Licking County, Ohio - Chapter 33: Agriculture, 1881

'*Lay all the bloom of gardens there And there the orchard fruits; Bring golden grain from sun and air, From earth her goodly roots." - Whittier. HE first Licking county agricultural society was formed in 1832. General Thomas W. Wilson was elected president, and Israel Dille, secretary. The society held a fair every year on some out-lots or on lands adjacent to Newark, the above named officers continuing to act as late as 1838, and probably later. The late General Lucius society as treasurer during a portion, at least, if no during the whole time that it continued to hold annual fairs, which was, as above stated, certainly as late as 1838. The records of 1834 show that the former was treasurer then. Israel Dille, esq., delivered addresses at the fairs in 1833 and 1834.

1837. - The list of the premiums awarded at the fifth annual fair held on the ninth and tenth days of October, 1837, aggregated only ninety-nine dollars and fifty cents. Five dollars was the largest premium awarded to any one person, very few receiving even that small sum, and all were paid in salt spoons, dessert spoons, tea spoons, sugar tongs, sauce ladles, cream ladles, butter knives and the like.

James Parker, and Mr. H. S. Sprague, highly respectable gentlemen, representing the clerical, medical, military, legal, and artisan-mercantile professions, were appointed a sort of a committee at large on miscellaneous articles, who reported in writing to the extent of two or three newspaper squares, that they had, "in pursuance of the duty assigned them, examined all the articles coming within the range of their inspection, and asked leave to present to the favorable consideration of the society, and through it to the public the following articles," to wit: A tin reflecter, made by Isaac Smucker, to whom was awarded a cream ladle valued at one dollar and fifty cents; and to E. W. Phelps they awarded a salt spoon, worth a dollar, for a turning machine. The only other miscellaneous article offered was a ''power press," made by E. S. Scripture, who, however, obtained no premium, but the committee spoke well of it as a "simple, cheap, and durable machine, well adapted to the making of cider and cheese, and anything else in which the application of power or pressure is. required." The committee recommended a discretionary premium, but the society awarded none, at least none appears in the list of premiums, which occupies half a column of the Licking Ohio Democrat, The editor of said paper (Mr. Clark Dunham), of date November 15, 1837, says "the fair went off with its usual ecda¢,,and that he was pleased to see that interest taken in the society, which the' good it is annually accomplishing, renders it worthy of receiving. The society, during the five years in which it has _ been in operation, has exerted a very beneficial influence upon the farming interest, which may be seen in the improvement in stock, particularly in cattle." Addresses were delivered at this fair by Hon. Israel Dille and by Robert H. Caffee, esq., a young lawyer who had just been admitted to the bar, son of the late Amos H. Caffee, esq., one of our most prominent citizens. 'The succeeding issue of the Democrat contains those addresses, Mr. Dille's occupying more than four columns ot the paper, and Mr. Caffee's more than two columns. Both addresses are well written and instructive.

dollars, only three of them being five dollar premiums. Basil Beall, Horace Wolcott and T. Morris were the three lucky ones. Mr. Beall, for raising ninety-five bushels of corn per acre; Mr. Wolcott, for raising thirty-nine and one-half bushels of wheat per acre; and Mr. Morris, for exhibiting the best bull.

Interest in the society was evidently on the wane. The premiums were generally smaller than heretofore, the aggregate of awards amounting to less in dollars or spoons than the previous year; and the list of premiums awarded was somewhat reduced in number. Mr. Dille, the secretary, in remarking officially upon the fair, admitted that the articles presented were not of so varied a character as at former exhibitions, yet he insisted "that as a fair, it was very creditable to our county, and tended to prove that the influence of the society had been highly beneficial, and that the blight of the season had been baffled in some measure, by industry and skill."

