Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 14: The Military History of Clinton County, 1882 (part 2 of 14)

Miscellaneous Part Iv

THE town of Wilmington is situated a short distance northwest of the center of Clinton County, of which it is the seat of justice. Up to the year 1810, the site of the place was covered with a dense growth of timber, but in that year it became necessary, the county having been organized, to locate a county seat. Consequently, land having been donated for the purpose, and James Mc- Manis having been appointed Director to act for the Commissioners, the town of Clinton was laid out on a part of T. Posey's Survey, No. 1057. The history of the steps leading to the location of the county seat is fully given in Chapters 6 and 7 in this volume. The name Clinton was not found to be satisfactory, and, in September, 1810, an order was issued by the Court of Common Pleas changing it to Armenia. This gave as great dissatisfaction, and, on the 31st of December in the same year, the court, by request of the donors, ordered that the name be changed to Mt. Pleasant. Still the matter was not satisfactory, and, on the 20th of February, 1811, another order from the court changed the name to Wilmington, decreeing also that no further change should be made unless authorized by an act of the Legislature.

The original town as laid out consisted of sixteen squares of eight lots each, the lots numbered consecutively from 1 to 128. For the benefit of the readers the subjoined plat and description are inserted:

[il. s.J Be it remembered that before me, the subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace in and for the county of Clinton, personally appeared James McManis, Dircteor for Clinton County, and proprietor of the land contained within the bounds of the town of Clinton, as conveyed to said James McManis in trust for the use and behoof of said county, and produced the within plat, which he acknowledged to be an accurate plat of said town of Clinton, and that Nos. 58 and 73 (as marked on said plat), are particularly set apart for public grounds. The plat is on a scale of ten poles to an inch* ; the streets are four poles wide, and the alleys one pole wide ; the courses of the same are north eighty-nine degrees east, by south one degree east; the sizes of the lots five and a half poles in front, and ten and a half back, except those fronting South street, which are five and a quarter poles in front, and eleven poles back. All the other lots, as numbered on said plat, are for sale for the use and behoof of said county of Clinton, wherein said town lies, except two lots reserved by Joseph Doan (one of the donators). Said James McManis doth voluntarily acknowledge the land contained in said plat to be for public uses for the county of Clinton and town aforesaid within said county, in trust to and for the uses and purposes herein named, expressed or intended, agreeable to said plat, and for no other use or purpose whatever. Given under my hand and seal, August 2, 1810.

[No. 22.] Received for record on the 2d day of August, 1810, and recorded on the 25th day of August, 1810, in Book A, pages 25 and 26. Examined by

Street

The following is a list of those persons who were original purchasers of lots in the town plat of Clinton, afterward Wilmington, as shown by the reoords of the county:

Joseph Doan, one of the original proprietors of the land on which "Wilmington was platted, had made his purchase in the spring of 1805. He lived in a log house northwest of the then newly surveyed village, on land which is now inside the corporate limits of Wilmington. He could not at first see the cluster of houses forming the settlement from his place, but after a time the timber was cut away, and a view was afforded of the aspiring county seat. Mr. Doan appears to have been a man of gonial presence and one who enjoyed life well.

Wiliiam Hobson (or Hobsin) is said to have erected the first cabin in the limits of what is now Wilmington. He lived northeast from the present business center, and, on the 5th of December, 1810, purchased Lot No. 12, paying therefor the sum of $12.* This lot is on the north Bide of Main street, west of Mulberry. Hobson was a gunsmith and worked here at his trade with some profit. According to the recollection of William Hale, Mr. Hobson died not long after he moved here, and the same gentleman says that when he and his father and John (son of Joseph) Doan were at work building the old court house, in 1812, they took their meals with the Widow Hobson and her daughter Debby, and roomed in the upper part of the jail building, furnishing their own bedding. The bricks for that court house were made on the lot where it was built, at the south end. Jacob Hale, the contractor for the work, was a brick and stone mason by trade, and the son (William) was then learning, his work at laying brick on the court house being about the first he had ever done in that line. William Hale says his father paid Mrs. Hobson about $1.50 per week for cookiug for the men at the time named.

The first permanent settler in Wilmington, after the town was laid out, is generally admitted to have been Warren Sabin, who was a brother-in-law of William Hale. He was not one of the purchasers at the first sale of lots in the town,* but was here in 1810, and, in 1811, kept a tavern and liquor shop in a log building which stood on a lot next north of the one now occupied by the court house, extending to the alley. f His first license to keep tavern in the place was issued by the Court of Common Pleas October 10, 1811, his being the second establishment of the kind licensed in the place. Dr. Jones, in writing upon the subject, says: "In a part of this small hotel a bar was soon erected for the purpose of retailing whisky, which was then the only alcoholic drink used. * * * Early in the spring months, in the year 1811, Mr. Sabin hoisted his sign, marked 'Warren Sabin, 1811.' This old sign swung to and fro for nearly forty years. Sabin's tavern became known from East to West, and was a common resting-place for the early survey hunter. The travel and the great number then seeking for new homos in this rich and productive valley made it necessary that Mr. Sabin should add more room to his hotel. Four or five one-story log houses were added to the main building, making it, in truth, a strange-looking hotel. Mr. Sabin, like many other business mon, had the organ of hope very largely developed. Anxious to make money, he tried many ways and means and failed in all. In 1811, his hotel was the headquarters for the military organizations of Clinton County. For a third of a century the officers presiding over the courts held in Clinton County made Sabin's hotel their headquarters during the sittings of the courts."

Although Mr. Sabin opened the first permanent tavern in the place, he had been preceded in the business by Larkin Reynolds, to whom a tavern license was issued June 4, 1811. He built a small frame structure on the lot west of the court house, and furnished entertainment principally in the liquor line. In those days it was customary for everybody to drink whisky, and mem - bers of the clergy were not loath to accept of a proffered dram in common with their neighbors. It would have been considered inhospitable if the bottle had not been placed before guests almost immediately upon their entering the domiciles of acquaintances and friends - or even those of strangers - and it was simply impolite to get drunk. That much drunkenness resulted from the too free use of liquor is not questioned, and Saturday usually witnessed a half dozen or more street broils. Larkin Reynolds was by trade a tailor, and joined that business with that of tavern-keeping. Ho did the cutting and his wife most of the sewing. Roynolds was not horo many years, and finally removod to Wayne County, Ind.J

*It 1b said that Sabin did purchase the lot on which his building stood in the fall of 1810, at the rogular sale of Wilmington town lots, but the record shows that it was sold to John Cox on the 3d of September, 1810, for $84.

|The name of Larkin Reynolds appoars to a bond furnished by him and twenty others, in 1817, binding them to furnish Wayne County, Ind., a court houso at Centerville, equal in value and convenience to the oue at Saulsbury.

generally building small log cabins on their lots. A few rough frame buildings were erected, about 12x15 feet in dimensions, hardly affording decent shelter. A better class of dwellings and business edifices was not long in coming, however, and brick was used to some extent quite early, the clay in the vicinity affording excellent material for their manufacture.

East of Walnut street, on the small branch which flows through the town, and near the high bank below South street, was a famous deer lick, and those animals would resort to the spotht night in large numbers. Old settlers remark that " the tracks of their hoofs were so thick in the morning that it looked as if a drove of cattle had been there."

David Sewell, in 1811, built a small house at the northeast corner of Main and Mulberry streets, where he kept notions for sale subsequently, and also furnished entertainment for travelers and others, principally whisky.

John McGregor, a native of Scotland, and for some time a resident of Londonderry, in the North of Ireland, came to America with six of his brothers, subsequent to the rebellion of 1794, in which he had been engaged, and settled in Frederick County, Va., on what is known as Apple Pie Ridge, where he engaged in keeping a house of entertainment. He was by trade a weaver, having learned the business in Scotland. In company with his wife and family, he came to Ohio in 1802, settling in I, he spring of 1803 at Deerfield, Warren County. In 1803, he purchased 200 acres of land in Murray's Survey, No. 1632, in Yernon Township, Clinton County, and settled upon it in 1808 or 1809. In the spring of 1812,* he removed to Wilmington, and. as early as the 2d of June, in that year, opened a tavern on the lot at the southeast corner of Main and Mulberry streets. The first court held in Wilmington convened at McGregor's in October, 1812. Mr. McGregor died in 1813, having ruptured a blood vessel in attempting to lift a barrel of whisky, and lived only an hour after the occurrence.

"Eli McGregor, son of John McGregor, was born in Berkeley County, Ya., January 1, 1798. He came with his parents to Ohio in 1802. In 1812, he came to Wilmington, and, in 1813, went to Lebanon to learn the cabinetmaker's trade; he remained there a few years, then went to Paris and Bowling Green, Ky. ; then he returned to Ohio, spending a time in Xenia. In 1821, he returned to Wilmington, where he resided up to the time of his death, in 1876. In May, 1822, he was married to Maria Sexton, daughter of Col. Joseph Sexton, of Frederick County, Ya.; they spent fifty- four years of happy married life together; they had seven children, six of whom lived to maturity. Mr. McGregor was a strong Anti-slavery man, and attended the Hamilton Convention, that, in 1840, organized the Liberty party. "f Mr. McGregor, after his return from Lebanon, about 1821 or 1822, opened a cabinet shop at his father's old corner. His death, on the authority of his son John, occurred in July, 1877, instead of in 1876, as above stated.

