414 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

CHAPTER X.

MEDICAL.

EARLY PHYSICIANS OF MARION COUNTY.*

THE first regular physician who located in Marion County was Dr. Ebenezer Ballantine, who came here from Kinderbook, N. Y., in the year 1820. The Doctor came to this country and settled at a very early day with his sons, about a mile and a half north of the present corporation of the town of Marion. As he was very old and quite worn out before be came here, he practiced but little and died in about three years after his arrival. In three weeks' time his wife also died. His children continued to live in the county, and have brought up large and influential families. The old cabin built by the Doctor still stands.

Dr. Alson Norton, in the year 1820, came from the State of Connecticut to Radnor, Delaware Co., Ohio, where he remained but a short time, and then located at Big Island this county, succeeding Dr. Ballantine only a few months. His first residence was a cabin built of round logs and covered with clapboards secured by "weightpoles." His professional rides were long and laborious, as his practice extended over the whole of Marion and parts of adjoining counties. Delaware, Ohio, was the nearest point at which he could procure drugs. The Doctor resorted, of course, to the only admissable mode of travel in those days, on horseback, in which manner he meandered through the woods by way of cow paths from house to house. In sickly seasons, it often took him several days to make his rounds, remaining overnight wherever darkness overtook him. His cabin was frequently visited by the Wyandot Indians while on their hunting tours, as it was a favorite place to rest and beg "johnnycake." In the course of time, the Doctor entered the tract of land upon which his cabin was erected and built a comfortable frame dwelling. The land is now cultivated as one of the productive farms of Big Island Township.

Dr. Norton continued the practice of his profession to the time of his death, which occurred in the year 1848. His wife was a sister of Orange Johnson, who was one of the prominent men of Central Ohio in early days.

Dr. George Miller came from the State of Pennsylvania in the year 1824 and located in Marion, Ohio. He was a well-educated physician, and was gaining a large practice when death suddenly checked his career within three years from the time he settled here.

Dr. Joseph Billings, a student of Dr. Upson, of Worthington, Ohio, came to Marion in the year 1824. Soon after his coming, he became engaged to Miss Lydia Holmes, the beautiful and accomplished daughter of District Judge William Holmes, but the early death of the Doctor, which occurred in 1825, prevented the consummation of the marriage contract.

Dr. Simeon A. Conch, a fellow-student of Dr. Billings. came shortly after the death of the latter and assumed his position in the practice of medicine. In fact, in more ways than one did Dr. Conch take the place of his predecessor, for he soon became engaged to Miss Lydia Holmes and

* By F. W. Thomas, M. D.

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 415

afterward married her; but his career, like that of Drs. Miller and Billings, was very short, for he died within two years' time after he located in the town.

Dr. Jabez P. Manning, an Eastern man, located in Marion in 1824 or 1825; but he, too, was unable to stand the hardships of the physician's life in those days, and death soon ended his career.

Two other physicians, whose names we were unable to learn, also located in Marion about the same time with those above mentioned; but their fate was like the others; they were doomed to very short lives; and thus it became a very noticeable fact in the history of the early- physicians of the town of Marion that the first seven who located here all died within a space of three years; and surely the inducements for doctors to come to Marion were not, great in the days of miasmatic poison.

Dr. George Halloway, the first physician who was able to stand the hardships here and live any length of time, came from the State of Massachusetts in 1825 and located in Marion. His practice soon extended for miles around, as he was quite successful. The mode of travel was still confined to the saddle, as the roads were new and rugged, often mere paths running through the forest, marked by "blazed trees" as guides to the proper course. The diseases of this country in those days were principally of a bilious character and " milk sickness" or "trimbles." In the former class of diseases, the torpid liver had to be aroused, and Dr. Halloway's favorite prescription for this purpose was calomel in heroic doses, generally forty grains, repeated in from four to six hours. In the treatment of milk sickness, the Doctor also enjoyed a good reputation, and the typical old saddle bags were familiar to nearly every family.

Dr. Halloway was truly one of the pioneer physicians, experiencing all the fatigues and hardships that were known only to those who were here in an early day. He continued in practice to the time of his death, which occurred at his home in Marion in the year 1867, having reached the ripe old age of fourscore and five. The Doctor was surgeon in the war of 1812 and located at Buffalo.

Dr. Basil. Holmes came from Newark, Ohio, to Marion in the year 1825. He practiced his profession in this county for several years, and then moved to Delaware, Ohio, where he died. He was Postmaster at one time in Marion, and frequently carried letters in his pockets for persons living at a distance from town and distributed the mail on his professional rounds.

Dr. William H. Reid came from one of the Eastern States and located in Marion in the year 1830. He soon acquired a large practice, as he was a shrewd physician. When he had been here two years, he met with an accident, suffering a fracture of the femur. His brother, who was a few years his junior and also a physician, came to take care of the Doctor and his patients. After William H. regained his strength, the two brothers practiced together until the death of William, which occurred in about a year. After this event, Dr. Ezra Reid moved to Indianapolis, where in time he gained a very enviable reputation. The brothers were both accomplished physicians, being well educated and members of an influential family.

Dr. J. Livingston located in Marion in 1832. He practiced with very good success here for a number of years, and then moved to Missouri, where he went into a. general business, trading, raising stock, etc.; in this way he amassed quite a fortune. His wife's maiden name was Lydia Tootle, of Marion.

416 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

Dr. W. C. Johnson was born in Harrison County, Ohio, January 21, 1808. At his native place he resided until after his graduation in medicine and two years' practice in his profession. He came to Marion in 1836, and formed a partnership with Dr. Livingston. From this time on until the time of his death, which occurred Juiy 24, 1864, he continued the practice of medicine in Marion and adjoining counties. The Doctor attended medical lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Penn. His widow, Mrs. Johnson, is still living and resides on North Main street, Marion, Ohio.

H. A. True, A. M., M. D., was born at Union, Me., August 10, 1812. He graduated at Bowdoin College, Me., in 1832, and at Bowdoin Medical College in the following year. He afterward attended medical lectures at Boston Medical College, and in 1834 was appointed Assistant Physician at the Summerville Insane Asylum. In. 1835, he attended medical lectures at Pittsfield, Mass., and in the same year he went to New York City and located, where he engaged in the practice of medicine and drug business for four years. . In 1839, Dr. True came to Marion and practiced his profession for a period of ten years; after this he engaged in the dry goods trade up to the year 1856, and then he went to banking, and continued in the latter business to the time of his death, which occurred December 12, 1876. Dr. True was a marl of unusual ability and strength of character. He was a great reader and a close observer. His influence for good was very marked both in the community and in the church. His study of theology had been such that in the latter days he frequently occupied the pulpit in the church of his chosen denomination, the Presbyterian.

Dr. W. W. Briggs was born and raised near Essex, Union Co., Ohio. When be arrived at the years of maturity, he began his medical studies with a Dr. Pickett, of Delaware. He attended his first course of lectures at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, and the second at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, where he received his medical degree. He first located at Prospect, this county, and in 1854 he removed to Marion, where he continued the practice of his profession very successfully until the year 1862, at which time he was appointed Surgeon of the Forty-sixth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and died in the service of his country at Marietta, Ga., a brave soldier and a good physician. His first wife was a Miss Rachel Landon, and his second Miss Phoebe W. Davids, sister to Esquire John E. Davids, of Marion. Dr. ;Briggs' remains were brought home, and now rest in the Marion Cemetery.

Of the physicians now living who have practiced medicine in this county for thirty years, are Drs. T. B. Fisher, B. W. Davis and R. L. Sweeney, of Marion; Dr. R. C. Bowdish, of Big Island; Dr. Joshua Copeland, of La Rue, and Dr. J. W. Devore, of Claridon.

THE FIRST COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The first county medical society organized in Marion County was on March 6, 1850. The meeting was held at the American House and was composed of a majority of the regular physicians of the county. Dr. H. A. True was made Chairman of the meeting and Dr. W. R. Applebaugh, Secretary. On motion of Dr. J. C. Norton, a committee was appointed to draft a plan of organization, constitution and by-laws. The committee consisted of Drs. Norton, of Marion; Rogers, of Scott Town; and Wilkins. of La Rue. A committee, consisting of Drs. Norton, Gabriel and Burkholder, was appointed to prepare a code of ethics, and still another committee, composed of Drs. Kendler, Johnson and Bodamann, was delegated to arrange

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 417

a fee bill. The first officers elected were: President, Dr. Samuel Graf ton; Vice President, Dr. J. C. Norton; Secretary, Dr. W. R. Applebaugh; Treasurer, Dr. H. A. True; Standing Committee, Drs. Ferris, Briggs and Norton. Officers to be elected annually.

