Knox County, Ohio - Chapter 25: Knox County Agricultural Society, 1881

Time

S agriculture is the avocation of the great majority of the citizens of Knox county, and as it is the principal source of the wealth and prosperity of the county, its introduction and development deserves a place in the county's history.

The first thing the settler had to do, after building his cabin and domiciling his family therein, was to clear off a patch of land for corn and potatoes, in order to secure subsistence as soon as possible. Although the culture of these miniature farms was very imperfect, the implements being rude and cluinsy, yet the richness of the virgin soil never failed to produce abundantly.

As the clearing of the pioneer widened, his products became more diversified; rye, oats, buckwheat, etc., were added. Better implements and better culture followed. The introduction of agricultural papers stimulated inquiry; inquiry led to associations for mutual improvement; hence the agricultural societies.

In the winter of 1846, William Bevans, B. F. Smith, Isaac Nicodemus, Adam Rinehart, and John and William Bonar, organized what they styled "The Morris Agricultural. Club," with William Bevans as its president. The object of the club was mutual improvement, by a free interchange of opinions on all subjects pertaining to the farm. The club held regular weekly meetings for discussion, which was sometimes quite animated. Two questions gave great interest to these discussions:

First. Does the moon, or the twelve signs of the Zodiac, or both combined, exert such an influence on vegetation as to make it necessary, in order to secure the best results, to be guided by their different phases, in our planting and sowing.

At that time scientific knowledge of the laws upon which successful agriculture is based, was not as widely diffused through books and periodicals as now. 'There were many ridiculous whims, founded on the ignorance of superstitious dreamers, who said "if you plant your cucumber seed when the moon is in the sign of the virgin, they will bloom but not bear; but plant them in the sign of the twins, and they will bear abundantly." Strange as it may appear, such nonsense found credence in the minds of otherwise intelligent men. The discussion of this topic brought out experiences and facts of great practical value. The superstitious whims were exploded, and the truth established that close observation of the earth, rather than the moon and stars, give the best results in agriculture.

The second question to which allusion has been made, was in reference 'to the transmutation of plants, or does wheat, under unfavorable circum stances, degenerate into chess or cheat?

As might be expected, the moon farmers were to a man firm believers in transmutation. In the discussion of this topic, an unanswerable array of facts were brought to bear, proving the Scripture doctrine, that, "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap," to be literally true, in the experience of the husbandman. The practical working of these two opinions is, that the believer in the Scripture doctrine will be careful to keep his fields free from foul seeds, and sow pure grain, assured that in due time he will reap in kind.

'One Saturday in November, 1847, The Morris Agricultural Club held a fair on the farm of William Bonar, of Morris township, in which Dr. J. N. Burr, who was an honorary member, took a lively interest. Adam Rinehart was the president. Although the day was unfavorable - being rainy - the display of grain, fruit, stock, etc., was quite encouraging to the friends of improvement. The record of this first agricultural fair exists only in the memories of a few of its participants and is therefore very

"meagre. Byram Leonard, of Wayne township, was there with short-horn cattle; Henry Wider, of Wayne, and Adam Rinehart of Morris, each had a fine display of apples. The record shows that Wider was so disgusted at the injustice done him by being brought in second best, that he ceased to be a competitor at fairs during life. Premiums were offered as follows: For the best stallion; breed mare; spring colt; milch cow; bull calf; heifer calf; buck sheep (first and second best); ewe (first and second best); best two dozen apples (three varieties); best bunch of grapes; best plow, harrow and cultivator; pair of blankets; pair of woollen socks, etc., etc. The reasons for ignoring wheat were two: first, the poor crop of that season; second, the wheat was sown before the formation of the club.

From this humble beginning has been developed what is now known as "the Knox County Agricultural Society." This society confines its efforts to encouraging the improvement of farm products; including farm stock of all kinds; the products of domestic industry and skill; in short all that pertains to rural comfort, convenience and elegance; as well as the products of the skilled artisan and mechanic.

