Fayette County, Ohio - Admission of Ohio Into the Union - Political History Early Laws of Ohio, 1881 (part 8 of 8)

As to what the mail facilities of Washington then (January, 1838) were, may be inferred from the following published " mail arrangements ": Eastern mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, and closes at 9 o'clock p. m. ; Western mail arrives every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night; Chillicothe mail leaves every Tuesday and Friday at 12 m., and arrives Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p. m. The mail from Washington to Decatur, via Hillsboro, leaves every Friday at 12 m., and returns every Monday at 12 m. ; Columbus mail departs every Tuesday at 5 A. M., returns every Thursday at 8 p. m. ; Centerville mail arrives every Wednesday at 10 a. m., and departs same day at 1 p. m. S. A. Smyth was then postmaster, and L. J. Wood was coroner of the county.

From the Circular of April 14, 1838, we obtain some information of a general and local character. By it we learn that eighty thousand copies of a speech delivered by Mr. AVebster, on the subtreasury bill, had been printed. Also, that Whig meetings were being held in all quarters of the state, and that it was thought the then ensuing 31st of May convention would be a very large one. Foreign wheat, it is stated, was then " again pouring into the country." The Baltimore American, at that time, stated that one vessel, the Prussian brig Frederick, had just brought a cargo of 17,000 bushels from Wolgast. Four or five other cargoes, then afloat, had also arrived ; and that some parcels previously received had gone into store. Wheat was then sold in Baltimore at $1.60 to to 11.67 per bushel.

Wade Loofbourrow, William Edwards, and David Creamer, were then county school examiners, having been so appointed under the then new law, by the court of common pleas. At that time, it is stated, there were twelve hundred newspapers in the United States. The Circular says : " Printers are so scarce in Indiana that some of the editors are learning their little girls to set type. We have had a female apprentice in our office for some time."

The proceedings of a Whig meeting, held in the court house here, April 7, 1838, by " citizens opposed to the (then) present administration, for the purpose of appointing delegates to the state convention," to meet at Columbus on the 31st of May following, appear in the Circulator of April 14th. Colonel Samuel Myers was chairman, and E. W. Sexton secretary of the meeting. A committee of one from each township Avas appointed to nominate suitable persons as delegates to the state convention, which committee was composed as follows : From Paint Township, J. L. Myers ; Madison, Major J. Leavel; Union, R. Robinson ; Wayne, Benjamin Rodgers: Green, John King; Jefferson, D. Creamer; Concord, R. Burnett. Delegates to the state convention were named aud appointed as follows: For Wayne Township, Jackson Rodgers, William Gormley, and William Edwards^ Paint Township, John Hays, Thomas Green, and Samuel Myers; Jelierson, Membrance Blue, John Barrett, and David Creamer; Concord, Peter Brown, Henry Burnett, and Charles Williams; Green, Robert Eyre, Jacob Todhunter, and John King; Madison, Batteal Harrison, William Pinkerton, and Shreve Pancoast; Union, Joseph Bloomer, John Rankin, and Wil-

The delegates, in the discharge of their duties, were instructed to use all honorable means to promote the nomination of General W. H. Harrison for president; but that they should at the same time assure their associates in the convention that their constituents would "give their undivided support to Mr. Clay, or any other nominee." The delegates were also instructed to use their exertioii to secure the nomination of General Vance for governor. By resolutions, "the work of pohtical reform so earnestly begun in other portions of the United States," was commended, and the disorganized state of the country at that time deprecated - our country's " paralyzed commerce, and her depreciated currency, were brought about by a malignant and unwise course of public policy, pursued by those Avho administer the aiiairs of our national government. Instead of giving us a golden currency, wherewith every 'substantial farmer' would have an abundance, we have a currency the most worthless in the world."

The " act to abolish imprisonment for debt" in the State of Ohio is published in the Circulator of April 14, 1838. In business line -here then, we notice that Olds & Yeoman were engaged in mercantile pursuit, Benjamin Bowers in chair-making, and C. Parvin in tailoring; and Sanders & Millikan published notice of business dissolution. Daniel McLean, as executor, advertised that he would sell on the 21st of April, 1838, the effects, real and personal of N. F. Jones, deceased, including two hundred and forty acres of land, at late residence of deceased, in Jefferson Township. Nicholas Hay, as administrator, notified those indebted to, and having claims against estate of Christopher Milltir, deceased, to call and settle.

In the Circulator of October 6, 1838, W. II. Creighton and William Palmer, rival candidates for the State Legislature, in district composed of the counties of Fayette and Greene ; having been questioned in reference thereto, defined their position as to the civil rights of colored persons, at that time, in Ohio - the colored man's status, as they understood it to be fixed by law, state and national.

What a grand glorious work was consummated, and triumph achieved when we forever wiped out the foul blot of slavery from our national escutcheodi! Truly, an all-seeing eye, an overruling providence must have guided and controlled our destiny, when and while the terrible coiillict was being waged. Ah I in that gigantic struggle, vice and error on the one side did menacingly stand, while truth and right did boldly confront, and in battle's dread gauge were victor.

Says the Circulator of above date : " No man can, henceforth, be heard through our columns unless he be a yearly sul)6criber. Some of these times we shall publish a communication precisely as it is sent to us." That policy adhered to, a mighty host of would-begreat ones, would speedily be extinguished. Micajah Draper 'was appointed, October 1, 1838, assistant treasurer of the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike Company, the stock subscription books for construction of which thoroughfare were then open. Eight death notices were in the Circulator of October 6, 1838 : Catherine Millikan, consort of Curran Millikan, on the 1st of that month; same day, in Paint Township, John Wilson, sr. ; Arseneth, youngest daughter of S. F. Yeoman, on the 2d ; George Rodgers on the 3d ; same day, near this place, Mrs. Carr, consort of Jehu Carr ; a few days before, Mary Elizabeth, eldest danghter of

By the advertising columns of the Circulator, above date, we learn that Webster, Melviu k Co. succeeded the firm of Plumb & Webster in general merchandizing here ; Daniel McLean was dealing in produce, provisions, and patent medicines ; E. H. Crow was tailoring opposite the court house, in the room formerly occupied by M. Blue as a tavern; Mrs. Susan Henkle was conducting business as seamstress; Robert Wilson was engaged in the saddlery business; and J. L. Millikan #as running a tan-yard adjoining Wade Loof bourrow's premises, immediately south of the court house. While Richard Millikan was " off on the high seas rolling," he was legally notified (in the Circulator) to "plead, answer, or demur," within sixty days after August 25,1838, to a petition in court here, he being an interested party in partition disposition of certain real estate in notice of partition referred to, and of which Jesse Millikan was stated to have died seized. Dr. A. A. Morrison then tendered his professional services to the public, and announced that he would adhere, in practice, to the "principles taught at Worthington College, prohibiting the use of mercury and all its preparations; antimony, arsenic, and all minerals of a poisonous and corrosive nature." Office at Cissna's hotel. Dr. F. II. Jennings, at the same time, announced that he would leave Washington, and advised those indebted to him that they would confer, a lasting favor by settling their accounts. Eneas F. Yeoman then appealed to his fellow-citizens to elect him county assessor, having been, early in the spring, afflicted with white-swelling in one of liis legs, which incapacitated him for active work, and rendered him a cripple for life. Wade Loofbourrow was postmaster here then, and John B. Webster county treasurer.