Samuel H. Hale was one of the most prominent men among the early settlers of Wilmington. Before coming here, he had been assisting for a time in the publication of the Western Star, at Lebanon, Warren County. A number of the subscribers lived in the Todd's Fork settlements in Clinton County, and the bundle of papers intended for them was sent to the residence of Mr. Hale's father, Jacob Hale, in Yernon Township, and William Hale carried them to their respective places. S. H. Hale, upon his arrival in Wilmington, in 1812, purchased the building on Main street, west of the court house, for- merly owned by Larkin Reynolds,* and opened a small store in it. About 1814, he caused a brick building to be erected on the same site, forty-six feet front and thirty-six feet back, with a kitchen at the back part near the west end. In that building he lived and carried on his business and kept a public house. His father and brother built the house for him, William making the brick and the two laying them up. William Hale was married to Mariah Sabin, January 15, 1817, and his brother Samuel gave the couple a grand reception at his house on that occasion. On the evening of the 4th of March, 1829, the building and contents were destroyed by lire, and, in the summer of the same year, Mr. Hale built the east part of the hotel, now known as the West House, opposite his first location. The walls of this building were also laid up by Jacob Hale and his son William, and the latter dressed the stone for the foundation and window-sills. An alley was left immediately west of the building, through which teams could pass to the stables in the rear. The space has since been covered by an addition to the hotel. Samuel H. Hale kept the place a number of years. In 1850, the proprietor was M. M. Hale, and the hotel became known as the Hale House. Numerous persons were proprietors of this establishment. In the fall of 1864, it was repaired and refitted, and, in the latter part of December, taken possession of by J. J. Stagg, formerly of the Buckeye House. At that time and for several years, it was known as the Gates House, the name West House having been applied in more recent years. William Thompson was its landlord for a time after Mr. Stagg left it, and, in 1877, the present proprietors, J. J. Stagg and H. H. Abell, leased it and have continued to operate it to the present time.

Samuel H. Hale is now deceased. His brother, William Hale, now ninety - two years of age (born September 27, 1790), settled in Wilmington in 1817, after his marriage, and built the brick house on the north side of Main street, west of Mulberry, now occupied by Stephen Eldred for a boarding-house. There he lived over twenty years; be then moved to the farm near town now owned by John Hale, and twenty years afterward, moved to the place he now occupies, on West Main street, near the corporation limits, where he has resided a little over twenty-two years. He is a remarkably preserved specimen of the pioneer, having been seventeen years of age when he settled with his father on Todd's Fork, in what is now Vernon Township, above Clarksville.

James Massie, a Bon-in-law of Jacob Hale, and a saddler and harnessmaker by trade, settled in Wilmington in 1814, on the west side of Mulberry street, south of Main. About that time, he set out the elm tree on his lot, next south of the alley, which has since grown to such large dimensions. A large branch of this tree was blown off in a severe storm about the 1st of July, 1882. Massie was an excellent workman and had plenty of custom, but he was of a somewhat restless disposition, and, in various schemes to increase his property, he lost the most of that he possessed. It is many years since his death occurred.

" John Hobson and Silas Hobson, brothers of William Hobson, settled in Wilmington in 1811. They were hatters by trade, and worked for many years in the villag6.

"Samuel Gaskill, Sr., settled in Wilmington in 1811. He was a harnessmaker by trade. Near the present site of the Union Sehoolhouse, he built his

"-'William Halo thinks it was in this same building that Asa Holcomb had a liquor shop and variety store. Dr. Jones says Holcomb's store was "on the lot lately owned by David Sanders." The date at which he opened his establishment la fixed at 1811. Holcomb owned a violin, and was a fair performer upon it, and his place was woll patronized. After a short time he removed to Cincinnati. When he was here, it is said there were four distilleries in town, owned by Hale, McKinsey, Ireland and Cox, and all nourished. It was said as a partial excuse for drinking liquor that it "kept off the shakes I"

"Burgoyne Purcell settled in 1812, and erected his log house and shop on the lot now owned by the Misses Jenkins. He was by trade a cabinet maker. He remained at that location for nearly half a century, until death removed him. He was industrious, moral and upright, and a worthy and good citizen.

"Jack Cassada, by birth a Canadian, located in Wilmington in the year 1812; in the war of 1812, served as a substitute. At the close of the war, he engaged in the whisky trade here, and for ten years did a large business in retailing intoxicating drinks. In 1823, he died of bilious remittent fever. At the close of his life, he gave his property to kind and benevolent strangers and to those who had taken care of him in his last illness.

"George Whisanan, in the year 1811, built on paid of the lot where the Baptist Church now stands. He was a hatter by trade, and was assisted by the brothers, John and Silas Hobson.

" Thomas Gaskill built his log cabin on the western part of the premises now occupied by H. W. Hale. He was by trade a tanner, and moved from Warren County, Ohio, to the newly laid-off town of Wilmington to engage in the manufacture of leather. In the early spring of 1811. he sunk his vats and commenced to tan rawhides and make leather. It was in the small log house erected by him, and without floor or door, that his son Milton was added to the family. Milton was the first male child born in the village." Gaskill sold his tannery to Thomas Thatcher, who had learned the business in his employ and who conducted it for a time. Thatcher came from near Port William, having lived on the edge of Greene County, and located at Wilmington soon after it was laid out. About 1823-24, he sold his tannery to Thomas Palmer, who carried on the business until the 8th of January, 1835, when he leased the tannery and stock to Isaac Palmer and James Bruce, who continued the business. Thomas Palmer had advertised extensively in the Democrat and Herald , published at Wilmington, and commanded a good trade. While the establishment had belonged to Thomas Gaskill, there were three others in the place, owned by William Stockdale, David P. Walker and another man whose name is not remembered. The business of tanning has long since ceased to be remunerative in this locality.

" Eli Gaskill, brother of Thomas Gaskill, settled in Wilmington in 1811, and built his house on the corner now occupied by Dr. A. Jones, southwest corner of Main and Mulberry streets. He erected a small office, which he used as a notion store and grocery. Soon after taking possession of his house, he was appointed one of the Justices of the Peace for Clinton County, and for a great number of years he served in that capacity in the township of Union. He served several terms as County Commissioner; represented Clinton County in the Legislature; possessed large brain power and had just and correct views of the ldghts of men." Mr. Gaskill interested himself largely in the furtherance of agricultural interests in his county, and it was through his instrumentality that the act was passed authorizing the organization of agricultural societies in the counties of Ohio.

As early as 1811-12, Thomas and Arthur McCann came to Wilmington and built and operated a pottery near the middle of the block, between South and Mulberry streets, and north of Locust street. They manufactured a dark- f colored, finely-polished ware, which was in great demand in the place, as that previously in use had been mostly pewter. The Delft-ware waB next introduced. The McCanns, who were natives of the Emerald Isle, were energetic men and good citizens. In February, 1815, when the news of Jackson's victory at New Orleans reached Wilmington, a month after the battle, the Mc- Canns headed a movement toward getting up a celebration in honor of the event. They were successful in the attempt and a "good time" was indulged in. Holes were bored in trees, and after powder had been placed in them, they were plugged up, the fuses lighted, and the trees were blown to pieces. Other things were done to make the day a memorable one. The McCanns left the place previous to 1819.

Isaac Cochran, shoemaker, settled in 1811. Adin Clevenger, a blacksmith by trade, settled in 1811 near the present railway station, building his log house on the ground now occupied by the stone house which was erected some years later by Jesse Thatcher. Clevenger came up from the Cowan's Creek settlements, and returned there after a time.

Peter Burr, long Clerk of the Courts of this county, built a large two-story house in 1811, on the lot at the northwest corner of Main and Mulberry streets, where Dr. Joshua Moore now lives, Larkin Reynolds having previously built a log house on the same ground. He sold the premises immediately after to Mr. Burr, and moved to his location near the court house. Burr was a native Virginian, with all the characteristics of the members of the "first families."

Isaac Garretson located in 1811, on a lot on the south side of Main street, since owned by John Dillon. He was by profession a school teacher, and taught an early school in the place. He also built a small grist-mill on the back part of his lot and operated it by horse-power. When a grist of corn was being ground, the mill could be heard a mile away, making a harsh, grating sound. It waB the first institution of the kind in the town. Garretson also built a powder-mill, which, in the natural course of events, blew up and put a stop to the business. Warren Sabin, who is also said to have kept a small stock of notions in his old tavern, built a horse-power mill about 1817 or 1818, on the ground where the Methodist | Episcopal Church now stands, and traded it immediately to Joseph Wright for a piece of land.* In that mill, Abraham E. Strickle, then a boy, while playing with some other boys, pushing the large wheel around, caught his hands in the cogs and crushed off several of his fin gers. The mill was in use but a short time and was purchased by the Methodist society, who converted it into a meeting-house.

Jacob Strickle settled at the corner of South and Locust streets in 1811, and worked at blacksmithing for many years. f Charles Swayne located here in 1812 and engaged in tailoring. Ellis Pugh, in 1814, opened a wagon shop in the place, but as wagons were not in great demand at that day, his business was not very prosperous. John McElwaine, a blacksmith, settled about the same time on Main street. Ebenezer Seamans, a printer, was foreman of the True American office, beginning in the spring of 1815. Israel Johns settled in 1813, on the southeast corner of Main and Walnut streets, and his place was long a home for itinerant Methodist preachers. He was a builder by trade, and assisted in raising and finishing many of the pioneers' bouses in the place.

Levi Sheppard, who was born near Winchester, Va., was married in 1816 and settled at Wilmington soon after, uniting with the Methodist Episcopal Church in this place in 1819. By trade he was a plasterer. He lived on tho lot near the present site of the Christian Church, and was a valuable citizen. His name appears prominently in other connections in this work. He died October 20, 1870, aged eighty-one years. His son, Dr. William W. Sheppard, has resided for many years in Sligo, Adams Township.