Prior to the purchase of the present finely located fair grounds, fairs were held under many disadvantages. The floral hall was migratory. One year the court room of the old court house was used; another, the lecture room of the Union church, better known as the "Peacock church,' was called into requisition; still another year the church room of the Presbyterian congregation was thrown open to the society. For the stock grounds the then vacant lot on East Chestnut street opposite the Knox county jail was used for a few years. To prepare pens for the sheep and swine on exhihition, D. C. Montgomery, then sheriff of the county, and Dr. J. N. Burr, devoted two or three days prior to the opening of the Fair, in levying contributions upon the rails of neighboring farms to build those pens, and two or three days after the fair closed were occupied in restoring the rails to their former places. The spacious fields of the late D. S. Norton, on the west side of the town, were thrown open for eqestrian uses. Under such disadvantages the infant society had to labor for several years. As to the stock, it was herded in vacant lots throughout the town, and when wanted it was driven into the impromptu fair ground, viewed by the committees, and then driven home by the owners. The horses were hitched to fences and posts here and there, and when wanted were brought in, viewed, admired, and sent home. Fairs were thus conducted until about 1853 or 1854, before permanent grounds were procured.

Careful researches among the newspapers of the day developes the fact that the subject of holding county fairs had not been given that attention its importance demanded, for until the year 1849 no mention is made of a fair being held, except one held by the Farmers' club in 1847, and the report of the fair of 1849 is of little or no importance. But a few facts can be gathered bearing upon the subject. The officers were: President, William Bonar; secretary, Thomas T. Tress. The fair was held October 23d and 24th, but the place of holding it is not mentioned.

From the reports of the committee it is learned that "horses on exhibition were few in number, but all wete of excellent stock; that thé whole number of cattle on the ground was four hundred; that only about forty sheep were exhibited; that there was a poor display of fruit, and that of domestic manufactured articles a large display was made."

The date of holding the fair of 1850 is not given. The officers were: William Bonar, president; John Lewis, James Elliott, Richard Hunt, Aaron Nevis, and James Withrow, vice-presidents ; 'Thomas T. Tress, recording secretary; Dr. J. N. Burr, corresponding secretary; M. M. Beam, treasurer; William Bonar, Benjamin F. Smith, R. C. Hurd, Adam Rinehart; Asahel Allen, Job Rusk, Jennings Crawford, Mardenboro White, executive committee.

The stock exhibited this year was of excellent breed, but few in number. The cattle entries were numerous, a large number being entered merely as a show, and not for premiums. The sheep few in number, but of good stock. Of hogs, the committee remark: "The long-faced gentry were few, but respectable."

The fair of 1851 was the third innumber. The officers were: President, William Bonar; vicepresidents, James Elliott, John McElroy, Eli Willett, G. W. Jackson, and Asahel Allen; recording secretary, John Beaty; corresponding secretary, George W. True; treasurer, M. M. Beam; executive committee, J. N. Burr, William Bevans, Benjamin F. Smith, Jennings Crawford, Robert Graham, Nicholas Spindlar, Melvin Wing, David C. Montgomery, Gilman B. Stilley.

The fair was held on the second and third days of October, and was well attended, and the show of articles quite creditable. The exhibition of horses, sheep and hogs was good. The number of cattle was not large; the quality, however, was excellent.

So far as the fair of 1852 is concerned, no account can be given further than the list of officers, which is as follows: President, William Bevans; vice-presidents, Benjamin F. Smith, James Elliott, William Babcock, Marvin Tracy, and John Denny ; recording secretary, A. Banning Norton; corresponding secretary, E. Alling; treasurer, Henry P. Warden; exective committee, William Bonar, Asahel Allen, J. N. Burr, Isaac Bell, Benjamin Tulloss, Job Rush, Mardenboro White, Daniel McGrady, and Hugh Oglevee.

But little can be found at this late date in reference to the fair of 1853. Stock exhibited was very good. Floral hall was at the Union church, on North Main street, and attracted a large attendance. The contest for the prize for the best female equestrian drew several thousand people to the field of Daniel S. Norton, west of town, where by universal consent the prize of a silver cup was awarded to Miss Eliza Thompson. The pleasure of the fair this year was destroyed by a serious accident that occurred upon the fair grounds, about three o'clock in the afternoon.

A grey horse hitched to the topmost rail of the fence on the east line, broke away, carrying with him the rail, to which he was fastened about midway, and ran into the crowd at his utmost speed, endangering the lives of many. Judge Hurd was standing in the crowd, and was knocked down and' seriously injured, being struck upon the forehead and rendered senseless. Drs. Burr, Kirk, and others, who were present, at once came to his aid, and did all in their power to relieve him. The judge, after a long spell of sickness, finally recovered, but for long years suffered from that blow upon his head.

