Butler County, Ohio - The whole text, 1882 (part 31 of 39)

Sutton, from 1849 to 1855, six terms. 1852 James Crawford was recorder. Hiram Osborn served as recorder from 1853 to 1855. The town officers for the year 1855 were Peter Sutton, mayor; Hiram Osborn, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; 8. M. Skinner, marshal; David Oliver, G. W. Keely, J. M. Stern, Thomas McCullough, trustees. From 1856 to 1859, H. A. Smith filled the office as recorder. On the 4th of April, 1859, the election was held. The result was Peter Sutton, mayor; C. A. Burgoyne, recorder; P. D. Matson, treasurer; 8. M. Skinner, marshal; W*. Higgins, P. D. Matson, and E. A. Smith, fire wardens; Benjamin Wright, J. M. Stern, P. H. Cone, G. W. Keely, and James I. Newton, trustees. For 1861 H. B. Mayo was president or mayor, and ©. A. Burgoyne, clerk. James Crawford was mayor in 1867, and A. H. Webb, clerk. Crawford was also mayor in 1868. The present mayor is B. B. Davis, who has held the office continuously since 1869, with the exception of a few months. Samuel Richey was elected recorder in 1868, and served four years. James Kennedy has held the office continuously for ten years - since 1872.

Oxford seems to have early considered the question of having a fire company. The first mention we find in the records of such an organization is under date of December 7, 1833, when the office of fire warden was created, with power to examine all chimneys, and in other ways prevent the spreading of fire. This resulted in the first meeting, on the 19th of the above month, at the house of L. Weller, and on the 20th a hook and ladder company was formed. Officers were also elected, and the time fixed that their offices should last.

The first meeting to establish a cemetery was held March 22, 1855. There are thirty-two acres in the ground. It is a portion of sixty acres which was bought as a farm at fifty dollars per acre. or the first trustees the association had Thomas McCullough, J. D. Ringwood, James Smiley, G. W. Keely, Elias Kumler, Peter Sutton, Robert Ratliff. The first clerk was H. A. Smith. Some of the prime movers in the matter were: G. W. Keely, P. D. Matson, W. A. Irwin, J. W. Cooper, S. R. Mollyneaux, Alexander Porter, Samuel Gath, Sen., J. E. Newton, G. G. White, Joseph Hills, R. R. McClung. Mrs. Elizabeth Collins, who was born in 1779, and who died August 1, 1855, was the first person buried in the ground; Mrs. Eliza McVeigh was the second; and Mrs. Phebe Russell, the third. Dr. G. W. Keely planted the first evergreens in the yard on the grave of Mrs. Collins, wife of Captain Joel Collins.

tindell and Douglass family vault was built in 1856. It is faced with white marble and has several receptacles for the dead. James Gage, Sen., a native of Colerain, Ireland, died November 7, 1847; aged 82. Mary, wife of James Gage, Sen., died March 26, 1840; aged 60. In memory of Samuel Mollyneaux, who departed this life August 7, 1823; aged 64. Sarah, his wife, died August 5, 1823; aged 54. Abraham Knowlton, died October 23, 1843; aged 59. Lucy, his wife, died December 3, 1857 ; aged 73. Sarah Sadler, born April 5, 1806; died August GuoiZ. Theda White, died March 25, 1871; aged 73. Isaac H. Harmon, died March 25, 1855; aged 51. William K. Sadler, surgeon of the Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteers, killed at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1864 ; aged 31. From General Order, No. 27, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, December 3, 1864: "Surgeon Sadler was untiring in his profession, thorough and accurate as a staff officer, an accomplished gentleman, a noble and generous man. Few officers of this command were as generally known - none more universally loved. Without an enemy in the world, he fell a victim to the blind revenge intended for another." Alexander Wallace, born June 19, 1800; died April 28, 1865. Mary, wife of William Gray, died March 6, 1863; aged 76. Rindelt Maria Glaszen, wife of J. B. Jellies, born April 5, 1801; died December 22, 1869. Rey. Seth Howell, born in Wales, June 4, 1804; died at Oxford, Ohio, February 18, 1858. Thomas Coulter, died May 5, 1872; aged 86. Isabella, wife of Thomas Coulter, died April 16, 1865; aged 79. Ellen, wife of James C. Moffat, of the Miami University, died July 15, 1849; in the 28th yearof her age. Caroline A. Neal, assistant principalin the Oxford Female Institute, died June 16, 1853. Herfather, John A. Neal, was born at Bristol, England, October 25, 1774; died at Oxford, Ohio, November 28, 1854. Sylvester Lyons, died February 3, 1820; aged 68. Elizabeth, wife of Sylvester Lyons, died January 13, 1887 ; aged 66. Major James Montgomery, a native of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, died at Oxford, Ohio, August 18, 1844, in the 67th year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Major James Montgomery, born April 24, 1782; died December 16, 1862. Sarah Morrison, wife of John Huston, died January 18, 1854, in the 77th year of her age. Francis Finkbine, died September 16, 1865, in the 71st year of his age. Mrs. Ann Davis, died November 20, 1856, in the 81st year of her age. Jane Montgomery, wife of Dr. R. C. Huston, born February 20, 1813; died December 23, 1871. Henry Alexander, born June 1, 1809; died June 7, 1875. Michael Yeakle, died May 22, 1862; aged 59. This gentleman was a prominent citizen of Hanover Township. Patrick Smiley, died March 28, 1855; aged 78. Mary, his wife, died March 4, 1855; aged 76. Chrisey, wife of 8S. L. McDonald, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, August 17, 1808; died February 14, 1854. Rebecca Amelia Dunn, wife of John G. Langstroth, born at Chestertown, Maryland, February 2, 1783; died October 12, 1860. Anna Mary Tucker, wife of Rev. L. G. Langstroth, born at Rowley, Massachusetts, March 3, 1813; died January 23, 1873. Samuel Stewart, died July 18, 1866; aged 76. Jane Cathcart Newman, died March 17, 1880; aged 82. Asa Newton, born January 6, 1789; died May 27, 1833. Elizabeth, wife of William Cathcart, formerly consort of Asa Newton, born October 14, 1795; died October 29, 1859. Dayid W. Leach, born September 25, 1839. He enlisted in Company F, Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, in September, 1861; was killed in the attack on Mission Ridge, November 25, 1868, while nobly performing his duty as a soldier in the army of his country. John Burris, born at

Wilmington, Delaware, January 14, 1792; died June 22, 1880. Albina Pentacoast, wife of John Burris, born in Loudon County, Virginia, May 25, 1794; died September 4, 1854. Elijah Chamberlain, died October 10, 1837; aged 66. William White died April 12, 1821. Ruth Green, consort of William White, died September 1, 1838. Harriet, wife of Dr. R. Morris, died at the Western Female Seminary, October 9, 1858; aged 37. Mary, wife of Rev. David Tenny, born July 29, 1822; died August 28, 1866. Emmor Moore, died August 23, 1834; aged 50 years - a native of Pennsylvania. Sarah W. Moore, died November 6, 1867; aged 76 years. Willie Pearce, born April 4, 1861. Lost by the colliding of the steamers United States and America, December 4, 1868. Thomas C. Munns, died April 14, 1868; aged 57. Mary A. Lowes, born September 2, 1802; died February 6, 1842. Cynthia C., daughter of the Rey. J. A. Waterman; wife of Rey. J. A. I. Lowes, born August 19, 1820; died January 14, 1871. Elizabeth B., wife of Rev. J. A. I. Lowes, born March 13, 1804; died September 4, 1878. John H. Douglass, born June 15, 1867; died January 17, 1878. Margaret K. Douglass, born February 26, 1808; died June 26, 1872. Amos Hoag, a native of Oxford, Ohio, died February 19, 1873; aged 60. Rhoda Brace, born February 25, 1773; died March 3, 1862. James M. Brace, born May 6, 1803; died July 16, 1865. Oliver J. Stork, killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. Hugh Gilchrist, M. D., born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, February 5, 1816; died August 30, 1878. Elisha S. Burk, born July 2, 1809; died October 8, 1880. Almira S., wife of Elisha 8S. Burk, born October 24, 1820; died June 7, 1877. John Roll, born March 22, 1801; died May 26, 1851. Andrew Dodds, died July 31, 1825; aged 70. Margaret, his wife, died August 25, 1826; aged 65. Another private vault in this cemetery is the Freeman, which is of modern build and quite handsome. In memory of James R. Hughes, for fourteen years a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, who died August 8, 1839; aged 46. Phebe, wife of Dr. J. R. Hughes, born. March 31, 1801; died December 24, 1833.

