HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 377

CHAPTER. VIII.

MATERIAL PROGRESS.

MARION COUNTY comprises so uniformly a good agricultural soil, and is so favorably situated in respect to railroad communication, that its progress in material things has been greater than the average of like communities. The history of material development can only be told by statistical tables; and as such matter makes rather dry reading, this chapter ter will necessarily be very short. To obtain a correct idea of the comparative progress of the county from time to time, it is essential to have a census table, of which the most important is a table of the population. This will be good for general reference, as well as for the purposes of this chapter. It is, therefore, here given first of all:

POPULATION OF THE COUNTY BY DECADES.

1830.......................6,557 1850............12,618 1870...................16,184

1840.....................14,765 1860............15,490 1880...................20,565

The apparent falling off in 1850, in the above table, is due to the fact that in 1845 and 1848 several townships were taken from the county in the .organization of other counties.

POPULATION BY TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES.

TOWNSHIPS AND. VILLAGES. 1860. 1870. 1880.

Big Island......................................................................... 911 940 1,226

Bowling Green ............................................................... 637 903 1,219

Claridon, including Caledonia ...................................... 1,464 1,483 1,771

Caledonia ................................................................ 419 627

Grand ............................................................................ 445 403 485

Grand Prairie ............................................................... 370 485

Green Camp, including village .................................... 748 999 1,362

Green Camp Village ....... ........................................ 312

Marion, including city .................................................. 3,014 3,486 5,151

Marion City. ............................................................ 1,844 2,531 3,899

Montgomery, including villages ....................................1,212 1,451 1,765

La Rue ...................................................................... 614

New Bloomington ...................................................... 271

Pleasant ...........................................................................1,115 1,078 1,181

Prospect, including village ..............................................1,195 1,280 1,724

Prospect Village ........................................................ 600

Richland ......................................................................... 1,406 1,146 1,210

Salt Rock ....................................................................... 431 351 551

Scott ............................................................................... 586 495 553

Tully .............................................................................. 757 770 878

Waldo, including village ............................................... 1,081 1,029 997

Waldo Village .......................................................... 220 247 248

FIRST ROADS AND TURNPIKES.

An Indian trail ran from Upper Sandusky, by Caledonia, thence, by way of Mount Gilead, Fredericktown and Mount Vernon, down Old Creek to

378 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

White Woman River. This was the old war trace, and much traveled. The neat trace ran from Upper Sandusky, by John Ballantine's old place, or about a mile west of Marion, to the head branches of the Scioto. A man by the name of Wright, a jeweler and blacksmith, lived on the trace, in what is now Green Camp Township. The Delawares had traces run. Ding toward the fire lands on the reserve, which they traveled a good deal.

Wagon roads were slowly and gradually made, simultaneously with the building of the log cabin residences and development of the farms. The first so-called " road " through the county was denominated the " war road," first marked out by a march of Gen. Harrison's soldiers. It ran north and south through Marion, and its exact course is described in the chapters on Marion and Reminiscences.

The first road that became well established by considerable travel was called the "Radnor road," running from Delaware to Upper Sandusky, by way of Radnor, Green Camp and Big Island. It was a State road, and its general course was straight. The next was another State road, between the same points, via Marion. Other State roads were from Mount Vernon to Marion, from Mansfield to Marion and from Marion to Kenton. These were surveyed under orders from the State, and some bridges built; but they were not much improved.

The soil of the western country generally is composed of humus, mold and the most finely comminuted clay, and therefore of such a nature as to render traveling difficult during wet weather. This character of the soil has, indeed, been the greatest drawback to the early development of the country. How to make good roads has ever been the greatest puzzle to the citizens. .

Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike.-As early as 1833, under a charter from Congress, a narrow ridge of soil was thrown up in a straight line from Columbus to Sandusky, designed to be a "turnpike," but which was in reality a "mud pike," as the people generally termed it. It ran through the eastern part of Marion County, north by about thirty degrees east, from Waldo through Richland, Claridon and Scott Townships through the latter township centrally, by way of Letimberville. In wet weather it seemed to be worse than untouched ground, and in dry weather it was not needed. Reason: The material of which it was made consisted of an impalpable powder, made into paste.

It was built by a company in Columbus, headed by Orange Jackson, who sold the lands, donated by the Government for the purpose, to contractors, and the latter built the road by sections. They established tollgates upon the route, and many a joke has passed the rounds concerning: the serio-comical experiences of travelers who had to pay their 5 cents a mile on this route and then work their way along with a fencerail in hand to pry the stage out of the.mud every.few rods.

About 1843, the citizens petitioned the State Legislature to annul the charter of the company; and an investigation was made by that body, which disclosed the fact that the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike Company had perpetrated a gigantic fraud all along the line. While the investigation was in progress, the indignant citizens demolished the toll-gates, and since that time the turnpike has been a free road.