The Circulator of March 10, 1838, contains an obituary notice of the death of JSTorman Fennel Jones, who died here March 1, 1838. He had served as county auditor, and had been elected justice of the peace for many successive terms. He was born in Pittsfield, Vermont, August 28, 1796. His mother died when he was in his fifth, and his father when he was in the sixteenth year of his age. Shortly after his father's death he went to the State of New York, and while there learned the saddlery business. After residing in that state about seven years, he came to this place, and subsequently acquired considerable property. Soon after he came here he united with the Presbyterian Church. In May, 1819, he married Mary McLean, sister of Judge D. McLean. He is spoken of by his biographer as having been a kind and affectionate husband and father - one who, as a neighbor, was beloved by all, and as a public servant commanded general respect.

The Ciridator above alluded to mentions having learned, the evening previous to the date, of its publication, through the Ohio Statesman, of Columbus, that J. S. Bereman had been appointed associate judge for this county.

For Congress, to represent seventh district, composed of the counties of Ross, Scioto, Jackson, and Fayette - Colonel W. K. Bond, Allen Latham.

Fayette Republican

A copy of the Fayette Repahluan (No. 4, Vol. 1; R. R. Liudsey, publisher) ; dated Washington, January 11, 1840, has been handed to us. It was printed in Wilmington, Clinton County. The number before us contains nothing of special local interest to readers in this county; even the advertisements (that of C. Parvin and F. H. Tomlinson, tailors, excepted), are those of Wilmington business houses, etc. By it we learn that R. S. Beeson (now engaged in the hardware business here) was then engaged in general merchandising in Wilmington, on South Street, opposite the court house. The surplus revenue fund commissioners of Clinton County, at that time (William Walker, Ezekiel Haworth, and David F. Walker), publish a statement relative to said fund, by which it appears that Clinton County received from the state treasury, of that fund, $19,926.55.

President Van Bureu's message, of date December 2, 1839, appears in the RepuhUcan. The Columbus Statesman having spoken of it as a " second declaration of independence," the Repahlk-an said "the Statesman must certainly be crazy," and pronounces the n^essage " the lamest production that ever emanated from the chief magistrate of this nation. It is," says the Republican, " the distillation of loco-focoism ; and the doctrines therein advanced breathe the spirit of a monarch."

The Bcpahlican prints, as "true Whig doctrine," the embodiment expression of Governor Barbour, of Virginia : " One presidential term; the integrity of the public servants, and safety of the public money; and the general good of the people." It also announces that " Mr. Pendleton, of Ohio, stated in the convention that it was the wish of General Harrison, if elected to the presidency, to serve only one term."

Mention is made in the RepiMican above referred to, that the publication of a new paper, to be called the Whisky Barrel, was then soon to be commenced in Louisville, Kentucky, the object being, through its columns, "to make war upon all temperance laws and temperance societies." Wesley Roberts & Co., it was stated, were "to preside over the bung-hole and spigot." Its line of argument must have been of an ardent, stimulating - we might say intoxicating - nature. And its array of figures in jjroof were, doubtless, somewhat fab'lous.

The Washingtonian

The first Q^o. 3 of Vol. 1), of date August 22, 1840, issued under the editorsliip of J. S. Bereman and E. W. Sexton, the latter gentleman l)eing announced as publisher, contains a " plan of the standing army of two hundred thousand men (militia) submitted to congress by the secretary of war, and recommended by the president of the United States." The WasJiingtoiiian editorially opposes the measure. It says : " The power it gives to the president is such as illy becomes a republican people, and as is only to be found in the most absolute despotisms of Europe. This is the strong feature of the bill. The concentration of power in the hands of the executive is what all Democrats oppose. It is what they opposed in Jefierson's day, and to which they still stand opposed."

Samuel Pike must, at the date above mentioned, have been engaged in publishing a paper here, as we find in the Wasliingtonian a "proposition" submitted, that if he would publish in his journal (alluded to as the Democrat), from that time until the election, tlie annual expenditures of the general government, from 1824 until 1840, exclusive of payments on account of the public debt, the WashiDgtonlan would publish a like amount of matter, to be submitted by Mr. Pike, provided that it should be suitable to appear in print.

The following ticket, surmounted by a log cabin, with " hard cider" barrel alongside, and captioned " Democratic- Whig nominations," is printed in the WashuKjtotiian of date above mentioned :

The "Harrison and Tyler" central committee for Fayette County was constituted as follows: Samuel F. Yeoman, Robert Robinson, Robert Cissna, Daniel McLean, J. S. Bereman, Samuel F. Kerr, James N. Wilson, Samuel Lydy, Joseph Blackmore.

Z. W. Heagler was county treasurer in 1840. R. Robinson and B. Martin were then associate partners in the practice of law here, and Richard Smith & Co. were engaged in general merchandising and manufacture of " patent brooms."

In the Washingtonian of Saturday, August 22, 1840, is announced the marriage, on Thursday preceding, by Rev. J. C. Eastman, of Mr. Elisha W. Sexton, junior editor of that journal, to Miss Margaret Sutherland, of this vicinity.

In the same number (3 of volume 1) is also published, with caption " the People's Ticket," an aphorism of Patrick Henry : " Who can save the liberty of the country when the purse and the sword are united in the hands of the executive ? "

District Electors

4th District, Joshua Collett, of Warren. 5th " Abram Miley, of Clermont. 6th " Samuel F. Vinton, of Gallia. 7th " . John I. A^anmeter, of Pike. 8th " Aqnilla Toland, of Madison. 9th " . Perley B. Johnson, of Morgan.

The same paper of Saturday, September 19, 1840 (No. 7 of Vol. 1), says: " AVe have just returned from the great Harrison convention held at Chillicothe, the ancient metropolis. We have only time to say, as our paper is going to press, that it was emphatically a coming together of the people - a^ turn-out of the western democracy in their strength. We can scarcely form a conjecture of the number present: estimates were from sixty to eighty thousand. H< * * On Thursday General Harrison addressed the vast multitude for more than two hours in a strain of eloquence that would have done credit to the best orator of the Grecian age, and in a voice that Avas heard distinctly by at least fifty thousand."

