Knox County, Ohio - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 7 of those read), 1862 (part 1 of 2)

Masonic Institutions

To tlie uicmbcrs of the craft the early liistory of Masonry is of deep and abiding interest. It dates back in the history of our county, as in that of tlie world, to a very remote period ; and its ancient transactions Avill in the future be regarded with greater concern. The si)acc allotted to this brand i of our work will allow but brief mention of the origin and action of Mount Zion Lodge, as established at Clinton, and subsequently removed to Mount Vernon, and a chronological statement of public occurrences, celebrations, funerals, etc.

The first meeting of delegates from all the Lodges in the State of Ohio was held at Chillicothe, on the first Monday of January, A. D. 1808, A. L. 5808, whereat, on motion of Brother Leicis Cass, it was resolved " that it is expedient to form a Grand Lodge in the State of Ohio." General Kufus Put- X nam was elected on the 7tli of January Rt. W. Grand Master, and other business pertinent to permanent organization was transacted. At the Grand

Communication held at Cliillicotlic the 2d day of January, A. L. 5809, A. D. 1809, a petition was presented, signed by Brothers Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Eicliard Eisliback, William Little, Alexander Enos, Jr., Icliahod Xye and Thomas Brown, praying this Grand Lodge to grant tliem a charter, to form a Lodge, by the name of " Mount Zion Lodge, ISTo. - ," which was read, and on motion seconded,

*' Ordered, that until a charter can be made and granted to said brethren, for tlie aforesaid purpose, they shall be entitled to receive a dispensation therefor."

By reference to the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held in Chillicothe, A. L. 5810, A. D. 1810, we find " Samuel H. Smith, representative of Mount Zion Lodge, Xo. - ."

In the same year that Knox county was organized the initiatory steps were taken for the organization of a Masonic Lodge ; tlie petition drawn up for this purpose, as above recited, was presented in the first month of the following year, 1809, and the original dispensation was numbered "7," though subseipiently changed to "9."

The first Master of the Lodge was Samuel H. Smitli. Tlie first public installation of ofiicers was : Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.; Ichabod Xye, J. W.; Samuel ^ye, Treasurer; Oliver Strong, Secretary; Wm. P. Eoberts, S. D.; James Miller, J. D.; Wm. Bartlett, Peter Wolf, Stewards ; Richard Eishback, Tyler.

Among the visiting brethren were : Wni. Erwin, Wm. Andrews, Jolm Clark, Robert Glass, Lemuel Chapman, Samuel Choate, P. M., Biverius Kewell, P. M., from Vermont.

Royal N. Powers succeeded Samuel H. Smith as W. M., and he was also elected Representative to the Grand Lodge. Alfred Manning was W. M. after Powers.

Daniel Dimmick was made a W. M. June 20th, 1812, and Lewis Jones, Richard Crooks, Thomas Rowland, Garret E. Pendergrass, Major Phineas Reed, among others, were also raised.

June 24tli, 1813, St. John tlie Baptist's day, was duly commemorated. An able oration was deliycred by Bro. Winn Winsliip, and in procession tlie brethren marclied to Bro. Boalse, and j)artook of a sumptuous dinner. Among the items of the Steward's bill, appears - " tliis, with tlie musician's bill, $ - ." Our yenerable friend and brother, Judge Ezra Griswold, of Delaware, this spring gaye us an interesting account of this celebration. He was lu'csent as one of the musicians, belonging to the first band organized in this part of the State ; he at an early day went far as well as near to celebrations, etc.

Among the brethren of the mjstic tie present were Gilman Bryant, George Downs, James Low, Lotliro}) Shirtliff, from IS^ew York, Wm. Anderson.

In 18l4, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in Ohillicothe, Samuel H. Smith was the Ilepresentatiye. The returns at this time sIkjw 27 members, 3 fellow-crafts and 3 apprentices, one suspended and one expelled.

John Shaw, Ichabod Marshal, Robert Buchanan, Samuel Yeoman, James L. Priest, Edward Wheeler, George Dickinson, Daniel Ayres, John P. Mc- Ardle, Cyrus Langworthy and G. B. Maxfield are among the number initiated and receiying the Master's Degree this year.

Mount Zion Lodge, ^o. 7, celebrated the festival of St. John the Baptist at Clinton, on the 24th of June, at 10 o'clock A.M., by public procession and a sermon at the meeting-house by Rev. Bro. Josephus S. Hughes.

On the 27th of December, Bros. John Shaw, J. P. McArdle and Ichabod Marshal, the Standing- Committee, agreed witli Bro. Ichabod l^ye for Lodge-room and refreshments the ensuing year.

The first funeral attended by the fraternity in tliis county was that of Bichard Pishback, merchant, of Clinton, who died in his 36th year, and was buried with Masonic honors on the 23d of May.

1815. - The anniversary of St. John the Baptist was celebrated in Clinton by procession and the delivery of addresses by Bros. Yandeman and Curtis. Among the brethren present were Martin

The Lodge j)roposed to contract for the new Lodge-room, and the committee reported the amount of money in the coifers for said purpose, $131.80. In ISTovember a resolution passed, requesting the Grand Lodge to grant authority to change sessions to Mount Vernon.

There are very many items of deep interest connected with the histoiy of the Lodge at Clinton. The action of the pioneers of Masonry in Knox will in the distant future be regarded with much curiosity by those whose privilege it is to lift the vail and tread Avithin its sacred x)recincts. Por the present we rest.

Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, At Mount Vernon

By virtue of a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, predicated Tipon a petition included in a resolution of De Witt Clinton Lodge, No. 9, introduced May Sth, 1816, and passed by a vote of the brethren on the 5th of June thereafter, and taking into consideration also the reasonable request of said prayer that said Lodge may be removed from Clinton in Knox county to Mount Vernon in said county, and authorized to hold their meetings at said town of Mount Vernon, by virtue of the present charter, Henry Brush, Grand Master, and by resolution of Grand Lodge at their last Grand Annual Communication, did grant full power and lawful authority to hold their regular and special meetings at Moimt Vernon.

A meeting was accordingly held by the Pree and Accepted Masons, inhabitants of Mount Vernon, on the 5th day of April, 1817, A. L. 5817, at the coiu't-lioiise. Bro. Joseph Brown, Chairman, and Bro. Eobert D. Moore, Secretary. The communication from the Grand Lodge was read and accepted, and a committee to draft a system of By-Laws for the government of the Lodge was appointed, consisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and Joseph Brown.

Ordered, that the next meeting be held at the court-house, on the 11th inst., for the purpose of organizing a Lodge. On motion made and seconded, that we must meet at 3 o'clock P. M. of the 11th inst.; decided in the affirmative, and adjourned in harmony.

Mount Vernon, 11th April, A.D. 1817, A.L. 5817. At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, the organization of the Lodge was effected, and the By-Laws reported and adopted. Bro. Alfred Manning, W. M. ; John P. McArdle, S. "VV. p. t. ; Robert Buchanan, J. W. p. t. ; Joseph Brown, Se. p. t. ; Jonathan Miller, T. p. t.j Robt. D.Moore, S.D. p.t.; Hosmer Curtis, J. D. p. t. ; Oilman Bryant, T. p. t. ; John Shaw, John Roberts, John Warden and Orange Granger, Visiting Brethren.

On the 6th day of Jnne the following officers were regularly elected, viz: Alfred Manning, W. M.; John P. McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W.; Josej)h Brown, S.; Gilman Bryant, T.; Boyal D. Simons, S. D.; Eobert Blichanan, J. D.; John Eoberts, S. ; James Miller, T. On the 24th day of June they were installed at 9 o'clock A. M., and the anniversary of St. John the Baptist was duly commemorated. A i)rocession was formed, under direction of Bro. Eobert D. Moore, as Marshal, and, after marching to the court-house, a sermon was delivered by the Eev. James Smith, and the Lodge walked in procession to Mr. Zimmerman's tavern and j)ai*ticii)atiug were : Past Masters Eoyal D. Simons, Robert D. Moore, Samnel H. Smith, and Kiverius Newell ; Master Masons, G. B. Maxfield, William Bartlett, Jolm Warden, Eeeve Chapman ; and visiting brethren, Hosmer Onrtis, Wm.Gnyan,

The members of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, of P. and A. Masons, met at Masonic Hall, in Mount Yernon, at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M., June 24tli, 1817, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of Saint John the Baptist. The Bev. James Smith delivered the address.

Prom the Minutes of the Grand Lodge at Chillicothe we extract the following, relating to one who, for many years, resided in our county - a public benefactor, distinguished as well for his masonic zeal and faithfulness as for his piety and learning :

" Ordered, that the sum of $50 be paid out of the funds of the Grand Lodge to the Rev. Bro. Chase, as a testimony of respect for the discourse delivered by him yesterday." - Minutes, August 5t1i, 1817.

Since we undertook this work, we have met with an aged brother who often sat by the side of Bro. Chase in the Lodge room, and gave us several in-

August 1st, 1817, Alexander Elliott and Emanuel Hawn were duly initiated E.A. ; on the 5th of September they became E. 0. ; and, on the 3d of October, Master's degree conferred on the former, and Nov. 2d, on the latter.

1819, January 12th. - Eee of Bro. Joseph Moody to become F.C, paid in chartered jiaper $1, and of Bro. Nicholas McCarty, in Owl Oreek paper, $5.

The Eestival of St. John the Baptist was commemorated, in 1818, by a public procession, address at the court-house, and dinner at Joseph Brown's. Eev. Bro. Nathan B. Johnson delivered the address.