John Kraner once went to Columbus by this route with a horse and buggy, when it seemed all that his horse could do to pull him slowy up to the toll-gate, where appeared the gate-keeper for the toll (!) as polite as a French dancing-master. In relating his experience afterward, Uncle

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 379

John said, "De next time I goes to Columbus in a horse and bogy, I goes. in a stage. I tell you, some of de time de road was so bad, I taught my horse and bogy vould die!"

The Marion & Waldo Pike Company was organized September 12, 1868, under a charter, with a capital of $25,000, to construct and operate a turnpike leading south from Marion and about thirty-five degrees east, and to extend to the county line, or about ten miles, to be a part of the route to Columbus. Its junction with the old Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike was at Waldo, upon which it ran a mile and a quarter. The first, officers were S. S. Benned, President; John E. Davids, Secretary; and Benjamin Waddel, Treasurer; the Directors being John Brundige, Charles Bishop, Benjamin Waddel, D. S. Drake, Henry Falk, E. Uncapher and S. S. Bennett.

This company immediately proceeded to improve the road, by ditching, graveling, etc., and established toll-gates. The organization has ever since been kept up, and improvements made upon the road from time to time. Within the last year, crushed stone has been placed upon the track for two miles near Marion, which will soon form, with the surface, a well macadamized road bed.

Directors elected June 8, 1883: J. J. Hane, N. R. Tavenner, A. W. Myers, Silas Idleman, Levi Jones, T. B. Fisher, E. G. Allen. Officers: E. G. Allen, President; J. E. Davids, Secretary; and Benjamin Waddel, Treasurer.

The rates of toll on this pike are, for every ten miles, as follows: For a four-wheeled carriage, drawn by one horse, 15 cents; for each additional animal with same. 5 cents; sleigh, 5 cents; sleigh with two horses, 10 cents; horse and rider, 5 cents; each head of horses in droves, 3 cents; each head of cattle six months old and upward, 1 cent; each head of sheep or hogs, 2 cent; stage-coach or omnibus, 30 cents; two-wheeled carriage, drawn by one horse, 10 cents; for such a vehicle drawn by two animals, 10 cents. No toll is charged those attending elections, funerals, church, musters, military duty, etc.

The gate-keeper at the cemetery near Marion is R. May; three miles out, at Hoffman's Corners, Marion Ames; seven miles gut, Mrs. Mary Robinson.

The Marion & Middletown Turnpike Company.-The stockholders met January 31, 1870, and elected as Directors R. S. Fish, E. Uncapher, Jacob Ringer, J. W. Hughes, T. J. Magruder, R. G. Boyd and P. O. Sharpless. The Board elected E. Uncapher, President; J. E. Davids, Secretary, and R. S. Fish, Treasurer. Capital stock, $10,000. Purpose, to improve and keep in repair a road commencing at Marion and extending five miles in the direction of Middletown, now Prospect. The company continued in existence and kept up the road until March 6, 1883, when it was sold to the county for 40 per cent of the stock, since which time the road has been free. At the last meeting of the stockholders, January 8, 1883, R. G. Boyd, Ira Uhler, Jacob Bleich, Samuel Smeltzer, James Court. T. J. Magruder and J. J. Hane were elected Directors, and R. G. Boyd was elected President; J. E. Davids, Secretary, and R. S. Fish. Treasurer.

The Marion & Berwick Pike was built by subscription in 1872, and ran until 1878, when it was made a free road. The men chiefly connected with this enterprise were Bat Cusick, Joseph Uncapher, John and Samuel Rayl and R. T. Fish. J. E. Davids was Secretary of the company.

The Marion & Big Island Pike was built or macadamized as a free road under the auspices of the county government.

380 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

RAILROADS.

A surprise to herself, Marion has become one of the most remarkable railroad centers in the State, with a prospect of two more roads still. A short account of each road is proper here.

Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway.-The original charter of this company was granted by the Legislature of Ohio March 14, 1836, the object being to construct a railway from Cleveland to Cincinnati, via Columbus and Wilmington. Through non-user, that charter be came dormant, but it was revived and amended by act of March 12, 1845. The road was completed and the first train run over it from Cleveland to Columbus on the 22d of February, 1851; distance 138 miles. After several changes, the name by which the company is now known-" Cleveland, Columbus. Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad Company "-was adapted May 16, 1868.

Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad.-About the time of the survey of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Iudianapolis Railroad reached Gallon, the people of Marion County waked up to the practicability and wisdom of having a railroad, connecting at Galion and ultimately extending westward. Accordingly, as early as 1845, the county voted for $100,000 stock for this branch, tobecalled the "Bellefontaine & Indiana Railroad." The bonds were sold favorably, but work did not commence for several years. In April, 1850, Chief Engineer W. Minor Roberts published an elaborate report of a preliminary survey, accompanied with a full statement of the advantages which would accrue to the people from the road. Work was then pushed, and on August 28, 1852, the first train, a mixed one, was run through from Galion to Marion; conductor, Howard Copeland, well known in Marion. In June, 1853, through trains to Union City commenced to run. The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad Company subsequently leased this road, and fifteen or twenty years ago purchased it, since which time it has gone under that name, being the " Indianapolis Division " of that road.

