William Bruce, the founder of Eaton, emigrating from Kentucky in 1805, and seeking desirable lands, became favorably impressed with the appearance of the country now covered by the county seat of Preble, and, its environments. It is probable that he had in his mind from the start, the project of laying out a town, and that he was led to choose the locality which he did, because of the excellent water power which he saw that Seven Mile creek would furnish at this point. Very likely he chose during that prospecting tour the exact site of his mill, planned the town which he desired to found and pictured in imagination as he stood upon the bank of the creek, and gazed into the dark aisles of the dense forest, the home which would, if his hopes were realized, a few years later, be clustered upon this spot. Undoubtedly lie had lively and pleasant anticipations of the reward which the future had in store for the pioneer of such a land as he saw around him, and his hopes sprang up from a soil whose richness warranted their flourishing to fruition, or to change the metaphor we may say that if the sturdy Scotch pioneer indulged his fancy, in building "castles in the air," those castles had at least a solid foundation in reason.

Bruce's confidence is evidenced by the fact that he selected and purchased three sections of land.

In the winter of 1805-1806 he laid out the town plat of Eaton,* and it was recorded February 20, 1806, at*

* " First—The town lots are three rods wide and twelve rods long, excepting the fractional lots and four whole lots west of Walnut street, which are one hundred links in front and one hundred and sixty-nine links long.

"Second—Barson and Preble streets are six rods wide ; all other streets are four rods wide; the alleys are one rod wide.

"Third—The lines, streets, etc., are run agreeably to the sectional lines west of the Miami, by which the compass was regulated, except North Water street which is north thirty degrees and forty minutes west and south.

"Fourth—The width and breadth of the out-lots are marked on them. That part of Eaton west of Preble street is on section number three, township seven, range second east of a meridian, and that part of Eaton north of said street is on the southeast quarter of section thirty- four, township eight, same range. The surveyor general of the United

Dayton. In laying out the town, Mr. Bruce gave evidence of those qualities of character, which afterwards became so familiar and so admirable to his acquaintances. The most liberal provisions were made for schools and churches, and the public buildings which he foresaw would be needed when the western portion of Montgomery county should be independently organized, as it was two years later.

The village was named by its proprietor, when laid off, in honor of General William Eaton, who at that time had just covered himself with glory in the Tripolitan war and won the admiration of all Americans. He was born at Woodstock, Connecticut, in the year 1764 As a boy he served in the Revolutionary war, and after its close engaged In literary pursuits; and desiring to obtain a thorough education, entered Dartmouth college. He was appointed a captain under General Anthony Wayne in 1792, and in 1798 was made consul to Tunis. He was also appointed navy agent of the United States, and to co-operate with Hamet Bashaw in the war against Tripoli. With Hamet Caramanly, who had been deposed from the throne, he concerted an expedition against the usurper then reigning, and obtained permission from the United States to carry out his plans. Early in 1805 Eaton met Hamet at Alexandria, was appointed General of his forces, and at the head of the small army, consisting principally of mounted Arabs, set out for Tripoli,

States has not caused this section to be subdivided, and it is probable that when he does, a small alteration will be made in the lots bounding upon the north and west boundaries of the quarter section, and will make them either larger or smaller.

" Fifth—The proprietor reserves for himself, his heirs and assigns forever, the ground between Water street and the Creek, for the purpose of building mills, or water works, or if wanted for conveying water over to such mills or water works, or leaving saw-logs, piling boards, etc., as may be necessary for a saw-mill. But the said ground shall remain free, as a common, when unoccupied for the special purposes.

" Sixth—The ground marked off round the town lots on the northeast and south of the same is reserved for future disposition to be laid off in town lots or sub-lots as the proprietors may think proper. The streets are to run through the same in all respects like to the other parts of the town, to which it is attached whether town or out-lots.

making a perilous and fatiguing march of one thousand miles across the desert, and after fifty days arriving at Derne, a Tripolitan city, in the harbor of which he found the American fleet in readiness to assist him. The city was assaulted and taken after a short, sharp fight, in which many of the attacking force were killed and General Eaton slightly wounded. A few days later the Tripolitan army endeavored to regain the captured town, and although ten times as numerous as Eaton's force, they were repulsed. A month later the enemy was again defeated. Just as General Eaton had reached the climax of his success, diplomatic interference closed the war and the most important results which should have been secured by General Eaton's exploits were lost to the Nation. General Eaton returned to the United States and died in a 1. Such, in brief, was the life of the brave man after whom this village is named. It seems rather a curious coincidence that both the county and its principal town should have been named after American officers who gained their greatest distinction in the same war, but whatever singularity there may seem in the fact disappears when we recall to mind the fact that the village was laid out and the county established just at the time when the exploits of Commodore Preble and General Eaton were fresh in the minds of the people.

The first settlers of Eaton were without any doubt John Mills and his wife Mary. They arrived on the first

"Seventh—The squares marked A, B, C and D arc twelve poles square. A is for the purpose of building a court house on and other public buildings for the use of the county; B for an academy and school-house for the town; C and D for churches or meeting houses, to be divided into lots similar in all respects to those on the plat, and each or every congregation within the town and county that will be hereafter organized, and will build a good house . for public worship on the same, shall have one, the first congregation organized to have choice of the lots, and so on. They are not to be occupied for burying-grounds.

"Eighth—The lot marked E is for a burying-ground, to be divided into six equal parts by tines drawn from east to west. The northern lot shall be for the use of strangers and persons belonging to no regular congregation; the other five for use of first five congregations who may build meeting houses in Eaton. The first congregation shall have choice, and so on.

"Personally appeared before me, Daniel C. Cooper, one of the justices of the peace of said county, and the above named William Bruce, proprietor of the town of Eaton, and acknowledged the plat and description as set forth to be agreeable to the original of said town. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twentieth day of February, 1806.

"I, Warren Munger, recorder for the county aforesaid, do hereby certify that the foregoing plat of the town of Eaton, in the county of Preble, and the State of Ohio, and the descriptions and explanations, is a true copy of the record now remaining in my office at Dayton, in said county. Given under my hand, and I have hereunto affixed the seal of the recorder's office of said county of Montgomery, this twenty- seventh day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five.

day of April, 1806, and located on the ground which we can but designate as the northwest corner of Main and Beech streets. On their arrival they immediately built a small cabin of poles or very light logs, such as could be easily handled by two pairs of hands, for they had no assistance whatever in the work.

David E. Hendricks and some members of his family came to the site of the village, the day after Mills arrived, April 2d, and located in a rude log cabin, intended only as a temporary shelter, on the spot now known as the old brewery lot. After finishing the little cabin which was to afford his family shelter, Mr. Hendricks returned, on the same day, to his home, on the site of Camden, which he had occupied two or three years, to get those members of his household who had not already moved to the new settlement. It is related that during his absence his daughter, Julia, the late Mrs. Geutte, undertook a visit to the cabin of their only neighbor, for the purpose of getting a pail of water, but owing to the density of the underbrush, lost her way. She wandered about for some time but could not find the cabin for which she had started, nor discover the way by which she had come from her father's. Ar last, after she had almost given up hope, and taken into as calm consideration as possible, the idea that was forced upon her, that she must remain all night in the woods, her dispair was suddenly dispelled by the sound of an axe, and very sweet music must the reverberating strokes have made for her ear. Guided by the sound, she made her way through the thick brush to Mills cabin, and the wood-chopper guided her home. This happened very near the site of the court house. Mr. Hendricks returned the following day with the remainder of his family, among the members being George D., then a very young child, carried in the arms of his mother, who was mounted upon a horse.

Both Mills and Hendricks not long after their arrival built log houses which were designed to serve as permanent abodes, and constructed in a very substantial manner. Mills' cabin was completed just in time to be the birth place of his first child-the pioneer baby of Eaton. The child, which was named Polly, was born May 1st. Nothing is known of the Mills family except that at an early day they removed from the settlement. Whether they returned to the older settlements or pushed forward to the not far distant frontier, there perhaps to become the first settlers of another village, is a matter upon which we can only speculate. It is most probable, however, that the latter is the correct supposition, for settlers in the western country seldom turned back and many led by the spirit of adventure or by expectation of bettering their condition, were almost constantly advancing, even in the foremost wave of the ocean of population. Although Mills arrived upon the site of ,Eaton one day previous to David Hendricks, it is doubtful if the distinction of being the pioneer of Eaton may not be more appropriately and justly conferred upon the latter than the former. One thing is sure the Hendricks family were the first settlers of the village who became permanent residents. There is no indication that Mills intended to

make this settlement his permanent home while proof that David E. Hendricks had such intention from the very first is afforded by the fact that he erected as soon as he was able not a simple log cabin but a two-story heavy log house—the same which is now the residence of S. H. Hubbell.

William Bruce, the proprietor, with four men he had employed, two of whom were named Ringer and two Rogers, came on at the latter part of April and began digging the mill race, which is still in use. On the first day of May, 1806, there was a public sale of lots, and on that day Bruce brought to the town his sons Hardin and Charles, and other members of his family. A Mr. Wiseman and two brothers named Coapdick were among the early arrivals, as were also John Liston and William Drake, both from the vicinity of Middleton. A Mrs. Harper came in and built the third cabin on the town plat. A Mr. Ferguson and David and Abram Eaton, older brothers of Daniel F. Heaton (they spelled their names differently), came from the Great Miami and located in the vicinity of the village. About the same time came other settlers, among whom may be mentioned Colonel Samuel Hawkins and his sons Joseph C., John J., Benjamin F., Samuel, and Bird Hawkins, Isaac Smith, Elias Rien and Eden Hardin; all from Little Twin, in Montgomery county; also Samuel Watts, Elias Dawson, Richard Hardesty, Samuel Carr, Henry Whitesell, John Banfill, sr., with his sons Enoch and John

In the spring of 1807 the few residents of the embryo village made a "log rolling" to "clear up" Main street from Colonel Hawkins' tavern, east of the public ground, west to the creek. Men, women, and children joined in the work of gathering and burning the logs and brush, and it is asserted that when the day's work had been concluded all of the men who had been engaged at it abandoned themselves to a general drunk, and manifested their satisfaction by casting their wool hats and coon skin caps upon the burning log heaps.

William Shiffeel, brother of Judge Shiffeel, of Pennsylvania, came out in 1806, and returned in 1807 with his family. He was a shoemaker and travelled through the village and surrounding country, from cabin to cabin, to perform his work, a modus operandi known in those days as whipping the cat. He built a cabin in the rear of the lot where the Presbyterian church stands, but remained there only a short time, being succeeded by William Steele, a cabinet-maker, who removed to Indiana in 1819, and in after years represented his county in the legislature.

Alexander Mitchell and Alexander C. Lanier both arrived in 1807. The former, who was from Kentucky, died in Eaton of cholera in 1849. He was a cabinetmaker by trade, and for many years county treasurer. Lanier was from North Carolina. He was one of the prominent men of his time, but did not remain in the town, leaving in 1817 for Madison, Indiana, where he died in 1820. His son, James F. D. Lanier, became a very prominent New York banker, and his son, Sidney Lanier, who drifted back to the State from whence his grandfather emigrated, became well known as a poet, magazinist, and general man of letters. His fame rests largely upon his National anthem, produced in 1876.