Mariette Sophia, wife of the Rey. Thomas Goodwin, died April 25, 1843; aged 25. Mary A., wife of the Rev. John A. Waterman, died December 14, 1837; aged 45. Rev. John A. Waterman, born in Concord, New Hampshire ; died August 6, 1837; aged 47. Sacred to the memory of Susan, wife of Dr. J. A. Waterman, and daughter of Luther and Grace Dunn. She died at Oxford, Ohio, November 9, 1839, in the 35th year of her age. Rachel McDonald, wife of Martin McDonald, died May 13, 1844; aged 77, Samuel Brown, born in the County of Londonderry, Ireland, died January 25, 1835; aged 75. Sarah, wife of Samuel Brown, born in Londonderry, Ireland; died July 29, 1844; aged 22. Thomas Barr, a native of Ireland, died September 11, 1848; aged 27. John Martin, a native of Ireland, died August 7, 1847; aged 23. David Ratthay, born in Paisley, Scotland, November 18,1792; died March 3, 1851. Silas Osgood, died May 16, 1840, in the 78th year of his age. Sarah Ann, consort of Rev. John W. Clark, died February 14, 1833, in the 24th year of her age. West Bonney departed this life on the 26th of September, 1843, in the 72d year of his age. Catharine, wife of Seth Webb, died August 29, 1848; aged 100 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Henry Webb died October 6, 1857; aged 72. Townsend D. Peyton, died August

25, 1852; aged 77. Sarah, his wife, died August 11, 1864; aged 77. Dr. Freeman Perry, of Fair Haven, Massachusetts, died in Franklin County, Indiana, after a few days' illness with typhus fever, aged 62. He was born July 27, 1825. Rey. J. J. Tiffany graduated in the Miami University, and was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Died December 29, 1857; aged 31. Nancy, wife of Joseph Tiffany, afterward wife of Samuel Pollard, died August 26, 1853; aged 78. Sacred to the memory of Ebenezer Howe, a native of Boston, Massachusetts; born on the 138th of July, 1763, and died at Oxford, Ohio, July 10, 1830. Died on the morning of the 16th of October, 1834, at his residence in Oxford, Ohio, Colonel Isaiah Leigh, aged 51. Colonel Leigh was the first Mayor of Oxford. Anthony Butler, a native of Massachusetts, died March 13, 1847, in the 80th year of his age. Rachel Smith, born in Boston, Massachusetts, died June 13, 1834; aged 66. Isaac Harker, died April 25, 1849, in the 56th year of his age. In memory of Ashel Murdock, a Revolutioner of '76, who died January 23, 1837, in the 82d year of his age. Elizabeth, wife of Ashel Murdock, died May 25, 1834, in the 74th year of her age. Abraham Booth, a native of the West Riding, Yorkshire, England, died June 21, 1852, in the 56th year of his age. Isaiah Hall, born November 26, 1761; died June 29, 1831. Phebe Dutton Hall, born March 12, 1768; died October 21, 1827.

The earliest appearance of a Methodist itinerant near Oxford was early in the Spring of 1805. <A portly, dignified man, of intellectual appearance, was seen astride of a large, black horse, at the crossing of Four-Mile Creek, near Mr. De Witt's farm. He quietly inquired the nearest route to a certain Indian village, located in the vicinity of Connersville, Indiana. Having gained the information desired, he pushed his course rapidly through the wild, trackless woods skirting the stream, and was soon lost to view. This traveler gave his name as Moses Crume, and the object of his visitation to the wild country was as a missionary of the Methodist Episcopal Church, sent out by the authorities of that society to the Indians. Mr. Crume died April 1, 1839, aged seventythree years. In 1787 he became a Christian, and began to preach in 1791. His remains, marked by a plain monument, lie in the old burial-ground in Oxford. Anna, wife of the Rev. Moses Crume (the second wife), died

She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1810, and the following year embraced religion. She was married in 1829 to Mr. Crume. Sarah, Mr. Crume's first wife, died May 10, 1829, aged fifty-seven years, four months, and twenty-four days. Mr. Crume lived in Oxford with his family many years.

Soon after the settlement of the township Mr. Crume made his appearance in Oxford, and left an appointment for preaching. The place of worship was in a log schoolhouse directly opposite and north of the present school building. This house was used by all religious sects for ' worship, and by the public generally for holding meetings for many years. These appointments were continued irregularly by the Methodists until 1818 or 1819.

Mr. Crume, with great faithfulness, continued to minister to the infant Church, planted by his own hand, for a number of years. His appointments were for every sixth Sabbath. This band continued to prosper until the little log-house became too small for their accommodation. In 1813 Mr. Crume was appointed to the Oxford Circuit. He was succeeded in 1814 by the eloquent John Strange.

In 1818 the society selected a site for the new house. Father Weston says that, ''at this time, this land was covered with the primeval forest, where, in his youth, he had often hunted squirrels and chopped cord-wood at twenty-five cents a cord." In the Fall of 1818, material was collected for the building. The leading spirit in this work was John Keely, father of the Rev. John W. Keely, of Indianapolis, and Dr. G. W. Keely, of Oxford. The house was begun in the Spring of 1819, its dimensions being thirty by forty-two feet. The building had progressed favorably, when, in the latter part of June, a fearful hurricane blew down the east wall. A large maple-tree was also thrown across the building, so as to crush in one of the side walls. This disaster caused a delay for one year. By the continued effort of Mr. Keely the house was completed in the Fall of 1820, but he came out of the enterprise financially a ruined man. Even his house was given up, and at last his cow and garden-patch were surrendered to liquidate the debt.

In addition to John Keely and his wife Ann, the members of the Church were Laban Holland, Elias Wilson, Sen., Peter Sampson, Thomas Dollahan, Skillman Alger, Charles Robinson, who was an exhorter; John Strickland, Daniel Dickinson, Samuel Bush, John Griffith, James Ratliff, John Demoss, the Rev. Mr. Cromwell, who was a local preacher; the Rev. Mr. Crockwell, a local preacher. George Howard, Mr. Wilcox, William Henry, Benjamin Sutton, Joseph Kitchen, the Rev. Elisha Stout, local preacher, and William Crume, were all early members. G. G. White, familiarly known as 'Deacon White," came into Oxford as a citizen a year or two after the formal opening of the Church. Many of these brethren had families, and their wives and some of their children were members.

Among the most eloquent and logical of the early preachers were Russel Bigelow, Samuel Brown, Allen Wiley, B. F. Cranch, Samuel Baker, Wm. H. Raper, and Levi White. During a part of this time the venerable Deacon White used the house during intervals of worship as a cabinet-maker's salesroom, and some declare as his workshop also. Deacon White was an excellent singer, and much of his time was given to worshiping God in this manner.

The Church pressed forward with varying success until December, 1837, when a committee was appointed to take into consideration the propriety of selling the old house and building a new one. In February, 1838, the installed, remaining about two years, and was followed by the Rev. Jacob Norris, who stayed until July 9, 1876, when he resigned to accept the professorship of mathematics in Wabash College, Indiana. On the 13th of the following November the Rev. Francis M. Wood was chosen pastor, who was succeeded in May, 1880, by the Rev. George G. Mitchell, the present incumbent. The present membership is about two hundred and fifty. During the month of January, 1841, owing to some division of sentiment on questions of Church polity among the membership of the Presbyterian Church of Oxford, party spirit and strife rose to such a pitch that a large number withdrew themselves therefrom, and on the first of February following organized themselves into a new religious body, under the name of the Second Presbyterian Church of Oxford. Among those thus seceding from the mother Church was the acting pastor, the Rev. William Graham, and him the new Church called to be their first minister. The new society organized with some thirty-two members, which number was increased at the second meeting to seventy. Joseph Woodruff, Joseph Parks, Robert Long, R. E. Hills, G. Y. Roots, and Horace Cross were elected the first board of elders; and Aaron Austin, Harry Lewis, R. E. Hills, Romeo Lewis, William Kennedy, John Adams, James Mayhew, Pe, Roots, and Robert Long were made the first board of trustees. In March Joseph Parks, G. Y. Roots, and R. E. Hills were constituted a building committee to raise funds and superintend the erection of a place of worship for the new Church, which about this time applied for and obtained admission into the Cincinnati Presbytery of the so-called New School Presbyterians. The new body pushed matters vigorously, and in due time were in possession of a comfortable house of worship, on the southwest corner of lot No. 54, bounded west by Main and south by Church Street, and fronting on the latter. Mr. Graham continued to serve the new interest for some three years, and was followed by the Rev. Daniel Tenney (June 30, 1844). Mr. Tenney remained the efficient pastor for nearly twelve years. In July, 1856, the Rev. E. W. Root was installed pastor, being followed, August 11, 1861, by the Rev. J. P. E. Kumler, and in March, 1869, by the Rev. A. H. Young. In the Fall and Winter following the settlement of Mr. Young, a growing fraternal feeling developed itself among the membership of the two existing branches of the Presbyterian Church in Oxford, and in November, 1869, by full and most harmonious concert of action upon the part of both bodies, it was decided to unite the same in one organization, to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. The new Church thus strengthened, decided to occupy the house of worship of the Second Church, and retain the pastoral labors and pulpit ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Young, and to enlarge and improve their church edifice to meet the wants of the increased society and congregation, which was accordingly done. The future history

From the time Oxford began to attract the attention of the public the Presbyterian Church took a strong hold upon the people. Nearly all the professors of the university belonged to this or the Associate Reformed Church. Many of the students were often sent to college here because of the strict Presbyterian doctrine to which most of the faculty were committed. About the year 1836 the Associate Reformed congregation was organized. It was a branch of the Rev. Alexander Porter's Church of Israel Township, in Preble County, eight miles north. Porter's Church was formed by members who came from South Carolina to avoid slavery. After some years of great success the Oxford Church was organized with the understanding by the synod that a theological institute should there be opened. The Rev. S. W. McCracken, who was born in Hamilton County, was the organizer. He preached here as 'stated supply" for two or three years, during which time he was a professor of mathematics in the university. He afterward removed to Hopewell, in Preble County, and died in 1856 or 1857. The Rev. Joseph Claybaugh, D. D., was the first pastor. He was born in Frederick County, Maryland, July 1, 1803. He received his preparatory education in the Chillicothe Academy, Ohio, and was graduated at Jefferson College, in 1822, and in 1824, May 26th, was licensed to preach. His theological education was obtained under the direction of the Rev. John Steele, of Xenia, Ohio. He served the people as pastor at Chillicothe, Ohio, from 1825 to 1839; and of Oxford, Ohio, from 1840 to September, 1855. He was the principal of the Chillicothe Academy from 1825 to 1827, and professor of theology in the Associate Reformed Seminary at this place from 1839 until his death on the 9th of September, 1855, which resulted from scrofula.