The first masonic funeral by this Lodge, after its removal to Mount Vernon, was that of Andrew M. Roberts, who departed this life April 17tli, aged 27 years. He was consigned to mother earth April iSth. Bro. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral discourse at the court-house from these words - " Be ye also ready."

Royal D. Simons was the Representative to the Grand Lodge in 1819, and also in 1820. Among the officers of the Grand Lodge elected at the latter communication was M. Rev. Philander Chase, Grand Chaplain.

December 27th, 1820, a public installation of officers of the Lodge took place in lower room of the Lodge building, where a sermon vfas delivered by the Rev. Joseph Carper. Alexander Elliott, W.M.

1822. The Eestival of St. John the Baptist commemorated. A procession was formed by John Shaw, Marshal, and marched to the court-house, where the oration delivered by Brother Cook, at Sandusky, in 1819, was read by Bro. Jo. Brown, after which the brethren partook of an elegant dinner at Mr. Eli Miller's tavern, and then returned to the Lodge room. Among the visiting brethren in attendance were - Samuel Wolf, John W. Harter and James Mumford from Mansfield; Wm. Allison and John Allison from Lodge K'o. 123, Waynesburg, Pa. ; Wm. Coom'od, John P. Adams, Alvin Corbin, Abner Ayres, and others.

commemorated by tlie Lodge, December 27th, 1824. Bro. Josepli Brown, as Marshal, formed the brethren in procession, and after marching to the Presbyterian Church, and hearing an address by Rev. James Scott, the officers elect were dul}^ installed according to ancient usages, and the Lodge and brethren present then returned in solemn procession to the Lodge room. H. Curtis, W.M.

The funeral of Bro. John Warden was attended by the Lodge, May 25th, 1825; Thomas Eigdon acting as Chaplain. The ceremonies were performed according to ancient usage.

August 26th. Bro. Boyal T>. Simons was, by the Lodge, buried according to ancient usages. Bro. Benj. H. Taylor superintending Marshal; Wm. Bevans Marshal for the Fraternity. Elder James Smith delivered the funeral discourse.

1828. June 24th. The brethren in procession, under direction of Bros. Day and Tracy, marched to the Presb}i^erian Church, where an excellent discourse was delivered by Bro. James McMahon ; after which a very good dinner was served up at the house of Bro. W. E. Davidson.

1835, March 30th. Bro. Eiverius Kewell was buried by the craft. In the fall of 1837, Moimt Zion Lodge nioYcd to the present Lodge room, in Bro. Huntsberj^'s block.

1839, June 24th. This anniversary was duly celebrated by the Lodge. The oration by Bro. Adam Bandolph, in the court-house, was listened to by a very large concourse of Masons and citizens. A most excellent dinner, provided by Bro. T. Burr, was disposed of in proper manner, and every thingpassed off harmoniously.

1811, June 21th. This anniversary was becomingly commemorated. Bro. David Spangler, of Coshocton, delivered the address, and Bro. T. Burr j)repared the dinner. Address delivered in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Mt. Yernon Choir and Mt. Yernon Band discoursed appropriate music.

At 2 o'clock P.M., June 25tli, a procession was formed, under direction of Bro. Johnston Elliott, to attend the funeral of Bro. John Sherman, who was buried according to ancient usages.

1844, June 21th. A public celebration of this anniversary occurred. Bro. T. G. Drinker, of Cincinnati, delivered the address. Many brethren from [N'ewark, Zanesville, Columbus, West Carlisle, Loudenville and Mansfield ^participated in the ceremonies of the day. Isaac Davis was Marshal, and John A. Holland, of Wooster, Assistant Marshal. An excellent dinner was provided by Bro. Mackey, and the day passed off harmoniously.

On the 27th of December, the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist was commemorated by a social party in the Hall, whereat the officers elect were publicly installed, and an approj)riate address delivered by Bro. C. Delano.

1817, February 8th. An act to incorporate the Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge 1^0. 9, was passed by the Legislature, and accepted.

Among the members of tliis Lodge of long standing we may mention tlie venerable William Beardslee, who was made a Master Mason at Stephentown, N. Y., in 1804, who in 1817 represented Center Star Lodge, Ko. 11, in the Grand Lodge of Ohio, at Chillicothe, and whose three sons - Job H. (t., Wm. B., and John B. - are also of the craft.

Adam Pyle, our much-respected townsman, was made a Master in 1821 ; and Dr. Jonathan K. Burr is the oldest Past Master in this part of the country. In 1825 he was raised in this Lodge, in 1829 became its W. M., and since then has served in that position longer than perhaps any Master in the State. For his zeal and fidelity he was presented by the brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge with a beautiful Past Master's Jewel in 1852 ; and the Sir Knights for like cause in 1859 presented him with a Templar's sword. Long may this bright light be permitted to illustrate the virtues of Masonry.

Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, was created the 16tli day of May, 1812, under a dispensation from the Most Excellent Comp. O. D. Hines, Dept. O. H. P. of the Grand Chapter of the State of Ohio.

Clinton Encampment No. 5, of Kniglits Templars and Appendant Orders, was instituted at Mount Yernon on the 12th of October, 1843, by virtue of authority and a letter of dispensation granted for that purpose by William James Reese, General Grand Generalissimo of the General Grand Encampment of the United States of America. The grant was to B. E. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, Isaac Davis, J. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow.

The Owl Creek Bank Of Mount Vernon

The history of Kiiox county would be incomplete without a faithful and true account of an institution with the above euphonious name, located upon the banks of Owl Creek, and within the sacred precincts of Mount Yernon. The engraving above gives a view of one of "the owls" issued by this bank. They were of every denomination from the shinplaster form of 6J cents up to $10. The paper, engra^ang and finish of the notes, although not so perfect in every resj)ect as those issued by banks in the present day, nevertheless is of a higher order than those put forth by the so-called "Confederate States of America," of which Cotton is king, and Jeff. Davis vicegerent. [From the journals and old files of that day, as far as accessible, we have compiled the following.

money after tlie war, large numbers of people in various cities and towns in the United States, and more particularly in the West and Ohio, conceived the idea of multiplying the quantity of paper in lieu of money by manufacturing what is called a "currency." Among other points, those of Mount Vernon determined to engage in the business of making money. As early as December, 1814, a meeting was held, and articles of association for the organizing of a bank, to be called the "Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon," were entered into, fixing the capital stock at f 150,000, divided into shares of $50 each, j)ayable in installments of not exceeding $5 each, and appointing certain commissioners to open stock books, &c. Petitions were then presented to the Legislature, praying for a charter; and after having petitioned the Legislature for an act authorizing such an association, and been denied the grant, determined to "go it alone," on their own hook.

On the 10th day of April, 1816, the first meeting of record of those who inaugurated the Owl Creek Bank was held at the court-house in Mount Vernon, and as this is the most important of all events in the early history of Knox county, we give the proceedings entire of this the first meeting, and also of the first meeting of the Board of Managers on the 17th inst.

"Agreeable to previous notice, tliere was a meeting at the courthouse on April 10th. Jonathan Miller was called to the chair, and Joseph Brown appointed Secretary. The following independent sentiments were set forth : antied to the people of this State a full and fair right and privilege to have charters granted when we shall petition the legislative body of this State for that purpose. We, the undersigned, having complied with the requisitions of the Constitution, and will continue so to do, without waiving our rights and privileges.

" Therefore he it resolved, That we do form ourselves into a company for the purpose of establishing a bank in the town of Mount Vernon, Knox county (Ohio).

"2. Resolved, That the following named gentlemen be appointed managers of said bank, and to draft articles of association and bylaws for the future government of the company, viz.: James Smith, Wm. Mitchell, M. Merritt, Abraham Darling, Hosmer Curtis, John Warden, Oilman Bryant, Jonathan Miller, L S. Silliraan, Benjamin Martin, Joseph Brown, John Green and Jacob Young.

"From this number a committee was appointed to draft the articles, who met at the house of Joseph Brown on the 17th April, and adopted the following:

Bank Of Mount Vernon

" Be it known, That we, the subscribers, having foi-med a company and limited partnership, do hereby agree and associate with each other, to conduct banking business in the manner hereinafter specified, under the name and title of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon.

" And we do hereby covenant and mutually agree, that the following are and shall be the fundamental articles of this our association, by which all persons who are parties hereto, or may in future transact business with this association, shall be bound and concluded : -

" Article 1. The capital stock of the company shall be two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, current money of the United States, with the privilege of extending it to five hundred thousand dollars, and of commencing business so soon as twenty-five thousand dollars is subscribed - to be divided into shares of fifty dollars each.

"Art. 2. The books for the subscription of said stock, shall be opened on the first Monday in March next, at such places and under such agents as the commissioners may think proper, at the hour of ten o'clock in the morning, and continue until three o'clock in the evening of tlie same day, and from day to day during said Lours, until the whole number of shares are subscribed for. The books thus to be opened, are to be under the direction of the following named commissioners, viz : Jonathan Miller, James Smith, Oilman Bryant, John Warden, Benjamin Martin, H. Curtis, W. Mitchell, M. Merritt, A. Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, L. S. Silliman and Joseph Brown, At the time of subscribing, there shall be paid to the commissioners or their agents, on each share subscribed for, the sum of one dollar ; the further sum of two dollars and fifty cents shall be paid on each share, within ninety days thereafter, at such place as the commissioners shall appoint, of which due notice shall be given ; the residue in such portions and at such places as the directors hereafter to be chosen shall appoint ; they giving at least sixty days notice thereof in the public newspaper of the county : Provided, such installments shall at no time exceed two dollars and fifty cents ; neither shall any subsequent installment be called for until a previous one has become payable.