During the year 1882, there were shipped from Marion by this road 41,810,082 pounds of freight, of which 353 cars were of live-stock--namely, 110 cars of cattle, 14 of horses and mules, 95 double-decks and 8 single decks of sheep, 79 doubledecks and 47 single-decks of hogs. During the previous year, 1881, there were forwarded from this station 231 cars of live-stock-that is, 76 of cattle, 10 of horses and mules, 49 double-decks and 1 single-deck of sheep, and 54 double-decks and 41 single-decks of hogs. The receipts of freight for the year 1882 amount to 34,404,724 pounds.

It appears that the principal freighting, both ways. is heaviest during the summer months. For example, during the summer of 1882, the average amount forwarded was five to eight millions a month, while for the rest of the year it ranged from one to two millions.

New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad.--March 10, 1851, is the date of the charter of the "Franklin & Warren Railroad Company," to construct a road from Franklin, Portage County, by way of Warren, Trumbull County, to the east line of the State, with power to continue the same from its place of beginning in a westerly or southwesterly direction. Under this authority, the line was constructed from a point on the State line in Trumbull County, to Dayton, 246 miles. By decree of the Common Pleas Court of Portage County, October 17, 1855, the name of the above road was changed to " Atlantic & Great Western." Other lines connecting eastward

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 381

were consolidated August 19, 1865, with this line, under the above name. During the next fifteen years, there were many transfers and changes under mortgages and otherwise, until January 6, 1880, when it was all sold to the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Company, and recently it has been leased to the New York, Lake Erie ,& Great Western Railroad Company. The stock of these lines has been always chiefly owned in England.

In Marion County, at least $100.000 stock was taken in this road in 1852, the subscription list being headed by Bradford R. Durfee, Ozias Bowen, J. S. Copeland and others at $5,000 each. Considerable grading was done; but directly some of the subscriptions were repudiated, lawsuits followed, work ceased, and all the stock lost by the citizens, except what was refused to be paid by a few. The road, however, was finally completed, through this county, soon after the war. The principal office is at Cleveland, Ohio.

During the month of June, 1883, there was forwarded East, by this road, from Marion, 42,707,602 pounds of freight, and business is constantly increasing. The passenger traffic is correspondingly great.

Columbus & Toledo Railroad Company.--- On May 28, 1872, the company was incorporated, under the general act of May 1, 1852, the corporators being M. M. Greene, P. W. Huntington, B. E. Smith, W. G. Deshler, James A. Wilcox and John L. Gill, of Columbus, for the construction of a railroad from the city of Columbus to the city of Toledo, through the counties of Franklin, Delaware, Marion, Wyandot, Seneca, Wood and Lucas, a distance of 123 7/16 miles. The capital stock fixed in the certificate of incorporation is $2,500,000, which by law is divided into shares of $50. On July 1, 1872, subscription books were opened in Columbus and Toledo. On October 9, 1872, $270,000 having been duly subscribed, the corporators called a meeting of the stockholders, which was held in the city of Columbus on November 13, 1872, and nine directors were duly elected (which number was increased to thirteen by the stockholders at their meeting on April 15, 1874). On the same day the Directors met and organized the company, by the election of the proper officers. October 15, 1873, the line of the road was permanently located through the towns of Delaware, Marion, Upper Sandusky, Carey and Fostoria. August 4, 1875, bids for construction were opened, and on the 16th a contract was concluded with Miller, Smitbs & Co. The next day they commenced work. By November, 1876, the portion between Columbus and Marion, 46 miles, was sufficiently completed to justify the company in complying with the urgent solicitation of stockholders and business men along the line to operate the same. This was done at considerable cost in proportion to the amount of business, which was, necessarily, limited on so short a distance upon a new and incomplete road.

On January 10, 1877, the entire line was so far completed that through business was commenced, and regular trains run between Columbus and Toledo, under an arrangement with the contractors, who were, however, occupied for some time after that in finishing up the road, so that it was not fully .completed and accepted by the company until July following. The road was completed, 118 2/16, miles, fully equipped, and provided with all the necessary and proper terminal accommodations in Columbus and Toledo, at a cost of $3,338,507.54, being $28,244 per mile.

