CHAPTER III

THE CITY AND TOWNSHIP OF CIRCLEVILLE

THE CITY OF CIRCLEVILLE

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

Circleville derives its name from the fact that the original town was laid out within a circular enclosure, formed by a high embankment, that was found here when the first settlement was made. Joining the circle on the east was a square, formed also by an embankment.

These ancient works, formerly existing upon the site of the present city of Circleville and which continued in evidence for many years after the town became an accomplished fact, have been attributed by archaeologists, with scarcely a dissenting voice, to a race of men that preceded the present race of Indians. For want of a better name, this prehistoric race, so shrouded in mystery, has been styled the Mound Builders, by reason of the remarkable works in the form of mounds (or tumuli) and embankments, that alone remain to tell the story of a vanished and, we may say, a vanquished race. By many authorities a similarity has been found in these works to the great mounds in Mexico erected by the Aztecs, known as Teocalli, and the deduction has been made that the Mound Builders, forced to relinquish their possessions in the Ohio Valley, gradually retreated to the southwestward until they reached Mexico, where they implanted their civilization. This theory is supported by the Aztec legends, as well as by evidence in the form of mounds and embankments that exist in the Southern States. Indeed, it has been stated that the Mound Builders' remains in the South are even more extensive than those in the Ohio Valley. Immense burial-grounds in Missouri and Arkansas, disclosed through the wearing action of the rivers, support the statement that there must have been a long and extended conflict over the possession of the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi, that resulted in the more warlike race of Indians finally dispossessing their more civilized predecessors.

The period in the world's history when the Mound Builders were supreme in this section is almost wholly a matter of conjecture. If their supposed migration to the southwestward has any connection with the advent of the Aztecs in Mexico, they must have flourished here in the early centuries of the Christian era, for the Aztecs appear to have overrun Mexico in the seventh century, A. D. As further proof that a great space of time has elapsed since the ancient race of Mound Builders inhabited this country, it may be mentioned that none of their works stand upon the latest terraces or river bottoms. The age of the trees found upon their embankments leads to the same conclusion.

It is regarded as an established fact that the Ohio Valley in the time of the Mound Builders supported a very large population. Caleb Altwater, in an article published in the Archaeologia Americana, in 1819, says : "The State of Ohio was probably once much more thickly settled than it now is, when it contains a population of about seven hundred thousand inhabitants." Certain favored localities, along

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the valleys of the Ohio and its tributaries, were densely populated, and especially is this true of the locality of Circleville. In Squier and Davis' "Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley," the statement is made "that the sites selected for settlements, towns and cities by the invading Europeans are often those which were the especial favorites of the Mound Builders and the seats of their heaviest population." The towns of Marietta, Newark, Chillicothe, Circleville, Portsmouth and Cincinnati, in Ohio; Frankfort, in Kentucky; and .St. Louis (the "Mound City"), in Missouri, are examples. "The centers of population are now where they were at the period when the mysterious race of the mounds flourished."

The ancient works of the Mound Builders are distributed over a wide extent of country, almost wholly confined to the valleys of the rivers and large streams--from the Alleghenies to the far Northwest and from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

It is stated, in Squire and Davis' "Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley," that "the number of tumuli in the State of Ohio may be safely estimated at ten thousand, and the number of enclosures at from one thousand to fifteen hundred." The mounds in this State vary from a few feet in height to 68 feet, the height of the great mound at Miamisburg, whose circumference is 852 feet. The enclosures formed by lines of embankment generally have an area of from one to 50 acres, though there are instances where the enclosures contain from Too to 20o acres and even more. The mounds or tumuli of Ohio and elsewhere, which were usually constructed of earth, though sometimes of stone or of earth and stone, are commonly divided by students of antiquities into several classes, namely : Sepulchral, sacrificial, temple, memorial and mounds of observation. There are also the mounds in the form of animals, of which there are a number of notable instances in this State. Sepulchral mounds are the most common of all the forms ; they invariably contain a skeleton and in some instances more than one. The sacrificial mounds are usually found to contain altars of stone or burnt clay, upon which are found various remains that show the action of fire. In these mounds are found rude utensils --stone implements and pottery--ornaments and weapons. Sometimes copper axes, chisels and ornaments are discovered. The mounds of observation usually crowned elevated positions overlooking the valleys in which the enclosures were situated. It is thought that they were used as signal posts. The late Col. W. Mar-shall Anderson, of Circleville, demonstrated by actual survey that the observation mounds in the Scioto Valley formed a regular chain or system, and that, by means of fires upon them, signals could be sent up or down the country, to give warning of the approach of an enemy or to convey other intelligence.

The enclosures are variously regarded as defensive works or as sacred enclosures. Varying opinions have been expressed as to the significance of the earthworks at Circleville, which consisted of a circle and a square, some . holding to the idea that they were built as sacred enclosures, and others claiming that they were built for defensive purposes. The late Caleb Atwater, for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Circleville, with a national reputation as an historian, made a careful examination of the enclosures at Circleville and pronounced them to be works of defense. His description of the ancient works at Circleville was published in "Western Antiquities" in 1833. Referring to what he terms the "forts" at Circleville, he says :

"These are situated not far from the junction of Hargus Creek with the latter river (Scioto), which is on the east side of the river, and south side of the .creek. By referring to the plate, the reader will. be better enabled to understand the description which follows :

"There are two forts, .one being an exact circle, the other an exact square. The former is surrounded by two walls, with a deep ditch between them. The latter is encompassed by one wall, without any ditch. The former was sixty-nine rods in diameter, measuring from outside to outside of the circular outer wall; the latter is exactly fifty-five rods square, measuring the same way. The walls of the circular fort were at least twenty feet in height,

26 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

measuring from the bottom of the ditch, before the town of Circleville was built. The inner wall was of clay, taken up probably in the northern part f the fort, where was a low place, and is still considerably lower than any other part of the work. The outside wall was taken from the ditch which is between these walls, and is alluvial, consisting of pebbles worn smooth in water, and sand, to a very considerable depth, more than fifty feet at least. The outside of the walls is about five or six feet in height now; on the inside, the ditch is, at present, generally not more than fifteen feet. They are disappearing before us daily, and will soon be gone. The walls of the square fort are, at this time, where left standing, about ten feet in height. There were eight gateways, or openings, leading into the square fort, and only one into the circular fort. Before each of these openings was a mound of earth, perhaps four feet high, forty feet perhaps in diameter at the base, and twenty or upwards at the summit. These mounds, for two rods or more, are exactly in front f the gateways, and were in-tended for the defense of these openings.

"As this work was a perfect square, so the gateways and their watch-towers were equidistant from each other. These mounds were in a perfectly straight line, and exactly parallel with the wall. These small mounds were at in, m, m, m, m, m, m. The black line at d, represents the ditch, and w, w, represent the two circular walls.

"D (the reader is referred to the plate,) shows the site f a once very remarkable ancient mound of earth, with a semi-circular

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 27

pavement on its eastern side, nearly fronting, as the plate represents, the only gateway leading into this fort. This mound is entirely re-moved ; but the outline of the semi-circular pavement may still be seen in many places, not-withstanding the dilapidations of time, and those occasioned by the hand f man. This mound, the pavement, the walk from the east to its elevated summit, the contents of the mound, etc.,. will be described under the head of mounds.

"The earth in these walls was as nearly perpendicular as it could be made to lie. This fort had originally but one gateway leading into it on its eastern side, and that was de-fended by a mound of earth, several feet in height, at m, i. Near the center of this work was a mound, with a semi-circular pavement on its eastern side, some of the remains of which may still be seen by an intelligent observer. The mound at m, i, has been entirely removed, so as to make the street level, from where it once stood.

B is a square fort adjoining the circular one, as represented by the plate, the area f which has been stated already. The wall which surrounds this work is generally, now, about ten feet in height, where it has not been manufactured into brick. There are seven gateways leading into this fort, besides the one that communicates with the square fortifications; that is, one at each angle, and another in the wall, just half way between the angular ones. Be-fore each of these gateways was a mound f earth of four or five feet in height, intended for the defense of these openings.

"The extreme care f the authors of these works to protect and defend every part of the circle is nowhere visible about this square fort. The former is defended by two high walls; the latter, by one. The former has a deep ditch encircling it; this has none. The former could be entered at one place only; this at eight, and those about twenty feet broad. The present town of Circleville covers all the round, and the western half of the square, fort. These fortifications, where the town stands, will entirely disappear in a few years; and I have used the only means within my power to perpetuate their memory, by the annexed drawing and this brief description.

"Where the wall of the square fort has been manufactured into brick, the workmen found some ashes, calcined stone, sticks and a little vegetable mould; all of which must have been taken up from the surface of the surrounding plain. As the square fort is a perfect square, so the gateways or openings are at equal distances from each other, and on a right line parallel with the wall. The walls of this work vary a few degrees from north and south, east and west; but not more than the needle varies, and not a few surveyors have, from this circumstance, been impressed with the belief, that the authors of these works were acquainted with astronomy, What surprised me, on measuring these forts, was the exact manner in which they had laid down their circle and square; so that after every effort, by the most careful survey, to detect some error in their measurement, we found that it was impossible, and that the measurement was much more correct, than it would have been in all probability, had the present inhabitants undertaken to construct such a work. Let those consider this circumstance, who affect to believe these antiquities .were raised by the ancestors of the present race of Indians. Having learned some-thing of astronomy, what nation, living as our Indians do, in the open air, with the heavenly bodies in full view, could have forgotten such knowledge?

"Some hasty travelers, who have spent an hour or two here, have concluded that the `forts' at Circleville were not raised for military, but for religious purposes, because there were two extraordinary tumuli here. A gentleman in one of our Atlantic cities, who has never crossed the Alleghanies, has written to me, that he is fully convinced that they were raised for religious purposes. Men thus situated, and with no correct means f judging, will hardly be convinced by anything I can say. Nor do I address myself to them, directly or indirectly; for it has long been my maxim, that it is worse than vain to spend one's time in endeavoring to reason men out of opinions for which they never had any reasons.

28 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

"The round fort was picketed in, if we are to judge from the appearance of the ground on and about the walls. Half way up the outside f the inner wall, is a place distinctly to be seen, where a row of pickets once stood, and where it was placed when this work of defense was originally erected. Finally, this work, about its wall and ditch, eight years since, presented as much ,of a defensive aspect as forts which were occupied in our wars with the French, in 1755, such as Oswego, Fort Stanwix and others. These works have been examined by the first military men now living in the United States, and they have uniformly declared their opinion to be that they were military works of defense.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"The works have been noticed, but the mounds remain to be described. Of these there were several, which the ruthless hand of man is destroying. Near the center f the round fort (a drawing of which is given in this work) was a tumulus of earth, about ten feet in height, and several rods in diameter at its base. On its eastern side, and extending six rods from it,. was a semi-circular pavement, composed of pebbles, such as are now found in the bed of the Scioto River, from whence they appear to have been brought.

"The summit of this tumulus was nearly thirty feet in diameter, and there was a raised way to it leading from the east, like a modern turnpike. The summit was level. The outline of the semi-circular pavement and the walk is still discernible. The earth composing this mound was entirely removed several years since. The writer, being present at its removal, carefully examined the contents. It contained,

" 1. Two human skeletons, lying on what had been the original surface of the earth.

"2. A great quantity f arrow heads, some f which were so large as to induce a belief that they had been used for spear heads.

"3. The handle either of a small sword or a large knife, made of an elk's horn; around the end where the blade had been inserted, was a ferule of silver, which,. though black, was not much injured by time. Though the handle showed the hole where the blade had been inserted, yet no iron was found, but an oxide remained f similar shape and size.

"4. Charcoal and wood ashes, on which these articles lay, which were surrounded by several bricks very well burnt. The skeleton appeared to have been burned in a large and very hot fire, which had almost consumed the bones of the deceased. This skeleton ' was deposited a little to the south of the center of the tumulus; and, about twenty feet to the north of it, was another, with which were

"5. A large mirror, about three feet in length, one foot and a half in breadth, and one inch and a half in thickness. This mirror was of isinglass (mica membranacea), and on it,

"6. A plate of iron, which had become oxide; but before it was disturbed by the spade, resembled a plate f cast iron. The mirror answered the purpose very well for which it was intended. This skeleton had also been burned like the former, and lay on charcoal and a considerable quantity f wood ashes. A part of the mirror is in my possession, as well as a piece of a brick, taken from the spot at the time.

"The knife, or sword handle, was sent to Mr. Peal's museum, at Philadelphia.