The same paper of above date exults over the result of the election for otlicers of the new township of Marion, the Whigs having, the Saturday previous, elected A. Lloyd and G. Mantle justices of the peace, and W. Penniwell and E. Griffith constables; in connection with which we are led to infer that there must have been published here, at that time, a Democratic campaign paper styled the Pojp-gun^ which having suggested the advisability of the Tippecanoe Club sending a log cabin to "young Marion" before the holding of the above election, the Washingtonian subsequent thereto says : " This was rather a premature j^op of yours, Mr. Pop-gun. * * h< Suppose you vad again, and give us another pop for 'young Marion' in anticipation of the October election?"

an election on the second Tuesday of October (13th day of month) then next ensuing, for the purpose of choosing a governor for the State of Ohio, a representative in congress for the seventh congressional district of Ohio, three representatives to represent the counties of Fayette, Highland, and Adams, in the house of representatives of Ohio, one sherilf for the county of Fayette, one auditor, two commissioners, one assessor, and one coroner.

The paper mentions the destruction by fire, on the 11th of September, of the woolen factory of Mr. Bush, on North Fork; and chronicles the death of Henry Snyder, at Greenfield, Highland County, on the 17th of the month, after a long and painful illness. Two of his tjrothers and his father from the same cause (typhoid fever), died about the same time. W. II. H. Duun, successor to L. Campbell, was then conducting the saddlery business here.

The Washingtordan of January 16, 1841, publishes what it styled " a new idea," wdiich was advanced b}' a writer in the Ohio Confederate. It was " that the appointment of postmasters be subject to laws to be enacted by the states respectively ; that the people in the several townships, villages and cities of the Union be permitted to choose their owni postmaster - to be responsible to the head of the department for the faithful performance of the duties of the office. This plan, simple and singular as* it is, (says the writer in the Confederate,) would certainly prevent the department from becoming that huge eno-ine of power in the hands of the executive that it has been for the last ten years."

James Pursell was secretary of the " Tippecanoe Club," here, in 1841. William McElwain & Co., successors to Yeoman k Rawlings, (S. F. y., and M. V. R.,) Shivers k Melvin, successors to Tulleys, Melvin & Co., and Henry Robinson, successor to Lydy & Rankin, were then engaged in merchandising here ; and E. P. Haigler was then conducting the saddle and harness business - shop on north side of Court Street, adjoining McCoy's hat store.

The Washingtonian of January 16th, also contains the intelligence brought by the ocean vessel Arcadia, that Queen Victoria, of England, on the 21st of November, was safely dehvered of a daughter. In connection Avith w-hich the London Globe, of the last mentioned date, says: " Her Majesty's marriage, it will be remembered, took place on Monday, the 10th of February, nine months and eleven days since." By the same vessel it was learned that the remains of Napoleon Bonaparte, from St. Helena, (where he died in cap- tivity, May 5, 1821,) had arrived in France, the French King, Louis Philippe, having procured the assent of the British government to their removaL December 15, 1840, the remains were deposited in the Hotel des [nvalides.

The Wask'mgtonian of March 20, 1841, (edited by J. S. Bereman,) contains the inaugural address delivered March 4th by President Harrison. Referring thereto, that journal says ''it is a plain, sensible document; and will serve as a political text-book well suited to all republican governments." Alluding to the inauguration ceremonies, that paper says : " We have no room for even an epitome of the proceedings of the inauguration. It was a grand aftair. If the reader will call to mind the Dayton or Chillicothe gatherings, last fall, he can form some idea of the parade." Speaking of the corporation election, then about to take place, the Washingtoviav says: "On this occasion we hope the citizens will determine definitely their wishes in regard to the continuation of whisky shops, and their attendant advantages in our village. If we are to have these conveniences entailed upon us by party supremacy, why then we ought to know it, that we may enjoy the blessings to be conferred in moderation." By the advertising columns, we learn that Lenox Campbell was then engaged in the saddlery business here, and that Robert Cissna had succeeded Robert and Charles Cissna therein ; in general merchandising, J. C. Bell and Samuel McElwain were conducting business here, and J. M. Willis in Bloomingburg. Samuel Sollars, George Mantle and Daniel Mc- Lean, were then surplus revenue fund commissioners for this county.

The Washmgtoniav last mentioned announces that Elisha W. Sexton, its junior editor, died on the 16th of March, 1841, aged twenty-five years. It says that he learned the art of printing in the city of Washington, under the tuition of General Duff Green, who in 1828 conducted there the United States Telegrcvph., at that time said to have been the principal journal of the Democratic party.

At a meeting held here on the 4tli of March, 1841, "the following ticket was agreed upon to be supported by the Democrat- Whigs of Union Township," at the then ensuing spring election :

Some years ago, a disease known as " milk sickness" prevailed hereabout to an alarmingly fatnl extent, and a Dr. Drake wrote and caused to be published a book, treating on the disease and its cause. In the Washingtonian of the 29th of May, 1841, appears a lengthy editorial relative thereto. The editor differs with the doctor as to the cause of the disease ; the ^loctor attributing it to cattle browsing on a vine technically called " rhus toxicodendron," familiarly known in southern Ohio as "poison oak;" while the editor, writing, as he says, " trom observation," and " arguing from cause to effect," attributes the prevalence of the disease to cattle eating the " eupatorium." In closing, the editor (Mr. Bereman) says: "In peculiar diseases, experience must be combined with scientific knowledge to give a proper understanding."

In the Washingtonian of date last mentioned appears the announcement of marriage, by Rev. John Jenkins, of Mr. James Pursell to Miss Margaret Ilartsell, both of Washington.

L. P. Reid, at the " Little Store," (" in Sanders' store room adjoining the tavern,") announced in the Washingtonian above referred to, that he still superintended that establishment, and that he would at all times give " cheap bargains" in goods line, for cash or " farmers' currency," such as bacon, eggs, chickens, feathers, rags, butter, and all kinds of " truck." He said that as he worked for his board, he sold goods without regard to profit! Mr. Reid also announced himself as a licensed auctioneer, and that he' would prosecute any of whom he might obtain knowledge as acting in that capacity without authority. By the same issue of the Washingtonian, we learn that J. H. Jones was to have opened a school here on the 17th of May, " for instruction in the English branches, at the brick school house on Main Street."

The Washingtonian of September 16, 1843, (Harvey C. Blackman, editor,) has at its "mast-head" the name of Henry Clay, of Kentucky, for president, and that of Elias Florence, of Pickaway, for congress. The following October election " Democratic- Whig ticket" is published in the Washingtonian of September 16 :

The WasJt!)H/to)d(ni of November 11, 1843, (printed and pulJished by Harvej C. Blackman and John W. Poii' - Harvey C. Blackmau, editor,) contains a eulogistic notice, from Allen Trimble, of Ilillsboro, of the Gershom Perdue nursery, in Martiusbnrg* this county. James Pursell was county auditor in 1843.