" Art. 3. No person or persons, body politic or corporate, shall be permitted on the first day to take more than one hundred shares, and if the shares are not all taken on that day, the foregoing part of this article is not to operate.

" Art. 4. If it shall so happen, that more than the stipulated number of shares may be subscribed for, the commissioners shall apportion them by deducting from the highest subscription j and if more persons subscribe than there are shares, the commissioners shall determine by lot to whom such shares belong ; and as soon as may be thereafter, receipts shall be issued to the stockholders, and certificates of the amount of stock held by each.

" Art, 5. If any stockholder shall fail to pay his, her, or their installment, to the amount of three dollars on each share at the time or times, or in the manner heretofore specified, such stockholder shall forfeit to the use of the company all monies paid antecedent to such failure or default; however no forfeiture of stock shall take place, after three dollars on each share shall have been paid. But to secure the regular payment of any installment or call, after five dollars on each share hath been paid, such stockholder shall not be entitled to a dividend until such installment or call shall be fully paid; and the dividend thereafter to be paid to such stockholder (as well upon the money regularly paid as upon the money paid

" Art. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by thirteen directors, and a president, v/hose place, if chosen from among the number of directors, shall be supplied by the choice of that body, the whole of which is to reside within the county of Knox; and five directors, together with the president, shall form a board or quorum for the transacting of all business of the company. Each director shall be a stockholder at the time of his election, and shall cease to be a director if he should cease to be a stockholder; and the number of votes to which each stockholder shall be entitled, shall be in proportion to the stock he may hold, as follows, viz : For the first five shares, one vote ; for ten shares, two votes ; and for each additional ten shares, one vote ; and no stockholder shall be entitled to vote, who has not held his stock six calender months next preceding the election, except as to the first election - all stockholders, residing within five miles of Mount Vernon, shall vote by ballot in person, and those who reside a greater distance from Mount Vernon than five miles may vote by proxy, which at all elections is to be made in such form as may be directed by the board.

" Art. 7. The first election for directors shall be on the fourth Monday in May next, under the superintendence of the commissioners, four of whom shall form a quorum. The directors so elected shall take their seats at the board the day following their election, and they, or a majority of those present, shall proceed immediately to the choice of a president, all of whom shall continue in office for one year, and until their successors shall be regularly elected and qualified. All future elections for directors shall be held annually on the fourth Monday in May, under the superintendence of three persons, being stockholders, to be appointed by the president and directors for the time being, of which at least four weeks notice of the time and place shall be given by advertisement in the public papers in Knox county. The bank shall be established as near the court-house, in Mount Vernon, as may be thought most convenient by the board of directors,

" Art. 9. The president, directors, and superintendents of elections, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation, as the case may be : faithfully, diligently and honestly execute the duties of a of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, conformably to the constitution and articles of association of the same, and the trust reposed in me, to the best of my skill and judgment. And the cashier, the tellers, book-keepers and other officers, shall also take a similar oath or affirmation, and shall besides give bond with security to the satisfaction of the president and directors for a faithful discharge of the duties in their respective stations,

" Art. 10. The board of directors are hereby fully empowered to make, revise, alter or annul, such rules, orders, bye-laws and regulations for the government of the company, and that of their officers and others whom they may think proper to employ, as they or a majority of them shall, from time to time, think expedient, not inconsistent with law or these articles of association, and to use, employ and dispose of the joint funds or property of said company (subject only to the restrictions hereinafter mentioned) as to them or a majority of them may seem expedient.

" Art. 13. The board of directors shall have power to appoint a cashier and such other persons as they may think proper to employ for executing the business of the company, and to establish the compensation to be paid to the president, cashier, and others respectively ; all which, together with all other necessary expenses, shall be paid out of the joint funds of the company.

"Art. 14. Two-thirds of the directors shall have power to call a general meeting of the stockholders, for purposes relative to the concerns of the company, giving at least two months notice in the public newspapers of the county, and specifying in such notice the object or objects of such meeting.

" Art. 15. The shares of the capital stock at any time, owned by any individual stockholder, may be transferred on the books of the company, according to such rules as (according to law) may be established in that behalf by the board of directors ; but all sums for which the stockholder is liable, as drawer, must be satisfied before such transfer can be made.

books to be kept for that purpose by this company. And it is hereby further express'y understood that any stockholder who shall transfer in manner aforesaid all his stock or shares in this company, to any person or persons whatever, shall cease to be a member of this company, and that any person or persons whatever who shall accept a transfer of any stock or share in this company, shall become a member of this company according to these articles of association.

"Art. 17. It is hereby expressly and explicitly declared, to be the object and intentions of the persons who associate under the title and firm of the president and directors of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, that the joint stock or property of the said com, pany (exclusive of the dividends to be made in the manner hereinafter mentioned) shall alone be responsible for the debts and engagements of said company, or to whom they shall or may become indebted by such engagements, and no person or persons to whom this company may in any wise become indebted, shall on any pretence whatever have recourse against the separate property of any present or future member of this company, or against their persons ^ further than may be necessary to secure the faithful application of the funds thereof to the purposes to which by these presents they are liable. But all persons accepting any bond, bill, or note, or other contract of this company, signed by the president and countersigned or attested by the cashier of the company for the time being, or dealing with it in any other manner whatever, thereby give credit to the said joint stock or property of said company, and disavow having recourse, on any pretence whatever, to the person or separate property of any present or future member of this company, except as above mentioned. And all suits to be brought against the president for the time being, and in case of his death or removal from office, pending any such suit against him, measures shall be taken at the expense of the company for substitutiug his successor in office as defendant, so that persons having any demands upon the company may not be prejudiced or delayed by that event ; or if the person suing shall proceed against the person first named as defendant (notwithstanding his death or removal from office) this company shall not on that account, take advantage of such proceedings by writ of error or otherwise ; and all recoveries had in manner aforesaid shall be conclusive upon the company, so far as to make the funds or joint stock of this company liable for such amount, and no further ; and the company shall immediately pay the amount of such recovery out of the joint stock, but not otherwise ; and in case of any suit in law, the president shall sign his appearance upon the writ, or file common bail thereto, it beinoexpressly understood and declared that all persons dealing with said company agree to these terms and are to be bound thereby.

" Art. 18. Dividends of the profits of the company, or so much of said profits as shall be deemed expedient and projjer, shall be declared half yarly in every year, and shall from time to time be determined by a majority of the directors present, at a meeting to be held for that purpose, and shall in no case exceed the amount of the net profits actually acquired by the company, so that the capital stock of the company shall never be impaired by dividendsbut the directors shall be at liberty to retain at least one per centum upon the capital, as a fund for futin-e contingencies.

" Art. 19. If the directors shall, at any time, willfully and knowingly make or declare any dividend which shall impair the capital stock, all the directors present at the making or declaring such dividends, and consenting thereto, shall be liable in their individual capacities to the company, for the amount or proportion of said capital stock so divided by said directors ; and each director who may be present at the making or declaring such dividends, shall be deemed to have consented thereto, unless he does immediately enter in writing his dissent on the minutes of the proceedino-s of the board, and give public notice to the stockholders that such dividend has been made.

" Art. 20. These articles of association and agreement shall be published three times in the public newspapers of the county, at least two months before the books are opened ; and for further information, to all persons who may transact business with, or in any manner give credit to this company, every bond, bill, note, or other instrument or contract, by the effects or terras of which the company may be charged or held liable for the payment of money, shall specially declare in such form as the board of directors shall prescribe; that payment shall be made out of the joint funds of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, according to the present articles of association, and not otherwise ; and it is hereby expressly declared, that no engagements can be legally made in the name of said company, unless it contain a limitation or restriction to the effect above recited.

"Art. 21. The company shall in no case be owners of any real property, except a site for banking business, or directly or indirectly be concerned in trade, or the purchase or sale of any goods, wares or merchandise whatever (bills of exchange and bullion excepted), except such lands, goods, wares, or merchandise as may be truly pledged to them by way of security, or conveyed to them for debts due, owing or growing due to the said company, or purchased by them to secure such debts so due to said company.

" Art. 22. This association shall continue until the fourth Monday in May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty ; but any number of stockholders, not less than fifty, Avho together shall be proprietors of not less than five hundred shares, may, for any purpose relative to the institution, at any time apply to the president and directors to call a general meeting of the stockholders, and if by them refused, the same number of stockholders, proprietors of not less than that number of shares, may and shall have power to call a general meeting of the stockholders, giving at least two months' notice in the public papers in Knox county, specifying in such notice the object or objects of such call.

" Art. 23. Immediately on the dissolution of this association, eflectual measures shall be taken by the directors then existing, for closing all the concerns of the company, and for dividing the capital and profits which may remain among the stockholders, in proportion to their respective shares.

-" It is requested that all persons holding books for the sale of shares in the Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Vernon, will be pleased to receive the installments due thereon, and forward the same by the 20th day of tKe present month.

The preliminaries liaying been arranged, the bills are ready to circulate, and the officers publish tlie following in the Registei-, page 175, which explains the modus operandi:

Before me (A. B.), a Justice of the Peace for the county ofaforesaid, came C. D., who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, whereas, he has thrown a note into the Owl Creek Bank of Moujit Vernon for discount ; saith, that, if discounted, he will take no advantage of any statute law of this State ; and farther this deponents saith not.

" The above form of a note you will please to insert in your paper, which note must be executed with two good endorsers, without a blot or interlineation. The endorsers' names must appear written on the back of the note as well as at the foot. The form of an affidavit is given, which must be made by the drawer, and accompany the note. Bij order of the Board of Directors.