At the fair in 1838, it was resolved to hold a meeting of the members of the Licking County Agricultural society, at the court house, in Newark, on the first Monday of December next, to appoint delegates to meet at Columbus, with delegates from other counties in the State, for the purpose of forming a State agricultural society, a measure that had been recommended by the directors of the Licking county society, on the eighth of October, and which had met with a favorable response in many portions of the State. This meeting was held in pursuance of the foregoing resolution, on the day named, and Hon. Israel Dille, General Thomas W. Wilson, and Judge Levi J. Haughey were appointed to represent Licking county in the State convention at Columbus, held on the nineteenth and twentieth days of December. It was a numerous meeting, in which all sections of the State were well represented, and a State agricultural society was organized, in which the three above named delegates took an active part, Mr. Dille being appointed one of the vice-presidents, and a member of the executive committee, and General Wilson and Judge Haughey were among those chosen directors.

The instrumentality of the society in taking the preliminary steps looking to the establishment o a State agricultural society, was its principa achievement in 1838. Its revenues were small exceedingly small; the number of its members was small; its exhibitors were small in number; its premiums were small in amount, and awarded toa small number of exhibitors; the attendants at its fairs were small in number; indeed, 'it was the "day of small things" with it from beginning to end; nevertheless it served a valuable purpose and made itself efficient for good as was manifest in our improved and constantly improving stock, and in the better culture of the farms of our county. How long the society continued to hold annual fairs after the one above named, held in 1838, it is impossible to state with certainty. But it is known that the annual fairs were omitted for a number of years before the organization of tbe present society, which has held its thirty-third annual fair, and which was established in 1848. In brief, the original society of 1832 died some years before the organization of the present very flourishing society, in 1848, but just when it ''ceased to be" is not known; but it certainly was between the years 1838 and 1848. It had its day, served its generation well in a small way, accomplished some good, and died, probably a victim of the political tornado of 1840.

The present Licking County Agricultural society was organized in 1848. The preliminary steps for its organization were taken at their monthly meeting in January, 1848, by the Madison Township Farmers' club, which, on motion of James H. Moore, appointed a committee of three to prepare an address in favor of the encouragement of agri_ culture by the establishment of a county agricultural society. The committee, which consisted of Judge William O'Bannon, David Smith, esq., and the secretary of the club, Mr. B. F. Wheeler, acted promptly and their address was adopted by the club, and published in the Newark Advocate of February 5, 1848, accompanied by some favorable editorial remarks. The address concluded with a resolution calling upon the farmers of Licking county to meet on the ensuing fourth day of March, at the court house, in Newark, for the purpose of forming themselves into an association for the advancement of the interests of agriculturalists in the county. The proposed meeting was held accordingly, its officers being General Jonathan

Thirty-three persons present at that meeting haying manifested a wish to organize a county agricultural society, it was on motion of David Smith, esq., resolved to appoint a committee of five gentlemen to report a constitution and by-laws for the government of said society, about to be formed; whereupon David Smith, esq., General Thomas W. Wilson, Henry C. Taylor, James H. Moore, and Major Elisha Warren were appointed said committee, who reported a constitution and bylaws, which were adopted by the meeting. The organization of the society was then completed by the election of officers, Thomas W. Wilson being elected president; Henry C. Taylor, vice-president; Israel Dille, secretary; E. S. Woods, treasurer, and Elisha Warren, P. N. O'Bannon, Benjamin Turner, J. H. Moore and William S. Wright, were chosen directors.

The fair was held October 11th and rath. Premiums to the amount of one hundred and fifty-eight ollars and fifty cents were awarded. Addresses were delivered by Israel Dille, esq., and by M. B. Bateham, esq., editor of the Ohio Cultivator, an agricultural paper published in Columbus. The members of the society 'this year numbered one hundred and eighty-seven. James H. Moore was the representative to the State society.

1849. - The officers of the society in 1849 were Henry C. Taylor, esq., president; P. N. O'Bannon, vice-president ; James H. Moore, secretary; H. S. Sprague, treasurer; Andrew Taylor, David Smith, W. S. Wright, J. M. Fleming, and V. B. Alsdorf, directors. Henry C. Taylor and James H. Moore, were chosen delegates to the State agricultural convention. The membership this year numbered one hundred and thirty, and paid two hundred and thirty-nine dollars and fifty cents in premiums. This year's fair was a great improvement on that of the preceding year. Its revenues, including a balance in the treasury for last year, of one hundred and eighty-three dollars and forty-seven cents, amounted to five hundred and thirty-five dollars and ninety-five cents, and the expenditures footed up to three hundred and twenty-six dollars and thirty-five cents. The Licking Hera/d said: "The attendance was very large and that in every point of view was exceedingly gratifying, and that its benefits could not fail to be seen and felt in all departments of agriculture and the mechanics arts." The fair was held on the third and fourth days of October. From this time forward the president of the society was usually the representative in the State agricultural convention.