Under date of June 2, 1822, the People's PaUat/linn, Democratic in tone, (A. Crihlield, editor and publisher,) announced its preference as to standard-bearers, as follows :

The "Democratic-Republican Convention," wliich met in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 21st da}' of May preceding, having nominated Martin Van Buren, of New York, as candidate for the office of vice president, the PaUadium immediately acquiesced therein, and pledged support to the nominee. The vote in convention, on first ballot, stood 208 for Martin Van Buren, 49 for Philip B. Barber, and 26 for Richard M. Johnson; which result being made known, "the convention, by resolution, unanimously concurred in the nomination of Mr. Van Buren.

It may seem strange to many of our readers that the Palhidhiw did not receive intelligence from the convention until twelve days after it had convened. But there was no railroad then by which the x>apers from Baltimore could have been, at express speed, wliirled along in Uncle Sam's mail-bags; nor was tliere any telegraph line then thought of and projected to span the Alleghanies.

Those were coach days, when " a good whip," with " four-inhg,iid," afforded to the traveler inland passage, with "good cheer" at the wayside inn.

The paper of the date mentioned does not contain a news item of a local character - no, not one. From its advertising columns, however, we glean something which may he of local interest to our readers just now. The "town dads" must then have had some trouble in managing and controlling John Barleycorn, judging from the tenor of the following resolution, adopted by the town council. May 5, 1832 :

Besoli-ed, by the Town Council of the town of Washington, That they will not license any person or persons to retail spirituous liquors, from and after the first day of July next."

Mrs. Louisa Head was then engaged in the business of " tailoring and mantua-malving, together with all other plain sewing." Peter Wendel advertised for information as to the whereabouts of his brother, Daniel Wendel, tailor, who had then " lately come to America from German}'," and requested editors in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and jSTew York, to make mention thereof."

The paper also contains an account of " another attempt at assassination at Washington," as detailed by the Saturday Evening Post, of Kew York. The Post, in referring thereto, says : " Again the Washington papers are filled with another attempt to assassinate a member of Congress. The situation of affairs at that city is horrible and appalling. The place resembles more the haunt of banditti than the seat of government of a free, virtuous and intelligent people. What is our country coming to ? Is there not a remedy within the reach of the people, and if so, will it not be applied?" The bludgeon, pistol and sword-cane were the weapons used on the occasion alluded to - the assaulter using the two first, and the assaulted the latter. A Major Heard was the offensive, and a Mr. Arnold of Tennessee the defensive party. The rencounter arose from words spoken in debate by Mr. Arnold, who, we judge, must have been a rather expert swordsman, for he quickly disarmed Heard of his bludgeon, whereupon the latter immediately drew an eight-inch barrel duelling pistol, carrying an ounce ball, and fired at Arnold, lacerating his arm; after which Arnold succeeded in knocking his adversary down with his sword-cane, and the scab- bard flying off", would liavo pierced liim with tlic sword, liad not his arm, in making the tlirust, been arrested by General Duncan, of Illinois. The account says that there were more than a hundred members of Congress within range of the ball when the shot was fired, the house having just adjourned, but Mr. Arnold was the only person injured. It was the second assault ujion Heard by Arnold.

S. F. Yeoman publishes a card denying certain allegations circulated by a part}' named Baker, concerning a case of crhii. con. wherein Mr. Yeoman should have been officially connected. In closing, Mr. Yeomau cautious those interested to be a little more careful what liberties they take with his name. " I am," he says, " willing to put up with anything in reason; but there is a point beyond which they shall not proceed with impunity."

We are informed that subsequent to the death of Mr. E. W. Sexton, (in March, 1841,) Bereman & Butler, (Joel S. Bereman and David Butler,) became associate publishers of the Washingtordan; and about the same time John O. Truesdell published a Democratic paper here. Some time afterward, Mr. Butler having died, I*off' & Deterline, (John W. Poff" t*c E. H. Deterline,) we are told, run the Washhigtonian for a season, and that- subsequently Mr. Pott' alone published that journal for a time. The office changes about that time were frequent - the continuous proprietorship being of quite brief duration ; the title of the paper, {IVashingtonian,) however, was continued several years.

Star Spangled Banner

The Star Spangled Banner, of date Friday, December 17, 1847, (No. 2, of volume 2,) W. H. II. Thompson publisher, office over McElwain & Stuckey's store, opposite the postoffice, contains a short review of Henry Howe's " Historical Collections of Ohio," (then not long issued from the press of Derby, Bradley & Co., Cincinnati,) which is styled " an interesting volume on the Bucke3'e State." Tlie reviewer says : " This book is not made up like most historical works of our day, from the libraries of the land ; but it is the result of close personal observation in every part of the state, the author having made, for this purpose, the entire tour of Ohio, spending more than a year in traveling through it, everywhere taking sketches of our towns, historic localities and objects of in- terest, and deriving an immense anion nt of information from the lips of pioneers and men of intelligence. * * Several pages of the above work are given to our own county, among which is an elegant view of the court house (old ' pea-green ') and public buildings. A line view of Sanders & Jenkins' store-house is also given - history of the settlement of the county, and names of some of the earlj' settlers."

The Banner says : " Mr. Poif having relinquished the publication of the Washingtonian, in this place, offers his printing material for sale. We have partially bought him out, and made arrangements to receive his subscription list and advertisements." Mr. Poff, according to this paper, went to Convenience to engage in mercantile pursuit ;" and it stated that he contemplated opening a hotel there, and would be sworn in as postmaster under James K. Polk.

The Baltimore Patriot, in its Washington City news of December 8, 1847, (republished in the Banner,) says : " The house of representatives has at last been organized. All its elective officers have been appointed; and the result is a Whig speaker, a Whig clerk, a Whig sergeant- at- arms, a Whig door-keeper, and a Loco-foco postmaster."

In its news from the State Legislature, this paper says : Mr. Olds offered a resolution providing for an alteration in the election law, so as to allow volunteers in Mexico, who are qualified voters in Ohio, to vote at the annual election for state and United States officers." This paper makes mention that Secretary Walker has accepted, in behalf of the General Government, the munificent gift of a whole square, made to it by the first municipality in New Orleans, for the site of a custom-house. The edifice, it was stated, would be built of Quincy granite, and occupy the entire ground.

Drs. A. Worley k A. W. Brown, office in the drug-store of Brown & Worley, annoiincecl that they were " fully prepared to treat diseases of aM kinds, both chronic and acute, on either the botanic or mineral system," Their store, called the " Fayette Drugstore," was one door east of Rawlings & Smith's store. Richard Smith was then landlord of the hotel, here, known- as the "Virginia House;" and E. W. Turner was then conducting the " National House" hotel, opposite tlie court house. Stewart & Osborn were engaged in the tailoring business - shop in Wade Loof bourrow's brick building, opposite McElwain & Melvin's store. John Lewis & Joseph Allen were manufacturing tin, copper and slieet-iron ware; and announced that they would sell stoves "at Cincinnati prices, with the addition of expense of hauling."