Now, as to Marion County's part in securing the above road. Early in the summer of 1873, twenty-five men were appointed at a citizen's meeting as a committee to raise stock, and soon $165,000 was raised. The list of

382 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

subscribers was headed in Jnly with Robert Kerr and Amos H. Kling at $5,000 each; J. J. Hane, J. Ballantine and J. S. Reed at $2,000 each; T, P. Wallace at $1,500, and the following at $1,000: J. Fribley, T. Fahey, Henry True, B. Cusic, Christopher Haberman, T. C. Bowen, Wilson Imbody, Uhler & Cummin R. H. Johnson, S. S. Bennett, D. McWilliams, L. Fite; G. H. Kling & Co., F. Gooding, Henry Ten Eyck and the Marion Gas-Light Company.

Some doubt being afterward expressed by the company as to the reliability of the subscription, Messrs. Kling and Hane offered to guarantee the collection of the subscription for 10 per cent of the total. While the prospect was thus gloomy, some of the stockholders sold out at 40 to 70 cents on the dollar. Others, who held on until 1881, realized $1.25 for every $1 invested. The road has yielded handsome dividends from the start. The subscription proved to be good, as all was collected except about four per cent, namely, $6,796. Work on the track then went forward, and the first train over the Columbus & Toledo road to Marion arrived from Columbus about 1 P. M., October 19, 1876, amid a throng of welcoming citizens. The Silver Band discoursed its liveliest music,

In July, 1881, the Columbus & Toledo road was sold to it syndicate, and the name was changed to the "Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad."

The following was the business of the road in this county in 1877, its first year:

FORWARDED. RECEIVED.

STATIONS.

POUNDS. EARNINGS. POUNDS. EARNINGS

Prospect.......................................................4,36,8,184 $.2,008 47 4,092,205 $3,021.63

Owen ......................................................... 2,030,775 672 17 4,55,050 282 48

Marion ...................................................... 4,907,838 2,081 82 17,861,535 9,194 41

Morral ........................................................ 1,342,720 540 71 817,548 378 53

And the following in 1882:

FORWARDED. RECEIVED.

STATIONS.

POUNDS. EARNINGS. POUNDS. EARNINGS.

Morral ..................................................... 3,806,589 $1,608 43 1,029 325 $863.83

Marion ................................................... 79,240,414 25,905 52 139,731,386 55,678.06

Owen..................................................... 14,788,083 4,714 01 1,138,300 896.38

Prospect................................................ 8,359,735 4,489 98 7,538,407 5,216 70

In 1882, the number of passengers from Marion were 26,379, from whom the earnings were $17,388; Owen 2,988 passengers; earnings, $941; Prospect, 11,667 passengers; earnings, $6,164.

Chicago & Atlantic Railway.--This popular line forms the Western outlet for the New York, Lake Erie & Western Railway, and is owned and managed by a corporation known as "The Chicago & Atlantic Railway Company." As the wise and skillful management of this important means of intercommunication contributes largely to the prosperity of Marion, it gives us pleasure to state that nothing is left undone by the management to secure that end. The road is well equipped, and the officers prompt, careful and obliging.

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY - 383

The movement for the building of this road originated about ten years ago, and among the prominent men of Marion County that took part in the agitation for this railroad may be mentioned Judge John Bartram, Messrs. H. T. Van Fleet, Thomas McMurray, C. H. Norris, Ira Uhler, S. R. Dumble, T. Fahey and P. O. Sharpless. These gentlemen, in association with others, formed a committee to solicit subscriptions for stock to the projected line, then denominated the " Baltimore, Pittsburgh & Continental," and they were fairly successful in their canvass, grading being vigorously Commenced, and in great part completed between Marion and Kenton by the contractors, Bean & Co., under the superintendence of Mr. David Kelly. But it will be remembered that this year, 1873, was the year of the great periodical panic, with its disastrous "Black Friday," and this railway, like most other projects of a like nature, came to a halt for about six years.

But the project was never finally abandoned. With the warming and revivifying influence of returning prosperity, further subscriptions were solicited and obtained to the amount of $50,0()0 in Marion, of which citizens of the western part of the county raised about two-fifths.

Recently, the work has been pushed to completion and the track finished this spring, the first trains for business arriving at Marion the first week in June. The last Board of Directors, elected in August, 1883, were Hugh J. Jewett, President; J. Condit Smith, J. M. Adams, C. C. Waite, C. L. Atterberry, J. H. Schiff, George J. Bippas, T. A. Lewis and O. W. Childs. As showing the amount of business transacted by this line, we may mention that its first month's traffic to Marion amounted to 36,070,342 pounds, and the out-freight was, for the same period. 13,985,027 pounds, of which 4,926,000 pounds was coal.

Ohio Central Railroad. The "Atlantic & Lake Erie Railway Company" was incorporated in 1869, to build a road from Toledo to Pomeroy, passing through Tully Township, this county. In 1879, the name was changed to " Ohio Central Railroad." and June 23, 1881, being consolidated with other lines. it was still further changed to the " Richmond, Allegheny & Ohio Central." This line is now in operation, running through Tully Township, this county, crossing the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio and Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroads at Three Locusts.

