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Jacob Chrisman was the cashier f the company, and, after paying all expenses of importing, keeping, sale, etc., disbursed to the shareholders something over two hundred and forty dollars for each one hundred dollars originally put in. The selling was done by Benjamin Porter, the 'first auctioneer f the monthly stock sales, for which he received the insignificant sum of fifty dollars. Other companies and individuals of the Scioto valley besides those mentioned have made importations from Europe of the choicest strains f pure-bred stock, the descendants f which are to be found not only in the valley, but distributed throughout the entire West, as well as other portions of the United States. OTHER NOTABLE SALES. Among the breeders and dealers in pure-bred stock, David Selsor and the Dun Brothers deserve special mention. The former possessed the finest herd f Shorthorns in Ohio, and one of the finest on the continent. His animals always won blue ribbons at the leading fairs f the country, and the fame of David Selsor, "the cattle king," has spread wherever the breeding f fine stock has been made a specialty. The biggest 236 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. prices were paid for his animals, and the stockman who was fortunate enough to obtain a descendant of this choice herd was indeed lucky. Mr. Seism* spared no pains nor expense to keep his herd in the front rank with the finest in the world. Truly, Madison county should honor the memory of this man, who, during a long life of business activity, did so much toward establishing and maintaining her reputation as a great live stock mart of Ohio. Mr. Selsor died on January 12, 1882, and his valuable herd was subsequently sold and scattered all over the land. Robert G. and John G. Dun held their first annual sale of Shorthorns on May 6, 1868, and sold thirty-two animals, 'nearly all one and two years old. The records show that nine bulls and five heifers were bought by Madison county men. The purchasers were Robert .Boyd, W. A. Dun, F. M. Chenoweth, Benjamin Linson, Harford Toland, J. A. Pringle, James Rankin, William A. Neil, Jr., Addison Watson, William Cryder, Benjamin Custer, Robert G. Dun, R. B. Cowling and Bell Bros. Of the remaining eighteen, seven went to Clark county, four to Union county, two to Champaign, two to Pickaway, one to Delaware and one to Fairfield county. The' average price all round was $178.44 ; the lowest price, $75 ; and the highest $365. On the 4th of May, 1869, Robert G. Dun held his second sale, his brother John G. having previously disposed of his surplus at private sale. Twenty-three animals, mostly one-year-olds, were sold at public auction, nine of which were retained in Madison county. The purchasers were William B. Franklin, William Hall, Jerry Rea, Alfred Pringle, William A. Neil, Jr., George Linson and A. W. Thurman. The remaining fourteen head were distributed as follow : Four to Greene county, one to Licking, one to Hardin, one to .Columbiana and one to Franklin county, Ohio; three to' Parke county, Ind., and two to Syracuse, New York. The lowest price paid was $135, and the highest $405, making an average all round of nearly $221. These sales were followed by others, which attracted a large number of stock men from every portion of Ohio, and quite a respectable attendance from other states. Becoming familiar with the fine stockbreeders of this county, they soon began to draw regular installments from the splendid herds of "Old Madison," with which to improve and cross upon other herds, and as a nucleus of future herds in other sections.. Thus does Madison occupy a proud position in the galaxy of counties, the first in quality and second to few in numbers. THE MADISON COUNTY STOCK SALES. The production of corn, wheat, cotton and other staple crops may add most to the wealth of a nation in the aggregate, but, as a rule, the stock interests of every county, in all times, have brought most wealth to the, individual farmer. Men who devote part of the resources of their farms to, the raising of stock are invariably found to be among the wealthiest in every agricultural, community, possessing the most comfortable homes, and able to give their families a better education and more of the comforts of life than any other class of agriculturists. This is particularly true of Madison county, and the only drawback to the increase of her population and rapid development of her resources is that many of her citizens own large tracts of land upon which the tenant system prevails, and it is therefore difficult for a man of limited, means to acquire landed property. The prevalence of log cabins in this age of frame and brick structures, and the large number of poor people occupying these cabins, is an invincible argument against the policy of large farms. Freedom and enlightenment go hand in hand with the ownership of land, and wherever its acquisition is Made difficult or impossible, it indicates the absence of a sound, political economy in that country. The historical facts connected with the founding of the Madison county stock sales may be briefly told. The sale of imported stock on September 27, 1853, gave an impetus to the already growing interest in fine stock, which has contributed so largely MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 237 to the business success of the county. Other sales followed in due time and the project for regular sales in London began to be mooted. In 1855, William. G. Jones, proprietor of the Phifer House, called a meeting at his hotel to consider the feasibility of inaugurating monthly stock sales., Besides Mr. Jones, there were present at this meeting William H. Creighton, David Selsor, Jesse Rea, Mathew Rea, John G. Dun, James J. Jones, Peter Slaughter, and other wealthy farmers and stock men. There was no regular association organized, but the originators, having confidence that the project would succeed, got out handbills advertising a sale to be held, in London on March 5, 1856. On that day was inaugurated an institution that made Madison county famous. These sales were held the first Tuesday in each month, and, from the beginning to the time they were abandoned, proved a grand success. SOME OF THE LEADING STOCK MEN. Benjamin Porter, a native of Virginia, was the pioneer salesman of this vicinity. He lived at Catawba, Clark county, Ohio ; was a large, portly man, of fine physique and strong common sense. His tact as an auctioneer was equalled only by the extraordinary strength of his lungs, but the love for strong drink conquered "poor Ben" at last. He possessed splendid judgment as an auctioneer and was a man whom everyone considered an adept in his business. In 1856 J. C. Bridgman began his career as a stock salesman, and, in 1860, formed a partnership with Porter, which lasted until the death of the latter. From that time to the close of his active career, "Jack" Bridgman was the leading stock auctioneer' of Madison county, and missed but few sales. He possessed all the shrewdness of the Yankee, combined with that freedom