The Fayette New Era

The Fayette New Era, of date June 13, 1850, (No. 14, of volume 2, George B. Gardner, editor and publisher,) contains the " act to amend the ' act to incor})orate the State Bank of Ohio and other banking companies, passed February 24, 1845,'" which enactment, of date March 9, 1850, applies specially to the extension, for tliree years, of privileges of the original act to the Clinton Bank of Columbus - the capital stock of said bank to be entered upon the duplicate of Franklin County for taxation, for all purposes, state, municipal, etc., and taxes aforesaid, " in lieu of the tax upon the profits, as provided by the act to which this is amendatory," and to be subject to any general law which might thereafter be passed altering or changing the mode of taxing bank capital.

In the same issue is also published the " act to amend the act entitled 'an act fixing the rate of interest, passed January 12, 1824,' and all other laws on that subject," which last-mentioned act was passed March 15, 1850, to take effect on the first day of May following. It legalized interest rate of ten per cent, if expressed in bond, bill, note, or other instrument; but provided that no incorporated banking institution of the state should "be entitled to receive more than the rate of interest specified in its charter, or, if no rate be specified, more than six per cent yearly upon any loan or discount whatever." Interest upon judgments or decrees, too, to be computed till payment at rate specitied in bond or instrument as aforesaid ; in case no rate was specified, then, as before stated, six per cent to be the rate charged. ,

The NeAO Era above mentioned contains a letter from California, written by Thomas Burnett to his father, then residing near here (but both are how dead). The letter is dated "North Fork, American River, April 6, 1850;" and in it, as was his wont, Mr. Burnett in cheery, bright-sparkling, poetical imagery. In his opening paragraph he says:

" Dear Father : - With thankfulness to Divine Providence, I have the pleasure to inform you that I am in good health and tine spirits; and trust that you, and all my relatives and friends in Ohio, are yet on the shores of Time, and in the enjoyment of Nature's choicest blessing, health."

Speaking of the ruling market prices for provisions, etc., there then, Mr. Burnett said they fluctuated greatly, varying with the season and situation. Within one mile of his then present location flour was selling at 50 cents per pound; pork, 90 cents; beans, 67 cents; saleratus, $2 per pound; molasses, |5 per gallon; sugar, 50 cents per pound; and everything else in proportion. He says that he i^aid |139 for seventy-flve pounds of pork during the winter preceding. Doctors then charged, for professional services, one to two ounces of gold per visit; one ounce for all calls out of tent, distance not exceeding one mile; for extracting teeth, one ounce each. Mr. Burnett speaks of having seen there, from this region, during the month of August preceding, George Buckner, Messrs. Delaney, Sunderland, Millikan, Cornell, and H. C. Bell, during September; S. N. Yeoman, and Marshall and Theodore Ogle, in October.

The New Era says that the county commissioners, on the 8th of June, 1850, levied a tax of two mills on the dollar for the purpose of planking that portion of the Circleville and Washington, and Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus turnpikes lying within this county. Notwithstanding the opposition to the measure, and attempts made to delay action, "the editor regarded the movement as the best thing that could have been then done for the general interests of the county, and expected that all whose prejudice was not more powerful than their reason, would be of the same opinion before tax-paying time.

our local history, as found recorded in the county newspapers. If the legal requirements had heen complied with (and they unquestionably should have been), an immense amount of really interesting and valuable information, which can not otherwise be obtained, Avould have been readily accessible. The act referred to provides " that the county commissioners of each county in this state be, and they are hereby, authorized and required to subscribe for one cop}' of the leading newspapers of each political party printed and published in each county, and cause the same to be bound, and filed in the auditor's office, as public archives, for the gratuitous inspection of the citizens of such county."

No bound files, as authorized, can be found in the auditor's oflice here of date previous to 1866 ; nor is the filing complete since that date. During the interim subsequent to the passage of the law and that period (1850 to 1866), history of great importance, chrouiclings of vast enterprises and gigantic achievements, rapidly accumulated, and note was doubtless taken thereof, and record made by the county press; but we are, in consequence of dereliction on the part those whose duty it was to take, preserve, and keep the archives, as by law contemplated, deprived of an immense amount of information which had been garnered and compiled, through great expenditure of time, thoughtful labor, and money, by those who presented it to us in printed form. It will be impossible, therefore, to obtain accurate and complete information relative to the papers published between the years 1843 and 1866.

Aside from all the. journalizing recorded, within the time alluded to, what pleasure (tliough doubtless not unmixed with sorrowful regret and pain) it would have attbrded our citizens to peruse and read o'er again the record of our "boys in blue!" The recital would not tire; age would but impart keener interest to, and shed brighter luster on the story.

But to repine at or grieve over the loss is futile; we can but hope that in the future, due attention will be given to ^he keeping of our county newspapers, as by law required. ' The cause of its not having been done heretofore, in our opinion, arose from lack of knowledge of the legal requirement. And we would here suggest to the county commissioners the propriety of procuring a suitable case wherein to keep the bound volumes of the journals subscribed for and taken, through them, by the couuty.

course, be permitted to do so; but iu no case, except when required for temporary use in a court of justice, should permission be given to take any of such bound volumes outside of tlie auditor's office; and a penalty for wanton destruction or mutilation thereof should be iixed and imposed. This done, an important step will have been taken toward preserving in best (printed) form a large portion of our local and county history.

United States

Associate Justices - John McLean, of Ohio ; James M. Wayne, of Georgia; John Catrow, of Tennessee: John McKinley, of Kentucky; Peter Daniel, of Virginia; Samuel Nelson, of New York; Levi Woodbury, of New Hampshire; Robert C. Grier, of Pennsylvania.

Corporation Of Washington Washington Mails

By the advertising columns of date above mentioned, we learn that Benjamin F. Baughu was then engaged in merchandising here. Having purchased the stock of goods owned by the firms of McElwain & Stuckey and Burnett & Jenkins, he united the same, and opened the " Union Store," in the room formerly occupied by Burnett & Jenkins, on Court Street, two doors below the "Fayette Drug Store." Richard Millikan's book store was then located in a room on " Sander's corner." AVillard & Jones (L. D. W. and D. M. J.), were then engaged in the practice of law here.

The issue of February 5, 1852, contains editorial mention of the death of Judge Wade Loofbourrow, and also proceedings of the members of the bar in reference thereto, at a meeting held in the law office of Robert Robinson, of which meeting Mr. Robinson was appointed chairman, and D. M. Jones secretary. Mr. Loofbourrow died on Tuesday, February 3, 1852, at his residence in Washington, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. He was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania; came to Washington in 1811, and commenced the practice of law; had been a resident of this place nearly forty-one years, and was prominently identified with the early history of the county; was editor of the Genius of Liberty, a Democratic organ, the publication of which was commenced here in 1834. He is spoken of, when in the prime of life, as having " ranked among the great men of the state, and was known as one of the oldest lawyers in Ohio."