At its organization. the members of this society were Drs. George Holloway, J. C. Norton, H. A. True, John Black, W. R. Applebaugh, Robert H. Cochran, J. R. Williams, R. S. Gross, John Byres, Chauncy Lewis, W. W. Bridge, Samuel Grafton, J. H. Burkholder, James M. Briggs, J. Kindler, N. Atwood, W. C. Johnston, J. A. Rodgers, R. C. Bowdish, Orrin Ferris, Cyrus Ramsey, R. L. Sweeney, A. W. McPherson, T. B. Fisher, D. M. Jones, A. R. Gabriel and C. A. Bodeman. The meetings of the society were held monthly in the Presbyterian Church, and were usually well attended until May, 1852, at which time several of its members died and others moved away, thus crippling the society to such an extent that it lost vigor, and the meetings were discontinued.

THE NEW ORGANIZATION.

On June 5, 1877, a meeting of the regular physicians of the county was held at the office of Dr. R. L. Sweeney, Marion, Ohio. An organization was effected and constitution and by-laws adopted, with the following officers elected: President, Dr. R. L. Sweeney; Vice President, Dr. R. C. Bowdish; Secretary, Dr. C. P. Gailey; Treasurer, Dr. T. B. Fisher; Standing Committee, B. W. Davis, A. B. McMurray and S. B. Marshall.

On motion, a committee, consisting of Drs. Sweeney, Davis and Gailey, was appointed to draw up a fee bill and report the same at next meeting of the society. This bill at a subsequent meeting was agreed upon and adopted, which has ever since been the guide and standard of fees by the regular physicians of the county. In a short time, a suitable code of ethics was drawn up by a committee consisting of Drs. T. B. Fisher, A. B. McMurray and R. C. Bowdish, and adopted by the society, which has had its influence in keeping harmony and friendship among the members of the profession. From its organization to the present time, the society has done good work. Its meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, in the City Hall, and the papers that are read and the discussions of important subjects that tire participated in by the members all have an educating and an elevating influence on the minds of those who are striving to ascertain all possible truths that pertain to the cause, nature and cure of the many diseases with which humanity is afflicted.

The society elects its officers annually. The present incumbents are: President, Dr. O. W. Weeks; Vice President, Dr. W. C. Denman; Secretary, Dr. F. W. Thomas; Treasurer, Dr. R. L. Sweeney; Standing Committee, Drs. B. W. Davis, R. L. Sweeney and W. C. Denman.

418 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

CHAPTER XI.

THE PRESS.

AMONG the professions, none have taken higher rank than that of journalism, and the position of editor on one of the great dailies, or on one of the leading magazines, or even the small country weekly, is probably a more responsible one than that of any other professional man. The newspaper, the editor, the reporter and the compositor are the Archimedean levers that move the world. Their character and doctrines fashion public opinion and their defeats and triumphs become matters of history. Their jests may become stale, phraseology hackneyed, and principles exchanged by the minority for passing attractions; their enemies may forgive and friends forget, yet through all these vicissitudes of life, through the mass of inconsistencies that human nature cultivates, the universal verdict of mankind renders to their agencies an infinite good. Important affairs may at times be mismanaged, but there is certainly no profession or professional representative who is more entitled to the fullest moral support than journalism and the journalist. He is the weather-vane of public opinion, and should be firm and upright amidst swaying interests, cross purposes and perilous exigencies. His thoughts should not be blinded by personal considerations, but left free to adjudicate questions of grave import to humanity as safely, clearly and effectually as the purest judge on the bench. Such must the editor be, a man true to himself,his race and his God. Of such material must he be composed if he would dictate a policy or direct an administration that will live in history as the mark and model of its time.

The newspapers of Marion County, from the issue of the first number of the People's Advocate, the pioneer journal of the county, to the present time, have generally ranked high with the press of the country. Perhaps the newspapers of no section of the Northern States wield a more potent and beneficent influence than those of Marion County. To them is due great credit for the rapid strides made by the people in developing to so high a state the natural resources of this county, in building beautiful villages, and even developing fine farms; in the progress enjoyed in all branches of legitimate business, in securing the educational advantages and molding the social status of the people of the county, which is of a much higher character than most communities in the Northwest. The men who have from time to time labored at the ;helm of the various papers recorded in this chapter deserve praise for their services rendered in aiding to make one of the very first counties in Ohio out of the wilderness of half a century ago.

EARLY MARION JOURNALS.

The People's Advocate and Marion and Sandusky Advertise). --This is a long name for a small paper, but for that early day the paper was probably large enough. It was the first newspaper of Marion County, being started October 8, 1828, and it ceased to exist March 9, 1830. Publishers, Leonard H. Cowles and Jason Case, Whigs. The size of the paper was twenty by twenty-five inches, five columns to the page. The contents were peculiar,

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 419

an article headed "Monkeyana" filling nearly all of the first page and nearly two columns on the second page. No local news was given in it; nor was such matter published in any newspaper to a considerable extent until a comparatively recent period, say within about twenty-five years. It seems that the above paper had been published in Delaware about two years, when it was removed to Marion. The first number contained the Adams and the Jackson State and county tickets. Judge Bowen's law card commenced in the number of October 28, 1828. As an example of the opportunity for hearing from the outside world, the announcement was made that no mails had been received in Marion from Monday, November 3, till Saturday, the 8th, on which day the paper was published. This was at least four days after the Presidential election, and the patience of some men must have been exercised in waiting for news. At that early day, however, before the days of railroads and telegraphs, the people were unused to rapid transmission of news and had not the expectation possessed by us of the present day. Besides, election excitement was not so intense then as now, and the citizens really did not care so much to be in haste for the news.

It was nothing uncommon for the People's Advocate, etc., to miss an issue for want of paper or on account of a broken press. The printing was rather poor. The last issue was dated on the outside " Saturday, March 6, 1830," but on the inside °` Tuesday, March 9, 1830," with not a word of explanation for its discontinuance. A part of the a file of this paper is now in the possession of Harry True.

Marion Phoenix.--The next candidate for public favor was the Marion Phoenix, the first number being issued April 29, 1830, by Little & Stanton. Its politics were mixed, though evidently Whiggism predominated. Various articles in this paper were well written, showing considerable ability. General news was given, but local news, except weddings and deaths, was ignored. July 29, 1830, William F. Stanton retired from the concern, and Harvey D. Little continued the publication of the paper, acting as editor, publisher, compositor and "devil." He spoke of the difficulties of keeping up the subscription list of the paper because Jackson men thought he was a Whig, which was the case. He said he had only 118 subscribers, when he ought to have 300 to make it pay. He took a rest from July till September 2, 1830, and during October he missed two issues. Finally, Saturday, May 31, 1831, the Phoenix ceased to exist, a few extras only being struck off afterward to complete legal notices. The reason for suspension assigned was too much friendship of the editor for Henry Clay.

Marion Observer.-Succeeding the Phoenix was the Marion Observer, the first number of which was issued Wednesday, July 4, 1832, by W. Millikan, now of the Fayette County Herald. This paper had cholera items and some accounts about the Black Hawk war, then just beginning, The politics of the paper was not stated, though it was evident at the start that its owner was a Wbig. In the issue of July 28, 1832, the announcement that John Bartrum (as his name was spelled) had been appointed Postmaster at Marion, in place of John S. McDonald, resigned.

Millikan was accommodating, promising to take country produce for his paper. After the Presidential election in 1832, he got out a head-line, "Huzzah for Old Hickory!" But he soon turned against the significance of that banner and came out for a National Bank in opposition to Jackson.