The total mileage of railroad track in Marion County is about ninety miles, besides nine miles of sidings. The valuation of the seventy-six miles in operation in 1881 was $930,168. on which the tax was $12,125.06.

PROPOSED RAILROADS.

The New York. Pittsburgh & Chicago Railroad Company was organized in June, 1881, with Gen. James S. Negley as President, and several millionaires for Directors. This organization at first virtually embraced the Pittsburgh, Newcastle & Lake Erie and Pittsburgh & Western roads, although the latter, a few days afterward, combined into an independent company. The intention of this company from the start has been to build their road to Marion, here to connect with the Chicago & Atlantic. The road is already in operation as far as New Lisbon, Ohio, a distance of fiftyfour miles from Pittsburg. John Halliard, of New York City, agent and general solicitor for the company, has been in Marion this season, the summer of 1883, to raise the $25,000 expected of the citizens here, and to secure the right of way, one-half the subscriptions to be paid when the road is graded and the other half when the cars are running from New Lisbon to this place. A large committee has been appointed, headed by Caleb H.

384 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

Norris, J. J. Hans, S. R. Dumble; etc., to raise the stock and secure the right of way.

The Mount Vernon Coshocton & Wheeling Railroad is a proposed route from Wheeling, W. Va., through the counties of Belmont, Jefterson, Tuscarawas and Coshocton, via Walhonding Canal and Owl Creek Valley to Mount Vernon, and thence to Marion, to connect with the Chicago & Atlantic.

EXPRESS AND TELEGRAPH.

The express companies, of course, came along with the first railroads. The amount of receipts of express companies for the year ending April 30, 1882, subject to taxation, in Marion County, was as follows: American Express Company, $557; United States Express Company, $530. Applying the principles upon which assessment is made, these figures may be taken to indicate the amount of business.

The telegraph came along, also, with the first railroad the first operator in Marion being Mr. Frary, a daguerrean artist, appointed in August, 1853.

AGRICULTURE.

Notwithstanding the wonderful fertility of the rich, virgin soil when the old forests were cut away and the vivifying rays of the sun shone upon the first crops planted by the hand of man, agriculture was not the road to wealth for the pioneers of this region. The great embarrassment under which they labored was the difficulty of getting the products of their soil to market. In spite of roots and stumps, sprouts and bushes, the newly cleared land brought forth bountiful harvests; but the wagon roads were imperfect, canals and railroads entirely wanting and the distance to large ports so great and navigation, etc., so difficult and hazardous, that the pioneer farmer had but little encouragement. But the older the country became, and the more thickly settled the more rapidly have improvements been made and farmers become wealthy.

The following is the last crop report for Marion County, 1883:

Wheat, acres sown, 30,921; bushels produced, 375,224; number of acres sown for harvest of 1883, 26,776. Rye, acres sown, 50; acres sown for crop of 1883, 23 1/4; bushels produced, 761. Buckwheat, acres sown, 81 1/2; bushels produced, 1,605. Oats, acres sown, 8,334; acres sown for crop of 1883, 5,494; bushels produced, 263,599. Barley, acres sown, 43; acres sown for crop of 1883, 146; bushels produced, 1,092. Corn, acres planted, 41,208; acres planted for crop of 1883, 34,135; bushels produced, 1,570, 799. Meadow, acres, 16,045; tons of hay, 19,925. Clover, acres sown, 8,077; bushels of seed 6,674; acres plowed under for manure, 271. Potatoes, acres planted, 994 1/2; acres for crop of 1883, 613; bushels produced, 81,407. Butter, pounds made, 52,812. Sorghum, acres planted, 50 3/4; gallons of sirup, 3,762 Maple in 1883, pounds of sugar, 3,452; gallons of sirup, 2,117. Bees, number of hives, 1,727; pounds of honey, 19,813. Eggs, number dozens, 475,658. Grapes, pounds gathered in the year 1882, 21,290. Apples, acres occupied, 2,793; bushels produced, 48,560. Peaches, bushels produced, 1,654. Pears, bushels produced, 414 1/2. Lands owned, number of acres cultivated, 92,739; number of acres pasture, 51,390; number of acres of woodland 36,084; total number of acres owned, 189,531. Wool, pounds shorn, 1882, 345,955. Milch Cows, number owned in 1882, 4,574. Stallions, number owned in 1882 31. Dogs, 1,301. Sheep killed by dogs, 578; value, $21.09; injured by dogs, 967; value, $1,021. Domestic animals died from diseases, Hogs, 2,284; value, $13,789; sheep, 1,643,.

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 386

value $4,616; Cattle, 250, value, $4,278; Horses, 179, value, $16,770. Losses by floods: Live stock, value, $1,224; grain, etc., value, $5,985; fences, etc., value, $3,021.

For the respective townships, see under their headings.

