Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 30: Town of Wilmington, 1915 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 30: Town of Wilmington

The site of the town of Wilmington, the county seat of Clinton county, was, up to the year 1810, covered with a dense growth of timber. In that year, the county having been organized, it became necessary to locate a county seat. The town was laid out on a part of T. Posey's survey, No. 1,057. the land having been donated for that purpose and James McManis having been appointed director to act for the commissioners. The history of the location of the county seat is given in detail elsewhere in this work. The town was first named Clinton, but this name did not prove satisfactory and an order was therefore issued by the court of common pleas in September, 1810, changing it to Armenia. This name also proved to be unsatisfactory and, by the request of the donors, the court ordered that the name be changed to Mt. Pleasant, on December 31, of the same year. Still there was great dissatisfaction and on February 20, 1811. the court ordered that the name be changed to Wilmington, decreeing that there would be no further change unless authorized by an act of the Legislature. The town, as originally laid out, consisted of sixteen squares of eight lots each, the lots numbering consecutively from 1 to 128. For the benefit of the readers, the following description is given:

"(IL. S.). 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, Director 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 egst; 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

On January 15, 1828, the Legislature of Ohio passed an act incorporating the town of Wilmington, but the original limits have been extended by subsequent acts. The act passed on February 4, 1867, described the corporation boundaries as follow: "Beginning at the center of the Xenia road, at the northeast corner of Lewis M. Walker's land, thence running eastwardly across the Port William road, and along the line of Samuel

Smith's land until it strikes the Prairie road opposite Sarah Haworth's barn; thence in a straight line to and along William Applegate's old line to a point on the turnpike; thence up the road to John Dillon's corner; thence with his west line to the Snow Hill road, at the east line ef Jacob Patton's farm; thence with Patton's lines, James Fife's line, and the line of Jonathan Doan, to Lytle's creek: thence down the creek across the Cuba road, and across the old Cincinnati road, to the southeast corner of Leo Weltz's nursery lands; thence to the southeast corner of Nancy Lair's lands; thence northwardly across the Goshen & Waynesville turnpike to the place of beginning."

' On March 8, 1828, the first election was held in the newly incorporated town, at which the following officers were elected: Isaiah Morris, mayor; Bebee Treusdell, recorder; Benjamin Hinkson, John McManis, Turner Welch, John McElwaine, William Stockdale, trustees. Levi Sheppard served as marshal in 1828.

Town Officials

Within the time specified in the act of incorporation, the above elected officers took the oath of office and filed the same with the recorder. Two of the officers, John -MeManis, a trustee, and Bebee Treusdeli, recorder, having resigned, the council held a special meeting on November 7, 1828, at which they appointed new officers to take their places, George D. Haworth being appointed trustee and William Hibben, recorder. Subsequent elections were as follow:

March 5, 1838 - George S. Jenkins, mayor; Abraham HB. Strickle, recorder. George §. Jenkins resigned on September 18, 1838, and David F. Walker was appointed mayor on December 21, 1838.

March 6, 1839 - Robert B. Harlan, mayor; John M. Harlan, recorder. John M. Harlan, having resigned, Noah S. Haines was appointed recorder on December 25, 1839.

1841 - Thomas Hibben, mayor; Charles M. Bosworth, recorder. The latter having resigned, Elijah Sabin, Jr., was appointed recorder on July 10, 1841.

March, 18483 - Franklin Corwin, mayor; Webb Broomhall, recorder. Franklin Corwin having resigned on November 29, 1843, William Fuller was appointed mayor.

March, 1844 - William Fuller, mayor; Webb Broomhall, recorder. The: latter having resigned, he was succeeded by Daniel C. Hinman on August 26, 1844.

The present officials are as follow: Charles Curl, mayor; Frank Babb, clerk; A. C. Stone, treasurer; A. J. Brown, William Smith, Dell Lacy, F. A. Peele, E. E. Terrell and Thomas Bales, councilmen; Dr. G. W. Wire, health officer; Will Sliker, marshal; Richard Hgan, night marshal; Frank Baker, fire chief. :

The salaries of the different city officials are as follow: Mayor, $500 per year and fees; clerk. $400 per year; fire chief, $125 per year; firemen, $75; marshal, $720; night marshal, $600.

To the original town of Wilmington, the following additions have been made: Joseph Doan's addition, eight lots, June 22, 1814, surveyed by Peter Burr; David Faulkner's addition, twenty lots, October 25, 1814; Nathaniel Carpenter's outlots. twelve in number, October 26, 1887; sub-division of part of Gen. Edward Stevens' survey, No. 2,693, by Jesse Hughes, Isaiah Morris and John Woolman, in December. 1826; Dillon's heirs' survey or outlots in Hawkins' survey. No. 2.690, in January, 1850; Mark Thatcher's nddition, eight lois, August 31, 1830; Isaiah Morris' addition. fifteen lots. February 11, 1842: Walker & Fife's addition, twenty-two lots, January 7, 1853; Benjamin S. Strickle's plat of outlots, October 14, 1865: Benjamin S. Strickle's second addition, six lots, no date given: Cadwallader's addition, twenty-nine lots, May 18, 1866; African (or Wickersham's) addition, twenty-one lots, September, 1868; James' addition. fourteen lots. September 22. 1868: Hibben's heirs' addition. seven lots, November 5, 1869; Fitzhugh's nddition. ten lots. April 27, 1870; Alfred Johnson's addition. forty-three lots, no date; J. & J. Doan's addition, twenty lots, March 7, 1871: Keith's addition, thirty-nine lots, April 5 and 8, 1871; J. S. C. Newham and wife's addition. twenty-six lots. May 31. 1871; R. E. Doan's first addition. forty-two lots, July 24. 1871: same. second addition, fortyfour lots. no date given; Patrick Murphy's addition, six lots. September 2. 1871: Boswell & Madden's addition, seventeen lots, September 4. 1871; L. F. Van Cleve's addition, thirty-four lots. April 23. 1875; Brackney's addition, eighteen lots, April 17. 1880: Thomas Perfect's addition. twenty lots. May 10, 1881; C. C. Nichol's addition, thirteen lots, April 22. 1889: Scott's addition. eighty-one lots and four blocks, November 29. 1889; incorporated on petition of city council May 5, 1896, one thousand eight hundred fourteen and thirty-eight hundredths acres; S. M. Babb's addition, sixteen lots, May 7, 1897; Nathan Starbuck's addition, six lots, June 3, 1902; Jacob P. Brindle's addition, sixteen lots, August 8, 1902; S. M. Babb's second addition, nine lots, September 14, 1904; S. M. Babb's third addition, twenty-seven lots, June 16, 1905; Anna Hale Kettelle addition, six addition, five lots, March 29, 1906; Emma Brindle addition, six lots, September 26, 1907; J. E. R. Sine addition, thirty-six lots, September 11, 1908; W. & J. Fife's Elmwood addition, fifty lots, May 6, 1909; W. H. Pope's addition, twenty-two lots, September 15, 1909; A. Hazard's addition, thirteen lots, May 9, 1910; EF. E. Terrell's addition, thirtythree lots, May 26, 1911; S. M. Babb's fourth addition, thirty-two lots, July 3, 1911; J. S. MeCoy's addition, eleven lots, March 23, 1915.

Fire Department

A search for a record of the first efforts for fire protection in Wilmington discloses the following ordinance as the initial provision for such protection :

"Section 1. Be it ordained by the town cauncil of the tewn of Wilmington, that James Fife and Warren Sabin be and they are hereby appointed to examine the fire places attached to such tenements within the limits of the corporation as may be situated within such distance of each other as may render it possible in burning to communicate fire to each other (at least once a month, from the first of November to the first of April in each and every year). And the examiners, on discovering any fireplace or chimney which may be in such condition as, in their opinion. might communicate fire to the building to which it is attached; or to any other building, shall immediately report the same to the marshal, whose duty it shall 'be forthwith to notify the owner or occupant of such building, in writing, to repair such fire-place or chimney in such manner as he shall prescribe in his aforesaid notification. :

"Section 2. . Be it further ordained, that if the person or persons so notified shall fail to repair his, her or their fire-place or fire-places, agreeably to the notice of the marshal, within ten days after he, she or they shall have received such notice, such person or persons shall, for every offense. on conviction before the mayor, be fined in a sum not exceeding $20, nor less than $2.

"Section 8. Be it further ordained, that it shall be deemed an offense against said corporation for any person or persons to burn powder in balls, or otherwise burn or set fire to any tar barrel, or throw any fireballs, sky rockets, or any other combustible materials on fire whatever, within the limits of the corporation; and every person or persons so offending shall, on conviction before the mayor, be fined in any sum not exceeding $5, nor Jess than 25 cents.

"Section 4. Be it further ordained, that the marshal shall be hereby authorized to procure four fire hooks and six ladders for the use of the corporation; to erect a suitable shelter on the court house lot to preserve them; and to place them under such shelter in good order, so as to be ready on any emergency, and present his account for settlement to the town council.

"Section 5. Be it further ordained, that if any person or persons shall remove from their place of deposit any of the aforementioned hooks or ladders for any purpose other than the prevention or extinction of fire within the corporation, such person or persons shall on conviction before the mayor, for every such offense be fined in any sum not exceeding $5 nor less than $1.

"Section 6. Be it further ordained that John B. Posey, Samuel McCune, George Bruce, Edward Kelly and Warren Sabin be and are hereby appointed to have the care and management of the aforesaid hooks and ladders, and to have the exclusive direction and management of the whole operation of extinguishing fires where it shall break out within the corporation; and in case of the absence of John B. Posey, then Samuel

McCune shall take command; and in his absence, George Bruce, and so on, agreeably to the order in which their names are set down in this ordinance.