Saturday was a favorite publication day with the pioneer newspapers of Marion. Millikan issued his sixteenth number Saturday, November 17, 1832, and on the next Saturday came out with his paper as the

420 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

Western Galaxy.-His reason for changing the name was that the latter was "prettier." Millikan had his troubles also about getting paper to print on, occasionally missing an issue on that account. In 1834, he came out editorially in decided opposition to Jackson and in favor of a National Bank. July 19, this year, the paper came out under the firm of W. & J. Millikan, the latter a brother of the former proprietor of the paper. This partnership continued until November 22, 1834, when J. Millikan retired and the paper was " suspended for a few weeks," except extras to save legal advertisements, while the proprietor got his assets in shape for collection. W. Millikan resumed publication January 17, 1835. April 1, this year, he called his paper the

Western Galaxy and Marion Free Press, and so ran the paper until January 1, 1836, when he offered his office for sale. This paper was twentyone by thirty-two inches in size, six columns to the page. Possibly the election of Van Buren to the Presidency gave the death-blow to Millikan's enterprise, and he sold out, the last issue being dated January 1, 1837.

The Marion Gazette was published by Alexander and George Sprung in 1837. It was neutral in politics. At some seasons of the year, especially just after a term of court, one would have taken it for a legal publication, as it not infrequently contained fifteen columns of Sheriff sale notices. It must be remembered, however, that a great financial " panic " prevailed at that period.

In 1844, the name of this paper was changed by Messrs. Sprung to

Freemen's Banner.-The Whigs, feeling the necessity of having an organ, called at the Gazette office and informed the proprietors that unless they would consent to turn their paper into a political organ, they (the Whigs) would be compelled to send for press and types and start one. After looking over the field, a bargain was struck, the Gazette went. under and up came the Freemen's Banner, published by one of the Sprungs and edited by Cooper K. Watson, who had just located in Marion in the practice of law. For a short time This was a lively sheet; but the Democracy gradually withdrew their patronage, and it seemed that another paper would soon have to be started. The publisher of the Banner was shrewd. He filled it so full of patent medicine and other advertisements that the editor hardly had room to say a word, and soon the Whigs began to cry "Stop my paper!" Then the Sprungs declared that nothing short of a paper neutral in politics would be self-supporting, and after consultation with the powers. that "used to be,"

The Marion Saturday Morning Visitor took the place of the Banner. The Visitor was considerably enlarged and in due time the old subscribers came back and the paper ran on prosperously. Both bed and platen of the press were enlarged by resident blacksmiths, the Clarks, who did a difficult and responsible job.

According to Mr. Knapp, the above paper was called at one time the, Saturday Morning Visitor and Intelligencer, and was printed in a portion of the old market building erected by Eber Baker on the corner of Center and East streets. It was once named the Marion Whig and edited by A. J. Bair, a young lawyer.

Buckeye Eagle.-The first number of this paper was issued May 22, 1844, published by T. P. Wallace and edited by S. A. Griswold. It was a seven-column folio, compactly made up and ably edited. May 19, 1847, Mr. Griswold took charge of the Eagle and conducted it until May 17, 1850, when H. Haldeman took possession of the office and ran it till July

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 421

20, 1854, being in company with W. C. Trimble in the publication of the paper during 1850-52. The paper was then suspended for several months on account of cholera. Mr. Haldeman was an influential man. He died in 1854, in Marion.

S. A. Griswold was born probably in Delaware, Ohio, graduated at Gambier College, lived in Tiffin a number of years, then in Marion, and has now been at Lancaster, this State, for perhaps twenty years, editor of the Gazette. He is a good editor and a quiet, well-behaved citizen. He has been a man of a family since he resided in Tiffin.

D. J. Bean, from the neighborhood of Columbus, owned and edited the Eagle in 1848-49, his first paper; then sold to Mr. Haldeman and went to. Petersburg, this State, were he published the Reveille, and from there to. Cincinnati, where he was river reporter for the Commercial, and where he died in 1865 and was buried. His widow lives in Marion.

December 30, 1854, under the charge of J. N. Appleton, the paper came out as the

Independent American, and was so run till March 21, 1856, when J. W. Durable bought the office, and the name

Marion Eagle was given to the paper. September 7, 1857, the firm name became J. W. & S. R. Durable, and April 7, 1859, Durable & Co. W. P. Durable was editor and S. R. Dumble publisher. Paper, folio, six columns, twenty-one inches. October 20 following, S. R. Durable's name was dropped. April 3, 1862, during the exciting but gloomy period of the great war, the name was again changed to the

Marion County Unionist, which name was retained only until December 18 following, when George Crawford purchased the office and changed the name to

The Marion Independent, retaining sole control until January 20, 1866, when Samuel R. Durable purchased a half interest, and the firm name was. changed to George Crawford & Co. The office and paper have. ever since been run under that name. It will be observed that the office, with broken links, it is true, dates back fifty-five years, to a period within four years of the organization of the county by the election of officers. It has been for a long time on a firm pecuniary basis, with good machinery, good patronage and good fame. Many a good testimonial has been given by other papers of the good " make-up " and solid appearance of the Independent. It is one of the most fixed institutions of Marion,, and the people feel proud of it as an organ of the Republicans and mouth-piece for the highest sentiment of the community.

S. R. Durable, of the firm of George Crawford & Co., proprietors of the Marion Independent, was born in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., July 23, 1837, of English parentage. His father,. John Dumble, was born near Land's End, Cornwall Co., England, November 30, 1790, died May 9,1862. His mother's maiden name was Martha Barr; she died in 1855, aged forty-four. They came to Marion in 1839. In 1849, his father went to California, when his mother removed to Mount Gilead, Ohio. In 1853, the subject of this sketch entered the office of the Sentinel, then owned by his brother, W. P., to learn printing. In 1854, he returned to Marion, where he completed his apprenticeship with P. Dombaugh in the Mirror office. At the close of his apprenticeship, he hired to work for James Appleton on the Independent American. In 1856, in company with his brother Joseph, he took the paper and changed it to the Marion Eagle. In 1858, he formed a partnership with his brother, W. P., wbich continued until Aqgust 6, 1862,

422 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY-.

when he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, Ninety-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private; engaged in the skirmish at Chickasaw Bayou near Vicksburg, and in the battle of Arkansas Post January 11, 1863. He was discharged March 17, 1863, and returned to Marion, where, after recruiting his health, he was employed by George Crawford on the Independent until May 2, 1864, when he again enlisted, this time in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and mustered out with the regiment September 11, 1864. From that time he was in the employ of Mr. Crawford until January 10, 1866, when they formed a partnership, as before mentioned.

June 28, 1859, Mr. Dumble was marriad to Miss Lizzie A. Corn, a native of this county and a daughter of Solomon and Catharine Corn. Their children are Howard L., Marion M., Martin L. and Bessie B., besides one daughter deceased. Mr. Dumble is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also of the three Masonic bodies in Marion. He has not gained to the extent that many of his fellow business men have, but is comfortably situated. He has done his full share in advancing the various public enterprises of his day, both in money and labor contributed.

George Crawford, editor of the Marion Independent from 1863 to the present time, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, November 5, 1827, and is a son of John and Mary (Ford) Crawford, father a native of Virginia and mother of Ireland. His paternal grandfather was also a native of Ireland, who came to America in colonial days and was in the American Army during the entire time of the Revolutionary war. He was a cousin of the celebrated Col. William Crawford, who was burned by the Wyandot Indians at Upper Sandusky in 1782. (See Chapter II.)

When Mr. Crawford, the subject of this sketch, was fourteen years of age, his parents moved with him to Coshocton County, Ohio, where they lived about thirteen years. During this time he worked at farming and coopering, attended school at Steubenville and Roscoe, studied law with Judge William Sample and was admitted to the bar at twenty-seven years of age.

In July, 1854, he moved to Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, and practiced law there eight years, serving as Prosecuting Attorney one term. Within three days after the firing on rort Sumter, be enlisted as a private in the service of the Government to suppress the insurrection, becoming a member of Company C, Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, under Capt. W. T. Wilson. He served out his time (four months) but did not afterward return to the service, on account of disability. He remained at Upper Sandusky until January, 1863, when he removed to Marion, bought the old Unionist office, changed the name to the Marion Independent, and after running it alone for three years, formed a partnership with S. R. Dumble, under the firm name of George Crawford & Co., which relation has since remained unchanged.