"To the southwest of this tumulus, about forty rods from it, is another, more than sixty feet in height, which is shown on the plate representing these works. It stands on a large hill, which appears to be artificial. This must have been the common cemetery, as it contains an immense number of human skeletons, of all sizes and ages.

"The skeletons are laid horizontally, with their heads generally towards the center, and the feet towards the outside of the tumulus. A considerable part f this work still stands uninjured, except by time. In it have been found, besides these skeletons, stone axes and knives, and several ornaments, with holes through them, by means f which, with a cord passing through these perforations, they could be worn by their owners.

"On the south side of this tumulus, and not far from it, was a semi-circular fosse, which, when I first saw it, was six feet deep. On opening it, was discovered at the bottom a

PAGE 29 - BLANK

PAGE 30 - PICTURES: RESIDENCE OF: GEORGE P. TEEGARDIN (ASHVILLE); N. T. RUGGLES (CIRCLEVILLE); JAMES M. BORROR (SCIOT TOWNSHIP); AND LEWIS C. HOOVER (ASHVILLE)

great quantity of human bones, which, I am inclined to believe, were the remains of those who had been slain in some great and destructive battle. First, because they belonged to persons who had attained their full size; where-as, in the mound adjoining, were found the skeletons of persons f all ages; and secondly, they were here in the utmost confusion, as if buried in a hurry. May we not conjecture, that they belonged to the people who resided in the town, and who were victorious in the engagement? Otherwise they would not have been thus honorably buried in the common cemetery.

"The articles discovered in this mound are of little value, though very numerous; some-thing being found near the head of almost every individual."

Additional facts are given by another writer, in an article written in 1834. He says :

"On the southwest side of the circle stands a conical hill crowned with an artificial mound. Indeed, so much does the whole elevation resemble the work of man, that many have mistaken it for a large mound. A street has lately been opened across the little mound which crowned the hill, and in removing the earth many skeletons were found in good preservation. A cranium of one of them was in my possession, and is a noble specimen of the race which once occupied these ancient walls. It has a high forehead and large and bold features, with all the phrenological marks f daring and bravery. Poor fellow, he died overwhelmed by numbers; as the fracture of the right parietal bone by the battle-ax and five large stone arrows sticking in and about his bones, still bear silent, but sure, testimony. The elevated ground a little north of the town, across Hargus Creek, which washes the base of the plain of Circleville, appears to have been the common burying ground. Human bones in great quantities are found in digging away the gravel for repairing the streets and for constructing the banks f the canal,- which runs near the base of the highlands. They were buried in the common earth without any attempt at tumuli, and occupy so large a space that only a dense population and a long period of time could have furnished such numbers."

CIRCLEVILLE--THE COUNTY SEAT.

As has been previously stated; the county of Pickaway was erected, by act of the General Assembly, on January 12, 1810; on the 19th of February, the same body passed a resolution appointing David Bradford, George Jackson and John Pollock as commissioners, "to fix on the most eligible spot for the seat of justice in the County of Pickaway."

In the Circleville Union-Herald of August 2, 1878, appeared an account of the various steps taken by the commissioners and their director, Daniel Dreisbach. We have drawn largely upon the information therein contained and a portion f it we will quote in full.

"This duty was considered a very important one, and the gentlemen above mentioned were men of character and reputation in the State. They came into the county in the spring and made a thorough examination of all the places which had been mentioned, visiting Bloomfield and some points west of the river. The old Indian fortifications (so-called), with the mound and circle and square, were then intact. The embankments or walls f the forts stood up many feet above the ground and were as was the interior, covered with large trees and heavy undergrowth. These fortifications were selected for the county seat: in preference to all other places, which had been pointed out. The gentlemen, in deciding, no doubt thought they were doing that which would serve to preserve the ancient monuments from demolition and ruin, and that, with a town located here, they would surround them . With an interest which would protect and care for them. As to the wisdom of their predictions, the total obliteration of every trace of the old forts gives sad witness. The commissioners reported their decision to the court, which, on July 25th, appointed Daniel Dreisbach as director, with bonds in the sum f ten thousand dollars. His duties were to purchase the ground for the site of the new town, lay it out in town lots and dispose of the some.*

*Daniel Dreisbach held the office until his death, in 1850; one or two others were subsequently appointed by the court; the office finally became obsolete.

32 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUTNY

"The lands upon which the fortification stood belonged to Jacob Zeiger, Jacob Zeiger, Jr., and Samuel Watt, the circular fort being the property of the first named. He at that time resided in a log cabin which stood about where the canal now is, and just opposite the site of Ruggles' slaughter house, there being one of the best springs in the country at the foot of the rise upon which his cabin stood. He at this time 'had partly completed a new residence a little east of his cabin. This new residence is still standing, and is known as the Williamson house, on the corner of Scioto and North High streets."

Dreisbach purchased, as the records show, three tracts and one or two fractions f acres. The first tract contained 100 3/4 acres, 50 of which Zeiger donated, the other 50 being bought at $8 per acre. For the 3/4 acre the price was $20 per acre, with a further consideration, in payment for the improvements, consisting of the cabin, etc, to be decided upon by referees. The second tract, purchased of Valentine Keller, contained 71 acres, 78 poles, and was bought for $286. The third tract contained 29 acres and was bought for $116. The whole 200 acres cost but between $800 and $900.

Dreisbach proceeded at once to survey and lay out the town according to the directions and by the day appointed for the sale he had all complete. It is said that the first sale was a memorable event and celebrated with a grand barbecue. A large number f persons from the west side of the river joined in the manufacture of an immense cheese for the occasion, weighing several hundred pounds, which was drawn to the barbecue on a large sled. A spirited competition for the honor f building the first house in the new town took place. Among others determined to build the first house was John Ludwig. He had his lumber all prepared before the sale day, the logs hewn and fitted. ready for framing, and all loaded on wagons and ready to start into town, as soon as his purchase should be announced. Laborers were ready and stone for the foundation was in waiting with David Leist, as mason, prepared to lay them. By the time night fell, a number of temporary habitations were ready for occupancy. On the first sale day, Dreisbach disposed of 29 lots, and on the next day 11. The houses were rapidly pushed to completion and by winter about 40 families had taken up their residence in the new. town. Dreisbach's first report to the county commissioners, in which he gives an account of his stewardship, reads as follows :

Daniel Dreisbach, director, made report of his proceedings, which was sanctioned by the court and ordered to be recorded verbatim, viz.: and that the plat returned of town be recorded in the recorder's office.

Proceeds of sales of lots in the town of Circleville, public and private sales, from the tenth to the twelfth of September, 1810.

To 29 lots sold, first day's sale . . . . . . . . . . . $2,276 50

To 11 lots sold, second day's sale. . . . . . . . .. 611 00

To 17 lots sold, private sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 762 50

Sale of timber on streets and alleys . . . . . . . .. 44 50

Total amounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,694 50

Valuation of Jacob Zeiger's improvement, appraised by Charles Bodkin and Aquilla Justice, duly sworn and both parties chosen :

The house appraised to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. $275 00

Six and three-fourths acres of cleared land,

at $6 per acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 40 00

Well of water and other improvements. . . . . . 15 00

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . $330 00

Which sum is to be paid to the said Jacob, on or before the first day of May next, 1811, or he, the said Jacob, will take the house back at the valuation and purchase the lot on which the house is erected.

D. DREISBACH.

SOME EARLY EVENTS.

It is said that Jacob Try, brother of George Try, killed a deer within the circular earth-work some two or three years before the town was located. There is some doubt as to what was the first brick house built in Circleville, but it is generally conceded that the Harsha house on East Main street, then a one-story building, was the first. It was long occupied by Harsha's marble works and is now occupied as the marble and granite works of E. F: Anderson. The first child born in Circleville is be-

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lieved to have been Louisa (Leiby) Myers, whose birth occurred in June, 1811. Her father, John Leiby, a Pennsylvanian, came to Circleville from Chillicothe, and established here the first dry goods store. The first grocery in town was kept by Joe Strouse. Soon after the location of the town, Rev. William Swayze, a Methodist minister, preached what is thought to have been the first sermon in the town. The first church edifice was a Presbyterian meeting-house of brick, whose corner-stone was laid September 2, 1826, by Rev. Burton. The Olive Branch was Circleville's first newspaper, the first number appearing on August 9, 1817.

CIRCLEVILLE IN 1827.

In an issue of the Olive Branch and Pickaway Herald, of September 15, 1827, a writer under the caption, "Circleville in 1827," gives a description of the city as it was then. The communication, which was addressed to the editor, William B. Thrall, and signed by "Justice," is given in full as follows :

"As our neighboring towns have been rep-resented in some essays published in the Scioto Gazette, relative to the Scioto Valley, as having a decided superiority over our village, 1 thought it would be well to give the public a true, statistical account of the town so much depreciated by the writer of those essays.

"By this it will appear that he was jealous of our prosperity and growing importance and disposed to prop up the declining fortunes of the town in which he wrote, at our expense. Though we might be ready to smile in con-tempt at his impotent efforts, yet justice to ourselves requires, that our pretensions and standing should be fairly stated, lest some might be deceived by the manner in which he speaks f us.

"Circleville is situated on the east bank of the Scioto River, 25 miles south of Columbus, and 20 miles southwest of Lancaster, in north latitude 39 degrees and 38 minutes and west longitude 5 degrees and 55 minutes from the meridian of Washington. It is on the most direct route from Philadelphia and Washing-ton City to Cincinnati, and Illinois; on which route the public mail destined for those parts now passes in stages to and fro three times per week and is soon expected to pass daily.

"The traveler in passing on this route from Lancaster to Cincinnati, or to central and. southern parts of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, saves at least fifteen miles in distance and obtains a much better road than by taking the Chillicothe route: It is the direct road, too, from Portsmouth and Gallipolis to Columbus and Sandusky Bay. On this road a mail passes to and fro thrice each week in stages. The Ohio Canal is surveyed and considered located on the western borders of the town, between the in-lots and the river.

"The town contains one hundred and two dwelling houses, besides twenty-two building this season. Thus it is increasing, by an addition of one-fifth to its size in a single year. Several of the buildings erecting are substantial brick and frame buildings of spacious dimensions. Preparations are making for the erection of a still greater number next season.

"Rents and the value of property have been increasing at the rate of twenty-five per cent, for the last two years, and bid fair to increase in the same ratio for several years hence. The public buildings are a court house, jail, a building containing six public offices, an Academy, a public schoolhouse, a Presbyterian church, and a market house, all of brick, except the jail; which is stone.

"The population of the town consists of one hundred and seven families, containing seven hundred and twenty-five inhabitants, fifty-five of whom are persons of color.

"There are nine mercantile stores employing a capital f about forty-three thousand dollars; three druggists and apothecary shops ; three groceries and bakers, employing a capital of five hundred dollars.

"Of mechanics there are seven carpenters, six cabinet makers, four chair makers, three wheelwrights, two coopers, two wagon makers, six shoemakers, four tanners, two saddlers, five tailors, two weavers, one clothier, four hatters, four blacksmiths, two silversmiths, one clockmaker, two watchmakers and jewelers, four masons, three brick makers, one tin-

34 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

ner, one printer, one rope maker, two butchers, one distiller, one potter, and one barber. There are also four attorneys, five physicians and two teachers. There is also one rope walk, and adjacent to town two woolen establishments and three sawmills.

"From this, some idea may be formed f the business done in the town. In several f the trades there are young men employed as journeymen who are not enumerated in the above list. Several more carpenters and house joiners and several more masons and brick layers might find profitable employment. A coppersmith, a brewer, a dyer, a. fancy painter, a carriage maker, a stone cutter and several other trades might find a good situation here for their business.

"Since the autumn of 1823, the town has been more healthy, it is believed, than any f the neighboring towns. There has been but one death by fever in this season, and very few cases."

THE CIRCLE "SQUARED."

It has often been a matter of regret to the citizens of Circleville of the .present day, that the original conformation of the town was ever changed. The most unique feature about the place, from which the town derived its name, was obliterated in order that the streets might he in checkerboard fashion, running at right angles to each other. Not many years elapsed after the town began to be built up, before dissatisfaction. with the circular arrangement of the streets showed itself in certain quarters. Some thought that the original design was a piece of childish sentimentalism, while others advanced the idea that the shape of the lots was awkward and inconvenient. One of the most important reasons advanced for the change was that the open circular space about the Court House presented a very poor appearance, as it was the custom of the people from the country to hitch and feed their teams there, thus attracting to the place hogs and other domestic animals, that were then allowed the freedom of the city. However sincere these objections might have been, and however important they may have seemed to those who urged them, it is not at all likely the change would ever have been made, had it not occurred to somebody that, by laying out the circular portion of the town in a square form, quite an amount of waste ground--in the center of the circle as well as in the four angles where the square portions joined the circle and in some of the avenues and alleys--would become available for building lots and yield a fair profit over and above what the county would charge for it. It was, no doubt, a fair business transaction and not to be censured, except upon esthetic grounds. It first became necessary to secure enabling acts from the Legislature and then to obtain the 'consent of all the property owners within the space affected.