1850, - The officers of the society for 1850 were as follows: Henry C. Taylor, president; P. N. O'Bannon, vice-president; George F. Moore, secretary; H. S. Sprague, treasurer; William S. Wright, A. Taylor, William Barrick, David Smith, and T. S. O'Bannon, directors. The fair this year was held October thirtieth and thirty-first. Professor Pratt, of Granville college, delivered an able and interesting address. The members numbered one hundred and fifty, and two hundred and ninety-one dollars were paid as premiums. Mr. George F. Moore represented the society, in the annual meeting of the Ohio State board 'of agriculture this year. There was an increased interest manifested in the fair, the attendance being much larger than in any previous year. Professor Pratt's address was published. State fairs were inaugurated by the State board of agriculture this year.

1851. - Henry C. Taylor was elected president of the society for 1851; P. N. O'Bannon, vicepresident; George F. Moore, secretary; H. S. Sprague, treasurer; T. S. O'Bannon, W. S. Wright, David Smith, Andrew Taylor and William Barrick, directors. The secretary wrote:to the Western Agriculturist that "the fair went off well, one hundred cattle, near two hundred sheep and one hundred and sixty horses being exhibited." This, the fourth fair held by the society, was doubtless a greater success than those that preceded it. The members this year numbered two hundred and fifty-six, and the amount of premiums paid was two hundred and fifty-six dollars. The president represented the society this year in the State Agricultural convention. The fair was held October 16th and r7th.

1852. - For 1852 the officers chosen were P. N. O'Bannon, president; William S. Wright, vicepresident; George F. Moore, secretary; H. S. Sprague, treasurer, and T. S. O'Bannon, John Reed, Samuel Bowlsby, James A. Taylor and E.

also, and the entries numbered more than seven hundred, : among them being one of the swine family 'that weighed nine hundred and ninety pounds. It was held October 14th and 15th. On the last day Hon. Isaac J. Allen, then of Mansfield, gave an admirable address, which, like that of Professor Pratt, was published in pamphlet form. William S. Wright was delegate in the State board. meeting.

1853. - The officers in 1853 were William S. Wright, president; J. A. Tavlor} vice-president; G. F. Moore, secretary; H. S. Sprague, treasurer; William Barrick, Jonathan Smith, V. B. Alsdorf, J. H. Moore and H. B. McClelland, directors. Total number of members this year was three hundred and ninety-seven, and the treasurer reported the receipts to be one thousand one hundred and two dollars and forty-seven cents, and the expenditures nine hundred and _ ninety-two dollars and forty-seven cents, showing the profits to have been one hundred and ten dollars. The fair was held October 7th and 8th, and was eminently successful in both the number of entries and the excellence of articles and animals exhibited. The best yield of corn on a single acre, reported this year, was one hundred: and forty bushels, for which the first premium wa' awarded to Charles H. Coe. William S. Wright was the delegate to the State Agricultural convention.

One of the most important events in the history of the society, during the year 1853, was the purchase by it of a portion of the grounds they now own and occupy, including the part known as the "Qld Fort." The purchase first made was a tract of twelve and eighty-six one-hundredths acres, the deed for which, made by Henry Holler and wife, bears date December 13, 1853, the consideration being eight hundred and thirty-five dollars and ninety cents. Another purchase of twenty-nine and ninety-eight one-hundredths acres was made of Nathan H. Seymour, the deed bearing date December 22, 1853, the consideration being two thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight dollars. The money for paying for the foregoing tracts of land was principally raised by subscriptions obtained from the people of the county at large.

vice-president; H.S. Sprague, treasurer. Eli B, Beckwith was elected secretary and served as such until May, when he resigned. Ek. Abbot and M. M. Munson served temporarily to the close of the year. Kinsey Hull, George F. Moore, E. Abbot, Jacob Winter, and P. N. O'Bannon, were elected directors.