John Patterson, in 1813, carried on the blacksmithing business in Wilmington. Jonah Seamans was engaged in the same business the next year, and built his house on the northeast corner of Spring and Sugartree streets. Reuben Adams, a tailor, settled in 1816, and carried on a considerable business in his line at the house of Joseph Seamans. Joseph Whinery located here about 1812. He was a sash maker by trade, and, from his propensity for writing rhymes, became known among the people as " the Todd's Fork Poet."

Joel Austin settled in 1811 on a part of the lot now occupied by C. M. Bosworth, on Locust street. He was slow in Bpeech and action, but his wife, Hannah, was the opposite. She read and talked very much. One day at the hotel of Warren Sabin, she met Isom Good, a Tennesseean, who had some reputation as a maker of rhymes, and, wishing a test of his power, she asked him to give an extemporaneous rhyme for her benefit. He rose from his chair and delivered the following:

This, the poet said, was not very good rhyming, but it was a self-evident truth. He was asked for no more. Good was an eccentric individual, and from his genial nature made a desirable companion.

Daniel Radcliffe* settled here about 1814, and read law with William RCole, but did not practice in the courts. He served several years as Justice of the Peace and also as County Treasurer. It is said while filling the latter office he kept the funds in a common bureau drawer, where it was perfectly safe, as robberies were hardly known at that day. Samuel McCune, a hatter, located here about 1818, and lived and conducted his business on Main street. John McFall, a native of Terre Haute, Ind., also a hatter, settled the same year on Main street, east of the present site of the First National Bank.

"The first hatter in Wilmington," says Mrs. Harlan, "is supposed to have been Richard Peirce. He came to the town December 1, 1813; to Ohio in 1811." His shop was at first on the spot now occupied by the Baptist Church, but he subsequently moved it to the south side of East Main street, upon the lot where the Peirce House now stands, as the location was nearer to water. In the spring of 1833, he built the hotel which bears his name, and conducted it for many years. He is now deceased. Mr. Peirce was a man of more than ordinary culture for his time, and among other accomplishments, wrote very good verses. He is remembered by many of the citizens of Wilmington. Mrs. Henry B. Morgan, whose husband is the present proprietor of the Peirce House, is a daughter of Richard Peirce.

The business of making hats was quite extensively engaged in during the early years of the settlements in this region, both wool and fur being used in their manufacture. Nearly every hamlet had its hatter, who furnished hats of his own make to order. The storekeepers occasionally sold a few, but they were only those they had taken from the village hatter in exchange for store goods. Hats for every day, for men and boys, were made of wool, while those for Sunday wear were made of finer material, and have been known to last from ten to twenty years. Other men who carried on the hatting business in

*Mr. Radcliffe was a native of Virginia, and served in the war of 1812 under Harrison. His father had settled in Kentucky in 1786, when his son was but two years of age, and was an intimate acquaintance of Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, and served with George Rogers Clark in 1777. The son died at Princeton, Bureau Co., 111., in 1873, aged nearly eighty-nine years. '

John A. Hays, a stone mason by trade, settled in Wilmington in 1815, on the lot now occupied by W. J. Marble. He met misfortune upon investing his money in dry goods and groceries. James Birdsall, an early settler at Oakland, where he built and conducted a hotel for a number of yearB, beginning about 1804, moved to Wilmington soon after it was laid out and settled on what is known as the Samuel Smith farm, within the limits of the present corporation. He engaged in farming and hat-making. Dr. Jones says of him: "At the organization of the militia forces in the year 1812, he was appointed Paymaster of the First Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. He gave his attention and aid to tbe military organization until the close of tbe war, in 1815. Mr. Birdsall was one of the members of the M. E. Church first organized in Wilmington."

"Col. Samuel Cox settled in the village of Wilmington in the year 1811, and erected his log cabin on part of the lot where the new town hall now stands. The southeast corner of the hall stands over the well used for household purposes in the dwelling of Cox. Col. Cox was a man possessing a great deal of driving power. He early engaged in the manufacture of whisky, which in early pioneer times was an article in very common use. He was a strong advocate for the education of the people. As early as the beginning of the year 1816, he aided in organizing a literary society in the town of Wilmington. In the years 1811 and 1812, he gave his attention to organizing the militia and preparing them to meet the aggreBBions of the Indians in the war of 1811, and the Indians and their allies, the English, in the war of 1812. Col. Cox and Col. Thomas Hinkson were the active and efficient agents in getting up military companies and in organizing the first regiment of pioneer soldiers. Amidst the stumps, brush and other obstructions in and around the new village of Wilmington, the regiment was frequently drilled. It was an awkward squad and uncouth, but their rifles when pointed at the enemy seldom missed."

Joel Woodruff settled in Wilmington in the summer of 1811, and began housekeeping in a log dwelling on South street, adjoining Warren Sabin's hotel. By trade a carpenter, he found employment in assisting to build the rough log houses of the settlers, and continued to work at his trade until the close of the war, in 1815. He was then appointed Collector of taxes in and for the county of Clinton. In 1822, he was elected Sheriff, and held the office four years. He assisted, in 1818, in remodoling Wright's horse-mill into a church building for the Methodists. Soon after coming here, he built a log cabin on the lot where the Friends' Meeting-House now stands, and lived there many years. His son Samuel was born in that house.

Haines Moore settled in Wilmington in 1814 or 1815, having some time previous removed to Ohio from Pennsylvania. "He was a worker in wood, and by trade a cabinet-maker. He purchased the property on Main street formerly built and owned by William Hobson. This house and lot were occupied for a number of years by David Marble, successor to Moore in the manufacture of cabinet furniture. In his line Mr. Moore did a largo business. He finally sold his shop to Daniel Marble, and removed to a farm on Lytle's Creek."*

Joel Dillon, a wagon-maker by trade, located in Wilmington in 1812, and opened his shop near the north end of South street, on the east side. All wagons then in use by the settlers were made by local workmen, and Dillon prospered. He finally, however, sold out his business and engaged in liquor selling, and from that timo his fortunes waned.

William Millikan, a saddler, settled in Wilmington between the years 1812 and 1815. He served for some years as Justice of the Peace, and finally removed to Indiana. Amos T. Sewell settled about 1814. His vocation was that of a school-teacher, and he sometimes worked at shoemaking. He was for some years a Justice of the Peace, and was County Recorder by appointment until the office became elective, being afterward elected to the same office. Mrs. Ruth Thatcher, mother of Thomas and Jesse, was an early settler in the village, and for some years lived on a part of the lot formerly owned by S. H. Hale. She aided her son Jesse in building the stone house now standing on South street, south of the railroad. " Uncle Jesse Thatcher" was a member of the Society of Friends, and exceedingly plain in features.

Joshua Moore, a native of Pennsylvania, settled in Wilmington in 1813, and built his dwelling on the lot since occupied by Zimri Haines. He was a carpenter by trade, and was capable of making almost anything which could be manufactured of wood. Two or three years after his settlement here, he moved to a farm west of town, on Lytle's Creek. He died at the age of eightyone years. His son, Dr. Joshua Mooi'e, resides in Wilmington on the lot formerly occupied by Peter Burr, northwest corner of Main and Mulberry streets. William McMillan settled in Clinton County about 1808, afterward locating in Wilmington. About 1830, he engaged in business with Warren Sabin, and settled permanently in the place in 1837. He was a mason by trade, and built many of the brick houses now standing in the place. He died February 26, 1872, aged seventy-three years.

Archibald Haynes, a native of Dutchess County, N. Y. . was brought by his parents to Ohio in 1808 when but six months old, the family settling at Oakland in what is now Chester Township. His father, William Haynes, not long after died of malarial fever, and the child was placed by his guardian under the care of Warren Sabin, of Wilmington. At fifteen years of age, he was possessed of a limited education, and had for some time worked with James Massie at the harness-maker's trade. He was then placed in a hat shop and set at " bowing wool " for hats, but the business was so injurious to hiB health that he was forced to abandon it. He was employed by Samuel H. Hale in the latter's store, and subsequently found employment in the establishment of Samuel Smith, on the east side of South street. Smith finally gave him a partnership, which relation continued for some time. He subsequently removed to Oakland and became quite wealthy.

"Aunt Rachel Eaton" was an early settler on Columbus street, and her two sons, James and William Eaton, became worthy citizens of the place. James How settled here in 1815, and kept a public house on the northeast corner of Main and Mulberry streets. He shortly after removed from town, and the property was purchased in 1818 by Samuel Welch, Sr., for his son, Dr. Turner Welch, who boarded with Mr. How. Palmer and Samuel Adsit, housebuilders, located here in 1814. Palmer Adsit died not long afterward, and after some years his brother removed farther West.

During the winter of 1815-16, a lyceum was held in Wilmington, and the following is a record of one of its meetings: "January 16, 1816, the members of the lyceum met, Joel Woodruff, President. Meeting called to order. Question of discussion, 'Is the infidel more injurious to the cause of religion than the hypocrite?' Affirmative, James Wilkinson, Peter Burr, Charles Paist, Robert Way, John A. Hays, Thomas Graskill, John Eachus and Thomas Ballow. Negative, Eli Gaskill, S. H. Hale, Richard Peirce, James How, Samuel Adsit, David Sewell and John Whinery. The question was decided in the affirmative, and the society adjourned to meet again at the residence of Peter Burr." Samuel H. Hale was the last survivor of those mentioned, and died on the day he was ninety-two years of age.