from ceremony and wholesouled manner, characteristic of the Western people. To know "Jack" was to be his friend, for he was always ready and willing to do a favor, and few men would go further than he to perform a kind action. "Jack's abilities made him wealthy a president of a national bank, a model of 'propriety, and a representative citizen. For many years he was engaged in the live stock business, and it is no exaggeration to say that there was not a better judge of stock in Madison county than this go-ahead successful, old-time auctioneer. Charles Jones, of Jefferson, began selling, at these sales upon their inception, and was considered a good salesman. Giles James, of London, was engaged in the business for about twelve years, while John Kilgore and William Douglass were auctioneers at these sales for years. Others from adjoining counties, took part whenever called upon, and there can be little doubt that to this class of men is due much of the success which attended the growth and progress of the London sales from the beginning. It will not be inappropriate to give a list of the men who, from the first, fostered and encouraged these sales, the reader bearing in mind, however, that others, perhaps, whose names do not appear, did something toward building up this wonderful institution. The long-continued prosperity of the Madison county stock sales was unquestionably due to the early activities of a certain class of her citizens, among whom the following names deserve mention : William G. Jones, William H. Creighton, David Selsor, Jesse Rea, Robert Boyd, Mathew Rea, John G. Dun, James J. Jones, Peter Slaughter, Peter Buffenbergh, William D. Wilson, J. Q. Minshall, James Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Alexander Wilson, Valentine Wilson, Jerry Rea, Robert Rea, John Pancake, Charles Phellis, Jr., Tip Guy, James Carter, the Weaver brothers, Chandler Mitchell, Newman Mitchell, Charles Mitchell,, Thomas Bales, James A. Dun, Augustus Bonner, Walter Dun, Jr., Washington. Withrow, Robert Reed, Eli Gwynne, Baldwin Gwynne, William Franklin, John Thompson, W. Morrow Beach, John McCoy, John Heath, Thomas Farrar, Marion Chenoweth, John F. Chenoweth, Frank and Joel Hicks, James Abernathy, Elijah Bragg, Otho Luffboro, William Johnson, Elijah O'Day, Manley 238 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. Bozarth, William A. Neil, John Lucas, the Bidwells, J. B. Morgridge, John Price, William .D. Wilson, Jr., James Rankin, Abner Bateman, Adolphus Dunkin, William H. Summers, J. C. Smith, W. H. Smith, John Wilson, John McDonald, Henry, John and Darius Burnham, James Guy, Joseph Williams, Luther Johnson, William Minter, Hiram and Charles Richman, Charles H. Beale, William and John O'Day, George Kious, William and David Heath, William Junk, Linson Brothers, Jesse and David Watson, Thomas J. Stutson, Clement Shockley, Smith Brothers, P. R. Asbury, Benjamin and Batteal Harrison, John T. Maxey, Daniel Boyd, Marcus Yates, Levi Counts, Fulton Armstrong, Edward Fitzgerald, Edward Roberts, Richard Johnson, James Converse, James Davis, Robert Deyo, James Robinson, Joseph Rea, W. H. Morgan, J. W. Byers, and doubtless a few others. GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE ATTEND SALE. From all of the adjoining counties, as well as many of those at a distance, came leading stock men to buy and sell. Dealers residing in Cincinnati and Chicago shipped stock from those cities to the little town of London, where they knew the highest prices in the Union were always paid for good cattle. Not only did Ohio pay tribute to the Madison county stock sales, but also the great states of New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. On the 2nd of March, 1869, the Ohio Legislature, with Governor Hayes, and other state officers, including many of the representatives of the press of Ohio, paid London a visit for the purpose of seeing how cattle sales were managed, and to examine this county as a location for the State Agricultural and Mechanical College. At the same time, the agricultural convention of the Scioto and Miami valleys met here in annual council. It was one of the most noted days in the history of the county.. Some three hundred legislative, agricultural and other invited guests were entertained with a banquet at Toland Hall, and all honor was given to "Old Madison," the only county in Ohio or the West sustaining a stock sale. On that day, Daniel Boyd sold to David Selsor a mammoth steer, weighing three thousand and thirty pounds, for which the "cattle king" paid five hundred and forty dollars. During the first thirteen years and a half that these sales existed, but four were missed, the fall of Vicksburg, in July, 1863 ; the state election, in October, 1863; the Fourth of July, 1865; and the cattle plague, in September, 1868, being the causes why no sales were held in those months. The average sales per year for, that period amounted to more than ten thousand dollars each month, but for the last five years of that time the average was often double that figure. The sales continued to increase in size and importance, until the average reached twenty-five thousand a month. Surely this showing entitled Madison county to that proud position which she so long maintained. as the "Queen of Cattledom." The custom became rooted and grounded in its establishment Without organization or officers, in the interests of no ring, or clique, with but one, other worthy of the name, the sale held at Paris, Kentucky, it stood for years unrivaled in the history of the nation. Good stock cattle brought better prices at the Madison county stock sales than at any other market on this continent. Madison county paid a higher valuation on her horned stock than any other county in Ohio, and, doubtless, in the United States. During the latter years of David Selsor's life,' he annually shipped to New York the premium beef of the metropolis; and it is a well-known fact that this beef, fed upon the bluegrass and corn of Madison county, brought the highest prices in that market of epicures. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 239 HERD ATTRACTS NATIONAL ATTENTION. The herd of Red Poll cattle belonging to Frank Nelson has attracted national attention, Mr. Nelson haying received the following letter from B.' H. Heide, 'secretary of the International Live Stock Exposition: "Union Stock Yards, Chicago, Ill., "October 10, 1914. "Mr. Frank Nelson, London, Ohio. "My Dear Sir : As it has come to my attention that you have some high-class Red Polls which should be exhibited at this show, I felt it my duty to send you one of our premium lists so that you might be able to glance over the Classes and thus be in ‘a better position to .reach a decision in this Connection. If you should decide to bring some of your animals to this year's 'International,' I trust you will advise me of the fact at your earliest convenience so that the necessary entry forms may be mailed to you without delay. "Yours very truly, "B. H. HEIDE, Secretary." MADISON COUNTY PERCHERON BREEDERS. It is not generally known that Madison county ranks fourth in the. state among the breeders of Percheron horses. During the fiscal year ending October 31, 1914, breeders of this county recorded twenty-eight Percherons in the Percheron Society of America. This number was registered by thirteen breeders, all of whom belong to the society. In number produced the county is third in the state, but the ranking is done on a basis of the number of Percherons per square mile of the county. Following is a list of Madison county Percheron breeders and the number registered last year : Marion Bidwell, West Jefferson, three; C. A. Butler, Plain City, two ; J. W. Goodson, West Jefferson, one; C. M. Jones, Plain City,. five; Louis Matteler, Plain City, one; Wilbur Murray, London, one; P. H. Roberts. Route '5, London, one; Smith and Houston, Route 7, London, one; James E. Spencer, West Jefferson, five, and one imported ; A. J. Torbert, Plain City, one; G. M. Van Dyke, London, one; Moses I. Weaver, Plain City, four; Cloud Smith, London, two. RESIDENT LANDOWNERS IN MARCH, 1819. The people of today hardly realize or appreciate what they owe to the large-hearted pioneer fathers and mothers, who with their children, braved the perils of the wilderness; who reared their families in the fear of God, and implanted within them all the virtues necessary to the welfare of humanity, and passed away, leaving to them an inheritance that is invaluable and that should ever be cherished and kept in sacred remembrance. The record of Madison county would be incomplete without some notice of these pioneers; who, by reason of their limited sphere of action, could not become conspicuous in the great drama of pioneer life, but whose busy hands and conscientious regard of duty made them great factors in the establishment of, the solid foundation upon which the society of today Tests. It is a little thing to preserve their names in the pages of history ; yet it is about all that is left to do. Their lives were much alike they met the stern necessities of the hour, and were content in the consciousness of duty nobly done. In March, 1819, the commissioners of Madison county prepared a duplicate of all the resident landowners of said county at that time, and while hunting through the musty pages stored away in the court house vaults, the historian fortunately discovered this record. It consists of a few sheets of .paper sewed together, without back or cover ; 240 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. set for years it has preserved in its pages the names of those men who settled and built up the rich and prosperous county of Madison. It reads as follows : "London, Commissioners Office, March, 1819.—Duplicate of resident land proprietors for the tax of 1819; with all new entries and transfers made in this office, Madison county, Ohio : John Adair, Jr., John Arbuckle, Charles Atchison, Jonathan Alder, Paul Alder, John Adair, William Andre, Leonard Alkire, Samuel Alkire, Jacob Alkire, Abram Alkire, Robert Alkire, Samuel Adair, Samuel Adams, Charles Andrews, William Akins, Francis Ayres, Annanias Allen, Jacob Blougher, Samuel Baskerville, John Beetley, Hezekiah Bayliss, William Blaine, Norton Bailey, Vestal Blair, Daniel Brown, Jonas Bradley; Jonathan Burgess, Peter Buffenburgh, Francis Brock, John: Baird, James Bowls, Peter Baker, Thomas Baldwin, William Buffenburgh, Elisha Bidwell, Isaac Bidwell, Joseph Bidwell, Stephen Buckman, Uri Beach, Ambrose Beach, Thompson Cooper; William Cummings, John Clements, Peter Outright, Andrew Cypherd, Philip Cryder, Abijah Cary, Luther Cary, Calvin Cary, William Chard, James Criswell, James Cowen; Elizabeth Cary, James Curry, Samuel Colver, Levi Cantrel, Thomas Clark, Henry Coon, Louis Coon, John Caruthers, James Collins, Jeremiah Converse, Joshua Cope, Abner Chapman, John Carpenter, William Creath, Ashel Cleveland, Samuel Carroll, David Colver, Levi Churchill, Otho. W. Delashmutt, Joseph Downing, John Downing, James Dines, James Douglass, E. L., Delashmutt, George Deeds, Francis Downing, Judah Dodge, Thomas Davidson, John Davidson, William Dakin, David Dennison, Walter Dun, Jesse. Dungan, James Dungan, John Erwin, Joshua Ewing, James Ewing, Edward Evans, William Erwin, Reason Francis, Daniel Francis, John Fifer, William Frankabarger, Lewis Foster, David Foster, Joshua Foster, William Fleming, Isaac Freeman, Abram Fresher, Jacob Fairfield, Benjamin Garrett, Daniel Gamble, Nehemiah Gates, Thomas Gwynne, D. Gwynne, Fergus Grimes, John Grimes, James Grimes, David Groves, William Rennick, Henry Goodall, George Hoover, David Harris, Michael Harpole, Martin Humble, Levi Humble, Cornelius Humble, Samuel Herrod, Israel Heath, John Heaton, William Howsman, Mary Holbert, Philip Holbaugh, Elisha Hard, John Irwin,. Jacob Johnston, Mary Johnston, William Jameson, John Johnston, Andrew Jameson, Stephen Johnston, John Kelso, William Kirkly, Benjamin Kirkpatrick, James Kent, John Kent, Baltzer King, 'Thomas Kilgore, Nahum King, William King, John Lane, John Littler, William Linton, Dennis. Lane, William Lapin, Elias Langham, William Lewis, Joshua Littler, George Linson, Nathan Low, Joseph Melvin, John Marsuis, Jonathan Minshall, John Mozer, Hugh Montgomery, John Melvin; James McDonald, William Mann; Samuel Mitchell, David Mitchell, Samuel Mitchell, Jr., Moses Mitchell, David Mitchell, Jr., John McDonald, — Mathews, William McCoy, James Moore, James Marquis, Gabriel Markle, William Marquis, Roger. Moody, John McNeal, Jacob Mozer, Rowan McCaully, Sally Moore, Jesse McKay, John Mills, S. McDonald, Reuben Mann, Samuel Mann, Robert Nelson, Andrew Noteman, Ann Noteman, Robert Nicholson, Usual Osborn, George Prugh, William Patterson, Robert Powers, John Pepper, John Phoebus, Peter Paugh, Thomas Patterson, Samuel Powell, Samuel Pearce, David Park's heirs, James Pringle, George Phifer, Robert F. Pringle, Andrew Rea, Daniel Ross, Henry Roby, Thomas Robinson, James Robinson, Samuel Robinson, John Robinson, Thomas Reed; E. Reynolds, John Rathburn, John Simpkins, William Starnes, John Stroup, John Smith, Tobias Shields, Robert Soward, George Sutherland, John Sutherland, Abram Shepherd, Frederick Sager, Christian Sager, Samuel Sager, Philip Sidener, Jacob Sidener, John Selsor, Henry Smith, William Sharp, Benjamin. Springer,. Silas Springer, John Scott, Jacob Steele, George Sager, Henry Shover, Charles Sterret, Abram Sager, Henry Sager, Thomas Stoddard, John Stafford, David Sidener, Isaac Smith, Gibson Savage, John Taylor, William Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Richard Taylor, John Troxel, MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 241 Alexander Thompson, Enoch Thomas, Jacob Trumbo, Isaac Troxel, Joshua Thompson, Jonah Toppin, William Thomas, Robert Thomas, Phineas Trussel, Peter Vandevender, George Vanness, Joseph. C. Vance, Jacob Vandevender, John Warner, Walter Watson, David Watson, James Withrow, John Williams, James Whitesides, William Woods, Jane Wingate, Isaac Williams, Delashmutt. Walling, Valentine Wilson, James Wright, Daniel Wright, George Weaver, Joseph Wiley, William Wilson, Joseph Ward, Samuel Watson, Joseph Warner, William Warner