Cornelius Vanausdal and his brother Isaac came in about this time, and the former began operating in the fur trade, and opened a general store.

Christian, John and Phillip Helm settled in 1807, and the first named died in 1810. The other two were saddlers, and long followed their trade in the village.

Mr. Griffith, a wheelwright, came in 1808, and set up a shop on the southeast corner of Beech and Wadsworth streets.

Dr. Walter Buell came in 1808 from Kentucky and built the "long row"-four log cabins end to end, which were used as a barracks during the War of 1812. William B. Wilson, also from Kentucky, came in 1808, but soon moved into the country west of town. He was a cabinetmaker. Charles Hand, who married a daughter of Captain David E. Hendricks, came the same year, as did also Joseph Wasson, blacksmith. He was a native of South Carolina, a man held in very high esteem, and a good citizen. John Shaw, the first butcher, came in a little later. His brother-in-law, George Worthington, whose wife was a daughter of Colonel Samuel Hawkins, arrived about the same time. Worthington, after leaving Eaton, laid off the village of Westville, and in later years removed from there to Attica. James Butler, a major of militia, and after the war a colonel, came to the settle. ment about the same time as the above, and left in 1818. John Gentle, who married Julia Hendricks, was another early settler. He removed from town to a farm where he died in 1825. William Castor and his wife Polly originally from Pennsylvania, but a settler in Clermont county, Ohio, about 1800, came to Eaton in 181I. After a short time he removed to a farm on Seven-mile, north of Eaton. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and performed distinguished service. He was born in 1783, and lived to be upwards of ninety.

Isaac Stephens, father of A. H. Stephens, M. D., a native of Virginia, born in 1786, came to Eaton in 1812, from Tennessee. His father, John Stephens, came later, awl died in the village in 1819. Isaac Stephens was a prominent and very useful man. He was the second postmaster, and served for a very long term of years. He was also justice of the peace and county collector. He married, in 1817, Elizabeth McCauley, who died in 1827. He was married twice after her death, his second wife being Berthena Stephens, and his third, Julia Ann Wilson. He died in 1865. Isaac Stephens' brothers, David Lewis, Jesse B., Peter, Joseph, William and John, were all residents of the village after 1819.

Isaac Banta, from Virginia, was a settler in Eaton prior to the War of 1812. He died in the village in 1819. William S. Henderson, the second physician of the village, came in from Kentucky in 1813. Henry Monfort, from Warren county (formerly from Virginia), arrived in 1814. He died of cholera in 1849. Hugh Andrews, a "New Light" or Christian preacher, came the same year, and lived in the village until his death in 1820.

Lemuel Jamieson, a carpenter, .came in 1813, and about 1830 removed to New Paris. Thomas and Samuel Abbott came the same year. They were shoemakers; and the elder brother was also a Baptist preacher. John Gardner was another accession to the population in 1815. John Acton came to the village in 1816, bringing with him his wife Nancy (Buchanan) and children. Acton was born in Maryland, but came to Ohio from Rockbridge county, Virginia. He died in 1849, and his wife in 1854. Their children, Mary R. (Robertson), John P. Acton, and Isabella (wife of Lieutenant Hubbell), are all living. Thomas Morgan, a very ingenious mechanic and cabinet-maker, whose handiwork is still to be seen in many of the older homes throughout Preble county, settled in Eaton in 1816, and lived here all of his life. A son, Robert W., and daughter, Julia (Foos) are residents of the town. The same year as the above, William Kline came to the village from Pennsylvania. He was a resident of the town until 1844, when he removed to Logansport, Indiana, where five of his children now reside. He died in 1855. Jacob Kline, twin brother of William, came to the village a year after the arrival of the former. The brothers carried on wagon making and did a large business, a portion of the time singly, but for many years in partnership. The Klines were born in 1795. Jacob died in 1875, and his wife in 1879. They had four children, Mary E. and Margaret, deceased, William H. and George, now residing in Eaton.

Ludwell G. Gains, a Presbyterian preacher, who spent much of his time in teaching school, and who is chiefly remembered for his extreme cruelty to his pupils, came to Eaton in 1818.

William Rossman, father of James Rossman, came in 1819; John R. Weldon and Paul Larsh, the same year; the latter resided three years, and was sheriff

Samuel Tizzard and wife Elizabeth (Brackin), who had settled at Chillicothe in 1814, came to Eaton in 1820, and established the Register. Mr. Tizzard was born in 1787, and died in 1844.

David McKemy and his wife, Nancy Davidson, came in 1821 from Rockbridge county, Virginia, and located next north of town. Mr. McKemy followed coopering. He was born in 1791, and died in 1826; his wife was born in 1789, and lived until 1863. They had four children, R. G. D., William, Elizabeth and John A., of whom the first mentioned is the only one living. R. G. D. McKemy was born in 1817, and married Kate McFadden. He has been a prominent citizen of Eaton, engaged in various business enterprises, etc.; was justice of the peace for twelve years.

The same year as the above, John L. Dickey located in Eaton, coming from North Carolina with his wife, Martha (Adams), who is now living at Camden with her son-in-law, George W. Jones. Dickey was employed much of his time upon county affairs, as tax collector, appraiser, etc. He died in 1848.

Judge William Curry, who was born in 1792, in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, came to this county in 1808, and to Eaton in 1824. He has ever since been a resident of the village.

Jonas Albright, son of John Albright, a very early setler in Harrison township, came to Eaton in 1826 and lived here until 1845, when he moved to Indiana, where he is still living. He had been married in Harrison to Margaret Myers, by whom he had ten children, of whom W. T. Albright, owner of the Register, was the second.

Philip, a brother of Jonas Albright, came to Eaton in 1827, and after a short time moved to Darke county.

David Brown and his wife, Mary Hubbell, came to Eaton from Springfield, Ohio, in 1826, and remained until 1831, when they went to Texas. Brown was engaged in the dry goods business and later in pork packing, being the first who carried on that industry.

Mrs. Jane Hubbell, widow of Jacob, came to Eaton in 1828, and with her came several sons and daughters, (brothers of S. H. Hubbell). Jane (Hathaway) resided here but a short time; William T. died in Eaton; Sarah (Sweeney) and Lydia (wife of Joseph S. Hawkins) are also deceased; and Jacob R. is living in Dayton. S. H. Hubbell preceded the rest of the family, arriving here in 1827. He was born in 1808 in Clark county, Ohio, and as he is still living, is seventy-two years of age. He went into business for himself in 1830, and in 1842 became a partner of John M. Gray, with whom he continued for twelve years. At the expiration of that time he went to Cincinnati, and in 1865 returned to Eaton and resumed the business he is now engaged in. He married Isabella H. Acton, and they have four children: Clara H. Richey, in Indiana; William, in Cincinnati; and John A. and Jacob in Eaton.

Josiah Campbell came to this county the same year as Mr. Hubbell (1827). His father, William Campbell, came in 1828 and lived here until his death in 1836; and his brothers, William, Samuel, John and Ebe, all arrived in the neighborhood prior to 1830. They were from Sussex county, Delaware. Josiah Campbell married Sarah, daughter of Judge Curry.

Benjamin Lockwood, his wife, Mary (Robison) and several children came to Eaton in 1829 from Sussex county, Delaware, and two sons, U. R. and William S. came in 1839. Benjamin Lockwood was born in 1790, and died in the year r860; his wife was born in 1789, and died in 1870 Their children were, Joshua R., N. R., and William S. deceased, S. H., in Colorado, E. P., G. R., John S., Mary A., and Samuel, now resident at Eaton, Charles W., in Muncie, Indiana, and Jonas deceased.

John V. Campbell removed from Lanier township to the county seat in 1834. As a full biography of Judge Campbell appears in the chapter upon the bar, we make, in this connection, only the foregoing brief mention.

Alfred Denny, born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1819; located in Eaton in 1835. He has followed the drug business and other branches of merchandising, and in 1844 his health having become poor, he went into the employment of the American Fur company, with which he remained until its failure in 1857. He was Indian agent for the Upper Missouri country, under Lincoln, and has

held other government appointments, being employed at the United States Senate, etc. During the war he served as quartermaster. He married Frances B. Holliday.

Jacob Chambers of Hanover, York county, Pennsylvania, came to Eaton Monday, September 14, 1835, at one o'clock, and has ever since been a resident of the town, and nearly all the time in active business.

J. R. Brookins, M. D., originally from Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, came to Eaton in 1847, and after practicing medicine for about ten years, abandoned his profession and gave his whole attention to the drug business, in which he had engaged when he first came to the village. His son, W. C. M. Brookins, was associated with him as early as 1853, and, on his death, became his successor. Mr. Brookins was married to Margaret MacClay. Both died in 1878.

Benjamin Hubbard and his wife, Minerva Morey, came to Eaton in 1846 from Butler county,. where their parents, respectively from New Jersey and New York, had settled in 1810 or 1811. Mr. Hubbard's mother also came to Eaton with him, and died here at the age of ninety-nine years, eleven months, and ten days. Mrs. Minerva, wife of Benjamin Hubbard, died in 1872, and the latter is still living. His only son, A. Edgar, is assistant cashier of the First National bank.

The first wedding which took place in the village was celebrated in a cabin on the west side of Beech street, between Main and Somers streets. This cabin was used as a barracks during the War of 1812, and was known by the name of "The Old Barracks" for years afterwards. A part of the building is still standing, though covered and concealed by modern improvements. The high contracting parties alluded to above, were John Harbison and Mary Brown. They were married December 1, 1807. The license was obtained at Dayton, the county seat of Montgomery, of which nearly all of the territory now included in Preble was a part. The newly married couple built a cabin for themselves and commenced housekeeping the spring following their union. Their home was on the northeast corner of Barron and Israel streets, which property has ever since been known among the older people as the Harbison property.

The first child born was Polly, daughter of John and Mary Mills, who were said to be the very first persons who came to the site of Eaton. She was born May 1, 1806.

A little daughter of Daniel Eaton (or Heaton) was the first person who died in the village. She died of whooping cough in September, 1806, and was the first person buried in Mound cemetery. Before there were any settlers in Eaton, or upon its site, in the year 1805, an infant daughter of Samuel Brannon died near the present limits of the town, and was buried in a lot on North Maple street. This was very likely the first death in the township of Washington.

In the summer of 1810 Alexander C. Lanier built the first frame house in Eaton, which was the wonder of the time. It was located on the northeast corner of Main and Cherry streets (where the Odd Fellows building now stands). After it was raised and roofed it was blown down by a violent storm, but was rebuilt.