MARION COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

For a third of a century there has now been one continuous organization, tinder the above name, generally prospering and holding fairs every year, except, possibly. one or two. The first report is dated November 19, 1851, up to which time the society had received for membership, $116; from the county treasury, $62.50; from members to whom premiums had been awarded, $16; total, $194.50. Disbursed: For premiums awarded on horses, $27; on cattle, $45; on sheep, $20; on swine, $40 (?). At the same fair, the following were the premiums on fruits and vegetables:

Best specimen of apples, not less than six varieties, and not less

than twelve apples of each variety ............................................$1 00

Second best show of apples .......................................................... 50

First best half bushel of onions ..................................................... 50

Second best half bushel of onions ................................................. 25

First best bushel of sweet potatoes ................................................ 50

Second best bushel of sweet potatoes .............................................. 25

First best bushel of turnips .............................................................. 25

First best bushel of beets .................................................................. 25

Best half dozen pumpkins ..................................................................25

Best show of flowers ....................................................................... 25

Best and greatest variety of vegetables ............................................ 50

CAPT. ELISHA HARDY. President.

C. B. MANN

WILLIAM CLARK, Committee.

J. SEARCH, S. S. BENNETT, Secretary.

The fairs were first held in " Copeland's Woods," in Ballantine's Addition, on ground leased for the purpose. The society then bought about three acres of ground west of town, north of the present C. & A. roundhouse, where fairs were held for several years. In 1862, they purchased the present grounds, comprising thirty-seven acres.

The grounds are fenced and furnished with the necessary buildings, etc., for a successful exhibit of all articles that may be brought. Besides, there is a half mile race-track, one of the best in the State, and tests of equine speed constitute the chief attraction at the fairs. As long ago as 1830, speed exhibitions were made at various points In the county by an association called the " Marion County Club." The amount spent for improvements on the grounds in 1875-76 were $3,554; in 1877, $1,230; in 1878, $489; in 1879, $305. There are now mechanics' and floral halls; vegetable hall; a fine-art hall, built last year at a cost of $1,000; two dining halls, $800 and $1,000, in round numbers; and a splendid amphitheater, costing upward of $2,000. According to the last Assessor's returns, the grounds were valued at $3,700, and the buildings at $3,300-not counting the fine-art hall and new dining hall above mentioned.

About five years ago, it was learned by experiment that the annual exhibitious of the society could succeed just as well without having intoxicating liquors sold on the grounds.

The receipts and disbursements for the last ten years have averaged about as follows:

1873-Receipts, $3,670; disbursements, $3,599. 1874-Receipts, $3,496; disbursements, $3,343. 1875-Receipts, $6,835; disbursements, $6,832. 1879-Receipts, $6,495; disbursements, $6,542.

The premiums offered for the fair of 1883 amount to over $5,000.

386 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

OFFICERS.

YEAR. PRESIDENT. SECRETARY TREASURER.

1858. ............... E. Messenger A. D. Matthews

1859 ................ E. Messenger A. D. Matthews E. Peters

1860................. E. Messenger H. M. Ault A. D. Matthews

1861 ............... E Conley H. M. Ault A. D. Matthews

1862 E. Peters H. M. Ault A. D. Matthews

1863 ............... E. Messenger H. M. Ault A. D. Woolley

1864............... . David Pettit John E. Davids A. D. Woolley

1865................ David Pettit Isaac Young John E. Davids

1866................ David Pettit John A. Carter John E. Davids

1867................ E. Messenger John C. Johnston John E. Davids

1868................ E. Messenger S. E. De Wolfe T. P. Wallace

1869................ E. Messenger T. H. Hodder T. P. Wallace

1870................ A. Monnett B. F. Stahl Isaac Young

1871 ............. Peyton Hord B. F. Stahl Isaac Young

1872 ............... A. H. Kling W. E. Scofield, Sr. T. P. Wallace

1873............... C. Smith W. E. Scofield, Sr. W. H. Mohr

1874. ............. C. Smith Dallas Day W . H. Mohr

1875.............. Felix Reber J. E. Crow W. H. Mohr

1876.............. Felix Reber J. E. Crow S. E. Hain

1877.............. George Retterer J. E. Crow J. Q Codding

1878 ............. T. R. Smith J. E. Crow A. H. Kling

1879.............. George Retterer J. E. Crow John Hardy

1880 ............. A. H. Kling J. E. Crow

1881............... H. Dickhaut J. E. Crow J. Q. Codding

1882............. Jacob Howser J. E. Crow Dallas Day

1883 .. .......... Jacob Howser W. S. Cunningham Dallas Day

For the present year, 1883, the Executive Committee are Jacob Howser, C. H. Gooding, J. F. McNeal and Watt Watkins, and the Board of Managers, Thomas Dickson, Tully; J. H. Coulter, Scott; G. W. Walters, Grand Prairie; John McElvy, Salt Rock; V. Fehl, Grand; D. H. Clifton, Montgomery; J. R. Frame, Big Island; D. H. Harvey and J. F. McNeal, Marion; I. A. Merchant, Claridon; M. Jacoby, Jr., Richland; C. H. Gooding, Pleasant; John Travis, Green Camp; W. Imbody, Bowling Green; Watt Watkins, Prospect; J. A. Schaaf, Waldo.