On March 14, 1840, the town council of Wilmington passed an ordinance for the organization of two fire companies, a hook and ladder company and a bucket company. The former company was to consist of forty able-bodied young men, and the latter of all the other able-bodied men of the town over seventeen years of age. A superintendent was elected by the council, and, together, they selected the forty young men for the hook and ladder company. This superintendent served temporarily until the spring election, when a superintendent was elected in the same way as the other village officers.

It was required of every owner of a dwelling house, store-house, shop or office within the town to provide himself with a fire bucket, to be made of leather and approved by the superintendent. It was to hold three gallons, and the name of the owner was to be printed or painted legibly on the same. These buckets were to be kept in a convenient place. It was also required of the owners of buildings that in case of fire, they convey the bucket or cause it to be conveyed to the place of danger. John Bush Posey was appointed the first superintendent of the fire companies and James Fife was appointed keeper of the hooks and ladders.

During the winter of 1874-75 and the spring of the latter year Wilmington was the scene of a number of fires of alarming size. These served to call attention of the people of the town to their inadequate fire protection and led to some prompt action. On May 12, 1875. the citizens assembled at the court house and organized a volunteer fire company, known as the "Clinton Fire Engine. Hook and Ladder and Hose Company of Wilmington, Ohio." Its original members were Charles Hughes. J. L. Hackney. S. Q. Fulton, H. C. Taylor, Jr.. J. J. Barlow. I. W. Quinby, B. S. Linton, B. J. Whinery, G. L. Barlow, H. E. G. Girard, Wesley Brindle. William Schofield. W. A. Bogan, Charles Mathews, Robert MeMillan, Robert Hazard, Lou Fisher. Levi Pike. N. H. Sidwell. J. A. Schofield, Henry Miller. J. B. Allen, Samuel Richards. J. McDermott. George It. Achor, M. R. Gaskill. W. H. Rannells. J. M. Kirk, E. W. Shepherd. EF. S. Hadley, M. W. Moon, C. B. Dwiggins. D. A. Lamb. G. W. Green, Eli Hadley. FE. K. Peters, David Babb. Charles Curl. P. S. Brindle. Charles Welch. Josiah Sparks, Charles McMillan, Frank Vantress. Jacob Burst, H. M. Barlow. George W. Brown, William M. Babb. Alf Clark. C. W. Bronson Luther Watkins. J. N. Lloyd. M. F. Crustin. Madison Betts. D. T. White. C. J. Hockett, S. W. Robinson. W. T. Crossley, L. H. Baldwin, John Reed, Preston Irwin. Will I. Denny, F. B. Mills and Clinton C. Harlan.

The officers elected were: J. L. Hackney. captain; Joseph Deters. first lieutenant of engine department; L. N. Pike. second lieutenant, engine department; Madison Retts, first lieutenant. hose department; Jacob Burst, second lieutenant, hose department; Robert Hazard, first engineer; Louis Fisher, second engineer; Robert McMillan, first lieutenant. hook and ladder department; E. W. Shepherd. second lieutenant, hook and ladder department; D. T. White, secretary, fire department, and W. H. Rannells. treasurer.

The town council immediately purchased a complete set of hooks and ladders, with a well-arranged truck for their removal, which was taken in charge by the hook and ladder company. A steam fire engine was also purchased by a committee appointed for that purpose. The engine was built by the Clapp & Jones Company, of Toledo. Ohio. at a cost of six thousand dollars. including two hose reels and a thousand feet of hose. The engine arrived Wednesday morning, May 26, 1875, and was tested on June 30. The following is an account of the testing written by a contemporary :

"Tt was fired up for the first time in the morning and. when in full play. threw water over the spire of the Methodist Episcopal church, which is one hundred and

\ forty-four feet in height. In the afternoon, at three o'clock, the fire brigade was called out and proceeded with the engine and two hose reels to Mr. Bentley's pond, just east of town, where the engine was located.

"The hose was then run north to the pike, where a one and one-eighth inch nozzle was attached to the end of the first section of one hundred feet of hose. In about fifteen minutes after fire had been kindled, the engine began pumping, and soon threw water to a distance of three hundred and forty feet. The nozzle was.then detached and the hose run up the pike to the college building and beyond, making one thousand feet of hose in all. The nozzle was attached, the signal given and,the engine again began pumping. The experiment was a beautiful one and gave great satisfaction to all who saw it; the jet of water played with terrible force about the cornice of the college building, which is three stories high, and then clear over the edifice, cupola and all, and a long way beyond. After this a double hose was attached to the engine, and a nozzle at the end of each five hundred feet of hose. Through each of these two hose a stream of water was thrown of volume and force to answer any purpose that might*ever be demanded of it in Wilmington. With these two streams the old flouring-mill, located near the railroad, was deluged with water, shingles and weather-boarding were knocked off, doors and blinds opened, all going to show the great force of the water. The demonstration was attended by a large number of people from the town and country."

On September 14, 1880, the name of the company was changed, by an amendment of the constitution, to that of the Wilmington Fire Company, and its different departments to the Clinton Engine Company, the Clinton Hook and Laddér Company and the Clinton Hose Company. The officers of this company in 1882 were: D. A. Lamb, chief; D. Peebles, captain; C. R. Fisher, secretary; W. H. Rannells,, treasurer; J. N. Tucker, engineer; H. H. Barlow, first lieutenant, engine department; G. W. Brown, first lieutenant, hose department: H. G. Vandervort, second lieutenant, hose department; R. S. Fulton, first lieutenant, hook and ladder department; W. W. Bangham, second lieutenant, hook sand ladder department; Charles Curl, fireman, and George Barlow, assistant engineer. At that time its membership consisted of seventy-five men.

Its equipment consisted of one steam engine, three hose reels, with fifteen hundred feet of serviceable hose, and one hook and ladder truck, fully equipped, and eleven public cisterns, with an average capacity of over two hundred and fifty barrels, located as follow: one at the court house corner on Main street; one on South, one half way between Main and Locust streets; one on the corner of Locust and South streets; one on the Baptist chureh corner; one at the junction of Columbus with Walnut; one at Main and Mulberry street crossing: one at the crossing of Wood and Maple streets; one in front of the Friends church, on Mulberry streeet; one south of the railroad, on South street, and one on Locust street, near Prairie avenue. The first bamed eight were constructed in 1870, and the others in 1875.

In 1890 the fire company was organized into the Wilmington fire department and made a paid company. At its organization it consisted of between twenty-eight and thirty men, with the following officers: Henry Barlow, chief; R. J. Lacy. assistant chief; Kugene Babb, first lieutenant; Frank Pannebaker, second lieutenant, and Charles Crane, lieutenant of hook and ladder wagon. Its equipment consisted of the steam engine and team, a fully equipped book and ladder wagon, hose reels and about fifteen hundred feet of serviceable hose. The hose reels and hook and ladder truck were pulled by hand to the scene of the fire.

In 1908 the city council took about fifteen hundred dollars from the funds obtained by the sale of the municipal light plant and purchased some new equipment and had the engine overhauled.

In December, 1909, the city council reorganized the company and reduced its membership to one chief, one assistant chief, one engineer, the necessary number of drivers and seven other men. This makes the present size of the company ten men. They are: Frank Baker, chief; Frank Pannebaker, assistant chief; S. D. Meyers, captain; Arthur Sutton, secretary; Bert Cox, engineer; Charles Harmel, driver; James McCarthy, driver; Lewis Edwards, C. D. Wallace and Everett McElwee. There is a vacancy of one in the company at present. Its present equipment consists of a hose wagon, with about fifteen hundred feet of serviceable hose, a hook and ladder wagon, an engine and two teams.

The village council, in April, 1889, appointed a committee, consisting of W. H. Rannells and P. 8. Maloy, to inquire into the feasibility of constructing a water plant. They consulted with John P. Martin, an expert from Xenia, Ohio, who, on May 17, submitted plans for a system that would cost about ninety-three thousand dollars to install and about nine thousand dollars yearly to operate. The question of whether a water works should be built or not was submitted to the voters of the town on May 31, with the result that three hundred eighty-one voted "yes," and one hundred and fifty voted "no." On June 7, the town council decided to advertise for bids for the construction of the plant. The bids were opened on'July 1, and on July 5, 1889, the council passed an ordinance entitled, "An ordinance, to submit to the qualified voters of the incorporated village of Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, the question of ratifying the contract between John P. Martin and his assigns and the incorporated village of Wilmington, supplying water to Wilmington and its inhabitants for fire and other purposes, dated the 5th day of July, A. D. 1889, as then set forth and, contingently upon the ratification of said contract, granting to the said John P. Martin and his assigns the right to lay, relay and maintain in and under the streets, lanes, alleys and public grounds of said corporation, water mains and appurtenances for the purpose of conveying water to said corporation and the citizens thereof in accordance with the terms of said contract." The council by this contract was to pay J. P. Martin five thousand dollars annually and to pay any city taxes that might be assessed against the property of the water plant for the first five years. The vote for ratification was held on Monday, August 5, 1889, and

The question of a waterworks was then dropped until May 2, 1901, when another vote was taken on the question of whether or not the town should have a waterworks. Hight hundred and eighteen votes were cast on the question, five hundred and ninetyseven being in favor of it. Of those voting in favor of a waterworks, three hundred sixty-eight were for a franchise being granted and one hundred and eighty-nine wanted a municipally-owned plant.

In September, 1901, a company from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, put in a bid of twenty. thousand dollars for the electric light plant and fifty dollars per fire plug for the water franchise. This bid was not given much consideration and the proposition was allowed to rest.

' Th next step taken was in the following form: 'An ordinance to submit to the qualified voters of the incorporated village of Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, the question of ratifying the contract between J. R. Poindexter, of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and his assigns. and the incorporated village of Wilmington, for supplying water to the village of Wilmington and its inhabitants for fire, and for the use of its inhabitants for all other purposes; dated the 13th day of June, A. D. 1902. And, contingently upon the ratification of said contract, and to enable said Poindexter and his assigns to carry out the provisions of said contract, giving to the said J. R. Poindexter the right to lay, relay, and maintain in and under the streets, lanes and public grounds of said village, water mains for the purpose. of conveying water to said corporation and its inhabitants thereof in pursuance of the provisions of said contract."