The first brick h0use was built in 1815 by Benjamin Byram. It stood on the north side of Somers street, between Barron and Cherry. Many of our readers will remember that fine old brick house with its dingy walls and curb roof. The house was torn down years ago, but some of the bricks that entered into its composition are preserved in the walls of the building now standing upon its site. The house which succeeded the first brick is now occupied by Mrs. James Sampson.

Another brick house was put up in 1815, on the south side of Main street, between Barron and Beech, upon the lot now owned and occupied by Mr. H. B. Van Ausdal. This house was built by Alexander C. Lanier. James Holladay performed the carpenter work.

The first religious meeting was held in the house of David E. Hendricks, in the winter of 1807, by Elder Smith, of New Christian (New Light) faith.

David E. Hendricks dug the first well and the first cellar in the town—where M. S. H. Hubbell now lives.

A Mr. Brown brought the first stove ever seen in Eaton. He came to the settlement in the spring of 1807, but the stove which he imported was not brought to the town until many years later.

The honorable Judge William Curry came to Eaton to reside in 1824. He says that he thought himself at that time quite an old man, his youngest child being two years of age. As a matter of fact, he was himself just thirty-two years of age. But Judge Curry coming to Eaton in 1824 found several of the present aged inhabitants of the town, mere children. Dr. Stephens was then a young boy (six years old) playing about the streets; R. D. G. McKemy, Robert Morgan, John P. Acton, and William B. Tizzard were also of tender years. If Judge Curry in 1824 began to feel himself quite an old man, how must he now feel when he sees these gray headed men upon the streets whom he remembers as children, and recalls to mind their cotemporaries and companions, who have passed away themselves, ripe with years.

Judge Curry found Eaton a very small hamlet, indeed. It consisted of forty or fifty houses, a few of them small frame structures, but the majority log cabins. The old brick court house stood on the ground occupied by the present edifice, and Cornelius Van Ausdal had just erected the three-story brick building on the corner of Main and Preble streets, into which he had moved his goods, but not his family. The "town" was confined, mostly, to Main (then called Preble) and Barron streets. There were no houses at all on the bottom except one small cabin used as a hat shop. Mr. Avery bought of Matthew Harbison the property where Mrs. Cunningham now lives, on Barron street, which was then the extreme outside limit of the village. Nor did the little cluster of houses extend farther north than the site

of the town hall. A small, one-story frame stood on the corner now occupied by that building, and there was another across the road from it, while all around extended a grove of maple and beech trees. On Main street there was a row of houses, mostly of either rough or hewed logs, and they were most numerous about where the Reichel house now stands. Henry Monfort was keeping a tavern about where Jacob Chambers' store and residence now is, and John Hawkins another where the Union house at present stands. There was another tavern, kept by one Warrant, on the south side of the street, and on ground now covered by some of the buildings in commercial row, and the log house built for a tavern (the first in town) by David E. Hendricks, now occupied by S. H. Hubbell, was the most conspicuous building on West Main street. There were a few other buildings scattered along the street, principally upon the north side, and a one-story house upon the ground now included in H. C. Hiestand's door yard. "The public church" had just been erected.

The principal amusement of the men as well as boys in those days, was playing "town ball," and for this purpose they repaired quite frequently to the commons— the cleared bottom lands adjacent to the village. Saturday afternoons was the favorite time for the practice of this game, quoit pitching, and indulgence in various other athletic sports and pastimes.

This year, 1824., a Fourth of July celebration was had on the spot where Dr. Small's house now stands, then covered with a fine growth of trees, forming a very beautiful grove. A dinner was served, speeches made, and the customary amount of patriotic noise making indulged in. It is remembered that Cornelius Van Ausdal's big musket was discharged prematurely as he was loading it, and that the iron ramrod was fired through a bystander's hat. In after years the Fourth of July celebrations were held on the public ground adjoining the court house, and at "the old garrison."

Warren Jenkins' "Ohio Gazetteer," published at Columbus in 1839, has the following in regard to this village:

"Eaton, a post town and seat of justice for Preble county. * * * It is handsomely situated on the east bank of St. Clair's or Seven Mile creek, three-quarters of a mile east of old Fort and St. Clair and near the center of Preble county. The creek immediately at the town has a fall of about twenty feet in eighty rods, thereby affording, in proportion to the quantity of water (which is rather light of a dry season), one of the most valuable sites for mills and machinery within this section of country. This water power is to some extent improved, there being one grist-mill, one saw-mill, one fulling-mill, one carding machine and one machine for manufacture of gun barrels, erected on and propelled by it. There is also one extensive steam grist-mill erected and in successful operation in the town. Eaton contains about one hundred and forty-five dwelling houses, fifteen of which have been erected the preceding season ; about thirty mechanical shops of the various denominations, three taverns, fifteen stores and groceries, two school-houses, one Methodist, one Presbyterian and one public meeting house, a court house, three public offices, a jail, two tanneries, four pork houses, one printing office, from which is issued a weekly paper, three lawyers and three physicians. The number of inhabitants may be safely estimated at one thousand. * * " Eaton is supplied with mails by daily lines of stages—from the east by Dayton, west by Richmond, Indiana, from the south by Hamilton, and from the southeast via Lebanan, etc., weekly, on horseback."

The pioneer religious organization of Eaton, and, for that matter, of Preble county, was that of the Christian church. The Eaton church of this denomination was first organized at the house of Nathan Sellers, about one mile south of the village, in the year 1807. The organization grew out of a camp meeting held on the premises of Mr. Sellers and conducted by Reuben Dooley, Barton W. Stone, David Purviance and William Kinkade. Elders Dooley and Stone had at this time just commenced their labors. The following, from Stone's Biography, affords a glimpse of the manner of religious work then carried on and the difficulties which had to be surmounted. Stone says :

"We preached and baptized daily in Eaton for many days. No house could contain the people that flocked to hear. We had to preach in the open streets to the anxious multitude. At night, after service, the cries and prayers of the distressed in many houses around were truly solemn. Almost the whole town and neighborhood were baptized and added to the Lord. We left this place and preached and baptized in many 0thers. We were poorly clad and had no money to buy clothes. Going on at a certain time through the barrens, a limb tore Brother Dooley's striped linen pantaloons very much. He had no other, nor had I a pair to lend him. We consoled ourselves that we were in the Lord's work and that He would provide. He tied his handkerchief over the seat, and we went on and preached to the people. That night we lodged with Brother Samuel Wilson, whose wife presented Brother Dooley a pair of home-spun linen pantaloons."

Soon after the organization was effected in Eaton the public church was built in the southwest part of the village. That structure, which long remained standing, and became widely known as "the old Public church," was used by the Christian church in common with other religious organizations. The church appears to have prospered for the first fifteen years of its existence, and to have numbered among its members many of the pioneer families of Preble county, among whom may be named the Sellers, Dooleys, Crawfords, Bruces, Brubakers, Hardys, Duggins, Bantas, Shidelers, Flemings, Baileys, Bloomfields, and Vanausdals. The early ministers of the church were Reuben Dooley, William Kinkade, David Purviance. John Hardy was pastor of the church at the time of his death, in 1819.

About the year 1823 the peculiar doctrines of Alexander Campbell were first preached in this county. As Mr. Campbell's system made immersion a test of fellowship its introduction caused a serious division in the church, which finally resulted in the abandonment of the organization.

The church was reorganized in 1841 upon the fourth Sunday of October, and since then has led an interrupted career of activity. At the time of the reorganization, or very soon afterward, Nathan D. Sellers "was appointed, set forward, and ordained as deacon." Elder P. Banta was chosen as pastor and had pastoral charge of the church at Eaton from that time until 1845.

The pastors of the church since 1841 have been Peter Banta, J. F. Sloan, E. W. Humphreys, J. T. Linn, T. M.. McWhinney, J. D. Lauer, Levi Purviance, James Maple, Z. T. Sullivan, and C. W. Garoutle, the present incumbent, who took the charge in 1877.

movement towards building the house of worship now in use, occurs under date of June 23, 1860. At that time E. W. Humphreys, Samuel McClane, and Joseph Donahoe were appointed and authorized as a committee to circulate a subscription paper, to ascertain how much money could be secured for the proposed work. A building committee was also appointed, consisting of N. Lockwood, Charles Street, James F. Sloan, and Joseph W. Quinn, treasurer. Setting out to build a church upon the subscription plan, all went well for a time, but at last the committee found it impossible to raise any more money, and the amount seemed wholly inadequate to the purpose. Affairs looked rather gloomy, but the deadlock was broken by the late Cornelius Van Ausdal, who came forward and donated the balance that was needed, about fourteen hundred dollars. The church thus built is the brick structure on Beech street. It cost between four and five thousand dollars. The first meeting was held in this church on the second of Janaary, 1862, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev J. T. Linn.

The organization has now about one hundred and fifty members, and is in a flourishing condition, owning in addition to its church property a substantial and comfortable brick parsonage. The offrcers of the church are —trustees, William Bloomfield, William A. Coovert, Joseph Quinn; deacons, Joseph Quinn, William Bloomfield, Wilson Clawson; clerk, William A. Coovert.

The introduction of Methodism in Eaton was the preaching of the Rev. John Holmes, of Baltimore conference, in a small log cabin occupied by William Castor, in the spring of 1811. The house stood on the lot since owned by William A. Bloomfield. From this time onward there was preaching in the village for a number of years, services being held in the court house, in David E. Hendricks' tavern, and in private houses. Among the preachers of this period were Moses Crume, John C. Brooke, Russel Bigelow, and John P. Durbin, all good men and the possessors of those peculiar qualities which were indispensable in the pioneer days of religious work. These services were held irregularly and it does not appear that a class was organized until 1824, at which time he Eaton class was reported as having paid twenty-five cents quarterage, at a conference held in Darke county. This class was within the Greenville circuit, of which John Strange was the presiding elder, and J. Murray, and S. Calvin the preachers. The number, few and poor at Eaton, were led as a class by Jacob Middleton, and were under the care and supervision of the preachers of Greenville circuit. A prayer meeting was established in the old jail and afterwards moved to the house of Class Leader Middleton.. After several years residence in Eaton, during which he labored most zealously, and, according to all testimony, with very great good effect, Mr. Middleton removed from town, and after that prayer and class meetings were most commonly held at the house of William D. Stephens, and preaching was listened to every Sunday at what was

called the Preble meeting-house. About 1828 the members of the Methodist church began to feel the need of having a house of worship which they could call their own, and the subject being discussed, William Arrasmith proposed to furnish the necessary timber, William D. Stephens to make the framework, Jonas Albright to do the plastering, while Daniel Black volunteered to do all the necessary teaming, and Peter Longnecker and others agreed to furnish labor and money. A little church was nearly completed before the summer of 1829, which answered very well the needs of the small society, and remained in use for many years.