The Rev. Mr. Claybaugh was succeeded as pastor of the Church by the Rev. Wm. J. McSurley, who remained about four years. Then came Marcus Ormond, for four years; J. S. Black, four years; James Dodds, for two years, and who was with the people from 1878 to 1880. The Church was then without stated ministration after Mr. Dodd left for over a year. In April, 1882, they extended a call to the Rev. S. R. Frazier, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and the Church, now known as the "United Presbyterian," having taken that name in common with bodies of the same faith in 1858, has been enjoying his labors as settled pastor from the first Sabbath in June. It has a resident membership of about ninety communicants. We find among the early members Kennedy Brooks, William and Alexander Wallace, Hugh Herron, Arthur Orr, John Caldwell, Mr. Beaton and Alexander Young, with their wives and portions of their families.

associated themselves together at that time was thirteen. Harvey Gilford was their preacher, and officiated as their pastor for some time. In the same year the society purchased lot No. 5, for $350, and erected upon it a frame building for a church, thirty by fifty feet, and sixteen feet to the eave of the roof. The interior was furnished with pews capable of seating two hundred and fifty persons; the cost of the building was $300. In 1856 the membership numbered thirty ; the pastor or preacher was the Rey. William Curry.

The Rey. Abner Longley, a citizen of Oxford in 1828, was among the early members and preachers. He afterwards removed to Lebanon, Indiana, and died in Kansas a few years ago. Mr. Longley was a cabinet-maker by trade; he attended college at the university, but was not a good speaker. Amaziah Dodge was another of the early members, and also exhorted sometimes. Dodge was a farmer; he died thirty years ago. Isaiah Hall, a farmer and music-teacher, was a prominent member.

Peter Sutton, a carpenter and house joiner here in 1828, now living, a justice of the peace for thirty-one years in succession and a term afterwards, and treasurer of the Miami University for thirty years, was also one of the leading early members.

This Church now has a membership of thirty. There were here for the first preachers the Revs. Messrs. Rogers, Kidwell, and St. John. Kidwell was an itinerant and went throughout the country in all directions. St. John afterwards joined the Methodist Church, and died in Brookville, Indiana. Mr. Emmett was located here as pastor for some years. The Rev. John Gurley, a distinguished minister from Cincinnati, preached to this society some time in the '50's. The Rev. Messrs. Manford and Pingree did not reside in Oxford, but preached here as much as a quarter of a century ago. Mr. Polk, who resided in Oxford, remained with the people for seven or eight years. C. L. Haskell came in 1876 and remained for two years. Many of the preachers who administered to this society also preached to the Bunker Hill Church in Reily Township. Their names will appear in the history of that organization.

The Oxford African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized on the 11th of November, 1842, in the house of John Rollins, by the Rey. Robert Johnson of Hillsboro, Ohio. The house in which this Church worships was built by Joel Collins for the Christian Church, which had a partial existence at one time. Collins was the only member of the Church who lived in this neighborhood, and for this reason built the house mainly out of his own means. From the best information at hand, the probabilities are that the Christian Church never had any regular pastor, but the Rey. John Harrison preached to

The following are worthy original members of the Colored Church: Martha Roberts, Josiah Alberson, Mother Rollins, Thomas Rollins, Jeremiah Lewis, Simon White, John Banister, George Williams. Martha Roberts and John Banister are still living.

The Rev. Robert Johnson was the first minister, and served for one year, commencing in the Fall of 1842. Watkins Lee followed for one year; Robert Jones began in the Fall of 1844, and served one year; he was followed by Hiram Revels, Horace B. Smith, Benjamin Hill, Levi Bass, and John Turner, all for one year. At that date this Church was under the control of the Indiana Conference, and remained so until the General Conference which met in Cincinnati in 1856 placed it under the management of the Ohio Conference. Since that time the succession of their ministers have been: In 1857, Matthew J. Newsome; 1858, David Smith; 1859, Jeremiah Lewis; 1861, Turner Roberts; 1862, Alexander Austin; 1863, William Davidson ; 1866, Jeremiah Lewis; 1867, Henry A. Jackson; 1869, George W. Clark; 1870, Moses W. Walker; 1872, George H. Shafer; 1875, Philip Towler; 1880, Primus Alston.

Its local preachers were Thomas Rollins, William Brown, James Knox, Richard Hastie, and Samuel Burrell. The most useful of the laymen: Albert Russell, Thomas Rollins, Beverly Tyler, Henry McDonald, William Townsend, Beverly Yancy, Ephraim Jones, John S. Jones. Among the faithful workers were Katie Brown, Betsey Jackson, Martha Roberts, Mary Townsend, Eva Sawyer, Cilea Williamson, Mary J. Lewis, Clara Jackson, Elizabeth Lawrence, Margaret Young, Betsey Saunders, Emily Carter, and Jane Yancy.

The original place of worship of this Church was called Bethel, a hewed log-house built by Jeremiah Lewis and Thomas Rollins. In this house the congregation worshiped from 1843 to 1858, when the trustees, under the pastorate of Matthew J. Newsome, purchased the present place of worship for $3,000.

The Christian African Church of Oxford was organized about eighteen years ago. At first this Church met at the colored school-house, but shortly afterwards a frame building was bought of Mr. Constantine McCowen, an early member. This building stood on the site now occupied by the present house, but is removed to the rear of it, for festivals and other purposes. The present house, which cost about $3,000, and which has a seating capacity of three hundred people, was completed in 1881. Hannah Scott, Hardy Scott, Constantine McCowen and wife, Isaiah Dicson and wife Sarah, William Brassfield and Mary his wife, Jacob Piatt and wife Maria, Ann Wright, Amanda Anderson, Ceburn Oliver and wife Malinda, Betsey Crawford, Alfred Reed and wife Nancy, Ronson Deviney and wife Fanny, Maria Price, Eliza Mitchell, Polly Tipton and George, her husband; Stephen Piatt and Jane, his wife, were among the early members. At present there are about fifty members on the register.

The Rev. Rufus Conrad was the first preacher, and also the organizer of the Church, serving for two or three years. The Rev. Isaiah Dicson, who removed to Kansas, and died in 1878, preached for twelve years. The Rey. Benjamin King, of Cincinnati, filled the pulpit for two years. The Rev. William Brown, of Kentucky, served as pastor for three years. He is now in Kentucky engaged in ministerial work. The Rev. Laban 8. Locker filled the pastorate for one year. This Church is one of the most enterprising in the village, and bids fair to do much good.

The Baptist African Church, of Oxford, was organized about twelve years ago by the Rev. Mr.. Brown, of Cincinnati. James Stroud, Mary Roberts, Mather Tester, Willis Pyle and wife, Jackson Piatt and wife, Ellen Carter, Thomas Jackson, Mother Laney, who is now about eighty years of age, Spencer Young, who was licensed here to preach, but is now in Covington, Kentucky, and wife, were among the leading first members. Persons who are now the support of the Church, are Wesley Calbert, Mary Case, Chrisey Dickinson, Thomas Boston and wife. The membership numbers about twenty-five.

The Rev. Mr. Brown, of Cincinnati was the first pastor who filled the pulpit for two years. He was followed by the Rey. Spencer Young, who served six or seven years, but who was ordained outside of the regular association. Then came the Rev. Mr. Woodley, of the Middle Run Church, near Xenia, Ohio, who remained one year. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Goings, from Shelby County, Ohio, who remained for nearly three years. During the Winter of 1831 and 1882 the Rev. Mr. Clay preached as an irregular minister.

The house in which this society worships was erected in 1875. The builder was Mr. Marshall, now an old man, and one of the first settlers in Oxford. The land on which the house stands was given for this purpose by Dr. Andrew Guy, of Oxford, a gentleman of many excellent parts.

Oxford Female College

The Oxford Female College was chartered by the State of Ohio on the 19th of January, 1854, and was the outgrowth of the revolution which took place in the Miami University in the Spring of 1845, by which Drs. Bishop and Scott were thrown out of the faculty. Professor Scott was, however, prevented from immediately following the plan of the Female College, which he had previously formed in his mind, by the solicitation of Dr. Bishop and Prof..F. G. Cary, of College Hill, Ohio, to aid them in the establishment of an agricultural institution at that point.

The establishment of the Miami University at Oxford had induced the people to take much interest in the education of their sons, and efforts for the education of their daughters naturally followed.

to Farmers' College, he began to make arrangements to set the Female College in successful operation. Hence, in 1849, a number of the public-spirited citizens of Oxford organized a stock company for the Oxford Female Institute, and secured a special charter from the Legislature of Ohio for that purpose. A handsome two-story brick building, forty by fifty-three feet, was at once erected in the west end of the village, and operations begun. The Rey. John W. Scott, D. D., formerly of the Miami University, was elected principal, with his daughter, now Mrs. Lord, and his sister-in-law, Miss Neal, who became his first permanent assistant, and continued so until her death in 1852, as helpers. The institute prospered and began to draw students from a distance. Dr. Scott's position at Farmers' College was filled by the Rev. John Covert, who on the foundation which had been laid built the Ohio Female College, an institution which accomplished much good in female education.

On the arrival of Dr. Scott and his assistants from College Hill, operations were begun in the basement of the United Presbyterian Church, while waiting for the completion of the building. But in the Fall these rooms were needed for the theological seminary, and the young institution was compelled to seek quarters elsewhere, which were found by renting rooms over Mr. Mollyneaux's store and the adjoining building, on the corner of Main Street and the public square. In 1850, the institute being finished, the Female College took possession of their new building, with a flourishing school of boarding and day students. But the accommodations were soon found insufficient.