On tlie 20tli November, 1816, L. S. Silliman, Cashier, notifies the stockholders of the Oivl Creek Bmik of Mount Yernon that an instalhnent of $2 on each share is requested to be paid within sixty days.

"5e it Resolved, That no Director, or any other person, shall have a right to draw any money out of said Bank, without giving their notes with sufficient endorsers.

"Resolved, secondly, That a preference shall at all times be given to the Stockholders, in the accommodation of loans, to double the amount of all money by them actually paid in.

July 9th, 1817. - All persons indebted are notified that they must pay " at the rate of from 10 to 50 per cent., in proportion to the amount of their loans."

As showing the feeling existing in regard to such Banks in the winter of 1816-17, when the Owl Creek Bank was applying for a Charter, we give this anecdote : Two persons of color, at Columbus, quareled ; one, wishing to make his antagonist as contemptible as possible, called him " a d - d u:5fCHARTERED SOU of (i 1) - 7^." And it became very fashionable at the Capital to apply the term unchartered to all evil doers.

In these times of evil talk, and while the public were busy crying down this institution, there were occasionally to be found parties willing to " give the devil his due." The following extract from the Zanesville Express of December 16th, is an instance in point :

" Notwithstanding so much has been said against the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, we are assured that two gentlemen, a few days since, presented bills at that bank for a large amount, which were redeemed with chartered paper and specie."

About this time an enemy of the Bank killed a tremendous big Owl, and brought it into the to^vn and rudely threw it down upon the counter, exclaiming, " There, d - n you, I've killed your President."

The Bank building was located where Adam Weaver's hardware store now is. It was a rough, yet substantial piece of workmanship, a mixture of the Doric and Corinthian styles of architecture, weather-boarded, with four-penny nails thickly driven through its batten-door and window-shutters, so thieves should not cut in and steal. On the ground it covered about fourteen feet square, and was one low story in height, and painted red !

The principal circulation in Knox county was Owl Creek, and we find very many advertising for it. Of the merchants advertising for it were James Miller, and Burr, Green & Co.

" William Stanbeiy offers to sell ' The Craig Farm,' at present occupied by Major Joseph Brown, to the highest bidder for Owl Creek Bank paper.

The paper wlien presented was at first redeemed by the Bank with chartered paper, and the stockhoklers and i)arties interested endeavored to sustain its credit by various defaces. Among other plans adopted to keep nj) the paper was the following, which we give as showing the disposition of stockholders to pay, and the strenuous efforts resorted to :

" Whereas, several reports have been circulated, some of which are false, and injurious to the credit of the Bank, with respect to certain measures adopted by the Directors : Therefore, for the purpose of suppressing the further propagating of such false rumors, the Directors have thought proper to exhibit to the public, and to the stockholders, a fair and accurate statement of the measures actually determined on by them, and which has been the subject of such reports. The Directors have observed with regret the depreciation of the Owl Creek paper of late, and particularly in Knox county ; they have been fully convinced that the principal cause of the sudden fall of the Owl Creek paper is owing to the circumstance of the difficulty, or almost the impossibility of obtaining such goods as are wanted by the citizens with this kind of paper.

" With a view, therefore, to obviate these difficulties, and at the same time to draw out of circulation the paper of the Bank, we have entered into the following contract with Burr, Green & Co., viz. : Said Company, on their part, liave undertaken to bring on a complete assortment of goods, and to retail the same for Owl Creek paper, at prices as low as they can be purchased for in chartered paper, and to take assignments on judgments in favor of the Bank, or wait until the Bank can with convenience exchange ; and for all paper thus collected, the only privilege granted to said Oompauy is a loan of $700 of such money as will pay carriages, to he made use of for that purpose, and to be paid back in good chartered paper, in installments, within one year. Given under ©m* hands.

That a meeting of the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank op Mount Vernon, will be held at the Banking House in Mount Vernon, on the 12th day of March, 1818, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of closing the business of said Company, and to transact any other business relative to said Company which may be thought proper when met. Dated at Mount Vernon, this 6th day of January, 1818.

"Nathaniel Johnson, Jonathan Miller, Godleib Zimmerman, Benjamin Rush, I. N. Eichardson, John Shaw, John Hawn, Jr., William Douglass, Samuel Mott, John Wilson, J. M. Banning, James McGibeny, James McGibeny for Joseph S. Newell, James Miller, Joseph Brown, L. S. Silliman. " N. B. All the stockholders are particularly solicited to attend on said day."

The course of true love never did run smooth. In the career of banks as well as of nations and iiidiyiduals, there are " ups and doAYUs," drawbacks and obstacles to prosperity ; and parallels in history are always to be met with. Jackson throttled the United States Bank ; Sam Williams seizes the gullet of the Owl Creek Bank : Jackson denounces

Nicholas Biddle ; Williams attempts to i)lay the tyrant over James Smith : Jackson removes the deposits ; and Sam Williams refuses to deposit.

The banking question gets into the papers, and the public mind becomes much distracted thereat. Several communications apj)ear in August and September of 1816 in regard to the Owl Creek Bank. The office of Bank President was no sinecure in those days, at least of the Owl Creek Bank, for we find that the chief owl was compelled at all times to defend his institution from the stump and the press. The Lancaster, Zanesville, Mt. Yernon and other papers of those days, contain many articles from the pen of James Smith in reply to attacks of Dr. Moore B. Bradlev, Sam'l Williams and others. Some of the papers show much acerbity and bitterness of feeling ; but, from our standpoint of observation, we must say that our old friend James Smith beat them all.

In a communication of August 6th, 1817, replying to an article in the Ohio Spectator, in regard to a meeting of the formers, mechanics, merchants, and innkeepers of the town of Mansfield, county of Bichland, and State of Ohio, on the 11th of July, 1817, James Smith pointedly says :

** If, sirs, your_ sympathy has been awakened for unfortunate persons who have received the paper, I hope you will shortly be prepared to discharge your engagements with the Owl Creek Bank of Mohnt Vernon. It would be an insult upon your good sense for me to tell you, that for you to refuse the paper of this bank, while you are in debt to the bank, is a full sacrifice of every spark of honor. If you, sirs, and such characters as yourselves, would pay your engagements, or one half thereof, the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon would be completely prepared to pay and give sat- isfactoiy exchanges for their notes in circulation. Your honors, sirs, we look after no longer, but your purses and property will have to be tried. Tavern bills and pills* ought to be paid for in this paper as well as in the Mansfield.

****** J advise you to be industrious in collecting the paper, as you know you soon, or at the next court, will have judgment against you. The Owl Creek paper will answer you as well as specie. *****! censure no person, not in debt to the bank, for rejecting the paper ; both the principle of moral justice and honor enjoins on every person indebted, to receive it. The sooner, sirs, you procure this paper, it will be the better for you. This bank will shortly be prepared to make general and satisfactory exchanges. James Smith.

" P. S. The editors of the Ohio Register and the Oldo Spectator will confer a favor on Messrs. Bradley and Williams, as well as myself, by giving the above a place in their respective papers.

Samuel Williams replies in tlie Ohio Bcglstcr of August 20, in a very long article addressed to James Smith, President of the Owl Creek Bank, &c., in which he evidently lets his temper get the better of his judgment by such expressions as these :

"You, sir, are President of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, you are Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Justice of the Peace, and, sometimes, preach the Gospel of Jesus, as I am informed - in politics a professed republican ; all of these callings you profess to fill with fidelity, nay, in some you have sworn to discharge their incumbent duties according to the best of your abilities. * * * You have prostituted the official duties and obligations as a Justice of the Peace to subserve its interest by administering unconstitutional oaths. Were you not sworn to support the constitution of this State and of the U. States in the oath of office ? Yet swearing individuals not to take advantage of the statute law to prevent the collection of your illegal demands. * * * You loaned us your bills in order to destroy those rights you profess to admire, the rights of managing our pecuniary concerns. That when we assert ovu* independence, like freemen, you threaten us with destruction and tell us we are in your net, and at your mercy, the mercy of your religion, your integrity, your republicanism - your official virtue, the potent demand of one great Owl debt."

To this coinmnnication of great length - ^the bank President replies with yigor - we have space to extract but a paragraph which may be called a clincher:

* * * "I think it unnecessary to answer your charges against me, when you charge my official, political and religious principles; all you say about it only exposes yourself. Had you kept silent the public had not known your baseness. Truly, Samuel, you was one of the persons that took a solemn oath to take no advantage of any statute law to prevent or stop the payments of your bank engagements. You brag of your full purse; you are then without excuse if you imagine yoii took an nnconstitutional oath. Will you violate that oath to atone for the crime? You ought to be ashamed to let any person impose on you so far as to publish your black crimes with an idea of injuring me. If your purse is so full and heavy pay up your bank engagements. Strangers, citizens, and your neighbors too, will have much more confidence in you. Five hundred dollars of the trash you mentioned will be received of you in place of gold and silver."