The number of members is given only for the following years in the records: 1874, 471; 1875, 438; 1876, 534.

PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.

"This organization among the farmers, though never as strong in Marion as in many other counties, took root quite early, and has never been without a "cloud of witnesses " since its first introduction. Justice Grange, No. 317, was the first one formed, December 29, 1873. Its charter members ware Ezra Phelps, J. R. Frame, Martin Lee, L. W. Clolland, J. H. Deal, Jesse Rhoads, H. C. Frame, I. M. Wood, A. B. Gray, C. H. McElvy, L. W. Britton, J. F. Gray, A. P. Rhoads, F. M. Wood, John Rhoads, J. M. Rhoads, Elizabeth Phelps, S. A. Frame, Anna M. Lee, Ollie L. Clelland, F. Deal, Irene Wood, Lizzie Gray, Alameda Gray, Jennie E. Rhoads, A. L. Wood and L. R. Rhoads. Ezra Phelps was first Master, and L. W. Clelland first Secretary. This grange was organized by Samuel Lutz, of Wyandot County. During the years 1874 and 1875, the following granges were organized in the order named: Nos. 468, 684, 867, 921, 1,001, 1,014, 1,080, 1,122, 1,198, 1,199. No. 684 consolidated with 921 immediately after its organization, also 1,199 with 468. Nos. 468, 1,001 and 1,080 each has a grand hall. There are now five live granges in the county. W. M. Likins is the present Deputy of the county.

PAGE 387 - PICTURE JOSEPH COURT

PAGE 388 - BLANK

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 389

An early and bitter prejudice was excited against the grange by the imprudence of a few of its first members, whose only idea of the grange and its mission seemed to be to save 1 cent a pound on sugar and 25 cents a barrel on salt, etc. Selfish and mercenary motives have wrought mischief, if not ruin, in every order, and the grange has been no exception. Had the early friends of the order held the grange to its legitimate work -the social and mental culture of its members-with the thrift and intelligence of the people of Marion County, there is little doubt but that fourfifths of the farmers would to-day be proud to say, "I am a Patron of Husbandry." As grange principles are better understood, they are more generally adopted, and while the number of lodges and members has fallen off, the vitality of the order has in no wise abated. The Deputy is arranging for a series of lectures this fall and winter, and it is expected much good will be done, and the order greatly strengthened.

FINE STOCK.

In respect to the introduction of improved breeds of horses into this section of the country, probably Jacob Howser, of Claridon Township, takes the lead. In 1867, in company with William Gilmor, he went to France, whence they imported "Napoleon," "Jim " and "Snap." After keeping them one season, they sold them for $8,000. In 1869, he went to France again, with importing company, and brought over fourteen stallions. On casting lots, Mr. Howler drew ".'Prince Imperial," for which $3,000 was paid. This specimen took the $300 prize at Springfield. He is now sixteen years old. Mr. H. also owned " Hyotoga," a pacer, which he purchased of Benjamin Reed in Harrison County. This horse sired " Bay Dick," now owned by William H. Vanderbilt. He also sired " George B.," the great trotter once owned by Watkins Bros. Mr. Howser has, besides, a pair of road horses. His sons, W. G. and B. R., are engaged also in the fine stock business.

In the line of cattle, perhaps Jacob Howler takes the lead. In 1872, he engaged in rearing Durham cattle, which he has since often exhibited at the Marion County fairs and received the first premium. " Sir Curtis " was bought in Bourbon County, Ky., by B. R. Howser & Co. in 1881. He is three years old, weighs nearly 2,000 pounds and is the finest bull in the State. When one year old, he drew the first premium of his class at the Bourbon County fair, and took the sweepstakes over all ages.

Messrs. Howser & Co. also keep thoroughbred Spanish Merino sheep, in which business they have been engaged since 1858. They now have 300 No. 1 sheep eligible to registry. They have sold wool to the amount of $21,000 worth; had on hand, at one time, as many as 7,000 head of sheep. At the present time they have 2,500 head.

Of hogs, they have as good Poland-Chinas as any in the State, selling from $10,000 to $12,000 worth annually. Messrs. Howser & Sons are the leasing exhibitors at the county fairs.

MARION COUNTY IMPORTING COMPANY.*

The importation of draft stallions, from France and England, into Marion County, for breeding purposes. commenced in 1867. In February of that year, Jacob Howser and William Gilmor imported from France three Norman Stallions, and in July, T. P. Wallace, A. H. Kling and Watkins Bros. imported from Franca four Norman stallions.