Under these circumstances, Dr. Scott, the Rev. W. 8. Rogers, and the Rev. Henry Maltby, Presbyterian clereymen and able educators, along with other friends, offered to raise the money for the much-needed and necessary buildings, provided they could be secured in the general management of the institution. Mr. Rogers's plan was, that the new school should cease to be a private enterprise, and that while it should be open to all, it should be especially adapted for the education of missionaries' daughters; where, at least, if not altogether, some of the regular expense might be lessened, and the mission boards might be relieved of much care and anxiety. At the same time Mr. Ebenezer Lane, then a resident of Oxford, handsomely offered a tract of thirty-four acres of land, adjoining the eastern edge of the borough of Oxford, as a college site, and in addition a subscription of a liberal sum in money for the endowment of such an institution. After consultation it was decided to go forward with the enterprise. Mr. Lane gave his land and Mr. Rogers took the field to solicit subscriptions.

This change of location produced important results. Great dissatisfaction sprang up among a very large portion of those interested in the institute, and resulted finally in Dr. Scott taking new rooms by renting the old Oxford Hotel, then vacant. The founders of the F emale

College were mainly connected with the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. The pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, the Rev. David Tenney, and his friends were New School, and determined to found another institution, on the south-eastern borders of Oxford, on the Mt. Holyoke system. The institute then passed under the control of the Rev. J. H. Buchanan and the United Presbyterians. Thus the three schools arose, and were zealously carried forward by their several friends, far and near.

After Mr. Rogers's canvass for a few weeks he reported subscriptions in one form and another, to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, a large proportion of which, however, unfortunately were scholarships. A. board of trustees was formed under the sanction and direction of the Synod of Cincinnati, of the Presbyterian Church. <A committee was appointed to visit Eastern colleges, and report on some plan for the buildings. Thus the present college was determined upon, and on the 3d of September, 1856, dedicated by appropriate ceremonies. The Rey. Professor Moffat, afterward of the Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. Joseph Warren, formerly missionary to India, and others delivered addresses. A beautiful poem was also written for the occasion by Mrs. Lydia H. Sigourney. The school was thus launched into existence, and practically began a new life.

In the commencement of this enterprise, the general intention was to expend some $25,000 or $30,000 in a building, with whatever additional amount might be necessary for its furnishing and apparatus, the remainder to be so used as to lessen the cost of tuition, and for the payment of the faculty. When the proposals came in, however, the lowest amounted to considerably over $40,000. The building was begun, and before its completion, with all the steam-heating and gas-lighting fixtures, cost $60,000; and with musical instruments, room furniture, and sundry stables and other out-houses, and general improvements of the grounds, to over $80,000. But the first year opened with two hundred students, one hundred of whom were from a distance. There were, however, many embarrassing circumstances, and the patronage which had fallen to this people, began to be withdrawn and directed toward the Wooster University. The Synod of Cincinnati, after much indifference, finally, by a formal vote, entirely dissolved their connection with it.

Before this, however, some of the debts had become very pressing, and in the exigency of the case some of the members of the board and other friends of the enterprise formed themselves into a joint-stock company to save the institution from failure and bankruptcy. This was some time in the Fall and Winter of 1857. The name of the company was the '*Company in trust of the Oxford Female College." This company proposed to assume in trust the debts and obligations of the institution till such time as the obligations and debits were released, and then return it to the synod and its chartered board, to be a public institution for the benefit of the Church and the world forever. But after taking the matter in hand and paying off a considerable portion of the pressing debt, the company found that in consequence of the drawing back of certain parties, who were with some ground of confidence expected to become partners, they were left too weak pecuniarily to manage the whole debt, and were, therefore, compelled to give the property back to the synod, with a small portion of the obligation paid off. Yet there remained a considerable portion of debt still to be met.

In the early Spring of 1859, the Rev. Dr. Chester, one of the secretaries of the General Assembly's board of education, who had distinguished himself in the management of financial matters, by request came out from Philadelphia to meet with the board, and if possible adopt some measures to relieve their pecuniary embavrrassments. The indebtedness was found to be over $35,000. A decision was made to send out two new soliciting agents in addition to Mr. Rogers, the regular agent of the college, and to secure if possible the amount needed to save the institution. The condition was that no part should be binding unless the whole amount was subscribed. The three agents were Mr. Rogers, Mr. Stewart, then pastor of the Oxford Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Scott. On making a three months' canvass, the whole amount summed up only to about $20,000. During these troublesome times Mr. Stephen Wade, a gentleman of much Christian benevolence and philanthropic spirit, made a proposition to sustain the boarding establishment at his own expense, for whatever pay the scholars might bring in for tuition.

For ten years the Oxford Female College had undergone many hours of trial. The time had now come for the resignation of President Scott. He had during his connection with the institution sunk some $20,000 or $25,000, and in other ways made for himself enemies and traducers.

Among those who contributed liberally to the support of the institution in its hours of need were Dr. Alexander Guy, who gave in donations some $15,000; Judge Nehemiah Wade, who gave $5,000; Ebenezer Lane, besides the land, a large donation in money; the Rey. W. S. Rogers, S. R. Mollyneaux, Mrs. Judge Hindman, and perhaps others, who gave from $1,000 to $2,500. And it is worthy of record that the Rev. Samuel Hair did effective service in aiding Mr. Rogers to obtain subscriptions and scholarships. Judge Wade was for a number of years president of the board of directors, of which there were thirty.

When Dr. Scott resigned, in July, 1859, the college was in danger of suspension, if not of direct failure. Students pressed in for instruction and accommodations, and the means were not forthcoming. But it was determined to support the college and look for another presi- dent. Under the circumstances the Rev. Robert D. Morris, for some years pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Newtown, Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia, was induced to undertake the task in November following. He had been active in educational work in Ohio, and entered upon his duties here with energy and hope. Henceforward the scholarships were honored and the institution went on with.apparent prosperity for thirtythree years.

It, however, suspended this Summer. It was impossible for Dr. Morris longer to keep up the strain necessary to keep it going, and it accordingly closed its doors. It is believed, however, it will open in another building, the present edifice and grounds being retained as a sanitarium. This suspension has been heard of with extreme regret by the friends of the institution.

During its twenty-eight years of life there have been two hundred and seventy graduates, and some two thousand students from all parts of the United States, and some from foreign lands. The tone of education has always been high.

The building and grounds of the Oxford Female College are admirably situated for educational purposes. They have cost about $100,000, and are not surpassed by similar institutions in the West. The main edifice is of brick and stone, cruciform, three stories above the basement, and built in the best manner. It is one hundred and fifty-five feet in front, by one hundred and seventy-one feet and six inches in depth, exclusive of porches. The number of rooms is about one hundred, and they are neatly and uniformly furnished. They will easily accommodate one hundred boarders, together with the family of the president, assistants, and hired help.

In the care and education of the students the president has been assisted by a large corps of teachers, male and female. 'The students were governed as if they were at home, to remind them that they were daughters of a common family. The president, teachers, and all, sat at the same table and ate of the same food. Daily work began with the reading of Scripture, singing, and prayer. Frequent lectures were delivered by the president and others on subjects of history, morals, manners, and religion.

The course of study was intended to embrace every thing essential to the proper development of the intellectual and moral powers of woman, and to give her the education that she really needs. It was not so much to fill the mind with knowledge as to aid in the formation of those habits of patient thought and investigation that in after years will enable them to add to their own store in every or any department that inclination or duty may suggest. The time necessary to complete the course of study after having gained the rudiments in the preparatory department was four years.

There were connected with the institution two literary societies - the Calliopean and Philalethean - with wellfurnished halls and libraries adapted to their use. Besides the libraries in the college, the students had access to the library and the mineral cabinet of the Miami University for reference and consultation. Honors were awarded to members of the senior class for superior scholarship in the regular course, and also for marked success in any of the regular branches.

The faculty at the time of suspension consisted of the Rev. Robert D. Morris, D. D., president; Mrs. Elizabeth Morris, Miss Gertrude E. Wall, Miss Edell Ellis, Miss Phebe Conover, Miss Sallie McKee; Prof. Karl Merz, vocal and instrumental music; Prof. A. Beaugureau, French, drawing and painting. The Rev. H. 8. Osborn, LL. D., lectured on chemistry and natural philosophy. The officers of the board are the Rev. W. W. Colmery, D. D., president, Osborn, Ohio; the Rey. L. F. Walker, secretary, College Hill, Ohio; and the Rev. R. D. Morris, D. D., treasurer, Oxford, Ohio. In 1881 there were seventy-five students.

Prof. John W. Scott

The Rev. John W. Scott, D. D., was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, January 22, 1800. His father was a Presbyterian minister, and in addition to the charge of two pioneer Churches of that day and region, conducted a small grammar school for the preparation of boys for entering Washington and Jefferson Colleges, which were at that day in their incipient and infantile stage. With his father Dr. Scott obtained his early classical and preparatory education, commencing when he was nine years of age. After two or three years, when he had advanced a little in Latin, Greek and lower mathematics, his father used sometimes to set him to hearing the other classes recite. And when he was still further advanced in scholarship he would sometimes leave him in charge of all the classes for a day or so at a time, when he was called away on his parochial duties. The practice that was thus obtained in the field of education was often of much service in after life.