The contract. called for the laying of not less than nine miles of mains. not less than four feet under the surface of the earth, and tested to the pressure of one hundred pounds to the square inch; to erect and maintain sixty first-class, double-nozzle. frost-proof hydrants of the most approved pattern; to build and maintain a building suitable "for all the purposes and needs of 1 combined pumping house, boiler room, electric-light and power station; to erect a steel stand pipe of not less than one hundred and fifty thousand gallons' capacity; the water to be of such character, purity and wholesomeness during the entire term of contract as to be acceptable to the council of the village and state board of health;" work on the plant to be started six months after the ratification of the contract and the plant to be ready for operation within one year after that date; the contract to run for twenty years, with the village having the right to purchase the plant at the end of that period. or at the end of every ten-year period thereafter; water to be furnished free to a specified number of drinking fountains and to city buildings. For this the village was to pay forty-five dollars annually per hydrant for sixty hydrants, in semi-annual payments.

The contract was referred to the voters of the town for ratification on Tuesday, July 22. The result of the vote was six hundred eighteen in favor of the ratification of the contract and forty-four against it.

The persons who received the franchise immediately set to work upon the construetion of the new system. Great trouble was experienced. however. in finding a suitable water supply and before it was finally found the franchise was assigned, in 14, to the Wilmington Water and Light Company, at that time holding the electrie light franchise. They were successful and the village council. on July 6. 1906. passed the following resolution: '"Wherens. the Wilmington Water and Light Company. having. fully complied with all the requirements of their contract. and at the test of the said plant on June 28, 1906, all of the requirements were more than complied with: be it

The Wilmington Water and Light Company continued to furnish the town and its inhabitants with water until May 1, 1914, when its franchise and equipment were absorbed by the Dayton Power and Light Company, which is the present (1915) holder of the franchise.

Wilmington Gas, Light And Coke Company

The question of erecting gas works in Wilmington began to be agitated by the citizens in the early part of 1872. who had received propositions from R. T. Cloverdale. of Cincinnati. On February 9, 1872, the town council passed an ordinance giving the company the right to incorporate and install their plant. By the authority of the council, an election was held on November 4, 1872, to decide whether the citizens were willing to be taxed for the purpose of supplying the village with gas, and resulted in a vote of two hundred forty-five 'yes' and forty-six "no." The proposition accepted was that the village should take not less than forty lamps, at a cost of three dollars and. fifty cents per thousand cubic feet, and other consumers to be furnished at a rate of four dollars per thousand eubie feet. Ground was purchased, adjoining the railroad, of H. W. Hale, by Mr. Cloverdale, and gasworks erected. On April 10, 1878, the Wilmington Gas, Light and Coke Company was organized and the following officers elected: D. Sanders, president; T. Q. Hildebrant, secretary; Dr. L. B. Welch, treasurer; D. Sanders, T. Q. Hildebrant, Doctor Welch, J. S. Foster and Joseph Kirkup, directors.

The capital stock of the company was thirty thousand dollars and the contract price with Mr. Cloverdale for the erection of the works was twenty-two thousand six hundred dollars. The organization of the above company was a mere matter of form, inasmuch as none of the men were stockholders and had no pecuniary interest in the enterprise, it belonging solely to Mr. Cloverdale. Later in the spring. fifty-three lamps were located as follow: Ten on Columbus street, extending from Prarie avenue to South street; fourteen on Locust street. extending from Highland street to Mulberry ; thirteen on Main street. extending from Wood to Walnut streets; nine on Sugartree street, extending from Walnut east; one at the alley on Mulberry, between Main and Locust; one on South street; one at each of the following places on South street; alleys between Sugartree and Main; Main and Locust; Locust and Columbus; saw-mill alley ; one on Walnut, near the bridge.

The works were completed in the summer of 1873. and Wilmington for the first time appeared under gas lights on the evening of Saturday, August 8, 1873, when the citizens turned out en masse to see the village in a new light. Monday evening was the time set for the initial illumination, and, during the day, people arrived from Cincinnati, Circleville-and Washington Court House to be present at the grand opening. The citizens entered into the spirit of preparation, and South Main never looked more pleasing and cheerful. As the shades of evening drew on, those of the citizens who had installed gas fixtures began lighting up, and by nightfall the streets made a beautiful apperance. Several of the business houses attracted general attention, and the following deserve mention for their beautiful display: Clinton County National Bank, R. M. Wickersham's dry-goods store. Irons & Crane, and Teter's hardware stores, Sanders' drug. store, Marbie's jewelry store, and the Gates House. In front of Sanders' drug store and the Gates House ornamental arches had been arranged, and underneath the arch, in front of the drug store. were the letters "S" and "T." and in front of, the Gates House were "R. T. C."; the first signifying Sanders and Fulton, and the latter the initials of Mr. Cloverdale, the builder of the works. On the posts in front of the two banks. temporary fixtures in the form of stars had been instnjled. which added much to the benuty and brilliancy of the street. At eight o'clock in the evening a delegation of the town council of Washington Court House, accompanied by the Wilmington council, and the officers of the company visited the gasworks and. under the guidance of Mr. Cloverdale. they were taken through the: plant and shown the method of gas making. But the principal point of attraction for the evening was the banquet at the Gates House, given by Mr. Cloverdale for the officers of the company. the council of Wilmington and that of Washington Court House. with some invited guests from Cincinnati, Circleville and Wilmington. At nine o'clock the doors of the dining hall were thrown open and the guests were ushered in to a beautifully decorated and sumptuously laden table. After the luxuries had been partaken of to the fullest extent. the guests were given another feast in the form of toasts by different members present. Al] spoke congratulatory of. the spirit and energy displayed by the citizens of Wilmington in the successful completion of a long-cherished object. The company was then entertained with some delightful music by the Wilmington String Band and Clark's Cornet Band and every one realized that the eyening marked a new epoch in the life of the town.

The gasworks passed from the hands of Mr. Cloverdale to Samuel Covington, and from itn: to BE. W. Hamlin, all Cincinnati men. It has been leased-several times to other parties.

The present officers are: G. N. Clapp. president and general manager; A. I. Cole, secretary; S G. Smith, treasurer; F. M. Clevenger, director. Mr. Clapp purchased the plant in 1899. He owned the plant individually for a number of years, but recently sold an interest to the other men, who now hold offices in the company. Besides furnishing light and fuel for the town, this company also manufactures coke, tar and by-products.

Electric Light Plants

In December, 1889, Adam Scott appeared before the village council of Wilmington and applied for an electric light franchise. Immediate action was deferred and a com- mittee appointed to investigate. On December 20, Mr. Harlan, the manager of the Wilmington Gas Company, the holders of the gas franchise, appeared before the council and protested against the allowing of an electric franchise. On January 3, 1890, the council called a meeting of the citizens of the town for the evening of January 20, in the city hall, for the purpose of determining what public sentiment was on the subject. A small crowd: gathered at the city hall on the appointed day, and, after a rather heated discussion, adopted the following resolution: ,

"Resolved, by the citizens of Wilmington, in mass meeting assembled, that it is the sense of the public that electric lighting is preferable to gas. and we would recommend to the council that action be taken to the establishment of an electric light plant in our town."

A bill detegating to the village council of Wilmington the authority to submit to the citizens of the town the question of selling bonds to a sum not to exceed twenty thousand dollars for the construction of an electric light plant, was presented to the state Legislature in April, 1891, was passed, and became a law.

When the council met on May 1; 1891, the gas company, whose contract expired November 1, 1898, offered to put in an electric light plant if granted a franchise. At this meeting the council ordered the question to be submitted to the voters of the town ou June 1. The result of this vote was three hundred fifty-three votes '"'Yes" and only fifteen votes "No."

The council received bids for a plant on April 12, 1892, and seven bids were received for a light plant and eight for a steam power plant. The plant was bought of the Fort Wayne Company. for eleven thousand four hundred seventy-five dollars, and the engines from the Erie City Iron Works for four thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars. The plant was to be installed according to specifications and running by July 22. On May 25, the council chose W. F. Hayes as the chief engineer, at a salary of fifty dollars a month and house rent; Joseph Merriman was made second engineer and Sam Glenn, lineman.

During the week ending August 31, the lights were turned on several times, but did not work very well. It was found that the engines that had been purchased were too small and a change was made from a hundred-horse-power engine to one of one hundred and fifty horse-power, at a cost of six hundred dollars to the city. A board of trustees, consisting of three men appointed by the council, was placed in charge of the plant.

On January 21, 1898, the village council ordered that the question of selling ten thonsand dollars' worth of bonds to purchase a new engine for the electric light plant. 'ind for the payment of its indebtedness, which had accumulated for several years past, be submitted to the voters of the town on February 24. At this same meeting G. W. Clapp, owner of the gasworks, offered for the light plant and a ten-year franchise, sixteen thousand dollars or any amount set by three disinterested appraisers. The vote on February 24, showed five hundred seventy for, and sixty-seven against the bond issue.

The report of the trustees of the plant for March 15, 1900, showed a deficit at the beginning of the year of twelve hundred ninety-eight dollars and five cents, but a total gain at the end of the year of one thousand eight hundred seventy-six dollars, butting the plant on a self-sustaining basis.

On June 5, 1901, H. F. Gwynn, of the Gwynn Central Station Heating Company (who had received a franchise for a central heating station), made a bid of twelve thousand dollars for the light plant. The council rejected this offer after consideration.

The council, on November 1, 1901, ordered that the light plant be offered for sale and that the clerk receive bids for the same. Bids were received, but, for some reason, none was accepted. The plant was again advertised for sale in the papers on January 1, 1903.