William Jones, a native of North Cai'olina, grew to manhood in South Carolina, married in the former State, and, in 1795 or 1796, removed to Granger County, Tenn., and settled at Bean Station, where he followed the business of a tavern-keeper and traded with the Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians, at Muscle Shoals, in Alabama. He acquired considerable wealth, and, in 1810, removed to Ohio, and, on the 4th of March, settled on Todd's Fork, in the northwest part of what is now Union Township. He was accompanied to this State by his wife and nine children, including Dr. A. Jones, now of Wilmington, who was born at the old home in Tennessee in 1807. Another son, Charles, was born in Clinton County, in August, 1811. William Jones had in his earlier years learned the house-building trade, and built a number of houses in Wilmington for persons residing in the place. He could never be induced to settle in a town, however, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits during the greater part of his residence in this county. His son, Daniel J ones, a shoemaker by trade, settled in Wilmington in 1817, and built a log house on the lot now occupied by the residence of the late Judge R. B. Harlan. He had first worked here in 1811. He was a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a member of the first class organized in Wilmington. He manufactued boots and shoos quite extensively, having at times as many as six men in his employ, and buying his stock from the tanneries in the place. He owned several lots in the village. He died in St. Louis in the eightieth year of his age, and was brought to Wilmington and interred in Sugar Grove Cemetery.

David Faulkner, one of the original proprietors of the land on which Wilmington was laid out, never lived here. His son Thomas was an early settler in the northeast part of the town. People at that day were not wont to stay long in the place, and many removed to other localities within a short time after locating here.

The following are the dates at which licenses were granted to other early tavern-keepers in Wilmington:* John McGregor, May 7, 1812; Asa Holcomb, July 20, 1812; David Sewell, September 21, 1813; Nathaniel Cunningham, December 23, 1813; Joel Woodruff, February 9, 1815; Samuel Cox, November 10, 1815; Lewis Rees, December 2, 1815; Samuel Ruble, Jr., September 16, 1818; Samuel II. Hale, March 8, 1818; David Smart, September 20, 1821; Jonathan K. Beekman, August 4, 1823.

Following is a sketch of Abraham E. Strickle, a former prominent citizen of Wilmington, contributed by his son-in-law, Maj. W. D. Bickham, of Dayton, Ohio:

' "Abraham Ellis Strickle, son of Jacob and Ann Strickle, was born in Wilmington, Clinton Co., Ohio, October 4, 1807. f His parents, who were of German extraction, emigrated to Ohio from old Virginia. Abraham Strickle was the first white child born in the now settlement subsequently named Wilmington. J In early manhood he was fond of athlotic sports, in which he excelled. His cotemporaries to this day remember his triumphs in running, leaping, lifting weights, wrostling and shooting. He was afterward crippled by rheumatism so that he walked very lame, and besides suffered a mangling of both hands in agricultural machinery, but his resolution largely overcame those misfortunes, and he continued until his death a marvel of energy and activity. He compensated for his physical misfortunes by application of his mind to the development of the resources of his nativo county. Fi'om early manhood until the beginning of the war, he waB conspicuous in all enterprises tending jHe was born noar the subsequent slteof Wilmington. The place was not laid out until August 4, 1810. ;J;Warren Sabin's daughter was the first white child born strictly within the limits of the place.

to promote the moral and material welfare of the community. He was a director of the first turnpike company in Clinton County, and pushed the road to completion, giving the farmers an outlet for their produce to Cincinnati. Being naturally inclined to farming, he was among the first to adopt improved methods of agriculture. He bought the first reaping machine used in the county. There was a clamor against it and he was threatened with dire calamities to himself and his property if he attempted to use it. The manufacturer in Springfield from whom he purchased it guaranteed to replace it if it was destroyed. Mr. Strickle took his rifle, together with his machine, into his fields and was not interrupted, although hard words were as abundant as bushels of wheat reaped by his machine. He was President of the Clinton County Agricultural Society, and was also a member of the State Board of Agriculture for a number of years. He was also a member of the Clinton County Live Stock Company, which imported Durham cattle, Southdown, Saxony and Cotswold sheep, which placed Clinton County in the van of this interest, which has proved of such immense importance to the country. Under his administration of the Clinton County Agricultural Society, the first county agricultural fair was held,* and they have been held annually to this date without interruption. He was among the most energetic and influential in securing the railroad - now called the Muskingum Valley road - through Wilmington and Clinton County, and was for some years a director of the company. He was also elected Clerk of the Courts of Clinton County several terms, and one of his last public benefits was active co-operation in the organization and establishment of the Wilmington Cemetery Association, of which he was President. The result of his labor is seen in the beautiful Sugar Grove Cemetery, near Wilmington, where he now quietly sleeps with his wife, several children and other kindred and the friends of his lifetime. In politics, he was an ardent Whig, and devoted himself to that cause with characteristic zeal and energy. When the Republican party was organized, in 1856, he threw himself into that organization with customary devotion, and the political joy of his life was the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency. When the war of the rebellion began, being debarred from active field service by his physical disabilities, he accepted a commission as commissary of subsistence, with rank of Captain, and, joining Gen. Grant's army immediately after the battle of Port Donelson, served with that army ;mtil fatally stricken with malarial fever in front of Vicksburg. He was taken to Cincinnati and died at the residence of his son-in-law, Maj. William D. Bickham, July 9, 1863. His wife was Caroline Goodwin, of Cincinnati, whom he married December 22, 1830. Together with three daughters, she accompanied him in the field during the Vicksburg campaign. She survived him only two or three years. In many respects, Abraham E. Strickle was a notable man, remarkable for his energy, his inflexible resolution and his devotion to all things which engaged his attention. He was a devoted member of the Christian Church in Wilmington all his manly life. He had ten children, of whom seven accomplished and noble daughters survive him."

Prom the Harlan Notes is taken this sketch of W. H. P. Denny: "His father was George Denny, publisher of the Scioto Gazette , at Chillicothe, the Galaxy , at Wilmington, and the Ohio Interior Gazette , at Xenia. At the latter place, his son learned to set type. In 1829, at the age of eighteen, he started the Clintonian at Wilmington. Two years later, he sold the paper and worked as a journeyman in Cincinnati. He was next foreman for George D. Prentice, at Louisville. In 1834, ho returned to Cincinnati, and, in 1836, he bought the Western Star, at Lebanon, which he conducted until 1858. Thence he went to Dayton, where he published the daily and weekly Gazette , until 1861, when he bought out the Circleville Herald and changed its name to the Circleville Union. In 1865, he sold the paper to become Postmaster of Circleville. He held the office six years, but was anxious to return to his profession." Mr. Denny subsequently published the Wilmington Journal, and is now engaged in the newspaper publishing business at Georgetown, Brown Co., Ohio.

In April, 1838, Wilmington contained 728 inhabitants, of whom fifty-two were colored. This item appears in the Democrat and Herald, of April 27, 1838. Public improvements were then rapidly being made. The editors of the paper besought those in search of a good location to come to Wilmington, upon which an era of prosperity was dawning.

Another early settler of Wilmington and Clinton County, and long a prominent citizen, was George' D. Haworth, of whom we find the following sketch among the Harlan Notes:

" George D. Haworth, late of Wilmington, was an early citizen and pioneer of Clinton County. He was brought here by his parents, Mahlon and Phebe (Fraizer) Haworth, in the autumn of 1804, when he was a youth of but seven years. He was born in Greene County, Tenn., May 29, 1797, and died in Wilmington on the 27th of June, 1881, aged eighty-four years and twentynine days. His early years were spent in assisting his father to clear away the forests and open to cultivation the lands upon which he had settled on Todd's Fork, two miles north of where Wilmington is now located. His grandfather, George Haworth, had preceded his father's family something more than a year, and settled some distance farther down upon Todd's Fork. The youthful George was a great favorite with his grandfather, and much of the time his constant companion. He also assisted his grandfather, who was engaged in stock-raising. In 1811, the year before the war with Great Britain began, the grandfather took a drove of hogs to Detroit, it being the principal market center in that day. He was compelled to sell on credit, and, in 1815, he went, accompanied by his grandson, George D., to collect the money. The first day out they reached Seth Smith's mill, in Green Plains; the next day, they reached Thomas Stanford's, fifteen miles north of Urbana; both these men were emigrants from Tennessee. Most of the way they were obliged to camp out or lodge in the block-houses that had been erected during the war for army purposes. This same perilous journey the then young George had made twice before, once alone, and once in company with the army Paymaster, Vance. In 1812, George D. Haworth, then in his sixteenth year, while working in the harvest field of their neighbor, John McWhorter, was served with a notice that he had been drafted to go into the army. Lots had been drawn for two men to fill a quota, and it fell upon Thomas Babb and himself. He had been very much disabled by rheumatism in his limbs, and was therefore excused from going into the field, but he and his younger brother, Ezekiel, took charge of the pack-horses for six months under Capt. James Spencer, who was Captain of the pack-horse transportation of army supplies. The condition of the country and the lack of roads rondered it impossible to transport supplies by wagon in many places a great portion of the time.