On the 28tli February, 1822, a paper was drawn up and signed by certain of the subscribers, binding themselves to give their notes, with security, by tlie last of March next, to John Shaw, John Trimble and Samuel Mott, trustees, whenever the sum of $15,000 shall be subscribed, for the purpose of settling up the affairs of the Owl Creek Bank. As every thing calculated to throw light upon this mysterious subject may be regarded as worth}' of

The Famous Owl Creek Bank Case

Eobert Giffin, Josepli Talmage, Jacob Yonng, William Douglass and others, on the 21st of August, 1829, by Thomas Ewing, their solicitor, filed a Bill in Chancery in the Supreme Court of Ohio for the county of Knox, against Jacob M. Banning and others, claiming the defendants whose names were set up in said Bill as Stockholders in the Owl Creek Bank, and demanding that they should be decreed to account, pro rata, for their shares of stock held to ax>ply in payment of a certain suit prosecuted by one Luke Walpole upon the paper of said bank, and upon which a judgment thereon was recovered by said Walpole at the September term, 1826, against tlie parties complainants and Abraliam Darling, John Ewalt and William Mitchell, for $8,415 20, and costs of suit. Upon said judgment executions having been served out and levied upon the lands of complainants, and they demanded that those who were with them in equity alik« bound for payment of the same should be required to liquidate their proportion of the same, and for such other further and complete relief as they were in equity and good conscience entitled to at the hands of the court.

Robert Giffin, 25 shares, contributed $200 - cash deposited in bank. Joseph Talmage, 10 shares, contributed $250. William Douglass, 70 shares, contributed S'600. Jacob Young, 10 shares, contributed $500.

Of the other judgment debtors to Walpole, Wm. Mitchell had 25 shares, and paid $500 ; Abraham Darling 25 shares, and paid $500 ; and John Ewalt had 20 shares, and had paid nothing.

The stockholders to the bank were never fully known bv reason of the mutilation or alteration of the books, which took place pending a suit between Luke Walpole and some of the stockholders. The bank was entered one night, and the large box that contained the papers carried off, and subsequently the box was found in a thicket of hazel, east of town, broken open, and the books and papers scattered about with several of the names of stockholders obliterated. The testimony in this case, the proceedings of the court, and reports of the Receiver, exceptions to his rei)ort and final decree, make one of the largest volumes of record in the Clerk's office of Knox county - duly labeled " The Owl Creek Bank Case." Eroni this official, and authoritative record we copy the names and shares of stock of parties alledged to have been partners in the firm, name and style of the " Owl Creek Bank."

Buckingham, Sherwood and Eben P. Sturges, traders, under tlie name and style of Sherwood 6c Sturges, 20 shares, all of whom are of Richland county, and

The above named were claimed, as above represented, by the bill of complainants, to have been interested in the concern ; and ha\dng been duly subpoenaed and brought into court, their own answers and testimony, of much extent, was given as to who the partners were, &c. While some few plead the statute of limitations, in addition to other testimony, the greater number - to their credit be it said - confessed the soft impeachment, and expressed themselves ready to stand the con^q[uences.

Henry B. Curtis was appointed Master Commissioner, and, after a thorough and searching examination, he made, on the 18th of September, 1837, a very elaborate and able report. Having, upon his appointment, caused publication to be made by newspaper to all interested, either as creditors or partners, of his appointment to close, and finally settle, as far as practicable, the concerns of said Bank, and having before him all the testimony, he determined the relative position of the parties, defendant, and discharged from liability, as stockholders, of that number Jacob M. Banning, Wm. Bevans, Isaac Dillon, George Beeves, Sturges and Sherwood, Francis Wilkins and Matthew Williams for insufficiency of proof.

At the said September term of Supreme Court, A.D. 1837, Judges Beuben Wood and Peter Hitchcock approved said report, by which it appeared that the sum of $26,790.20 was required to be raised to meet and discharge the present unpaid debts of the Company, in Owl Creek Bank Bills, commonly called; and the liabilities of the parties defendant being established equal, it was further ordered that said sums, as assessed by said Master Commissioner's report, be paid by said parties to him, and the cause was continued for further report.

Several of the parties defendant, by their Attorneys, filed exceptions to said report, and, as to their rights, and for further examination, the papers in the cause are referred to H. H. Hunter, Esq., of Lancaster, as Special Master, who, at the September Term, 1838, submits a partial report, as to certain parties referred to him, and still further reports, as by testimony, the following additional stockholders equally liable, viz : Solomon Geller, owner of 20 shares ; John Hawn, Sr., 15 shares ; Nathaniel Johnson, 60 shares (50 of which being transfers from Jonathan and Eli Miller) ; William Blackburn, 20 shares ; Matthew Merritt, 4 shares ; G. B. Maxfield, John Troutman and N^. M. Yonng, 10 shares each. At the same time the Special Master concludes with this statement :

" It is believed that no man can, at this time, possess himself of the facts necessary to do exact justice in the case. Though it is believed that much additional evidence, with proper exertions, maybe collected, to render the case more perfect. All which is respectfully suggested.

At the September Term, 1839, Judges Peter Hitchcock and Frederick Grimke allowed the complainants leave to amend their bill, and make the newly-discovered stockholders parties, &c.; and the Court continued H. H. Hunter Special Master for further investigation, and with more extensive powers.

At the September Term of 1810, Master Commissioner Hunter submitted his final report, concluding with a statement of accounts and an aggregate amount remaining due - .'^17,457 27; and the Court, upon further hearing of exceptions by counsel and arguments for their respective clients, decreed accordingly, and continued the appointment of Henry B. Curtis as Keceiver, to collect from the parties the sums assessed against them, and to pay off the judgment creditors, <fec.

At succeeding terms of the Court, various orders were made, as necessary in the progress of the cause, and upon the reports of the Keceiver of his action had in the premises.

along," until tlie final report of the Keceiver was filed, and the canse finally disposed of upon exceptions taken by Miller & Dunbar, of attorneys for certain defendants, wliicli were overruled by the District Court in chancery, ICth of June, 1859 - and an entry upon the journals expresses the satisfaction of the Court at its termination - by the Receiver in having disposed of the remaining assets by sale under order of Court, for an amoiuit sufficient to liquidate all outstanding indebtedness.

" It is now, therefore, ordered and decreed, that said report be forthwith approved, and sale fully confirmed," * * " and this v/hole case is accordingly discontinued."

"The undersigned, now, therefore, regarding substantially all interests adjusted and settled in behalf of party creditors, and the assets for that pupose exhausted, recommends that the suits pending be finally dismissed from the docket, without prejudice to the rights of the assignee to collect the balances against party creditors, standing unsatisfied, agreeably to former reports and decrees in this cause. The undersigned reports all costs paid, as far as known to him, and, as he believes, in full.

" In taking leave of the case which, for more than thirty years, has occupied a conspicuous position on the docket of this court, and in closing the trust which, for more than twenty years, has been confided to the undersigned, he takes leave to congratulate the court on the final adjustment of the whole matter, and to express his profound thanks for the confidence so long continued, without which, the vexed, complex, and 25i'otracted labors of the case would have been rendered much more onerous, and the results obtained proved far less satisfactory.

"To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed this life since the commencement of this suit) and to their heirs and representatives, the full record of this case - while it may recall some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise and its calamitous results, will also remind them of many incidents, and profitable lessons in the school of experience, and be, for all time to

Such is, in brief, tlie history - more particularly tlie legal history - of the Owl Creek Bank ; an institution which, in part from its outre name, has acquired more notoriety than any other that has ever existed in America - if not in the world ! The fame of the "United States Bank" was not more widely extended. Its failure created no greater dismay. IS^ations ci^dlized and tribes sayage have seen and handled its money. In its brief life, yet protracted existence, it has been cursed most by those whom it befriended, and wronged most by those who professed to be its friends.

The evil day came upon it - even in its early youth ; before it had become full grown, the keen frosts nipped it. Its crest fell and its petals closed in, because too much light struck in on it suddenly. Its head wilted ; it fell ; and great was the fall thereof. Its sunshine friends deserted when the cloud portended the coming storm - some who had received its money and upon whom it had shoAvered benefits, and some who had lent their credit and volunteered their names to the infant, deserted its canse, and attempted to plead infancy and limitation in bar. As with the human kind, when life is almost extinct, doctors are often called in only to attend upon the corpse ; so, in this instance, lawyers were brought in at the eleventh hour to the wake. In the last pangs oj)iates were sought to be administered, and the sleep of forgetfulness was invoked by a few ; but to their credit be it said, that less than a half dozen of all the defen- dants in Kuox county invoked the aid of the act of January 25th, 1810 - pleading, accordingly, the statute of limitations ; or that other plea, in bar, of like character - that the partnership or association they had formed, to make themselves rich, was contrary to an act to prohibit the issuing and circulation of unauthorized bank paper.

To their honor be it said that the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon - the hardv old pioneers - the Darlings and Youngs and Mitchells and others, who knew so well how to fell the forest ; to hunt the wolves, deer and bear ; to till the soil ; to clear off the wilderness, and so little of banking as not to be classed as experts by financiers of more modern date, yet came up " to the scratch," and redeemed "the promises to pay" of their bank officers.

It is true, that the arbitrament and final settlement of its affairs went to law ; but, under the circumstances, it was a matter of necessity that the equities should be adjusted by the courts. Almost every one of the parties were willing to pay their proportion of the debts at the first; but each thought it but right to pay his own proportion and no more. Hence the ablest of the men learned in the law at that time accessible, were " called" to take a hand in the Owl Creek Bank case. Among the number thus employed were Thomas Ewing, Henry Stanbery, H. H. Hunter and W. W. Irwin, of Lancaster ; C. B. Goddard, C. C. Converse, C. W. Searle, Wjdlis Silliman and Geo. James, of Zanesville ; David Spangler, of Coshocton ; Judge Orris Parish, of Columbus ; W. Stanbery, G. B. Smythe and I. Dille, of Kewark ; Jacob Parker, of Mansfield ; Benjamin S. Brown, R. 0. Hurd, J. 0. Hall, 0. Delano, H. Curtis, J. K. Miller, W. Dunbar and M. H. Mitchell.