South Street, Looking South From Locust Street, 1910

with the United Water and Light Company of New Jersey, for the purpose of lighting the streets, alleys, ways and commons of the village of Wilmington, Ohio, with electricity and furnishing light and power for public buildings and for use by private parties as herein set forth, said contract being dated the 9th day of January, A. D. 1908, to take effect the first day of February, A. D. 1908, to be in force for a period of ten years, to-wit, to February 1, A. D., 1913."

The company was to provide one hundred arc lights, at fifty-two dollars and fifty cents per lamp per annum, on a midnight schedule, or an additional twenty-two dollars and fifty cents for an all-night schedule. '

On January 21, 1903, the electric light plant was sold to the United Water and Light Company, of New Jersey, for the sum of twelve thousand dollars - to be paid "on or before May 1, 1903, with five per cent. interest from February 1, 1903, until paid."

To more orders were made out after this report was prepared, amounting to $17.75. leaving $1.725.99, which was turned over to the city treasurer, R. C. Stumm, on May 6, 1903.

In 1903 the Wilmington Water and Light Company was formed and the United Water and Light Company of New Jersey gave way to it in October, 1904. In 1912 the contract with them was renewed. to take effect on February 1, 1913, and to run for ten more years.

The Wilmington Water and Light Company also received the water franchise and contract from the village council in 1906. This company continued to furnish the city with water and light until May 1, 1914, when it gave way to the Dayton Power and Light Company, Wilmington district, which is the present holder of both the water and light contracts and franchises. The officers of the Wilmington Water and Light Company, at the time of its liquidation, were Henry Lees, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, president; J. C. Martin, Wilmington, Ohio, vice-president; A. D. Shonk, Plymouth, Pennsylvania, secretary; and H. B. Sehooley, Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, treasurer. The Dayton Power and Light Company. purchased the total of the Wilmington company's one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars of bonds and one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars of stock on January 1, 1914, and later obtained permission from the public utilities commission to absorb it, which it did on May 1, 1914. The officers of the Dayton Power and Light Company are: F. M. Tait, New York, president and general manager; EK. P. Matthews, Dayton, Ohio, vice-president and general counsel; W. M. Stroup, Dayton, Ohio, vice-president; O. H. Hutchins, Dayton, Ohio, associate general manager; Luther BH. Funkhouser, Dayton, Ohio, secretary and treasurer; and F. ©. Jeanot, Wilmington, superintendent of the Wilmington district.

Light Arches

In 1910, when the city of Wilmington was making preparations for their centennial celebration, four light arches were put up on South Street. This was merely a part of the home-coming decorations, but they added so much to the looks of the town that they were made a permanent fixture. After the centennial was over and the committees had made their settlements, they found that they had four hundred dollars left. It seemed that they were undecided how to spend this sum. After due deliberation, they decided to erect more arches. Several private donations were received and, with the amount already on hand, they had sufficient funds to erect nine additional arches. They were fitted with electric lights, adding greatly to the beauty of the town.

City Hall

The question of levying a tax for the purpose of erecting a city hall and engine house was authorized to be submitted to the voters of the city of Wilmington by the council on March 17, 1876. The election was held April 3, 1876, and resulted in a vote of three hundred and eighty-three to one hundred and forty-six in favor of the project. The council was authorized by a special act of the state Legislature, dated March 17, 1877, to issue bonds not exceeding in amount fifteen thousand dollars, and to levy a tax not to exceed two and one-half mills of the valuation of the taxuble property of the town.

. The plans and specifications for the new structure were drawn up by William M. Cleveland, architect. The contract for its construction was awarded to Fisher & Hughes for sixteen thousand nine hundred and eighty dollars, but in the course of erection some changes were made and the cost of the building was increased to eighteen thousand three hundred ninety-nine dollars and forty-nine cents. Fisher & Hughes sublet the brick and stone work on the new building to McMillan Brothers, the galvanized iron and slating to Farquhar & Sparks, and the painting to Griffin & Austin. The plastering was done by P. J. Murphy, under employment of the contractor. The total cost was twenty thousand six dollars and fifty-two cents.

The first stone in this building was laid on Friday, May 25, 1877, by Robert MeMillan, and the building was completed in the spring of 1878. It is an imposing structure, two stories high, with a mansard roof. The front is formed of three towers, reaching to the roof; the middle tower is surmounted by a belfry and clock, and in each roof of the other towers are two dormer windows. The clock in the middle tower was, at the time of its erection, the largest of its kind in the United States, outside of the clock on the city hall in Philadelphia. It now ranks sixth in size in this country. On the outside walls on either side are five buttresses extending from the ground to near the top of the building, four of which culminate, after making two offsets, chimneys.

CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. 339 on the evening of Thursday, April 18, 1878, when the building was presented by Mayor Hayes and received by W. B. Telfair, Hsq. Music was furnished by the Wilmington orchestra and choir.

On the first floor of the building are eight rooms, as follow: Bast half, front room, mayor's office; middle room, for township»purposes; rear room, council chamber; west half, occupied by the fire department; large room in front, engine room; three rooms in the rear occupied by the engineer of the fire department as a residence. The entire second story comprises the auditorium. Across the rear of the auditorium is a gallery. The stage is well equipped with several changes of scenery, a full-sized stage house, set of flood lights and several well-kept dressing rooms. The auditorium has a seating capacity of seven hundred and seven.

In 1910 five thousand dollars was spent in remodeling the auditorium and in purchasing new equipment for its stage. This was done in preparation for the Wilmington and Clinton County Centennial and Homecoming.

In consideration of two thousand dollars paid by the trustees of Union township to the village of Wilmington at the time of the erection of the building, the city granted them a perpetual Jease on a room on the first floor of the building for township purposes.

Street Paving

The initial work was begun towards paving the streets of Wilmington in the fall of 1913, but was soon stopped by court injunction, and was not resumed until the spring of 1915. The estimated value of the entire work, of a mile and one fifth, was seventy-two thousand dollars. The city paid twelve thousand dollars of this amount for street crossings and the property holders the remaining sixty thousand dollars. The entire contract was let at one time to Freshwater Brothers' Company, Chester, West Virginia. It is laid with Wassal brick, manufactured at Glouster, Ohio. F. H. Beckler, of Athens, was the engineer. The mile and a fifth of paving is on three streets: Main street, from Walnut on the east to Wood on the west; South street, from Birdsall on the north to the Pennsylvania railroad tracks on the south; Locust street, from the Baltimore & Ohio railroad tracks on the east to Mulberry on the west.

The street cleaning department is in charge of Charles 'Harmell and James McCarty. These two men are members of the fire department, receiving fifty dollars per month for their services in this capacity and five dollars extra for their work in sweeping the streets. The equipment consists of a sprinkler and a sweeper, the horses of the fire departmeent being used with the sprinkler and sweeper. . The streets are cleaned three times a week.

Walker Memorial Building

According to the will of the late Samuel Walker, which was made in 1900 and read in 1903, clause three of said will gave to the city of Wilmington a certain part of the Walker estate. The first settlement of this will was made by the receivers of the estate to the city of Wilmington on December 5, 1911, and consisted of $25,555.54 in cash. This was only a part of the amount due the city. The city council purchased the interest of the heirs of this estate for $7.500 and gave Mrs. Walker's heirs $4,333.40 for their part and thus came into possession of the entire estate, or rather funds left by Mr. Walker for the memorial building, The clause which gave this amount to the city said that it should be used for the erection of a library and memorial building for the city.

The lot and that part of a building which had been previously constructed were purchased of the Wilmington Building and Loan Association for five thousand dollars. It had been previously owned by Outcalt & Zahn, who had placed the foundation for a garage but had been compelled to abandon the enterprise on account of insufficient funds. On March 7, 1913, the final settlement of the estate was made in the probate court and through this settlement the city came in possession of the remaining part of the Walker estate, to the amount of twenty-three thousand seven hundred dollars. The work on he memorial building was immediately begun and it was finished and dedicated in 1914.

This is a beautiful and modern building, located on Main street between Mulberry and South, adjoining the Martin hotel. The first floor is used as a business room, while the second story contains the Commercial Club rooms, a library room and a photograph studio.

Wilson Flag Tower

The Wilson flag tower was dedicated on August 1, 1898. The dedication ceremony for this memorial was held in conjunction with the Peace-Day program. This was a gala day for the people of Wilmington and a general celebration was held. The city officials, fire department, lodges, school children and townspeople joined in the spirit of the day 'and helped to make the parade and dedication a success,

The flag staff is of galvanized iron and the frame work is eighteen feet square at the base and tapers to a height of one hundred and twenty feet. The flag staff is thirty feet high. There is a circle of sixteen lights at the top and present a beautiful appearance when lighted. This was erected at a cost of seven hundred dollars and was presented to the town by A. J. Wilson, president of the First National Bank. A platform for the accommodation of the band, octagonal in shape and enclosed by an iron rail, stand within the tower, at a distance of ten feet from the sidewalk.

Military Band

The Wilmington Military Band was organized in 1887, with Edwin Bath as director, At this time it was known as the Grand Army Band. Mr. Bath served as director from 1887 to 1892, when he moyed to Canada. Leo Weltz succeeded to the directorship, which position he held until 1906. During this time the band was reorganized and the name echinged to the Wilmington Military Band. Mr. Bath, who has served as leader since 1906, received his musical education at Kneller Hall, London, England, which is the military school of music for England. He also served six years in the English army. before emigrating to this country in 1881. Mr. Bath has been actively associated with different musical interests in this country and is a member of the Federation of Musicians, Local No. 1, Cincinnati.