" With the limited moans within his reach for obtaining school education, yet, having a great fondness for mathematical studies and an aptness for figures (it is said that he was never known to err in a calculation), he managed to acquire sufficient education to qualify him to teach, and he taught several terms of school in the adjoining neighborhoods. Some that were his pupils in these schools still survive. In 1817, he was married to Edith, daughter of James and Anne Hadley, of Newberry, Clinton County, and settled on a farm adjoining his father's on the east. In 1822, he was elected Collector of the

State revenue and county levy, as it was then called, and for the first year received for his compensation $54, and visited every taxpayer at his residence, receiving a good portion of the taxes collected in wolf scalps. The next year he received $70 compensation. With but a few years' intermission from this time, he continued to discharge the duties of Collector and Treasurer until he had served the people of the county over twenty years. In that day, there was no office for the County Treasurer, nor burglar proof safe, but the money was kept in a bureau drawer in Mr. Haworth's house. In 1828, Mr. Haworth was clerking for James Fife, of Wilmington, in his dry goods store, at $15 per month. Early in the spring of 1824, he sold his farm and settled his family in AVilmington, and entered into partnership with Mr. Fife in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Fife & Haworth. He continued in this firm some time, then entered into the business on his own responsibility. In 1826, be was joined by his brother-in-law, Jeremiah Hadley, under the firm name of Haworth & Hadley. After some years, he gave up the dry goods trade, the business of the Treasurer's office having become much greater, and as he had acquired lands and property that required his attention. For a number of years, he was for that day extensively engaged in farming and grazing, turning off one or more hundred of cattle each year at one time for market. In this connection a circumstance somewhat peculiar might be alluded to, which pleased and amused some of his friends while it tried others, viz.: He always made his calculations as to about how much profit he wished to make on these droves of cattle, and when he came to sell them, if opportunity offered for him to make a good deal more, he would not avail himself of it. He took great delight in raising cattle, and was the first to import into the county the Short- Horn or Durham cattle, about 1835; it may be a little later. There are those still living who remember the beautiful animals - Chieftain, Army Jane and Cora - bought at great expense for that day from one of the finest Kentucky herds. Mr. Haworth also dealt considerably in land. He and his friend, Isaiah Morris, bought and sold much land in partnership, each, from the position he held, having excellent opportunities of becoming acquainted with the condition and situation of lands in the county. George D. Haworth at one time by appointment viewed and appraised all the lands in the county. He owned and sold at different times over 9,000 acres of land in this county, and many of the citizens of the county say that it was by his forbearing kindness and liberality that they were enabled to obtain homes for themselves. During the great financial crisis, from 1837 to 1840, be lost many thousands of dollars by having indorsed extensively for his friends. There was a general failure of men engaged in the pork business, and some in most other lines of business, not one of whom perhaps in the county but that he had indorsed more or less for. One of his special characteristics was that he could never refuse a favor that a friend asked of him. At this period, he thought that financial ruin had certainly overtaken him, but the clouds parted, and a way opened where there Beemed none, and he was enabled to meet the heavy responsibility and still have something for himself. In April, 1851, his most excellent companion, the wife of his youth, departed this life.

" In 1857, he again became a member of a mercantile firm, under the firm name of Haworth, Glass & Co., and so continued for three or four years. In 1858, he was married to Sarah Clark, of Richmond, Ind. , daughter of Samuel Stubbs, an early pioneer from the State of Georgia. Mr. Haworth was remarkable for his jocular and social disposition. He greeted every one who approached him with a smile and words of cheer. He retained his interest in the public good keenly to the end of his life, and all that related to the county or its inhabitants; but in his declining years he devoted himself very much to* the cause of religion, and watched over the branch of the church of his adoption (at the head of which he had sat for more than thirty years) with as much care and tenderness aB a fond father over an idolized child. George D. and Edith Haworth were the parents of eight children, the eldest three of whom died in early childhood. Five still survive, viz., Mary, wife of Samuel R. Glass; Caroline E., who married Robert B. Harlan; George D. Haworth, Jr., who resides one and three-fourths miles northeast of Wilmington; James Mahlon Haworth, at present Government Inspector of Indian affairs, and Edith Emma Moody, wife of Laming R. Moody, who resides in the eastern suburb of Wilmington. George D. Haworth survived his second wife but two days. After four days' illness, be departed this life in great peace, and, upon the 29th of June, 1881, hiB remains were laid to rest in Dover Churchyard, with his wife, children, parents and numerous other relatives and friends."

Merchants Of Wilmington

" Asa Holcomb was the first merchant located in Wilmington. He came to Cincinnati in 1792 and from there to Wilmington in 1810. His storeroom was on Lot 110, once the residence of William R. Cole, and afterward of Dr. Turner Welch, and for many years owned and resided on by R. B. Harlan. Mr. Holcomb kept a tavern at the same place. His first license to sell goods was issued April 8, 1811, lacking only one day of three months earlier than that of Isaiah Morris & Co. His first license to keep a tavern, out of several of the same kind, was dated July 20, 1812. Mr. Holcomb was a drummer and Daniel Jones blew upon the fife; the two furnished the martial music during the war of 1812 at musters and on other patriotic occasions. He purchased of Paul Way Lot No. 125, on which the late Richard Peirce so long resided. He Bold the lot to Peirce September 12, 1816. After a residence of about three years, on October 4, 1813, he sold his possessions to Solomon Cole, father of William R. Cole, and returned to Cincinnati. His last license to sell goods was for one year, and was taken out February 3, 1813.

" William Ferguson and Isaiah Morris opened a small stock of foreign merchandise early in July, 1811, on South street, where the Clinton County National Bank now stands. The building used by them for the sale of goods was also used as the post office and as the office of the -Clerk of the Court of the county."

Isaiah Morris " was born in Greene County, Penn., in 1786. His mother's maiden name was Corbly. His parents moved in the humble walks of life, having neither poverty nor riches. His grandfather, on the mother's side, was a Baptist minister of great worth and usefulness. His father owned a small farm, with personal property such as Bmall farmers generally possess. The family were what were called Radical Baptists. There were eight children, three of whom, besides the subject of this sketch, emigrated to the West. Two sisters settled in Ohio and lived there to an advanced age. A brothor acquirod by industry and economy a valuable farm in one of tho best agricultural counties of Indiana. His parents lived to an advanced age, his father dying at the age of ninety-eight years, and his mother at eighty-fivo.

"Young Morris descended the Ohio River with his undo, Mr. Huston, in a flat-boat, to Columbia, near Cincinnati, whore they landed in the spring of 1803. The uncle opened a store at Columbia with goods ho had brought with him. This tho nephew conducted for him until the fall of that same year, when the stock of goods was removed to Lebanon. The uncle soon died, leaving Isaiah, now seventeen years of age, far from home, entirely without friends, business or money. In 1803, Warren County was organized and David Sutton, afterward Gen. Sutton, was appointed Clerk of the Courts. Young Morris was given employment in his office, where he wrote till 1811. He also wrote in Judge McLean's office, and, between the two, he had by this time saved about $300. In 1811, he came to Wilmington and entered into mercantile business with William Ferguson, of Lebanon. At the first sale of lots in Wilmington, in September, 1810, Mr. Ferguson had bought the lot on which the First National Bank now stands, and there he and Mr. Morris built a small frame house in which they opened their stock of goods. Here their business prospered so that in a few years Mr. Morris was able to buy out Mr. Ferguson's interest and continue the business alone. In this day, the roads were mere traces, so that their goods were brought to Wilmington on pack-horses. Mr. Morris soon after began trading in real estate, and, as the county and town were rapidly being settled, he realized large profits and his capital increased rapidly. In 1812, he married Rachel Carpenter, step-daughter to Judge Francis Dunlavy, at Lebanon. To them two daughters were born - Maria, who married Robert B. Harlan, and Rebecca, who married Rev. Stephen Holland. Mrs. Morris died in 1819. In March, 1822, Mr. Morris married Catharine Trimble, of Hillsboro, cousin of Allen Trimble. To them a son and two daughters were born. Two of these children, the son and one daughter, died in infancy. The remaining daughter, Sarah Ann, married Grafton B. White. Catharine Morris died in October, 1828. Mr. Morris afterward, in 1840, married Rhoda Corwin, sister of Hon. Thomas Corwin, of Lebanon. A son and daughter were born to them - Thomas Corwin and Mary Catharine, who married Robert M. Wickersham. On the 3d of June, 1816, Mr. Morris was appointed Clerk to the Commissioners. This officer, until 1820, performed the duties of Auditor. He held this office one year. Upon the death of Peter Burr, in 1816, Mr. Morris was appointed to fill the vacancy, thus occurring, as Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Clinton County. He served in this office until the close of the third term, in 1837. He was also Postmaster from 1812 to 1815. The post office and Clerk's office were both in Mr. Morris' store. He was the first Representative from this county in the Legislature, in 1812. He again represented the county in 1815. In 1837, he was chosen by Clinton and Highland Counties as their State Senator for two years. In 1851, he was elected the delegate for Clinton and Highland to the second Constitutional Convention of Ohio. The convention met in Columbus, and, after organizing, adjourned to Cincinnati and held their session there in the summer of 1851, during which time they formed a new constitution for Ohio, which was approved by the people at the October election following. Mr. Morris was the first Mayor of Wilmington, serving from 1828 to 1830. Isaiah Morris was not a member of any religious sect, but had a warm feeling for all. He gave to the Baptist society the lot on which their church is built, and, in addition, about $800. His health had declined for about two years before his death, which took place July 18, 1858, when he had reached the age of seventy-two years. Although Mr. Morris began life without any property of his own, he was at the time of his death a wealthy man."

David Stratton* began the dry goods and grocery trade at the southwest corner of Main and Mulberry streets, where Dr. A. Jones now lives, in 1814 or 1815. His license is dated October 4, 1815, but it is thought he was in business the previous year. On the 14th of October, 1816, he deeded the premises to William Hibben, from Fayette County, Penn. On the 22d of the same month, he was granted a permit to keep a store in Wilmington until the next court; and on the 30th of November, in the same year, the court granted him a license. The store was in the west part of the present building, that part now used by Dr. Jones as an office having been erected in 1841 by Mr. Hibben. This portion of the town then contained considerable of the business. About 1819, Mr. Hibben's son, Thomas Hibben, engaged in business on the north side of Main street, in the frame building now used as a boarding-house, a few steps east of Mulberry street, and built about 1811, probably by Thomas Gaskill.