A very successful fair was held on the new fair grounds on the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth days of October, the premiums awarded amounting to five hundred and seventy-seven dollars and twenty-five cents, the receipts from memberships and admissions being a little in excess of that sum. A rain on the two last days seriously affected the receipts, and impaired the usefulness of the fair, this year. The State fair, which was held on the grounds of the society the week after, also tended to diminish the number of attendants, as many of our people who attended only one fair, preferred to be present at the State fair, and many, also, who intended to be at both, were prevented by the rain from being at the county fair. Hon. Samuel Shellabarger was the orator of the society this year, and delivered an able address, which came out in pamphlet form. W.S. Wright was the delegate to the State board convention.

The successful State fair held on our fair grounds this year was one of the important events of 1854. An addition of about four acres to the fair grounds of the society, as a gift virtually, from Mr. William S. Wright, the deed bearing date December 13, 1854, was a matter of no small importance to the society, and the generous act deserves honorable mention. Including this gift, the grounds of the society aggregated nearly forty-seven acres in 1854. In 1869, for the sum of two hundred and fifteen dollars, Abraham Lucas and wife conveyed a small parcel of land to the society for road purposes, the deed bearing date September fourteenth of said year; and on the twenty-third of April, 1870, Evan Jones and wife sold to the society about five and one-quarter acres of ground for the sum of thirteen hundred and sixty dollars, which, added to the previous purchases, not including the roadway, made an aggregate of a fraction over fifty-two acres, which is the extent at present of the society's domains, obtained at a cost of five thousand four hundred and nine dollars. The grounds are

The "old fort," which is, in its entirety, within the grounds of the society, and outside of which, and nearly all around it, are the hundreds of sheds for the sheltering and safe keeping of the stock on exhibition at the fairs, is one of the most interesting and extensive of the works of the Mound Builders in the Ohio valley. A description of it will be found in the chapter on Newark township.

1855. - The following gentlemen composed the board of officers of the Licking County Agricultural society in 1855: Jonathan Smith, president; Thomas S. O'Bannon, vice-president; William M. Cunningham, treasurer; Thomas J. Davis, secretary; E. Abbott, Jacob Winter, David Smith, John Brumback, and William Alsdorf, directors. Fair was held September 25th, 26th, and 27th. Premiums were awarded to the amount of seven hundred and fifty dollars. Professor Armor delivered the address, which was well received, and a copy solicited for publication. The fair was successful. Ladies' riding match was one of the features of the fair of 1855. Thanks were voted to the Utica band, for services. The receipts from all sources amounted to two thousand six hundred and ten dollars.

1856. - The officers in 1856 were: Jonathan Smith, president; Thomas S. O'Bannon, vicepresident; Thomas J. Davis, secretary; William M. Cunningham, treasurer; William Alsdorf, Joseph Pence, James Pittsford, John Brumback, and George W. Penny, directors. The fair was held on the eighth and ninth days of October, and was successful, the receipts amounting to nine hundred -and seventy-four dollars and fifty cents.

1857. - In 1857 the officers were: Thomas S. O'Bannon, president; William Alsdorf, vice-president; 'T. J. Davis, secretary; William M. Cunningham, treasurer; Joseph Pence, James Pittsford, William Maholm, J. S. Griffith, and Daniel Gardner, directors. Fair was held on the-seventh and eighth days of October. The receipts from all sources, reported by the treasurer, amounted to one thousand four hundred and sixty-four dollars dorf, president; Joseph Pence, vice-president ; William M. Cunningham, treasurer; Thomas J. Davis, secretary; William Maholm, Jacob 8. Griffiths, William S. Wright, John A.. Miller, and | George J. Hagerty, directors. Fair was held October 6th and 7th. Eleven hundred and eighty- | eight membership tickets were sold. The total receipts from all sources during the fair amounted to two thousand one hundred and three dollars and seventy-five cents, and the secretary officially declared this fair the largest ever held in the county.