The number of members in this band has never exceeded thirteen and only a few times has it fallen below this number. The present members are: Edwin Bath, director and solo cornet: W. H. Taylor, assistant solo cornet; Hamlin Smith, solo clarinet: C. FE. Nichols, first clarinet: D. K. Palmer. second clarinet; Richard Bell, first alto: Moscow Marshall, second alto; Charles Troops, first trombone; James Keefe, second trombone: Jerome Devoe. baritone; E. Chestnut, E-flat tuba; Joe M. Walker, bass drum, and James Swisshelm, snare drum. This band has always been recognized as a leader in this part of the state and has attained a high standard of efficiency. It has a reputation of playing up-to-date. classical and popular music. Many of its members are capable soloists. Concerts are given by the band every Tuesday night during the summer months and meet with the heartiest approval of the town and country people. These concerts are given in the bandstand at the corner of Main and South streeets, which was built for this purpose in the Wilson tower. This is the most unique bandstand in this part of the state.

Champion Bridge Company

The Champion Bridge Company commenced business some time prior to 1872, under the firm name of Wall & Bailey. At first they made only wooden bridges, but later manufactured an iron bridge which had been patented by Jonathan Wall. In 1872, when the present company was incorporated as the Champion Iron Bridge and Manufacturing Company, the stockholders were Jonathan Wall, Zimri Wall and A. I. Bailey. Later the name of the firm was changed to the Champion Bridge Company. Peter Clevenger was president of the company for many years prior to his death, in 1910. He was succeeded by his son, J. R. Clevenger, who, in turn, was followed by A. I. Bailey, the present head. of the company. The other officers of the company are as follow: J. R. Clevenger, vicepresident; A. C. Briggs, chief engineer and secretary; R. L. Owens, treasurer. Mr. Biggs has been secretary of the company since 1886. Mr. Owens succeeded his father, G. W. Owens, as diretcor in 1896, and followed Mr. Bailey as treasurer in 1914. The directorate of the company consists of the officers, with the addition of Dr. E. S. Briggs.

This company is now the oldest highway bridge company in the United States and does work throughout the whole country. The greatest amount of work, however, is done in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and in the Southern states. The most notable bridges recently built by the company are as follow: Bridge at Jupiter, Florida, over the Loxahatchie river in Palm Beach county; bridge over the Scioto river at South Bloomfield, Pickaway county, Ohio; bridge over the Big Sandy river at Pikeville, Kentucky; several larger concrete structures in Polk county, Florida; lift bridge of the bascule type over the Hillsboro river at Fort Landerdale, Florida. In addition to bridge work, probably one-fourth of the output of the company is for steel huildings of the warehouse and factory type. i

The Irwin Augeb Bit Company

The famous Irwin auger bit was patented on October 21, 1884, by Charles H. Irwin. The following year Mr. Irwin organized a stock company and began the manufacture of auger bits. The patent was improved on April 19, 1887. The company was first capitalized at fifty thousand dollars. The present officers are as follow: A. I. Bailey, president; M. R. Denver, vice-president; J. R. Clevenger, treasurer; S. A. Mitchell, secretary. This company originated and perfected the genuine and only Irwin bit and are its sole manufacturers. The distribution of their product is world wide, covering every civilized country. '

Farquhar Furnace Company

The Farquhar Furnace Company was organized in May, 1908, with the following stockholders and directors: M. R. Denver, E. J. Hiatt, M. J. Farquhar, O. J. Farquhar, F. M. Clevenger, J. R. Clevenger and \. J. Brown. In 1912 R. B. Monfort became a stockholder and director. The present officers are as follow: J. R. Clevenger. president; M. R. Denver, vice-president; A. J. Brown, secretary; E. J. Hiatt, treasurer; R. B. Monfort, manager, since 1912. These officers have been in charge since the organization of the company, with the exception of the president, M. J. Farquhar, who was president from 1908 to 1913, when J. R. Clevenger became the head of the company.

This company took over the manufacturing plant of M. J. and H. B. Farquhar, who had been engaged in the manufacture of furnaces for twenty years. They were first located on the Baltimore & Ohio tracks near the present Farquhar coal yard. The next, location was in the brick building known as the pad factory building, on Ohio and B streets, in the north part of the city.

In April, 1915, a contract was let for a new factory to be located at the intersection of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and Owens avenue. This will be ready for occupancy by January, 1916. The company is capitalized at two hundred thousand dollars. Branch offices are maintained in Baltimore, Kansas City, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Greensboro, North Carolina and Portland, Oregon. The future of the company is very bright and the output is increasing from year to year with gratifying results.

Wilmington Casting Company

The Wilmington Casting Company was organized in 1911 by P. 8S. Horton and Dr. Joseph W. Early, sole owners. It was reorganized and incorporated on April 28, 1915, with a capital of thirty thousand dollars and the following officers: P. S. Horton. president; Dr. J. W. Early, vice-president; B. R. Bales, secretary and treasurer, and

J. D. Boone, superintendent of shap. The company began work in its old foundry on Clarke street and moved into its new ten-thousand-dollar building at Truesdell and Charles street in August, 1915. 'The company makes a specialty of manufacturing gray iron castings.

The National Safety Snap Company

The National Safety Snap Company of Wilmington was organized and incorporated, August 4, 1905, with a capital stock of one hundred thousand dollars. The owners of the company were the following officers: J. W. Lawhead, president; A. I. Bailey, vice-president; M. R. Denver, treasurer; Robert L. Owerls, secretary, and R. C. Lawhead, director. Shortly after its organization the company purchased the buildings at the intersection of Mulberry street and the Pennsylvania railroad tracks, which it occupies at the present time. Since its foundation this firm has enjoyed a good business; its output has, on the average, practically doubled each year since it has been in business.

Wilmington Auto Compressor Company

The Auto Compressor Company of Wilmington is an unincorporated concern that was organized in 1911 by the owners of the National Safety Snap Company. It manufactures air compressors and electric hand lamps. It bought a tract of land just north of the new plant of the Wilmington Casting Company in August, 1915.

The Turnbull Manufacturing Company

The Turnbull Manufacturing Company of Wilmington was originally organized in Columbus, Ohio, and for many years its plant was at No.-115 Vine street, Columbus. In February, 1913, it was purchased by Wilmington capital and incorporated, with J. W. Lawhead, president; E. E. Terrell, vice-president; R. C. Lawhead, treasurer; O. W. Hale, secretary; Mrs. Rate Vandervort, director. This company continued its operation in Columbus until July, 1915, when it was moved to Wilmington. It now occupies a new building on Sugartree street, between South and Mulberry streets, which it rents from Frank Gallup. Its present capital stock is one hundred and sixty thousand dollars. Its officers are: J. W. Lawhead, president; O. W. Hale, secretary; W. M. Winters, assistant secretary; R. C. Lawhead, treasurer; J. E. Fisher and Clyde Fisher, directors. The company manufactures ice cream cone and pop corn machinery, auto accessories and gas engines. Its goods are known as the "Turko" line.

The old Methodist graveyard, located in the northeastern part of Wilmington, was originally the private burying ground of Isaiah Morris, who set apart a small lot prior to 1820. Ellis Pugh, Levi Sheppard and James Fife owned adjoining land and each made additions to it. On April 23, 1882, Levi Sheppard sold one-half acre of land to Amos T. Sewell, Charles Russell, E. Kelly, Israel Johns, James Christy, Daniel Jones and Thomas Gaskill, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church of Wilmington, for twenty-five dollars. The land, which had been donated, was then thrown together and the Methodist graveyard formed. The first burial of which there is a record was that of Rachel Morris, on January 22, 1720, although it is probable that others were buried there before that, as it is the oldest graveyard in Wilmington. The remains of many of the old citizens, who were buried here. have been removed to Sugar Grove cemetery, among whom are the following prominent families: Morris, White, Holland, Gustin, Curtis, Treusdell, Sheppard, Hughes and Barrett.

In 1830 Mark Thatcher and wife deeded the old graveyard at the western end of Sugartree street. adjoining the Hicksite Friends church, to William Adams, Azel Walker and Jesse Doan, trustees of the society of Friends. The grounds have been abandoned as a burying place for a number of years.

the incorporation of cemetery associations, and on April 11, 1857, a number of citizens of Clinton county met at the court house at Wilmington and organized the Sugar Grove Cemetery Association. The first officers of the association were: E. L. Lacy, president; -Matthew Romback, W. C. Fife, J. Is. Hibben, A. EB. Strickle, J. W. Chaffin, L. B. Welch and H. L. Lacy, trustees, and Albert Hockett, clerk and treasurer. Nearly twenty-three acres of land situated southwest of Wilmington were purchased from William Hibben for one hundred dollars an acre and were laid out by Leo Weltz. Additions have since been made to the cemetery until it now contains about fifty acres. Catherine Kline was the first one buried in the cemetery, being buried on July 4, 1858. Isaiah Morris, the old pioneer, was the next one buvied there, being interred on July 20, 1858, and the marble shaft which marks his grave was the first erected in the cemetery.

The cemetery derives its name from the timber which once covered the grounds and many of which have been left standing. These stately trees; the rolling ground, the. beautiful monuments and a little stream, which flows quietly through its narrow channel, give the cemetery a beautiful appearance and make it a picturesque spot for the restingplace of the dead.

There is a special plot in the cemetery set aside for the burial of veterans of the Civil War. Two cannon, mounted on wheel carriages, are set in the midst of the soldiers' graves.

In the summer of 1915 a destructive wind storm swept across the cemetery and destroyed more than a score of beautiful trees. Some monuments were also damaged at the same time.

Postoffice History

The first postoffice was established at Wilmington in 1812, with Isaiah Morris as postmaster. It has been impossible to obtain the years served by the various men who have held the postoffice, but it is believed that they served in the following order: Isaiah Morris, James Magee, George Bruce, Joseph Hale, James H. Johnson, James Fallis (appointed in May, 1853), Thomas Van Tress, W. J. Marble, John C. Moon, W. P. Wolfe, Cc. N. Browning, William Clevenger, C. R. Fisher, John H. Hirt, John C. Smith, William F. Haines, and A. J. Hummel, who took the office on July 4, 1914.