and David Witter. The historian cannot vouch for the accuracy of this list or that it contains the name of every landowner residing in Madison county in March, 1819. The list is copied verbatim, and it is presumed that such a record would be correct. The only object in printing it is to try and preserve the names of many who have long since been forgotten. If this has been accomplished, the purpose of publication is attained, and it is felt that the reader may derive, some interesting information from a careful perusal of a list of pioneers who laid the foundation of the present commonwealth. MADISON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. In 1846, the Clark and Madison County Agricultural Society was organized, which held fairs alternately at South Charleston and London. The last of these fairs was held in London, on the 6th; 7th, and 8th of October, 1852. On the 13th of November, 1852, the following Agricultural notice appeared in the Madison Reveille We the undersigned; citizens of Madison county, are in favor of calling a county convention, for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural Society, within and for Madison county, separate and depart from Clark county; and recommend such convention to be held on Saturday, the 20th day of November, 1852. Paul Smith, Sabastian Roberts, Abraham Johnston, Thomas J. Stutson, J. McCullough, R. Acton, G. W. Lewis; G.. B. Olney, N. H. S. Miller, Jennet Stutson, F. H. Olmstead, O. C. Standart; G. E. Hartwell; Nathan Burnham, E. S. Hancock, B. Crabbe,. N. E. Davis, Evans Pennington, Henry Alder, Carlton E. Gregg, John G. Dun, Caleb Morse James Burnham, John T. Maxey, Robert Armstrong, William C. Minter, Dr. J. Stutson, A. Toland, A. J. Ryan, John Williams, William. Morris, Washington Withrow, Jackson Brock, W. A. Koontz, Coleman Asbury, William Riddle, D. Haskell, P. R. Asbury. In response to this call, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the farmers, mechanics and business men took place in London on that date. The meeting was organized by appointing T. J. Stutson, of Jefferson township, chairman, and William H. Creighton, secretary. The chairman, in a brief but appropriate address, explained the object of the meeting, which was to dissolve the connection which had theretofore existed with Clark county in an agricultural society, and to organize such society for Madison county alone. The necessity of such a course was obvious. The fairs were held in Clark county "except occasionally by special favors, and by private individuals at London defraying certain. expenses." The consequence was that a very large portion of the county was excluded from its benefits by being so remote from the point where the fairs were held. He urged that Madison county Contained the elements within herself to of the very best agricultural exhibitions of any county in the state. On motion of David Haskell, it was resolved to proceed to organize a Madison county agricultural society, and elect such officers as were necessary to conduct the affairs of such society. On motion ,of John. Melvin, it was resolved that the officers of this society should be a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and five directors. The officers were then elected as follow : President, Richard Cowling; vice-president, Dr. J. Stutson; treasurer, John. Rouse ; secretary, W. H. Creigh- (16) 242 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. ton; directors, John H. Findlay, John T. Maxey, John G. Dun, Jesse Watson, Jonathan Farrar. On motion, Messrs. Toland, Findlay and Stetson were appointed a committee to draft a constitution for the society, which was reported and unanimously adopted. On motion it was resolved that a committee of one for each township in the county be appointed to solicit names for members of this society, whereon John Melvin was appointed the committee for Jefferson township; John Williams, Stokes; Charles Phellis, Pike; Henry Alder, Canaan; John Smith, Darby; David Morris, Monroe; W. B. Davis, Fairfield; John H. Kennedy, Somerford; James Q. Minshall, Range; James Robinson, Pleasant; R. B. Winchester, Union; John G. Dun, Deer Creek. On motion, it was resolved that one hundred and fifty copies of the constitution of the society be printed for distribution through the county. On motion, it was resolved that John T. Maxey, Richard Cowling, and Jonathan Farrar be a committee to wait on the directors of the late Clark and Madison Agricultural Society; and obtain from them the portion of the money in the hands of the treasurer of the said society that was contributed by and properly belonged to Madison county. THE FIRST ANNUAL FAIR. The first fair of the Madison County Agricultural Society, was held in London on September 28 and 9, 1853. The officers of the society, under whose auspices this .fair was held, were elected on June 4, 1853, and were as John, H. Findlay, president ; James Foster, vice-president ; John Rouse, treasurer ; J. F. Freeman, secretary; Richard Cowling, Charles Phellis, James Burnham, William Harrold and John F. Chenoweth, directors. The day prior to the opening of the fair the sale of the imported thoroughbred stock, brought from Europe a short, time before, took place, and gave the new enterprise of the agricultural society an impetus it could have received in no other way... Hundreds of leading stock . men attended the sale, and remained for the fair, which proved a grand success. In September, 1854, the society purchased. eight acres and- eighty perches of land, in survey No. 5670, from John T. Maxey, paying for the same four hundred and twenty-five dollars.. This tract is located in the northeast part of London, and the fairs were held there for fourteen years, with varying success. The last exhibition was held on .September 18, 19 and 20, 1867, and the following were the officers at that time: J. Swetland, president; John Reed, vice-president ; S. W. Durflinger, secretary; Preston. Adair., treasurer; directors, David Haskell. William Curtain. Robert Deyo, Adam Young; committee of arrangements, J. Swetland, L. Mount, Preston Henry Tyler, James Converse, Charles Phellis, John Mitchel, L. Mount, Daniel Boyd, Robert Deyo, Aam Young; committee of arrangements; J. Swetland, .L. Mount, Preston man. Adair, Henry Tyler; marshals, William .Summers and J.. C. Bridgen. Many causes led to the abandonment of these faits. In the fail of 1868, a Union Agricultural Society was organized at Mechanicsburg, which had for its promoters some of the leading citizens of the northwestern portion of Madison county. These men had previously belonged to the Madison county society, and their withdrawal from it, together with the starting of a new association so close to the north part of the county, naturally had a. dampening effect. upon the old, organization. A second cause was the absence of a track where horsemen could exhibit their, animals. The grounds were small, and .races were not a part of. the program at these fairs hence one of the principal attractions was missing. Efforts were made at different times to purchase additional; ground; with