1859. - The officers of the society for 1859, were William Alsdorf, president; William Maholm, vicepresident; M. M. Munson, secretary; William M. Cunningham, tréasurer; William Sherman, David Smith, I. C. Ball, and O. H. Wood, directors for one year, and Jacob S. Griffith, James Pittsford, Nelson Hardesty, and William Shields, directors for two years. The constitution of the society was so amended, since the last annual election, as to require the election of a board of directors of eight members, half of whom were to serve one year and the other. half two years. Fair was held on the fifth, sixth and seventh days of October. Receipts one thousand six hundred and thirty-three dollars and sixty-four cents. Number of membership tickets, one thousand and eighteen - seven hundred and fifteen dollars and sixty-four cents realized from sale of tickets.

1860. - The election of officers of the society for the year 1860 was held December 17, 1859, and resulted as follows: President, William Alsdorf; vice-president, William Maholm; treasurer, William M. Cunningham; secretary, M. M. Munson; directors, Willis Robbins, Christopher Stark, William Sherman and David Smith, to serve two Fair was held October 3rd, 4th and sth. Total receipts two thousand and forty-three dollars,

1861. - Election of officers for 1861 was held December 13, 1860, with the following result: President, William Maholm; vice-president, James Pittsford; treasurer, William M. Cunningham; secretary, Alexander, Adair; directors, J. Bently Sutton, James Y. Stewart, William J. Cully, and Alpheus Reed. Fair was held on the second, third and fourth days of October.

1862. - The following is the list of officers of the society for 1862, elected December 14, 1861, to-wit: President, James Pittsford; vice-president, David Smith; secretary, A. Adair; treasurer, T. J. Davis; directors, William Sherman, Willis Robbins, M. M. Munson, and James Larimore. Fair was held on the first, second and third days of October, with a fair attendance.

1863. - The officers for 1863, the election being held January 3d, of said year, were as follows: James Pittsford, president; David Smith, vicepresident; A. Adair, secretary; T. J. Davis, treasurer; William J. Cully, James Y. Stewart, T. B. Sutton, and Alpheus Reed, directors. 'The fair was held September 30th, and October 1st and 2d, with a large attendance. The society numbered over three hundred members.

1864. - The officers of the society for 1864, the election being held January 16th, of said year, were as follows: David Smith, president; William J. Cully, vice-president; Thomas J. Davis, treasurer; Waldo Taylor, secretary; James Larimore, Willis Robbins, M. M. Munson. H. L. Reed, directors. The revenues of the society this year were as follows:

Received, for membership ticketsec.; 4.4 .ooyee aes be ae $322 00 Received for single admission tickets................ 887 20 Received for children's admissions... 7... 0. .c.<<s .2+ 38 30 Received jor Teense Of Swine. =. coo. oc oe ee cone 25 00 Received for license of eating" houses... J<.dwh secs 3° 00 Received for sent aie rots cin bon vs aes eee I00 00 Received for per centage on entries... .........++sur< 144 00

1865. - Officers for 1865 were as follows: David Smith, president; William J. Cully, vice-president; Thomas J. Davis, treasurer; Isaac W. Bigelow, secretary; Joel L. Tyler, Thomas Maholm, Charles H. Gardner, and John M. Fulton, directors. Fair was held on the fourth, fifth and sixth days of October, and was more largely attended than any previous one.

vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Joel L. Tyler. Revenues amounted to two thousand four hundred and twenty dollars and fifteen cents. Fair was held on the third fourth and fifth days of October.

1867. - The election of officers for 1867 took place June 12th of said year, with the following result: William Veach, president;: John M. Fulton, vice-president 3 Isaac W. Bigelow, secretary; Thomas J. Davis, treasurer; J. Woolard, Charles Stewart, Thomas J. Maholm, and H. A. Fleming, directors. Six hundred and forty-two membership tickets were sold at the fair this year; six thousand three hundred and eighty-two single tickets and three hundred and forty-four children's, the largest number. of any previous fair; the total receipts, including a balance of eleven dollars and eleven cents, being two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six dollars and ninety-five cents, not counting a balance due for pasture, of sixty dollars. The fair was held on the second, third and fourth days of October.