Of the entire number of parties defendant named in these pages, but fiA^e, so far as known, survive, to wit : our venerable townsmen, Aaron Hill and Eli Miller ; our noted countymen, John Troutman and Nicholas Kiley ; and H. Curtis, Esq., now residing in Keokuk, Iowa. And of the 24 attorneys engaged in the case, but 13 are now living.

Of the Judges who have heard this great cause at diiferent stages of its progress, Calvin Pease, Joshua Collett, Peter Hitchcock, Jno. C. Wright and K. C. Read, are dead.

Einally, after thirty years in the courts, this case, noted as that famous one of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, was brought to a close, the last dollar of its issue presented redeemed, and, forty-three years after its birth, " all that was of earth and earthv" of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Yernon, was consigned to its final resting-place - the Croat Book of Records.

Incidents And Events Of 1816

The fikst paper at mount vernon. - Gleanings from the ohio register. - Some account of the business men of that time. - Of the marriages, INCREASE OF POPULATION, ETC. SOME OF THE DEATHS. ADDRESSES OF CANDIDATES. - KiNQ CAUCUS APPEARS. ELECTIONS. - PrICE OF

Salt, Etc

0:s Sunday evening, April 28th, tlie people were thrown into great consternation by "J. Flienomenon. - A dark place appeared on the north part of the Sun ; it appeared gradually to move towards the centre. What wonderful event this is the forerunner of is yet unknown, whether it be the fall of empires, Idngdoms, or of more important events." This appeared on the evening of the 4th day after the first paper was issued at Mt. Vernon. Wonderful circumstance !

Rattlesnakes were quite common, and their bites frequent about these times - hence the Ohio Hegister publishes. May 8th, an efficacious remedy for tlie bite. An application of kali j)i'cparation to the wound, and a lump the size of a hazel nut dissolved in vinegar to be swallowed during effervescence every twenty-five or thirty minutes.

Taken from the Ohio Hotel, in Mt. Vernon, on or about the 15th of April last, (either intentionally or through mistake) a dark colored Great Coat, with a cape somewhat larger than ordinary, and the collar lined with snuff-colored velvet. If said Great Coat was taken through design, the subscriber will exchange small clothes for it if returned to him by the person who took it away ; or the above reward will be given to any other person who will deliver it to J. Brown, in Mt. Vernon, or to

John Frank

Samuel H. Smith gives notice, April 23, ]S16, that he has for sale 7,800 acres which he has just "subdivided into lots, from 100 to 300 acres to accommodate actual settlers."

" John Wilson, with the greatest respect, would inform his customers and the public in general, that he has just received a fresh supply of NEW GOODS, consisting of Morocco slippers, «&c., all of which he will dispose of on the most moderate terms for cash or approved country produce." On the 24th of July he advertises himself " west of the court house and next door south of Mr. Anthony Bannings, where he will sell salt by the barrel at $2 per bushel, or $2.25 by the single bushel," &.c.

As showing the wild nature of our county seat, at that time, and the difficulties of raising children in a new country, we insert the following obituary notice as we find it in McArdle's style of publishing - the first article under tlie editorial head, May 22d, 1816 :

" Sudden Death. - Departed this life on Friday afternoon, the 17th inst., Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eve Zimmerman, of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twenty-nine days. His death was in conseq[uence of eating a small portion of the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was short, but pains excruciating, which terminated his end in about 40 minutes - leaving behind him an affectionate father, tender and loving mother, two brothers and three sisters, who greatly lament the irreparable loss of a dutiful sou and brother.

Bryant and Burr, under date of May 1st, 1816, give notice that tliey " liavc just received a fresli supply of new goods, consisting in part of fine and coarse clotlis, cassimers, velvets and cords, vesting, bombarzets, factory muslins, silk for dresses and lioiinets, silk and cotton sliawls, silk and Madrass liandkerchiefs, cotton and worsted hose, a few fasJhionahle bonnets, <S:c., &c., all of which will be sold cheap for wheat, rye, oats, sugar, bacon, homemade linen, rags, furs and cash. Ready for trade and barter - sell is the word!"

Having formed this arrangement, another partnership is about this time entered into, which continued for life. It is thus published in the Oliio Begistcr of May 8tli :

"Married. - On Sunday last, (May 5th, 1S16,) in this town, by the Rev. Javics Smith, Doctor Timothy Burr to Miss Rachel Thrift, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Thrift of this county."

" Married, June 2d, 1814, by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr. Daniel Conger, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts. ' And God said unto them, Be Jruitful, and muiiply and replenish the earths "

John Garrison, having laid off the town of Edwinburg on an elevated spot of ground, six and a half miles west of Mansfield, on the State road, offers lots for sale May 8th, 1816, and advertises the public that a large spring of water is in the center of the town. Poor Edwinburg! alas, death stole gently upon the innocent, and not a mark of the place is now visible upon any map !

The following specimen from the OMo Bcgister of June 12th, 1816, is the first effusion of a lovesick swain on Owl Creek's stormv banks. It is to be hoped that the "youth" was "relieved:"

"M ay Heaven on thee her choicest gifts bestow j I n thy dear breast may every virtue glow : S edate and modest, wise, kind, and free - S uch may thy character forever be.

" Miss Mary Fulton respectfully informs the inhabitants of Mount Vernon and its vicinity, that she has opened a Milliners Shop at H. Curtis', Esq., second door Sow West of the Coiu-t House on High street, where she intends keeping on hands an elegant assortment of fashionable bonnets, caps, <&.c. * * * * Plain sowing done in the neatest manner and on the shortest notice. May 22d, 1816."

" A gentleman who arrived at Xenia, 0., about the 1 5th of April, from Vincennes, states that seven soldiers belonging to Fort Harrison, had been killed by the Indians. It was unknown to what tribe they belonged."

"On the ISth of April last, the Steamboat Maria, Captain Lovell, arrived at Cincinnati from Marietta, bound to Boston, Mass., with a cargo of pork, flour and lard."

Another store is opened at Mount Yernon by A. & T. Gormly, from Pittsbiirgli, in May, 1816. Tliey advertise '^an assortment of tJie manufdctures of Fittshur(/h, to wit : two stills, iron in the bar, &c., &c."

At about this time the principal travel ^vas to Zanesville. J. Keeve advertises that he keeps tavern at the sign of the Beak, formerly occupied by Col. J. Perry, on Main street, Zanesville, and closes with the following notice :

"N. B. - Travellers will be supplied with a Way Bill, giving an account of the Roads and Distances to the principal towns in the United States."

At this time John Hamm, Marshal of the District of Ohio at Zanesville, x^aid Invalid Pensioners of the United States at his office in that place.

William Kattle, living in Clinton township, near Charles Cooper's one mile West of Clinton, lost " one pretty good chunck of a gi'ey horse, and a cliesnut sorrel with a Eoman nose and a Avhite strip inclining down one of his nostrils."

In July, John Sawyer and Adney Coleman commenced butchering in Mount Yernon, and keeping beef at their slaughter-house every Tuesday and Priday morning at reduced price.

Alexander Elliott found, on Saturday morning, Sept. 21st, on Market street, six dollars in bank bills, which he advertised as wanting an owner.

James Moor, acting Sheriff of Eichland county, Sept. 25th, 1816, j)roclaims through the Ohio Begister that the people of Jefferson toAvnship are expected to vote at the house of Mr. Bell, on the Cle<tr Forh on the second Tuesday of October next.

Six cents reward is offered, September 16th, by J. & S. Selby for George Huntsbery, an apprentice to the hatting business (through the persuasions of some intriguing persons) induced to run away ; but no charges paid for returning said boy.

In September, B. Bentley opened for Jos. S. IN^ewell an extensive assortment of goods, wliicli were for sale or exchange for butter, beeswax, linen, grain, rags, bags, or feathers.

" To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. - You are hereby notified that a petition will be presented to the next Court of Common Pleas, for the county of Knox to vacate a certain part of the town of Mount Vernon, viz : Lots No. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, the property of L. S. Silliman, together with the streets and alleys adjoining."

On the 23d of November Wm. Y. Parquhar, Clerk, exposed to sale, at 12 o'clock, '' sundry works and repairs to be done to the court house," by order of the Commissioners.

Jonathan & Eli Miller, Nov. 27th, advertise that they are receiving new goods from Philadelphia : groceries, imported liquors, morocco leather shoes, queensware, &c.

tlie articles enumerated were a two wlieeled pleasure carriage ; also a handsome sleigh, a rifle gun, a number of first quality liats, &c.; and the following choice tit bit for our early citizens : ly ''Epicures, here is something for you! - A pet oub bear will also be sold to the highest bidder! You seldom meet with such a chance as this."

George Dickenson, in KoYcmber, offered a reward of one cent for the return of a runaway apprentice boy, named Michael Eairchild, between 18 and 19 years of age, short thick set, light complexion, cunning and" rogueish.

John Greer, Collector for Knox county, on the 7th December, at Major Joseph Brown's tavern, offered for sale 47 lots for taxes, amounts due ranging from 4 cents to $1.50.

Samuel H. Smith, August 7th, advertises as just finished a lot of leather - sole and upper, Mp and calf, for sale wholesale or retail, at Clinton.