On March 29, 1837, the first enabling act was passed by the General Assembly of Ohio, which authorized an alteration of the town plat f the town of Circleville. For some reason nothing was done that year, perhaps because it was found difficult to obtain the consent of all the property owners in the entire circle. So on March 1, 1838, the General Assembly was induced to pass a supplementary act, authorizing the friends of the measure to proceed with the alterations as soon as the consent f all the owners of any part (meaning probably any fourth part) of the circle should be obtained.

On March 23, 1838, the first steps toward the squaring of the southeast quarter of the circular portion f the town were taken through the application of Andrew Huston, Thomas Huston and Dr. Edson B. Olds to the Court f Common Pleas. Daniel Dreisbach, director of the town, was ordered by the court to convey to the said parties all the interest of Pickaway County in said part of Circleville, for the consideration of $750. The next day they filed their plat in the recorder's office; and on the 30th of the same month the interest of the county was conveyed to them by deed. The same parties took similar steps on the 15th of September, 1838, for squaring the northwest quarter of the circle. They received their deed from the county on October 4th, for the same

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 35

consideration as obtained in the first transaction.

The northeast quarter was squared by the Circleville Squaring Company, which was comprised of John Cradlebaugh, Dr. Edson B. Olds, Francis Kinnear and others. This did not take place however, until 11 years after the southeast and northwest quarters were squared. After making a satisfactory arrangement with the property holders in this quarter, they obtained a deed from the county for its interest in the same for $75, the deed being dated August 17, 1849.

Five years later, W. W. Bierce undertook the squaring of the southwest quarter, securing an order from the court for this purpose and filing his plat in the recorder's office on September 1, 1854. He received his deed on March 6, 1856. No consideration was named.

The actual work of rearranging the streets, which made necessary the removal of many buildings and the erection of others, went on very slowly, and it was doubtless some years after Bierce received his deed that the work might be termed completed. The work of grading the streets and the building lots gradually effaced every trace of the ancient en-closures.

The line of these two enclosures, as de-scribed in an article in the Union-Herald of August 2, 1878, which is herewith given, was marked as follows :

"The center of the circle Was the center of the square at the intersection of Court and Main streets. The circle and square were joined, or rather the gateway, as the opening between them was called, was in the street a little west of the point where the alley crosses Main street at the Central Presbyterian Church. Starting at this point, the ditch which was the circumference 0f the circle, ran under a part of the church, under the rear of Mr. Scovil's, house, curving around to McClaren's livery stable and Bauder's carriage shop, crossing the street between Bauder's and the Foresman corner and Pinkney street diagonally to T. K. Brunner's, through the rear of the Jones Iot, on West Main street, through Jesse Ward's and the Tibbs barber shop, through the Steele-Jones Block, and the Martin property, and diagonally to Jerome Wolfley's, north of the Court House, crossing to Mrs. Nightengale's residence, through the Brobeck carriage shops, and diagonally across Franklin street, to the rear of Ruggles' lot, and through it to the beginning.

"This circuit was the line of the ditch described above, and which was full of water to a depth ranging from three to ten feet. The banks were very steep and only at a few places was the ditch fordable. The embankment was overgrown with immense trees, and so thickly covered with vines and bushes that it was al-most impenetrable. Here and there the cattle had made trails down to the water and at these places horsemen were in the habit of crossing the path winding down side wise. Within the circle the growth f timber and bushes was quite dense.

"We now go to the square, the limits of which we can not so clearly define, but sufficiently so to give a fair idea. The face next to the circle was on the line of the alley next to the Central Church, extending south to Franklin street (lower side), and north to Watt street. The south line ran along- parallel with the south side of Franklin street, extending to a point a few rods east of Washington street. The only remains of the old embankment now visible is the elevated ground near which the little . cabin known as Mrs. White's house stands, at the corner of Pickaway and Franklin streets. The north line ran along Watt street east from H. R. Heffner's residence a distance of fifty-five rods. The eastern boundary, running north and south', crossed Main street, a little east of. Washington street, the old elm tree, well remembered by many, which stood in the pavement, being just inside of the embankment."

In the succeeding chapter, on "Recollections of Old Circleville," several descriptions of the town, as it stood in the period when the changes were being made, are given. We are indebted to G. F. Wittich for the greater part of this information, which he has gathered at various times from personal letters and newspaper clippings, as. well as for a view of

36 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

Circleville in 1836, which appears elsewhere in this book. Soon after he came to Circleville in the fall of 1836, he made several sketches of the old Court House, the old circle and other separate buildings, which assisted him materially in designing this view, which he drew about 1858 or 1860. When he was in doubt as to the correct location or size of certain buildings, he was able to ascertain the desired information from residents who had lived here from the early years of the town. This view he finished in colors in 1870.

CIRCLEVILLE IN 1843,

According to a short historical sketch of the county, published in that year, had "14 dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two stove stores, two drug stores, three printing offices, two confectioneries and a great number and

(Picture of West Main Street, Circleville, in 1846,

The Foreground was Orginally a Part of the Old Circle, Which in Time was "Squared."

From Howe's " Historical Collections of Ohio")

variety of mechanic shops, all well supplied with articles in their respective lines. It has two wholesale groceries and nine -warehouses on the canal, at which an extensive business is done in the produce line. It has four pork establishments, at which can be slaughtered and packed about 1,500 hogs per day. There are in this town six churches, one academy, one female seminary, eight hotels, a book store and bindery and a jail.

"During the winter of 1843 to 1844 there were slaughtered here forty thousand hogs for export. An idea of the amount of business done here may be formed from the following statement taken from the last report of the Board of Public Works : Of the clearings made from this port in 1843, viz.: 25,664 barrels of flour, 9,666 barrels of pork, 2,480,452 pounds of bacon, 1,436,248 pounds of lard, 98,863 pounds of butter, 20,403 pounds of tallow, 34,204 pounds of wool, 47,738 bushels of wheat, 49,085 bushels of corn, and 3,229 bushels of clover seed. Much the largest portion of these articles (except wool) were the products of Pickaway County. The quantity of wheat, flour and pork shipped that year was much less than usual, and the shipments of 1844 will no doubt greatly exceed those of any preceding year. There are in Circleville twelve practicing attorneys, nine practicing physicians and seven clergymen.

"The principal denominations of Christians are Methodist, United Brethren, Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Lutheran ; all of whom have churches and regular officiating ministers."

CIRCLEVILLE INCORPORATED.

More than four years elapsed before any action was taken to incorporate the town, that had been started in 1810. Late in December, 1814, the following act was passed by the General Assembly :

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE TOWN OF CIRCLEVILLE,

IN THE COUNTY OF PICKAWAY.

Section I. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That so much of the township of Washington, in the County of Pickaway, as is comprised and designated in the plan of the town of Circleville, and recorded in the recorder's office of said county, be, and the same is hereby erected into a town corporate, henceforth to be known and distinguished by the name of the town of Circleville, subject, however, to such alterations and regulations as the legislature may, from time to time, think proper to make.

See. 2. Be it further enacted, That it shall be lawful for the white male inhabitants, either freeholders or householders, residents in said town of Circleville, to meet at the court-house, on the first Saturday in April, annually, and then and there; elect by ballot, a

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 37

president, recorder,. treasurer, five trustees, and town marshal, in manner hereinafter provided, which said president, trustees and recorder shall be one body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession, to be known and distinguished by the name of the president, recorder and trustees of the town of Circleville.

Sec. 3. Be it further enacted, That the president, recorder and trustees, and their successors in office shall be capable to receive, acquire, hold and convey any estate, real or personal, for the use of said corporation: PROVIDED, That the clear annual income of all such property shall not exceed the sum of two thousand dollars, and shall be capable in law, by the name aforesaid, of suing and being sued, of pleading and being impleaded, in any action or suit, in any court in this state; and when any action or suit shall be commenced against the corporation, the service shall be by a proper officer leaving an attested copy of the original process with the recorder_, or at his usual place of abode, at least ten days previous to the return of such process, and the said trustees are hereby authorized to have one common seal for the use of the corporation, and the same to be altered at their discretion.

Sec. 4. Be it further enacted, That the electors residing in said town, as is provided in the second section of this act, shall meet on the first Saturday of April next, and on the first Saturday of April, annually, thereafter, and then and there proceed, by a plurality of votes, to elect a president, recorder, treasurer, five trustees and town marshal, who shall each have the qualification of an elector, to hold their office for one year, and until their successors are elected and sworn into office, and each of the said officers, within five days after being notified of his appointment, shall take an oath or affirmation, before some person authorized to administer the same, to support the constitution of the United States and of this state, and also faith-fully to discharge the duties of his office.

Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, That at the annual elections held under the provisions of this act, the polls shall be opened, between the hours of twelve and one o'clock, P. M. and closed at four o'clock, P. M. At the first election, two judges and a clerk shall be appointed viva voce, by the electors present, who shall take an oath or affirmation, faithfully to discharge the duties of their respective offices, and at all subsequent elections, the president and trustees, or any two of them shall be judges, and the recorder clerk of the election; at the close of the poll the ballots shall be counted by the judges of the election, and the statement publicly declared, and a fair record thereof made by the clerk, who shall notify the persons elected, of the several offices to which they have been elected, within five days after the day of election; and it shall be the duty ofthe president, at least five days before the first Saturday of April, in every year, after the first election, to set up a notice of the approaching election, in three of the most public places in said town.

Sec. 6. Be it further enacted, That the said trustees, or a majority of them, whereof the president or recorder shall always he one, shall have full power and authority to make and publish such laws and ordinances, in writing, and the same from time to time, to alter or repeal as to them shall seem necessary, for the interest, comfort, safety and convenience of the said town of Circleville, and of the inhabitants thereof : Provided, no law shall ever be by them enacted or made, subjecting cattle, sheep or hogs, not belonging to said town, to be abused or taken up or sold, for coming into the bounds of said corporation; the trustees shall have full power to administer all oaths or affirmations, to impose reasonable fines on all persons. who shall offend against the laws and ordinances, made as aforesaid, to levy and cause to be collected, all such. fines, by warrant, under the hand of the president, and in his absence of the recorder, and seal of the corporation, directed to the marshal, who shall collect the same, by distress and sale of goods and chattels, as constables do in other cases, & shall pay over alt monies, by him so received, to the treasurer; the trustees shall have power to regulate markets, and when thought necessary to appoint a clerk of the market: PROVIDED ALWAYS, That all laws and ordinances shall be consistent with the constitution and laws of the United States and of this state.

Sec. 7. Be it further enacted, That the trustees shall have power to fill all vacancies which may happen between the annual elections, if any of the offices here-by established and made elective; and the appointments so made shall continue until the next annual election, and until the officers thus elected, shall be duly qualified and no longer; and the trustees are hereby authorized to appoint such other subordinate officer or officers, as they may think necessary, to fix such fees to the office of recorder and marshal, to impose such fines for refusing to accept any office of the corporation, or for neglect or misconduct therein, as to them may seem proper: Provided, the fines to be inflicted, by virtue of this section, shall, in no case exceed ten dollars.

Sec. 8. Be it further enacted, That the trustees (when in their opinion it may be expedient) shall have power, in the month of July, annually, to lay a tax within said town, for the use of the corporation, on all the objects of taxation for county purposes: Provided, no tax in any one year, so laid, shall exceed one half of the amount of the county tax levied on such objects of taxation for the same year, whereof the town marshal shall be the collector, and he is hereby authorized

38 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

and required to collect and pay over, to the treasurer, till sums of money levied for the use of said town, within three months after his receiving the duplicate thereof, and the treasurer's receipt shall be his voucher, upon his settlement with the trustees, which shall be whenever there unto by them required, after the expiration of three months aforesaid.