April 16, 1855, Mr. Crawford married Miss Mary E. Danforth, in Roscoe, Coshocton Co., Ohio, a native of Guernsey County, this State, and their two children have been Cora, born in 1856, and died in September, 1864, and Harry. born March 28, 1866. Mr. Crawford has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-five years, and is also a member of the Grand Army and of the Royal Arcanum. As an editorial writer, Mr. Crawford has had an extended experience, and is especially strong in his marshalling of solid facts and arguments, and his utterances carry conviction as those of an earnest and conscientious writer and of one cautious not to ex-

PAGE 423 - PICTURE OF GEO. CRAWFORD

PAGE 424 - BLANK

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 425

ceed the limits of truth and justice in the advocacy of his favorite ideas. He is a selfmade man, having worked up from the bottom rung of the ]adder. In a business point of view, he has made a success of the Independent, which has a wide circulation, notwithstanding the fact that the county is strongly Democtatic, a fact also which indicates the liberality of the people of Marion in their political sentiments.

As a representative citizen and editor we give the portrait of Mr. Crawford in this work.

The Marion Democratic Mirror.-Contrary to the long pedigree of names and organs preceding the Independent, the Mirror has not changed since its birth, June 4, 1842. It was ushered into existence as a Democratic paper by John R. and Russell A. Knapp, and edited for one year by William Robbins. The latter is now deceased, his widow residing three or four miles south of Marion. The second year it was conducted by Robbins & Knapp, afterward by Russell A. Knapp and John B. Dumble. In 1848, John R. Knapp again took charge of the paper and conducted it until 1851. By this time it was a six-column folio, twenty-one inches to the column. December 27, 1850, B. F. Warner became an assistant in the publication. He was a young man from Knox County to this place, and March 7, 1851, his name was dropped from the paper. and he left the county.

April 18, 1851, Thaddeus O. Thompson, a young man, and A. R. Scott became publishers. August 29 following, Mr. Lugenbeel's name appeared in place of Scott's, while Mr. Knapp continued as editor. November 14, it was Thompson & Scott again; April 16, 1852, Mr. Thompson was alone; July 29, 1853, Philip Dombaugh became proprietor and publisher; May 2, 1856, S. C. Nicholas became publisher, while Mr. Dombaugh continued as editor; February 19, 1857, A. J. Crawford, proprietor, T. J. and A. J. Crawford, editors; April 9, 1857, the Mirror Company proprietors, no editor's name appearing, but Mr. Knapp did the editing all the same; July 30, 1857, A. Osborn, editor; February 11, 1858, J. R. Knapp, Jr., and J. B. Dumble, proprietors, still under the name of the Mirror Company, who enlarged the paper to a five-column quarto, fifteen inches to the column, Mr. Knapp editor; September 30, 1858, Osborn & Thomas, proprietors; October 14, 1858, A. Osborn. editor; January 10, 1861, T. H. Atwater and G. W . Spooner, editors and proprietors, and paper enlarged to seven columns, twenty-three inches, Thomas H. Hodder, political and general-editor, and G. W. Spooner, local editor. Mr. Spooner was from Albany, N. Y., whither he returned from Marion. February 27, 1862, T. H. Hodder, proprietor, publisher and editor; March 15, 1866, paper enlarged to eight columns; October 3, 1870, J. K. Newcomer, now of Columbus, and Guy Webber, editors and proprietors. In 1872, J. K. Newcomer, editor, no proprietor or publisher mentioned at the head of the paper, which was now still further enlarged to nine columns, of twenty-seven inches; January 2. 1873, Newcomer alone; December 9, 1875, J. K. Newcomer and J. H. Williston (now of the Bucyrus Forum), proprietors; August 24, 1876, Newcomer & Co., proprietors, the "Co." being Christian & Webber; February 6, 1877, Newcomer & (George B.) Christian; November 7, 1878, George B. Christian, editor and proprietor, assisted by A. C. Bowen for a time; December 2, 1880, Christian & (James H.) Vaughan, editors and proprietors; September 7, 1882, J. H. Vaughan & Co., proprietors, and L. A. Brunner, editor.

Mr. Osborne was first appointed as Receiver and George H. Busby was subsequently appointed in Mr. Osborn's place.

426 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

Philip Dombaugh, teller of the Marion Deposit Bank, was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 8, 1831. His parents, Philip and Catharine Dombaugh, emigrated to the United States in 1841 and settled in Richland County, Ohio. They subsequently removed to Galion, where they both died in 1853. Philip was reared on a farm. At the age of fifteen, he was apprenticed to the printer's trade and served three and one-half years at Bucyrus in the office of the People's Forum, now the Crawford County Forum. Mr. Dombaugh was a partner in the publication of the Forum till 1853, at which time he came to Marion and purchased the Democratic Mirror printing office. He continued to publish this paper until 1857, when he sold it. In 1856, he was appointed Postmaster of Marion, but resigned in 1857. In 1860, he was elected County Clerk, and by consecutive elections held that office fifteen years. Mr. Dombaugh was one of the most efficient Clerks Marion County ever had, as his long administration in that important capacity fully attests. Mr. Dombaugh read law and was admitted to the bar. Since 1879, he has been teller in the Marion Deposit Bank. He served as a member of the School Board nine years and is now on his third term as Corporation Treasurer of Marion. He is a member of the Masonic order, and was Master of Marion Lodge and High Priest of Marion Chapter.

John B. Dumble, a native of Chambersburg, Penn., came to Marion in 1838, learned printing with the Sprungs, and in 1847 became editor and proprietor of the Mirror. He soon afterward established the Mount Gilead Messenger, the first newspaper in that county. Returning to Marion in the fall of 1852, he became Cashier of the Exchange Bank: In 1860, he went to Memphis and became political editor of the Appeal, and was afterward connected with the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph, Atlanta Constitution and other papers. He finally died at Jackson, Ga., November 19, 1880, aged nearly fifty-six years. He was buried there, under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity.

John R. Knapp was born in Warsaw, Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 4, 1824; with his parents, he emigrated to Ohio in 1836 and settled in Marion County. On the 8th of May, 1837, in his thirteenth year, he commenced learning the "art preservative of all arts "-the printing business-with Messrs. George W . and Alexander W. A. Sprung, who were then the proprietors of the Marion Gazette, a weekly paper, neutral in politics. In 1841, having served his apprenticeship, he went to New York, where he remained until the following spring, when he again " put in his appearance " at Marion. In a few days after his return, he issued a prospectus for a small weekly publication entitled the Aurora Borealis. After procuring a handsome subscription list-for every one wanted to "give the young man a chance "-he was about to purchase new type on which to print the paper, Mr. Sprung having agreed that his press might be used for that purpose, when some man of ingenious (?) mind " put a flea" in the ear of Mr. S., to the effect that "should he (Sprung) permit that little sheet to be printed in his office, in less than one year it would turn out a locofoco paper," greatly to the damage of the said Sprung. Mr. S., therefore, " shut. down " on this enterprise. As the receipts of the little sheet would hot justify the purchase of an entire office, the fond hopes of Mr. K. were nipped in the bud, and aptly he was heard to exclaim:

" Man's inhumanity to man

Makes countless thousands mourn."

But Mr. Knapp did not " stand on his head," or make an unnecessary

HISTORY OF :MARION COUNTY. - 427

"racket," but quietly walked into the law office of William Robbins, Esq., and submitted his grievances, together with the proposition that if Mr. R. would agree to take charge of the editorial management, he, Mr. K., would purchase s printing office and publish a weekly paper of good size; to which Mr. R. agreed most willingly. A prospectus was immediately circulated for the publication of a paper to be called the Democratic Mirror, and in less than ten days a sufficient subscription list was secured to warrant the success of the undertaking. May 2, 1842, the first number of the Mirror was issued; Mr. William Robbins, editor, and John R. and Russell A. Knapp, publishers. Mr. R. continued to control the editorial columns for about two years, when Mr. K. assumed charge. It was a venture, but the founder believed that if pluck, energy and economy would accomplish the successful establishment of a readable paper, it should be done. With the aid of many friends of both political parties (for the public were not slow to see that two youths were battling against the tide to make the paper a success), at the end of the first year Mr. K. was able to pay off the indebtedness incurred in the purchase of his printing press, types, etc., and proclaim that the Mirror "had come to stay." While many extras and supplements were issued in connection with the paper, at no time during Mr. K.'s control of the paper was a regular issue ever missed.