It is not known where the early postmasters held forth. Johnson and Fallis were in a building at the corner of Main and Mulberry streets; Van Tress moved it to a room on South street. Later the office was in a room immediately north of the court house on the west side of South street.. At the present time the office is in the building of the Clinton Telephone Company on West Main street, to which location it was moved in March, 1915.

Wilmington enjoys free carrier service and three regular carriers now make three daily deliveries each through the week. The business portion of the city gets four deliveries daily. Since the establishment of the rural free delivery, in 1902, Wilmington has been the distributing center for several hundred patrons. Nine carriers are sent from the local office each morning on as many different routes. A closed pouch is taken by one of the carriers to Port William each day.

Other towns in the county having rural carriers are as follow: Sabina, five; Blanchester, three; New Vienna, three; Martinsville, three; Clarksville. three; Westboro, New Burlington and Midland, one each. The other postoffices in the county are Lee's Creek, Cuba, Melvin and Reesville.

Wilmington Library Company, 1816-39

In February, 1816, some of the most prominent men of Wilmington assembled to form a library association, in order that the citizens might enjoy the advantages of a circulating library. It was provided in their constitution that "no books which should tend to discredit the Christian religion, or bring into disrepute any religious society or denomination, nor any books which tend to corrupt the morals or youth or others," should find a place in the library. All noyels and plays were excluded, the 'Vicar of Wakefield" being the only one admitted. The, library contained more than one hundred and eight volumes, among which were the following: 'Life of Washington," "Life of Franklin," Robertson's "Charles the Fifth,' Robertson's '"'America," "Irish Rebellion," Rollin's "Ancient History,' Goldsmith's "England," "History of New England," Josephus' Works, 'French Reyolution," "Naval Biography," "History of China,' Milford's "Greece," Homer's "Iliad," Pope's 'Essay on Man," Cowper's Poems, Young's "Night Thoughts," Nicholson's "Encyclopedia," Park's 'Travels,' Keats' '"'Elements," "Debates in the Virginia Convention,' Washington's Letters, Jefferson's '""Notes on Virginia," "Lewis and Clarke's Expedition,' Ferguson's "Astronomy and Atlas,' Columbus' "Vision," Fox's "Journal," 'Pour to Morocco," Paley's "Philosophy and Theology," Watt's "Logic," Morse's "Universal Geography'" Rushes Lectures, Curran's Speeches, "Modern Chivalry," "Botanic Garden," Cox on 'Fruit Trees," Goldsmith's "Animated Nature" and Volney's Views." These books were kept in constant circulation by the members and it is an interesting fact that nearly every member of the association read Curran's Speeches.

Prominent among the names on the records of the librarian is that of Mary Fallis, afterward Mary Peirce, who is the only lady whose name appears on the records. Other active members were Peter Burr, Loammi Rigdon, Charles Paist, Isaiah Morris. George McManis, Mahlon Haworth, Eli Gaskill, Rice Gaddis, Jesse Hughes, Sr. and Jr., David Hughes, Thomas Kersey, William Brooks, Eli McGregor, Uriah Farquhar, William R. Cole, Nathan Linton, William Millikan, J. B. Seaman, John McManis, John A. Hays, Samuel T. Loudon, William Hibben, Samuel Wilson, Isaac Wright, James Birdsall, Richard Fallis, Henry and Peter Babb, John Stout, George Carter, Robert Way, John Eachus, James Gallaher, Aaron Sewell, Samuel H. Hale, James Dukin, James Harris, Arnold Treusdell, John Hadley, Joseph Doan, Richard Peirce, John MeFall, George D. Haworth, Rockefeller and Perry Dakin, Amos T. Davis and P. F. Crihfield. Those more prominent as official members were Eli Gaskill, James MecManis, William Millikan, Uriah Farquhar, Eli McGregor, Philip F. Crihfield, J. B. Seaman, John McMunis, librarians and treasurers; Mahlon Haworth, Isaiah Morris, Uriah Farquhar, William Hibben, Eli McGregor, William Millikan, Nathan Linton, John McManis, Thomas Gaskill, Peter Burr, Loammi Rigdon, John A. Hays, George McManis, Charles Paist, directors,

The books show an enrollment of eighty-one members, some continuing from the beginning to the end. The library was sold out in 18389, most of the books being bought by the members. Pope's~"'Hssay on Man" was purchased by Richard Peirce, who, it is suid, could repeat the entire poem from memory. Thus ended the career of Wilmington's first library.

Wilmington Reading Room, 1866-68

A society called the Wilmington Reading Club was organized in December, 1866, by some of the leading citizens of Wilmington for the purpose of opening a reading room and lecture hall for the public. The first officers of the society were Amos Hockett, president; Madison Betts, Cyrus Linton, J. A. Smith and R. M. Wickersham, directors, and almost seven hundred dollars were subseribed to start it. Brackney's hall was furnished for the purpose and all of the leading newspapers, periodicals and magazines were provided. The room was open to the public generally and ladies and ministers of the gospel were admitted without paying a fee. The reading room was open from two to five o'clock every afternoon and from six to ten every evening, except Sunday. This reading room was maintained until July 10, 1868, when it was discontinued and all of the furnishings sold at public sale. And thus Wilmington's second library came to an end.

The Wiimington Liprary

The George Clinton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, recognizing the fact that a library is one of the greatest forces in modern educational progress, and that it was one of the greatest needs of Wilmington, organized, on February 20, 1899, at the home of Mrs. Dr. W. R. Hale, the Wilmington Library Association, with the following officers: Mrs. C. C. Nichols, president; Mrs. J. W. Wire, vice-president; Mrs. R. J. Lacy, secretary; Mrs. J. EH. Orebaugh, treasurer; «trustees, the officers and Mrs. S. C. Smith, Mrs. R. C. Stumm and Mrs. N. E. Bennett. The citizens of the town were called upon for subscriptions to a sustaining fund for the benefit of the library immediately after the organization of the society. This met with a generous response, the total amount subscribed being seven hundred and ten dollars. Of this amount, two hundred and ten dollars were donated by members of the George Clinton Chapter, Daughters of the. American Revolution. Several interested friends in Cincinnati and Xenia sent donations, while many former residents sent contributions of books.

From the First National Bank were secured, in their building, two rooms, the use of one of them being offered gratuitously and for the other only a nominal rent was charged. ae

Suitable furniture was purchased, shelving put up, books and periodicals were selected, and the library and reading room were opened to the public on Juné 5, 1899, Miss Minnie Farren having been employed as librarian. Tickets were sold for one dollar, which gave to the purchaser the privileges of the library and reading room for one year; or, on the payment of seventy-five cents, one could have these privileges for six months. A request was made that on the opening day friends would bring donations of books. This request also met with a generous response and more than fifty volumes of suitable standard works were brought in. Besides books and periodicals, many gifts were received, among them a Webster's "International Dictionary,' from Miss King, of Xenia; a dictionary rack, from Charles I. Nichols; a wall map of the United States, from Grace Browning; a bust of Shakespeare. from Emma Browning; pictures from Mrs. A. Lf: Quinn and Mrs. I. W. Quinby; a sign. painted, presented and hung by Sabin Brothers.

The first year of the library's existence saw three thousand eight hundred and eighty-one hooks drawn out and more than three thousand-two hundred and eighty-six readers in the reading room. The second year was a hard one in the library work, because of lack of funds adequate for its needs. for the citizens were not called upon the second time for a sustaining fund and the only revenue was from the sale of tickets (one dollar a year). fines assessed and a few gifts from interested friends. To obtain funds there were given bread and cake sales. a dinner and supper, and auction on the court house corner of contributed articles, a sale of old rubber, an excursion to Dayton, a rummage sale and a concert. Some of the young men of Wilmington gave the proceeds of a foothall game. twenty-five dollars. to the library and with this, and the necessary balance. was purchased the Warner Library of Literature, a valuable addition to the reference department. <A "book shower." given by the librarian at her home, added forty-eight volumes. The Six-and-Twenty Club. a club of Wilmington ladies, for years have donated each year twenty-six or more volumes.

In March. 1900. the Library Aid Society was organized. which met on invitation at the homes of the members. The amounts derived from this source were from seven to twenty-three dollars each time the society met. he Library Association availed itself of the arrangement made by the board of library commissioners of Ohio for the loan of books from the Ohio state library, whereby from twenty-five to thirty-five books might be kept three months. All the while. the association kept its purpose to give "the best reading to the greatest number at the least cost" constantly in view.

The village council created a special levy for the benefit of the library in March, 1901, when the library was incorporated and made free to the public. The association was given notice of this action on the part of the village council in the following message sent to its corresponding secretary:

"In the vast social network known as 'society,' in one of its phases at least there should be expressed an educational interest, such as we see manifested by the D. A. R. ladies, in their endeavor to create and maintain a free library for Wilmingtonians. We hope and believe that the fire of your imagination, reinforced by the energy of your character and aided by the act of council, will stimulate you, if possible, to even greater works 'in the future than have characterized your commendable efforts in the past, in the upbuilding of the library. We have the honor and pleasure, ladies, to notify you that on last Friday night, in regular session, the village council created a special levy for the benefit of the library. The amount of the levy will be approximately eight hundred and fifty dollars. His honor, Mayor Stewart, appointed a special committee to notify you of this action. On behalf of the council, we are,

The Library Association at this time was newly organized, with the following oificers: Mrs. C. C. Nichols, president; Mrs. John HE. Orebaugh, first vice-president; Mrs. S. G. Smith, second vice-president; Mrs. R. J. Laey, recording secretary; Mrs. W. R. Hale. corresponding secretary. These constituted the board of trustees. Miss Minnie Farren was the librarian and Mrs. Susie Mory, the assistant librarian.

