Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 21: Agriculture, Granges, Etc, 1915

Chapter 21: Agriculture, Granges, Etc

By reference to the topographical description of the county in another chapter, the veader will readily infer that, although covering a small area of territory compared with other counties, few counties possess finer agricultural advantages. In the earlier settlement of this section, ponds, marshes and swamps abounded where today are found fertile and well-cultivated fields. The low and flat places were avoided for the higher grounds, not only on account of the water, but for hygienic reasons. The proximity of a spring, also, had much to do with the location of a cabin; but in the selection of places for the erection of other buildings, convenience was the ordinary test. The corncrib, made of rails or poles, and covered with prairie hay or clapboards, as convenience suggested, was as likely to be in close proximity to the front door as at the rear of the building, or near the stable. In the matter of stables and corncribs, very little improvement took place until long after material changes had been made in the dwellings, the want of consideration shown, not only in the general arrangement of these outbuildings, but of many things connected with the household work, which now are considered of prime importance, being today a cause for wonder. Agricultural implements were, at the first, necessarily rude, and the state of agriculture of a corresponding nature. Hven had such a thing been known, there was little need for "scientific" agriculture. The soil was new and productive, and it was a question simply of home supply, while for many years the markets within reasonable distance scarcely repaid the labor of hauling. The methods and implements employed eauy answered the purpose. for which they were intended.

The first substantial inclosures were constructed of rails in the form still used, called the worm fence in a new country, with abundance of timber, the cheapest, most substantial and durable fence that may be built. After the sod was broken with oxen, the ground was mellow. The plow in common use was a long wooden one, somewhat after the shape of the plow now in use, with an iron sole and point and an iron cutter. The immigrant usually brought his plow with him, but many a settler did not own one until he made it, or had it made by some mechanic of the settlement. If the field was too full of stumps and roots, the mattock and the hoe were required to do good service before the field was planted in corn. The corn was dropped by hand - in which work the girls took part - and was covered and cultivated with the hoe. Many farmers in the later days continued to follow this same method, but the shovel hoe, drawn by a horse, soon began to be used, and gradually worked its way into use, to mark out the rows and crss-furrows for the "dropper," and to follow after to cover the seen. Finally the "double-shovel" plow drove the hand hoe from the corn field while the horse, with the changes in implements, superseded the ox. Invention has kept pace with the demand for better improved machinery, but, after the lapse of more than three-quarters of a century, the science of corn raising is still far from perfect. Though great changes have been made in modes of planting and culture, as well as in the style of the implements used, it is questionable whether larger corn crops are raised than were produced fifty years ago. The future will probably show material changes in the use, rather than in the form of the machinery, and the past ten years have made great changes in both respects. Today the use of machinery enters into every process, a machine being in use for cutting, husking and loading corn at the same time. Invention has come to

The, Wheat Harvest

'In the cultivation of wheat, greater changes have, eee taken place than in the planting and gathering of corn. In pioneer days the land was plowed the same as for corn, and was harrowed with a wooden-tooth harrow, or smoothed .by dragging over the ground a heavy brush, weighted down, if necessary, with a stick of timber. It was then sown broadcast, by hand, at the proportion of a bushel to a bushel and one-half per acre, and "harrowed in" with a brush. Though corn-meal was the main reliance for bread, and continued to be for many years, yet. wheat was raised at an early day. -Oceasionally a field was grown producing what was called "sick wheat," so named from its tendency to cause vomiting. Various devices were adopted to obviate this difficulty, but none of any avail; but this class of grain was usually converted into whiskey. The cause of this poison in the: wheat has never been definitely ascertained; whether it was on account of the malarial locality in which it was grown, the variety of wheat, or simply caused by the wheat getting wet and sprouting, is yet a matter of dispute. The grain has been described as differing little or none from the wheat now grown, except in the appearance ofa red spot on the grain indicating a sprout; but whatever 'the cause, the taint has totally disappeared.

The wheat harvest ripened in the earlier part of July, and farmers expected ea be pretty fairly in the field by the "Glorious Fourth." The implement: used for cutting the wheat was either the sickle or cradle, and, not infrequently, both in the same field. The sickle was at first the only implement; but soon the cradle came into: common use, and finally superseded altogether the more primitive implement. The reaper followed in the course of time, and has now as effectually displaced the cradle as the latter did the sickle. Life on the farm necessarily compels the husbandman to be a "jack-of-alltrades,' and there were many farmers over the country who not only could make a tub or a barrel, but the frame work and fingers for the cradle. Sometimes an ingenious backwoodsman made a business of repairing all classes of farm implements and manufacturing new ones. When such a man lived in the neighborhood, he was usually well patronized. ed at