In 1845, the Mirror passed into the hands of Mr. R. A. Knapp, Mr. John R. Knapp going to Bucyrus, Ohio, where he established the People's Forum (now Crawford County Forum), which he continued to publish un. til 1847, when, his health failing, be sold the paper to Mr. M. P. Bean and returned to Marion and engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. Richard Patten. In the meantime, the Mirror had passed into the hands of Mr. John B. Dumble, who continued its publication until the formation of Morrow County, when he went to Mount Gilead and founded the Democratic Messenger. Mr. K. again took charge of the Mirror, and continued its editor and proprietor until he was elected Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, when he leased the office to Thumpson & Scott. They ware succeeded by Mr. Philip Dombaugh; he by Mr. M. Nichols. Messrs. Crawfords, of Delaware, published the paper for a time, when again the establishment passed into the hands of the Mirror Publishing Company, Mr. Knapp again taking charge, changing its make-up to an eight-page form.

In 1859, Mr. K. went to Perrysburg, and started the People's Press, which he continued as long as the receipts would pay expenses, without taking into account the wear and tear of the brain and body of the editor. In the publication of the Press, there was "heaps of fun but little money." His financial exchequer not being "flush," Mr. K. "pulled up stakes" and returned to Marion, where be remained until the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company H, for three months. Before the expiration of that time-in fact, before leaving the State-he re-enlisted for three years, and served as high private, Commissary Sergeant, Quartermaster Sergeant, and the last thirteen months as Regimental Quartermaster. The regiment was mustered out in June, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, by reason of expiration of 'term of service. In November, 1864, be re-enlisted, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. The regiment was honorably mustered out by reason of order of the War Department.

At the time Marion and Uniou Counties comprised a legislative district, Mr. K. was a candidate for member of the House of Representatives,

428 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

and although the political complexion of the district was Whig, by a decided majority, Mr. K. came very near defeating his Whig opponent-Mr. Josiah. Copeland. Union County was " too many' for Marion." At the first election under. the new Constitution of Ohio, be was elected Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and District Court. He was also Clerk of the Probate Court, established the same year, Hon. George Snyder, Judge. In 1846, while at Bucyrus, Ohio, he was appointed First Assistant Clerk of the Ohio Senate, under Mr. John G. Breslin. Afterward, he was elected Chief Clerk of the Senate for two successive sessions. At that time, the Senate consisted of eighteen Democrats, fifteen Whigs and three Free-Soilers consequently a tie, the latter party voting with the Whigs. On the 125th ballot, Mr. K. was chosen Chief Clerk. While the Whigs had no " personal objection " to Mr. K., they opposed his election for the reason that they knew he would, if elected, give the " State printing " (worth $50,000) to the " Lion of Democracy"-Col. Samuel Medary. This was a " crumb " worth fighting for. At the. next session, he was elected on the third ballot.

In 1855, Mr. Knapp was admitted to the practice of the law by the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, and practiced his profession for several years.

In 1852, he was regularly entered, passed and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in Marion Lodge. No. 70, of F. & A. M. He was one of the charter members of La Salle Lodge, No. 52, I. O. O. F., at Bucyrus, Ohio, having joined the order at Columbus, Ohio, July 5, 1845. He assisted in installing Kosciusko Lodge, No. 58, I. O. O. F., at Marion, Ohio, and afterward united with that lodge on card. He was one of the original members of Mizpah Encampment, No. 50, at Marion, Ohio. In April, 1866, Mr. K. was appointed a First-Class Clerk in the Second Auditor's office, Treasury Department; afterward promoted to a SecondClass Clerkship, where he remained until July, 1875. He is now engaged in the Government Printing Office.

Since 1863, Mr. K. has been as ardent in the advocacy of the principles of the Republican party as he formerly was of the Democratic party, of which he was for many years a conspicuous leader. In every relation it may be truthfully said of Mr. Knapp, that in whatever he undertook, he evinced a moral courage and determination which gave him reason to hope for a successful accomplishment of his purpose- to discharge every duty with promptness, accuracy and to the entire satisfaction of those concerned; and to this make-up of his character may be ascribed whatever success he has shared through life.

In 1844, Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Ann L. Kennedy, of Marion, which union has proven a happy one. They have three children, residing in Washington City, D. C. The first and oldest-Minnie Ann-married Mr. John F. Gibrow; the second (living) John H. -a contractor and builder, married Kate E. Rightstine, and the youngest Harry C. is a printer.

Thomas H. Hodder, editor of the Democratic Mirror, 1861-70, was born in the Isle of Guernsey, in the spring of 1837; came to this country in early youth; commenced life as a dry goods clerk at La Fayette and Fort Wayne, Ind. At the age of fourteen, he went to learn the printer's trade, with Mr. Flagg, in Lima. At the age of sixteen, he established the Kenosha Democrat, and published it for a time. Next, he was engaged for awhile in the Empire office, at Dayton, Ohio. In 1859, he was Columbus .correspondent of the Cincinnati Enquirer. From Columbus he came to

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 429

Marion, as above noted. After selling out in Marion, he went to Cincinnati, and took charge of the State agency of the Equitable Life Insurance Company. December 18, 1871, he purchased the Butler County Democrat, and published it until April, 1875. In December following, he formed a partnership with J. H. Godman, Jr., in Columbus, in a wholesale leather store, which business he followed until his death. He made money by all his ups and downs through life. For some time previous to his death, be was a member of the Episcopal Church. He died July 28, 1876, and was buried in the Marion Cemetery by the Odd Fellows, a large concourse of citizens attending. He married Mattie L. Saiter, and at his death he 'eft a widow and three children.

Mr. Hodder was a very "outspoken" man, and sometimes-especially during the exciting period of the war, when many people were over-sensitive-the feelings of some of the citizens would be aroused by his express sions. At one time a riot was imminent, an account of which is given in the military chapter.

James K. Newcomer was born in Fayette County, Penn., August 10, 1833, and in 183 7 his parents moved to Holmes County, Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1844, when they removed to what was then the western part of Lucas, now Fulton County, Ohio, and settled in the woods. James K. aided in clearing up a farm, where the present county seat, Wauseon, was afterward located. With such an education as a primitive common school afforded, at the age of eighteen, in the year 1852, he apprenticed himself to the printing business, in the office of the Fulton Democrat, then published at Delta, Ohio; he subsequently published the Delta Independent, and in 1857 was elected Recorder of Fulton County by a majority of seventeen, while the opposition party had a majority on their State ticket of about three hundred. In 1860, he was appointed Deputy Marshal, to take the census of that decennial period. After the expiration of his official term of Recorder, he purchased the Ottawa Democrat, at Port Clinton, Ohio, in 1861, which he conducted until the fall of 1864, when he returned to Fulton County and engaged in mercantile pursuits at Wauseon, in the meantime joining his father in making what is known as Newcomer's Addition to Wauseon. In 1867, he was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for a seat in the State Legislature, but was unsuccessful at the election; he was one of the Clerks of the Ohio Senate in the sessions of 1868 and 1869, and at a special election to fill a vacancy in the Senate of that legislative term, was nominated as the candidate of his party for State Senator in the Toledo District. In the summer of 1869, he took charge of the Constitution, at Elyria, Ohio, which paper he published until October, 1870, when he purchased the Democratic .Mirror, at Marion, Ohio, which he conducted until the fall of 1878. In 1873, he was nominated by the Democratic State Convention for the office of Comptroller of the Treasury, but with the balance of the ticket, except Hon. William Allen for Governor, was defeated by a small majority. In 1874, he was appointed by Gov. Allen as Trustee of the Girls' Industrial Home, a State institution. In 1879, he purchased the office of the Democratic paper at Urbana, Ohio, and engaged in publishing the Champaign Democrat. In November, 1882, sold the Champaign Democrat, and purchased the Clinton County Democrat, at Wilmington, Ohio, which he is at this date engaged in publishing. In January, 1883, he was appointed by Secretary Newman to the position of Stationery Clerk in the Secretary of State's office, and is faithfully filling that position, in

430 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

conjunction with exercising editorial control of his paper at Wilmington. He has always been an ardent Democrat in politics, adhering strictly to the principles of the party with unwavering devotion.

Soon after attaining his majority, became a Freemason, and has been a faithful member; held the positions of Deacon, Secretary, Wardens and Master. Was the first newspaper man to introduce steam power and power press in Marion County.

In 1858, he married Mary Eliza Harrison, who died in 1864. In 1871, he maried Fatie E. Way, daughter of John C. Way, who came from Canada and was of Scotch descent.

