arrangements, with power to call to their assistance any member of the society or community able and willing to work. From the first announcement of this decision, a deep interest was taken in the matter, especially by residents of that part of the country in which is located the scene of the battle, and, although the time was comparatively short, preparations were made so skillfully and promptly with the hearty co-operation of many leading citizens, that everything was in readiness by the evening of Saturday, August 7, and the liveliest anticipations existed among the people of half a dozen counties in Southeastern Ohio. The Veteran Memorial Association is an organization composed of ex-soldiers, officers and privates in the Union army and navy in the war of 1861-65, formed for the purpose of keeping alive the fellowship formed on the battle-field, for showing proper respect to the memory of ex-soldiers passing away in our midst, and for decorating soldiers' graves on the day annually observed in nearly all the States for observance of the beautiful ceremony. It was deemed entirely in keeping, in the lack of a Historical or Central Pioneer Association, that this organization should initiate and conduct the celebration in progress to-day on the site of the old Indian town of Piqua, and Clark-Shawnee battle-ground. A proper share of credit is therefore due the Memorial Association for anything of success achieved. Gov. Foster and several members of his staff, who had spent Sunday, in the camp of the Sixteenth Regiment, O. N. G., at Tiffin, arrived in the city, rather unexpectedly, by the early train and proceeded at once to the Lagonda House, where shortly after they were found by the Reception Committee. The 9:20 excursion train from Columbus brought other members of the Governor's staff, which is represented here to-day by Adjt. Gen. W. H. Gibson, Col. T. E. McNamara, Col. J. H.Sprague and Col. J. C. Wehrle. The procession formed on Limestone street, front of the Lagonda House, at 9:30 A. M., with Col. R. L. Kilpatrick, U. S. A., Chief Marshal, with Capt. Charles Hotsenpiller, U. S. A.. Col. A. Dotze, Capt. Amaziah Winger, Capt. J. R. Ambrose and Dr. W. G. Bryant. medical officer, as aides. The procession moved in the following order:

Grand Marshal and Aides.

Seventh Regiment Band.

Veteran Memorial Association, 100 men, commanded by Maj. W. J. White.

Squirrel Hunters, Capt. Frederick A. Lewis commanding.

HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY. - 369

Carriages with officials and invited guests.

Company A, Seventh Regiment, O. N. G., Capt. Charles Anthony, fifty men.

Duquesne Blues, O. N. G., Capt. Harper, fifty men.

In the first carriage rode Gov. Charles Foster, Adjt. Gen. Gibson, Judge William White and Gen. J. W. Keifer.

Second carriage, Col. Anderson, U. S. A., Commandant Columbus Barracks and grand-nephew of Gen. George Rogers Clark, Hon. J. F. Oglevee, Auditor of State, Rev. T. J. Harris, Chaplain of the day, and Mayor E. S. Wallace.

Third carriage-Dr. Keifer, of Troy, and Governor's staff.

Fourth carriage-Capt. Runyan, of Logan County, in uniform of the old time militia; Col. Johnson, Piqua; and Commissioners of Clark County.

The route of the procession was east on High street to Sycamore, north to Main street, west to Market, south to Market space, where footmen boarded the train for the grounds, carriages and horsemen proceeding by pike.

On arrival, the exercises at the speakers' stand began with music by the band and prayer by Rev. T. J. Harris, Pastor High Street Methodist Episcopal Church, and Chaplain of the day.

Gen. Keifer then delivered the following welcoming address:

FELLOW-CITIZENS: The. duty assigned me is a pleasing one. I am warned to be brief and not to trench on the work alloted here to others. The welcome extended to our distinguished guests must be found more in the hearty spirit in which all give out signs of pleasure over their presence, than in words which I may titter.

Speaking for those through whose persevering efforts we are permitted to meet on this occasion; also for all who have interested themselves in this centennial day, I extend a hearty welcome to all persons assembled here.

A perfect realization of the importance and interesting character of this meeting can be had only by bringing into vivid recollection the incidents and' events which have occurred on these grounds a hundred years ago.