There were few farmers who did not know how ta swing the scythe and the: cradle, and there was no more pleasant. picture on the farm than a gang of workmen in the harvest. field, nor a more. hilarious crowd. Three cradlers would cut about ten acres a day, and one binder was expected to keep up with each cradler. Barns for the storage of the unthreshed grain are a comparatively modern invention, and, as soon as the shock was supposed to be sufficiently cured, it was hauled to some place on the farm convenient for threshing and feeding and was there stacked. Prior to the introduction of threshing-machines, the work was performed by flail, or tramping with horses, but generally the latter plan was adopted. The flail was used, in stormy weather, on the sheltered floor, or when other farm work was not pressing, the threshing. by tramping, commonly in clear weather on a level and. well-tramped clay floor, or, in later days, if the space was sufficiently large, on 'the barn floor. . When sufficiently tramped, the refuse straw was thrown into. a stack, and the wheat cleaned by a fanning-mill, or, prior to the use of these mills, by letting it fall from a height of several feet, subject to the the pioneers are familiar. MARKET AND LABOR CONDITIONS. The next step was to get the wheat to market, but in the early days there was , Mttle Burplce after the home RG were satisfied. This, howver, did not continue many years, as each year added to the number of producers, and, as early as 1830, the hauling of wheat and other products to distant markets was the general practice. The markets of Chillicothe, Columbus, Sandusky, Springfield, Dayton and Cincinnati were all patronized by the pioneers of Madison county, the custom being for several farmers to go in company. The roads were heavy and full of marshy places, and the frontiersman's skill with the ax, and ingenuity in "fixing up" a "breakdown" were always in requisition. When heavy loads were hauled, it was not unusual to take relays of horses, with provender, for the trip, the exchange of horses being made at about the half-way house on the road. Teamsters carried their own provisions, and camped out whenever nightfall came on, or, if the corn and hay taken for the trip had been consumed, to turn into the yard of one of the inns to be found along the line of all the great thoroughfares, "for man and beast." After the completion of the national road through this county, much of the hardest work on these trips disappeared, as heavy loads could be hauled with ease without constant fear of breakages and long delays caused by the terrible state of the muddy roads.

Laborers were abundant, and the farmer had little or no difficulty in supplying himself with "hands," either for the seasoh or for an emergency. Almost everyone could swing the scythe or cradle, or perform any other work on the farm. The rule was, not only with the hired laborer. but with the farmer and his boys, to be at work with the early light, A day's work on the farm was the labor that might be performed between "sun and sun," and this was understood and accepted on the part of the employer and employee, though it was usual to perform the chores after the return from the field. -The price of labor was fifty cents a day, which was also the wages of a harvest hand. A good farm hand could be hired at frem eight dollars to ten dollars per month. There was no fixed price for produce or stock. Old settlers said that they sold wheat as low as twenty-five cents per bushel, and stock at correspondingly low prices. In 1830, wheat hauled to Cineinnati brought thirty-seven and one-half cents per bushel; a cow and ealf twelve dollars, and a brood sow. five dollars. A load of flour, containing eight barrels, was exchanged at Cincinnati, in 1815, for two barrels of salt.

Hogs Of Other Days

The swine of the early settler, compared with the hogs of today, would present as wide a contract as it is possible to conceive, Whatever the breed may have previously been called, running wild, as was customary, the special breed was soon lost in the mixed swine of the country. They were long and slim, long-snouted and long-legged, with an arched back, and bristles erect frem the back of the head to the tail, slabsided, active and healthy. The "sapling-splitter" and '"razor-back," as he was called, wis ever in the search of food, and quick to take alarm. He was capable of making a heavy hog, but required two years or more to mature, and until a short time before butchering or marketing, was suffered to run at large, subsisting mainly as a forager, and in the fall, fattening on the "mast." Yet this was the hog for a new country, whose nearest and best markets were in Cincinnati and Baltimore, to which places they were driven on foot. Persons then, as now, engaged in the purchase and driving of swine or cattle as a special occupation, and, by means of trustworthy agents, visited distant sections to buy up large droves. It was not uncommon to see a drove of hogs driven to a certain place to be weighed ere starting them on their long journey. As each porker was caught, it was thrust into a kind of leather receptacle, which was suspended {o steel yards. As soon as the hog was fairly in the contrivance the whole was lifted from' the ground, and thus, one by one the drove was weighed and a minute made of each, and with a pair of shears, a patch of bristles was cut from the hind-quarters, or some other mode of marking followed, as evidence of the fact that the hog had been weighed. Two or three days' drive made the hogs quiet enough to be driven along the highway without much trouble, moving forward at an average gait of from eight to ten miles a day. Whenever the animals were wilder than usual, they were enticed into a pen, there caught, and their eyelids "stitched," or this was done during the weighing process. Thus blinded the hog seemed instinctively to keep the road, and, reaching their destination, a clip of the scissors or knife made all things right again.