1868. - The officers of the society for 1868 were as follows: William Veach, president; John M. Fulton, vice-president; I. W. Bigelow, secretary; Waldo Taylor, treasurer; M. M. Munson, Wm. D. Smith, George P. Eaton, and James Wiley, directors. John M. Fulton and Joel, L. Tyler were appointed delegates to an agricultural convention in the Miami valley. Fair was held October 6th, 7th, 8th and oth. Revenue, including four hundred and nineteen dollars and fifty-six cents of a balance, three thousand eight hundred and eighty-nine dollars and fifty-six cents. The constitution was so amended as that the board of directors shall hereafter be composed of nine members, three of whom to be retired at the end of each year.

1869. - The following gentlemen composed the board of officers in 1869: Henry L. Reed, president; William D. Smith, vice-president; Isaac W. Bigelow, secretary; Waldo Taylor, treasurer; William R. Seymour, Joel L. Tyler, and M. M. Munson, directors for.three years; James Wiley, Andrew Weiant, and John M. Fulton, directors for two years; Jesse R. Moore, L. B. Wing, G. J. Haggerty, directors for one year. There were sold nine hundred and fifty-seven membership tickets, ten thousand six hundred and forty-six admission tickets, and six hundred and forty-one children's tickets, realizing three thousand six hundred and eighty-two dollars and sixty cents for tickets. Whole receipts, four thousand five hundred and seven dollars and ten cents. Fair was held on the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth days of October.

1870. - Officers of the society for 1870 were as follows: Henry L. Reed, president; William D. Smith, vice-president; M. M. Munson, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; L. B. Wing, Jesse R. Moore and George J. Haggerty, directors elected. The fair was held this year on the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days of October. The legislature authorized a levy of ten thousand dollars to pay for additional ground, and for paying for some additional necessary buildings, such as a dining hall and fine arts hall. Said levy was made and collected, and the society relieved of its embarrassment.

1871. - The following officers were elected for 1871: Joseph White, president; William R. Seymour, vice-president; Isaac W. Bigelow, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; Henry L. Reed, John M. Fulton and Andrew Weiant, directors. The total receipts from all sources, including a balance of seventy-three dollars and fourteen cents. and ten thousand one hundred and twenty-four dollars and sixty-eight cents from the county, in pursuance of the act of the legislature authorizing a special levy in favor of the society, also a citizens' subscription of seven hundred and seventeen dollars, and receipts from the sale of tickets and rents at horse fair, amounted to nineteen thousand one hundred and ninety-one dollars and thirty cents. The fair was held on the third, fourth, fifth and sixth days of October. Four thousand dollars were paid as premiums this year. The number of members was twelve hundred and sixty-nine, and the entries numbered three thousand eight hundred. The display was largely in excess of all former fairs.

1872. - The officers of the society elected for 1872 were as follows: Joseph White, president; William R. Seymour, vice president; Isaac W. Bigelow, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; Samuel Motherspaw, Harvey Gates and Lewis Evans, directors elected. 'The fair was held on the first, second, third and fourth days of October. The

1873. - The following gentlemen served as offcers of the society during the year 1873: L. B. Wing, president; William Parr, vice-president; I. W. Bigelow, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; N. C. Fleming, James Kirkpatrick and James Richardson, directors elected. The fair was held September 30th and October rst, 2nd and 3rd. L. B. Wing was the delegate to the State agricultural convention. The receipts were more than six thousand dollars, seventeen thousand four hundred and sixty-five tickets having been sold. There were large receipts from other sources.

1874. - The following were elected officers for 1874; to-wit: L. B. Wing, president; Hiram Hitt, vice-president; C. A. Stevens, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; Henry L. Reed, John Montgomery and Martin D. Hartshorn, directors elected.

The receipts from horse fair in July amounted to.... $2,537.50 Receipts from the annual October fair.............. 6,370.34 H1GO Call Se ce rem tee, sions gas Sete eres geakc rc cae eras $8,907.84

The fair was held September 28th, and continued four days. Lucius B. Wing was the delegate to the State agricultural convention, which was held at Columbus, January 6, 1875. The. members of the society numbered eight hundred and sixty-four, and seventeen thousand four hundred and fifty-nine tickets were sold. About two thousand entries were made, and the fair throughout was a success. The premium awards amounted to three thousand three hundred dollars.