Hugh McMahon carries on a tanyard at Clinton, and he warns people against purchasing leather of Samuel H. Smith, as he has a claim on it. Whereupon Samuel comes back iij)on him in the following unique style :

" Mr. McArdlk - Sir : In your paper I observe a caution to the public, by Hugh McMahon, forewarning tliem from meddling with his property. I would ask Mr. McMahon how far his claims extend ] Does he still hold a claim to the store of goods in the town of Delaware, into which he entered by the window, in the night, in the absence of the store kepeer ? Or has he relinquished his claim to the goods in hopes of having better success with Leather'? I would advise said McMahon to go to work and endeavor to obtain a livelihood by honest industry, and shun the counsel of the man who would advise him to thieving or perjury in order to gratify his revengeful passion.

A meeting of citizens of Hicliland county was lield at tlie house of Samuel Williams, Esq., in the town of Mansfield. John Garrison, Esq., was called to the Chair, and C. K. Pollock appointed Secretary ; and they resolved to support Thomas Worthiugton for re-election as Governor, Peter Hitchcock, Esq., for Eej)resentative in Congress, and Joseph Brown, Esq., for Senator, to represent Knox, Eicliland and Licking counties. The proceedings were ordered to he j)uhlished in the Trump of Fame, in Trumhull county, and the Ohio Begister.

" Was found, on the Main street, Mt. Vernon, a calico dress pattern. The owner, by giving an accurate description thereof, and paying for this advertisement, may have it again. Enquire of the printer.

Erom a song of these times we extract the following liits at members of Congress for voting to increase theii' pay, which, since the passage of the great tax bill of June, 1862, will be read with a livelv interest :

"A Barber Wanted. - A Barber will, probably, meet witli good encouragement in this place (Mount Vernon.) It would make it an object well worth tbe attention of any one who could devote part of his time to any other business."

Population in the county began to increase quit^ rapidly by immigration, and in the natural way. As showing something of the stock in those times, we take from the Register a statement in regard to David Wilson, Sept., 1816, in his seventy-eighth year, who " has had four wives and by them fortytwo children. His oldest child is but sixteen years younger than himself. His second wife had five children, at two births, in eleven months. Mr. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania - drinks grog freely - converses with ease and alfability - and sup-

That there was nnexampled fecundity at this time among our people, we may still further note the fact that, on the 9th of December, a petition from the west was presented to Congress, by Mr. McCoy, from an honest couple, who represented that they had been united in wedlock's happy bonds for 27 years - in which time they have added to our population 20 children, 19 of whom are living, and whom they have maintained by the product of their manual labor. On that score they pray Congress for a donation of public lands to make their declining years more easy. The Journals show its reference to the committee on Public Lands.

We still further find by the Ohio Begister, Yol. 2, No. 11, that a " Mrs. Contzeu was delivered of four children - three boys and one girl, all likely to do well."

" MARRIED - On Sunday evening last, by the Rev. James Smith , Mr. Daniel S. Norton, of Connelaville, Pa., to Miss Sarah Banning, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town."

"Married - On the 26th of December, by John Young, Esq., Mr. James Harris to Miss Mary Logan; also Capt. John Stiltz to Miss Margaret McCulloch.

Samuel Mott, candidate for Senator, Sept. lltli, sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and Richland, the first printed address we have been able to find. He says, among other things, that he has " been induced to become a candidate from the encouragement of many substantial and respectable citizens in the district."

Eor House of RepresentatiTes - Jonathan Miller, William Mitchell, Munson Pond, John Warden, Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Richland county, William W. Earquhar.

" There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his services as Representative in the State Legislature; he is extremely modest, though very fopuJar ; he, therefore, believes that it will amply suffice, at this time, to make public the initial letters, only, of his name. They are " R. B."

Robert Butler

Col. John Greer, about this time, felt the importance of his military commission, and issued an order to the commandants of companies in the county of Knox to send two men from each com- pany to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable persons to represent the counties of Knox, Licking and Richland. Whereupon there a])j)eared, on the 13th September, the following persons :

From Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong and David Shaw. Erom Captain Cook's company, Capt. John Cook and Isaac ^. Bkliardson. Erom Captain John Yenom's company, Josiah B. Day and John TrimUe, Prom Captain A. Emmet's company, William Bevans and Benjamin Warner. Erom Captain Cooper's conij)any, Jacol) Hanger and Jonathan Burch. Erom Captain Squire's company, James Ililler and John J. Tidlos.

The result of this caucus - or military dictation - the first of the kind ever known in this count}' , was the nomination of Waitstill Hastings and Jonathan Miller.

i^ominating caucuses were also held in Richland and in Licking counties this year. The contest waxed very warm ; circulars and handbills were much circulated, and all manner of electioneering was resorted to at this election. The result, however, was that out of 485 votes for Governor cast in the whole county, Thomas Worthington received 124 majority. Peter Hitchcock had 163 majority for Congress ; and the county gave small majorities for Martin for Senator and Miller for Representative.

Samuel Mott received 1 vote in Clinton, 3 in Morris, 8 in Miller, and none in Chester, Wayne, Jackson, Union and Morgan. Connected with this election is the following anecdote, which is altogether too good to be lost : Gideon Mott, the brother of Sam, who was a very plain man, yet full of wit, was responsible for it. He said that lie dropped in to see Mrs. Mott on the night of the election, and while there Samuel got home from Eichland county, where he had been electioneering, and asked how the election had gone in Clinton, and when he replied "He got one vote," Mrs. M. exclaimed - " That's always the way it is - if you had only been at home, Samuel, and voted, you would have got two !"

"The usual theme of candidates, in my standing, are many loud swelling words full of legislative wisdom, or rather of their own egotism, and to harangue every neighbor in their way with the prospect of a State road or a turnpike, by measures of which onehalf of our citizens will become wealthy inn-keepers, and the other half their happy customers, with their pockets flushed with money drawn from a new country bank to be erected on a new fangled system, and thus all are to be ritch and happy. But such language as this hath never fallen from my lips since the days of my youth, when under the passions of love and addressed to females of my age, and I shall not again resume this theme until I become a widower; but while I speak for myself to men of understanding and discernment, and not to women, I have only to say that I stand a free will offering at the alter of your good pleasures. * * * Should I succeed in my election I shall feel it incumbent on me to use my feeble endeavors, by lawful incense, to gratify my constituents, and this is all the flattery I have to make use of. My abilities are too small to boast of, which, with my character, are now for you to enquire into.

Josiah L. Hill

At the election, this year, 470 votes were cast in Kichland countj^of which Worthington had a majority of 353, Hitchcock 433; and for Senator Mordecai Bartley received 339, Wm. Gavitt 77, Joseph Brown 23, Samuel Mott 10, Benjamin Martin 6, Waitstiil Hastings 6. And Samuel Williams was elected Bepresentative.

Gentlemen - As I am offering myself as a candidate to represent the inhabitants of the above district in the State Senate, I think it my duty to lay before the public a copy of official papers, which I hope you -will read, and thereby satisfy your miuds in regard to my political character. The first of my certificates of the oath of allegiance.

I do hereby certify that Benjamin Martin, of Bedford county, hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed the 13th day of June, 1777. Witness my hand and seal the 10th day of October, A. D., 1783.

James Martin

We, the subscribers. Justices of the Peace, &c., in and for the county of Bedford, do hereby certify to all who it may concern, that we have been acquainted with the bearer hereof, Benjamin Martin, son of James Martin, Esq., of the county aforesaid, for these several years past, and that we have not heard of anything to operate against his character as an honest young man ; but on the contrary, that he has behaved himself as a good whig and a friend to his country. And he being desirous to go from here to the lower parts of this State to transact some business and see his relations; therefore, all persons are requested to permit the said

Sirs - Having always in view, as my polar star, the principles contained in the above oath and certificate, I have with a steady mind, either as a private citizen or as a public servant, pursued that kind of policy which Avould best promote the interests of our country, as the principles of general suffrage; for I always have and ever shall be of opinion, that when a man has enrolled himself in our militia muster-rolls, and has paid State and county tax> that in consequence thereof, he is, and ought to be entitled to all the privileges and advantages of the government ; and any policy or law, which, in its operation, would tend to lessen those privileges would be an invasion on the natural and inherent rights of man. Those, gentlemen, are the principles which I ventured my life to establish, and the remaining part of my days shall go to maintain.

" Public Notice. - My friends and the public are hereby informed, that shoiild they have large sums of money to collect, not to bring suit in the Court of Common Pleas, in expectation of thereby obtaining their just demands in a reasonable time, I have been induced to publish this friendly caution that the public may not censure me for neglect in my ofiicial capacity. In order to show where the fault lies read the following plain statement :

" I have been assiduously endeavoring to collect the amount of an execution ever since I have been sheriff of this county, and have as yet received no money. The associate judges grant bills of injunction successively, after I have had the property ready for sale, which has procrastinated the collection of the money. There have been two on the aforesaid execution ; the judgment was rendered at December term, 1815, for Erkurius Beatty. Therefore, if the laws of this State will keep a man out of his money three years after judgment is rendered, I would seriously advise my friends not to bring suit for debts due them, but rather remove to some other State or country where they may obtain justice.

" They found six bills of indictments. Tavern license was granted to Anson Brown and Jonathan Hunt. Store license to John Williams, James Rigby, James Miller, John Shriraplin, Bryant & Burr, Eli & Jonathan ]\Iiller, and Anthony Banning. Shadrach Ruark, of the Methodist church, was licensed to marry, and James Craig was fined $15 and costs for assault and battery.

"A Hint - Promises, witJiout performances, are like clouds with- ' out rain. - The subscriber finds it indispensably necessary (these hard times) to call upon those of his friends who are indebted, lest they should forget him. He feels very sorry that a few broken promises should interdict all social intercourse : therefore, he earnestly solicits them to come forward and enable him, like an honest man, to meet those who have reposed confidence in him.