Sec. 9. Be it further enacted, That the town marshal shall give ten days notice previous to the collection of any tax and if the tax on any lot on which no property can be found, shall remain unpaid six months after the same shall have been assessed, the said town marshal shall give notice. by advertisement, in three of the most public places in said town, of the amount of said tax, and the number of the lot or lots on which it is clue; and if such tax shall not be paid within three months after tile date of such advertisement, the marshal shall proceed to sell so much of such lot or lots as may be sufficient to discharge the amount, and in such cases, the part or parts sold. shall not extend further on the front than on the back line of the lot or lots : and it shall be the duty of the marshal, to execute a deed or deeds, to the purchaser or purchasers, for the premises so sold, which deed shall vest in the purchaser, his heirs and assigns, the same title to the premises therein described, as was vested in the person, for whose tax the same was sold, at or after the time such tax became due; the treasurer and town marshal, before they enter on the duties of their respective offices, shall enter into bond, with security to the president, to be approved by the trustees, conditioned for the faithful discharge of their several duties; the treasurer shall also pay over all monies by him received, for all the use of the corporation, on the order of the trustees, and shall, when there unto required, submit his book and vouchers to their inspection.

Sec. Be it further enacted, That it shall be the duty of the recorder. to make and keep a true and accurate record, of all and every law and ordinance, made and established by the trustees, and of all their proceedings, in their corporate rapacity, which record shall at all times be open to the inspection of every elector in said town; the recorder is also further authorized to administer all necessary oaths or affirmations, to the officers of said corporation, and to carry into effect the laws and regulations thereof.

Sec. 11. Be it further enacted, That if any per-son or persons shall think himself, herself or them-selves aggrieved, by any act or judgment of the trustees, it shall be lawful for such person or persons, within ten days, to appeal to the court of common pleas for the proper county, who shall hear such complaint, and grant such relief as to them shall appear to be proper and necessary: Provided, such appellant give security to be approved by the clerk of the court, to prosecute such appeal to effect, and abide the determination of the court thereon.

Sec. 12. And be it further enacted, That the corporation shall be allowed the use of the county jail, for the confinement of such persons, as by any law of the corporation may be subject to imprisonment: but no person shall be imprisoned, under the authority of the corporation unless for the non-payment of tines and penalties assessed or imposed upon them; Provided, no person shall be imprisoned more than twelve hours for one offense. and all persons so imprisoned, shall be under the charge of the sheriff of the county.

This act shall take effect, and be in force, from and after the first day of April next.

JOHN POLLOCK,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

THOMAS KIRKER,

Speaker of the Senate. December 24, 1814.

No records are extant as to die results of the first election that was ordered to be held. It may, however, be taken for granted that the officials of the town were duly chosen on the first Saturday in April, 1815. The organization thus formed continued until 1853, in which year, on March 25th, the Town Council passed the following resolution :

Resolved, That the town of Circleville, by its Council, does hereby determine and elect to be classed as, and to become a city of the second class, under the provisions of the act of the General Assembly of this State, passed May 3, 1852, entitled "An Act to provide for the organization of cities and incorporated villages, and the act amendatory thereto, passed March, 1853."

The first officers of the city of Circleville, elected on April 4, 1853, were as follows: Mayor, Z. R. Martin; treasurer, Wilson Baker; solicitor, Henry N. Hedges, Sr.; marshal, Samuel Barncord; councilmen--William Van Heyde, William Doane, W. W. Bierce and Allen Myers.

CITY GOVERNMENT.

Under the Ohio code of 1902, all distinctions of class and grade in the cities of the State were abolished and the same municipal laws now apply with equal force to all cities,

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 39

no matter what their size. Circleville, therefore, is governed on the same plan, as Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus.

The elective offices are those of mayor, president of Council, solicitor, treasurer, auditor and members of Council. All these officers are elected for terms of two years each. In addition to being the executive head of the city government and the chief conservator of the peace, the mayor exercises jurisdiction in State cases the same as a justice of the peace, and has exclusive jurisdiction as to all violations of city ordinances. The president of Council is acting mayor in the absence of the mayor from the city or when the latter is unable to attend to his duties, but has no judicial functions. The duties of the solicitor and treasurer are the same that usually pertain to these offices. The office of auditor was created by the new code. It is his duty to keep the books of the city, to exhibit accurate statements of all money received and expended and of all property owned by the city and the in-come derived therefrom, and of all taxes and assessments; at the end of each fiscal year, or oftener ii required by the Council, it is his duty to examine and audit the accounts of all officers and departments. The State department prescribes how all these accounts shall be kept and sends examiners at intervals to ex-amine the books of the city.

There is one councilman for each of the four wards of the city and three councilmen-at-large--Fred. The powers of the Council are legislative only. The Council also determines the number of directors in the Board of Public Safety and the Board of Public Service fixes the salaries of municipal officers. The council elects its own clerk.

The administrative functions of the city are performed by the elective officers already mentioned and by five boards, as follows : Board of Public Service, Board. of Public Safety, Board of Tax Commission and Trustees of Sinking Fund, Board of Health and Trustees of Library Board. All are appointed by the mayor except the Board of Public Service, whose members are elected by direct vote of the people. The Board of Public Safety has charge of the police and fire departments. The Board of Public Service has charge of all work on the streets, street lighting, sewers and garbage disposal and attends to the maintenance of all public buildings and properties. These boards have the power to make contracts for their respective departments, when the expense is $500 or less, provided such expenditures are within the appropriations made by the Council. The functions of the Board of Tax Commission and Trustees of Sinking Fund are those of two separate bodies, whose membership, however, is identical. The appointments to this board are so distributed that not more than two members belong to the same political party. The board passes upon the tax levy made by the City Council, with power to approve or reject, but cannot increase the tax levy. The Trustees of Sinking Fund, whose duty it is to provide a sinking fund for the city, certify to the Council the rate of tax necessary to provide funds for the payment of bonds and other obligations, and register all bonds issued by the city. The duties of the Board of Health are to abate nuisances, prescribe and enforce quarantine regulations, etc., etc. The board appoints a health officer. The Trustees of Library Board have charge of the Public Library. The city engineer is appointed by the mayor and the chief of the Fire Department fills the office of weigh master. .

The present officials of the city of Circleville are as follows : Mayor, George R. Has-well; president of Council, George R. Curl; solicitor, Charles W. Murphy; treasurer, Jacob Merz; auditor, Fred R. Nicholas; city engineer, J. H. Sweetman; weighmaster, J. M. Baer: health officer, James J. Egan; Members of Council--Thomas R. Bell (First Ward), John W.. Lowe (Second Ward), Albert L. Redman (Third Ward) (president pro ten), George W. Limebaugh (Fourth Ward) and John C. Goeller, C. Ernest Salter and John F. Carle, councilmen-at-large--Fred R. Nicholas (clerk) ; Board of Public Service--Noah Myers (president), Mathew Lynch and E. M. Stout--E. E. Stout (clerk) ; Board of Public Safety--J. F. Krinn (president) and J. T. Kirkendall--Thomas D. Krinn (clerk) ;

40 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

Board of Tax Commission and Trustees of Sinking Fund--W. G. Jacob (president), Irvin F. Snyder (vice-president), C. D. Hess and Charles A. Smith-Fred R. Nicholas (clerk) ; Board of Health--George R. Haswell (president ex officio), S. M. Lewis (president pro tem), C.F. Lehman (secretary), W. B. Wilder, Dr. George T. Row and W. L. Krimnel ; Trustees of Library Board--Aaron Van Cleaf (president), Dr. Thomas Black-stone (vice-president), Dr. G. W. Heffner (secretary), Gustavus A. Schleyer, B. F. Benford and T. O. Williams.

From the year 1853, when Circleville was classified as a city of the second class, fourth grade, to the present time, the following have served as mayors : Z. R. Martin, 1853-55 ; John Boyer, 1855-57; Z. R. Martin, 1857-59; J. B. Evans, 1859 (elected by Council to fill unexpired term of Z. R. Martin, who retired February 18, 1859) ; Alfred Williams, 1859-61; Jason Case, 1861-67; John Walke, 1867-69; John N. Brunner, 1869-73; George R. Miller, 1873-75 ; Jason Case, 1875-77; Israel P. Todd, 1877-81; Abram Millet, 1881-85; J. Wheeler Lowe, 1885-89; W. E. Bolin, 1889- to his death, June 27, 189o; J. Wheeler Lowe, 1890-91 (elected to fill unexpired term of W. E. Bolin) ; J. Wheeler Lowe, 1891-93; Lee M. Hammel, 1893-97; W. C. Rowe, 1897-1901; George R. Haswell, 1901.

Reuben P. Dresbach became city clerk in 1861 and served continuously to 1897, a period of 36 years.

The members of the police and fire departments are all under civil service. The members of the Police Department are as follows : H. Sheets, chief; James H. Throne, captain; P. J. Mogan, sergeant; and J. L. Cummins, W. H. Warner, John Myers and Thomas McManamy, patrolmen.

Circleville has had a paid Fire Department since the year 1881, when the present system was introduced, under Mayor Abram Millet. Before that date the city was protected from the ravages of the fire fiend by a volunteer department, consisting of about 130 members divided into four companies, which in 1879 were under the leadership of Chief Engineer H. H. Nicholas, who was aided by 1st and 2nd assistant engineers. Circleville Company, No. 1, consisted of 40 members, having in charge the steam engine "Circleville." Buckeye Engine and Hose Company, No. 2, consisted, of 40 members, having in charge the steam engine, "Buckeye" and one or two hose carts. Niagara Hose Company, No. 1, consisted of 20 members, having two hose carts in charge. Scioto Hand Engine Company consisted of 30 colored members having charge of the "Scioto" hand engine and two hose trucks. These companies disbanded when the new system went into effect.

The members of the first paid Fire Department were as follows : Levi Hammel, chief; Andrew Rudel, engineer; J. M. Baer, assistant engineer; William Todd, stoker, and James Trego and William Mason, drivers. The first chief, who was a night policeman, had charge of the department only during fires. At all other times the department was under Engineer Andrew Rudel. Levi Hammel, after holding the position of chief a short time, resigned, and was succeeded by W. F. Tolbert. Subsequently Levi Hammel again became chief, with full charge of the department at all times, his work as night policeman having been discontinued. Chief Hammel held the position until May, 1889, when the present chief, J. M. Baer, was appointed, who has since held the position. Chief Baer was a member of the old volunteer department, being a member at the time the department was made a paid one. With the exception of six years spent in other pursuits, he has been on the force for 25 years. The other members of the department are as follows : John S. Baer, assistant chief and engineer; William Miller and W. R. Clark,. drivers; and George Stout, assistant. John S. Baer has been a member of, the department. since March 12, 1882; William R. Clark, since December, 1890; George Stout, since April, 1904; and William Miller, since March, 1905. The chief has power to call on "minute-men" to assist at fires when necessary, such men receiving pay for their services when. so engaged.

The department is equipped with a combi-.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 41

nation hose and ladder truck, carrying 130 feet of ladders and 850 feet of 2 1/2-inch hose and 100 feet of 1-inch hose: two 6-gallon Holloway fire extinguishers; one 2 horse hose carriage, which carries 1,200 feet of 2 1/2-inch hose; two steam fire engines that are kept, in reserve; and two span of horses. The Game-well fire alarm system is in use, with 24 boxes. The department, in case of fire, connects with the fire hydrants, 152 in number, which give a stand-pipe pressure of from 6o to 65 pounds. If this pressure proves insufficient, the pumping station of the Circleville Water Supply Company furnishes direct pressure, with a limit of 175 pounds. There are 37 public cisterns located throughout the city, especially in portions where there is danger of large conflagrations. These cisterns hold 1,000 barrels of water each. The two steam fire engines kept in reserve would, in case of emergency, pump water from these cisterns, or would get their water supply direct from the canal or from Hargus Creek, if the fire were near.

THE $50,000 BOND ISSUE.

Fifteen years ago, Circleville made its first and last experiment in the matter of voting money for the purpose of securing the establishment here of new manufacturing plants. On February 27, 1891, a movement for the in-creasing of the city's importance as a manufacturing center, inaugurated the preceding year, culminated in the passage of an enabling act by the General Assembly of Ohio. This act provided that in a city of the fourth grade of the second class, which at the Federal census of 1880 had a population of 6,046 or might have such population at any subsequent census, might issue bonds in any sum not exceeding $50,000, bearing interest not to exceed six per cent., and running not more than 20 years. The proceeds arising from the sale of these bonds, which were not to be sold below par, were to be expended for the purpose of aiding and encouraging manufacturing establishments to locate in the said city. Before the bonds could be issued, however, it was necessary that the question of issuing same be submitted to a vote of the qualified electors of the city. If such bond issue were approved of by two-thirds of those voting at the election, whether general or special, then the Council, with the consent and approval of the Board of Control, might issue and sell said bonds for the purpose named. If the election proved favor-able to the issuing of the bonds, the Council was to present a written statement of its intention to issue bonds to the probate judge, who was to appoint a Board of Control, consisting of six members, not more than three from any one political party, who were to serve without compensation for such period as might be necessary to dispose of the proceeds of the bonds. It was also specified in the enabling act how the Council was to pay the principal and interest on the bonds by tax levies.