The first quarterly meeting held at Eaton was in 1830, January 9th. From the entire receipts of the circuit at this meeting Elder Wright reserved four dollars and fifty cents, and Elder Reeder twenty-three dollars and thirty- one and one-fourth cents, the total receipts being twenty- seven dollars and thirty-one and one-fourth cents, and Eaton, standing at the head of the list of contributors, credited with the sum of one dollar and eighty-seven and one-half cents. Only the year before the total receipts were two dollars and seventy-five cents. It is recorded that of this sum thirty-seven and one-half cents was paid for sacramental wine. It was then moved that twelve and one-half cents be paid Elder Wright, and the remaining two dollars and twenty-five cents be given to Elder Reeder. Upon this a brother in the "amen corner" rosé up and remarking that it was a positive shame to send the elder away with so small a sum, moved as an amendment that he be allowed the sum of twenty-five cents. The amendment was unanimously adopted and "the brother" went away with his quarterly salary donated. Preachers in those days did not live in luxury.' At another quarterly meeting held in Eaton in the fall of the same year as the above, the conference appointed Henry Eidson, William D. Stephens, and Daniel Seas a committee to estimate the amount necessary to furnish fuel, house rent, table expenses, etc., for the circuit preacher. This committee afterwards reported an allowance of sixty dollars per year, and of this amount preacher John A. Baughman really received only nine dollars and twelve and one-half cents.

At the fourth quarterly meeting held in Eaton, July 18, 1831, the church was in all probability formally dedicated, which had been commenced in 1828, and nearly finished.

The expediency of building a parsonage at Eaton for the residence of the family of the circuit preacher, was first taken up at a quarterly meeting in 1831, and it being thought advisable the preacher was authorized to collect money for the building of said parsonage. He subsequently collected from three hundred and seventy-five to four hundred dollars, and purchased a lot for thirty dollars, on which was not long after erected the first house which served as a Methodist parsonage in Eaton, and one which has ever sincc been in use as a residence.

By 1830 the Methodist church of Eaton numbered sixty- eight members as follows: William D. Stephens, Mary Stephens, Margaret Albright, Daniel Black, Elizabeth Black, Hannah Jamison, Juliet Jamison, Zadock Tomlin-

son, Ann Tomlinson, Eliza Tomlinson, Jane Van Sickel, Margaret Stephens, Lucy A. Stephens, Sarah Dexter, Berthena Stephens, Joel Nation, Elizabeth Nation, Philip Acton, Benjamin Lockwood, Mary Lockwood, Philip Nation, Hester Acton, Eleanor Acton, Peter Longnecker, Nancy Longnecker, Lucinda Longnecker, Warren McCabe, Elizabeth McCabe, Viletta McCabe, Pleasant Jennings, Jacob Sheets, Nancy Sheets, Hiram Oram, Jane Oram, William Campbell, sr., William Campbell, jr., Ebe Campbell, Catharine Briant, Sarah Sheets, Patsey Foster, Comfort Hopkins, Robert Adams, Ceves Frum, Sarah Kilkenny, John Niccum, Jereta Niccum, Cortland, Niccum, Elizabeth Small, Esther Banning, Charlotte Van Zant, Joseph Stephens, Sarah Adams, William Morris, Jemima Westhoven, Eliza Westhoven, Mary J. Snyder, Samuel Trait, James Tingle, John Love, Sarah Love.

In 1832 the Ohio conference recognizing the zeal of the society, separated it from the Greenville circuit, and it was thenceforward known as the Eaton circuit.

About 1838, the necessity of a new church more centrally located in the village engaged the attention of the ministry and laity, and while some were opposed to the measure, the majority warmly favored the building project. Finally James Kilkenny paid five hundred dollars to Cornelius V. Banta for the two lots on which the church was afterwards erected. On February 1815, the following persons were appointed a board of trustees for the erection of a meeting house on Main street : Samuel P. Wilson, Jacob Chambers, Jonas Albright. James Kilkenny, William Sallee, John V. Campbell and Daniel Black. At a meeting held in December, 1839, a subscription paper was made up, and the sum of two thousand two hundred dollars subscribed toward building. With this encouraging start the project was advanced swiftly toward realization. The contract for building was let to James Albert, Preston Smith and Christopher Wysong, one year and nine months being allowed for its fulfillment. The building was commenced and when the walls had reach about half the height intended, Mr. Wysong, failing in business and withdrawing from the firm of contractors, his place was taken by R. Y. Lanier. From this time on for several months the stringency of finances throughout the country retarded the progress of the work. The old frame church was sold for two hundred dollars to Benjamin Lockwood, who in pay. ment made the seats for the new. Notwithstanding the many difficulties with which the society had to contend, the building progressed and on Sunday, September 25, 1842, it was dedicated. The sermon on that occasion was preached by James B. Finley, one of the pioneers of western Methodism, whose remains now lie in Mound Hill cemetery. Over one hundred and ninety persons made subscriptions on that day, and the total amount realized was one thousand and seventy-four dollars. From this time onward the church was in constant use until the summer of 1871. On Sunday, the twenty-first of May, it was used for the last time, the new church, the present handsome house of worship being dedicated on the following Sunday. The dedicatory services at the new church were held upon a bright May morning, the twenty-eight, and the commodious auditorium was completely filled. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. J. W. Wiley. After the conclusion of his discourse, Charles F. Brooke, treasurer of the board of trustees, presented a report showing the financial condition of the church, viz : that the receipts, principally from subscriptions, had been twenty thousand three hundred and forty dollars and thirty-six cents, and the disbursments a trifle over that amount. The total indebtedness was shown to be over six thousand dollars, and it was stated that for two thousand dollars additional the trustees thought they could complete the church. Dr. Wiley then proceeded to lift the subscription and in a short time the entire eight thousand dollars needed was subscribed. The sum which it was thought would be sufficient to wholly complete the church, viz : twenty- eight thousand dollars proved inadequate and when it was finally finished the cost including interest on borrowed money amounted to about forty-five thousand dollars. But the expenditure of this large sum secured for the Eaton society a house of worship which was fully adequate to all of their then present and prospective wants. No town of its size in the whole country possesses a more commodious or handsome church edifice.

Following is a list of the Presiding elders and preachers of the Eaton Methodist Episcopal church, from the time of organization down to the present, except some of the earliest already given:

1828—James B. Finley, presiding elder; Samuel Shaw and James Huffman, preachers.

1832—James B. Finley, presiding elder; Stephen H. Holland and John A. Baughman, preachers. 1833—Thomas A. Morris, presiding elder; William Sutton and Daniel Poe, preachers.

1834-William B. Christie, presiding elder; Charles W. Swain and David Warnock, preachers.

1835—James Quinn, presiding elder; C. W. Swain and Francis A. Timmons, preachers.

1836-James B. Finley, presiding elder; J. A. Reeder and S. T. Conrey, preachers.

1838-James B. Finley, presiding elder; A. B. Stroud and Andrew Irwin, preachers.

1839—George W. Walker, presiding elder; A. B. Stroud and W. R. Davis, preachers.

1840-George W. Walker, presiding elder; A. B. Stroud and Andrew Irwin, preachers.

1841—James B. Finley, presiding elder; Joseph McDowell, William O'Connor, and Joseph A. Bruner, preachers.

1842—James B. Finley, presiding elder; Joseph Mc Dowell and Asbury Lowrey, preachers.

1843—James B. Finley, presiding elder ; P. A. Muchner and S. F. Conrey, preachers.

1844—William H. Roper, presiding elder; George W. Maley and Moses S. Smith, preachers.

1845—William H. Roper, presiding elder; William Rutledge and William I. Lee, preachers.

1846—William H. Roper, presiding elder; William Langard and William Rutledge, preachers.

1847—George W. Walker, presiding elder; W. R. Davis and James E. Wilson, preachers.

1848—George W. Walker, presiding elder; W. R. Davis and A. W. Musgrove, preachers.

1849—George W. Walker, presiding elder; P. A. Muchner and A. W. Musgrove, preachers.

1850—George W. Walker, presiding elder; Levi White and D. A. Dryden, preachers.

1851—Charles Elliott, presiding elder; Levi White and William S. Haynes, preachers.

1853—William Herr, presiding elder ; C. W. Swain, and N. Callender, preachers.

1854—This year Eaton church was made a regular charge and given a residue and preacher. Up to this time it had been a station and visited by the circuit preachers. William Herr was presiding elder and L. F. Van Cleve, preacher.

No records of the planting of the Presbyterian church in Eaton are to be found; and most of the facts herein stated have been collected by the present pastor in interviews with Judge Curry, Mrs. Margaret Kline and others. It seems that the earliest Presbyterian congregations were assembled in shops (Thomas Morgan's is mentioned), in private houses, and in the court house. Afterwards meetings were held in the public church, near the banks of Seven Mile creek. The names of the ministers who preached occasionally cannot all be mentioned. Rev. Peter Monfort and Rev. Alexander Porter are remembered. Mr. Britch, an Englishman, who afterwards met with a tragical death in a western State, by freezing, preached a while. Rev. Nicholas Pittinger, one of the pioneers of Presbyterianism in Highland county, came to Preble at an early day, built a framed church near New Paris called Beulah, and preached occasionally at Eaton. After Mr. Pittenger's time the Rev. John M. Crabb preached at the New Lexington church, and also at Eaton. The Rev. T. E. Hughes, of Sommerville, sometimes preached and held communion here, but during what years cannot be definitely stated. Rev. Peter Golliday was ordained in Eaton and was minister several years. R. Irwin was here a short time.

The Rev. J. C. Mitchell preached here a number of years, and then went to Virginia to settle up his father's estate. During his absence of about a year, the Rev. R. M. Badeau supplied his place, perhaps in 1849. Mr. Mitchell, on his return from Virginia, resuming his place. The Rev. John Marqvis was his successor, and remained for a year or two. From about 1855 to 1860 Rev. H. W. Taylor was the pastor. He was called to Franklin, Ohio, and was succeeded here by the Rev. G. H. Webster, who was installed pastor, and remained as such from 1860 to 1865. Rev. G. M. Haid followed him, and remained in Charge for about one year-1866. Rev. F. L. Lenour was pastor for about three years, closing his labors in 1870. Rev. J. W. Scott supplied the pulpit during 1871. In February, 1872, the Rev. John Haight began to preach, and continued until the summer of 1873. Rev. W. W. Colniery supplied the

* The facts of this church history were mainly collected by the Rev. Andrew J. Reynolds, and presented by him in a centennial sermon, July 2, 1876.

pulpit in 1874. In February, 1875, the present pastor, Rev. Andrew J. Reynolds, began his work in the society. Mr. Reynolds was born in Cincinnati in 1831, July 14th; graduated at Woodward college in 1851; entered the theological seminary at New Albany, Indiana, in 1852, and Princeton in 1853, from which he graduated in 1855. He received the honorary degree of A. M. from Miami university in 1860. Previous to coming to Eaton Mr. Reynolds had occupied a number of pulpits in the limits of the Cincinnati, Chillicothe, Columbus and Dayton presbyteries. He was one of the Christian commission at Chattanooga in 1863, and also in front of Petersburgh.