James Fife came to Wilmington in 1819, and opened and conducted a store for a Mr. Wood, of Lebanon, in a frame building which stood next west of the site now occupied by the West House, on the south side of Main street. He was by birth an Irishman. The building had been erected by Jonalhan Harlan, Mr. Fife had great natural ability for business, and, by his tact, accumulated wealth rapidly. Within one year after his arrival here, he had purchased the stock of goods and paid for them. He became one of the wealthiest and most prominent men in the county, and died leaving a large amount of property. The present First National Bank Building in Wilmington is a monument to the taste and enterprise of Mr. Fife, and his associate in business, Mr. Bosworth.

At the sale of lotB in Wilmington in 1810, Mahlon Haworth purchased at the northwest corner of Locust and South streets, and improved the lot, but never lived upon it. It afterward belonged to Jacob Strickle, who built a stone house upon it and occupied it. George D. Haworth next purchased it, and finally sold it to Mr. Strickle's son, Jacob, Jr. During the exciting political campaign of 1840, it seemed to be necessary to have a Whig hotel in Wilmington, as hotels were then considerably dependent upon patronage according to the drift of their politics. George D. Haworth, therefore, who owned the building mentioned, erected a brick addition thoret.o, and converted the whole into a "Whig hotel," renting it to Jabez Harlan and Jabez Walker, who became its first landlords. Gen. W. II. Harrison had stopped with Mr. Haworth in 1840, before the new hotel was startod. The building bocame one of the prominent institutions of the placo, and was widely known as the ' ' Bnclteye House." It was conducted by several different persons during its existence, and was finally destroyed by fire but a few years ago.

The hotels were patronized largely in the early years by teamsters hauling goods from Cincinnati, and later were headquarters for numerous lines of stages, the latter carrying the mails and also passengers. May 10, 1850, Conklin & Ross advertised in the Wilmington papers that from that date a daily line of omnibuses would ply between Wilmington and Cincinnati, via Milford, touching at Clarksville, Middelboro, Osceola and Goshen, and connecting at Milford with trains on the Little Miami Railroad. Through fare, $1.75.

A post office was established at Wilmington in 1812, and Isaiah Morris was appointed Postmaster, a position which he held until 1815. A list of letters advertised by him as remaining in the post office at Wilmington July 1, 1815, is as follows: Joseph Abanathy, David Atkinson, Joseph Anthony, Joseph Ballard, Thomas Babb (son of Sampson Babb), Nathan Dillon, Jacob Garrison, John Gray, David Hixton, William Hale, Joseph Haines, Stephen M. Irwin, Jonathan Lawrence, Joel Lewis, Peter Lieurance, Eli Millican, Anthony Morgan, Robert Morgan, William Moon, Charles Paist, Robert Pennery, George Rinard, Thomas Reese, Amos Smith, John Stout. This list appears in a scrap of one of the numbers of the True American, published sometime in July, 1815. The same scrap contained an advertisement for Joseph Whinery, who wanted a journeyman in the cabinet-making business, offering good wages and steady employment. Whinery was then living four miles north of Wilmington.

The following is thought to be a nearly complete list of the Postmasters at Wilmington since Isaiah Morris: James Magee, George Bruce, Joseph Hale, James E. Johnson, James Fallis (the latter appointed in May, 1853, to succeed Johnson), Thomas Yan Tress, W. J. Marble, eight years, John C. Moon, two years, and the present incumbent, W. P. Wolf, who was appointed May 25, 1871. During the terms of Johnson and Fallis, the office was in the building at the northeast corner of Main and Mulberry streets, now occupied by George Brindle.* When Yan Tress assumed the duties of the office, he moved it to a room on South street, near the present site of the St. Nicholas Hotel. The office is now in the building next north of the court house, on the west side of South street.

Wilmington is situated at an elevation of 551 feet above low water mark in the Ohio River at Cincinnati, 417 feet above Lake Erie, and 992 feet above the level of the sea.

Isaac Garretson was the first school-teacher who imparted knowledge to the youth of Wilmington, but there is a difference of opinion as to the year in which he began his work here, some placing it in 1810, and others in 1812. A log schoolhouse was built by Joseph Doan at the corner of Sugartree and Spring streets, and Garretson taught in that structure. It was finally destroyed by fire, and Garretson continued the school in a room at his own residence. Other subscription schools were taught in 1817, by Arnold Treusdell in 1818-19, by William Millikan and A. T. Sewell, and by William Crumley; in 1822-23, by Beebe Treusdell; in 1820-21, by J. N. Reynolds, in the old court house, and by others, among whom was Alanson Jones, afterward Sheriff of the county. About 1834, a family named Mabie began a select school in the east end of the building now occupied by Stephen Eldred, on Main street, the

* George Brindle came to Wilmington in 1834, from Westmoreland County, Penn., and, up to 1873, was engaged in business in the place - tinware, drugs, etc. His brother Jacob settled the same year.

f Treusdell was a. native of Hillsdale, N. Y., and came to Wilmington in 1816. ' H© taught at Wilmington and Oakland, and, subsequent to his marriage in 1820 or 1821, both lie and his wife were successful teachers. He had been a student in 1819-20, in the Ohio University, at Athens. Mr. Treusdell and his wife finally removed to Gincinnati and engaged jointly as proprietors of a ladies' academy. He also preached in the Methodist Church until X836s in which year he died.

west end of which was then occupied by William Hale. The last term of this school was taught about 1840. At an early day, a Mr. Taylor taught a Latin school in the place. He was a Presbyterian minister, and boarded with the family of Eli McGregor. A small building for the use of the schools was erected early in the northeast part of the town, and about 1839-40, the building at the southeast corner of Mulberry and Locust streets, now used as a meetinghouse by the Friends, was opened as a public school building. The present fine union school building was dedicated January 18, 1870, at which time the Board of Education consisted of Jacob Beard, C. N. Osborn and A. C. Diboll. The building is eighty feet square at the foundation, and stands 124 feet in height above the ground. It is three stories high above the basement, the first two being fifteen feet each, and the third nineteen feet, the whole surmounted by a large and high belfry. The halls, in which are the stairways, extend east and west, and are fourteen feet wide. Each story, including the basement, is divided into four rooms, except that the portion of the third story south of the hall is in one large room, making fifteen rooms in the building. The doors all open outward. The following amount of material was used: Perches of stone, 1,800; brick, including pavement and outhouses, 835, - 134; yards of plastering, 5,697; squares of roof (tin), 115; lot contains five acres; building heated by furnaces; total cost, exclusive of interest on bonds, less than $ 33, 000.

' ' In the schools in the pioneer settlements," says Dr. Jones, " there was no surplus of books. Old Thomas Dilworth was the text-book used in teaching orthography. This old work was succeeded by Webster's spelling-book. In teaching reading, the English reader and the sequel thereto were used. The Testament and the Psalms were in all the schools in the early settlements. Then the study of the meaning of words was thought to be a necessary part of an elementary education. In teaching arithmetic, Bennett's, Pike's and Adams' commercial works were used.* Lindley Murray was thetoxt-book used in teaching grammar. In teaching penmanship, the quill of the goose was used. At that time the arts had not progressed so as to make machinery to rule white paper as it was being manufactured. To make the lines of the white paper, metallic lead was used. The writing fluid was manufactured from nut-galls and walnut and maple bark, fixing the color with sulphate of iron or copperas. This process made a very good ink." To acquire an education at that time was an extensive task, but the people made the most of their facilities.

Many of the early settlers of Wilmington and vicinity were of the Baptist persuasion, and soon formed themselves into a society, and, until the building of a meeting-house, held services in each other's dwellings, and subsequently in the court house. From Dr. A. Jonos we learn that this denomination was the first to erect a house of worship in the village. This was about the year 1817. The building was of brick, in size about 20x30 feet, and stood on Columbus street, near the junction of that street with the Prairie road. The ground on which it was built was given to the society by Isaiah Morris. The church edifice is described as being similar to the ono now used by the Presbyterians. The records of this church cannot bo found; hence, only what can be gathered from the recollections of the oldest citizens can be given. From Dr. Jones we learn that the following-named families were among the oarly members: The Stricklos, Wilsons, Mills, Hughes, McManis, Gaddis, Rannells, Lewis, Rigdons, McGees, Morris, Crihfields and Ilowos. The Rev. Amos Wil-

*We have seen a copy of " The Scholar's Arithmetic, or Federal Accountant," which is now in the possession of I)r. D. B. Morv, of Wilmington, and was the property of Platt B. Mory in 1819. Its author was Daniel Adams, M. B., and the book wus printed at Keene, N. H., In 1814.

son was Pastor of the church for many yoars, who, it is said, had a massive brain, with strong will power, but was devoid of artificial adornments. He frequently preached from the text, "Philip and the eunuch went down into the water," which seemed to be a favorite one. In 1828 or 1829, when the doctrines of Alexander Campbell were being preached, the greater part of the membership became fascinated with it, and the old Baptist Church of Wilmington became virtually a church after that doctrine, only a few members refusing to stay. Thus ended the old Baptist Church, and from it came the Christian Church of Wilmington.