On February 7, 1903, Andrew Carnegie gave ten thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting a free public library building, provided the village council should appropriate one thousand dollars annually toward the support of the library. This the council decided to do, and the gift was accepted, February 138, 1903. A site on North South street wis selected and purchased on the same day from J. C. Martin, twenty-eight hundred dollars being paid for the northwest corner of what had been known as "the Martin field," across from the high school building. The site was purchased by the village council, which in turn leased it for twenty-five years to the Library Association, on April 17, with the privilege of renewal at the end of that time for a like term.

W. S. Kauffman, of Richmond, Indiana, was secured as an architect and plans were accepted in June, 1908. On July 138, 1903, bids were received for the construction of the building and the contract »warded to John Doyle, of Wilmington, for eleven thousand one hundred sixty-eight dollars, exclusive of the lighting and heating, the building to be completed by February 1, 1904, (later an extension of time was: made until May 15), and on Jnly 16, 1903, the ground was staked off and the excavating commenced at once.

In June, 1903, Mr. Carnegie was asked for an increase of two thousand 'five hundred dollars to his gift, which was granted. At the same time the village council increased its annual subsidy to one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars.

At this time the officers of the association, who constituted the board of trustees of the library, were: Mrs. ©. C. Nichols, president; Mrs. R. C. Stumm, first vice president; Mrs. W. R. Hale, second vice-president; Mrs. R. J. Lacy, recording secretary; Mrs. S. G. Smith, corresponding secretary, and Dr. Elizabeth Shrieves, treasurer.

The cornerstone of the new building was laid on Thursday, September 17, 1903, with simple but appropriate ceremonies. At four thirty o'clock in the afternoon of that day the members of the Library Association assembled, with quite a number of inter. ested persons, and brief exercises were conducted. In the absence from town of Mrs, ©. C. Nichols, the president of the association, and also of Mrs. R. C. Stumm, first

Prayer was offered by Rev. Robert Elder, of the First Baptist church, and an historical sketch of the association, which had been prepared by Mrs. Nichols, was read by Mrs. Hale and then deposited in the tin box in the stone. Following this there was deposited a copy of the Wilmington Journal of July 1, which contained a picture and a description of the new building, as taken from the plans, and there was also inclosed in the receptacle copies of all Wilmington papers of the issue of the third week in September, 1903. Following these there was deposited a finding list of the library, a finding list of the library supplement No. 1, from June 1, 1902, to January, 1903; and No. 2, from January, 1903, to September, 1908, these giving the name of every book in the library at that time. Also there was placed: in the stone the rules and regulations. of the Wilmington Library, three library cards, book slip, reader's slip and reader's card; the Daughters of the American Revolution year book, with the names of all the members of the Library Association; the names of the village council at the time of Mr. Carnegie's gift in February, 1903, and also of the members at that time.

After the various articles had been placed, the box was sealed, deposited within the stone and cemented securely. Mayor W. H. Hartman then delivered a short address, the stone was swung into place and the ceremonies were over, after which the masons resumed the work of erecting the walls.

In January, 1904, Mrs. C. C. Nichols, the president of the Library Association, gave a beautiful bronze tablet on which the names of all the members of the Library Association during 1903 and 1904, the building committee and the librarian, are shown in relief letters. The tablet is found on the north vestibule wall, to the left as one enters the building.

The library was dedicated by ceremonies, over which Mayor W. H. Hartman presided, on Thursday afternoon, June 380, 1904. The meeting was opened by a song rendered by a quartet composed of Messrs. Colvin and Hockett and Mesdames Linton and Hazard, with W. G. Fisher acting as accompanist. Rev. Walter Mitchell pronounced an invocation, which was followed by a solo by Robert Hockett. Mayor Hartman then read a letter from the Xenia Library Association, congratulating the Daughters of the American Revolution upon their great success. Prof. Charles B. Galbreath, librarian of the state library at Columbus, Ohio, then made the address of the evening. After the reading of the treasurer's report by Dr. Hlizabeth Shrieves. and a solo by Mrs. Clate Linton, an appeal for funds was made by the Rev. J. G. Pumphrey, of the Methodist church. The afternoon was closed by a song by a quartet composed of Messrs. Hockett and Colvin and the Misses Howland and Thorne.

That evening the building was lighted for the first time and thrown open for a reception to the public. Hundreds of the citizens of the town called to see the interior of the building and many compliments were paid the ladies for their well-directed efforts and indefatigable labors. The library was opened for its readers on June 30.

The library building is a handsome structure, sixty by fifty-six feet, with a foundation of gray stone left in the rough, walls of buff pressed brick and roof of red tile. Entrance is made into a beautiful vestibule with floor of mosaic tile. marble wainscot, and doors of quartered oak. There are practically two floors. the main floor and a basement. In the basement on the north side are found toilet rooms. a magazine room. a bailer room and fuel bins; in the center is an auditorium, thirty-two by twentyone feet with a stage about twelve feet square, and seating capacity of about two hundred people; on the south side is a museum, twenty-one feet wide and thirty-two feet long. On the main floor, facing the entrance, is what may be called a delivery lobby. seventeen by nineteen feet. with the librarian's desk; beyond the librarian's desk is the stack or book room; on the north is a general reading room and in its rear is a

The library has been remembered most generously by its many friends and patrons in the way of suitable gifts and bequests. The most notable example is the library of the late Judge Felix Grundy Slone, which was given to the library in April, 1914, by Mrs. Slone. This collection contains twelve hundred and seventy-five well-chosen yolumes of standard works. They are found in handsome sectional book cases along the west wall of the adult reading room. They were accOmpanied by an excellent steel engraving of Shakespeare and his friends. This collection of books, a library in itself, is a fitting memorial to the memory of its donor.

A few other friends of the library and their gifts should be mentioned. Mrs. Katherine Denver Williams has contributed many well-chosen volumes. An annual Christmas present is received from Mrs. C. C. Nichols, in the form of books. Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bosworth, of Cincinnati, have been very generous also. The Woman's Relief Corp gave a beautiful silk flag and ornate stand in 1913. Kent Browning contributed the outdoor flag. W. H. Cole, of Sabina, former superintendent of the Wilmington schools, gave the library his bound proceedings of the American Educational Association. This is only a partial list of the larger contributions that have been made.

In the basement of the building is found a2 museum that is a great credit to the library. The relics are placed under cover in beautiful, heavy, hand-carved walnut eases that were obtained by the library trustees from the estate of the late Capt. D. A. Lamb. Mrs. Maria S. Rickham, of Dayton, gave to the museum the great collection of relics thant had been gathered by her son William Rickham from all portions of the country. The museum also contains a good colleetion of eggs, that was purchased by the town from the Samuel Walker estate. There are quite a few relics of pioneer households in the form of spinning wheels, distaffs, ete.

The Library Association is composed of the members of the George Clinton Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. It is governed by six officers who constitute the board of trustees. 'Two trustees are elected annually to serve for three years. The present board of trustees and officers are, Mrs. C. C. Nichok. president; Mrs. Dr. W. R. Hale, first vice-president: Mrs. Charles Skimming, seeond vice-president; - - Mrs. Amos Huffman, recording secretary; Mrs. Frank L. Miller, corresponding secretary, and Dr. Flizabeth Shrieves, treasured. Miss Minnie Farren is the librarian. with the Misses Cleta Williams and Ethel McCoy as assistant librarians.

Wilmington Commercial Club

Wilmington has had two commercial clubs within the past fifteen years, the first elub lending more or less of a desultory existence from 1901 to 1910. The second and present club dates from 1914.

In the spring of 1901 a large number of the business and professional men of Wilmington conceived the iden of organizing a commercial club. <A constitution and bylaws were adopted at a public meeting held in the mayor's office on March 12, 1910. I), A. Lamb was chairman of the meeting and Dr. Thomas L. Cooksey was secretary. The record shows that the club had sixty chartered members, including most of the lenders in the business and professional life of Wilmington. The first officers were ns follows: Dr. George W. Wire, president; J. S. Kimbrough. vice-president; Dr. Thomas L. Cooksey, secretary; Frank lL. Gallup, treasurer. For some reason, the club maintained an active existence for only two years. It held sporadic meetings up to January, 1903, but no other meeting is recorded until December 22, 1910, and this was the last one. The 1910 meeting was the result, evidently, of a breach of contract on the part of the Wilmington Water and Light Company and this last recorded meeting of the club was held to protest against the dilatory tactics of the public utility company. With this meeting the first commercial club of Wilmington closed its career.

The present Wilmington Commercial Club was organized on February 25, 1914, with the following officers: M. R. Denver, president; G. P. Thorpe, vice-president ; Dr. F. A. Peelle, secretary; H. H. Henderson, assistant secretary; Frank: L. Gallup, treasurer. Within a month there were one hundred and forty-four members enrolled and the membership has been materially increased since that time.

The object of this association is to promote the industrial, commercial and civic welfare of Wilmington, and to develop the manufacturing and industrial interests of the city and vicinity. Membership is limited to those recommended by a member of the association, active membership being contingent upon approval of the board of directors and the payment of stipulated fees. The admission fee is five dollars, with annual dues of two dollars. i

The executive committee is composed of the five club officials, the same body constituting the board of directors and the committee on committees. The officers for the year 1915 are as follows: M. R. Denver, president; G. P. Thorpe, vice-president; Dr. F. A. Peelle, secretary; H. N. Henderson, assistant secretary; F. L. Gallup, treasurer.

The club meets on the second Friday of each month. Its handsomely appointed rooms are in the Samuel Walker Memorial building. Although the present club has been organized less. than two years, it has already done much for the city. It wus largely instrumental in bringing about the paving of the streets in 1914, and is now agitating additional paving. The club is also responsible for the fall festival, which was held for the first time in 1914. .