The same issue also contains an account of the burning of the old state house at Columbus, about four o'clock on Sabbath morning preceding. Loss to the state, account says, not great. It was then thought that the new state capitol might be occupied in the winter of 1853-4. Temporarily, the senate would meet in the United States court-room, and the house in Odeon Hall, at the capital.

The issue of February 26, 1852, publishes an account of the death, on the 14th of that month, of Richard Douglass, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, at Chillicothe. He commenced the practice of law in Cliillicothe in 1809. At the time of his death it was stated that he was the oldest lawyer in the Scioto Valley. lie was a native of JSTew London, Connecticut. In early life he had "followed the ocean," in the whaling service, and had done military duty in the war of 1812.

Richard Millikan was postmaster here in 1852. In tlie same issue we learn, too, that AVilliam Robinson had, in ISTovember, 1850, purchased the saddle and harness establishment of A. M. Ogle, and " removed to J. C. Bell's brick building, opposite J. L. & I. C. Van Deman's store," where he would conduct said business. Z. W. Ileagler was then engaged in the insurance business. C. H. Bell & B. F. Thompson succeeded James C. Bell in general merchandising. Baughn, Burnett & Baughn (B. F. Baughn, A. Burnett, G. W. Baughn), were also conducting like business ; they "bought out the firm of Blodget & Smith."

The issue of March 18, 1852, chronicles the death of Robert R. Lindsey, on Sabbath, 7th day of that month, at Mount Sterling, Kentucky, where he had been engaged in publishing a paper styled the W/iii/. He published the Herald here during 1834. In the same issue is also announced the marriage, at Ripley, Ohio, by Rev. "W. I. Fee, of Robert Cissna, ex-sheriff' of this county, to Miss Mary W. Courtney, of that place. The Ripley Bee says "the printers were handsomely remembered." At the spring election that year, Z. W. Ileagler was elected mayor, B. Thompson recorder, and M. Blackmore, G. B. Gardner, and L.,Campbell trustees. J. M. Bell, in making his return as clerk, says: "The Mormons are again gloriously triumphant."

About noon of April 1st, 1852, "the great fire in Chillicothe" commenced to burn and lay waste the then most compactly built part of that city. It was caused by the bursting of a' stove in a cabinet shop in rear of the Clinton House. The account, (published in the New Era,) written by Seneca W. Ely, editor at that time of the Chillicothe Daily Gazette, for the Ohio State Journal of Columbus, says that "fully one-fourth of the taxable property in Chillicothe, including all the buildings on the two most valuable squares - stores, hotels, dwellings and warehouses - was destroyed. * * * It is impossible to arrive at a correct estimate of losses. Old Chillicothe has received a blow from which she cannot recover in years. * * * Two thousand of our population are houseless. From six to eight hundred thousand dollars' worth of property consumed. All our principal warehouses, with their stocks of groceries, pork, bacon, etc., are burned."

The first sewing machine brought to Washington was by Clarence Parvin, tailor, in May, 1852. It was of the Wilson make. Mr. Parvin purchased the right to use and sell it in Fayette County. Yeoman & Finnigan, (S. N. Y., and Thomas,) were merchandising here, in June, 1852. Sabbath, June 13, 1852, John Durham, aged ninety-two years and two months, died at the residence of Joseph Bloomer, in this county. Elizabeth McCoy, wife of John McCoy, sr., aged about ninety years, died on Friday, 18th of same month.

The issue of July 1, 1852, chronicles the death of Henry Clay, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, at Washington City, on Tuesday, June 29, preceding, at 11:20 a. m., after protracted illness. At the time of his death, he was serving as United States Senator from Kentucky.

In the issue of August 26, 1852, announcement is made of the death, on Sabbath, 22d of that month, of Samuel McLean, in the forty-second year of his age ; and that journal, of date September 9, 1852, contains an obituary notice of the death, August 28th preceding, of Maria Louisa, consort of Henry liobinson, then auditor of this county, in the thirty-second year of her age, of consumption.

In the issue of October 28, 1852, is published the death, at Marshfield, Massachusetts, of Daniel Webster, at three o'clock on the morning of the 24th of that month. The Cincinnati Gazette, in alluding thereto, says : " A great man has indeed fallen - one who lias rendered varied and most important ^services to his country - whose fame is world-wide, and whose loss will be felt and lamented by the whole country." Mr. Webster was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, January 18, 1782. At the time of his death he was Secretary of State, in the cabinet of President Fillmore.

The issue of November 4, 1852, by special telegram from " Bascom," its Columbus correspondent, indicates briefly the result of the presidential campaign of 1852, thus: Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York gone for Pierce. Massachusetts and Vermont only certain for Scott. Used up badly." .

The issue of December 16, 1852, contains editorial mention of the death of Robert Robinson, in the sixty-second year of his age, of asthma. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, April 11, 1791, and died at his residence here December 11, 1852. He emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, from his native state, in 1809, and thence moved to this county, in 1813. While serving as sheriff of this county, he was elected to the Stale Legislature, in 1822, which caused him to resign the sheriiFalty. He studied law under Wade Loof bourrow, and was admitted to practice here, in 1826.

At a meeting of the bar here, held in the law office of Willard & Jones, Samuel F, Kerr being called to the chair and D. M. Jones appointed secretary, Alfred S. Dickey and B. V. W. Pugsley were appointed a committee to prepare resolutions expressive of the feeling and sympathy of his brothers of the legal profession, with reference to his demise. One of the series of resolutions, as indicative of the sentiment pervading the whole, we reprint, as follows :

" Resolred, That in his death his family have lost a faithful, kind and affectionate head, the community a useful and trustworthy citizen, the church a living example of moral worth, and we of the bar our senior brother, whose talent and experience we revered, whose integrity we loved, and whose social virtues we admired."

The issue of December 30, 1852, contains tidings of the death of Samuel McElwain, on the 5th of that month, at the California House, Panama, where at the time he was sojourning, on his way to California. Nicholas Hay was engaged in tailoring here, in December, 1852, on Court Street, under the New Era office.

In January, 1853, Messrs. Ogle k Robinson, (Captain John and Alf.,) advertised that they had determined to fit out another (the third) overland train to California, having previously crossed the plains with trains, in 1850 and 1852.

Robert Stewart and A, S. Ballard also advertised in the New Era that they, too, would fit out a train for the same destination, and would go west about the first of the month then next following to complete arrangements for starting. They would take passengers through from St. Joseph, Missouri, for |200 cash, or $250 at the end of twelve months. They would furnish a good physician for the company, and a riding horse or mule for each mess, and their "wagons and teams would be well fitted up." Messrs. Stewart & Ballard had previously been in California.

The building of a railroad from Columbus to Masj^sville, by "Washington and Hillsboro, was enthusiastically talked of here during 1853; and so, also, was the building of the Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad.