the object of constructing a good track thereon, but nothing was ever accomplished in that direction. The principal cause, however why the holding of fairs in London was abandoned, was on account of the rapid growth of the Madison county stock sales, at that time and for years the glory and pride of this portion of MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 243 Ohio. This county needed no annual fair, for it held one every month. The MadisonCounty Agricultural Society, however, still lived; its organization was kept intact and its financial condition healthy. Its officers were: Stephen Watson, president; Jeriah Swetland, vice-president; J. C. Bridgeman, treasurer ; Edwin Phifer, secretary; Preston Adair, Joseph Williams, Stephen Watson, James Millikin, John Pancake, Charles Phellis, Jr:, R. G. Dun, Philip Durffinger, J. C.. Bridgeman, W. H. Summers, Daniel Boyd, Jeriah Swetland, Adam Young; Robert Boyd and Erwin Phifer, directors. LONDON DRIVING-PARK ASSOCIATION. The first step taken toward the revival of the county fairs was probably the organization of the London Driving-Park Association. This association was formed early in the year 1883 and soon after leased sixty acres of land for a park of R. B. Cowling, about one mile east of London, between the railroad and the, Jefferson pike. On March 23, of the same year, they gave the contract for building a half-mile dirt track to Morris Nevils for three hundred and thirty-nine dollars, the track to be finished by May 1. During that spring the local papers began the discussion of the revival of the old county fairs. Stables on the driving association's park were erected by E. S. Vent and a high board fence was placed around the grounds by A. L. Slagle. The park was opened on July 4, with the following program of races: Gentlemen's trot ; 3 :00 trot, purse one hundred dollars; 2 :40 pacing, purse one hundred; 2 :35 trot, purse one hundred and fifty ; one-half mile running; one-half mile bicycle. Admission was placed at fifty cents for gentleman; ladies free. Of this association O. F. Richman was president; A. W. Boyd, secretary and F. T. Creamer, treasurer. This meet was a great success and it was estimated that there were from five to seven thousand people present. On August 8, 1883, another successful race program was held. The following year the following directors were chosen : F. T. Creamer, C. T. Richman, A. T. Landers, W. H. McKinna, Fred Gillett, Leon Minshall and Albert W. Boyd. There were two hundred shares of stock in the association, of which one hundred and eighty-two were sold. Another race meet was held on the Fourth of July that year, with a similar large crowd. In the Democrat for March 4, 1885, is found the following: "We, the undersigned citizens of Madison county, are in favor of calling a county convention for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society within and for Madison county, Ohio, and recommend that said convention be held at the court house in London on Saturday, the fourteenth day of March, 1885, and respectfully invite all persons interested to attend said convention.", This call was signed by about one hundred and fifty of the most prominent citizens of the county. The immediate results of this meeting are not now quite clear, but it is recorded that on January 5, 1886, the Madison County Agricultural Society met and elected the following officers : Stephen Watson, president; F. C. Gillett, vice-president ; Erwin Phifer, secretary ; Job J. Clark, treasurer; and Jacob Peetrey, S. Bonner, H. C. Guy, Job J. Clark, Walter Dun, John E. Lotspiech, Noah Thomas. F. C. Gillett, William Curtin, Erwin Phifer, A. H. Underwood, Austin Hutson, H. Toland, and Matt Rea, directors. At a meeting of the board of directors, January 15, 1886, it was decided to sell the old fair grounds and secure new grounds, and a committee composed of H. C. Guy, Harford Toland and M. L. Rea, were appointed to purchase or lease new grounds. A committee composed of J. J. Clark and William Curtin was appointed to prepare a premium list. However,' for reasons unknown, no fair was held in that year. In January, 1887, G. W. Wilson, then president of the Madison County Agricultural Society, met the directors of the London Driving Park Association and submitted the following proposal : 244 - MADISON, COUNTY, OHIO. "To the London Driving Park Company : The Madison County Agricultural Society desires, if practicable, to hold a county fair this year. The society is without funds to purchase grounds, and can only purchase if favorable terms can be had. "The most convenient grounds for a fair are now occupied by the London Driving Park Club, by virtue of a lease from the owners of the grounds. We understand that there is, a clause in the lease binding the lessee not to re-lease the premises. If so, perhaps the association would not lease the same to the society. But if we cannot lease and control the grounds, you may grant the society the privileges of holding a fair on your 'grounds.. "The agricultural society would he pleased to have the association consider the matter of granting the privilege of holding a county fair on the grounds and take such action as shall seem, best. If thought best, a committee of both associations could be appointed to meet, consider and report." . This proposition was favorably considered by the Driving-Park Association, which at that time was about one thousand dollars in debt and in poor financial shape, and the members offered to assign their stock to the agricultural society if the latter would assume that indebtedness, or, offered to rent the grounds, for the remainder of the lease, six years. But the hopes for a fair that year were dashed by the county commissioners refusing to accept a quit-claim deed for the old fair-grounds from. the Madison County Agricultural Society on, the grounds that the society had abandoned the grounds. PERMANENT REVIVAL OF INTEREST. On November 9, 1889, an enthusiastic meeting of the agricultural society was held at the court house and interest was revived in the proposed fair. A campaign was started to increase the membership of the society. A committee composed of G. W. Wilson, Fred ,Webster and D. T. Garnard was appointed to prepare a new constitution. On April 14, 1890, the society held a meeting at the office of G. W. Wilson, and the. matter, of leasing and buying ground adjacent to the old fair-grounds .on 'North Elm street was discussed, two parcels of land being in view—those of Robert Boyd, and W. H. Chandler, Sr. It was finally decided to lease the Chandler land back of the old grounds, which contained twenty-five acres, located suitably for a good half-mile track. There were about eight acres in the old grounds, well shaded. The written proposition of Mr. Chandler for a five-year lease at two , hundred and twenty-five dollars was accepted and the lease was ordered prepared at once. The committee on grounds was instructed to sow the hillside facing the proposed track with grass. Local horse fanciers were to build the track at their own expense, reserving the privilege of