Almost every farmer raised a few hogs for market, which were gathered up by drovers and dealers. The delivery of hogs began usually in September, and the business was carried on past the middle of winter. The price ranged at about one dollar and twenty-five cents per hundred pounds, though at times running up to three dollars and twenty-five cents or three dollars and fifty cents, with a fair margin after driving to Cincinnati or Baltimore. About 1840, the hog trade was brisk, and speculation ran high. Many men along about that time laid the foundations of subsequent fortunes, while doubtless others lost all in wild speculation. In no stock of the farm have greater changes been effected than in the hog. From the characteristics of this wild amimal, long-legged, slab-sided, roach-backed, muscular, tall, long, active and fierce, it has been bred to be almost as square as a storebox, quiet as a sheep, taking on two hundred and fifty pounds of flesh in ten months.. They are now ranked into distinctive breeds, which, as far as Madison county is concerned, has mainly narrowed to the Berkshire and Pcland-China, though other breeds are found here.

Horses, Cattle And Sheep

In horses, cattle and sheep, Madison county for many years has claimed a high grade. The first sheep were brought into the county by Joshua Ewing, in 1800, and since that time their numbers have gradually increased, until today this county contains thousands of the finest sheep in the state. The breeding of the thoroughbred horses began at a later day. Walter A. Dun and Maj. William A. Neil have done much toward the growth and development of thoroughbred horses in this portion of Ohio. It has not proven remunerative to these individuals, but nevertheless Madison county derived great benefit from their enterprise, as it raised the grade of her horses to a 'high standard. This county being the center of the bluegrass region of Ohio, it. necessarily follows that nature intended it for a great cattle mart, and as such it is recognized throughout the world of trade. The great monthly cattle sales held in London since 1856, as well as the thoroughbred Shorthorns imported from Europe at an earlier day has made the name of "Old Madison" famous. There is no county of this great state where the buying and selling of stock has proved such a grand success as: here in the little county of Madison. Her sale days are the great events in the lives of stock men for miles in every direction. Over her broad acres, covered with the succulent bluegrass, roam vast herds of sleek, well-fed cattle, which are ever in demand at the highest market prices.

The Scioto valley having been settled by many Kentucky and Virginia families, cattle-growing became the leading form of agriculture; hence, as early as 1832, there was formed the Scioto Stock Importing Company, which imported some of the best strains of Shorthorn cattle to be found in the valley at the present day. In the fall of 1852, a meeting was held in London by some leading stockmen, to consider the project vf importing thoroughbred stock from Europe. An organization was effected on January 1, 1853, and the association was named the Madison County Stock Importing Company. A constitution for the government of the company his adopted, and the following officers were elected: Jesse Watson, president; Major Richard Cowling, vice-presi-

The company was organized in shares of one hundred dollars; about ten thousand dollars being the capital stock. Jonathan Farrar and Charles Phellis, of Madison county, and Benjamin Browning, of Clark, were appointed as the purchase committee, and sailed for England in the spring of 1853. 'The stock came in a sailing vessel, and arrived in very fine condition. The whole lot was kept for some time at the Brown farm, east of London, and was sold on September 27, 1853, which was the day preceding the opening of the first fair held by the Madison County Agricultural Society. The following is an exact copy of the report of that sale:

No. 5. - J. G. Gest, Greene county. . 2 Se ee ee eee 41 Ne. 6- - Jobn. Batley, Clinton county, - - -e-c cere men enerress en ewe meeenree . 42 No. 7 - John Hadley, Clinton county - _ 26 No. 8. - Henry Rule, Clinton county 16

Sheep

Jacob Chrisman was the cashier of the company, and, after paying all expenses of importing, keeping, sale, etc., disbursed to the shareholders something over two hundred and forty. dollars for each 'one hundred dollars originally put in. The selling was done by Benjamin Porter, the first auctioneer of the monthly stock sales, for which he received the insignificant sum of fifty dollars. Other companies and individuals of the Scioto valley besides. those mentioned have: made importations from Europe of the choicest strains of pure-bred stock, the descendants of which are to be found not only in the valley, but distributed throughout the entire West, as well as other portions of the United States. .