The fair of 1855 was held October 3d and 4th. The officers this year, as far as can be ascertained, were - President, Benjamin F. Smith; secretary, William Dunbar. : not a fair sample of the most valuable wool sheep of our county; they being mostly a cross of French and Spanish Merinoes, growing a heavy, greasy wool, very unprofitable to manufacturers, and if increased in our county, will havea tendency to reduce the value of our wools, and lessen the competition in the purchase of them.

The lot of sheep exhibited by Mr. Parminter, being Cotts and Leicester sheep, your committee recommend them as the most valuable sheep for mutton.

The committee on grain reported that the only grain presented was a specimen of corn, the product of two acres, raised by Mr. C. C. Curtis, of Mount Vernon. Thecorn was of excellent quality, and the amount per acre was one hundred and fourteen and one-half bushels.

The mechanical work, and the ladies' work exhibited, were highly commended. FE. W. Cotton took the first premium on marble work, and Dr. C. M: Kelsey the first premium on dental work. Mrs. Beardslee was awarded the first premium on quilts, and Miss White the second premium.

The fair of 1856 was held September 18th and 1gth, the officers being: President, Henry P. Warden; vice-presidents, G. F. Beardslee and Henry Phillips; recording secretary, E. Alling; corresponding secretary, John Lamb; treasurer, William Bonar.

The fair of this year was one of the most creditable and largely attended yet held in the county. The ladies exhibited numerous articles of domestic and fancy work. The horses on exhibition were an improvement on those of the last fair, both in number and quality, in style and speed. To Dr. E. M. Mast was awarded the first premium on mules. About forty head of cattle, and a fine lot

The time of holding the fair for 1857, is not stated. The officers were: Henry B. Warden, president; Henry Phillips, Isaac T. Beum, Robinson Frazier, John DeWolf, and Joseph Adams, vice-presidents; John Lamb, secretary; Israel Underwood, corresponding secretary, and C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The total receipts were two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six dollars and sixty-eight cents, and the expenses were three thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven dollars and ninety-six cents. The deficit was one thousand two hundred and thirty-one dollars and twenty-eight cents.

We have been struggling for existence several years and until the present year (1857) have not had what might be called an agricultural fair.

The executive board of the past year determined to make a bold movement, and with little encouragement and no means, purchased ten and three-quarter acres of land for a fair ground for two hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre, enclosed it in a board fence, erected permanent halls, stalls, pens, etc., and two temporary halls and offices. The county commissioners agreed that when the society had expended and paid upon it one thousand dollars they would appropriate a like amount.

The fair was a successful one, and a great deal of good has resulted from it. It has breathed new life into the society, and we think that the Knox County Agricultural society and fairs have become a fixed fact. There were over six hundred entries made of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, mules, fowls, farming implements, grain, vegetables, fine arts, needle and fancy work, domestic manufactures, painting, fruits, flowers, etc.

The fair of 1858 was held September 28th, 29th, 30th, and October rst, and was a complete success. The officers were: Henry P. Warden, president; Lorin Andrews, I. T. Beum, C. P. Buckingham, H. W. Shipley, William L. King, vice-presidents ; William B. Russell, recording secretary; Emmitt W. Cotton, corresponding secretary, and C. S: Pyle, treasurer.

It was evident from the amount of stock, and number of people in attendance, that the present grounds were too small, and a subscription of one thousand dollars was raised on the last day of the fair to purchase additional grounds.

The total receipts were one thousand nine hundred and eighty-five dollars and twenty-seven cents, and the expenses were three thousand four hundred and sixty-three dollars and three cents. The deficit was one thousand four hundred and seventyseven dollars and seventy-six cents.

community, but the beautiful growing weather following soon after, gave them hopes of plentiful harvests. The fair of that year was held September 28th, zgth, and 30th, and was a very successful one. The officers of the agricultural society that year were as follows: Henry P. Warden, president; Lorin Andrews, C. Delano, and Henry Phillips, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The total receipts were two thousand one hundred and eighty-six dollars and sixty-six cents, and the expenses were one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four dollars and thirty-nine cents. The excess of receipts over expenditures was three hundred and twenty-two dollars and twenty-seven cents.

There was a large show of stock and machinery, and a good display of fruits and vegetables. Farm products were rather light, but of good quality.