At the general election held April 7, 1891, 1,218 votes were registered in favor of the proposition to issue bonds, while only 190 were cast in the negative ; the number of votes necessary to carry the proposition was 1,053. On April 21, 1891, Probate Judge Jacob P. Winstead appointed the following to serve as members of the Board of Control; Joseph P. Smith, Samuel B. Evans, Thomas K. Brunner, William J. Weaver, George W. Bauder and. Amos Beach.

Communications were received from quite a number of companies, who wished to secure some of the benefits of the bond issue and locate their plants at Circleville. A promoter came and put several propositions before the Board of Control for consideration. These were investigated by the Board of Trade, then in existence, and the three best propositions were favorably reported to the Board of Control. The best enterprise at that time appears to have been the Isaac Half Lounge Company, of Marysville, Ohio, with which concern negotiations were entered into, which resulted finally in articles of agreement being drawn up between it and the City of Circleville, acting through the City Council and the Board of Control. A $17,000 issue of bonds was ordered sold and, according to the agreement, $5,000 was paid the company, which proceeded to erect its building. Later the machinery was put in,

42 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY

and the balance of the $17,000 was paid the company according to the contract. The company soon failed, owing to its cramped condition caused by litigation arising at Marysville. The lounge factory is now used by John C. Goeller as a broom factory.

An issue of $15,000 of bonds was ordered sold and the proceeds were paid to the Circleville Glass Company, which was to be operated by Leopold Mamburg, F. C. Fuller and V. H. Ketchum, of Toledo, who were to locate, equip and fully operate a sheet glass plant of 10-pot capacity. The glass factory ran for only a short period. The building was afterward dismantled.

The Benner Furniture Company, of Union City, Indiana, was given the proceeds from the sale of $18,000 of bonds and the erection of its building in the south part of the city was commenced but the building was never completed by this company, which fell into diffi-

(PICTURE OF SOUTH COURT STREET, CIRCLEVILLE, IN 1886.

The Second Court House, Built in 1845-47, is shown on the left; the
Old Circle was a Few Hundred Yards Distant Farther
Up the Street.

From Howe's " Historical Collections of Ohio.")

culties at Union City, through suits for claims brought against it. By subsequent transfers the unfinished building came into the possession of the Winorr Canning Company, and it was rebuilt and is now included in the plant of the Pressing & Orr Company.

FRANCHISES GRANTED BY THE CITY SINCE 1880

In 1891, a franchise was granted to the Circleville Light & Power Company, to erect poles and wires for the purpose of furnishing light, heat and power to users throughout the city.

On April 8, 1893, a grant was made to the Midland Telephone Company, under which franchise the Central Union Telephone Company (the Bell company) now operates.

On March 20, 1895, the Buckeye Natural Gas Company was given the privilege of laying pipes in the streets, alleys, etc., for the purpose of conveying natural gas to the consumers.

On July 18, 1900, a grant was made to the Citizens' Telephone Company.

J. M. Wilson, representing the Columbus & Southern Electric Railway Company, was, on March 6, 1901, granted a franchise for an electric line on Court street.

On January 23, 1903, the Scioto Valley Traction Company, was granted a franchise to build a street railroad through the city.

ADDITIONS TO THE CITY OF CIRCLEVILLE SINCE
1869.

Wayne Griswold's, March 3, 1869.

W. E. Delaplane's, March 3, 1869.

B. H. Bostwick & J. A. Lutz', January 11, 1870.

B. H. Bostwick & J. A. Lutz', November 16, 1870.

T. O. Donovan's, November 16, 1870.

Edward Smith & G. W. Gregg's, December 21, 1870,

T. O. Donovan & C. F. Krimmel's, April 10, 1871.

B. H. Bostwick's, June 7, 1871.

Lewis Palm's, November 17, 1880.

McCrea's, October 18, 1882.

I. N. Abernethy's, February 20, 1884.

R. B. Cowling's March 7, 1888.

Half & Heffner's, February 3, 1892.

Ebert's (Cedar Hill), April 6, 1892.

Circleville Land & Improvement Company's (First), April 6, 1892.

R. Baume's, June 1, 1892.

Crist & Howard's, August 16, 1893.

I. N. Abernethy's (North Addition), July 19, 1899.

RECENT CHANGES IN THE CORPORATION LIMITS.

In 1891 the corporation limits were ex-tended so as to take in considerable territory on the north, extending to the north line of Forest Cemetery. In the same year the corporation limits were extended in the south-eastern part of the city. In 1892 the southern corporation limits were still further extended.

PAGE 43 - BLANK

PAGE 44 - PICTURES; VIEW OF THE MAIN STREET IN COMMERCIAL POINT; COMMERCIAL POINT HIGH SCHOOL; CIRCLEVILLE HOME AND HOSPITAL AND CITY BUILDING, CIRCLEVILLE.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 45

In 1906, by a decree of the Court of Common Pleas, about 200 acres of land lying along the Scioto River have been detached from the corporation limits.

* * *

The city has one main line of sewer, which was originally put in by the County Commissioners and runs from the Court House to the Scioto River. It was later purchased by the city and several lateral mains connected on each side.

* * *

The buildings owned by the corporation of Circleville are the following: City Building, Engine House, Market House and "City Cottage," a building bought for the home of the city marshal, but not used as such for several years.

THE CITY BUILDING,

Located on the corner of Franklin and South Court streets, opposite the Court House, was built in 1860-61. It is a brick structure, three stories high, 38 feet in width, fronting on Court street, by 75 feet in depth on Franklin street. William Doane was the designer of the plan and the superintendent of construction. The front part of the lower story was formerly occupied as an engine room of the Fire Department but is now under lease to W. R. Hosler and is occupied by the meat market of the W. R. Hosler Packing Company and J. P. Antill's retail confectionery. The mayor's office is in the west end, fronting on Franklin street. The Council-room is situated in the second story. The Board of Public Service, city engineer, city auditor and the Police Department are also accommodated in this building. In the basement under the mayor's office is the city prison. The building cost $15,000, which included the cost of the furniture for the mayor's office and Council-room and the city prison.

MEMORIAL HALL

Was erected jointly by the city of Circleville and the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Pickaway County, in 1890-91. This was the culmination of a movement inaugurated over 20 years ago to erect a Soldiers' Monument. On May 17, 1886, an act was passed by the General Assembly of Ohio, authorizing the commissioners of Pickaway County, to erect such a monument. On March 19, 1889, another act was passed, which contained the same provisions as the first act and extended the time for doing the same. According to the terms of this act, also, the County Commissioners were authorized to pay to the order of the trustees of the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Pickaway County all funds raised in the county, and then in the said county treasury, for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting thereon a building to be knows as a monumental or memorial hall, to perpetuate the memories of the soldiers and sailors of the county, who served in the wars of the United States. The title of the site and of the building to be erected thereon were to be vested in Pickaway County, and it was further provided that this site and all buildings thereon should be under the control and management of the trustees of the Soldiers' Monumental Association, who were to be the building committee. The act also provided that if the city of Circleville donated a sum, in connection with the the amount controlled or received by the trustees of the association, that would be sufficient to erect the building, the trustees were empowered to execute to the city of Circleville a lease for such part of the building, and fix such time and upon such terms, as might be agreed upon, to be used for public library and armory purposes.

A contract was then drawn up between the city, the Library Board and the Soldiers' Monumental Association of Pickaway County, which was signed by the contracting parties on May 19, 1890, and ratified by the City Council on May 21st. The term of lease for library and armory as provided was for 99 years, with privilege of renewal, forever. Plans for the building were furnished by H. C. Lindsey, of Zanesville, architect. On September 8, 1890, the contract for labor, material and construction was let to James Duvault,, of Zanesville, his bid being $27,838. On the 22^nd

46 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

of September, James A. Graham of Circleville was appointed superintendent of construction. The site was purchased of Mrs. Myra Ballard, for $5,500. The amount contributed by the city was $25,000, while $12,000 came from the Soldiers' Monumental Association.

The building is a three-story, pressed-brick structure trimmed in stone, located on the southwest corner of Main and Pickaway streets, the ground dimensions being 92 by 106 feet.

On the first floor are located the Armory (comprising a drill room, 60 by 60 feet, officers' room and gun room), and the quarters of the Public Library, which comprise a stack room 29 by 44 feet ; children's room, 28 by 15 feet, which also contains the circulation desk and librarian's office; and two reading rooms, 25 by 32 and 23 by 35 feet, respectively. On the second floor are an assembly hall, 60 by 90 feet ; a relic room and the lodge room of Groce Post, G. A. R. This latter room is 6o by 28 feet in dimensions; its walls are inlaid with marble tablets inscribed with the names of the soldiers of Pickaway County. A dining room, a kitchen and a circular balcony overlooking the assembly hall are on the third floor. Storage rooms and the furnace are in the basement. The building is heated and lighted with natural gas; it is also wired throughout for electricity.

Memorial Hall was dedicated on the afternoon of December 29, 1891, by appropriate exercises, the ceremonies being opened by an invocation by Rev. Wiliam MacMillan, of Lancaster, late of Circleville. M. B. Radcliffe, president of the Soldiers' Monumental Association, made an introductory address, which was followed by a concise sketch of the progress of the Public Library, given by Mayor J. Wheeler Lowe. Hon. Samuel F. Hunt, judge of the Superior Court in Cincinnati, was the orator of the day. Assembly Hall was filled. The committee on dedication was constituted as follows: President and officers of the Soldiers' Monumental Association; commanders of Groce, Morrison, Ferguson, Parsons and Wyatt posts, G. A. R.; mayor of the city, president of the Library Board, president of City Council, president of the Board of County Commissioners; Col. Milton Morral, Capt. John W. Lowe, Charles W. Murphy, W. R. Duvall, Hon. Aaron R. Van Cleaf, Hon. Joseph P. Smith, W. B. Marfield, G. C. Bayer, Col. Samuel W. Courtright and Col. Charles E. Groce. On the evening of dedication, a fair began which continued the remainder of the week, the proceeds of which were devoted to buying furniture for the library and assembly room. The Public Library was opened in this building on September 12, 1892.

The two cannons on the lawn were used on the U. S. gunboat "General Sherman," on the Mississippi River in the Vicksburg campaign. One of these guns fired the shot that destroyed the last supplies of the besieged. and caused their speedy surrender.

CIRCLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

That the library spirit was eary manifest in Circleville is evident from the fact that as far back as February 28, 1834, the Ohio Legislature incorporated the "Circleville Atheneum," an institution for the dissemination of knowledge through the channels of reading, discussions and lectures.

On April 10th, those interested in the movement met at the Court House and elected officers, among them being Sylvester Dana, librarian. Mr. Dana had been, for several years,. a law partner of Guy W. Doane, and, a number of years later, this firm being dissolved, conducted a school.

In June, 1831, the Herald contained the following notice :

S. S. DEPOSITORY.

The books belonging to the S. S. Depository of Pick. Co. will be received on the 29th inst., and ready for distribution, on application to the subscriber in Circleville.

JAS. BELL.

June 24, 1831.

This probably referred to books belonging in common to the various Sunday-schools of the county, and could not be considered as a forerunner of our present library.

As early as December 25, 1830, a call was issued for a meeting of the citizens of

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 47

Bloomfield, then a thriving town, to establish a "social library" at that place, but as no further notice in regard to it ever appeared, it is probable that nothing was done there, and that the Circleville Atheneum Library was the first in the county.

Our first librarian had under his charge "one thousand volumes embracing a great variety of subjects" and also "the select reviews and periodicals of the day."

The first regular meeting of the Atheneum was held at the Methodist Meeting-House, on May 7,.1834, an inaugural address"tasteful, appropriate and impressive"--being delivered to "the members of the association and a large assemblage of citizens" by the president, William B. Thrall, editor of the Herald.