Other Notable Sales

Among the: breeders and dealers in pure-bred stock, David Selsor and the .Dun Brothers deserve special mention. The former possessed the finest herd of Shorthorns in Ohio, and one of the finest on the continent. His animals always won blue ribbons at the leading fairs of the country, and the fame of David Selsor, "the cattle king," has spread wherever the breeding of fine stock has been made a specialty. The biggest prices were paid for his animals, and the stockman who was fortunate enough to obtain a descendant of this choice herd was indeed lucky. Mr. Selsor spared no pains nor expense to keep his herd in the front rank with the finest in the world. Truly, Madison county should honor the memory of this man, who, during a long life of business activity, did so much toward establishing and maintaining her reputation as a great live stock mart of Ohio. Mr. Selsor died on January 12, 1882, and his valuable herd was subsequently sold and scattered all over the land.

Robert G. and John G. Dun held their first annual sale of Shorthorns on May 6, 1868, and sold thirty-two animals, nearly all one and two years old. The records show that nine bulls and five heifers were bought by Madison county men. The purchasers were Robert Boyd, W. A. Dun, F. M. Chenoweth, Benjamin Linson, Harford Toland, J. A. Pringle, James Rankin, William A. Neil, Jr., Addison Watson, William Cryder, Benjamin Custer, Robert G. Dun, R. B. Cowling and Bell Bros. Of the remaining eighteen, seven went to Clark county, four to Union county, two to Champaign, two to Pickaway, one to Delaware and one to Fairfield county. The average price all round was $178.44; the lowest price, $75: and the highest $365. On the 4th of May, 1869, Robert G. Dun held his second sale, his brother John G. having previously disposed of his surplus at private sale. Twenty-three animals, mostly one-year-olds, were sold at public auction, nine of which were retained in Madison county. The purchasers were William B. Franklin, William Hall, Jerry Rea, Alfred Pringle, William A. Neil, Jr., George Linson and A. W. Thurman. The remaining fourteen head were distributed as follow: Four to Greene county, one to Licking, one to Hardin, one to Columbiana and one to Franklin county, Ohio; three to Parke county, Ind., and two to Syracuse, New York. The lowest price paid was $135, and the highest $405, making an average all round of nearly $221. These sales were followed by others, which attracted a large number of stock men from every portion of Ohio, and quite a respectable attendance from other states. Becoming familiar with the fine stockbreeders of this county, they soon began to draw regular installments from the splendid herds of "Old Madison," with which to improve and cross upon other herds, and as a nucleus of future herds in other sections. Thus does Madison occupy a proud position in the galaxy of counties, the first in quality and second to few in numbers.

The production of corn, wheat, cotton and other staple crops may add most to the wealth of a nation in the aggregate, but, as a rule, the stock interests of every county, in all times, have brought most wealth to the individual farmer. Men who devote part of the resources of their farms to the raising of stock are invariably found to be among the wealthiest in every agricultural community, possessing the most comfortable homes, and able to give their families a better education and more of the comforts of life than any other class of agriculturists. This is particularly true of Madison county, and the only drawback to the increase of her population and rapid development of her resources is that many of her citizens own large tracts of land upon which the tenant system prevails, and it is therefore difficult for a man of limited means to acquire landed property. The prevalence of log cabins in this age of frame and brick structures, and the large number of poor people occupying these cabins, is an invincible argument against the policy of large farms. Freedom and enlightenment go hand in hand with the ownership of land, and wherever its acquisition is made difficult or impossible, it indicates the absence of a sound, political economy in that country.

The historical facts connected with the founding of the Madison county stock sales may be briefly told. The sale of imported stock on September 27, 1853, gave an impetus to the already growing interest in fine stock, which has contributed so largely to the business success of the county. Other sales followed in due time ,and the project for regular sales in London began to be mooted. In 1855, William G. Jones, proprietor of the Phifer House, calleed a meeting at his hotel to consider the feasibility of inaugurating monthly stock sales. Besides Mr. Jones, there were present at this meeting William H. Creighton, David Selsor, Jesse Rea, Mathew Rea, John G. Dun, James J. Jones, Peter Slaughter, and other wealthy farmers and stock men. There was no regular assceciation organized, but the originators, having confidence that the project would succeed, got out handbills advertising a sale to be held in London on March 5, 1856. On that day was inaugurated an institution that made Madison county famous. These sales were held the first Tuesday in each month, and, from the beginning to the time they were abandoned, proved a grand success.

Some Of The Leading Stock Men

Benjamin Porter, a native of Virginia, was the pioneer salesman of this vicinity. He lived at Catawba, Clark county, Ohio; was a large, portly man, of fine physique and strong common sense. His tact as an auctioneer was equailed only by the extraordinary strength of his lungs, but the love for strong drink conquered "poor Ben" at last. He possessed splendid judgment as an auctioneer and was a man whom everyone considered an adept in his business.