Mention of the death of William Rufus King, thirteenth Vice- President of the United States, appears in the Nrw Era of April 28, 1853. According to the published account, he died on Monday, the 18th of that month, at his residence in Alabama, a short time after returning from Havana, Cuba, whither he had gone during the January preceding, with the view of benefiting his health, lie w^as born in North Carolina, on the 6th of April, 1786, and had served three terms in congress from that state. He moved to Alabama, in 1818, from which state he subsequently served five terms as senator in congress. In 1844, he was appointed Minister to France by President Taylor. After the death of President Taylor, in July, 1850, and the accession of Vice-President Fillmore to the presidency, he was elected president of the senate. When Franklin Pierce, in 1852, was elected president, he was elected vice-president of the United States; and by special act of congress, he being in Cuba at the time when he should take the oath of office as vicepresident, the American Consul-General at Havana, at the time, was empowered to administer the oath in this case.

It is stated in the Ncii- Era above mentioned that George Washington Parke Custis, (grandson of Mrs. Washington,) of Arlington, Virginia, had attended the inauguration of all our presidents, from Washington to Pierce included. He was born at Mount Airy, Maryland, April 30, 1781, and died at Arlington House, Fairfax County, Virginia, October 10, 1857.

The marriage, on Tuesday, May 3, 1853, by Rev. B. Lowe, of George B. Gardner, editor of the New Era, to Miss Maria Amanda Robinson, of Washington, is announced in the issue of that journal of Ma}^ 5th. In consequence of the event, the readers of the paper were requested to excuse all lack of editorial matter that week, as the editor and his bride had " started away on a rural jaunt." In the issue of the Neii^ Era, of May 19, 1853, is published the marriage, on the 18th of that month, of Hugh F. Kemper, of Walnut Hills, Ohio, to Miss Mary Jane Miller, daughter of the officiating clergyman, Rev. S. J. Miller, then pastor in charge of the Presbyterian Church of Washington. D. A. Harrison was practicing law here then, and A. S. Dickey and Robert M. Briggs were partners in the practice of the same profession. C. H. Bell was postmaster here, in 1853. July 2d, of that year, by a vote of 247 ballots in favor and 41 against, the citizens of Union Township, this county, instructed the township trustees to subscribe $15,- 000 stock toward the building of the Dayton, Xenia and Belpre Railroad. It cost "the dear people," however, about $30,000 before they got through the grubbing process; and the road - well, it wasn't built !

From the same paper we learn that Wilmington, Clinton, County, was placed in railroad communication with Cincinnati on the 11th of August, 1853, by the Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville Railroad, which thoroughfare now forms part of the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis Railroad system. The celebration of the event, according to the published account, brought together about nine thousand people at Wilmington. Speechmaking on the occasion was indulged in by Dr. Griswold, of Circleville; Colonel McVay, of Lancaster; William Neil, of Columbus ; Judge McKay and Isaiah Morris, of Wilmington ; and A. De GraiF, contractor, then known as " the railroad king." In connection therewith, it was mentioned that Mr. Ashmead, the contractor for laying down the iron of the road, had been engaged, twentysix years before, on the Liverpool and Manchester (England) Railway, "the first road constructed in the world (as was stated) for general travel and tratfic." Frank Corwiu was then president of the C. W. & Z. R. R., and E. W. Woodward chief engineer. Trains commenced running from Washington to Cincinnati on the 24th of November, 1853. In November, 1855, trains were regularly run through to Zanesville.

Washington Register

George B. Gardner commenced the publication of the Fayette New Era in Marcli, 1^49, anrl continued to issue it until March, 1855, when he and his brother, Thomas F., who had for some time held a partnership interest in the journal, disposed of the office and business interest to Elgar B. Pearce and J. C. D. Ilanna, who, on the 15th of March of that year, issued the initial number of the Washington Register, with E. B. Pearce as editor. In his salutatory the editor says: "The Register, untrammeled by the chains of party influence, will go forth free to condemn the evil and approve the good, whether in high places or low - it will go forth invoking the spirit of truth to guide its voyage. The platform we stand upon is projected of good, substantial material - independent in all things, neutral in nothing. * * * We wish it to be distinct!}" understood that the Register is not a neutral paper. Of all things, we most detest a sluggish neutrality."

The leading feature of the Register was the giving of special attention to the publication of home news, for which purpose a " local department " was immediately created by its editor - a new departure in journalism here - a field, in fact, until that time sadly neglected.

September 10, 1857, Mr. Hanna disposed of his interest in the establishment to Mr. Pearce, who, as sole proprietor, continued to publish the Register until near the close of April, 1864. He died at. his residence here, June 8, 1864.

Ohio State Register

A short time afterward Samuel Pike effected arrangements whereby he procured and took control of the office, and commenced the publication of the Ohio State Register, a Democratic journal. After a six months' probation, he was succeeded in the proprietorship and management by W. C. Gould, who caused the Register to do service for the Democracy until April 24, 1873. . During 1871 Mr. Gould changed the title of the paper to Register and Peo-ple's Advocate, with the motto : " That nation is most pros- " perous where labor commands the greatest reward." Its hobb}" was opposition to "monopolies" and "middlemen."

April 24, 1873, Simmons & Beaslcy (II. II. Simmons and W. A. Beasley) succeeded W. C, Gould in proprietary interest. They revived the title of Ohio State Brylstcr, and continued to promnlgate Democratic doctrine and theory. March 25, 1875, Mr. Beasley assumed entire control of the establishment, by arranging for the purchase of Mr. Simmons' interest therein, and continued to publish the paper until October of that year. He died here, at the Shaw House, on the 24th of that month. D. I. Worthington (who had in the meantime caused the publication of the journal to be continued), as administrator, a short time afterward sold the office and business interest to II. V. Iverr, who issued his commencement number December 9, 1875. At the time of purchase Mr. Kerr was Democratic state senator from the district composed of the counties of Brown and Clermont. He died suddenly, of neuralgia of the heart, at his home in Batavia, Clermont County, March 27, 1881. At the time of his death he was state librarian. He was a man of fine social qualities - one who, in deportment, was remarkably courteous and gentlemanly. J. D. Kerr, his son, has, as proprietor since his father's death, conducted the affairs of the paper. Since Mr. Bike's advent, in June, 18G4, to the present time, that journal has been the Democratic organ here.

The publication of this paper was commenced here December 11, 1858, by William Millikan. November 26, 1868, W. W. Millikan, son of the. former gentleman, was admitted to partnership in its management and editorial conduct.

It was the first journal to espouse the cause of Republicanism in this county. In that field, as well as encouraging the upbuilding of our business and local interests, it has done, and will continue to

The News

Gould k Jones (W. C. Gould and Frank M. Jones) commenced the publication of the News in the second story of McLean's block, opposite the court house, June 3, 1874. As briefly expressed by its publishers, it was a journal " independent upon all subjects - opposed to all monopolies." I^ovember 28, 1874, the interest of Mr.