During the entire existence of the Atheneum, a regular feature of the semi-monthly meetings was a debate. the question for the first meeting being "Is a republican or monarchical form of government the best adapted to the development of mind?" The hour of meeting was sometimes named, but more often the time designated was that which comes to our ears with a rather vague sound. known as "early candle lighting." At first the meetings were usually called for the Court House, although the basement story of St. Philip's Church was once named, and quite often the "library room.^" As no definite place was assigned to this room until a later date, it is probable that the room referred to was merely that set apart in the Court House for the use of the association. But the next year they evidently acquired their own room, for the meeting of October 19, 1835, was called to be held at "the Atheneum room, in the front chamber of Dr. Olds' new building on the circle, south corner of East Main street."

On April 6, 1835. new officers of the association had been elected, among them being R. D. Atwater, secretary, and Edwin F. Olds, librarian. The third set of officers was chosen on April 5, 1836, at which time Dr. James N. Fitch became librarian.

The next year the Atheneum was discontinued ; a notice was inserted in the Herald asking that all persons having books belongingto the Atheneum would return them and that depositors and owners of books (who had evidently loaned them for the use of the patrons of the institution) would withdraw them.

Two weeks later the following- advertisement was inserted :

All persons having books or reviews belonging to the Atheneum are requested to return the same to the office of G. W. Doane; as a sale of the same is contemplated, to pay the debts of the Institution, unless soon provided for otherwise.

G. W. DOANE

E. EVERTS Committee.

N. FRANKLIN

Cir., Aug. 2, 1839.

The same committee requested the stock-holders of the Atheneum to meet on October 26, 1839, for the purpose of deciding upon the sale of the property belonging thereto, and added that, the members failing to meet, they would consider themselves authorized to transact this business. No further notice appeared, and the supposition is, of course, that the books were sold, though who acquired them will probably never be known.

But there is no doubt that the Atheneum had ended at this time, for Mrs. Foster gave notice that she would begin the second quarter of her school on October and, in the room formerly occupied by the Atheneum, immediately over the Circleville Drug Store.

About the time the older association was discontinued, a call was issued for those interested in organizing a lyceum to meet in the room over the Circleville Drug Store, on Saturday evening, June 16, 1838.

This first meeting must have proved successful, for, although no report can be found, a call was issued, the next week, signed by H. W. Smith, secretary, for a meeting to be held at the room formerly occupied by the Atheneum, to discuss the question "Has nature done more for the happiness of man than art?"

B. S. Olds was president of the Lyceum, while the secretary, Mr. Smith, kept a school in the room over Dr. Olds' drug-store, which was used for the evening meetings of the Lyceum, as it had been formerly, for those of the Atheneum.

48 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

The Lyceum meetings were held regularly every week, at first on Saturday night, at 6 o'clock, but later, on Tuesday, at 7 o'clock.

To the call for meeting, date of September 1, 1838, is added : "Clergymen are particularly invited. The ladies are most respectfully yet with all true deference also invited."

In the beginning only discussions were held, but we find a lecture announced for October 2nd, "on a scientific subject, which will be both entertaining and instructive."

On February 23, 1839, we find a call for a meeting, at which, beside the usual discussion, would be given a lecture on physiology. This is the last notice we find of the Lyceum, which was, very probably, continued as La Societe des Debuts, a call for meeting of which, at the Circleville Academy, was issued June 28, 1839, by James M. Bean, secretary. Later J. H. Tyler was secretary.

In the paper preceding that which contained the notice for the sale of the old Atheneum effects, appeared the last call we have been able to find for a meeting of this French debating society.

It is doubtful if either it or its predecessor, the Lyceum, had in connection a library, for no mention has been found of either books or librarian. But the Circleville Lyceum was revived, though nothing definite as to how or when is found, except that on June 16, 184o, a call for meeting was issued by J. Cradlebaugh, secretary.

The Pickaway Lyceum was, without doubt, either the same association, with a slight change of name, or its immediate successor. It flourished from 1845 and ran along the same general lines as the earlier institutions. A most interesting description of one of the meetings of the Lyceum was given, verbally, by G. F. Wittich, who remembers very distinctly having attended meetings of both the earlier and later lyceum associations, the first held, as before stated, in the former Atheneum room, over the Circleville Drug Store and the latter in the old Academy building.

The meeting in question, Mr. Wittich said, was of particular interest to him because the subject for debate was "Resolved, that immigration is beneficial to this country." As he had recently arrived here from Germany, he listened with great pleasure to Matthew McCrea's handling of the affirmative and awaited with anxiety the verdict which, we are glad to record, upheld Mr. McCrea, as against the debaters on the negative, the names of whom Mr. Wittich does not remember.

Although there is no reference in the newspapers of the time either to library or librarian in connection with this later Lyceum, it is certain that they existed, for after a search through the books of Everts School Library, which at first seemed likely to prove fruitless, as the books had been relabeled, one was found at length, containing the Pickaway Lyceum label.

There is a tradition that in 1851 the building containing the Lyceum room was burned and that, upon the completion of the school-house, the books were taken there for safe keeping, where they formed the nucleus for a school library. But that these books were perhaps regarded more as a public than as a school possession seems obvious from the fact that in the Public Library collection, to-day, is a set of Dugald Stewart's works, in seven volumes, bearing the same label and the imprint "Cam-bridge, Hilliard and Brown, 1829." Whether or not the books of earlier publication, many of which we have, belonged to the Atheneum or Lyceum collections, there is no way to determine.

There seems to be a feeling among some or our citizens, that the Pickaway Lyceum and the old Lyceum room at Everts school building had a direct connection; but I am sure this idea is erroneous, and that its only foundation is the similarity of names and the fact that in this room, where the pupils collected to "speak their pieces," were arranged in cases the books of the Ohio School Library.

But none of these latter books ever be-came the property of the public, except as they may have been acquired gradually by individuals.

So whether the Pickaway Lyceum may or may not have continued to hold their debates after the burning of their room is to us of no

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 49

particular interest, in this connection, as that event determined the disposal of the books.

Now, for almost 20 years, the library spirit in Circleville lay dormant, and one might have thought it entirely dead. But not so; for it revived when several women, among them Mrs. N. E. Jones, Mrs. Amos Beach, Mrs. Samuel A. Moore and Mrs. Kingsley Ray instituted a magazine club. They also collected quite a number of books, which became a circulating library among the club members. When a movement to create a public library was agitated, the ladies turned these books over to the city.

At the time of establishing this club, several other ladies, prominent among whom were Mrs. Aaron R. VanCleaf, Mrs. Sophia Crouse and Mrs. E. Z. Hays, were invited to join; but they declined as they wished to devote their efforts in this line to the establishing of a reading room, that the young men of the town might be benefited. They therefore, in 1869, in connection with several public-spirited men, established a Young Men's Christian Association, with a magazine reading room and some books. Among these gentlemen were George Gregg and William B. Drum, the latter of whom from this time until his death, in 1885, was connected with the Circleville Library.

In December of this year, they leased Wittich's Hall, for a period of 10 years, at $300 a year.

This hall was, at that time, fitted up with a stage and gallery, and had been, since 1855, used for musical and theatrical entertainments.

But the opening of Peck's Hall had to some extent divided the profits from these sources and Mr. Wittich, upon renting to the Y. M. C. A., had the stage and gallery taken out and a partition put in, making the front part an audience room and the back part a reading room. Dr. Kingsley Ray had charge of the books at this time. In January, 1871, the ladies, in order to add more books gave a two-clays' entertainment, features of which were a dinner, and the voting of a gold-headed cane to the most popular clergyman and a cross of "skeleton leaves" to the most beautiful girl. The sum of $500 was cleared.

Soon after this, the Y. M. C. A. failing to receive proper support from the public, and it becoming evident that the class of young men which this movement was designed to reach did not care to read, the Y. M. C. A. was given up, the managers offering Mr. Wittich a bonus to release them from their con-tract.

A joint stock company or subscription library was then formed, each member paying an annual fee of $2. This was early in 1872.

The same quarters were occupied in Mr. Wittich's building; but the subscription plan seems to have proved unsatisfactory, for on January 17, 1873, the City Council met to consider a proposition of the trustees of the Library Association to donate the library to the city.

The proposal was accepted and the Circleville Public Library became an established fact.

The first board of directors was elected on May 1st, with W. Marshall Anderson as president, and William B. Marfield, secretary and treasurer. A. J. Bennett was the first librarian under city management.

On July 1, 1873, the effects of the library were moved, tinder the superintendence of D. P. Barks, a member of the board, to the room in Odd Fellows' Hall, leased by the City Council for library purposes. In consideration of the use of. an office room, fuel and light, E. B. Bauder undertook to look after the library, those wishing a book going to him for the key. But as this plan was calculated to interfere with his business, besides being inconvenient for the patrons of the library, it was soon given up, and Miss Ella Barks was elected librarian. Her first report (for two months) showed 974 volumes on the shelves, besides 51 volumes of unbound magazines; 935 books were issued for this period.

An interesting and perhaps unique feature of the library during the time it was kept up by subscription, as well as for a year or more after it became a public institution, was the series of public readings and entertainments given under the auspices of the board of managers. These readings, which were free, were held every Tuesday evening, at the library

50 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

room, and were participated in by nearly all the literary and musical people of the town. A lecture would occasionally be given--and once even, a comedy was enacted--at Peck's Hall, for which a small admission fee was charged. Almost the last of these entertainments advertised was a lecture on his travels in Mexico, to be delivered by Col. W. Marshall Anderson, "the proceeds to be applied to the purchase of an organ for the use of the library room." Unfortunately, for those who might have heard him, Colonel Anderson was ill, and the lecture was never given.

The first president of the Library Board was a man of learning and culture and an enthusiastic student of American Archaeology. For several years a cabinet of Indian curiosities, collected by him, had a place in the Public Library, but upon his death this collection, which was considered by those versed in antiquities as an unusually rich one, was removed.

Colonel Anderson took a deep and active interest in all movements tending to the welfare of the little town built in a circle, and in none of these enterprises was his support more hearty and enthusiastic than in the affairs of the library.

At first, no regular appropriation was made by the city government for the support of their new protege; the City Council merely made an allowance (I believe $250) for the purpose of adding to the stock of books turned over by the stock company and the ladies. But as such support for a public educational institution was too uncertain, the board of managers in their first annual report to the City Council, recommended that a tax be levied for the support of the Library, it being estimated that the expenses for the next year would be $1,000.

Pending this report, Colonel Anderson wrote an open letter which goes to prove that it is no new thing for City Councils to consider the Public Library of small importance compared with other enterprises, for he says, "the managers have been crossed by a false economy.. * * * We demand a fair, liberal and prompt. advancement of the corporation taxes. * * * A crochet has entered the minds of certain members of our Council that they have drawn an elephant and that it will cost too much to feed him.

* * * A gravel bank or a gutter is the height of their ambition!" We are glad to know that the appropriation was granted, and from that time to this, though the advancement has not been exactly fair and never' liberal, it has always been prompt.

On May 25, 1875, Messrs. Ely and Leuthstrom bestowed upon the library a valuable gift--files of the Olive Branch and the old Circleville Herald from February, 1821, to February, 1837, inclusive. The library has from time to time, especially during the '80's, received the gift of valuable books both in separate volumes and in sets. These include some rare government publications.

Dr. Marcus Brown, who died in 1881, and who had through his life felt a deep interest in the library, bequeathed to the institution the sum of $10,000, subject to the life estate of his niece.

The next summer the directors, in conjunction with the City Council, ordered a portrait of Dr. Brown to be painted; L. E. Johnson performed the work and accomplished a striking likeness to his subject. The picture now hangs above the mantel in one of the reading rooms. It is one of the most treasured possessions of the library.

During the summer of 1892 the library was closed in order to move, catalogue and rearrange the books, new quarters having been secured in Memorial Hall, the City Council having a 99 years' lease of the lower floor. It was again opened to' the public on September 12, 1892.

"Mr. M. B. Radcliffe was elected an honorary member of the Library as a slight remembrance of his untiring efforts to procure for the Public Library the splendid suite of rooms they now occupy." (Extract from Secretary's report, May 25, 1894.)

After becoming a public institution, the library was managed as provided by ordinance passed by the City Council, until May, 1892, when, the General Assembly of Ohio having. on March 15, 1892, passed "an act providing for the creation of library boards for certain

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS - 51

cities and villages, and prescribing the duties of such boards," the library was reorganized, the City Council electing a board of six directors as follows : Hon. Aaron R. Van Cleaf, Gustavus A. Schleyer, Fred L. Fickardt, Prof. M. H. Lewis, Rev. J. H. Schneider and Samuel Morris.

With the enactment of the new municipal code, which took effect May 4, 1903, the power to appoint directors of city libraries was given to the mayor, with the direction that not more than three of the six directors shall be of the same political party.