" Mr. John Mecabee gives notice that he has commenced tavern keeping in Clinton, at the well known stand of the " Rising Sun," formerly occupied by Mr. E. Ogle. That the house is large and commodious for the reception of ladies, gentlemen, and travelers. June 19."

"At a meeting of a number of tlie inhabitants of Knox county, held at tlie bouse of William Mitchell, Esq., June 12th, to make arrangements for the Fourth of July, William Mitchell, Esq., was appointed Chairman, and Doctor Gr. B. Maxfield, Secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted :

" 1st. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to conduct the business of the day. Accordingly the following gentlemen were chosen, viz: Wm. Mitchell, G. B. Maxfield, Job Allen, N. M. Young, John Garrison and John Lewis,

" 2d. That the day be kept as a day of ThavJcsgiving, and all ministers of the Gospel living within a reasonable distance be invited to attend, and that they meet at the house of Captain Job Allen, about three-quarters of a mile south of Fredericktown, at 9 o'clock A.M.

" 4th. That the following named gentlemen be a committee to superintend the singing, which is to be part of the performance of the day : Benjamin Jackson, Sen., Jacob Young, John Meflford and Benjamin Jackson, Jun. All those who are completely acquainted with all or either of the parts of vocal music are requested to make it known sometime previous to forming for the march, as it is intended to practice certain tunes.

In the issue of July 10, 1810, we have a notice of the proceedings celebrating the Fourth, in pursuance of the arrangements made at the meeting before noticed:

" Agreeably to previous arrangements to celebrate the 41st anniversary of American Independence, a respectable company of between three and four hundred persons met at the house of Captain Job Allen, and having formed a procession, they moved in regular order to the place appointed for public worship. A very suitable and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Henry George, from Gallatians v: 13; and, after a short intermission, tlie attention of the audience was again called by the E-ev, James Smith, who delivered an excellent and comprehensive discoui'se from Luke XX : 25. The singers took their seats by themselves, and the greatest decorum was observed throughout the day. The devout exercises being ended, a highly gratified audience dispersed in harmony, nothing having occurred to mar the pleasures which a decent commemoration of the birth day of our National Independence is calculated to produce."

The paper of July 21st coiitains a comiminicatioii giving an account of a celebration "by a very respectable number of citizens in Wayne township, at the dwelling house of Mr. William Drake. The day was ushered in by the discharge of musketry from a volunteer company commanded by Captain Israel E,. Dalrymi^le. The Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Jabez Beers, and a patriotic and very animated oration delivered by Mr. Truman Strong." Some of the toasts are rather si)icy. Witness the following:

" George Cahot, President of the Hartford Convention - May the warm sun of Republicanism melt the tory frost from off his head and heart; and may he cast off his pernicious principles as the reptile doth its skin."

" John Bull - Twice has he attempted to destroy the liberties of America, and twice has he witnessed the futility of his attacks on the sons of freedom's soil."

Chaptee Xyii

Illustrations of the spirit op the times. - Theatricals. - Missionaries TO BE sent to Connecticut. - Small-pox excitement. - Trials OF interest. - Patriotic outgushings op popular feeling. - Combination OF mechanics. - Bill of prices. - First delegate to the state institution. - Another town. - More whisky and more marriages.

This year was introduced by a grand Theatrical exhibition by the young gentlemen of Mount Yernon. Of the performances, the following were a part : 1. An Address to the audience ; 2. The Conjurer - A Dialogue ; 3. The Dispute between a Merchant and his Wife - 4. Clownishness and Awkwardness, in 2 Acts ; 5. The Lap-Dog - A Dialogue of two Ladies ; G. Douglass, or the Noble Shepherd - A Tragedy; 7. The Knight's Dream ; 8. Cowardice and Knavery ; 9. A Dialogue between a Schoolmaster and School Committee, &c. Eor several years the young gentlemen continued their theatrical exhibitions, and often acquitted themselves handsomely.

" Take notice - That eye have left my wife Iselbelah irelands bead and board and eye know furnwan any person or persons creeaditing hir on my account as eye shall not be acountable for eny of her deats or contracts from this date likewse eye furwau

The following entiy upon the Court minutes, shows that the people Avere minus a term of Common Pleas. The reason, we learn from the oldest inhabitant, was "high water" - one of the "biggest" sj)ring floods ever known by the old settlers :

" The Court of Com. Pleas was opened at Mount Vernon the 24th March, 1817. The Sheriff appeared and called the Court, who failing to appear, the Sheriff adjourned the Court until tomorrow morning, 9 o'clock. The Sheriff appeared and opened Court agreeable to adjournment, and called the Court, and Judges Young and Trimble, and no other Judge ; Avhereupon, by order of the Judges, ordered the Sheriff adjourn the Court until to-morrow morning. Jacob Young.

" 9 o'clock, according to adjournment, the Hon. Jacob Young and John Trimble, Esq., Associate Judges, appeared. There not being a quorum, the Court being opened, the said Judges ordered the Court adjourned until Court in course. Jacob Young."

This month a Yankee peddler, named Giddings, passed through the county bound for Columbus, who sold to several of the merchants wooden nutmegs, having a few genuine ones for them "to sample."

The old settlers of the county became charitably inclined, and determined to send Missionaries to convert " the everlasting heathen of Connecticut." Accordingly they formed a society for this purpose, and published on the 9th of April the following notice : everlasting Heathen of Connecticut and tlie parts adjacent. The first meeting of the Society will be held in Zanesville on the 20th of May next, for the purpose of electing suitable Missionaries for the performance of the arduous undertaking. It is hoped that all who are favorable to the cause, will contribute their mite to effect so desirable an object.

At this period Zanesville was tbe great town of Central Oliio, and at that place and Putnam the principal shij^ping and other business was transacted by the citizens of Knox county.

In May, 1817, John S. Dugan having opened the Green Tree Hotel in Zanesville, advertises that he has a number of German servants (redempti oners), "who are attentive and honest ; one of which is a regular bred horse Doctor, and served six years under Bonaparte as such ; and 'tis said by travelers, he is one of the best hostlers in the United States. l^ My whole study is to please, and I hope the public will give me a chance to do so."

The little log school-house on the public square had served its time, and at private houses schools had for some time been kept, when the public-spirited men in Mount Yernon started subscriptions to build another.

June 18th. The small-pox having made its appearance at Kewark, caused a great excitement in the quiet village of Mount Yernon. The inhabitants ran to and fro, not knowing what to do. A public consultation was had, and Dr. R. D. Moore wrote and published a little treatise on the subject, giving the origin of the disease, the views of '^ the immortal Jenner" upon "the grease, ^^ "cow-pox," "small-pox," etc., and concluding as follows: - " ly The small-pox has been for some months past traveling northward, and is now within a short distance from this place. The subscriber will attend on every Satukdat, at his house in Momit Vernon, for the purpose of vaccinating (those whose pecuniary means will not warrant application), gratis.'''' Anderson Searl, of Mount Yernon, on the 18th of June, j)ublishes that he will not pay a certain note given to William Shinnibery for a certain black and white muley cow, to be delivered to him next harvest ; " the said note being given in part consideration of a certain horse sold to me by said Shinnibery for a sound horse, which T have since found to be unsound."

"At this term, the Indictments vs. John Strain, were read, and he was fined on the first $20 and costs - and on the second, assault and battery, $10 and costs.

" The Grand Jurors - Royal D. Simons, foreman - returned seven bills of Indictment. Albert Sherwood, by verdict of jury, recovered $75 oS of Wm. Williams for assault and battery ; and in suit of the State Wm. Williams was fined $15 and costs. Thomas Wilkins and John Roop are, each, fined $5 and costs for assault and battery ; and John Strain and John Roop, each, fined $5 and costs for an affray, and Robert Butler was fined $15 and costs.

" On application of Anthony Banning and Samuel Kratzer for the vacating of a part of the addition of the town of Mount Vernon. The application is overruled at the cost of the applicants.

Patriotic Outburst On The National Anniversary

The ith of July was celebrated by the Mount Yernon Artillery Oomj^any, under Oapt. Joseph Brown, with all the pomp and circumstance of war. The day was duly ushered in by a national salute - a grand parade came off - a sumptuous dinner at Richardson & Yore's inn - and toasts, sj)eeches, and wine made it a merry occasion. The Declaration of Independence was read by Doctor Robert D. Moore. Among the toasts were the following :

A quarterly or sacramental meeting was held on Friday, the 4th of July, at the Dry Creek school house. All christians and ministers of the gospel were earnestly solicited to attend and assist in the various exercises of the service.

Knox Coukty Robert Buchanan

This notice not having the desired effect, on the 16th of July the following pointed addition is made to it : " If Mr. J - n W - k - r, who was entrusted to deliver the above volume to me, by the person to whom I lent it, does not return it within two weeks from the date hereof, I will give his name to the public, together with some traits of his character, which have not much the appearance of honesty !

" As I am credibly informed that you have refused five dollars for those poems, I think you ought not to object paying me #1.50 for them. You may send or bring me this amount, or the book, at your own option. I am determined to have it or its worth from you - peaceably if 1 can, forcibly ifl must,

Sir - The two weeks in which I allowed you to return the above poems, have now elapsed unheeded by you. At the expiration of that time, I promised to give the public your name and an exposition of your conduct in retaining this book in your own possei»- sion after having politely proffered your services to convey it to me from the young lady to whom I had lent it ; but being blessed with a pretty good share of charity, I have omitted the exposition for the present, and inserted your naf?ie only - giving you one week further to decide whether or not 'honesty is the best policy f* '