1875. - The officers elected in:1875 were as follows: Joseph White, president; C. R. Woods, vice president; C. A. Stevens, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; A. Weiant, J. N. Lawyer, and Stephen Hoskinson, directors. Fair was held October 5th, -6th, 7th, and 8th. The attendance was large, the receipts amounting to about six thousand five hundred dollars, the premiums awarded amounting to five thousand dollars, and the members of the society numbered one thousand two hundred. An indebtedness of one thousand five hundred dollars was created this year by the erection of a structure known as the previous year, and the fair throughout was regarded as pre-eminently successful. Henry L. Reed represented the society in the State agricultural convention.

1876. - The officers in 1876 were: James Pittsford, president; J. M. Kirkpatrick, vice-president; Edward Thomas, secretary; David Smith, treasurer; Francis Burkham, Allen T. Howland, and Samuel F. Van Voorhies, directors elected. Fair was held on the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth days of October, and was a success. Isaac Smucker was selected to prepare a centennial history ot Licking county, pursuant to a resolution of the Ohio State board of agriculture, which he read at the fair grounds, July 4, 1876, two thousand copies of which were afterwards published in pamphlet form, by order of the society. James Pittsford represented the society in the State agricultural convention.

1877. - The officers of the society in 1877 were as follows: Henry L. Reed, president; Harvey Gates, vice-president; Edward Thomas, secretary; James Pittsford, treasurer; Willis Fulton, Henry Moore, and Thomas Montgomery directors. Fair was held October 2nd, 3d, 4th, and 5th, and was well attended. The receipts into the treasury of the society, in 1877, amounted to five thousand two hundred and thirty-eight dollars. The membership this year numbered one thousand four hundred. Henry L. Reed represented the society in the State agricultural convention, held January 9, 1878.

1878. - The following is a list of officers elected in 1878: William Parr, president; G. W. Ingraham, vice-president; J. F. Lingafelter, secretary; I. W. Bigelow, treasurer; Andrew Weiant, Henry L. Reed, and James Richardson, directors elected. Fair was held on October rst, 2d, 3d, and 4th, and as an exhibition was a success. Receipts in 1878, five thousand one hundred and thirty dollars

1879. - The following is a list of the officers of the Licking County Agricultural society, elected in 1879: William Parr, president; M. M. Miller, vicepresident; J. F. Lingafelter, secretary; I. W. Bige- a J. H. Bland, directors elected. The fair was held September 30th, and October rst, 2d, and 3d, and was the thirty-second annual fair held since the organization of the present society, in 1848. 'Total receipts in 1879, six thousand thirty-three dollars and twenty cents, which indicates the continued success of the society. By the death of President Parr, before the fair, the duties of president the Licking County Agricultutal society for the year 1880: M. M. Miller, president; Thomas W. Montgomery, vice-president; J. F. Lingafelter, secretary ; I. W. Bigelow, treasurer; Andrew Weiant, Henry L. Reed, and James Richardson (one year), Josiah McKinney, W. R. Osborn,, and J. H. Bland (two years), V. V. Lake, Harvey T. Black, and Henry Moore (three years), directors. Fair was held September 28th, 29th, 30th, and October rst, and the receipts were six thousand six hundred and twentyeight dollars and thirty-five cents.

The following relating to the products of this county is taken from the State Agricultural Report for 1879, and from it may be gleaned some interesting facts connected with that most important branch of industry :