The present house of worship was built in 1824, or the following year. Mrs. Mary Hawkins, in her will, left a legacy of one thousand dollars, which, in 1866, was applied to making repairs in the church building, rendering it more comfortable and pleasant

In the winter of 1846-47, Rev. N. L. Rice delivered a series of sermons, which resulted in the conversion of about twenty persons, among whom were Judge Curry, Elizabeth Gardner, Mrs. William Kline, Mrs. Ann Gilmore, Mrs. Julia M. Foos, Robert Miller and Mrs. Maria Smith.

Following is a list of the elders of the church, with the dates of their ordination: Abner Dooley, ordained June 28, 1829; Joseph Wasson, ordained June 28, 1829; Isaac Westerfield, ordained August 17, 1830; James L. Ward, ordained November 27, 1836; Jacob Westerfield, ordained November 27, 1836; Joseph Patton, ordained September 9, 1838; Daniel Walker, ordained September 9, 1838; Robert Davidson, ordained May 12, 1844; William Curry, ordained June 27, 1850; John D. Miller, ordained May 6, 1863; James Golliday, ordained May 6, 1863; Robert E. Pryor, ordained March 16, 1867; Robert Miller, George Kline, J. J. Robinson.

Following is a list of the deacons: Isaac Westerfield, June 28, 1829; Peter Aten, June 28, 1829; Daniel Walker, June 28, 1829; William Curry May 6, 1863; R. E. Pryor, March 16, 1867; J. J. Robinson, A. E. Hubbard, William H. Orot.

The church has now about eighty members, and is officered as follows: Elders, Robert Miller, George Kline, John B. Munger; deacons, J. J. Robinson, A. E. Hubbard, W. C. M. Brookins, Jacob Brisigman; treasurer, J. J. Robinson.

The Sunday-school connected with the Presbyterian church was organized March 25, 1844, with the following officers: Superintendents, R. G. D. McKemy and Julia D. Paramore; treasurer, secretary and librarian, John A. McKemy. There were sixty scholars at the time of organization. The present superintendent is N. G. Griffis. Those who occupied this office after Mr. McKemy were Daniel Walker and William Curry.

The church of Christ, or Disciples, was organized in Eaton about the year 1830, but owing to the loss of the old church books, it is impossible to give the exact date. For the same reason and because, also, of the death of nearly all the original members, it is impossible to give the names of the early ministers or the times at which they were here. Among them, however, may be named Benjamin Franklin, then a young man,.and S. K. Houshour.

The meetings were held in the old public church, and also, often at the houses of members, many of whom were farmers living in the adjoining country. The Christian church had previously had an existence here, but some of its members now entered the new organization, although the old one still continued to hold meetings.

The Disciples continued in a fair state of prosperity from the time they were organized, and about the year 1846 the public church having become dilapidated, they resolved to build an edifice of their own, and accordingly purchased a lot on the southeast corner of Barron and Sommers streets, of Alexander Mitchell, but deeming the amount of ground insufficient, they afterward purchased three feet more of Lovina Mitchell, granting her the privelege of joining walls, a grant which afterward entailed a vexatious lawsuit upon the church. Up to this time Henry Monfort had been the principal resident preacher, although meetings were very frequently held by others, usually lasting on those occasions several days at a time.

Among the earlier members of the organization here were Henry Monfort and wife, Abner Dunlap and wife, John Quinn and wife, Jacob Fall and wife, Asa Clawson and wife, George Thompson and wife, Martin M. Beble, Andrew Fall, and others. The new church edifice was built about the year 1848, but was not entirely completed until about the time of the cholera, in 1849. This scourge desolated the town during the months of July and August of that year, Eaton losing by death nearly one-tenth of all of its inhabitants by it. The church edifice was turned into a hospital and used as such when needed as long as the pestilence continued. The church lost by death some of its most efficient members, among them Henry Monfort and wife. After the cholera had abated the building was refitted and prepared for public worship, but the membership was further depleted about this time, or shortly after, by the removal of several of its most prominent members, leaving it in a crippled condition. The building, together with the lot, had cost about two thousand two hundred dollars, and there was still a debt of about five hundred dollars hanging over it. This debt was afterwards paid, principally by Abner Dunlap, George Thompson, and John Quinn. Dr. J. P. Brookins and wife located in Eaton about this time and became active and efficient members of the church. Preachers were employed regularly during the next few years, among others, Elder John R. Frame, Elder Z. Brown, and Elder Enos Adamson, while occasional meetings were held by the more noted ministers of the church. But the crippled financial condition of the congregation prevented its flourishing as it should, and no doubt would otherwise have done; and the unfortunate permission given to Lovina Mitchell and her assigns to join walls and extend the wall above the roof of the church,

resulted in a permanent injury to the latter and culminated in a lawsuit with Dr. W. H. H. B. Minor, in which, although the church was finally successful, the loss was greater than the gain. From that time on preaching was only had occasionally, although the meetings were kept up until about 1872, when the age and infirmity of the only remaining elder, John Quinn, compelled him to cease activity. After his death, and that of his wife, both of which events occurred in February, 1873, no services of this church were held in this house. In the meantime the Christian church had been re-organized and for a number of years, by the permission of the Disciples, its meetings were held regularly in this house at such times as it was not used by its owners, until they built an edifice of their own. The Universalists also used the building until it was sold in the fall of 1873. After the death of Elder Quinn, the membership having been reduced to about half a dozen, the trustees determined to sell the building, especially as the roof seemed to be bad, past remedying, and was by some even thought to be unsafe. They accordingly petitioned the court of common pleas, and in August, 1873, the lot and building were sold for three thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars. This money, after payment of costs, was allowed to accumulate, so that in the beginning of the year 1879 it amounted, after the payment of taxes, to about the sum of five thousand dollars. In the meantime Dr. J. P. Brookins and wife and Sarah Quinn had died, and the membership was reduced to four persons, to-wit: Abner Dunlap and wife, Sarah Thompson, and Tabitha Collins. Mr. Dunlap being the only surviving acting trustee.

In February and March of 1879 Elder T. D. Garvin, of Columbus, Ohio, a traveling Evangelist, employed under the direction of the missionary board of the church, came to Eaton and held a series of meetings for about one month, in the Universalist church, a very neat and substantial edifice, which they had erected, and the use of which they not only kindly donated, but took care of during the entire series of meetings. This series of sermons, or lectures, for most of them partook largely of the nature of the latter, uniformly attracted crowded audiences, and was pronounced by many the ablest series ever delivered in Eaton. On the thirteenth of March, 1879, the church was re-organized with a membership of twenty-nine persons. Abner Dunlap was continued as one of the trustees, while R. W. Quinn was elected in the place of Jacob E. Krug, who had resigned, and W. L. Scott in that of J. P. Brookins, deceased. At a subsequent meeting the organization was more fully carried forward by the appointment of Noah Shirkey, W. B. Dunlap, and R. W. Quinn, as deacons, since which time no further changes have been made. In the spring of 1879 the church purchased a lot on the west side of Barron street, about one-third of a square from the old building, and in the summer and fall of that year erected thereon one of the neatest and most convenient church edifices in Preble county. Second in Eaton only to the Methodist church in size, it in some respects exceeds even it in convenience. It is thirty-six feet wide, by seventy-one in length (including the tower), is built of brick in the most substantial manner, with a slate roof and iron cornice, so as in a great measure to protect it from fire without. It is heated by a furnace in the cellar, and contains a baptistry, together with the necessary dressing rooms, so that immersion (which is the only mode of baptism practiced by the church) can be performed within the building itselt, in full view of the congregation, and in a manner calculated to guard against that levity which is too apt to characterize an audience when assembled in the open air on such occasions. The entire cost of the building, including the furniture and lot, was about six thousand dollars; all of which has been provided for. In addition to this the "ladies social" of the church has completed the same at a cost of about two hundred dollars.

The building was completed during the years of 1879 and 1880, and was dedicated in a sermon by Elder T. D. Garvin, on March 14th, of the latter year, precisely one year and a day from the re-organization of the church. Several persons were added to the church at this and subsequent meetings, so that the membership now numbers about fifty, and the organization is in a very healthy and efficient condition, with an excellent Sunday-school, a "ladies social" connected with the church, and all going forward in harmony.

The early" history of Universalism in this locality is somewhat obscure. There being no records to which reference can be had, tradition and the memory of individuals are the only sources of information. It is believed that Hon. Samuel Tizzard was the first pronounced Unrversahst here. He came to this village, as stated in another place, in the year 1820. He being an earnest, zealous, and well informed advocate of the peculiar doctrines of the denomination, it was not very long until he found, here and there, a few congenial spirits of like faith. It is doubtful if there was ever a preacher of that faith in the county before the year 1825. About that time Rev. Jonathan Kidwell, of Union county, Indiana, first made his appearance here, and created a wonderful excitement by preaching the doctrine of universal salvation from sin. He was probably the first preacher of that faith in the county—at least the first that is remembered. After several irregular visits here, he was engaged to make regular monthly visits which were continued some two or three years. Meantime, other clergymen of the denomination made occasional missionary calls, preaching more or less acceptably to the limited congregations gathered on short notice. Among these the Rev. Daniel St. John, of Brookville, Indiana, is remembered; also Rev. D. Parker and Rev. Mr. Dodge.

During this time (probably in the year 1826 or beginning of 1827,) there came to this place a clergyman who had been preaching for the Methodist denomination, in the interior of Indiana, by the name of Daniel Hawley, and gave notice that he would deliver a discourse upon the subject of the future destiny of the human race. He was entirely unknown here, nor did he know any one, or

know that there were any here who entertained views similar to his own. His first sermon was delivered to a good audience, and at once put him en rapport with the little flock of believers here. Being wholly unsettled— without home o1 employment—and finding sympathy and congeniality here, he at once concluded to remain, and seek employment as a school-teacher. He accordingly sent back to Indiana for his wife and child, and soon secured employment as teacher of a writing school. He continued to preach occasionally, here and at other points in the county, for several months, pursuing the business of teaching, and gaining the confidence and esteem of all who made his acquaintance. After the lapse of some months, Mr. Hawley left here to visit some point on the Miami,—Franklin or Middletown, perhaps-in the pursuit of some enterprise not now remembered, and was never afterwards seen or heard of by any one of his acquaintances here. It was not known that he ever arrived at the place he started to go to, nor was it ever known what became of him.

Toward the close of the year 1827, the first Universalist church was organized here, under the pastorship of Rev. J. Kidwell. Unfortunately the records of :this congregation have been lost or destroyed, and the facts concerning it rests wholly on the memory of individuals. It is believed that nineteen names were enrolled as members of this first church. In recalling the names, however, only the following can be remembered, viz : Samuel Tizzard, Elizabeth Tizzard, Daniel D. Hall, Jane Hall, Mrs. Polly Holladay (afterwards married to Captain L. T. McCabe), Nicholas Day, Lucinda Day, Joseph Stephens, Robert Quinn, Asa W. Meloy, Arka Place, Ira K. Place, and James Alfred. The only one of them now alive, (1880,) is Colonel Robert Quinn.