Gonlfl ill the paper was purchased by Mr. Jones, who continued its publication until March 18, 1876, when he moved the otiice material to Mount Sterling, in the adjoining county of Madispn, where for a time (about four months, as we are informed,) he still further contini>ed its publication. Mr. Jones subsequently sold the material to A. Voigt, who removed it to Bainbridge, Ross County, where he published a paper for a season. Mr. Voigt afterward shipped the material to Jefferson ville, this county, where, on the 16th of October, 1880, he commenced (and still continues) the publication of the Jeffersonville Chronicle, the pioneer journal in that village. It is "devoted to Jeffersonville and vicinity, the farmer, mechanic, and business men, local and general news," etc. Office over Howard's harness shop.

Wednesday, September 17, 1879, T. F. Oardner commenced the publication of the Fayette Republican. In his initial number Mr. Gardner says : " The Republican will advocate the principles of the party whose name it bears. * * * As a journalist, it shall be our aim to chronicle all the local events of town and county, of which we may become cognizant, be they good or bad." And the woefully bad he with gall-tipped pen doth flagellate, to the intense edfication of the truly good.

As indicative of the business changes which have taken place within the interim, we give below the names of those engaged in mercantile pursuits here during 1855, together with the amounts by them invested in business operations, and returned for assessment purposes, as shown by the books of the county auditor. We take the statement from the Washington Register of July 12th, of the year mentioned.

In the Register office, (the Register office that was, but which years agone ceased to be,) there stood for some years, after Elgar B. Pearce took editorial control of that establishment, the first printing-press brought to "Washington. It was shipped here from Chillieothe, to which point it had years before been transported from Philadelphia. Its history was known to an old employe of the Franklin Type Foundry, of Cincinnati, who, in 1858, happened to see it here while engaged in business pursuit. It was afterward shipped to that establishment, and is no doubt yet to be seen in the queen city, among the many rare and well-kept relics which there have an abiding place. It was a very quaint-looking institution. Its frame was of mahogany. On it. Judge Bereman printed and executed for the time, much artistic work, and from its bed there rose and spread thoughts caustic and severe; and many truths which bore good fruit sprung therefrom. Glad tidings, and sad as well, emanated from its platen impress - yea, much of joy and woe, of mirth and sorrow, through its lever power, was scattered.

On that, the first printing press used here, it required two pulls to complete the impression of one side of the j)aper, each page of the form being run under the platen separately. Then two hundred and fifty to three hundred sheet impressions per hour was eonconsidered quite rapid work, but to-day, in the Herald office, with power-press facilities, one thousand sheets per hour can be printed. Then the size of the newspapers published here was 18x26 inches; to-day they are 28x44. Of reading matter one paper of to-day will contain as much as six did then ; yet the subscription price then was greater than now.

Woolen- Manufactories

In the early settlement of this county the work of manufacturing woolen goods was all done by hand, hand-cards, the common spinning wheel, and the loom; and if any fulling, it was done by the feet on the floor.

The first of the advance was said to have been a set of rollcards, propelled by horse power, introduced about the year 1814 by a Mr. Lupton, from Clinton County, Ohio. This manufactory was located in the eastern part of Washington. The business was

In the year 1825, Dr. Tliomas McGarraugh and Josepli Elliott erected a building in the most central part of town for the same purpose. It was limited in capacity, and continued for some three years, when it was sold to Andrew Holt, who purchased a lot near the old grave-yard, and erected a large frame building in which to carry on the business. After running it two or three years, in about 1830 he sold to Eber Patrick, who continued in the same place - with the exception of one or two years, while it was in the hands of J. Webster - until the year 1843, wdien he sold the premises and entire machinery to John and .William Robinson, who immediately introduced steam power. They also added fulling, dyeing and finishing.

In 1832, Judge D. McLean purchased a full set of cards, with an outfit for dyeing, fulling, and finishing. His building was on lot number five, Court Street. He continued the business for five or six years, and then sold out to Mr. Walker, formerly of Washington, who removed the machinery to Indiana.

Samuel Lydy bought one set of cards of E. Patrick, and introduced steam power - having purchased boiler and engine from Y. Green - probably the first brought to this county. In a short time it was purchased by Robert Robinson & Son (Henry)', and was controlled by them until 1845, when the building and power were sold to Weller & Mizer for a blacksmith shop, and the niachinery was abandoned and sold for old iron. Soon after this, J. & W.Robinson purchased the premises of Eber Patrick, and added some spinning machinery, yet on a limited scale. In 1848, James Pursell and J. Bohrer bought the interest of William Robinson. Again machinery was introduced for carding, and also a new jack for spijining.

In 1850 the firm was known as Pursell & McElwain. They added to the machinery, and by procuring skilled workmen kept, or rather increased, the home manufacture. But with the improvements necessary for the development of the county came the railroad from Cincinnati to Zanesville, and compelled its removal.

In 1855 it passed into the han<ds of B. Pursell and George Wherritt, and was removed to a school building on lot number twentyone. In 1856 it was purchased by B. Pursell and George Easterbrook. In 1857 it was sold to George Price, an experienced manufacturer, who anticipated an improvement, but for want of means only added a small twister for making stocking yarn. He continued the business until the close of the year 1860.

In 1861 it passed into the hands of I. C. Van Deman. The home manufacture had been, largely diminished by the introduction of foreign ready-made goods, but that dark year, when all home productions were at extremely low prices - corn as low as fifteen to sixteen cents per bushel, and wool twenty -five cents per pound - attention was turned somewhat to home work. By securing competent workmen, the business was again increased, and soon it became necessary to enlarge the building. In 1864, D. Clark, a former manufacturer in London, whose mill was destroyed by fire, became a partner. The improvements began were completed, and more macliinery purchased. Another set of machines, with eight power looms and a larger twister, was added. In the early part of 1866 J). Clark sold his one-half interest to J. Dews. He also was a practical manufacturer. The increase of business under his persevering and skillful management, necessitated the introduction of the latest improved machinery, in order to manufacture the finest class of wool grown in the county. To this end, the large brick building, first built for a distillery, and afterward used for a hub and spoke factory, was purchased, and the machinery moved into it in the winter of 1867-8. More machinery was added as means could be procured. An eftbrt was made to secure a compaii}' for the purpose of increasing the facilities for manufacturing, but capital seemed to be otherwise directed.

In February, 1872, Mr. Dews died, and his interest was immediately withdrawn. Not only his capital, but his skill was missed, yet the business continued.

In the summer of 1875 more capital was procured, and the business increased. This firm was known as J. C. & E. B. Van Deman, and in 1876 Van Denian & Jones. Water Street being dedicated to two railroads - the Dayton k Southeastern and the Springfield, Jackson & Pomeroy - communication was cut ofl:" for retail trade, and not having sufficient capital to increase to general wholesale trade, in 1880 the machinery was sold and removed to Fort Scott, Kansas. At this time 'there is not a woolen mill in the county for general manufacture.