At sixteen years of age, after completing his preparatory education, to which his father had limited his school, and not wishing to graduate at so early and immature an age, he began to teach. The first year was in Eastern Ohio, and the last two years in Beaver and Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, the last eighteen months as principal of the Beaver Academy. In the Fall of 1821 he entered Washington College as a junior, and was graduated in September, 1823. His intention was to go into Kentucky and make a little money teaching, but as he was about to leave, the venerable Dr. Wylie, presi dent of the college, came to him and told him that it was his desire that he should prepare himself for the chair of mathematics and natural sciences, in place of Professor Reed, the incumbent at that time, who was so feeble that Mr. Scott was often employed by the board to give him assistance. Professor Reed died in the course of the succeeding Winter. Dr. Wylie proposed that Mr. Scott should proceed at once to Yale, entering as a resident graduate, and prepare himself by taking a course of lectures, more especially in chemistry, under Professor Silliman, who was then at the head of this department in the United States. He accordingly went to Yale, received the necessary aid, and graduated in 1824, with the degree of A. M.; and in 1826 he returned to Washington and entered upon the duties which had been assigned him in his absence.

During his stay at Washington he married Miss Mary P. Neal, daughter of John Neal, cashier of the Branch Bank of Philadelphia. These two good people lived happily together until about six months after they had celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage, when Mrs. Scott died, March 1, 1876.

Dr. Scott continued in the professorship for four years and a half, and in the Fall of 1828 received a call to a professorship from the Miami University, the same that he was then occupying in Washington College. He accepted this call, and reached Oxford shortly after the commencement of the Winter term of 1828 and 1829. This position Dr. Scott occupied for seventeen years and a half, till the Spring of 1845. In 1830, two years before, the board had created two new professorships, relieving Dr. Scott of the lower mathematics, and he was also licensed and ordained to the Gospel ministry, afterwards preaching occasionally.

But the institution in the midst of its prosperity and high promise fell upon evil times. A variety of unworthy causes and motives produced agitation and commotion, resulting finally in the reconstruction of the faculty, in which Drs. Bishop and Scott were displaced from their former positions. Dr. Bishop was the father of the Miami University; Dr. Scott was the next in age, and the injustice done to these worthy teachers was very great. Shortly after Professor Bishop was called to assist in Cary's Academy, and insisted that Dr. Scott should give him his aid. He also gave his attention to the female college, as already stated in the history of that institution, but in 1859 resigned, because of the pecuniary embarrassments of that seat of learning.

The year following his resignation he spent partly in travel and resting, and six months of it in supplying the vacant Church of Honesdale, in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In 1860 he received a call to the professorship of natural sciences in Hanover College, Indiana, which he accepted and entered upon in the Fall of the same year. He filled this position for eight years, until July, 1868. He then accepted an invitation to Springfield, Illinois, to begin and take the superintendency of a Presbyterian academy, which it was proposed by the old Presbytery of Sangamon to found in that city.. In two years that project was given up on account of the city establishing and putting in operation a good high school with free tuition. He then returned to Indiana and

Now, becoming satisfied that it was time to cease active life, he returned with his wife to Princeton, New Jersey, where he had a widowed daughter, to spend the remainder of his pilgrimage in ease and comfort. But in the Fall of 1874, when on an extended visit in Western Pennsylvania, he happened upon the village of Jefferson, where he found a small Presbyterian Church, unable to support a pastor, and a Baptist college just organized wanting a professor of natural sciences, but unable alone to support one. These two,*the college and the Church, joined hands in their common necessity, and Mr. Scott remained with them in their common poverty. He was at this point in October, 1880, having been fifty-two years in the Gospel ministry and fifty-six as a teacher in the various grades of school and higher institutions, and shortly, if spared, will be eighty-three years old.

His wife was buried where she was married. An unmarried son, who died in 1877, after twelve years of suffering from the results of hardships and exposure in the late war, lies by her side. Here the father and husband hopes to rest until that final awakening when they shall sleep no more.

Western Female Seminary

The Western Female Seminary was incorporated in 1853, and opened and dedicated in 1855. It first suggested itself to the minds of a few spirits living in Oxford, led by the Rev. Mr. Tenney and Mrs. Tenney. The conviction forced itself upon these people that the Mt. Holyoke system of education should be duplicated in the West. They set to work, and a site of thirty acres of land was given to the friends of the enterprise by James Fisher, but which is now increased to sixtyfive. Gabriel Tichenor and family, of Walnut Hills, Ohio, gave the first $5,000, followed by others, according to their ability.

Success being assured, a board of trustees was appointed in July, 1853, and the building begun. The enterprise was laid before the principal and teachers of the Mt. Holyoke Seminary. They were asked to assist their young Western daughter, and to select the first corps of teachers from the Holyoke ranks. Miss Helen Peabody, then of St. Louis, who had been associated with Mary Lyon, first as pupil and then as teacher, was selected as principal, with an efficient corps of teachers. The institution thus begun was dedicated on the 20th of September, 1855. The house was already full of pupils and the outlook most promising.

The seminary continued to prosper until the 14th of January, 1860, when the building was destroyed by fire. The new building was not dedicated until May 21, 1862. The general assembly of the Presbyterian Church was at that time in session in Cincinnati, and attended the exercises by invitation. 'The dedicatory address was deliv- ered by the Rev. H. H. Field, of New York. In June, 1861, the seminary came into possession of a permanent fund of $20,000, the income of which was to be applied to the salaries of teachers. This was the bequest of Gabriel Tichenor, of Walnut Hills, who himself died before the original building was completed.

On the 16th of June, 1880, a family reunion was held. There were present on that occasion the Rev. Dr. J. P. E. Kumler, president of the board of trustees, of which his father was one of the first and most faithful members, with his wife; Miss Abbie Golding, of the first corps of teachers; thes Rev. J. M. Bishop, and G. Y. Roots, of the original as well as the present board of trustees, with their wives; the venerable Dr. Little, of Madison, Indiana, and Dr. Pratt, of Portsmouth, Ohio, whose familiar faces date back to the second anniversary, now trustees; Messrs. Philip Hinkle and Preserved Smith. These, with other trustees and friends, the teachers, and such pupils and alumnz as were to assist in the exercises, occupied seats upon the platform.

'Our young ladies," says the Memorial, '' assembled for the first time, on Wednesday, September 19, 1855. We think them a very fine set of girls from all we have yet seen of them. On Thursday at 2 P. M., the friends and patrons assembled in the seminary hall for the dedicatory services. The distinguished professor, Milton Sayler, of Cincinnati, made a very interesting address to the teachers and pupils, and Dr. Allen, of Lane Seminary, offered the dedicatory prayer. A hymn, composed for the occasion by the Rev. Thomas Spencer, was sung."

"This young hive," as it calls itself, began to operate upon a system which, as yet, the Western people knew nothing about. The domestic department was kept in busy operation during those first days to provide for one hundred and fifty young ladies, who had almost simultaneously arrived, together with many of their parents, some of whom remained a few days, to see the experiment tried. Many of the young men who were at that time attending the Miami University gave the teachers much trouble by frequent visits. One of them called to see not less than six cousins.

The closing exercises of the first year took place in the pleasant grove in the rear of the seminary, on the 17th of July, 1856. The address was delivered by Dr. Samuel Fisher, who chose for his subject '' John Calvin and John Wesley." This was the first of many favors received from Dr. Fisher, who was afterward an honored member of the board of trustees.

Nothing of special note occurred in the year 1857. In 1858 the first mention of their missionaries is made - Mrs. Quick, of Ceylon, who was a member of the school in 1856, and Miss Mary Spooner, now Mrs. Worcester, who found her labors among the Cherokees. In 1859 two more were added to the list of missionaries: Mrs. Woodin, formerly Miss Utley, a teacher, sailed in the Fall for China, and Mrs. Shedd, Jenny Dawes, of the

The new year of 1860 found the family busily engaged in preparing one of the members of the senior class to sail in February for Persia - Miss Harriet Newell Crawford. <A visitor to Miss Peabody's room would have imagined that she had turned seamstress.

During these early years we find frequent allusions to Christmas gatherings, Thanksgiving festivities, examinations and anniversaries. Interesting lectures are also mentioned. Dr. Rea lectured on physiology ; Dr. Thomas Arnold's life was beautifully portrayed by the Rev. Mr.

The school year of 1859 and 1860 was brought to a sudden close by the fire of January 14th. The doors of the Oxford Female College were hospitably opened to receive the homeless family, and, turning away from the burning building, the sorrowful procession made its way thither to seek shelter from the snow and sleet. The appearance of the company was grotesque enough to provoke a smile in the midst of sorrow; the motley garb, the ill-matched suits, table covers, and blankets for wraps, stockingless feet and bare heads.

After the fire it was decided to rent the house of James Fisher in the beautiful grounds next to the seminary, for the use of the senior class the remainder of the year. The class of 1861 also completed its course in this temporary home. The years 1862 and 1863 passed quietly by, with but little to interrupt the school and family life. The Spring of 1864 was another marked era in the history of the school. Before the Spring vacation two girls died. Soon after the opening of the Spring term typhus or spotted fever broke out in the school in a malignant form, and within a few days it was necessary to close temporarily.

During these years the civil war was in progress, and the girls were alive to the needs of the land. At the coming together of the students in the Fall of 1865, it was found that the school had been freed of debt. During the Summer of 1866 Mrs. Tenney died. She had been a scholar of Mary Lyons, and was, perhaps, the mainspring of the institution at the time of its origin.

On the 29th of February, 1868, a negro robber was shot in thg building, after many unsuccessful attempts to capture him previously. The whole pursuit scarcely occupied three minutes, and none but those who took part in the capture knew the cause of the alarm. Some of the girls slept through it all, and heard of it for the first time at the breakfast table in the morning.