This organization was kept up, sometimes with regular monthly services, and at other times with only occasional preaching by such clergymen as could be procured, for some three or four years. After the removal of Mr. Tizzard to Cincinnati, and other changes by removal and otherwise, the organization was abandoned. A few adherents to the faith being still left here, though in an unorganized condition, occasional preaching was maintained as opportunity offered ; frequently, however, at at very long intervals, for many years.

Up to the year 1856 there was no subsequent effort made towards organized work by the Universalists of this place and vicinity. During that year, a church building was erected on Paint creek, in the "Dooley settlement," about five miles south of Eaton, called Friendship church. At that place, and during that year a church organization was effected under the pastoral charge of Rev. W. S. Bacon, who had been holding regular monthly services in the vicinity for a couple of years. The adherents of the faith in Eaton joined in this organization, which consisted of some twenty-five members. Rev. Bacon was continued in the pastorate for many years, preaching once each month. The better to accommodate all the members, it was arranged so as to hold the morning service at Friendship, and an evening service at Eaton—occupying for that purpose the chapel of the Disciples, or Christian church, which was kindly loaned for that purpose ; and which occupancy continued until the church building (corner of Barron and Sommers streets,) was sold and converted to business purposes.

Mr. Bacon's pastorate continued until the year 1863. His successor was Rev. T. S. Guthrie, who remained until 1871, and was succeeded the next year by Rev. C. H. Dutton.

Preparatory to an organization in town, separate from the church at Friendship, the members here withdrew, by consent, from that church, and held a meeting on the eighteenth day of August, 1872, at which time a constitution was adopted, and an organization effected under the name of the "First Universalist church of Eaton," consisting of about forty members. Previous to this time money had been raised and a lot purchased, corner of Cherry and Sommers streets, with the view of the erection at some time of a church edifice. The next year after the organization of the church, the chapel of the Disciples, as before noted, was sold and relegated to business purposes. Rev. Dutton's pastorate continued but a single year, during the closing portion of which the church meetings were held in the city hall. Mr. Dutton was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Blackford, and he by Rev. William Tucker, D. D., each of whom continued but a single year.

In the spring of 1873 the subject of the erection of a church building began to be talkedup by the members. Meetings were held to consult about the matter, and subscriptions taken up for the purpose. It was not until the summer of 1874, however, that contracts were let and work commenced upon the edifice.

On the fifteenth day of October of that year, in the presence of a large assembly of the citizens, and after an appropriate and most eloquent address by Rev. J. G. Adams, of Cincinnati, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies. J. H. Foos, esq., mayor of Eaton, also delivered an address. Revs. Blackford and Polk were also present, and assisted in the ceremonies.

Progress was made from time to time, as means could be collected and contracts effected, so that early in the year 1876 the house was in such condition as to be used as a place of meeting. It was not until September, 1877, that the edifice was fully completed and ready for dedication. On Sunday, the twenty-third day of September, 1877, after a most appropriate and eloquent sermon, by Rev. S. H. McCallister, D. D., president of Buchtel college, the church edifice was solemnly dedicated to the service of Almighty God, by appropriate rites and ceremonies, participated in by the following named clergymen, viz: Rev. S. H. McCollister, D. D., Rev. J. S. Cantwell, D. D., Rev. William Tucker, D. D., Rev. C. A. Lander, and Rev. O. P. Kimmel.

The entire cost of the church, exclusive of the lot, is a trifle above six thousand dollars. The lot cost six hundred dollars, and is very eligibly located, being very near the center of the village, at the intersection of two handsome and well improved streets, and just outside of the noisy and business part of town.

in course of construction, the church was without a stated pastor, but had preaching occasionally, as supplies could be obtained. In the early part of 1877, Rev. C. A. Lander was called to the pastorate, who continued as such for two years. He was succeeded, in March, 1879, by Rev. Frank Evans, who died on the second day of October following.

On the first day of January of the present year, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. J. M. Getchell, which was accepted, and he at once entered upon his duties as pastor, preaching on each alternate Lord's day. An arrangement has also been recently effected, in accordance with which Mr. Getchell will occupy the pulpit of this church every Lord's day during the ensuing year, 1881.

Rev. L. P. Blackford, pastor of the Universalist church in Norwich, Connecticut, and Rev. W. M. Kimmel, pastor at Barre, Vermont, are contributions from this church to the ministerial field. Also, Rev. o. P. Kimmell, who, after a short but brilliant clerical career, died in March, 1880, at the early age of twenty-four years. Rev. J. D. Lauer, formerly a clergyman in the "Christian" denomination, first identified himself with Universalism in becoming a member of the church in Eaton. He ministered to the church for some time after attaching himself to it; and has proved quite an accession to the ministerial force of the denomination.

was organized March 19, 1870, and consisted originally of but twelve members. The Rev. B. J. George, Alexander A. Stokes and L. L. Harris were appointed as a building committee with Mr. Stokes as treasurer, and upon the first of August, 1870, ground was broken preparatory to the construction of the present handsome house of worship on Decatur street, which was built at a cost of about six thousand dollars. The pastors who have served this society have been Revs. B. J. George, Lamb, and William Depoy. The first named served five years, and his successors, of course, shorter periods. Mr. Depoy left in 1878, since which time no pastor has been employed. The organization has had as many as one hundred members, but now numbers about sixty.

The first services of the Roman Catholics in Eaton were held in 1852 or 1853, in a building near where Dr. Sewell now lives, by Father Carney. Soon after that time Father O'Connor was located in the place and remained for a number of years. A building was fitted up as a church, and for a time the society was in a prosperous condition; but the interest flagged, and the financial support becoming less strong, the Catholics were compelled to give up their church, and for a number of years services were held at the residence of Michael Ryan. About 1865 the upper floor of the building on Main street, now used as a priest's residence, was fitted up and services were regularly held there until the present church was built, in 1879. This edifice was dedicated August 24th. It is a well built structure, sufficiently commodious for the congregation that assembles in it, and cost about thirty-two hundred dollars. For a number of years after Father O'Connor's time the church was supplied by priests from Hamilton, Middleton and Oxford, Fathers D'Arco and William Daly serving most of the time. Then came Father Bowe; and he was succeeded by Fancis Varelmann in 1876, who removed in the summer of 1880 to Xenia. For eight years the church has been a parish—previously being known as a station. There are about three hundred and fifty Catholics in the parish, a portion of them belonging in the town of Eaton, and a portion in the surrounding country.

Eaton, like most all of the Ohio settlements, secured at a very early day those twin institutions of civilization and sister safe-guards of well ordered society, the school and the church. William Bruce, the founder of the town, in fact, made provision for the establishment of churches and schools, when he laid out the plat, donating the lots at the corners of Preble (now Main) and Barron streets as sites for a court house and other public buildings, two churches, and "an academy and school-house for the town." A school-house of very primitive character was built upon the lot provided for the purpose, sometime prior to 1812. Before this building was erected, however, and sometime in 1807, or the following year, the first school in the village was opened in one of the log cabins on the south side of Wadsworth street, west of Judge Haines' late residence. The teacher was one John Hollingsworth. Robert Miller, esq., from whose sketch in the Ohio centennial educational volume, this history is principally compiled, quotes Hon. George D. Hendricks as saying that the early school-houses were constructed of logs, had but little furnishing, and were not even "chinked" or daubed, until the cold of winter made such measures necessary. A log was removed at a convenient height and the apperture being covered with greased paper, served as a window. He says:

“The second class of school-houses were the hipped-roofed frame buildings. School accommodations were furnished by subscription and most teachers permitted indigent pupils to attend free of charge.

"A special act was passed by the legislature of the State, December 23, art, appointing three trustees—Alexander Mitchell, William L. Henderson, and Samuel Hawkins—to sell lots designated for churches and a school-house and invest the proceeds in lots in other parts of the town, better situated for such purposes and in the building of a public church and school-house. From an old record containing the proceedings of these trustees, it appears that the square set apart by Bruce for an academy and school-housewas sub-divided into four lots and sold for four hundred and nine dollars and sixty-six cents at the aggregate, and that thirty dollars of this amount was paid for another lot and the batance was expended in the erection and furnishing of a frame schoolhouse thereon. This building was used both as a court house and meeting-house, white the court house was building."

From this time until the organization of the schools under the act of 1849, but few details can be given, as no records appear which pertain to this period. A long succession of pioneer teachers came and went, remaining only for short terms, from the early days of Eaton history up to 1826. In the latter year "Hon. Abner Haines came to our town," says Mr. Hendricks, "staff in one hand and a pair of new shoes in the other." By the generous aid of C. Van Ausdal and Sheriff John Hawkins, he raised a school, as all previous schools were raised,

by subscription. The terms were one dollar and fifty cents per scholar for spelling, reading and writing, and two dollars additional per quarter of sixty-five days for arithmetic and English grammar. The judge made a very successful teacher, but did not long follow the pedagogical profession. He was succeeded by George D. Hendricks who taught during 1827-28-29 and 1830. He had previously taught in the county and had a good reputation as an instructor. He soon enrolled on his list one hundred and twenty pupils, and had an average daily attendance of from seventy to one hundred. He "kept school" from eight to ten hours a day, "setting" . all of the "copies" and making and mending all of the quill pens for from forty to sixty scholars, out of school hours.

The school population of Eaton had increased long before the passage of the act of 1849, beyond the capacity of the building preciously erected, and no successful attempt had been made at grading or classification. Upon the re-organization of the schools under this act, district No. 4 was created, including the town and territory, one and a half miles square. The act provides for the election of six directors and their division into three classes, so that after the first election two directors should be elected annually, for the term of three years. It further provided that the board should have the entire management and control of the schools in the district, and required them to establish within its bounds three or more common schools in which the rudiments of an English education should be taught for at least eight months of the year; to determine what branches should be taught in any or all of the schools; to levy taxes, not exceeding three mills on the dollar, to be assessed on the valuation of the taxable property in the district, to raise funds in addition to the common school fund to defray the expense of the system; to appoint a board of examiners; to adopt text books, etc. The persons most active in securing the passage of this were probably the first board of directors elected under it, who were: Abner Haines, W. H. H. B. Minor, John Acton, Hiram Jones, Benjamin Neal and Richard M. Stannah. At that time Hon. George D. Hendricks and Hon. Felix Marsh, both citizens of Eaton, were members of the legislature, and urged and voted for the adoption of the act.

The change in the school system met, at first, with some opposition, but it was soon acquiesced in and put in operation. Under the provisions of the act contract was entered into with Pierson Smith, in the sum of three thousand five hundred and ninety-seven dollars and twenty-three cents, for the erection of a two story brick schoolhouse, with four rooms. The work was to be done under the superintendence of Ellis Marshall, then a director, who was also authorized to sell the old frame building on the lot in the north part of the town on which the new building was to be erected, and also the old brick building and lot in the south part.