"Wheat, thirty thousand nine hundred acres sown, producing four hundred and seventy thousand eight hundred and fiftyone bushels, or about fifteen and one-fourth bushels to the acre. This is several bushels above the average in the State, showing this county to be somewhat superior for wheat culture. Rye, one thonsand three hundred and forty-two acres sown, producing nineteen thousand and eighty-five bushels; buckwheat, four hundred and ninety-three acres sown, product; five thousand six hundred and eight bushels; oats, eleven thousand six hundred and nine acres, product, three hundred and sixty-three thousand and sixty-two bushels; barley, fifteen acres, product, four hundred and thirty-eight bushels; corn, fifty-five thousand four hundred and nineteen acres, product, two million three hundred and fifty-one thousand five hundred and fifty-one bushels; timothy, thirty thousand eight hundred and sixty-five acres sown, product, forty-two thousand six hundred and eighty-five tons- of hay; clover, three thousand one hundred and forty-five acres, product, two thousand eight hundred and ninety-three tons of hay, and one thousand five hundred and eighty bushels of seed; flax, two hundred and twenty-nine acres, product, two thousand four hundred and twenty-four bushels of seed; potatoes, one thousand six hundred and sixty acres, product, one hundred and twenty-two thousand two hundred and forty-eight bushels. This is an average of nearly seventy-four bushels to the acre - an average reached by but few counties in the State. Sweet potatoes, fourteen acres, product, five hundred and twenty-three bushels; tobacco, two acres, product, one thousand nine hundred and seventy pounds; sorghum, one hundred and fifty-nine acres, product, two hundred and forty-six pounds of sugar, and twenty thousand five hundred and forty-six gallons of syrup; maple' sugar, nine thousand and twenty-one pounds, and thirteen thousand five hundred and eleven gallons of syrup; hives of bees, three thousand three hundred and eighty-two, product, forty-nine thousand nine hundred and thirty-one pounds of honey. Only six counties in the State produce more honey than this. The total number of acres of land in the county is three hundred and seventy thousand six hundred and seventy-six, of which, one are cultivated, one hundred and seventy-eight thousand four hundred and thirty-eight pasture, seventy-four thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine wood-land, and three thousand four hundred and sixty-six uncultivated or waste land. It will be seen that the waste land in the county is much less than would be surmised, considering the large surface of hill, or upland ; in this, also, it compares favorably with any other in the State.

"In the production of butter it excels, the number of pounds being eight hundred and sixty thousand eignt hundred and sixty-nine; few counties in the State excel this amount. The production of cheese was six thousand nine hundred and ten pounds, which compares favorably with other counties of the State, outside of the Reserve. It is a fact worth noting that the production of butter in the State has been steadily increasing for the last two decades; having advanced from thirty-eight million four hundred and forty thousand four hundred and ninety-eight pounds in 1860, to fifty million three hundred and thirty-two thousand and twenty-three pounds in 1878.

"Of live stock, this county contained - horses, eleven thousand seven hundred and thirty-three, valued at six hundred and thirty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-three dollars ; cattle, twehty-seven thousand nine hundred and ninety-four, valued at five hundred and sixty-five thousand six hundred and seventy-seven dollars ; mules, one hundred and eighty, valued at ten thousand two hundred and ninety dollars; hogs, thirty-three thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine, valued at ninety-six thousand one hundred and eighty-one dollars; sheep, two hundred and nineteen thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, valued at five hundred and thirty-six thousand nine hundred and ninety-one dollars. In the raising of sheep and the production of wool, this county largely excels; indeed this may be said to be the ''banner" wool county in the State. No other county can show a number of sheep equal to the above. Harrison comes the nearest, but falls more than twenty-five thousand short. Regarding the wool product, it was nine hundred and seven thousand one hundred and eighty-four pounds, which is more by several hundred thousand pounds than most other counties, and excels Harrison, which stands second-best, by more than one hundred and sixty thousand pounds. The county had five hundred and twenty-two sheep killed by dogs, which isa large number, but less in proportion than some other counties. Itis worthy of note that the number of sheep killed by dogs within the State has gradually decreased in the last decade. The destruction of sheep reached its height in 1869, when it appears that fifty-two thousand four hundred and eleven were killed; in 1878 the number was only twenty-four thousand six hundred and eighty-four, or less than half.

"Tn horticulture, the county is not behind; indeed, in many productions, of this character, it excels. The number of acres in orchards is six thousand nine hundred and thirty-three; producing six hundred and twenty thousand six hundred and fortytwo bushels of apples, forty-nine thousand two hundred and five bushels of peaches, and two thousand and sixteen bushels of pears. , Few counties in the State produce in excess of the above figures, the larger majority falling much behind them. The grape and wine production is comparatively good, but this industry is yet evidently in its infancy."