George B. Christian, formerly editor of the Mirror, was born in Marion December 27, 1846. He was reared in his native place and educated in the public schools, from which he graduated in 1863. June, of the same year, he enlisted in the Fifth Battalion Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served until February 15, 1864. He was but sixteen when he entered the ranks of the army, and was one of Marion County's youngest soldiers. His service was mostly scouting in Kentucky. He was Deputy Auditor during Richard Wilson's administration, and in 1873 was elected County Surveyor, and served as such three years. He has been engaged for the last five years in building and contracting, in which pursuit he has been very successful. Mr. Christian is an active, public-spirited citizen, and he has been prominently identified with many of the leading improvements of the county. Every enterprise that has tanded to contribute to the benefit and substantial growth of the community or county has always received his hearty co-operation and support. He has been a warm advocate of the gravel road system, and has been connected with the construction of a number in the county. He built the first gravel road in Marion County, extending from La Rue to the Union County line. He was either builder or engineer of the Radnor, Mount Olive, Green Camp & Union County line, and Alarion & Big Island pikes; and is now connected with the gravel road from Marion to Prospect. He has been interested in all the railroad enterprises of later years; was part owner and contractor in the erection of the Masonic Block, and a large number of residences and other buildings. He is also the chief owner in the wigwam. He was a member of the Board of Education three years, and served on the Building Committee, consisting of J. R. Garberson, A. H. Kling and Mr. Christian, that superintended the erection of the North School bull-sing in 1879. He was engaged as editor and proprietor of the Mirror from 1877 to September, 1882, when ill-health compelled him to seek more active pursuits. During his editorial career, Mr. Christian made a vigorous fight for the water works, which received the majority of votes, but, lacking the necessary legality, failed. He was an efficient editor, and was always an advocate of public improvements. His union with Miss Lydia E. Morris, daughter of John R. Morris, was celebrated October 14, 1869. Their children are George B. and Mamie B. Lena died aged two years. Mr. Christian and lady are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is connected with the Masonic order and G. A. R.

James H. Vaughan, of the above .mentioned firm, was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 3, 1848. His father was Harman Vaughan, a machinist by trade. When he was about two years of age, the family removed to Sidney, Ohio, where his father. in 1851, died with the cholera,. His mother then returned with the family to Ypsilanti, but in a short time moved back to Sidney, where the subject of this notice passed his youth, until 1869, when he went to St. Paris, Champaign Co., Ohio, started a newspaper, and

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 431

conducted it a year and three months. He nest went to Marion, Ind., and established the Democrat, the first Democratic paper ever printed in Grant County, remaining there a year and four months, during which time he placed the paper upon a firm financial basis, and it is now one of the leading county journals of that State. From Marion, Mr. Vaughan went to Richwood, Union County, and established the Richwood Gazette, in 1872, which he sustained for seven years, and while there he was Treasurer of Richwood Corporation for four years. Nest, he had charge of the Charlotte (Mich.) Leader for seven months, and then, August 6, 1880, he moved to Marion, where he has since resided, as publisher of the Mirror. After having charge of it for three months, he bought a half-interest in it.

January 17, 1878, Mr. Vaughan was married to Miss Viola Olds, of Marion, a granddaughter of Col. Hull, one of the pioneers of Marion County They have one child-Mabel. Mr. V. is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Encampment and of the K. of P. He is a quiet, unpretentious and unobtrusive gentleman, a very successful business man, and an able, spicy writer, who has gained considerable reputation in the State.

We give the portrait of Mr. Vaughn in this work.

L. A. Brunner, who with Mr. Dumm controls the Wyandot Union and the Marion Mirror, was born in Maryland in 1825. He graduated at Marshall College, Penn., and came to Delaware, Ohio, in 1846, where he edited the Delaware Standard for two years. He then returned to Maryland, where he edited several newspapers, and finally in 1849 he came to Upper Sandusky, and since that time has been connected with the Wyandot Union. In September, 1882, he purchased an interest in the Marion Mirror. Mr. Brunner is an old journalist, and being associated with so experienced a writer as Mr. Dumm, the journals under their charge take a position far beyond that of the ordinary country press in general. In conjunction with his editorial work, Mr. Brunner has devoted his attention largely to politics, and has attained a position of no little prominence in the political sphere of the State. He represented his county in the Sixty-first, Sixty-second and Sixty-fifth General Assemblies of the State, and during the Sixty-fifth was the leader of the Democratic forces in the House. During the Sixtythird session he was Clerk of the House, and at the convention of Wyandot County, held June 18, 1883, he was again chosen by his party for Representative, and was elected in October for a fourth term by a majority of 698 votes over W. Maxwell, his opponent. Mr. Brunner has rendered his party able service, and has been rewarded with the highest office in the gift of the people of his county.

In 1850, Mr. Brunner married Miss Jane Sherman, of Delaware, Ohio, but a native of Watertown, N. Y. Their three children are Mary, now, Mrs. John Geiger, of Upper Sandusky; Addie, now Mrs. B. W. Holman, of Washington, D. C., and Grace.

R. D. Dumm, of the firm of J. H. Vaughan & Co., and editor of the Mirror, is a native of the Keystone State, but has made his home in Upper Sandusky most of the time for the last forty years. He is an old and experienced editorial writer, which has been his life's work, and in his chosen vocation he has acquired a solid and enviable reputation for vigor, brilliancy and wit. As a writer of ability, his views on matters and things attract general attention. His work commenced on the Wyandot Pioneer in 1849-50, on which he remained until 1854, with the exception of some time spent in attendance at Wesleyan University, for the purpose of laying a good foundation for his education. He then began the publication of

432 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

the Democratic Vindicator, a journal ardently opposed to the principles of KnowNothingism, and when, after two years, that " ism " went to the " tomb of the Capulets," he attended the Cincinnati Law School, graduating in 1857. After practicing law for a short time, at Freeport, Ill., he returned to Upper Sandusky and started the Wyandot Union, which he continued to publish until October, 1865; from that time to 1874, he was editor of the Fort Wayne (Ins.) Daily Sentinel. Again returning to Upper Sandusky, he was elected County Clerk, a position he held for six years, after which, with L. A. Brunner, he purchased the Union, and in September, 1882, an interest in the Mirror, both of which relations he still sustains. Air. Dumm is of an affable disposition, and this, coupled with the fact that but few writers in the State have had more extended experience as a journalist, contributes to the popularity of the journal which he edits.

Squatter Sovereign.-Two numbers of this paper were issued in Marion in 1859.

Marion Democrat.-By the year 1867, two parties had formed in Marion County, in the Democratic ranks, concerning the policy which was pursued by the editor of the Mirror; and a new paper was started by those opposed to that policy, and named the Marion Democrat. It was owned by a stock company, headed by Mr. Burnsides, and ran vigorously for about a year and a half, ending in a successful bolt at the county election of 1869. Of this paper a Mr. Hathaway was publisher, and William Hubbard and Noah M. Runyan successively editors.

The Daily Pebble was a small sheet, started in the spring of 1877, by O. C. Smith, who ran it about seven months and sold out to S. Hume, who changed the name of the paper to the

Daily Star.-The first number of this paper is dated October 8, 1877; Hume Bros. (W. P. and H. S.), publisher, and S. Hume, their father, editor. The daily has been run steadily ever since. It was commenced as a four-column folio, fourteen inches to the column, and has since been enlarged to five columns, eighteen inches to the column. Devoted to local news; independent in politics. Office at the south-east corner of Main and Railroad streets, first floor. Nine newsboys are employed to sell the paper, which has become a necessity to the business wants of the Marion public.

S. Hume, editor of the Daily Star, is a native of Pleasant Township, this county, where he was born in 1831. He passed his time until nineteen years of age, upon a farm, where he learned the carpenter's trade, a business that he followed for nine years, in Marion. Dayton and Harrisburg, Penn. Subsequently, he was a dealer in lumber and coal ,at Marion, and afterward removed to Goshen, Ind., where for ten years he was a dealer in butter and eggs, when he returned to Marion and has been engaged in a variety of enterprises, among which was the exclusive sale and control of a patent peanut roaster over nine counties, which, under his energetic management, proved to him a financial success. Having sold out his territory in the above enterprise, he opened a grocery store in Marion, conducting the same four or five years, when he sold out and some time afterward took charge, as its landlord, of the "Exchange Hotel," which was located on the present site of the " Hotel Marion." While conducting the hotel business, he purchased the Pebble office, as above stated, "more as a toy" than for anything else, but on giving up the hotel business he became satis. fied that the wants of the business men of Marion would support a daily, and has since devoted the most of his time to the interests of the Daily Star, which, under his able and enterprising management, has become a necessity

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 433

to Marion and the surrounding country. He is ably assisted by his sons, and the columns of the Daily Star are replete with local and other news. Mr. Hume has been in the habit, for years, of attending fairs and public gatherings in different parts of this and other States, and selling "Modoc jewelry," his business tact and ability as a talker winning for him in this calling pecuniary success. Mr. Hume is a live man and editor. He was married, August 31, 1858, to Miss M. P. Hoxter, of Marion. They have a family of the following children: Willis P., Harry S., Sadie A. and John C.