In 1856 J. C. Bridgman began his career as a stock salesman, and, in 1860, formed a partnership with Porter, which lasted until the death of the latter. From that time to the close of his active career, "Jack" Bridgman was the leading stock auctioneer, of Madison county, and missed but few sales. He possessed all the shrewdness of the Yankee, combined with that freedom from ceremony and wholesouled manner, characteristic of the Western people. To know "Jack" was to be his friend, for he was always ready and willing to do a favor, and few men would go further than he to perform a kind action. '"Jack's abilities made him wealthy - a president of a national bank, a model of propriety, and a representative citizen. For many years he was engaged in the live stock business, and it is no exaggeration to say that there was not a better judge of stock in Madison county than this go-ahead successful, old-time auctioneer.

Charles Jones, of Jefferson, began selling at these sales upon their inception, and was considered a good salesman. Giles James, of London, was engaged in the business for about twelve years, while John Kilgore and William Douglass were auctioneers at these sales for years. Others from adjoining counties took part whenever called upon, and there can be little doubt that to this class of men is due much of the success which attended the growth and progress of the London sales from the beginning.

It will not be inappropriate to give a list of the men who, from the first, fostered and encouraged these sales, the reader bearing in mind, however, that others, perhaps, whose names do not appear, did something toward building up this wonderful institution. The long-continued prosperity of the Madison county stock sales was unquestionably due to the early activities of a certain class of her citizens, joe whom the

From all of the adjoining counties, as well as many of those at a distance, came leading stock men to buy and sell. Dealers residing in Cincinnati and Chicago shipped stock from those cities to the little town of London, where they knew the highest prices in the Union were always paid for good cattle. Not only did Ohio pay tribute to the Madison county stock sales, but also the great states of New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Kansas. On the 2nd of March, 1869, the Ohio Legislature, with Governor Hayes, and other state officers, including many of the representatives of the press of Ohio, paid London a visit for the purpose of seeing how cattle sales were managed, and to examine this county as a location for the State Agricultural and. Mechanical College. At the same time, the agricultural convention of the Scioto and Miami valleys met here in annual council. It was one of the most noted days in the history of the county. Some three hundred legislative, agricultural and other invited guests were entertained with a banquet at Toland Hall, and all honor was given to "Old Madison," the only county in Ohio or the West sustaining a stock sale. On that day, Daniel Boyd sold to David Selsor a mammoth steer, weighing three thousand and thirty pounds, for which the "cattle king" paid five hundred and forty dollars.

During the first thirteen years and a half that these sales existed, but four were missed, the fall of Vicksburg, in July, 1863; the state election, in October, 1863; the Fourth of July, 1865; and the cattle plague, in September, 1868, being the causes why no sales were held in those months. The average sales per year for that period . amounted to more than ten thousand dollars each month, but for the last five years of that time the average was often double that figure. The sales continued to increase in size and importance, until the average reached twenty- -five thousand a month. Surely this showing entitled Madison county to that proud position which she so long maintained as the "Queen of Cattledom."

The custom became rooted and grounded in its establishment. Without organization or officers, in the interests of no ring or clique, with but one other worthy of the name, the sale held at Paris, Kentucky, it stood for years unrivaled in the history of the nation. Good stock cattle brought better prices at the Madison county stock sales than at any other market on this continent. Madison county paid a higher valuation on her horned stock than any other county in Ohio, and, doubtless, in the United States. During the latter years of David Selsor's life, he annually shipped to New York the premium beef of the metropolis; and it is a well-known fact that this beef, fed upon the bluegrass and corn of Madison county, brought the highest prices in that market of epicures.

Herd Attracts National Attention

The herd of Red Poll cattle belonging to Frank Nelson has attracted national attention, Mr. Nelson having received the following letter from B. H., Heide, eergecke of the International Live Stock Exposition:

"My Dear Sir: As it has come to my attention that you have, some nigiolton' Red Polls which should be exhibited at this show, I felt it my duty to send you.one of our premium lists so that you might be able to glance over the classes and thus be in a better position to reach a decision in this connection.

"If you should decide to bring some of your animals to this year's sHitdrnational are! trust you will advise me of the fact at your earliest convenience so that the necessary entry forms may be mailed to you without delay.

It is not generally known that Madison county ranks fourth in the state among the breeders of Percheron horses. During the fiscal year ending October 31, 1914, breeders of this county recorded twenty-eight Percherons in the Percheron Society of America. This number was registered by thirteen breeders, all of whom belong to the © society. In number produced the county is third in the state, but the ranking is' done on a basis of the number of Percherons per square mile of the county. Following is a list of Madison county Percheron breeders and the number registered last year: Marion Bidwell, West Jefferson, three; C. A. Butler, Plain City, two; J. W. Goodson, West Jefferson, one: C. M. Jones, Plain City, five; Louis Matteler, Plain City, one; Wilbur Murray, London, one; P. H. Roberts, Route 5, London, one; Smith and Houston, Route 7, London, one; James E. Spencer, West Jefferson, five, and one imported; A. J. Torbert, Plain City, one; G. M. Van Dyke, London, one; Moses I. Weaver, Plain City, four ; Cloud Smith, London, two.