Business Directory

To most of us who live in this day, when the black man, also, enjoys the privileges of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," those ante-bellum days that Harriet Beecher Stowe so vividly depicted in "Uncle Tom's Cabin," seem almost to belong to the dim vistas of the past. To us those days possess a gripping fascination. We hear and read with interest of those old times, when slavery existed in the United States, while in our heart we are glad that it has been forever banished from our door, even though the cost was the bloody struggle between the North and South. And is there any doubt that of all the interesting bits of historic incident possessed by these days gone by, the most fascinating of all is the work and operation of the "underground railroads" - railroads whose trains very seldom followed their schedule during the day and never carried a light at night. j

Clinton county, so close to the territory of the slave-holder and early to be crossed by "Underground Railroad" lines, was among the first to feel the fire of the abolitionists. But a short time after the holding of the famous international abolition convention in London in the year 1840, Clinton county had an anti-slavery society of her own. In its issue for December 10, 1842, the Clinton Republican gives an account of one of its quarterly meetings. Wright Haynes was the president and James Linton, the secretary. Resolutions were offered and speechs made by B. C. Gilbert, A. Brooke, J. O. Wattles and S. Brooke, all of which are published at length. In February, 1842, an anti-slavery convention had been held at Wilmington, of which Perry Dakin was the president. A central committee was organized for Clinton county, and among those elected to serve upon it was Eli McGregor. The Abolition or Anti-Slavery party nominated a state ticket in 1842 also, with Leicester King as the gubernatorial nominee. The ticket received sixty-seven votes in Clinton county. At this time it should be remembered that one who stood for abolition was looked upon as almost mad. He was a social outcast and often the treatment of him bordered upon persecution. Even persons who were honestly opposed to slavery looked upon them as fanatics and thought they could accomplish no good by their methods. But the sentiment grew and in the fertile soil of Clinton county Friends, who were schooled in the doctrines of George Fox, William Penn, John Woolman and others, to "bear a faithful testimony against slavery," it flourished. Most of the Quakers were Whigs and to them a vote for abolition at first seemed like a vote for the Democrats, but gradually, under the leadership of Seth Linton, Dr. Abram Brooke, Abram Allen, John D. Thompson, John Hollin, Elihu Oren, Amos Davis and others, the seed was sown and the grain grew. This little group of Clinton county pioneer abolitionists found their inspiration in Levi Coffin, of Cincinnati, Isaac F. Hopper, of Philadelphia, Lydia Marie Child, of New York, and William Lloyd Garrison, of Boston. They believed that the right and the truth would triumph, and they imperiled their own names and fame in order to embrace those high principles, even though it was at the greatest personal sacrifice.

A state Abolition ticket was again placed before the .public in 1844, with 'King' again at its head. This time Clinton county honored it with two hundred and eighteen votes. In 1846, Samuel Lewis, for the same position, received three hundred and ninety-two yotes in Clinton county. It has been impossible to ascertain whether the Abolitionists nominated a separate ticket in 1848. In 1850, however, a ticket was put in the fieldy upon which the name of Edward Smith appeared as the candidate for governor, and Clinton county gave him three hundred and fifty votes. On the same ticket Samuel Lewis received from this county two hundred and sixty-eight votes in 1851 and eight hundred and thirty-nine votes in 1853. The strength of the party steadily grew from this time until 1854, when the Republican party was organized, and Salmon P. Chase received in 1855 and 1857, respectively, one thousand six hundred and forty and one thousand eight hundred and forty-eight votes from this county. William Dennison, in 1859, received one thousand seven hundred twenty-one votes and in 1861 the Republican candidate received two thousand eighty-one votes. From a small beginning, the men who opposed slavery - 'men who were almost persecuted for their views - grew in power until they finally caused the overthrow of slavery in the United States and established the grand principles to which they had adhered when they were in a hopeless minority.

Among-the early workers against slavery in Union township the names of Abram Allen, Jonathan Hadley, Thomas Hibben, Eli McGregor, Thomas Wraith, John Work and

'many others appear above the rest. It was these men that maintained the "underground railroad" stations and helped the fleeing slaves on their journey north to Canada. In this township the excitement became so great that even religious societies were affected, and, about the year 1844, a split occurred in the Methodist Episcopal church' which resulted in the organization of the Wesleyan Methodist church, a strong anti-slavery denomination. The latter society purchased the old school building at Wilmington and fitted it up for a house of worship. Rev. Mr. Voucher was one of the early ministers in this church, which continued its meetings until the results of the Civil War removed the cause of separation, when most of its members returned to the parent church.

Perhaps the strongest of the Abolitionists in Chester township was John Grant, of New Burlington. His chief aids were Allen Linton, Amos Compton, Sr., and Doctor Brooke, of Oakland. Doctor Brooke became so zealous in the anti-slavery cause that he erected a large building on his land that became known as Liberty Hall, where enthusiastic conventions were held. '

In Clark township, Aaron Betts and Christopher Hiatt were the leaders and were constantly persecuted. The story is told that on one occasion, when some anti-slavery speakers were stopping over night at Mr. Hiatt's house, the manes and tails of their horses were trimmed closely by some of the pro-slavery citizens of the community.

Thomas Woodmansee, a pioneer of Washington township, was one of the original anti-slavery men of southern Ohio, and also kept a station on the "underground railroad."

Perhaps Liberty township has the most enviable anti-slavery history. The "underground road" that crossed this township seems to have done a thriving business during the time it was in operation. Elihu Oren's house seems to have been the principal station in the township and was often filled with dusky passengers fresh from the blue grass regions of Kentucky. The chief train on the road seems to have been known as the "Liberator." It was a large, closely-curtained carriage, made for the purpose by Abram Allen, that was driven at night, with the north star as its guide. The old "Liberator" was in the service for several years and carried many passengers, on their way to freedom. At Paintersville, there were two or three ready to relieve it of its passengers and care for them. Joseph Coat, Abel Beven and Doctor Watson knew when it was due to approach and just what disposition to make of its contents. Samuel Haines, of this township, was one of the pioneers of the anti-slavery cause and it is supposed that he cast the only vote that was given in this township for James G. Birney in 1840; but this was the last time he voted alone. The anti-slavery sentiment grew stronger every year.

The Deserted Camp

"Clinton county is by no means celebrated for her. many places of historic interest. A reason for this may be found in the fact that no Indian town was located within her borders, and the white man's war-trace and the Indian warrior's road generally lay to the west or east of us. Among the places of more or less celebrity within the county, the Deserted Camp is perhaps the most conspicuous. This is a well-known landmark, and is prominently shown on the county map. It is situated on a high bank of Todd's fork, about three miles northeast of where Wilmington now is, on the spot now covered in part by Starbucktown. Surrounded by flat and rather low lands, this' place of encampment is high and rolling, and, in a state of nature, was covered by a heavy growth of large oaks and such other trees as are common to the forests in the neighborhood. With such a surface, and so convenient both as to wood and water, it offered facilities for encampment unsurpassed for miles around. ©

"The name of the place was plainly derived from a circumstance which is said to have occurred there several years prior to the first white settlement in this part of the state.

"The tradition of the neighborhood is that an expedition in some force was fitted out in Kentucky during the existence of the long and bloody war between the people of that district and the Indians, to march against the towns of the Miamis or Mad Rivers. On its way, it encamped on Todd's fork, and in the morning it was discovered that one of the men had deserted to the enemy. Several questions arise here, as, What expedition is here referred to? When did it march? And who was the man who abandoned the brave and civilized Kentuckians to unite his fortunes with a savage people?

"The expedition was one of force, or it would never have ventured into the Indian county so far as the Deserted Camp. Four armies (if that is not too magnificent a term) were sent against the Indians mentioned above, and only four at any time.

"The above mentioned 'armies' consisted of Colonel Bowman's, in 1779; Gen. George Roger Clark's first, in 1780; Clark's second, in 1782; and Col. Benjamin Logan's, in 1786. Neither Harmar's, St. Clair's, nor Wayne's need be mentioned in this connection, because they were not fitted out in Kentucky, and were not near the Deserted Camp. Bowman and Clark marched against the Shawnee towns, but they either collected their forces at the mouth of the Licking river. opposite the point where Cincinnati now is, or marched that way. Neither Bowman nor Clark was ever within the limits of what is now Clinton county.

"Logan took another route. He marched by way of Bryants Station, on Elkhorn and the Lower Blue Lick to the Ohio river, where Maysville now is. This was a large force for that day. It was raised in Kentucky, in October, 1786, and Gen. Benjamin Logan received the command. General Logan, from whom Logan county derived its name, was a man well acquainted with Indian warfare and well qualified to command. The numerical strength of the force was variously estimated at from four hundred to seven hundred men. It was the second expedition fitted out in Kentucky that year. The first, commanded by George Rogers Clark, fifteen hundred strong, was on its way to the Illinois country. Kentucky had sustained a heavy drain of her men to supply the requisite force of General Clark's expedition, and when General Logan's call was made and responded to, she was, as it were, deprived of male help and defense.

"The expedition under General Logan was raised for the purpose of punishing the warlike Shawneees for their murders and cruel outrages, and to keep the warriors of the

"The men engaged in General Logan's expedition, among whore were Daniel Baone, Major (afterwards General) Simon Kenton, Judge McManis (an early associate judge of 'Clinton county) and Col. Robert Patterson (one of the proprietors and on. old resident of Dayton), were mostly backwoods riflemen. All were mounted. They crossed *the Ohio -river at Limestone, now Maysville, and took a.course almost directly north, aiming to strike the first blow at the Shawnee town on Mad river, the birthplace of the great' Tecumseh, situated about five miles southwest of the site of the present city of Springfield, Clark county. They entered into what is now Clinton county at or near Lynchburg, Richland county, passed east of the sites of Martinsville, Morrisville and Wilmington, and west of the site of New Antioch, and encamped for the night at this point, since known as the Deserted Camp. ;