The Family Monitor was a religious twelve-page monthly, published in Marion for a year, about 1840, by Rev. J. A. Dunlap, a Presbyterian clergyman, and printed at the office of Messrs. Sprung. This periodical had been previously published as the Calvinistic Monitor, at Fredericksburg, Ohio, by Simeon Brown, and it was taken from Marion to Springfield, Ohio, and merged into the Presbyterian of the West. It is now the Herald and Presbyter, at Cincinnati. Mr. Dunlap died in 1847, at Springfield, and his widow is now a resident ©f Marion.

The Prospect Monitor.-The Middletown Union was established as a fivecolumn quarto, the first number being issued December 2, 1875, edited and owned by A. M. Vaughn; independent in politics. In April, 1876, the name of the paper was changed to The Prospect Union.-In October following, it was again changed to Prospect Republican when it became Republican in politics. Thus it was continued for twenty-one months, when the type and presses were sold to a Mr. Fleming, who moved the outfit to La Rue, and published the La Rue News.

Prospect Advocate.-This was edited by J. H. Jamison, and owned by Guy Webber, of Marion. The paper, independent in politics, ran about nine months, when the press and type were taken to Marion.

The next was the present paper, which was started by H. R. Clowes, the first issue being dated April 13, 1878, a six-column folio. April 12, 1882, it was enlarged to a seven-column folio. This was the first successful attempt at a newspaper in Prospect. It is run as an independent paper, and has a circulation of 500 copies.

Its editor and proprietor was born in Indiana Township, Allegheny Co., Penn., June 17, 1843. His father was James Clowes, a native of that county, and was a manufacturer of furniture, twelve miles north of Pittsburg, on the Allegheny River. Our subject learned the cabinet trade in the factory of his father, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was with the regiment until the December following, when he was discharged on account of disability. In July, 1863, he enlisted again, in Company G, Sixty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and immediately reported to his regiment, which was then in the front, at Beverly Ford, Va., on the Rappahannock River. This regiment was discharged at expiration of their term of service, July, 1864, and Mr. Clowes was transferred to Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served with them until the close of the war. He was first a private, then a Corporal, and a Sergeant at his discharge, May 9, 1865, at Washington City, D. C. ; he was with the Army of the Potomac. During the war, he participated in twenty-four battles and skirmishes. Was wounded four times while in the service; first, at the battle of the Wilderness, May 5, 1864, by a minie ball in the leg, above the knee;

434 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

secondly, at Spottsylvania Court House May 12, 1864, a slight wound on the tip of the nose, by a musket ball; thirdly, at the same battle, May 13, a wound in the shoulder by a piece of shell; fourthly, at the battle of Petersburg, in the breast by a minie ball passing through to his left side, where it was cut out. He was not disabled by the first three wounds, but the last laid him up for several months. At the close, he returned home, where he remained until 1873, when he came to Ohio and located at Shiloh, Richland County, bought the Shiloh Review, with its press and fixtures; paper, a five-column quarto, independent in politics. He sold out in 1876, and in 1878 came to Prospect.

Mr. C. is a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias, Durward Lodge, No. 153, of Prospect.

April 4. 1872, sundry citizens of La Rue made a loan of $300 to A. M. Vaughan & Bro., late of Marion, Ind., for the purpose of buying a printing press. The press was received and set up April 18, and the week following the first copy of the La Rue Citizen was issued. In April, 1873, Vaughan & Bro. sold out the office to Robert C. Owen, of Phillipsburg, Penn., who ran it till July 2, 1873, when he was injured by the care at Marion, Ohio, from the effects of which he died the same week. July 10, several of the citizens joined and gave a note for the office, re-selling it to W. Walt Smith, who ran it till October 1, when, failing to pay as agreed, the company took possession and appointed J. J. Hopkins, G. N. Myers and G. C. Allinger a committee, who ran the paper till March 4, 1874, when publication was suspended, and a few months later the mate, rial of the office was sold, and used to start the Argus, at Caledonia.

La Rue News.-In December, 1876, George A. Fleming and John Tritt established the La Rue News (a five-column quarto). and conducted it under the firm name of Fleming & Tritt, for about eighteen months, when Tritt retired. In June, 1879, Fleming sold out to Wheeler Delong, who ran it till March 10, 1880, and then sold to J. M. Hoffa. Hoffa changed it, in December, 1880, to an eight-column folio, and ran it till May 10, 1882, when he sold it to C. G. Harraman, who still conducts the paper, J. M. Hoffa acting as foreman. It has a circulation of about 600.

Caledonia Argus.-The first number of this newspaper appeared June 25, 1875, with Will H. Warner and J. Blanchard as editors and proprie. tors. Within a few weeks, Mr. Blanchard disposed of his interest to Dr. G. T. Harding, and the firm of Warner & Harding conducted the paper a month or two when Mr. Harding retired, and Mr. Warner was alone till September 7, 1876. The issue of this date came out under the names of Henness & Beugough, who had purchased the paper. This firm continued until February, 1877, when Beugough retired. Since then, Mr. Henness has been sole editor and proprietor.

This paper was first started as a four-column folio. May 18, 1876, it was changed to a five-column quarto, the form it still retains. When Mr. Henness first took charge of it, the circulation was only 450; it now reaches about 600. It is no partisan paper, and bears the motto, "Independent, fearless and free."

George Henness was born in Sussex, England, April 20, 1832, son of John and Sarah (Knowles) Henness, of Hampshire and Sussex, England; parents both died there. He was brought up to the printer's trade, entering on an apprenticeship when thirteen years of age and serving seven years. At the expiration of this period, he went to London and worked at his trade a few months; thence to Cheltenham, Dudley, Arundel and Brighton. At

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 435

the latter place, be was engaged two years at his trade, till 1872-a part of the time on the Daily News-when he came to America and spent four years on the Daily Commercial, of Pittsburg, and from thence he came to Caledonia, in September, 1876.

September 20, 1857, he married Miss Jane Hancock, daughter of Isaac Hancock, and a native of Northamptonshire, England, where she was born October 6, 1831. They have had two children-Harry Ernest, who died aged six months, and Fred, who died aged seven years, both in England.

Mr. Henness is a member of Manchester Unity, I. O. O. F., of England; Ancient Order of Foresters, K. of P. and P. O. of A. He was one of the founders of the order of P. O. of A., in Caledonia, and first Supreme Recorder.

CHAPTER XII.

MISCELLANEOUS.

CRIMINAL.

THERE have been twenty-two murders committed within the limits of Marion County, which number is less than the average. But there have not been so many indictments, as several cases afforded no clew to the perpetrators. Some of the most remarkable instances of murder are here related.

MURDER OF MRS. ULSH.

November 8, 1861, the wife of Levi Ulsh, about five miles east of Marion, was shot and killed by an unknown assassin. Mr. Ulsh was East on business, and there were in the house a hired girl and a small girl about nine years old and a hired boy about seventeen years old. About 7 o'clock in the evening, the dog commenced barking, as if some one were prowling around. The hired boy, C. Zeller by name, went out with a gun and passed around the house, but discovered no one. lie went into the house, eat down in a chair with the gun beside him, and after about five minutes' conversation, the assassin out of doors approached and shot through the window at Mrs. Ulsh, killing her. No reason could be assigned for the dastardly act, and no clew was ever obtained as to the identity of this most wicked murderer.

JAMES LEFEVER.