using the same for training purposes, the agricultural society to be put to no expense for the same. Committees on rules and regulations and on, premiums were appointed and set to work. The state board of agriculture placed Madison county in the Ohio Valley circuit and fixed the time for the fair for the week Including September 1-5, inclusive. The track was laid out by Engineer Arnett and extended on to, the grounds of Mrs. James Hamilton and A. J. Coover, eight acres of ground being leased from the former and three from the latter. On April 30, 1890, the village council of London voted five hundred dollars from its general funds to aid the society in the 'improvement of its grounds. On May 13, 1890, the contract for the building of the track was let to Patrick McDonough for five hundred dollars. The track was fenced, both inside and out, and a neat judges' stand was erected, purposely made small to exclude intruders. Over fifty box-stalls were erected. A large and commodious building for the exhibition of farm products, with an upper story, devoted to fine arts, archaeology, etc., was erected and sheds for cattle, sheep, and hogs were built. Four, wells were driven on the grounds to furnish water. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 245 The fair was a great success. Every department was patronized almost to its full capacity for exhibits, while several of them "crowded the limits." Thursday was the big day, it being estimated that twelve thousand people were on the grounds during that day. Rain on Friday prevented a large attendance and interfered with the races, which were postponed until Saturday, on which day rain still curtailed the sport. The total cash receipts reached about four thousand dollars, leaving a surplus, after paying the premiums and running expenses. The success of the fair was largely due to the indefatigable efforts of Fred Webster, secretary of the board, who was ably assisted by the president, G. W. Wilson, T. J. Houston, D. T. Genard and others. The Madison County Agricultural Society has continued to give an annual fair at the fair-grounds since, with varying success. In 1900 the lease on the grounds expired. On May 19 the commissioners voted to direct the directors of the society to extend grounds and to make improvements, not 'to exceed eight thousand dollars in cost. On September 3, the board bought twenty-six and one-half acres, partly in survey No. $886 and partly in survey No. 5679, of Robert Boyd, for three thousand four hundred and seventy-eight dollars and twelve cents. In October of the same year the directors purchased of the W. H. Chandler heirs eleven and thirty-eight one-hundredths acres, in survey No. 5670, for one hundred and fifty dollars an acre. These purchases, with the eight acres already owned, gave the agricultural society a fair-ground of about forty-five acres. A new track was laid out and built that year. This is the track used at present and is considered by horsemen generally one of the best half-mile tracks in the state. In 1901 many improvements were made; many of the buildings were repaired and remodeled and a new grandstand, two hundred by forty-six feet, with a capacity of twenty-eight hundred people, was erected. ORGANIZATION FOR 1915. The twenty-sixth annual Madison county fair was held on August 24, 25, 26 and 27, 1915, with the following official roll : Marion Sanford, president; John L. Houston, vice-president; George Langen, treasurer ; Lamar P. Wilson, secretary, all of London; directors (1916), J. W. Johnson, Range; J. P. Foody, Stokes; J. L. Houston, Somerford; George Langen, Union; Wm. Irwin, London village. (1917) Chas. Prugh, Canaan; Charles Wilson, Darby; Henry Hildinger, Deer Creek ; E. O. Fitzgerald, Fairfield; M. E. Hummel, Jefferson. (1918) Marion Sanford, Monroe; Robert C. Rea, Oak Run; E. T. Jones, Paint; Sweyne Kennedy, Pike; G. W. Hornbeck, Pleasant. J. Scott Chenoweth, marshal. Prices of admission— Membership ticket, admitting man, wife and children under 12 years of age one dollar ; single ticket, twenty five cents; children under fifteen years of age, ;fifteen cents; single horse, ten cents ; double team, twenty cents. The various departments were managed by the following persons : Speed ring, E. T. Jones, G. W. Hornbeck, L. R. Watts and R. C. Rea ; class horses, M. E. Hummel, H. L. Hildinger and J. Scott Chenoweth; cattle, J. P. Foody, J. W. Johnston and Charles Shough; sheep, Charles Wilson, E. O. Fitzgerald and S. E. Thompson; swine, E. 0. Fitzgerald, Charles Wilson and S. E. Thompson; poultry, Marion Sanford; farm products, fruits and flowers, Sweyne Kennedy and J. L. Houston ; fine arts, etc., Charles Prugh and Miss Ethel N. Williams; manufacturers, William Irwin and L. P. Wilson; merchants' exhibits, William Irwin and L. P. Wilson ; sale of privileges, E. 0. Fitzgerald, William Irwin and L. P. Wilson; executive and finance, Marion Sanford, J. P. Foody; E. T. Jones and Henry Hildinger ; auditing committee, R. C. Rea, E. O. Fitzgerald and J. L. Houston. THE MT. STERLING FAIR. The first fair of the Mt. Sterling Fair Association was held during the week of September 3, 1890. Details of information concerning this fair now are somewhat indefinite, but the meeting must have been a success, as the second annual fair was held on Sep- 246 - MADISON: COUNTY, OHIO tember 2, 3 and 4, 1891. The grounds were located within the corporation limits of the village of Mt. Sterling. and were easy of access. A good track was built and. a grandstand with a seating, capacity of about three; thousand. people was erected. This fair continued, until; about 1898 when it was temporarily. discontinued. In the fall. of 1914 the. fair was. revived and a successful meeting was held that year and also in the fall of 1915. THE GRANGE. By T. Hollon Orcutt, Secretary of Oak Run Grange. Believing that everyone would be interested in perusing a history of the origin and purpose of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of the subordinate grange as well; I was constrained to prepare this short article for publication. It is given to but few men to set in motion great humanizing forces, agencies or influences; to be founders,. builders,, organizers, for humanity's sake. Such must have the prophet's vision coupled with the prophet's faith. They may dream dreams and see visions; but we bring things to pass. Such. a man was Oliver H. Kelley, the originator- and first' among the founders of the order. . On October 20, 1865, Isaac Newton, then United States commissioner of agriculture, appointed Mr. Kelley as special agent of the department and to proceed immediately through the. states .lately in hostility against. the government, to procure statistics and other information bearing upon the agricultural resources of the South and to report the same to the department for publication: Mr. Kelley left Washington for the South, January 13, 1866, and while on this trip 'conceived the idea of a secret organization of farmers, north and south; to renew and promote a more fraternal feeling. Mr. Kelley told the following incident : "I was directed