The society then owned nineteen acres of ground enclosed with a good board fence eight feet high. Upon the grounds good stalls, etc., had been erected. A splendid half-mile track had been laid out and so improved that when finished would make a beautiful drive.

The total receipts were one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine dollars and fifty-nine cents, and the expenses were two thousand one hundred and thirty-nine dollars and nineteen cents. The deficit was one hundred and forty-nine dollars and sixty cents.

The date of holding the fair for 1861 is not specified. The display in all departments was meagre. The officers were: - Joseph M. Byers, president; Lorin Andrews, Samuel Israel, John Mc- Intyre, Jesse Davis, Robert Miller, vice-presidents ; William B. Russell, recording secretary; E. W. Cotton, corresponding secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

The fair of 1862 was held September 24th, 25th, and 26th. Officers - Joseph M. Byers, president; Samuel Israel, C. Baker, Anthony White, C. L. Bennett, Robert Miller, vice-presidents; William B. Russell, secretary; E. W. Cotton, corresponding secretary; C. S. Pyle, treasurer.

was the second year of the War of the Rebellion, il is presumed it was a slim affair. A new committee was created this year - a committee on asses - to which Dr. J. N. Burr and John Cooper were appointed.

The fair of 1863 was held September 23d, 24th and z2sth. Officers - C. Delano, president; Harvey Cox, vice-president; Robert Thompson, secretary.

Samuel Israel, Charles Barker, John Lyal and Columbns Delano were appointed a committee to collect from the General Government the bill of damages due the society for injury done the fair grounds when occupied by the Forty-third regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry.

For 1864 and 1865 no records were made in the journal. The war occupied all minds and the people were more intent on having a country than a fair. é

Officers of the agricultural society for 1866, were - George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice president; Alexander Cassil, secretary; G. B. Dean, corresponding secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The date of holding the fair this year is not given on the journal. Incessant rains during the first and second days were disastrous to its success. The show of horses, cattle and sheep was unusually good. Wheat and clover-seed crops of the county were almost a failure. The corn crop was good, yielding forty-five bushels to the acre. Floral hall made a fine display.

Owing to the disturbed state of the country, fairs had been on the decline; those of the past three or four years had been poorly attended. They did not pay expenses.

January, 1866, found the Knox County Agricultural society heavily in debt. The vacancies in the board were filled up with new and energetic men, and new officers elected. By the exertions of officers, aided by liberal citizens, the fair of 1866 was one of the best ever held in the county.

Receipts of the fair, together with private subscriptions, were sufficient to pay all the premiums, and to expend large sums in necessary repairs to the grounds and buildings. January 1, 1867, the society had on hand available funds sufficient to pay off the indebtedness. ment and the proper appreciation of the enterprise by citizens, the society hoped that it would become one of the permanent self-sustaining institutions of Knox county.

Officers for 1867 were - George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice president; Alexander Cassil, secretary; John M. Martin, corresponding secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The fair this year was a grand success, more than equalling the hopes of the most sanguine. The attendance of visitors on Wednesday and Thursday was large.

The display in fine horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was unusually good. In-the way of fruits, vegetables, domestic fabrics and machinery, the display was not large but good. Much praise was awarded the officers of the society for their untiring exertions.

The fair for 1868 was held on the society's grounds September 29th and 3oth, and October rst. The officers were: George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice-president; Alexander Cassil, secretary, and John D. Thompson, treasurer.

The display in floral and art halls was not as good as could have been desired. The exhibition of stock was excellent. The wheat crop of the year was good both in yield and quality; amount sown, small. The corn crop was large, and of a good quality. The oat and barley crops were almost a failure. Clover seed was light in consequence of raids by the grasshoppers. The hay crop was very light. The failure of the hay crop caused a falling off of winter stock fully one-fourth, compared with the last winter. This was more especially the case with sheep, as farmers sold off their whole flocks to persons who slaughtered them for pelts and tallow. The fruit crop was unusually light, and of inferior quality.

Stock, especially horses, was well represented. The interest in fine wool sheep continued unabated. Some fine Spanish merinoes were on exhibition. The fine flock of long wool sheep exhihited by Mr. Rinehart, attracted much attention. The ladies under direction of Mr. E. W. Cotton ornamented the new floral hall in fine style. This hall was built at a cost of three thousand dollars. The wheat and oat crop of the county was excellent. The society numbered this year four hundred members.