At Green Camp, May 14. 1874, James Lefever killed Frank Johnson with a hammer. The latter was intoxicated, and engaged in a quarrel with Lefever, calling him a liar, etc., to which Lefever responded, "You are a gentleman," and left, going to his blacksmith shop, whither Johnson followed. The two were alone in the shop, and as Lefever afterward claimed, Johnson seized a hammer and made for him. Lefever said to him that he should not be beaten by him as he had been by-. Whereupon he pushed Johnson back, out of sight of a couple of men working in an adjoining shop and struck him four blows with a hammer, one of which, upon the head, proved fatal, Johnson dying two hours afterward. Lefever was tried at the May and November terms of court following, C. H. Norris, Prosecu

436 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

tor, assisted by W. Z. Davis, appearing for the State, and J. C. Johnston, H. T. Van Fleet and M. V. Payne appearing for the defense. November 21 the accused was found guilty of murder in the second degree, and sentenced for life. December 6, 1878, he was pardoned by Gov. Bishop, through the efforts of his attorney, M. V. Payne, who clung to him to the last.

MURDER OF JOHN R. ARONHALT.

March 11, 1879, was an awful day at Marion. About 5 o'clock in the morning, the fire bell rang, and many citizens rushed into the streets to ascertain the place of the fire; but no fire was to be seen, except that the house of John R. Aronhalt was full of smoke, and a few persons were there fighting an initial fire. Soon after, the dead body of poor Aronhalt was found on a bed, the latter burned so that both it and the body had fallen to the floor. The corpse was drawn out of the smoke, when it was discovered to have been beaten, and the head had a bullet-hole in the right temple. The limbs were partially rigid, showing that he had been dead some time. A revolver was soon afterward discovered under the front steps of the house. Many rumors were immediately afloat as to the identity of the murderer and the cause of the crime; but the true history was never ascertained. The deceased had made his will, and was somewhat dissipated in his habits.

ENOCH H. YOUNG AND GILMAN HOUSEWORTH.

These men were indicted for killing Israel Bensley February 25, 1880, with a knife, at Waldo. B. G. Young was Prosecutor for the State, assisted by W. Z. Davis, and for the defense were Attorneys C. F. Garberson and W. E. Scofield, Sr. Young's trial took place at the June term following. A great deal of evidence was taken, eloquent pleadings were made by all the attorneys, and the jury brought in a verdict of murder in the second degree; whereupon Young was sentenced to hard labor for life. The public feeling at the time seemed to be strongly in favor of hanging, and seven of the jury were in favor of finding guilty in the first degree. The jurymen were Jacob Retterer, foreman, James Powell, David Porter, Henry Knowles, Dennis Pangbourn, Henry Garvin, John W. Malone, William Leeper, John Barringer. John W. Anselman, James D. Lewis, Christian Hoberman. On the day of the murder, Enoch Young and Gilman Houseworth were boon companions, in drinking and carousing around the village of Waldo. They had created considerable disturbance, and about sunset a crowd had collected. Among the bystanders was Israel Bensley, of Waldo, who interfered in behalf of a lad, and exchanged a few words with Enoch Young. During the melee of that evening, Young received a thrashing from Jim Coleman, whereupon he disappeared in a rage. Some time afterward, while Bensley stood at the post office, leaning on the window-sill, Young rushed suddenly around the corner, and attacked Bensley with a large knife, cutting him to the artery just above the heart. In five minutes Israel Bensley was dead. As Young rushed to the attack, Gilman Houseworth accompanied him, brandishing a large pair of shears. Both were arrested and tried, with the result as stated, in reference to Young, who is now in the State prison at Columbus, while Gilman Houseworth took a change of venue to Hardin County and was finally acquitted. Enoch Young was but twenty-seven years of age when he committed this crime. Israel Bensley, the victim, was an old resident of Waldo, aged forty-nine. His wife was a daughter of

HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY. - 437

ex-Sheriff E. K. Corbin. He had won the respect of his neighbors by the brave way in which he had assumed the burdens of life; for, besides a family of five children, from eleven to twenty-one years of age, raised by him, he had cared for his old father and mother in their declining, helpless years.

ORRIN DE PUE.

Tuesday, October 4, 1881, a little after 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Orrin De Pue, of Marion, shot and instantly killed Francis M. Foster, of the livery firm of Foster & Le Fevre. The deed was committed in the store of Timothy Kelly, on the west side of Main street, by the first alley south of the railways. Mr. Kelly, E. Furgason and others seized the murderer, who did not attempt to escape. An excited crowd soon gathered; a portion at the jail, a portion to follow the prisoner to jail and the rest to the house of mourning. They cried out "Hang him," and it was with considerable difficulty and shrewd management that the officers saved the life of the prisoner from the hands of an infuriated mob.

The prisoner went through the ordeal pale but otherwise cool. On reaching the jail, he announced that " that crowd hadn't sand enough to hang him to a lamp-post," and manifested a carelessness as to his fate. He said he might just as well die now as on a gibbet, and made other remarks of equal daring. He was probably a native of an adjoining county, but had passed his life in Marion. At the time he committed the atrocity, he was a resident of Stumptown, with a wife and one child. He was a plasterer by trade, and had, until a short time previously, been steady in his habits.

On Wednesday night following, the murderer hanged himself with his bed-sheet in his cell. Not having room to fall very far, his death must have been protracted and painful. Other prisoners heard choking sounds for some time. No cause has been assigned for the murder, except a feud between Mr. Foster and a brother of De Pue.

BRIEFER MENTION.

In 1869 or 1870, a man named McIntosh was found lying across the railroad track with the lower part of his abdomen cut through. The verdict of the Coroner's jury was that the man had been murdered, and that the perpetrators of the crime had thrown the dead body upon the railroad track to make the public believe that he had been killed by being run over by an engine, and thus elude suspicion. One or two similar cases occurred near Caledonia some years ago. Eli Fink, for example, was found upon the railroad track with his head cut off. He had been in a saloon during a quarrel. The engineer claimed that he saw, as his train approached, two women near the point on the track where the dead body was found. Newton Milliser was poisoned to death with arsenic July 22, 1879. An individual was tried for the murder but cleared, and no further clew has been found to the identity of the criminal. James Taylor killed Clayton Randall at Waldo with a billiard cue August 26, 1879. He was tried and convicted of murder at the November term of court following, and on the 28th of that month sentenced to nine years' imprisonment.

About 1857, a woman named Nancy Holly, from another county, was put to death by a dose of strychnine prescribed by a criminal of the same county, her death taking place in Marion.

THE JAIL REPORT.

The jail report for the year 1881 gives about an average of the number

438 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.

confined there for many years past.. It is as fellows: Total number confined during the year, 30 males and 1 female. Charged with felony, 9; misdemeanors, 18; sentenced, 3; average duration of sentence, 8 1/2 days; held for trial, 24; insane, 2; epileptic, 2; under sixteen years of age, 3; cost of keeping, $741.95; average cost per day, 55 cents. The report for 1882, however, gives figures materially below the above.

CHOLERA.

While this dreadful scourge has visited many parts of the United States several times, the only time it has ever attacked the people of Marion County was in the hot season of 1854. About July 20, it broke out in the village of Marion, and it departed during the first week of September, after snatching away sixty-five citizens, including, probably, a half-dozen in the country. A number of those attacked recovered. It was introduced by a case arriving here from Crestline by train. After about ten deaths had taken place, during the first week, many of the people fled away in terror, which, it was thought, was a good thing, as it took away the material upon which the insatiate monster was about to feed, and but very few, if any, of those who fled were attacked. All business was suspended, and the streets were as desolate as those of Baalbec. Every night there seemed to be a damp, heavy mist prevailing. A goodly number of those who remained exhibited great heroism in caring for the sick and disposing of the dead. Among these benefactors may be mentioned John D. and George W. Brown, James Havens and wife, Joseph Ayers and others.

During the siege, the Village Board of Health kept the public advised of the progress of the epidemic, and gave sanitary counsel.

WORTHLESS APPRENTICES.

It seems that the law in this State once required absconding indentured apprentices to be advertised for, although the masters did not desire their return; for in the early newspapers of Marion there frequently appeared an advertisement headed, "Six cents Reward " for the return of --, and "no charges paid;" "One cent Reward;" "One cent Reward and a Gill of Buttermilk; " "One cent Reward and a Cow's Tail," etc., and "no thanks returned!"

STAR FALL.

November 13, 1833, occurred the wonderful meteoric shower, when some people gathered together in groups to pray. T. M. Sloan, a pious Christian, asked for a little more time; R. King got into a corn-crib to beg God for mercy. Many thought the last day had come.