In 1870 and 1871 there were many important changes. Miss Galb, who for eleven years had filled the position of teacher, was compelled to, resign on account 'of illhealth. During the Fall and Winter the supply of water failed and measles made their appearance. On the night of April 6th, 1870, the building was consumed the second time by fire. It is impossible to put in words the horror of these hours. They must be imagined. The new and present building was dedicated on the day before Thanksgiving, 1871.

In the Spring of 1876 members of the first six classes gathered at the seminary for a reunion in honor of the fiftieth birthday of their principal. Many of the alumnee of these years treasure among the most pleasant recollections of their school days the memory of an hour or an evening spent at the house of Mrs. Lewis, or Mr. McCord, of Oxford.

The whole number of students from 1855 to 1880 has been nineteen hundred and forty-eight; number of graduates, four hundred and six; graduates deceased, thirtyseven; average attendance per year, one hundred and fifty-five; whole number of teachers, eighty-eight ; number of teachers who were graduates, thirty-two ; deceased, four; number of missionaries, thirty-eight; number of missionaries deceased, two; whole number of trustees, forty-two; trustees deceased, sixteen; number of pupils, not graduates, from Ohio, six hundred and thirty-two ; from Indiana, four hundred and ninety; Illinois, one hundred and fifty. A Memorial Volume, containing a history of the seminary, may be obtained by sending $1 to Miss Mary Milligan, of Oxford, Ohio.

John W. Hall

John W. Hall, D. D., was president of the Miami University from 1854 to 1866, and during that time a citizen of Oxford, Ohio. He was born January 19, 1802, in Orange County, North Carolina, and was educated chiefly in Harpeth Academy, near Franklin, Tennessee, then under the presidency of the celebrated Rev. Gideon Blackburn, D. D., who was afterward president of Center College, Kentucky, and the founder of Blackburn University, Illinois. After completing his academic course, Mr. Hall studied theology under Dr. Blackburn, his former teacher, and in the year 1824 was licensed to preach as a Presbyterian minister. He became successively pastor of the Presbyterian Churches at Jackson, Murfreesboro, and Gallatin, Tennessee, when, in 1840, he was chosen pastor of the Third Street Presbyterian Church at Dayton, Ohio. His efforts in this field were eminently successful.

In the year 1852 Mr. Hall removed to Huntsville, Alabama, for two reasons: taking charge of the Presbyterian Church and assuming control of the presidency of the North Alabama College, which was about to be located at that place. While here he was elected to the presidency of the Miami University, of Oxford, Ohio. This position was unsought, and Mr. Hall knew nothing of the honor conferred upon him until he received official information of the fact. By the same mail came congratulatory letters from old friends, urging him to accept the situation. After mature deliberation and the advice of his most intimate friends, he removed with his family, in the latter part of 1854, to Oxford, and on the first day of January, 1855, entered upon his duties.

When Dr. Hall took charge of the university he found that the preparatory and normal departments were largely attended by students, but he found that the finances were in a bad condition. He immediately proposed a change, and at the end of his administration, in 1866, there had accumulated a surplus in the treasury of over $10,000.

Notwithstanding the eminently successful presidency of Dr. Hall, a majority of the board of trustees, during 1866, became dissatisfied, and, if possible, would have forced his resignation; but Mr. Hall, hearing of their intentions, refused to allow his name to go before the board as a candidate for election, and Dr. R. L. Stanton was chosen his successor. Previous to this action the board had been presented with a memorial, signed by nearly all the alumni who had graduated in the twelve preceding years, the students of the university at this time, and the leading citizens of the town, protesting against the change. Dr. Hall bade farewell to Old Miami, and has since resided in Covington, Kentucky, honored and respected by all.

On Thursday, July 5, 1866, 3 P. M., the trustees elected a new faculty, all the chairs having been declared vacant at the end of the college year. As soon as the above action was made known the students assembled on the streets and at the depot, when the train was leaving, cheering for Dr. Hall and hooting, yelling, and swearing at the trustees. In the evening Dr. Hall was serenaded by the Oxford brass band.

Oxford Theological Seminary

The charter bears date January 16, 1838. Rev. Joseph Claybaugh was elected by the synod the first professor. Rey. S. W. McCracken was elected assistant professor to teach Hebrew, but resigned at the close of the first session. 'The seminary was opened in the Fall of 1839. The synod and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Oxford had conjointly erected a building which furnished an audience-room for Church services, on the second floor, and a lecture-room, library room, chapel, and several rooms for students on the first. The library contained about two thousand volumes, to which additions were made from time to time.

Dr. Claybaugh was born in 1803, in Maryland, and was of German descent. He was taken to Ohio when a child, and lived near Chillicothe. He graduated at Jefferson College in 1822, and was ordained and installed pastor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, of

Chillicothe, in 1825, and remained pastor until 1839. At Oxford he was both pastor of the Church and professor in the seminary. He was a good scholar, an excellent professor, an eloquent preacher, an accomplished Christian gentleman, and a man of deep piety. He wasa diligent student and earnest worker, though an invalid. He died on the 9th of September, 1855, of scrofula, in the fiftythird year of his age. He had labored as professor in Oxford sixteen years.

After his death, Rey. Alexander Young was elected professor of Hebrew and Greek Exegesis, and Rev. William Davidson, pastor of the Hamilton Church, was appointed professor of ecclesiastical history. In view of the increase of population and of the Church in the West, the seminary was removed, in 1858, to Monmouth, in Illinois. Professor Young's connection with the seminary continued after its removal to the West. Partly owing to financial difficulties, the seminary was removed back to Ohio in 1874, and consolidated with the seminary at Xenia.

During the time that it was at Oxford, about nineteen years in all, more than one hundred students received theological instruction in connection with it. Almost all these entered the ministry. Some of them are now prominent in their respective Churches. Among those outside of the United Presbyterian Church may be mentioned Dr. G. L. Kalb, of Bellefontaine, Ohio; Dr. J. H. Brooks, of St. Louis, and Rev. D. Swing, Chicago.

Ethan A. Allen, the last of his family, was born in Massachusetts, on the 10th of November, 1789, and came to Oxford in 1818. On the 10th of January, 1820, he married Nancy Hazeltine. Oxford had been laid out but a few years previously, and he used to recount the fact that he cut wood where many a fine residence or business house now stands, at twenty-five cents a cord. He afterward engaged in making plows and other agricultural implements, being very ingenious and an adept in the use of tools. He settled on a farm near the village, where he passed his life until a few years since, when he removed to the town, where he resided until the death of his wife in 1876, then remoying to the house of Samuel IF'. Shook, a connection by marriage, where he had an excellent home, and continued until his death.

His wife, four children, and eleven brothers and sisters had all been called away before him. In 1839 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at Zion.

G. W. Adams is a native of Butler County, having been born on a farm in Oxford Township, in 1834, and continued there until twenty years of age. He has large business experience, having been engaged in trade during the war period in Springfield, Indiana. He has brought experience, energy and ability to his aid, and has made a decided success. He is doing the largest trade of any merchant in Oxford. His store is located on the northwest corner of the Public Square. His stock occupies two stories, and his business requires six clerks constantly, and in the busy seasons, additional help. Mr. Adams is in the prime of life, active and energetic, and applies himself closely to affairs; is a member of the Oxford Lodge of Odd Fellows, and also of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and identified with the best interests of the village. His wife is also a native of Oxford Township, and a member of the Sadler family, who are noticed among the early settlers of this township.

Robert H. Bishop was born in Fayette County, Kentucky, near Lexington, August 20, 1815. He came to Oxford in 1824, and during the same year entered the grammar school, and in August, 1831, was graduated. The following Fall, after graduation, he went to South Hanover, Indiana, to attend the Theological Seminary, which opened at that time, and which, after two or three removals, is now at Chicago, Illinois. The professor of mathematics of Hanover College, having resigned in February, 1832, Professor Bishop took charge of the chair for the remainder of the year. He then returned to Oxford and entered a printing office, having learned the art of type-setting in 1828. In 1834 he began his teaching in Burlington, Kentucky, and then again, in 1835, returned to Oxford, purchased a printing-office and book-store, which he retained until 1838, when he entered the Miami University as assistant in the grammar department. In 1839 he was married, and in 1841 was elected principal of the school of which he had formerly been assistant. He held this position until 1852, when he was elected a professor of Latin, remaining such until 1873. In 1855 he was elected secretary of the board of trustees, a position he still holds.

Adrian Beaugureau was born in Paris, France, on the 27th of December, 1835, and came to the United States in 1843 with his father and family. His father was an artist, and conducted a boys' French and English school, where his son completed his education, subsequently becoming a teacher there, in the same place, of French, drawing, and painting. After his father's decease in 1852 he became a special teacher of French, drawing, and painting, having classes in many different schools of the city of Philadelphia, and thus continued until December, 1861, when he enlisted in the Ninety-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served his full three years. After this he returned to Philadelphia and resumed teaching, being with Professor Phillibert for a while ; but after a year sickness and the death of an older brother caused him to decide to come to Oxford, and accept a similar position at the Female College, a position he still occupied at the close of its last season. In addition to his scholastic duties he conducts, with the aid of his nephew, Mr. Louis Wuille, an art emporium in the village, which is not only one of the prettiest establishments of the kind to be found anywhere, but is also the means of fostering and developing art ideas. Professor Beaugureau is not only an accomplished teacher of his native tongue and an excellent instructor in drawing, but he is a natural artist, and takes special pride in that department. His work will compare favorably with any of the best teachers. A large number of instructors in art of the South and West received their education in this line from him.