Resident Landowners In March, 1819

' The people of today hardly realize or appreciate what they owe to the large-hearted pioneer fathers and mothers, who, with their children, braved the perils of the wilderness; who reared their families in the fear of God, and implanted within them all the virtues necessary to the welfare of humanity, and passed away, leaving to them an inheritance that is invaluable and that should ever be cherished and kept in sacred remembrance. The record of Madison county would be incomplete without some notice of these pioneers, who, by reason of their limited sphere of action, could not become conspicuous in the great drama of pioneer life, but whose busy hands and conscientious regard of duty made them great factors in the establishment of the solid foundation upon which the society of today rests. It is a little thing to preserve their names in the pages of history; yet it is about all that is left to do. Their lives: were much alike; they met the stern necessities of the hour, and were content in the consciousness of duty nobly done.

'In March, 1819, the commissioners of Madison county prepared a duplicate of all the resident landowners of said county at that time, and while hunting through the musty pages stored away in the court house vaults, the historian fortunately discovered this record. It consists of a few sheets of paper sewed together, without back or cover; yet for years it has preserved in its pages the names of those men who settled and built up the rich and prosperous county of Madison. It reads as follows:

The historian cannot vouch for the accuracy of this list-or that it contains the name of every landowner residing in Madison county in March, 1819. The list is copied verbatim, and it is presumed that such a record would be correct. The only object in printing it is to try and preserve the names of many who have long since been forgotten. If this has been accomplished, the purpose of publication is. attained, and it is felt that the reader may derive some interesting information from a careful perusal of a list of pioneers who laid the foundation of the present commonwealth.

In 1846, the Clark and Madison County Agricultural Society was organized, which held fairs alternately at South Charleston and London. The last of these fairs was held in London, on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of October, 1852. On the 13th of November, 1852, the following Agricultural notice appeared in the Madison Reveille: "We, the undersigned, citizens of Madison county, are in favor of calling a county convention, for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society, within and for Madison county, separate 'and apart from Clark county; and recommend such convention to be held on Saturday, the 20th day of November, 1852. Paul Smith, Sabastian Roberts, Abraham Johnston, Thomas J. Stutson, J. McCullough, R. Acton, G. W. Lewis, G. B. Olney, N. H. S. Miller, Jennet Stutson, F. H. Olmstead, O. C. Standart, G. E. Hartwell, Nathan Burnham, E. S. Hancock, B. Crabbe, N. E. Davis, Evans Pennington, Henry Alder, Carlton BE. Gregg, John G. Dun, Caleb Morse, James Burnham, John T. Maxey, Robert Armstrong, William C. Minter, Dr. J. Stutson, A. Toland, A. J. Ryan, John Williams, William Morris, Washington Withrow, Jackson Brock, W. A. Koontz, Coleman Asbury, William Riddle, D. Haskell, P. R. Asbury." In response to this call, a large and enthusiastic meeting of the farmers, mechanics and business men took place in London on that date.

The meeting was organized by appointing T. J. Stutson, of Jefferson township, chairman, and William H. Creighton, secretary. The chairman, in a brief but appropriate address, explained the object of 'the meeting, which was to dissolve the connection which had theretofore existed with Clark county in an agricultural society, and to organize such society for Madison county alone. The necessity of such a course was obvious. The fairs were held in Clark county "except occasionally by special favors, and by private individuals at London defraying certain expenses." The consequence was that a very large portion of the county was excluded from its benefits by being so remote from the point where the fairs were held. He urged that Madison county contained the elements within herself to produce the very best agricultural exhibitions of any county in the state. On motion of David Haskell, it was resolved to proceed to organize a Madison county agricultural society, and elect such officers as were necessary to conduct the affairs of such society. On motion of John Melvin, it was resolved that the officers of this society should be a president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and five directors. The officers were then elected as follow: President, Richard Cowling; vice-president, Dr. J. Stutson; treasurer, John Rouse; secretary, W. H. Creigh-

On: motion, Messrs. Toland, Findlay and Stutson were appointed a committee to draft a constitution for the society, which was reported and unanimously adopted. On motion it was resolved that a committee of one for each township in the county be appointed to solicit names for members of this society, whereon Johh Melvin was appointed the committee for Jefferson township; John Williams, Stokes; Charles Phellis, Pike; Henry Alder, Canaan; John Smith, Darby; David Morris, Monroe; W. B. Davis, Fairfield; John H. Kennedy, Somerford; James Q. Minshall, Range; James Robinson, Pleasant; R. B. Winchester, Union; John G.. Dun, Deer Creek. On motion, it was resolved that one hundred and fifty copies of the constitution of the society be printed for distribution through the county. On motion, it was resolved that John T. Maxey, Richard Cowling, and Jonathan Farrar be a committee to wait on the directors of the late Clark and Madison Agricultural Society, and obtain from them the portion of the money in the hands of the treasurer of the said society that was contributed by and properly belonged to Madison county.