to visit a Mr.. B., a very bitter Southern man, for some of my information. I proceeded at once to his residence and as I came up to the door Mr. B., seeing me approaching and that I must be a man from the North, said to me, 'No d—d Yankee can cross my threshold! Get out of there!' But Mr. Kelley, being a Mason, gave a sign as he turned to go and Mr. B., who also was a Mason; recognized the same and immediately a different feeling existed 'between the two men and Mr. Kelley secured his information without further difficulty." Six months prior to the date of Commissioner Newton's letter to Mr. Kelley; or on April 9, 1.865, Lee had surrendered to Grant at Appomattox; on April 14th President Lincoln Was shot. Public feeling was intense. The nation was stirred to its depths. Agriculture was a thing quite forgotten. The devastated 'farms of the South bore crops of cannon balls; instead of cotton balls. On April 21, 1866, Mr. Kelley returned to Washington from his Southern trip and proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, to visit his niece, Miss Caroline A. Hall, at which time he explained to her his plans for the new organization, and it was she who suggested that women he given full and equal right of membership in the order. About this time Mr. Kelley had associated with him in his work. two brother Masons, Ireland and Trimble, whose counsel he needed, particularly in preparing the ritualistic work. Also William Saunders, head of the government experimental grounds, and Ansen Bartlett, of North Madison, Ohio. After much correspondence and discussion it was decided that the new order was to me known by the name of "Patrons of Husbandry." The first meeting, which was not at all formal, was held at Washington, November 15, 1867, W. M. Ireland presiding and Mr. Kelley, 'acting as secretary. A short time afterward a motto was decided on, i. e., "Esto Perpetua," meaning "let it be perpetual," and so it has become a mighty force for the agriculturist, extending from Maine to California; but, strange to say, the Southern farmers never took up the new order that was intended for their benefit. However, of late years, a few granges have been established in the South. There are seven degrees, as follow : First, second, third and fourth, constituting the subordinate; the fifth, of pomona; sixth, or state, and the seventh, or national. MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 247 It was the intention of the organization to add other degrees as,. the order progressed, similar to the Masons; for instance, the eighth degree was to be known as the "Degree of the Golden Sheaf." The membership of the Grange has grown .very rapidly in the past ten years. At the present time we have a round million of Grangers. in the United States, Ohio furnishing over sixty-five thousand and with about forty .thousand voters and six .hundred subordinate granges., Madison county has seven well-organized. granges, viz.: Darby, .Canaan,, Bradford, Oak Run, Madison Banner,. Pleasant and Fairfield, with a membership of almost five hundred members in good standing. There have been organized in the United States one hundred and thirty-five new granges in three months, April 1 to June 30, 1915, Ohio being second, with eighteen, and Kansas leading, with nineteen, The principal corner stones on which the Grange is built are education, legislation (fraternity-sociability) and co-operation. Take the word "education" from our creed and the order can but die. The Grange stands for better education, better homes and better rural communities.. Man is by nature a social being. Left to himself, he becomes narrow and selfish. Meeting together in a social way„ as people do in the Grange, has a tendency to make them more intelligent; "contact sharpens the mind." The Grange is non-partisan, yet partisan. .Almost all the laws pertaining to agriculture have been, enacted through the efforts of the Grange: One of the greatest conveniences that the farmer enjoys. today (rural mail delivery) has come by the persistent efforts of the Grange. Fraternity Fraternity! Walter Scott said, "The race of mankind would perish, did they cease to aid. each other. From the time that mother binds the child's head till the moment that some kind assistant wipes the death-damp from. the brow of the. dying, we cannot exist without mutual help. All, therefore, that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow mortals; no one who holds the power of granting can refuse it without. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are saved each year by Grange co-operation. A great many examples might be given, but lack of space forbids it. The initiation fee is one dollar for men. and fifty cents for women. The dues are one dollar and twenty cents per year for the subordinate grange. The Pomona grange fifth degree consists of members of the subordinate grange. The initiation fee is twenty-five cents and .twenty cents per year 'dues.. The sixth degree is one dollar, without and dues, also the seventh. The Grange has a place in American history, because it has served agriculture and humanity. It will, continue to hold its place as long as it is of service to the farmer and his family ; to the community to the state and to the nation. OAK RUN GRANGE. The membership of the grange at Oak Run has grown very rapidly in the past ten years. At the present time, there are a round million of grangers in the United States, Ohio furnishing over sixty-five thousand, with about forty thousand voters and six hundred subordinate granges. The Ohio state grange is officered as follow : Master, T. C. Laylin, Norwalk; overseer, S. J. Pierce, Warren; treasurer, O. J. Demith, New Philadelphia; secretary, Eugene F. Cranz, Ira. Madison county has five subordinate granges, as follow : Darby at West Jefferson; Oak Run at London; Canaan at Plain City; Bradford, Brandford School; Pleasant at Mt. Sterling and a Pomona made up from the membership of the above granges. Oak Run grange was organized at Oak Run school house on April 16, 1874, and survived for a short time. It was again reorganized at London and a duplicate charter bearing date of October 28, 1905 was granted. It has a membership of one hundred and fifteen and the following are the principal officers: Master, C. C. Hankinson; overseer, Mrs. Esta Gerrard; treasurer, A. J. Blue; secretary, T. Hollen Orcutt. 