The officers for 1870 were: George B. Potwin, president; Robert Miller, vice-president ; Alexander Cassil (resigned), secretary; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

Judging from the published premium list, the fair of this year must have been a success: For horses of all grades seventy-nine premiums were paid; for cattle, thirty-two; for sheep, twentyseven; for swine, fourteen; for farm products, agricultural implements and machinery, fruits and flowers, forty-four premiums were paid. Floral hall was replete with useful and pretty things. The committee on cattle 1eport:

We find the showing in this class, K, the best that we have ever witnessed on exhibition, at any previous show in this county, there being two competitors, J. P. Larimore, esq., and John Lyal, esq., both of whom eghibited very fine herds so nearly equal in points of excellence that your committee found it difficult to decide.

The officers for 1871 were: Robert Miller, president; Noah Boynton, vice-president; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D, Thompson, treasurer.

The fair for 1872 was held on the twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth, twenty-sixth and twenty-seventh of September, and is reported to haye been the best and largest fair ever held in the county, there having been over one thousand entries. Receipts from all sources were about three thousand three hundred dollars. There were premiums paid to the amount of two thousand dollars, besides paying on old debts six hundred dollars.

No mention is made of the stock entries, but it is believed the display was superior. The display in floral hall was large and fine. The society this year numbered about seven hundred members. The officers were: Robert Miller, president; Noah Boynton, vice-president ; C. E. Critchfield, secretary; John D. Thompson, treasurer.

On motion, a resolution was adopted "that it is expedient to sell the present grounds in accordance with petitions of the city council and of numerous citizens."

Farms in the neighborhood were examined by a committee for new grounds. The farms of Joseph Adams and P. H. Updegraff were favorably mentioned.

The weather, the first two days, was rainy, but the last two days good. There was a small attendance of visitors. The entries numbered one thousand; receipts from all sources about three thousand dollars. The premiums, expenses and repairs about equalled the receipts. A small debt rested upon the society. The show of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was very fine, and the display of agricultural implements and products good. The floral hall was filled to overflowing and was a credit to the ladies of the county.

Acres Yield

The question of selling the old grounds and the purchase of new, was discussed during this and subsequent years, and several farms in the neighborhood were examined and reported upon more or less favorably. Propositions to sell the grounds at public outcry to the highest bidder, and to lay them out in town lots and place them on the market, were discussed at meetings of the society, but up to the present (1881) nothing has been done. The sale of the grounds found but little favor with a large majority of the members, and citizens,

Tuesday and Wednesday the weather was very unfavorable; on Thursday and Friday it was fine. On Thursday fully ten thousand people were on the ground.

The receipts at the gate on Tuesday were twentytwo dollars; Wednesday, five hundred and seventy dollars and sixty-seven cents; Thursday, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-one dollars and seven cents. On Friday the receipts were given up to the jockey club.

The display of stock of all kinds was very full, the stalls and pens being all occupied. The display of machinery and agricultural implements was large and interesting, and gave great satisfaction. Floral hall presented a fine appearance, and was the most attractive feature of the fair.

The weather the first day up to noon was fine, and the people from the country were out in full force, the annual fair and Barnum's circus being the objective points of interest.

The third day the attendance was good. It was remarked by all that the display of agricultural implements was excellent both in number and va- riety. Floral hall was well filled with pictures and needle work, flowers and vegetables. The show of stock was excellent - the horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry were all of the best grades. John Lyal had some good stock, and it would seem as though he was entitled to some premiums, though he failed to obtain any. James Martin had the largest number, and, it is probable, the best show of cattle on the grounds. He received sixteen premiums on fifteen head.

society. A committee appointed to ascertain this indebtedness reported as follows: The liabilities for 1876 were two thousand three hundred and forty-four dollars and thirteen cents; the amount due the society was two hundred and forty-six dollars and seventy-nine cents; leaving the liabilities of the society two thousand ninety-seven dollars and thirty-four cents.

On the last three days of the fair the attendance was large, bringing the receipts up to about two thousand six hundred dollars from gate money and entry fees.

The receipts of 1877 were two thousand one hundred and ninety-four dollars and five cents ; and the expenses, two thousand six hundred and nine dollars and thirty-one cents, leaving a deficit of four hundred and fifteen dollars and twenty-six cents.

At this fair the display in every department was never excelled, although on account of rain on the first and second days, the number of visitors was small.