The First Annual Fair

The first fair of the Madison County Agricultural Society, was held in London on September 28 and 29, 1853. The officers of the society, under whose auspices this fair was held, were elected on June 4, 1853, and were as follow: John H. Findlay, president; James Foster, vice-president; John Rouse, treasurer; J. F. Freeman, secretary; Richard Cowling, Charles Phellis, James Burnham, William Harrold and John F. Chenoweth, directors. The day prior to the opening of the fair, the sale of the imported thoroughbred stock, brought from Europe a short time before, took place, and gave the new enterprise of the agricultural society an impetus it could have received in no other way. Hundreds of leading stock men attended the sale, and remained for the fair, which proved a grand success. In September, 1854, the society purchased eight acres and eighty perches of land, in survey No. 5670, from John T. Maxey, paying for the same four hundred and twenty-five dollars. This tract is located in the northeast part of London, and the fairs were held there for fourteen years, with varying success. The last exhibition was held on September 18, 19 and 20, 1867, and the following were the officers at that time: J. Swetland, president; Johu Reed, vice-president; S. W. Durflinger, secretary; Preston Adair, treasurer; directors, David Haskell. William Curtain. Robert Deyo, Adam Young; committee of arrangements, J. Swetland, L. Mount, Preston Henry Tyler, James Converse, Charles Phellis, John Mitchel, L. Mount, Daniel Boyd, Robert Deyo, Aam Young; committee of arrangements, J. Swetland, L. Mount, Preston Adair, Henry Tyler; marshals, William Summers and J. C. Bridgeman.

- Many causes led to the abandonment of these fairs. In the fall of 1868, a Union Agricultural Society was organized at Mechanicsburg, which had for its promoters some of the leading citizens of the northwestern portion of Madison county. These men had previously belonged to the Madison county society, and their withdrawal from it, together with the starting of a new association so close to the north part of the county, naturally had a dampening effect upon the old organization. A second cause was the absence of a track where horsemen could exhibit their animals. The grounds were small, and races were not a part of the program at these fairs; hence one of the printipal attractions was missing. Efforts were made at different times to purchase additional ground, with the object of constructing a good track thereon, but nothing was ever eccomplished in that direction. 'Phe principal cause, however, why the holding of fairs in London was abandoned, was on account of the rapid growth of the Madison county stock sales, at that time and for years the glory and pride of this portion of

Ohio. This county needed no annual fair, for it held one every month. The Madison County Agricultural Society, however, still lived; its organization was kept intact and its financial condition healthy. Its officers were: Stephen Watson, president; Jeriah Swetland, vice-president; J. C. Bridgeman, treasurer; Edwin Phifer, secretary; Preston Adair, Joseph Williams, Stephen Watson, James Millikin, John Pancake, Charles -Phellis, Jr., R. G. Dun, Philip Durflinger, J. C. Bridgeman, W. H. Summers, Daniel Boyd, Jeriah Swetland, Adam Young, Robert Boyd and Erwin Phifer, directors.

London Driving-Park Association

The first step taken toward the revival of the county fairs was probably the organization of the London Driving-Park Association. This association was formed early in the year 1883 and soon after leased sixty acres of land for a park of R. B. Cowling, about one mile east of London, between the railroad and the Jefferson pike. On March 23, of the same year, they gave the contract for building a half-mile dirt track to Morris Nevils for three hundred and thirty-nine dollars, the track to be finished by May 1. During that spring the local papers began the discussion of the revival of the old county fairs. Stables on the driving association's park were erected by E. S. Vent and a high board fence was placed around the grounds by A. L. Slagle. The park was opened on July 4, with the following program of races: Gentlemen's trot; 3:00 trot. purse one hundred dollars; 2:40 pacing, purse one hundred; 2:35 trot, purse one hundred and fifty; one-half mile running; one-half mile bicycle. Admission was placed at fifty cents for gentleman; ladies free. Of this association C. F. Richman was president; A. W. Boyd, secretary and F. T. Creamer, treasurer. This meet was a great success and it was estimated that there were from five to seven thousand people present.