On the thirtieth of November, 1850, Superintendent Marshall reported the building completed according to contract, with a few unimportant exceptions, and the first school was opened in it December 2, 1850, under the following teachers: David M. Morrow, superintendent; Enos Adamson, Mary A. Goam and Miss M. E. Merthiet. Mr. Morrow, who was a grandson of the governor of the State, by the same name, died in 1875, in Wisconsin.

It was not long before this building proved inadequate for the accommodation of the increasing number of pupils, but no formal action was taken by the board for the erection of an additional building until the twenty-second of January, 1859, when they resolved to build another school-house. In the meantime school-rooms were rented, and the public church was used for school purposes until the second building was completed. The second building was not completed until September 12, 1864; and then only three rooms were finished and occupied. This event marked a new epoch in the history of the Eaton schools. Six departments were opened, and three teachers assigned to each building. The corps consisted of the following ladies and gentlemen : M. L. Holt, superintendent; S. S. Dix, Sophie Miller, Maggie McClung, Maria Ballentine and Lucy Stroud.

The new building finished in 1864 is of brick, two stories in height, and contains eight school-rooms. It is pleasantly situated in the southeast part of the town, upon an elevated site of four acres. Many improvements in buildings, furniture, apparatus, etc., have been made from time, to time in recent years. The two buildings to which allusion has been made contain an aggregate of twelve rooms, nearly all of which have been furnished with the Excelsior seat, manufactured at Eaton. The rooms which require it are supplied with maps and charts, and are all provided with large sized black-boards. In 1874 the grounds of the south building were properly graded, forming a gentle descent on the north (fronting Israel street), with a more abrupt decent to the west, and nearly level grounds on the east and south.

The highest department of the Eaton schools, says Mr. Miller, "was growing into a high school from 1850 to 1872, at which last period it fully organized as such." The first class graduated from this school at the close of the school year ending in June, 1872, when regular commencement exercises were held as they have been each year since. The principal of the high school, when the first graduation took place, was Miss Catharine Oaks.

Up to 1867 it could hardly be said that the principal teacher, though sometimes called superintendent, had the full control and authority of superintendent. The following is a list of principals prior to 1867, and the superintendents subsequent to that date: D. M. Morrow, 1850-51; James Long, 1851-52; Samuel McClure, 1852-53; J. S. Morris, 1853-60; A. McAdow, 1860-61 ; J. N. Lake, 1861-62; A. C. Messenger, 1862-63; S. S. Dix, 1863-64; M. L. Holt, 1864-65; J. N. Lake, 1865— 66; S. S. Dix, 1866-67; C. C. Fetherling, 1867 (vacancy); W. L. Shaw, 1867-69; Peter Sellers, 1869-70; W. C. Barnhart, 1870-73; B. F. Morgan, 1873-7 4 ; W. L. Shaw, 1875-79 ; J. M. Withrow, 1879.

Following are the names of the gentlemen who have served on the board of education since the organization in 1850, given in the order of their election: W. J. Gilmore, W. H. H. B. Minor, Ellis Minshall, George W.

Thompson, A. Haines, W. B. Tizzard, C. F. Brooke, George D. Hendricks, C. W. Swain, J. W. King, William Curry, E. W. McGuire, Robert Miller, Benjamin Neal, Thomas J. Larsh, John V. Campbell, J. N. Lake, S. S. Dix, R. G. D. McKemy, B. Hubbard, P. M. Crume, J. P. Brookins, Melyne Miller, J. A. Crume, R. E. Pryor, Joseph Wilson, Joseph Fisher, J. L. Chambers, J. D. Lauer, W. A. Swihart, W. C. M. Brookins, W. C. Huston, Hiram Jones, Josiah Campbell, B. H. Alexander, L. C. Abbott, John Acton, R. M. Stannah, S. H. Hubbell, J. B. Drayer, M. Filbert, R. Homan, G. W. Gaus, Joseph N. Pinney, H. B. Van Ausdal, C. P. Thum, C. W. Larsh, J. W. King, C. F. Brooke, W. C. Huston, Robert Miller, John V. Campbell, S. S. Dix, A. S. Harris, Winfield Freeman, J. B. Welsh, P. M. Small, A. J. Reynolds. The board, at present, is composed of : S. S. Dix, president; W. C. M. Brookins, secretary; J. B. Welsh, P. M. Small, A. J. Reynolds and C. F. Brooke.

The growth of the Eaton schools during twenty years of their history is shown in the following comparative statement:

1855

1875.

Number of pupils enumerated Number of pupils enrolled Average daily attendance Number of teachers

Number of school-rooms Number of grades

Number of weeks in session Amount paid teachers

Total expenditure

Value of school property

495

379

203

$1,284.40

$2,512.45

$10,000.00

722

548

413

$5,864.91

$11,361.73

$30,000.00

Ministering unto all who need their services, going forth to the poor and lowly as well as the rich, doing practical good to poor suffering humanity, the physician is always widely known, and if he fulfills the high office of his choice is universally loved, respected, and revered.

It is eminently proper that a liberal space in the chapter of Eaton history should be devoted to the physicians who have dwelt and who now dwell within the village.

The pioneer practitioner of medicine in Eaton was one of those good and gentle men in whom was exemplified much that goes to make up the ideal physician. Kind, conscientious, and self-sacrificing, old Dr. Walter Buell was regarded in the early days of Eaton's existence as a public benefactor. But little is known and but little can be said of him. He was a very valuable nurse, and therein probably lay the greater part of his success, for like most of the medical practitioners of his time he had not that thorough book knowledge which is so easily attained at the present day. His advantages of education were undoubtedly limited. But if he lacked in scientific knowledge, the deficiency was amply atoned for by his strong common sense, his devotion to duty, and close application to study by experience and observation. He came to the infant settlement in 1808, and his cabin was one of the first built upon the town plat. Remaining in Eaton until some time between 1826 and 1830 he was for a score of years the "village doctor," and in those primitive days was known throughout the thinly settled county for miles around, often riding far beyond the bounds of Preble county. His wife dying he married again in Eaton, and it was not long after that event that he removed to Indiana.

Dr. Buell was not the sole practitioner in Eaton for more than three or four years, for about 1811 a Dr. Henderson, from Cambridge, Bourbon county, Kentucky, came to the village and remained until his death in 1824. He was a very eccentric man, and very violent. If he became displeased with man or woman, it mattered not which, he would burst into a terrible rage and give utterance to a fusilage of the most violent curses. He had only a very few actual friends, but just in proportion as his regard for people was narrowed, it was intense. His friendship was focused. When he did form an attachment it was fast and for life, the most pronounced and true devotion. Notwithstanding the fact that he was not generally liked, almost everybody conceded that he had great ability, and was a very skilful physician. People had confidence in him, and he enjoyed an extensive practice. He married his second wife in Eaton, a Miss Mary Sellers, who was also from Kentucky.

About 1819 Dr. Johns came to Eaton and remained a short time—not more than two or three years. The next in order was a man who remained in the village all of the rest of his life—Dr. Jesse Paramore. He was also from Caneridge, Kentucky, and an acquaintance of Dr. Hender'son's, having read medicine under the same preceptor, a Dr. Mitchell, of Paris, Kentucky. He died in 1857, and was a constant resident of the village up to that time, with the exception of four years, when he lived upon a farm near by. He was a very successful physician, especially with fevers, which were in early years very common in the settlement. In spite of the fact that he had an extensive practice he accumulated only a small portion of this world's goods, as he charged small fees even when patients were abundantly able to pay, and none at all when they were in poor circumstances. He married Rachel Minor.

Dr. Daniel Egbert located in the village about 1822, coming from Lebanon, Warren county. He remained only a short time, securing an appoitment in the United States navy.

Thomas A. Cunningham, born and raised in the county, began the practice of medicine in Eaton- in 1826 or 1827. He had followed his profession only a short time, until 1832, when he was made clerk of the court. He went to Congress soon after, and was then made deputy paymaster of the army by James K. Polk, and sent to Mexico. He died in 1864. Had he lived a short time longer he would have been made paymaster general, as he was the oldest deputy in the service. As a physician he was characterized by great kindness, tenderness and sympathy. He was a fast friend and a good man. Politically he was quite a power—the leader of the Preble county Democracy.

Dr. Mount located in Eaton in 1830, but three or four years later removed to Hamilton, where he died a few years ago. Drs. Nixon and Horning, partners, began practice in 1831 and continued until the year 1835.

One of the most prominent of the early physicians was. Pliny M. Crume, who arrived in this place about 1833 from Butler county, where he was born and raised. He was well read in medicine and very successful in business. He remained in town until 1863 or the following year, when he removed to Wabash county, Indiana, where a son lived. He became professor of the Theory and Practice of Medicine in Baker's school, of Cincinnati.

Alfred Ayers came about 1836 and remained a short time, practicing in partnership with Dr. Paramore. He removed to Greenville and, retiring while there from practice, went to Butler county, where he ended his days.

William H. H. B. Minor came to Eaton in 1835, and commenced practice with Dr. Paramore, with whom he had previously read in 1838. When Paramore moved out on his farm Dr. Minor formed a partnership wrth Dr. Crume, which was continued three years. He retired from practice in 1851, and went into the dry goods business, which, after a short time, he abandoned for the drug business, at which he felt more at home. In this branch of trade he remained for many years. Dr. Minor was born in Warren county, Ohio, October 5, 1812. He attended Drake's college in Cincinnati. His wife, still living, and to whom he was married in 1839, was Miss Lovina C. Holaday

David Baker, of Pennsylvania, began practice in Eaton about 1840, having previously been located for a short time in Alexandria. He secured a considerable practice, and during his twelve years residence was quite uniformly successful. He removed to Cincinnati.

Albert Huber, a young man from Pennsylvania, was a partner of Baker's from 1842 to 1848. He moved to Hamilton, where he is still living.

Dr. Anderson, from Indiana, practiced two or three years in the 'forties,' and then went to Lebanon, where he died.

J. C. Helm commenced practice in 1844 or 1845, having read with Dr. Crume. He was for some time a partner of the old doctor, and then practiced alone. He finally removed to Peru, Indiana, and was succeeded by Dr. Welsh.

Dr. James B. Welsh was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, July 30, 1821. When he was eight years old his father died, and at the age of fifteen he removed with his mother to Indiana. Soon after he obtained his majority he commenced, in an irregular way, the study of medicine, being at the same time engaged in school teaching. He attended his first course of lectures in the winter of 1848-9, at the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, and subsequently practiced, but did not graduate until the spring of 1858. He immediately afterward located in Eaton. Dr. Welsh was united in marriage to Miss Eva J. Garver, May 16, 1841. His wife died February 22, 1878, and September 11, 1879, he was married to Catharine Oaks.

Dr. P. M. Small was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 5, 1834. He grew to maturity there, and desiring to take up the study of medicine, attended the Electic Medical college of Cincinnati, from which he graduated in 1859. He then began practice in Eaton, and has ever since been a resident of the town, except while attending lectures in Cincinnati. He entered the Miami Medical college, and graduated from it in 1872. He was married in 1859 to Martha Austin.