Here, then, savage and civilized man joined in mortal combat. The battle fought and won on that day had most important results. The border pioneer settlers, especially from Kentucky, fought to free their homes from depredations by the merciless red men. But the greatest results are to be read in the fact that here, on that day, the most warlike Indian tribe on the continent was defeated and forced back, and the pioneer white man was allowed to advance to new possessions. On this field as upon every other where an untutored and barbaric race of men have measured prowess with an educated and civilized race, the latter has proved the most valiant. No race of men ever were great and successful warriors whose training did not comprise something more than is obtained in the chase or alone in the use of arms. The Hebrew people, just out of centuries of Oriental bondage in which they were strangers to war, and who in all their history had been trained to peaceful pursuits, proved more than a match for the numerous large warlike bands with whom they came in contact in their forty years' journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

On these grounds, 100 years ago, were the then principal villages of the Shawnee Indian tribe. . This tribe had occupied different portions of the now territory of the United States during nearly three hundred years of preceding history, and it was the most warlike of all the Indian tribes. It had rarely been at peace with the other tribes until it went to war with the whites. Their chiefs possessed more sagacity and more of the true spirit of warriors than the chiefs of other tribes. Their traditions were of war, extending back to a time when they, in search of conquest, "crossed a sea" to this continent. In this tribe alone did the latter tradition prevail. Here the head chiefs made their

370 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

home. On account of the abundance of game, the richness of soil, the pure water from the numberless perennial springs, the large quantities of fish which then abounded in the limpid waters of Mad River and its tributary streams, the facilities for engaging in favorite sports upon the river and the then open prairies, these aboriginal people had become more than ordinarily attached to this place as a home. The acquisition of these lands may have been at the cost of many of their chiefs and braves. Here were the graves of their ancestors and those dear to them. They followed the natural instincts of mankind in defending this country against the aggressions of the white race. I am not charged with the duty of picturing the scenes of the battle fought here. That duty will be performed to-day by others; and by simulation we are soon to witness all the scenes of that eventful day. Already we witness the contending forces gathering for the fray.

Who were here on that memorable day? There were here (at their birthplace) the three ten-year-old brothers-triplets-with their Creek mother, two of whom became famed in the bloody history of the West. The names of those boys were Tecumseh (a cougar crouching for his prey), Ellskwatawa (an open door), afterward named and recognized as the Prophet, and Rumskaka. The principal chiefs and braves of the Shawnees, supported by about three hundred Mingo warriors under the notorious renegade white man, Simon Girty, fought upon this field. George Rogers Clark, then but twenty-eight years of age, and who stood deservedly high in public esteem as an Indian fighter, commanded the "long knives"-the white soldiers.

Among those with the expedition, perhaps more in the character of a scout and a spy than a soldier, was the famous Western adventurer, Daniel Boone.* Though the army of Col. afterward Gen. Clark was small-only about one thousand in numbers-it contained many who are known in the annals of history.

The day we celebrate was an anxious one. Success that day was to the pioneer settlements a guarantee of freedom from the scalping knife of the savage; and success to the Indians was the preservation of their rude homes, their, small crops and natural hunting grounds. From the women and children, witnesses of the battle gathered on these heights, there doubtless went up prayers for the success to the Great Spirit above; for they worshiped a "Great Unknown." These "children of the forest," as said by another, had seen the Great Father

"In clouds and heard Him in the winds."

Here then was witnessed the exaltations of victory, and the crushed hopes and sorrows and sufferings and defeat. The cycle of an hundred years has beheld the vain struggle of a once proud and valiant race of God's people for their homes and for an existence. The Shawnee tribe is now almost extinct; a mere remnant of it, without tribal identification, can only now be found in the far-off Indian Territory, merged with a similarly fated tribe-Pottawatomies. Though these "children of nature" flourished and were long known to history (under varied names), before their defeat on these historic plains their star of destiny was set. They are doomed to extinction. Their fate has been or will be the fate. of all other savages on this continent. While we deplore the poor Indian's fate, and hesitate to pronounce his treatment by our kindred and race just and human when tested by divine precepts, we can still hope that He who rules all things for the best will not, as a retributive justice, visit a like or kindred fate on our own race.

* According to other accounts Boone must have been in the" Carolinas " searching for his wife and family at the time of this expedition.

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Reaching back a century, where certain records of history "fade away in the twilight and charm of tradition," we gather up the marvelous growth of civilization in the New World.

The past century is rich in the romance of American history. Progress has reigned with imperial power. The savage war-whoop has been superseded by the neighing of the "iron horse." The event we celebrate sharply marks the point where barbarism ended and civilization set in. Here barbarism was driven back still farther in its native forests, where through all the ages it has had its securest home, and the inseparable twins, Christianity and civilization, bearing the ax of Time, have cloven along their retiring footsteps room for a better, purer and holier life, in all of which we may be able to read the decree of Almighty God.

To bring us closer, if possible, to the condition of things as they once existed here, and to aid in paying just tribute to our fathers who fought here, or who but little later were the avant couriers of our present peaceful and happy State, let us speak in the words of one of Ohio's poet sons:

" The mighty oak, proud monarch of the wood,

Upon these hills in stately grandeur stood.