* This article was prepared by T. P. Wallace, Esq., Secretary of the Company.

390 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

The second importation was in 1868, the company then being composed of T. P. W apace, A. H. Fling, Watkins Bros., James Coffy, Jacob Howser, William Gilmor and Luther Smith. The importation of that year comprised fourteen Norman stallions, all produced in France.

The third importation was in 1870 the partners being T. P. Wallace, A. H. Kling, Orren Patten, James Coffy, Watkins Bros. and Jacob Howser, the importation for that year being thirteen Norman stallions, purchased in France.

In 1881, the company being thou composed of T. P. Wallace, A. H. Kling, Watkins Bros., James Coffy and Jacob Howser, imported five Norman stallions from France and two English draft stallions from England.

The fifth importation was in 1882 the partners being T. P. Wallace, A. H. Kling, Watkins Bros., James Coffy and Jacob Howser. The importation for that year was ten Norman stallions, purchased in France, and two English draft stallions, purchased in England.

The sixth importation was in 1883, the company being composed of the same partners as in 1882. The importation for 1883 was nine Norman and three English stallions.

The Marion County Importing Company have always made it a rule, in the purchase of horses, to get the best stallions they could find in France and England, never having failed to purchase a horse, if the animal suited them, regardless of price. The average price at which these stallions were sold was nearly $3,000 each, one being sold at $4,000 and a number bringing $3,300 to $3,500 each. The aggregate sales have amounted to about $150,000. The horses have been distributed through the States of Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kansas and Iowa. While the importation of these horses has been very profitable to the company, it would be safe to say that the increased value of the horses in Marion County alone, since 1867, in consequence of these importations, has not been less than $150,000. The half and three-quarter blood geldings and mares usually sell at $200 to $300 each at four years of age, and in some instances as high as $400. The half and three-quarter blood stallions sired by the imported stallions sell at $500 to $1,500 each. In fact, it is difficult, even now, to buy a five-year-old Norman or English horse, Such being usually sold at three or four years old.

VALUE OF MANUFACTURES IN 1881.

Cabinet ware.................................. $ 600

Carriages buggies, etc ................. 25,976

Wagons, drays, carts, etc ............. 5,905

A11 other wooden manufactures... 5,470

Leather articles ............................. 7,400

Drain tile, 1,364,000 feet.............. 7,550

Miscellaneous .............................. 3,250

BUILDINGS.

Dwellings erected in 1881 ............. 132

Value..........................................$ 61,825

Stables and barns erected .......... 40

Value...................................... $ 11,825

Stores and warehouses ............ 13

Value..................................... $ 63,350

Total of buildings erected..... 185

Total value ................................$137,000

Buildings destroyed by fire ...... 16

Value.......................................... $7,450

Valuation of railroad property in the county in 1882 was $1,257,038; taxes, $20,648.19.

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 391

In the county are 253,469 acres of land, valued at $7,291,730, of which $1,197,660 worth is in the villages; value of chattel property, $5,098,725; total valuation, $13,588,115. In 1881, the County Auditor reported 103,714 acres cultivated in the county; 55,808 acres in pasture, 39,480 acres woodland, and 2,351 acres lying waste; total, 201,765 acres.

For the banking interests of the county, see Marion, Caledonia, Prospect and LaRue in this volume.

FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COUNTY.

The present indebtedness of Marion County, according to the last report-in 1882-is $126,764.84, consisting of 5 and 6 per cent bonds for road improvements, to be paid by assessments on the lands benefited.

Waldo Township has a debt of $1,600 in 6 per cent bonds, for cemetery ground, to be paid by taxation.

The village of Marion owes $13,000 for street improvements, 6 per cent bonds, to be paid by taxation under a special act.

The village of Caledonia is in debt to the extent only of $325, to be paid by taxation.

The village of Prospect owes $400, in 7 per cent bonds, to be paid by taxation, under a special act.

Total of village debts, $13,725.

392 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

Besides, the Caledonia School District owes $800 in 8 per cent bonds, to be paid by taxation under a special act. The village of Prospect owes $9,500 in 6 per cent bonds, for building a schoolhouse, to be paid by taxation. Total school debt in the county, $10,300.

Total of public indebtedness in Marion County, $152,389.84.

Fees of county officers for 1882: Recorder's fees, $1,316.25, of which $180 was from the county treasury. Amount charged but unpaid, $80. Amount paid Clerks or Deputies, $195.50. Net cash received during the year, $1,300.75. Sheriff's fees, $1,286. Clerk's fees, $1,482.63. Prosecuting Attorney's, $524.25. Probate Judge's fees, $1,400.21. Treasurer's fees, $1,903.40. Auditor's fees $2,514.13. County Commissioners' fees, Mahaffey, $761.90; Cromer, $689.10; Retterer, $725.90-same as for predecessors.