First Baptist Church. - This church was organized at a meeting held August 6, 1853. Delegates from the following churches were present: Caesar's Creek, Jonah's Bun, Port William, Spring Valley, Washington, Cedarville, Centerville and Cowan's Creek. The original membership comprised the following named: James S. Hoblett, Joseph K. Sparks, Bobert Wood, William "Williams, James Phillips, J. C. C. Dowden, Sterling Bartlett, Bhoda Morris, Mary Hoblett, Mary Wood, Elizabeth Darbyshire, Olive Bartlett and Hannah Griffith. The first Board of Trustees consisted of James S. Hoblett, J. "K. Sparks, Bobert Wood and William Williams. Elder S. Marshall was the first Pastor of the church. At a meeting of the Trustees held September 13, 1853, it was agreed to advertise for sealed proposals for building a meetinghouse. The edifice now occupied by this society was the result of this movement, yet it has since undergone several changes. The dedicatory services took place on the last Sabbath in July, 1854. The building is a neat, one-story structure, built of brick, and in size is about 60x44 feet. In front is a square tower extending a short distance above the roof, which was added in 1865, at a cost of about $1,500. In 1871, the church was remodeled, and it now presents a very handsome appearance. Across the rear end of the auditorium is a gallery, which, with the ceiling, were constructed by William Cleveland. The ceiling is quite handsomely finished. The pews and pulpit are from Bichmond, Ind. , and of excellent workmanship and finish. The pa pering of the walls in fresco by Morton & Co. , of Cincinnati, is in excellent style, and the stained glass windows set the room off in good colors. The floor is well carpeted, and the room is a very comfortable one in which to assemble for worship. It is lighted by gas and heated by hot air. The improvements of 1871 cost about $4,000. The re-opening of the church took place on Sabbath, June 4, 1871; sermon by Dr. Jeffrey, of Cincinnati, who preached from the following words: " Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." Found in the 2d chapter of Titus and 14th verse.

Methodist Episcopal Church. - The history of this organization in Wilmington begins with the year 1814, at which time the village belonged to White Oak Circuit, Miami district. It was subsequently assigned to Cincinnati Circuit, to Milford, Lebanon, etc., and, in 1849, was detached from Wil- mington Circuit and made a station. The early ministers of the denomination had wide circuits over which to travel, and their congregations were never large. In 1814, Eev. Samuel Parker was Presiding Elder of the district, and William Burke and David Sharpe were preachers on the circuit, which extended from some distance north of Wilmington (which was one of its appointments), southward to the Ohio River. Following came Rev. John Sale, Presiding Elder, and R. W. Finley, J. Oglesby and J. Waterman, A. Cummins and R. Bigelow, A. Goddard, William Finley, preachers. In 1817, Moses Crume was appointed Presiding Elder, and Samuel Brown and Francis Landrum, preachers. In 1819, John Sale, Presiding Elder, B. Westlake and H. Brown, preachers. In 1821, J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder,. J. C. Brooke and T. S. Helt, preachers. In 1823, John Helt, Presiding Elder, B. Lawrence, N. Walker, E. Wells, N. B. Griffith, preachers. In 1825, G. R. Jones, Presiding Elder, John Sale, preacher (Wilmington Circuit), followed by A. F. Bkxter, John P. Taylor, R. Brandreth, G. W. Maley, James Quinn, J. M. Goshorn. Between this time and 1835, J. B. Finley and Thomas A. Morris were Presiding Elders, and William D. Barrett, J. Martin, C. W. Swain, J. W. Clark and R. Cheney, preachers. In 1835, William B. Christie, Presiding Elder, F. Butler, Z. Wharton, preachers, followed by James Quinn, Presiding Elder, I.

A. Reeder and J. Alexander, preachers; also J. B. Finley, Presiding Elder, James Laws, S. H. Holland, Werter R. Davis and S. F. Conrey, preachers. In 1839-40, G. W. Walker, Presiding Elder, James Quinn, J. W. Steele, preachers, followed by Z. Conrell, Presiding Elder, and J. M. Howland, E.

F. Wright, Presiding Elder, A. W. Tibbitts, W. B. Jackson, preachers. In 1849, Cyras Brooks, Presiding Elder, J. W. Fowble, preacher at Wilmington station. In 1850, J. F. Conrey, pastor; 1851, W. I. Ellsworth, Presiding Elder, J. F. Conrey, pastor; 1852, W. S. Morrow, pastor; 1853-54, C. H. Lawton, pastor; 1855, G. W. Walker, Presiding Elder, T. Collett, pastor. July 31, 1856, Rev. G. W. Walker died at Wilmington, at the house of J. P. Brindle, having come here to attend Quarterly Meeting. He was fifty-two years of age, and was in the thirtieth year of his ministry. He was succeeded by

G. C. Crum as Presiding Elder. In 1857, Dr. H. Baker was pastor, and J. W. Cassatt in 1858; 1859, M. Kauffman, Presiding Elder, T. S. Dunn, pastor; 1860-61, S. A. Brewster, pastor; entered the army in 1861 as Chaplain in the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and G. H. Dart was appointed to the pastorate, and served through 1862; 1863, M. Dustin, Presiding Elder, A. Meharry, pastor; latter re appointed in 1864-1865. M. Dustin was Presiding Elder in 1865-66, and S. D. Clayton was appointed to the Wilmington pastorate in 1866. Sylvester Weeks, pastor in 1868; H. M. Keck, 1869; A. U. Beall, 1870; William Runyan, 1871-73; Lafayette F. Van Cleve, 1874-75; James P. Porter, 1876-78; Charles Ferguson, 1879-81; John H. Lease, September, 1881. The Presiding Elders have been James Kendall, 1866 to 1870; Samuel D. Clayton, 1870 to 1874; and Lafayette F. Van Cleve since 1878.

Daniel Jones and Levi Sheppard were among the most active of the early members of this church, Mr. Jones being one of the number forming the first class. The first house of worship used by this society was a building formerly used as a grist-mill operated by horse-power. It was fitted up for the use of the congregation in 1818, and was used for soveral years. In 1833, a brick chapel was built, which was then the largest and best of its kind in this portion of Ohio. Among those who woro thon members wore Levi Sheppard, Bebee Treusdell, Charles Russell, William E. Ashcraft and Elizabeth Kelly.

Mr. Sheppard was the mason who laid the walls, and Mr. Russell finished the carpenter work. In July, 1865, this building was demolished, and its materials used in the construction of a new church - that which is now (1882) in use - on an adjoining lot. The foundation of the new structure was begun on the same day with the work of tearing down the old chapel, and the corner - stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 27, 1865, the services being conducted by Rev. Dr. Wiley, editor of the Ladies' Repository. The building was dedicated by Bishop Clark July 29, 1866, up to which time it had cost $12,600. The lecture-room was finished first and the building was not finally completed until February 12. 1871. Its total cost was about $18,000. The society became incorporated in 1824, under a general law authorizing the step, and, on the 29th of March in that year, seven Trustees of " The Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington," as it was named, were elected as follows: William Millikan, Thomas Gaskill, Daniel Jones, Israel Johns, Levi Sheppard, Abraham Dover and Henry Wolary.

Society of Friends. - The first church of this society in Wilmington was established about the year 1824, with a large and prosperous membership. In 1825, they built a small, one-story brick church on West Main street where they worshiped about three years. In 1826, Elias Hicks, after whom a branch of the society is now named, paid a visit to the church at Wilmington, remaining with them a few days. In 1828, a division of the church took place, one faction calling themselves Orthodox Friends, and the other adopting the name of Hicksites. The latter being the most numerous, retained possession of the church building. The Orthodox branch attended meetings at Dover and Center Meeting-Houses until 1839, when they purchased a small, round- topped, octagon-shaped brick building, formerly used as a district schoolhouse. In 1854, they sold the octagon-shaped building, and took possession of the old church, then held by the Hicksites, who had discontinued their meetings. After repairing and renovating the old church, they occupied it as a place of worship until 1870, when they purchased the building now occupied by them, on the corner of Locust and Mulberry streets. This building was erected and for many years used as a public school building. After leaving the old church, it was again taken by the Hicksites, who have since continued to hold their meetings there. In the fall of 1879, another division of the Orthodox branch took place, the members adhering to the old doctrine calling themselves "old line" Friends, while the others were called "progressive" Friends. The former retained possession of the church, in which they have since continued to hold meetings. The "progressive" Friends worshiped at the residence of Cornelius Douglass, on North South street, for a time, after which they purchased the lot where the church now stands, of Mr. Douglass, and built thereon the church they now occupy, which is a small, one-story frame building. There are now in Wilmington about four hundred members of the society.

First Presbyterian Church. - -This church was organized in 1825, with the following members, viz.: William Walter and wife, Isaac Collett, Samuel Miller, William Bloom, John Langhead, Thomas Hibben, Charles P. Gallaher and Caleb Smith. Services were held at private houses for some time, when the society procured the Baptist Church, in which they worshiped until 1829, whon the present church was erected. David Monfort organized the society, and served as minister for the congregation for two or three years. He was succeeded by William Worrell, who was the pastor for a few months; but, be ing in bad health, he was taken sick and died before the expiration of a year. His place was filled by Joseph Irwin, and subsequently by C. A. Hoyt. From 1850 until within a year, the congregation was without a regular pastor, the pulpit being supplied from time to time by ministers sent from Presbytery.

On December IB, 1881, Rev. J. Straus was called and became the regular pastor of the church, which now has a membership of about fifty-six. In 1882, the church erected a two-story frame parsonage of seven rooms, upon the church lot, at a cost of $1,800.