Along these vales did ferocious panthers prowl,

And oft was heard the fierce wolf's frightful howl;

But all these savage beasts have passed away,

And the wild Indians too-where are they ?

They have disappeared-most of these tribes are gone,

Like the night's dark shades before the rising dawn.

Can we forget that brave and hardy band

Who made their homes first in this Western land'?

Their names should be enrolled on history's page,

To be preserved by each succeeding age

They were the fathers of the mighty West;

Their arduous labors Heaven above has blessed,

Before them fell the forest of the plain,

And peace and plenty followed in the train."

Gen. J. Warren Keifer was then responded to by Gov. Charles Foster, who spoke as follows:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF CLARK COUNTY:

I am very grateful indeed, for myself and for my associates here from the State Government, for the welcome that has been given us in words, and not only in words, but for the welcome expressed by this magnificent presence before us. It has been my good fortune (I suppose I may call it good fortune) to visit almost every county in this State within the past year. Ohio is a great State, with populous cities and influential towns and counties-at least we of Ohio think it is a great State-and I noticed in all the counties I visited that every one thought their town the best town in their county and the best county in the State. I conclude that the remark is equally current here. Unfortunately for me, I failed to visit Clark County last year, but I am happy to be present with you to-day. Among the first things I heard when I arrived this morning was that " same old story," that the county of Clark is the finest in Ohio, and that the city of Springfield is the finest city in the State or in any other State, for that matter. Even my old friend, your honored citizen, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court, dignified and thoughtful as he is, said that this county and this city of Springfield were the best county and the best city in the State (Laughter.)

I am glad to be here to-day on this centennial occasion-this centennial of an occasion that marked the downfall of barbarism and the beginning of the rise of the splendid Christian civilization we now see in Clark County, and not only in Clark County, but throughout the great Northwest.

I congratulate yon, the people of Clark, on your splendid civilization, on

372 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.

your agricultural industries, on your great manufacturing interests, and your institutions. Again, in behalf of myself and my associates, I thank you for the kind invitation and for this most generous welcome. (Applause).

LETTERS AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Capt. D. C. Balentine, editor of the Springfield Transcript, selected to read letters and communications from invited guests unavoidably detained and others, remarked that he felt himself unable, even did time permit, to read the entire mass of manuscript placed in his hands, and, as they say in Congress, would "ask leave to print" for the benefit not only of this but for future generations. He then read, either in whole, or in part, the following papers:

FROM JUDGE FORCE, CINCINNATI.

FROM LEAVENWORTH, KAN., July 21, 1880.

MAJ. W. J. WHITE:

Dear Sir: I have just received your letter, inviting me to serve as orator at the centennial of Gen. Rogers Clark's victory at Old Piqua.

The letter followed me to this post, where I am resting a few days before setting out with Gen. Pope for the southwest corner of Colorado.

I thank you heartily for thinking of me on so interesting an occasion, and would gladly serve if it were practicable. But while you will be celebrating your centennial, I shall be camping in the wilderness.

The proceedings will of course be printed: and will contain much of historical interest. I desire to bespeak a copy. Very truly yours,

M. F. FORCE.

FROM PRESIDENT EDWARD ORTON, COLUMBUS, OHIO.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY, PRESIDENT'S ROOM, COLUMBUS, OHIO,

July 28, 1880.

PROF. W. J. WHITE

My Dear Sir: I crave your pardon for my delay in answering your letter, I have been absent from home about a week, but your letter came into my hands a day or two since in time, certainly, for an answer before this date. I am collecting the coal and ore statistics of the State and have a number of men in the field. When I returned, I was snowed under with urgent requests of various sorts that demanded instant attention, and, yielding to the immediate pressure, your letter escaped notice until an hour or two before your telegram was received. I cannot render the service you ask. I wish I could. Nothing would please me better than to make a study of this early chapter. of our history, but I am so burdened with my present duties that I cannot think of assuming any service outside of them. Very truly yours,

EDWARD ORTON.

FROM HON. STEPHEN JOHNSTON, PIQUA.

PIQUA, Ohio, August 2, 1880.

P. O. CUMMINGS, Secretary Clark-Shawnee Centennial, Springfield, Ohio:

Dear Sir: Your invitation extended to me to be present, at the anniversary of the battle between Gen. Clark and the Shawnee Indians a century ago is before me. In reply, will say I shall be happy to accept the invitation and be with you at the time fixed. My mother was p