Besides the board appointed in 1892, the following gentlemen have, since, served in that capacity : Dr. Thomas Blackstone, D. H. Lewis, F. M. Reiche, L. R. Drescher, Jacob Merz, I. N. Abernethy, Dr. Charles Naumann, Prof. C. L. Boyer, Dr. G. W. Heffner, C. C. Chappelear, B. F. Benford and Prof. T. O. Williams.

Since coming into its present commodious quarters, the library has grown from 5,000 to 15,000 volumes; new methods approved by advanced library workers have been adopted and many improvements made. Among these may be mentioned the classification of the whole library under the Dewey decimal system, and the making of a card catalogue based upon the Cutter rules; and the adding of the books of the "Ohio Pupils' Reading Course," together with supplementary reading for school children to the number of about 1,000 volumes.

Forty representative periodicals are subscribed for, to be read at the tables. Each year these are bound and added to the shelves.

A fairly good reference collection is kept up, and an unusually large amount of work done with the general public and particularly with school children and clubs.

In short as our Public Library stands to-day, it maintains the position which it took several years back--"considering the size of the town, it is the best library in the State.

Appended is a complete list of librarians, with time of service, since the library became a public institution : A. J. Bennett, May 1 to July 1, 1873 ; Ed. B. Bauder, July 1 to December 1, 1873; Miss Ella Barks, December 1,1873, to June 1, 1874; Miss Emma R. Hedges,. June 1, 1874, to March 16, 1875 ; Mrs. Mary Carper, March 16, 1875, to April 1, 1882; Miss Eva Wentworth, April 1, 1882, to June I. 1888; Miss Anna G. Wolfley, June 1 to August 24, 1888; Mrs. Leila Fitzpatrick, August 24, 1888, to April 1, 1902; and Miss May Lowe, April 1, 1902, to date.

THE CIRCLEVILLE HOME AND HOSPITAL

Dates from the incorporation of the institution, April 11, 1894, the incorporators being Mrs. Elizabeth S. Renick, Mrs. Dorothy R. Turney, Mrs. Sarah A. Heffner, Mrs. Annie S. Sears and Mrs. Rose L. Morris. To Mrs. Sarah A. Heffner is given the credit of conceiving the idea of establishing an institution in Circleville, which should combine under one management the two features of a home for aged people and a hospital. Her indefatigable efforts brought about favorable action on the part of the benevolent women of Circleville, which resulted in the splendid institution of to-day, which is a credit to Circleville and Pickaway County. It is non-sectarian and can never be controlled or managed by any one church or denomination.

At the time the institution was incorporated the Ohio street school building for colored pupils had been vacant for eight years, ever since the passage of the act by the General Assembly, making it no longer possible to conduct separate schools for the colored youth.. The ladies of the organization applied to the Board of Education and were granted the use of this building so long as the purposes of the institution should be maintained. The building, which had been erected as early as, 1871, was greatly in need of repair, and was. also of an inadequate size for the two departments of the institution; so it was remodeled throughout and an addition built before the institution was formally opened. It was dedicated May 9, 1895. Some three or four years, later another addition was built. The cost of the two additions, with all the other improvements that have been made, is estimated to have exceeded $8,000.

52 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

The whole structure, including the additions, is what might be termed a two-and-a-half story building. The hospital department, contained in the two additions, consists of six private rooms, one ward with six beds, a well-equipped operating room a nurse's room and a doctor's room. At the present time there are 15 inmates of the home--14 women and one man--which is as many as the home can accommodate. All persons admitted to the home as members must be 50 years old, the admission fee being graded according to the age of the applicant. While the home and the hospital are treated as two separate departments, they are managed as one, both having the same kitchen, laundry, etc., and both being heated by the same furnace. The furnace and laundry are located in a building in the rear. There is also a stable and a. chicken house.

The institution is now entirely free from debt, the large indebtedness that was incurred when the home and hospital was put in operation having been cleared. Ever since the institution was started, a Home and Hospital Fair has been held annually in October, in the County Commissioners' room in the Court House; donations from friends throughout the county and city are received here and meals are also served. This is the grand event of the year.

The first officers were: Mrs. Sarah A. Heffner, president; Mrs. Huldah A. Lewis, vice-president; and Mrs. Annie S. Sears, secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Heffner has continued to hold the office of president from that time to this, and Mrs. Sears has been secretary for the same period. This past year, Mrs. Heffner also assumed the duties of treasurer, which office had been held by Mrs. Sears up to this time, while the latter took upon herself the duties of vice-president. Mrs. Sears shares with Mrs. Heffner the credit for the success of the institution. The executive committee is constituted as follows : Mrs. Sarah A. Heffner, Mrs. Annie S. Sears, Mrs. Hannah A. Row, Mrs. Rose L. Morris and Mrs. Eliza H. Grant. The members of the advisory committee are as follows : Mrs. Elizabeth S. Renick, Mrs. Dorothy R. Turney, Mrs. Susan F. Harper, Mrs. Jennie R. Courtright and Mrs. Mary H. Dunlap. The members of the executive and advisory committees with the following-named ladies constitute the board of managers: Mrs. Nancy J. Evans, Mrs. Margaret E. Henry, Mrs. Elizabeth Moeller, Mrs. Sallie E. Crow, Mrs. Elizabeth D. Sweetman, Mrs. Ida H. Rife, Miss Flora Dunlap, Mrs. Missouri C. Bell, Mrs. Fannie D. Swearingen and Mrs, Sarah E. List. Mrs. Sarah A. Fulkerson was the first matron. Mrs. Sarah E. List now fills the position.

GRAND OPERA HOUSE.

Circleville's handsome opera house was erected in 1888 and is one of the important structures of the city. The seating capacity of its auditorium is 900. Its stage is 34 by 60 feet in dimensions, with a height of loft of 40 feet. It is equipped with a gas furnace for heating and with both gas and electricity for lighting.

The original incorporators were: William Roth, Dr. Thomas Blackstone, H. P. Folsom, Charles K. Kellstadt, William B. Drum, George W. Bauder and Dr. M. H. Miesse, George W. Bauder being president and Dr. Thomas Blackstone, secretary and treasurer.

The present officers are: Gottlieb Hartmeyer, president; Harp Van Riper, secretary; and Dr. M. H. Miesse, treasurer. The board of directors includes the officers and, also, George H. Pontius, Henry P. Folsom, William Roth and Dr. George T. Row. The above parties own the building, but they have given a lease on it until 1908.

CIRCLEVILLE POSTOFFICE.

Circleville had mail facilities at a very early day, soon after the town was organized and became the county seat. The first mails were carried between Columbus and Chillicothe, which provided the city with a regular mail service. Caleb Atwater, one of the earliest postmasters, was succeeded in January, 1822, by George Wolfley; he in turn was succeeded,

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in the fall of 1824, by William B. Thrall, who held office until 1831, when John Ludwig became postmaster, continuing until 1845. W. C. Taylor, who was postmaster during Polk's administration, was succeeded, about 1849, by J. Thomas Knox. The postmasters since Knox have been the following: Jason Case, who served from 1853 to 1861, C. B. Mason, W. H. P. Denny, B. F. Thomas, who died in office and was succeeded by William Foresman; Samuel Marfield, who took the office April 1, 1876; Harry E. Lutz, Dr. G. A. Wilder, who received his appointment in August, 1885, and served to 1889; Harry E. Lutz, who succeeded Wilder and served until September, 1890, when he resigned; John L. Kent, who held the office from 1890 to 1893, when he resigned; Charles McLean, who held the office from 1893 to 1897; W. R. Duvall, who served from 1897 to March 1, 1902 ; F. M. Shulze who followed Duvall and served until his resignation, 11 months later; and Charles C. Chappelear, the present incumbent, who received his appointment on January 19, 1903, and took charge of the office on February 1st.

The office is ranked as second class and the salary of the postmaster is $2,300. W. J. Graham, assistant postmaster, whose salary is $1,100, received his appointment on December 22, 1902. John A. Fissell, money order clerk, was appointed August 28, 1897, on which day Mrs. Anna Van Ness, general de-livery clerk, also received her appointment. Edward H. Blum, stamper, was appointed December 8, 1902. There are four city carriers--Charles Will, Charles H. Gusman, Homer H. Troutman, Harry T. McMahon; and, one substitute--Harry G. Stevenson. The pay of a mail carrier is $85o. Frank V. Lewis is the mail messenger.

The volume of business transacted at the postoffice in 1905 amounted to almost $13,000, which sum included stamps and stamped paper, but did not include the money order business. Circleville has had free delivery of mail since November 1, 1897. The postoffice has been located in the Pythian Castle since March, 1894.

Rural free delivery from the Circleville postoffice was established in 1901 with one carrier, John W. Lewis. On March 1, 1902, six more carriers were added, namely : Horatio A. Brown, George H. May, Samuel Kindler, George H. Fissell, George H. Henderson and William B. Watts. Guy Culp was added to the force in 1905. All the eight rural carriers named above are still in the service except John W. Lewis, who was succeeded by Frank T. Gearhart. Each carrier gets $720 per year and the eight cover a territory of about 200 square miles. The substitutes are: Mrs. Electa Gearhart, J. C. Rigg, J. W. Mackey, James W. Trimmer and Noah Culp.

HOTELS.

In the early history of Circleville, as was the case in other towns of that period, hotels were much better patronized than they are now. People traveled in coaches and in all kinds of vehicles, as well as on horseback, and they generally lodged, took their meals and had their horses fed at the hotels on their route. There were but few turnpikes and the common roads were impassable for vehicles in win-ter and spring consequently the leading farmers and traders in live-stock came to town on horseback and put up at the hotels. Now, with good turnpikes reaching every section and with excellent rail communication, either on steam or electric road, a large portion of the country people come to the city, transact their business and return home in a half day; and those that stay all day leave their horses and buggies at livery stables and take their meals at restaurants.

The first tavern in Circleville was kept by John Ludwig in a log house, which was the first built within the circle, in 1810. The first license for keeping a tavern in Circleville was issued by the Court of Common Pleas to Charles Bodkin, on July 25, 1810. The village tavern, in 1819, was kept by Olney Payne. In 1824 William Henry conducted the Bentley Tavern, which had other landlords previous to this date. It was a brick building.

The Circleville House was one of the first hotels conducted here, being kept in the brick

54 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

building on East Main street known as the Harsha house. We have been unable to ascertain who were the first proprietors and land-lords or when the hotel was established. It is known, however, that it was in operation be-fore 1837, in which year the landlord was Jacob Gossler, a clever and sociable Pennsylvania German, who set an excellent table. Isaac Douthirt, who at a later date was land-lord of the Mansion House, kept the Circleville House in the early ' 40's, being succeeded, about 1844, by Henry Heffner, who ran it for two and a half years. The property at this time was owned by George Riegel, Heffner's father-in-law. It is thought that Heffner was the last landlord.

The Ohio House, also known as Morgan's Tavern, which was kept by Gen. John E. Morgan, was a small tavern near the corner of North Court and Watt streets, on the site later occupied by William Bauder's carriage shop and near where the depot of the Scioto Valley Traction Company is now situated. It was in operation as early as 1836, when G. F. Wittich, located in Circleville, and as late as the memorable presidential campaign of 1840, when Gen. William Henry Harrison stopped at it as a guest. The tavern was discontinued soon afterward.

The Valley House, originally known as the Red Lion Tavern, situated on the east side of South Court street, between Union and Mill streets, was one of the oldest hotels in Circleville. Joseph Adamson was one of the first landlords. George Try, a Pennsylvania German, was an early proprietor. The house was patronized by the laboring class and the small farmers, to whom he furnished square meals of plain, substantial and well-cooked food and common whiskey, such as they were accustomed to. He made some money and paid for the hotel property, but made a bad investment when he traded it to Dr. Edson B. Olds for the National House' property, agreeing to give about $7,750 difference. He did not succeed in this venture as he had expected, and lost the property through foreclosure proceedings. He afterward kept a boarding-house for many years. J. H. Carper next purchased the Valley House and ran it as a hotel. It never made him any money. It was finally sold at sheriff's sale to N. J. Turney and was an elephant on his hands as long as he lived. His widow had the old building torn down and taken away.