L. N. Bonham is a native of Ohio, born in Elizabethtown, Hamilton County, March 27, 1830. He was brought up on a farm. At the age of seventeen he entered a store and clerked for three years, then entering college. After five years, during which his vacations were spent in active work on the farm, he graduated from the Miami University, and soon after took charge of the Lebanon Academy, but after a year sold his interest to the Southwestern State Normal Association, and took a position as teacher with them. A year after he severed his connection there and became a teacher in the "Dayton High School, with which he remained three years, after which he went to St. Louis and established ''Bonham's Female Seminary," starting with three pupils, in 1859. Within six years it grew toa school of three hundred pupils, requiring nineteen teachers, and he continued in its management until the close of the school year of 1871-72, when he abandoned teaching, his health being very much impaired. Mr. Bonham came to Oxford in the Summer of 1872, and purchased his wife's parents' old homestead, which he leased at first, but as returning health permitted, took charge of and has improved it until he now has one of the best, if not the best, improved farms in Oxford Township. Mr. Bonham is one of the few who have been able so to combine scientific and practical knowledge as to make a success of advanced methods, both as to agriculture and the raising of stock, swine and sheep being his specialty, and quality, rather than numbers, being his object. He was the first breeder in Oxford Township to institute pedigreeing his hogs; was also the first to introduce the riding plow and cornplanter. And in many other ways his influence has been felt in elevating the farmers' methods and increasing the intelligence and general tone of the agricultural community. He is the editor of the agricultural department of the Cincinnati Commercial. His enterprise and public spirit make him one of the most valuable citizens of his locality, and he is identified with all important measures for the advancement of the community, whether pertaining to agriculture or education. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he occupies an official position, and is identified with its interests. He married Miss Ellen M. Gere, a native of Northampton, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Isaac and. Lucy Gere, old residents of Oxford Township. She is a lady of intelligence and refined culture, whose acquaintance Mr. Bonham formed while a student at the Miami University. Their family consists of one son, Linn, now a young man. Mrs. Bonham's mother, who is also a member of the household, is a worthy representative of the refinement that graced many of the homes of the pioneers.

Daniel A. Brosier was born in Hanover Township, July 4, 1835. His father, Jonathan Brosier, was born near Millville, and was married December 16, 1832, to Elizabeth Rumple, also a native of this county. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and in 1837 moved to Shelby County, saving sufficient to buy two hundred and seventy acres of land. When the canal was to be dug, he and Mr. Westerfield took a large contract, but through the misconduct of his partner, who had drawn the money, he was ruined. He then removed to Indiana, afterwards returning to Butler County. On a trip to the South he sickened and died, and, his remains rest near Nashville, Tennessee. He was a German Lutheran. There were seven children: Daniel A., Peter, James, Mary Ann, Sarah J., Margaret E., and Jonathan. Peter is dead. Daniel A. Brosier has always worked on a farm. He was married October 28, 1858, to Maria E., daughter of Michael W., and Matilda (Bell) Emerick, who was born in this county February 22, 1837. They have had seven children: Alexander E., Frank E., Carrie May, Ida Wood, George E., Amy E., and Charles H.

Daniel P. Beaton, postmaster at Oxford, is of Scotch parentage. The father, Alexander Beaton, was born in 1809, and marrying Miss Mary McMillan, emigrated to this country in 1838, making their residence for a little time at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Thence they came to Cincinnati, and after a couple of years came to Oxford, in 1841. Here he established himself in business as merchant tailor, on the south side of High Street. On the 16th of September, 1843, Daniel P. Beaton was born. When he was but eight years of age, the father left the family at Oxford and started for California, by the way of Panama, but died on the voyage, on shipboard. The youth, thus left fatherless, made good use of the school advantages of his native town, and closed his education with one year in Miami University, in 1858-9. He then went to work at the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until after the first year of the Rebellion. In May, 1862, he enlisted in the three months' service in the infantry, and served in Western Virginia, in a company under Captain McFarland in the Eighty-sixth Ohio. Returning to Oxford in September, he again re-enlisted in October, at Camp Dennison, under Captain William Ullery, in the Second Ohio Cavalry. The December following the company joined the Ninth Army Corps, under Burnside, and was engaged in the campaign in Kentucky. In an engagement at Monticello, on the 9th of June, 1863, Mr. Beaton received a gun-shot wound in the ankle, and was made an inmate of the army hospital at Somerset, Kentucky. From that place he was transferred to Crab Orchard, thence to Camp Nelson, Kentucky, and was finally and honorably discharged at Washington, D. C., October 24, 1864. He was permariently disabled from the effects of the wound, which has made it necessary to make constant use of a crutch or cane. Returning to Oxford, he was employed as clerk for a time in the grocery store of Mr. McCullough, and since then has held the appointment of postmaster at Oxford by continuous reappointment and with much acceptance to the people. September 14, 1866, he was married to Miss Harriet Miller, of Oxford. They have a family of five children.

Wales B. Bonney is a native of Charlestown, New Hampshire, where he was born June 26, 1799. His father, West Bonney, finds a line of family descent from Thomas Bonney, who was born in Dover, England, in 1604, and who came from Sandwich, in Kent, England, in the ship Hercules in 1634 or 1635, and who located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. The mother's maiden name was Lydia Reed - she also being of Welsh-English parentage. In early life the boy Wales, in addition to the advantages offered by the common schools of the day, spent nearly a year in Dartmouth College. In 1816, in company with his parents and an only brother, he came into Ohio, the family settling on a farm about one mile northwest of the village of Oxford. He soon after entered Miami University as a student, boarding with his parents and taking his hand at the work of the . farm nights and mornings, riding to and from school on horseback. He continued at the university until the following year, remaining at home afterwards until about twenty-one years of age, when in the Spring of 1820 he made a trip to his native State, making the entire distance on horseback. There he spent the Summer, and in the Fall returned as far as Chautauqua County, New York, where he engaged in teaching school until the next Spring, when he took up his residence for several years at Rochester: and Brighton in the same State, and while there formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Lucinda Abbey, whose family were of Massachusetts origin. This was in January, 1829. 'Two years thereafter Mr. Bonney, with his family, returned to the home of his parents in Oxford, and there they spent the

Winter. The next Spring Mr. and Mrs. Bonney emierated to Texas, landing from a schooner from New Orleans at Brazoria, near the mouth of the Brazos River, then an insignificant collection of low shanties and huts. Their intention had been to make that province their future home, but after living there some months they decided to r¢trace their steps to their Oxford home, and reached that place late in the Fall following, having lost one of their little children while absent.

But the spirit of unrest was upon the subject of our sketch, and in the Spring of 1845, accompanied by two other younger men by the names of Buell and Worstell, he started for an overland trip to Oregon, a hazardous adventure in those days. Joining another party at Independence, the company were some five months on the way before they reached the Dalles on the Columbia River, their place of destination. Arriving there the earlier part of October most of the party made this their home the ensuing Winter. But Mr. Bonney was not yet content. He did not discern his desired fortune in. the immediate future. So the following Spring, with no company save a couple of horses, one for the saddle and the other to carry his clothing and provisions, a couple of euns, and a bold spirit, he set out for a return to the States. When crossing the plains he fell in with some Indian scouts in advance of a roving tribe, who took from him his horses, pack of provisions, and one gun. The traveler, however, managed to save one gun and a sack containing a large packet of letters which had been intrusted to his care by comrades and others in the West for loved ones at home. He pursued his lonely way on foot for some three days when he was overtaken by a party of returning Californians, with whom he kept company to the States, and reached home early in the Fall of 1846. He soon after settled in the village of Oxford, which place has since been his residence. Here he has many years been honored by his fellow-citizens in repeated elections to the office of justice of the peace, the delicate and responsible duties of which office he has performed with uniform acceptance to the people. Here a family of eleven children has been born to him, of whom a daughter, Julia, and four sons, Franklin, Oregon, Robert, and Edward, are now living, the sons all being engaged in trade in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter residing with the parents.

The Rev. Dennis Vincent Crowley, rector of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Oxford, Ohio, is a native of Cork, Ireland, where he was born September 25, 1844, Mr. Crowley, though a young man in appearance, is old in service. He was early dedicated for the priesthood and began his literary studies at St. Vincent, subsequently pursued philosophical studies at Holy Cross College, Dublin, and completed his theological training at the Catholic University of Louvaine, in Belgium. He received minor orders at the hands of the Papal Nuncio, in the Chapel Royal at Brussels, and was ordained priest at Mechlin, Belgium, June 2, 1871. After this he traveled extensively on the continent, spending considerable time in its places of interest, and while at Louvyaine was thrown in company with Archbishop Purcell, of the United States, then just returning from the Vatican Council. A pleasant acquaintance was the result, and it was through the bishop's influence that the young priest was induced to come to America and take a parish within his jurisdiction. His first charge as pastor was St. Aloysius Church at Cumminsyille, afterward consolidated with and becoming St. Patrick's Church, of Cincinnati, Ohio, of which he remained pastor a number of years. The following extract from the local press gives a concise summary of his labors while in this field :

'Rev. D. V. Crowley, for the past nine years pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Cumminsville, has been called to take charge of the Church at Oxford, Butler County. His farewell to his congregation last Sunday was very affecting. He came to Cumminsville direct from college. This charge, the first of his priesthood, he found in debt fifty-nine thousand dollars, thirty-eight thousand of which has been paid by his fortunate and far-sighted management. He has brought to Cincinnati, as lecturers, some of the most distinguished talent of the United States. He is the possessor of abilities that, turned to a worldly purpose, would have long since placed him in a position of independence. Father Crowley takes leave of his congregation no richer in the world than when he came among them, and now as then, taking no thought for the morrow. His work is an earnest of his faith, and he takes with him the best regards and respect of all who know him."