248 - MADISON COUNTY, OHIO. A well-known memher of the grange advances three. reasons why farmers should belong to the grange. There is a social reason. Man is by nature a social being. Left to himself he becomes narrow and selfish. Meeting together in a social way as people do in the' grange, has a tendency to make them more intelligent. "Contact sharpens the Wind." One of the specific objects of the grange was and' is to develop a higher manhood and womanhood. Another reason why farmers should belong to the' grange is for the improvement of the nature that the development of 'the fraternal spirit, "feels for the wants and relieves the distress of our brothers and sisters." A third reason why farmers should affiliate with the grange is because of the opportunity it affords for co-operation. The grange has a place in American history because it has served agriculture and humanity. It will continue to hold its place as long as it is of service to the farmer and his family, to the community, to the state and nation. BRADFORD GRANGE. Bradford Grange No: 877, was organized on May 11, 1874, at the McCliman school building now known as Bradford. This first organization was effected through the efforts of the county organizer, Deputy Alford Pringle. J. M. Johnson was the first master. This grange was disbanded in 1882, through lack of interest on the part of the members, but was reorganized in the fall of 1897 by State Organizer Hale, at the Punkle school house. There were fifty-six charter members and J. W. Johnston was chosen first master. The meeting place was changed to the Johnston school house, but recently the meetings have been held at the Bradford school house. The present membership is fifty-two. The officers for the present year (1915) are J. S. Irion; master ; A. E. Henry, overseer ; Mrs. W. D. Snyder, lecturer; Fred McClimans, steward; Allan Shepherd, assistant steward; J. W. Johnston, chaplain; L. M. Johnston, treasurer ; Mrs. J. D. Truitt, secretary ; O. T. Dunkle, gate keeper; Mrs Marion Warren, Ceres; Mrs. A. E. Henry, Pomona ; Mrs. K. L. Foster, Flora; Mrs. O. T. DDunkle, lady assistant steward. PLEASANT GRANGE. Pleasant Gramge No. 1853 was organized on April 13, 1912, with fifty-six charter members. The first officers of the grange were as follow: A. S. Thomas, master; L. R. Pions, overseer; W. S. Robison, lecturer; James H. Blain, steward ; B. R. Harrison, assistant steward; J. W. Kellough, chaplain ; J. W. Anderson, treasurer; J. S. Core, secretary; T. H. Carpenter, gate keeper; Fidelia Robison, Ceres; Nettie Henry, Pomona; Mrs. William McKinley, Flora ; Mrs. T. H. Carpenter, ladies assistant steward. The membership at present number ninety-five and the meetings are held in I. O. O. F. hall Robert Sterling on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following are the officers for 1915: J. W. Call, master; C. P. Corkwell, overseer; Nettie Henry, lecturer; Lloyd Thornton, steward ; B. R. Harrison, assistant steward; D. B. Saint, chaplain; A. S. Thomas, treasurer ; consistre, secretary ; Ray Dennison, gate keeper; Mrs. Thomas Hartley, Ceres; Mrs. A. S. Alkire, Pomona; Mrs. A. S. Thomas, Flora ; Mrs. J. W. Call, ladies assistant steward. MADISON BANNER GRANGE. Madison Banner Grange No 1952 was organized on November 25, 1914, with thirty charter members. The officers who first served this grange, and are still in office, are Robert R. Ritnour, master; Daniel Strubie, overseer ; Mary Self, secretary; B. B. Spolm, lecturer and Cora Morris, treasurer. The membership at present numbers forty. The regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays, in the Knights of Pythias lodge hall. The programs consist of discussions of the different subjects of interest to the farmer. Co-operative buying is another great work of the grange. The aim of the officers of this grange is to MADISON COUNTY, OHIO - 249
make all meetings as interesting as possible and to promote the growth of friendship and sociability. FAIRFIELD GRANGE. Fairfield Grange No. 1991 was organized on March 10, 1915, by Deputy Master Blue and is composed of all new members of the order. Several calls were made before an organization was effected, but since the order has been installed there has been much interest manifested. There were thirty-five charter members and this has been increased to fifty. The officers for the organization are J. F. McGuire master; Mrs. Belle Fitzgerald, overseer ; Jay Fitzgerald, lecturer ; E. E. Young, steward; T. A. Groves, assistant steward; Elta Lukens, chaplain ; Fred Karn, treasurer ; E. E. Lever, 'secretary ; F. E. Simons, G: K. ; Marjorie L. DeLong, Ceres; Anne Young, Pomona ; Mary Karn, Flora ; Cecile M. Simons, ladies assistant steward ; W. R. Bales, business agent. The most active work which the Fairfield grange has accomplished so far has been in increasing the membership. Since the order is composed of new members they have not taken up the various things that go to make grange work valuable in a community. The chief aim at present is to acquire a strong membership and the larger work will follow later. This is the last grange organized in the county. MADISON COUNTY FARMER'S CLUB. At the close of the Agricultural Extension School, held in London in January, 1911, C. C. Hankinson drafted resolutions proposing that 'the members of the school organize themselves into a farmers' club and that a committee be appointed by the chairman, Mr. Orcutt, to draft a constitution and by-laws. The resolutions were adopted and the committee appointed. Soon after this the committee met and framed a constitution and by-laws and submitted them at the February meeting, the result being the adoption of them and the election of officers. The following officers were elected for the first year : Charles C. Hankinson; president; William B. Cryder, vice-president ; L. R. Bostwick, secretary; J. B. Van Wagener, treasurer. Mr. Hankinson alone is responsible for the life and extensive growth of this club, which at the time of its birth numbered a scant' two dozen members, and 'at present has increased in numbers to such an extent that it has been advised to take under consideration an amendment to limit its territory and in this way limit its membership. He realized that anything which unites farmers mentally and socially, that offers relaxation from daily farm labor, that breaks the monotonous routine of farm life, is to be commended. The object of this society is to promote agricultural knowledge and the intellectual and social advancement of its members. The attendance at the first meetings was small, sometimes not enough to hold a meeting, so Professor Tetlow, of the Agricultural School, was invited to appear and address the members. This created a marked interest and also increased the attendance. It was then suggested that the meetings last all day and be held at the homes of the members. Before this time, from January until the September meeting, they were held in the court house and only in the afternoon. Sherman Simpson was the first to respond with an invitation to meet at his home and the first all-day club meeting was therefore held at Mr. Simpson's beautiful country home "Tekenink," in September, 1911. Professor Graham, of Columbus, was given an invitation to attend and give a talk on the social, side of farm life, which' he did, and it was so thoroughly enjoyed that invitations were then extended by John Houston for the November meeting, and by C. F. Sanford for December. which completed the first year's existence. Each subsequent meeting has been held at the home of some member. The largest attendance in 1912 was at the home of T. H. Orcutt and in 1913 at Houstonia farm. During this time the club has been addressed by some thirty prominent agricultural instructors on topics relative to agricultural interests. |
