Clinton County, Ohio - Biographical sketches (1 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 6 of 6)

And these results are attributable mainly to her institutions. The spirit of the ordinance of 1787 prevades them all. Who can estimate the benefits which have flowed from the interdiction by that instrument of slavery and of legislative interference with private contracts? One consequence is, that the soil of Ohio bears up none but freemen ; another, that a stern and honorable regard to private rights and public morals characterizes her legislation. There is hardly a page in the statute book of which her sons need be ashamed. The great doctrine of equal rights is everywhere recognized in her constitution and her laws. Almost every father of a family in this State has a freehold interest in the soil, but this interest is not necessary to entitle him to a voice in the concerns of government. Every man may vote; every man is eligible to any oflice. And this unlimited extension of the elective franchise, so far from producing any evil, has ever constituted a safe and sufficient check upon injurious legislation. Other causes of her prosperity may be found in her fertile soil, in her felicitous position, and especially in her connection with the union of the States. All these springs of growth and advancement are permanent, and upon a most gratifying prospect of the future. They promise an advance in population, wrealth, intelligence and moral worth as permanent as the existence of the State itself. They promise to the future citizens, of Ohio the blessings of good government, wise legislation and universal instruction. More than all, they are pledges that in all future, as in all past circumstances, Ohio will cleave fast to the national constitution and the national Union, and that her growing energies will on no occasion, be more willingly or powerfully put forth, than in the support and maintenance of both in unimpaired vigor and strength.

Introductory

A HISTORY of Clinton County is here presented, in a form never before attempted. Its foundation is composed of material from the notes of the late Judge R. B. Harlan and Dr. A. Jones, of Wilmington, both of whom made researches in the historical field through a long series of years, and both of whom were also pioneers of the county, with its interests therefore at heart. They collected a mass of valuable information, which could not be obtained through other sources at the present time, and it is here carefully arranged in proper order, built upon and added to until the result is a volume that is confidently expected to become a text-book for the future in regard to matters pertaining to the early history of the county. The undersigned, who has had charge of the work, has labored to make the arrangement satisfactory and proper, and has furnished several additional chapters of general interest from reliable authority, records, etc. He has been ably assisted by other members of the historical corps, and has met with a cordial reception generally by the citizens of the county, and its seat of justice, who have furnished information of great value. To all of these, acknowledgment is made of their services, and the history in what is considered its best form is respectfully submitted.