At his own request for a change on account of illhealth, he was made rector at Oxford, Ohio, in August, 1880, and has within less than a year liquidated more than one thousand dollars of indebtedness, which he found resting on the Church. Bright, hopeful, and intelligent, devoted to his work, a scholar and gentleman, Mr. Crowley can not help but have success and popularity whereever he goes. He has been an indefatigable worker, broad in charity, and abundant in good works.

John Edward Chatten is a descendant of pioneer stock. His grandfather, John Chatten, who was a native of the vicinity of Wilmington, Delaware, came to this part of Ohio in 1811, but in consequence of the War of 1812 returned to the East, and at the close of the war came back in 1814, and permanently located in the southwestern part of Oxford Township, where he continued to reside until about 1848, when he removed to the vicinity of Hartford City, Indiana, where he subsequently died. Kenard Chatten, a son, was the only member of the family who remained in Butler County. He was born in Delaware in 1802, He married, 'in 1826, Mary, daughter of William and Esther Davidson, who came from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1817, and settled on what is now known as the Howell farm in the northwestern part of Oxford Township. They had a family of ten children - six sons and four daughters. Mrs. David Kennedy and Mrs. Chatten, of Oxford Township, and one son, William, of Clinton County, Indiana, are now the only known survivors. After his marriage, Mr. Chatten settled on a farm in the woods in the north part of Oxford Township, which he improved and continued to own and operate until his sudden death in October, 1862, caused by falling from an apple-tree. His wife still survives him, residing in a house near the village, built by her husband a short time previous to his death. They had ten children - John Edward, William, James, Benjamin, Martha, Samuel, Mary, Sarah, George, and Margaret. The latter three are with their mother. The fourth, sixth, and seventh named died in youth. Martha married George Sadler, and they now reside in Peoria, Ilinois. William and James are in Kansas. The subject of our sketch was born on the farm, in Oxford Township, in 1827, and grew to manhood during the days of the beginnings of commercial and agricultural improvements, and remembers distinctly the commotion caused by the introduction of steam navigation and railroads. His father introduced the first '' endlesschain" thresher used in this vicinity in 1837, and it was then a sufficient curiosity to attract people from a great distance to witness its wonderful workings. Mr. Chatten remained on the farm during his youth, and when twenty years of age began to learn the saddler's trade, in Oxford. He married, in 1850, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Ann Kyger, who were early residents of Milford Township. Mr. Chatten has been a resident of the village of Oxford since he came to learn his trade, with the exception of about five years, one of which was spent on a farm in Morgan Township, and the other four at College Corner. He has now been a continuous resident of Oxford for a quarter of a century; has a family of four children: George W., the only son, is a resident of IIlinois; Alice, now Mrs. John Van Arnem; Ida, and Frank. Mr. Chatten helped recruit a company of volunteers in 1862, which became Company C, Ninety-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and of which he was first lieutenant, but after about six months' service, on account of the death of his father, he resigned and returned home. Mr. Chatten still conducts a harness shop, with salesroom attached; is the Oxford agent for the United States Express Company; has been a member of the Invincible Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F., since 1849, in which he has twice passed the chairs, and has twice represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge. He is an honored and worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and leader of the choir; is a Republican in politics, having abandoned the Democracy in consequence of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise and the refusal of Presi; dent Pierce to protect the well-disposed citizens of Kansas of Oxford Township. He has also been the candidate of his party for county office at different times, but always shared the usual fate of Republican candidates in this Democratic stronghold.

The Rev. William Wirt Colmery, D. D., is a native of Chartiers, Washington County, Pennsylvania. His father's name was William, also, and the mother's maiden name was Violet Scott. The paternal line of descent is supposed to date back to an ancestry in Ireland, although this is not fully ascertained. The ancestors of the mother came to this country from Scotland, as early as 1700, in the person of Hugh Scott. The father's calling was that of a farmer, and with an earnest desire for the welfare of his family, his effort was to give all a sound and liberal education, and he so far succeeded in this, that five sons, of a family of eight children, completed a collegiate course. The early and preparatory schooling was at select and common schools of the country, the first being where the tutorship was paid. for at the rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per term of three months, and before the system of common or district schools had obtained in that section. William W. Colmery, of whom we write, was the third son, and born October 28, 1819, and finished his course of study at Washington College, Pennsylvania, in 1840. He then taught two years in Clark County, Kentucky, afterwards taking a course in theology at the New Albany Theological Seminary (since incorporated as the Northwestern Seminary, of Chicago). The ancestors of Dr. Colmery were noted for their interest in education, and especially Christian education. A great grandfather, Mr. J. McDowell, was the first to subscribe to the erection of the literary institute, out of which grew Jefferson College, Pennsylvania, and which was afterwards consolidated with the Washington College. It was while engaged in teaching in Kentucky, and attending a Presbyterian camp-meeting, conducted under the leadership of such men as Nathan L. Rice and others, that Mr. Colmery was made the subject of converting grace. This was in 1841, and thereafter he was led to feel a drawing toward the ministry. He was licensed to preach by the presbytery of Salem, Indiana, and soon after accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church in Hayesville, (then) Richland County, Ohio. The following year, 1846, he was married to Miss Mary C. Scott, of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and in the October following was ordained to the full work of the ministry in the Old School Presbyterian Church. Here he remained some nine years, preaching also to a neighboring Church, at Jeromeville. He was also connected with Vermilion Institute, at the time one of the most flourishing academies of the State of Ohio.

In 1855 he went to Indiana and spent some time preaching to the Presbyterian Church of Lafayette. In 1858 he returned to Ohio, settling with the Church at Lebanon, where he labored in the ministry for nine years. At the meeting of the General Assembly in Lebanon' in 1864 he was delegated by the Old School Assembly to present the Christian salutations of that body to the Cumberland Assembly, which duty was so gracefully performed that he was soon after made the recipient of the degree of Doctor of Divinity by one of the colleges of the Cumberland Church. He resigned his charge of the Lebanon Church in 1866, and accepted the pastorate of the Church in Monroe, Butler County, Ohio, with which he remained for six years; but his health failing, he removed with his family to Oxford, where he has since resided, preaching as his strength has permitted to Churches in the vicinity.

In 1867 he was made stated clerk of the Miami (Old School) Presbytery, and after the reunion of the two schools was continued in the same office in the Dayton Presbytery, which he still occupies. He was elected moderator of the Cincinnati Synod (Old School), at its session in Springfield, in 1865, as also at its last session held in the same city in 1881. Dr. Colmery has been warmly identified with the cause of temperance in its various presentations, and an ardent advocate of advanced and liberal Christian education, and has been (and still is) one of the trustees of Wooster University, Ohio, from its earliest foundation. He refers with pleasure to the fact that Judge Josiah Scott, of Hamilton, was his uncle, as also recalling the military record which he has been enabled to make. His first service in the cause of his country was as a member of the " corn-stalk brigade" in 1842 while residing in Kentucky, and as a one hundred days' man in the late war in the famed " Squirrel Hunters," from which latter service he holds a highly prized discharge in the form of a striking lithograph engraving signed by Governor Tod.

Some time about 1790 a Scotch colony came to America and settled in East Haddam, Connecticut, among them Hezekiah Cone and a large family of the same name. In the same town was Miss Polly Selden, to whom Hezekiah was married, and by whom a family was born to him. Peleg H. Cone, long a citizen of Oxford, was a son of Hezekiah, being born at East Haddam, February 22, 1805. The parents being farmers, the lad, Peleg, in common with the rest of the children, had the education obtainable in the district schools of the day, and tried his hand a little at teaching. When seventeen years of age he went to the city of Hartford and apprenticed himself to a silver-plater to learn the trade. Here he remained several years, and while resident at Hartford was married to Miss Mary Brace on the 21st of February, 1829. He next settled in New Haven, Connecticut, and established himself in his business as silver-plater. Some five years thereafter he was made high sheriff of New Haven County, and sold out his business. He was re-elected sheriff for the second term. At the close of his official term he engaged in a mercantile agency recently established in New York City, trav- eling mostly in the West and South, his family still residing at New Haven. Leaving the New York house he accepted a position in the manufacturing concern of Hoadly & Co., a heavy firm in the carriage business in New Haven, and remained connected with the same for some sixteen years. In January, 1852, Mr. Cone moved his family to the village of Oxford, Ohio, where he became the proprietor of the public house known as the Mansion or Cone House, conducting it for about eleven years. After leaving this he opened an office as conveyancer, real estate and insurance agent, in the store under the Mansion House, fronting on High Street. This business he continued until 1868, when he took his son, F. J. Cone, into the office as partner, and the two continued this occupation up to the death of the father, which took place March 14, 1882. Mr. Cone espoused the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1849, and had been active in its interests and in efforts for the promotion of its welfare. Mr. Cone was also an active member of Invincible Lodge, No. 108, I. O. O. F., of Oxford, and as such was held in high esteem by his brother members. He was for eighteen years a member of the board of education of Oxford, and for many years president of the board of trustees of Oxford Female College, only resigning this position about a year prior to his decease. He was a well wisher to every good work which looked to the growth and well-being of the city of his adoption, aiding them to the extent of his ability. When Mr. and Mrs. Cone came to Oxford they had a family of seven children, two of whom have since died. Three of the sons were volunteers in the late war, William and George enlisting and serving in the one hundred days' service, and F. J. in the three years' men. Of the children living H. S. Cone is now residing at Galion, Michigan, and F. J. Cone, the other son, was the partner and continues the business in the old office in Oxford; two daughters, Mrs. A. F. Bevis and Mrs. Dr. G. W. Keely, reside in Oxford, while a third is the wife of Dr. A. A. Barnett, of Jerseyville, Illinois.