Another old hotel of the city was the American House, which stood where the New American Hotel is now located. It was a two-story frame and brick building and as a hotel rated a little higher than the Valley House. John Rodgers, well advanced in years, was proprietor of this house in the early ' 50's. He was succeeded by his son, Philo W. Rodgers, who repaired and enlarged the house and made it the best hotel in the city. In his youth he was a fine specimen of physical development, but he later grew "fat and jolly" and died in the prime of life. He was very popular as a land-lord. His wife conducted the hotel for many years, finally selling the property to the Roth brothers, who disposed of the old buildings and in their stead erected a brick building, which constitutes the New American Hotel of to-day. Mrs. Rodgers afterward kept the Pickaway House for a period.

The National House, a two-story frame structure, located on the east side of Court street in the block north of Franklin, was established at a very early day. Henry Darst, who located at Circleville in 1835 or 1836, ran the house for three years and then moved, upon a farm in Muhlenberg township. In 1845, according to O. E. Niles, who came to the city in that year, John and Jacob Sweyer were landlords. In the spring of 1850, the large stable in the rear belonging to the hotel was set on fire by an incendiary and burned to the ground, 22 valuable horses, nearly all owned by guests, perishing in the flames. Jonathan Boyd, the next landlord, was well qualified for the business, popular with all and would have made money if he had allowed for a sufficient margin of profit. He died in indigent circumstances. William Eckhardt succeeded Boyd. During the period he conducted the hotel, a three-story brick addition on East Franklin street was built. The first story of this building was used for a dining-

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room, the second was partitioned off into bed-rooms and the third story formed a hall room, known as Eagle Hall, where entertainments were held. At this time the National House was the leading hotel and many dances were held in this hall. Mr. Niles, in referring to the cavalcades of pleasure seekers that came to and departed from this hostelry, says that the young men and ladies came to the dance on horseback, often in parties of 30 or 40, each lady carrying on the right horn of her saddle a long carpet-bag, which contained her fancy ball dress. Eckhardt was succeeded as land-lord by George Try who, as mentioned before, purchased the property of Dr. Edson B. Olds, who had come into possession of it through litigation. The property was long since cut up and is now owned by various parties.

The old building on West Main street and the canal, now occupied by the Colonial Carriage Company, was built as a hotel about 1836 by Andrew Cradlebaugh, who conducted it several years. It was known as the Canal Hotel and was a popular hostelry in its day, being especially patronized by the travelers on the Ohio Canal. In 1845 this hotel, then known as the Mansion House, was owned and conducted by Isaac Douthirt, who was a noted hotel man in his day. The property a few years later ceased being a hotel. In 1850 Bright & Bierce took possession of the property and converted it into a machine shop.

The Pickaway House also has a very extended history, dating back, at least, to the '30's. Originally it was a one-story building and for many years was known as the Henry House. It was later owned by James Carlisle, under whose regime it was known as the Carlisle House. After Carlisle, came Jonathan Boyd, who later ran the National House. R. D. Atwater finally purchased it and had .the building raised two stories and the name changed to the Pickaway House, which it has ever since borne. About 185o, when H. M. Sweyer was the landlord, it was the leading hotel of the city. It was the stopping place for the stage-coaches which ran on the line between Columbus and Portsmouth and also had a large number of regular boarders--business men of the city. Robert T. and Thomas Coverdale were here in the early' 60's and as late as 1868. Shortly after the Civil War the property came into the possession of a stock company, of whom the principal members were William Doane and John Groce, which company made extensive improvements and additions.

The following are the more recent land-lords of the Pickaway House : Newman, Jonathan Boyd (who was landlord a short time, about 1870), C. D. French, Adam McCrea (who ran it from April, 1874 to 1882), Mrs Philo W. Rodgers (who had previously conducted the American House), Robert H. Taggart, Pontius & Anderson, Rev. J. R. Hall; Alexander Lemon and Henry Seyfried, the present proprietor and landlord who has had. the hotel since 1898.

In 1880 William Roth and his brother George purchased the old American House: property of Mrs. Rodgers and in 1882 tore down the old structure,. rebuilding it with a modern one, containing 65 rooms, which was named the New American Hotel. It was first conducted by Harry Sheridan, who was land-lord for eight or ten years until his death, after which his widow ran the place for a short time. Then Mrs. Rodgers & Son ran the place : the son died here. The hotel was next conducted by D. F. Millet, who died after one year as landlord. Edward I. Leveen ran the place for eight years and was succeeded by Samuel. W. Morgan, who was landlord for nearly three years. The next landlord was Henry Seyfried, proprietor of the Pickaway House, who conducted it for 18 months, during which period he was landlord of the two leading hotels of the city. The hotel, which is now conducted by T. H. McNamee, has been recently refitted and put in first class shape. New tile' floors have been laid in the office,. hall, barroom and closets and new plumbing and new bath-rooms have been put in.

The Hotel Tremont, which was established about 50 years ago, was rebuilt in 1880 by William Heffner and J. J. Egan. Mr. Egan ran the hotel for some five years. Since then it has had several tenants. The property is

56 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

now owned by William Heffner and William R. Pickens.

The Florence Hotel was originally put up for tenements and offices. One room on the ground floor was used by Mrs. Ellen Nightengale for a millinery store for a number of years. In 1894 Mrs. Nightengale converted the building into a hotel and as such it has since been exclusively used. The property came into Mrs. O. H. Dunton's possession in 1904 by inheritance; she still owns and operates it.

BANKS.

The Bank of Circleville, the first banking institution of the city, was organized in the fall of 1834, under a special act of the Legislature, passed on March 3rd of that year. The commissioners, Joseph Olds, Samuel Rogers, Noah S. Gregg, Andrew Huston, William Renick, Sr., William Renick, Jr., Elias Florence and Samuel Lybrand, opened the books for subscriptions to the stock on the first Mon-day in June, 1834. The capital of the bank was $200,000. During the 20 years it did business, it had three presidents, viz.: Joseph Olds, Noah S. Gregg and Joel Franklin; and two cashiers, of whom Hoel Lawrence was the first and his son, Hoel K. Lawrence, the second. The bank was under able direction during the first 17 years of its existence and it prospered to a high degree. At length in 1853, the elder Lawrence died, which event was soon followed by the resignation of the president, Noah S. Gregg. In 1854 the bank failed.

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The second bank of the city, also known as the Bank of Circleville, although commonly referred to as the "old." Bank of Circleville, had its real beginning on August 16, 1839, when John Barr, Jacob Shoemaker and Jonathan Renick, three of the 12 commissioners, opened books for subscriptions to the stock of the bank, whose act of incorporation reached back to January 14, 1818. The authorized capital was $300,000, and the bank was given the right to engage in business when $150,000 was subscribed and 15 per cent. thereof paid in, and the Governor's certificate secured. There does not appear to have been much readiness on the part of many citizens of the county to become shareholders, and the organization was only perfected when non-residents of the county and State entered their names for the deficient sum. Mr. Brown, a resident of New York, was elected president and a Charles Cornwell, cashier. The Governor of Ohio, however, declined to certify that the bank had complied with the provisions of the statutes. It was deemed important, therefore, that this official declaration by the bank should have a verification by dis-interested parties, and the board appointed Dr. E. B. Olds and P. N. White to make examination of the books and count the funds. While these examiners found that' the institution had in its possession $23,000 in gold and silver, a sum $500 in excess of the 15 per cent. necessary to have before operations could be begun legally, it is more than likely that these funds represented a loan that was of short duration. On April 6, 1840, the bank opened its doors for business. Be-fore a year had elapsed Seymour G. Renick became president and William McCulloch, cashier, succeeding the first officers. But even this move did not improve matters. At length an hour of paralysis came and on April 14, 1842, the bank expired. For a long period thereafter, amounting in all to 29 years, the bank's affairs were a matter of controversy in the courts.

* * *

Shortly after the failure of the Bank of Circleville (the second of the name), which occurred April 14, 1842, a banking institution, known as the Pickaway County Savings Institute, was organized, with a capital stock of $25,000, of which Dr. Marcus Brown was made president and Otis Ballard, Jr., cashier. From this organization finally sprang what is now known as the First National Bank of Circleville. In 1851, not long after the Pickaway County Savings Institute was organized, it was merged into the Pickaway County Bank, a corporation organized under an act of the Legislature to authorize free banking, with capital stock of $200,000. The board of

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directors consisted of Samuel Rogers, James Rice, J. A. Troup, James R. Hulse and Dr. Marcus Brown.

On October10, 1863, the Pickaway County Bank was reorganized as the First National Bank of Circleville, under the national banking laws. The capital was increased from $200,000 to $260,000. The original board of directors. consisted of Noah S. Gregg, Samuel Rogers, Samuel H. Ruggles, James E. Rice, Hanson Rock and Dr. Marcus Brown. Dr. Brown was elected president and continued to fill the position until his death; January 6, 1882. He was succeeded by J. A. Hawkes, who filled the office until his death on December 12, 1895. About a month after Mr. Hawkes' death, at a meeting of the stock-holders, held on January 14, 1896, there developed a contest for the control of the institution, which resulted in the election of an entire new board of directors, viz. : L. H. Sweetman, Charles E. Groce, Alexander Renick, Gottlieb Hartmeyer, B. F. Benford and George J. McMullen. The resignations of the officers of the company were accepted and L. H. Sweetman was elected vice-president. Shortly afterward a full list of officers was elected, Mr. Sweetman being chosen president, which office he held several years, until his death, when B. Benford, the present head of the institution, succeeded him. Otis Ballard, Jr., the cashier of the first organization known as the Pickaway County Savings Institute, continued as cashier when the institute became the Pickaway County Bank and afterwards was cashier of the First National Bank until the reorganization of the company in 1896, when he was succeeded by William B. Drum, who a few years later was succeeded by the present cashier, George G. Stouch. On July 8, 1896, soon after the new management took charge, it was decided to reduce the capital stock from $260,000 to $130,000.

The present directors are : Charles E. Groce, Clarence Curtain, Alexander Renick, George J. McMullen, Gottlieb Hartmeyer and B. F. Benford. At the close of business September 4, 1906, the First National Bank had $60,000 in its surplus fund and' $12,413.43 in undivided profits. The individual deposits at this time were $363,363.61. The resources totaled $704,786.25, chiefly represented in the following items : Loans and discounts, $335-143.83 ; United States bonds to secure circulation, $130,000; cash and sight exchange, $117,205.2I ; and bonds, securities, etc., $96,510.

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The People's Bank, later known as Marfield's Bank, was a private bank started in 1848 by Samuel Marfield. It lasted until May, 1877, a period of 29 years.

* * *

The Scioto Valley Bank was another private banking institution of Circleville. It was started in the early ' 50's and was owned and conducted by W. W. Bierce and Col. Samuel A. Moore, the latter being the cashier. The bank sailed a fairly smooth course until the failure of the Scioto Machine Works, owned by Bierce, in November or December, 1863, when it also foundered on the rocks. At this time Bierce was the sole owner of the bank.

* * *

About 1854 or 1855, soon after he had ceased his connection with the Bank of Circleville, Noah S. Gregg started the Exchange Bank, a private banking institution, of which he was president and Henry N. Hedges, Jr., cashier. This institution continued until 1862, when it was reorganized as the Second National Bank of Circleville.

The Second National Bank of Circleville opened its doors for business in January, 1882, with capital stock of $125,000. The first president was Noah S. Gregg, and Henry N. Hedges, Jr., the first cashier. The first board of directors was made up of the following capitalists : Noah S. Gregg, Samuel H. Ruggles, Dr. Marcus Brown, Otis Ballard, Jr., J. A. Hawkes and Henry N. Hedges, Jr.

On January 10, 1882, Samuel H. Ruggles was elected president, and on November 17, 1882, E. E. Winship, Sr., was elected cashier. On April 18, 1904, Samuel H. Ruggles died and was succeeded by his son, S. T. Ruggles.

58 - HISTORY OF PICKAWAY COUNTY.

The present cashier, Gustavus A. Schleyer, was elected on January 10, 1902: This bank has had but three presidents and three cashiers since its organization. The present board of directors is constituted as follows : S. T. Ruggles, William Foresman, John Wardell, William S. Reber and Gustavus A. Schleyer. The bank has a surplus fund and undivided profits amounting to $54,000, and deposits amounting to $580,000. This institution has never failed to pay a dividend every six months since its organization ; these dividends, according to the government report, have amounted to the sum of $490,000.

The Third National Bank of Circleville was established September 2, 1882, with capital stock of $100,000 and the following officers: Cyrus Benford, president ; William J. Weaver, vice-president; and Samuel Morris, cashier. The first board of directors was made up of the following named gentlemen : Henry F. Page, Cyrus Benford, Dr. N. E. Jones, Joseph P. Smith, Alexander Smith, Alexander C. Bell and William J. Weaver. The bank ope