Christian Church. - The Church of Christ at this place is an offshoot from the Regular Baptist Church, which worshiped on the south side of Columbus, between Walnut and Lincoln streets. The separation occurred in 1828 or 1829, and almost the entire membership went with this sect. For a time, services were continued in the old church; but, inasmuch as the ground upon which the house stood was donated for the use of the Baptist Church, otherwise to revert to the donor, they removed the material to a lot on Mulberry street, between Columbus and Locust streets, and there built a one -story brick church, which building they occupied until the erection of the present beautiful church edifice. The house on Mulberry street was built about the year 1833 or 1834. The records of the church are very incomplete, and the pioneer preachers are not named. The first pastor of the church of whom there is any record is Rev. Thomas J. Melish, who assumed the pastorate in 1851. The membership at this time was 105. We are told, however, that preceding the year just mentioned, and, in fact, about the time of the church's organization, more credit should be given the memory of Rev. George McManis than any other man, for to him is the church indebted for the spirit of truth and righteousness in this locality. Among those who have labored for the church may be mentioned Revs. Aylett Rains, William Pinkerton, E. H. Hawley, and those grand old pioneers of the reformation, Walter Scott and D. S. Burnett. Later pastors have been Rev. S. H. Bingaman, 1874-75; Rev. W. S. Tingley, 1876; Rev. A. A. Knight, 1877, 1878 and 1879; Rev. Carroll Ghent, 1880- 81; and Rev. C. J. Bartholomew, the present incumbent. The present church officers are: Elder - C. D. Hughes; Deacons - Dr. N. H. Sidwell, F. M. Moore, William Bentley, Wilson McFarland, John Carroll and Jerome Penn. The church edifice now occupied by this congregation is located on the corner of South and Columbus streets. It is an imposing structure, one story high, with a basement built of brick, with freestone trimmings. The basement was completed in the spring of 1874, and first occupied in May of that year. The main auditorium remained in an unfinished state for more than five years, and was completed and formally dedicated Sunday, April 16, 1882, by the Rev. Isaac Errett D. D., of Cincinnati. The building cost $10,000. On one corner of the front of the building is a large tower surmounted by a tall spire. The bell of the old church was suspended in the tower, but inattention was paid to the iron fastenings, and, on a Sunday in January, 1875, while the sexton was ringing it for Sunday school, the bell broke loose and fell to the pavement, breaking it into pieces. In the following June, the new bell was received and suspended. Its weight iB 714 pounds, and, with hanging attachments, is about 1,000 pounds.

African Methodist Episcopal Church. - The African M. E. Church was organized in 1833, by Wiley Runnels, of Cincinnati, at the house of William Brown, on the corner of South and Sugartree streets. Among the members at that time were John Thompson, David Ladd and wife, Abraham Henson and wife, Mary Bosworth, William Brown and wife, James Wheeler and wife, and Willis Crano and wife. The meetings were held at private houses until 1838, when a log church was built on Lincoln street, which served them unti 1 1852, when the present church building was erectod. It is a one-story brick building, capable of soating about three hundred people, and cost $800. Among the preachers who have ministored to this church wero Rovs. Wells, Steward, Epps, Wadkinsand William J. Johnston, the latter being the present incumbent of the pastorate. In 1879-80, $980 were expended in remodeling and improving the church building, and in May, 1880, it was dedicated by Rev. E. Cumberland, of Greenfield, Ohio, and Rev. Dr. Mortimer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, the latter conducting the afternoon services, which were the principal ones. A collection of $150 was taken up after the services ended to go toward liquidating the church debt. The society now numbers 120 members.

Zion Baptist Church (colored). - This church was organized on the third Saturday of October, 1854, at the residence of Jacob Emmons, in the southeastern part of the town, by Elder R. Bowes and Elder Roberds, of Xenia, and Rev. Moreton. The original members were J acob Emmons and Nancy, his wife, and Mrs. Webster. Services were held at the house of Mr. Emmons for six or eight years, when they rented a house of the Wesleyan Methodists, where they worshiped some time, after which they returned to Mr. Emmons' house. They then rented a round-topped house, formerly occupied by the Friends, after which they worshiped in the colored schoolhonse, remaining in the latter until they built the present brick church, four years ago. Mr. Emmons served the congregation as Pastor for about eleven years. He was followed by Henry Davis, of Kentucky, William Rickman, Asa Pratt, Elder Oee and Elder Charles Clark, the latter being the present Pastor. The ground upon which their church was built was purchased of Robert Wickersham. The cost of the church was about $1,400. There are now 114 members.

Previous to the organization of this church, the members of the Old- School Baptist Church used to meet and have occasional services at private houses, but no regular church organization was effected.

The Catholic Church .* - In speaking of the history of Catholicism in Clinton County, it seems to be the prevailing impression that the Catholic Church dates its history from the time the first public services were held; but this is a mistake. About the year 1807, James Trimble, John Burk and Edward Powers, with their families, settled near the present village of Cuba. All were natives of Ireland, and members of the Catholic Church, who left their native land on account of persecution, to seek an aBylum where liberty of conscience prevailed. In the humble log cabins of these exiles, family worship was held and prayers offered to the Most High, and from this dates the history of Catholicism in Clinton County, as Christ has promised, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." The names of the heads of these families may be found in the list of patriots who assembled at the monthly musters from the beginning of the Indian war until the close of the war of 1812, to learn the art of handling the musket, and prepare for the defense of their country. How long these families remained in Clinton is not now known, but all left the county at an early day. James Trimble was a man of good education, and a school-teacher, while the balance were tillers of the soil.

The next Catholics to locate in this county were Thomas and Arthur Mc- Cann, also natives of Ireland. In the summer of 1811, they opened a pottery on South street, in Wilmington, and, for many years, did a large business, as nearly all of the early pioneers used their ware, which was very beautifully and skillfully made. They remained about seven years, and, during the war of 1812, were prominent in upholding the patriot cause against English oppression. They took a leading part in celebrating the victory of Gen. Jackson over the English at New Orleans, in 1815, which celebration was held in a grove on the present site of the West House. That many other persons professing ' ' the faith of the fathers " came to Clinton County during its early history there can be little doubt; but we have no authenticated record of any until the coming of Patrick Denver, Patrick Dolan, William Rankin, and two brothers named Clement, the latter of whom were natives of France, and the first three of Ireland. All have left descendants, some of whom yet adhere to the church. Matthew Rombach, a native of Germany, came some years afterward, and is yet a communicant of the Wilmington Church.

The first mass celebrated in Clinton County was at the house of Michael Devany, of Wilmington, by the Rev. Thomas Blake, in August, 1852. Father Blake was born and educated in Ireland; came to Cincinnati about 1850, and was soon afterward ordained. He was stationed at Xenia, and was brought from Corwin Station, where he was holding divine service, by Michael Devany, Timothy Coakley and Patrick Creedon. Ten persons were present at this mass, viz., Michael Devany, wife and daughter, Timothy Coakley, Patrick Creedon, J eremiah Coakley and wife, and Catharine Knaughton, and two young men whose names are now forgotten. At the second service celebrated in the same house a month later, eleven persons were present. For about two years mass was regularly held once a month in the houses of Michael Devany and Jeremiah Coakley; but at the end of this time, the Catholics had so increased that Father Blake found it necessary to rent Clinton Hall to accommodate his growing congregation. Thus things remained under Father Blake's charge, with an occasional visit from Rev. Philip Foley and Rev. Cornelius Daly, until October, 1862, when he was relieved of the care of the Wilmington congregation.

Rev. John B. O'Donoghue was appointed to succeed Father Blake, and has ever since ministered to the spiritual wants of this church. Father O'Donoghue was born in the County Clare, Ireland, and there studied classics and humanities. In 1848, he came to Cincinnati, where he studied theology, and was ordained in 1853, by the Most Rev John B. Purcell. He first went to Fayetteville, Brown Co., Ohio, where he was assistant Pastor for three years, having charge of the congregations of Hillsboro, Greenfield, Loveland and Milford. At the end of this time, he removed his residence to Hillsboro, where he remained two years, and then removed to Milford, taking charge of the Catholics of Milford, Loveland, Morrow and Lebanon, and subsequently of Washington Court House and Wilmington. In 1868, he removed to Morrow, his present place of residence, and now has charge of Morrow, Lebanon and Wilmington. Since his ordination to the priesthood, Father O'Donoghue has built or acquired churches at Greenfield, Loveland, Milford, Morrow, Wilmington and Washington Court House, beside the pastoral residence at Hillsboro, and other church property elsewhere.

In the spring of 1 863, Father O'Donoghue partialiy contracted for the old nursery lot in the southwest part of Wilmington, upon which to erect a church. Services were still being held in Clinton Hall, which was subsequently vacated for Preston's Hall, which the church was allowed the use^of rent free. This lot did not suit the congregation, and it was changed for the one upon which the church now stands. This lot cost $1,300, and was paid for in full ere the erection of the building. Ground was broken June 6, 1866, and the cornerstone laid by the Right Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, Bishop of Columbus, June 24, of that year, a large concourse of people being present to witness the ceremonies. The building was soon completed and ready for divine services, which have since been regularly held therein. It was not, however, dedicated until October 5, 1870, by the Most Rev. John B. Purcoll, Archbishop of Cincinnati, receiving the name of St. Golumbkille.

It is a neat brick structure, 35x60, with a symmetrical spire, surmounted by a large gilt cross, the emblem of Christ crucified. On the tower, at the base of the spire, are four similar symbols of Catholicism, but smaller in size, giving to the front a handsome appearance. The interior is modest, yet well finished, possessing a beautiful main altar for so small a church. There ib also one side altar and a gallery for the choir, and, as a whole, this church is a credit to the Catholics of Clinton County. The congregation now numbers about two hundred souls, and the church, which cost them about $4,000, is free from debt. Services are held twice per month in Wilmington, and four times per year at Sabina, in a hall which Father O'Donoghue obtains for that purpose.