Dr. A. H. Stephens, although not so long a practitioner in Eaton as some others, has probably practiced in the county more years than any physician now living. He was the son of Isaac Stephens and Elizabeth McCollie, who settled here in 1804. The doctor was born September 26, 1818, and was reared in this village. He attended the Ohio Medical college, of Cincinnati, and graduated from that institution in 1846. Beginning practice in Cincinnati, he remained there one year and then removed to Iowa, where he was located for a few months. In 1848 he moved to Camden, Preble county, where he was in practice thirteen years, in partnership with Dr. L. Dunham. At the expiration of that period, in 1861, he went into the army as regimental surgeon, being attached to the Sixth Ohio volunteer infantry, a Cincinnati regiment, and originally known as the Guthrie Grays. He was in the service three years, and on leaving located in Eaton, where he has ever since resided and been in the active pursuit of his profession.

Dr. W. F. Thomas is a native of Maine, born January 18, 1829. He- began reading medicine in Boston and finished in Cincinnati, where he graduated from the Eclectic college in 1854. He practiced some eight or nine years in Cincinnati, when he removed to Nashville, Tennessee. He received a diploma from a medical college of the regular school in that city, and practiced there until the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. In 1862 he came north and settled in Springfield, Ohio, where he remained in practice some four years. He then spent some time in the west, after which he came, in 1868, to Eaton. Dr. Thomas was married October 18, 1864, to Amanda :Hedrick, of Clarke county, Ohio.

Dr. John H. Bruce was born in Eaton, October 4, 1840. He served in the war of the Rebellion as private in company F, Fifth Ohio cavalry, for something over three years. Early in the year 1866 he commenced the study of medicine under his brother, Dr. George W. Bruce, of Winchester, Indiana, but completed his reading with Dr. James B. Welsh, of Eaton. He graduated from the Ohio Medical college, Cincinnati, in the spring of 1870, and entered upon the practice of his profession at Camden, this county, and eighteen months afterward removed to Eaton, where he has since been engaged rn practice.

Dr. James L. Quinn is a native of this county, having been born in Twin township September 21, 1841. He began in the spring of 1866 the study of medicine under Dr. Welsh, of Eaton, and in the fall of 1867 began a course of lectures at the Miami Medical college, Cincinnati, where he graduated in March, 1869. Upon his graduation he was appointed, after a competitive examination, resident physician of Cincinnati hospital by its board of trustees, which position he held one year. He

then opened an office in Cincinnati and practiced for some eight months, when he removed to Muncie, Indiana. A few months afterwards he came to this county, and in May, 1872, engaged in his profession at Eaton. May 6, 1873, Dr. Quinn was married to Elizabeth Quinn.

Dr. Alfred A. Lovett, born August 14, 1849, in Hamilton county, Ohio ; commenced the study of medicine under Dr. E. L. Hill, of Oxford, Ohio, an allopathist, and subsequently had for his preceptor Dr. H. M. Logee, of the same place. He graduated at the Hahnemann Medical college, Philadelphia, having previously taken a collegiate course at Miami university, Oxford, Ohio. After a practice of something over two years in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, he came in 1878 to Eaton. Dr. Lovett was united in marriage, April 26, 1880, to Miss Nettie, daughter of Dr. W. H. H. B. Minor, of Eaton.

Dr. Frank M. Michael was born in Winchester, this county, December 27, 1849. He began the reading of medicine under Dr. Bruce in 1874, and at the session of 1876 and 1877 and 1877 and 1878 was a student of Ohio Medical college, Cincinnati. He subsequently, in February, 1879; graduated at Bellevue Hospital Medical college, New York city, and soon afterwards entered upon the practice of his profession here. March r, 1880, he was appointed physician to the infirmary, which position he now holds.

Dr. William A. Campbell began the practice here in the spring of 1880. He graduated at the Ohio Medical college, Cincinnati, in March of the same year, having read with Dr. Stevens, of this city.

The first mechanical industrial pursuit entered upon in Eaton was milling. William Bruce built his first gristmill in the summer of 1806. It was a very primitive affair, indeed, a small structure of logs, within which a pair of stones shaped by long and patient labor from natural boulders, did in a rough way the duty of buhrs. Nothing but corn was ground in this mill, and not very much of that, although all that was necessary for a few years for the supply of the settlement.

In 1810 Mr. Bruce erected his second mill, the building now standing upon Seven Mile creek, and from which the sound of the wheels still goes forth. It is related that when the raising took place, not a single man in the large assemblage dared to climb up on the frame to take up the timbers, the structure being so much higher than those to which they had been accustomed. Finally the wife of Jacob Roman, the millwright, climbed to the top, and with a bottle of whiskey in each hand, walked entirely around the building, stepping upon the plates. This banter and from a woman was too much, and the men should by the example set them, were soon swarming upon the frame, and in a short time had completed the laying of the rafters. When the building was completed, Ferguson Mitchell won a wager of three gallons of whiskey by standing upon his head at the extreme end of the comb of the roof.

Not long after the building of this mill, a small distillery was established in the settlement, and there were several other establishments set up by enterprising tradesmen; among them a tannery by Richard Leeson, but the next manufacturing interests of any importance which claim mention, were two woollen carding establishments. This was in the year 1815. At this time an old Scotchman, commonly called "Billy" Watts, came to the village, and began wool carding by horse-power machinery. His shop was located on the south side of Main street, on what is now known as the Anderson Jones property. About the same time William Bruce also started a woollen carding and fulling mill.

By this period in the history of Eaton there were several small manufactories, or more properly, shops in the village, beside those of which we have written. Among the most useful was a pottery established in 1813, by one Joseph Harman, a Hessian and a Tory, who had just located in the village. This much needed institution was situated at the northwest corner of Maple and Wadsworth streets. Harman's Tory sentiments did not win him the kindly feeling of the people, and after a time he left. The business of making pottery was, how- ever, continued at the same place, by James Crockett, after whom the lot was for many years called the Crockett property.

John Harbison had also located in the village in 1811, and was its first wagon-maker. His shop was located where William Kline now lives, on the corner of Main and Maple streets.

The tannery heretofore mentioned as having been established by Richard Leeson, was the first in town. He sold out after a few years, to Judge Nesbit, of Alexandria, and he, in 1824, to Judge Curry, who run it for twenty years.

From about 1815 until 1838 there seems to have been but little progress in manufacturing worthy of notice— but few new enterprises. In the year last mentioned, however, a man named Enochs began the business of wool carding and spinning near the Presbyterian church.

Van Ausdal & Sturr started in 1835, in a building on the east bank of Seven Mile creek, a grist-mill and distillery which they carried on with fair success for five or six years.

Eli Thompson also had a mill in the old brewery building, south of the Main street bridge, a few years later. This building was erected in 1848 or 1849, by Wise, Miller & Houston.

The present brewery was built by several Germans from Dayton, among whom, and taking the leading part, were Messrs. Fasnacht and Rau, who are now residents of Eaton.

During the fifties there were several attempts made to build up manufacturing interests. In 1859 a foundry was established near the depot, but the company, not finding business very remunerative, sold out after a short experience and removed to Cincinnati. Judge George W. Gans was prominent in the management of this enterprise. Not long after the above mentioned business was discontinued, Josiah Campbell and E. W. McGuire started a plow factory in the same locality, but after running one season, their business became so involved

that they were obliged to suspend operations. A hominy mill and two or three other enterprises of ephemeral existence succeeded this venture, and successively passed away.

It remained for the Brooke Brothers, Charles F., J. C. and William and Mr. Joseph Walters, all active, enterprising men, to inaugurate, in 1873, a huge enterprise, and to begin operating a manufactory which, had it been maintained to the present time, would have materially advanced the town in wealth and business activity. The gentlemen named were the principal stockholders in the Excelsior School Seat Manufacturing company. This company had the only heavy manufacturing business ever carried on in Eaton. They employed a capital of about seventy-five thousand dollars, and gave work to from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men. As the name of the company would imply, its manufactures consisted of school furniture. Orders came in very fast, and the company had all that it could do to meet them, even while employing a hundred and fifty men. Goods were sold in all parts of the United States, and even shipped to South America. The sales amounted to two hundred thousand dollars or three hundred thousand dollars per year. A large foundry was run in connection with the manufactory, in which were made the necessary castings, and in this department alone the force of men employed was from fifty to seventy-five. The manufactory of the Excelsior School Seat company occupied several large buildings near the depot, some of which have since been destroyed, and some of which have, since the removal of the company's works, been devoted to other purposes. The suspension of work in this factory, which was a great blow to Eaton as well as the men directly interested, was caused namely by the hard times which followed the panic, and which ruined so many other fine enterprises throughout the country. The company, as reorganized, is still carrying on the business, but has its manufactories located in Richmond, Indiana, and at Cincinnati.

About 1864 J. L. Chambers, Dr. Welch, N. B. Stephens and Charles Larsh, established a manufactory for making agricultural implements. They used the building which is now known as the Robinson planing- mill, for about three years, when the company was dissolved.

Robinson & Company are the proprietors of an extensive planing-mill, which was the first manufactory of the kind in the county. It was started in 1867. They occupied the building on Maple street, near the railroad track, which had been previously used by the company making agricultural implements. Until 1876 the firm consisted of J. J. Robinson and J. S. Chambers, but the latter sold out in that year, and in the year following J. J. Robinson took his son into partnership, under the firm name of Robinson & Company.

L. Gable & Company are carrying on the planing-mill business on a large scale, near the railroad station, and have facilities for turning out all kinds of building material, such as doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, and planed lumber. They have the latest improved machinery for making sash and blinds—the same as is used in the Lake Superior country. The building was erected by L. and J. Gable in 1870, and the business has been carried on by them continuously since that time.

Wagon making was first carried on in Eaton in the year 1811, by John Harbison who has already been alluded to. The next wagon makers were Jacob and William Kline, both of whom manufactured wagons for a great many years. William Kline came to Eaton in 1813, and Jacob in 1816. The former remained here until 1844, when he removed to Logansport, Indiana, and the latter lived in Eaton until his death in 1875, carrying on business until 1858.

Carriage making is carried on in Eaton by three houses, of which John S. Orth's is the oldest. He began making wagons and carriages in the village in 1839, and in 1840 built the large shop which he at present occupies and in which he has carried on business uninterruptedly for forty years.

Henry Kister started in business early in the seventies, and Huggins & Weaver in the winter of 1876-77.

Besides these establishments, there are the two wagon making shops of Smith & Coe.

There are three saw-mills in the village—John P. Acton's the oldest, being started thirty years ago or more. Bruce Vandoren's at a considerably later period and Wheeler Frum's in 1874.

Flax manufacturing was commenced in Eaton as early as 1856. Cotton & Bell began spinning and weaving the flax fibre into ropes and sacking, and continued in the business for a number of years, but sold out finally to D. M. Morrow. He in turn sold to Foster & Morgan, and this firm to the present owners, J. S. Gary. The spinning and weaving was abandoned in 1863, after the mil