The departments of hogs and sheep were filled with stock of superior breeds. One hundred head of hogs and one hundred and twenty-five head of sheep were entered for exhibition.

The fair for 1878 was held September 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th. The officers were: John C. Levering, president; Alexander Cassil, vice-president; William S. Hyde, secretary; Samuel Bishop, treasurer.

The twenty-fifth annual fair of the Knox County Agricultural society was held on the society's grounds, in the city of Mount Vernon. It was well attended, and was the most successful exhibition the society ever held, every department being fully represented. Crops of all kinds were good the past season. Our farmers have generally adopted a mixed husbandry; more profitable in a series of years than to make a specialty of any one crop, while any crop that can be grown profitably in the State, can be grown here successfully.

Wheat, corn, oats, and hay, are the principal crops grown in the county. The wheat crop of 1878 was perhaps the largest ever grown in the county, both in acreage and the yield per acre, There are many varieties of wheat grown in the county - the Mediterranean still holding a prominent place as a sure crop, while the largest yields are reported from the Fultz; the Clawson is not yet sufficiently tested; the Gypsey is generally discarded. =

A large proportion of our county is well adapted to growing corn, especially the western part, and the Kokosing valley. It is the largest crop raised in the county, and considered the most important; it is generally fed to stock, thus producing the largest income of any other crop.

Of oats, there have been several new varieties introduced, but none succeed so well as the common yellow-spangled variety. The Norway or black oats are entirely discarded.

Of fruits, apples are the principal crop; the yield of 1878 was the largest ever produced in the county, and of excellent quality. Large quantities were shipped east, and even to England. Of peaches there was more than an average crop.

The importation of the Clydesdale, Norman, and Percheron horses is producing some fine, heavy roadsters, which command ready sales and good prices?

In the production of sheep and wool, there has been a decline in the numbers in the few past years. The Spanish or American Merino compose by far the larger proportion of sheep in the county.

Of hogs, the Poland-China, Berkshires, and the Chester- Whites make the most important showing in the ''long-faced gentry." Sofaras this department of the fair is concerned, the exhibition was a success.

Of farm products, the display was excellent. The condition of agriculture in the county is improving. The farmers are taking more pains in the cultivation of the soil, by underdraining, manuring, anda more thorough system in the rotation of crops.

On the twenty-first of March Treasurer Cassel reported that there had been placed in his hands. one thousand, nine hundred and four dollars and twenty-seven cents; that the amount paid out was one thousand, five hundred and ninety-one dollars and sixteen cents; leaving an excess of receipts of three hundred and thirteen dollars and eleven cents.

This year's fair is published as the twenty-seventh annual exhibition. Previous to the exhibition an addition had been made to floral hall, in which to exhibit fruits and vegetables, where they made a fine display. 'The halls, sheds, and stalls had also been renovated and repaired, and quite a number of new ones had been added.

In the horse and cattle departments the number of entries was larger than in any previous year. All stalls were filled. The display of sheep and hogs was very large. All the pens were occupied. The display of poultry was unusually large and fine.

The officers for 1880 were: John C. Levering, president ; Alexander Cassil, vice president; John F. Gay, secretary; B. S. Cassel, treasurer.

The fair of 1880 was a success. The first two days were lightly attended by visitors, but during the last two days the attendance was large - larger than on any two days of any previous fair.. The total gate receipts were two thousand seven hundred and twenty-five dollars; the total entry fees were seven hundred and seventy-five dollars; total receipts, three thousand five hundred dollars.

Floral hall was attractive, and the committee deserved great credit for the admirable taste displayed in arranging the many articles belonging to that department.

Among the exhibitors in the stock department, Messrs. W. S. W. Wing and L. F. Jones had twenty-two' head of Kentucky cattle; Mr. John Lyal had thirteen head of fine cattle; and Mr. James Martin fifteen head.

At the January meeting of the members of the society, Mr. E. A. Pealer was elected president; Mr. John C. Levering, vice-president; Mr. John F, Gay, secretary; and Bascom S. Cassel, treasurer for 1881.

At the annual meeting of the Ohio State Agricultural society, held at Columbus in January, 1881, Mr. John C. Levering, of Knox county, was elected a member of the board of managers. This is the first ttme Knox county has been thus honored.

The board decided to hold the State fair at Columbus from August 28th to September 3, 1881. Mr. Levering was assigned to the department. of 'Mechanics' and Manufacturers' products."