On August 8, 1883, another successful race program was held. The following year the following directors were chosen: F. T. Creamer, C. T. Richman, A. T. Landers, W. H. McKinna, Fred Gillett, Leon Minshball and Albert W. Boyd. There were two hundred shares of stock in the association, of which one hundred and eighty-two were sold. Another race meet was held on the Fourth of July that year, with a similar large crowd.

In the Democrat for March 4, 1885, is found the following: 'We, the undersigned citizens of Madison county, are in favor of calling a. county convention for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society within and for Madison county, Ohio, and recommend that said convention be held at the court house in London on Saturday, the fourteenth day of March, 1885, and respectfully invite all persons interested to attend said convention." This call was signed by about one hundred and fifty of the most prominent citizens of the county. The immediate results of this meeting are not now quite clear, but it is recorded that on January 5, 1886, the Madison County Agricultural Society met and elected the following officers: Stephen Watson, president; F. C. Gillett, vice-president; Erwin Phifer, secretary; Job J. Clark, treasurer; and Jacob Peetrey, 3. Bonner, H. C. Guy, Job J. Clark, Walter Dun, John E. Lotspiech, Noah Thomas. F. C. Gillett, William Curtin, Erwin Phifer, A. H. Underwood, Austin Hutson, H. Toland, and Matt Rea, directors. At a meeting of the board of directors, January 15, 1886, it - was decided to sell the old fair grounds and secure new grounds, and a committee composed of H. C. Guy, Harford Toland and M. L. Rea, were appointed to purchase or lease new grounds. A committee composed of J. J. Clark and William Curtin was appointed to prepare a premium list. However, for reasons unknown, no fair was held in that year.

In January, 1887, G. W. Wilson, then president of the Madison County Agricultural Society, met the directors of the Londen Driving Park Association and submitted

"The Madison County Agricultural Society desires, if practicable, to hold a county rair this year. The society is without funds to purchase grounds, and can only purchase if favorable. terms can be had.

"The most convenient grounds for a fair are now 'occupied by the London Driving Park Club, by virtue of a lease from the owners of the grounds. We understand that there is a clause in the lease binding the lessee not to release the premises. If so, perhaps the association would not lease the same to the society. But if we cannot lease and control the grounds, you may grant the society the privileges of holding a fair on your. grounds.

"The agricultural society would be pleased to have the association consider the matter of granting the privilege of holding a county fair on the grounds and take such action as shall seem best. If thought best, a committee of both associations could be appointed to meet, consider and report."

This proposition was favorably considered by the Driving-Park Association, which at that time was about one thousand dollars in debt and in poor financial 'shape, and the members offered to assign 'their stock to the agricultural society if the latter would assume that indebtedness, or, offered to rent the grounds far the remainder of the lease, six years. But the hopes for a fair that year were dashed by the county commissioners refusing: to accept a quit- claim 'deed for the old' fair-grounds from the Madison County Agricultural Society on the grounds that the society had abandoned the grounds.

Pebmanent, Bevival Of Interest

On November 9, 1889, an enthusiastic meeting of fhe agricultural society was ueid at: the court house and interest was revived 'in the proposed fair. A-campaign was started to increase the membership of the society. A committee composed of G.. W. Wilson, Fred Webster and D. T. Garnard was appointed to prepare a new constitution. On April 14, 1890, the society held a:meeting: at the office of G. 'W. Wilson, and the matter of leasing and buying ground adjacent to the old fair-grounds on North Elm street was discussed, two parcels of land being in view - those of Robert Boyd and W. H. Chandler, Sr. It was finally decided'to lease the Chandler land back' of the old grounds, which: contained twenty-five acres, located suitably for a good 'half-mile track. 'There were about: eight' acres in the old grounds, well shaded. The written proposition of Mr. Chandler for a five-year lease at two hundred and twenty-five dollars was accepted:'and the lease was ordered prepared at once. The committee on grounds was instructed to sow the hillside facing the proposed 'track with grass. Local 'horse fanciers were to build the track at'their own expense, reserving the privilege of using the same for training purposes, the agricultural society to be put to no expense for the same. Committees on rules and regulations and on premiums were appointed and set to work. The state board of agriculture placed Madison county in the Ohio Valley. circuit and fixed the time for the fair for the week including September 1-5, inclusive. The track was laid out by Engineer Arnett and extended on to the grounds of Mrs. James Hamilton and A: J: Coover, eight acres of ground being leased from the former and three from the latter. On April 30, '1890, the village eouncil of London. voted five hundred dollars from its general funds to aid the'society in the improvement of its grounds. On May 13, 1890, the contract for the building of the track was let to Patrick McDonough for five hundred dollars. The track was fenced, both inside and out, and a neat judges' stand was erected, purposely made small to exclude intruders. Over fifty box-stalls 'were erected. A large and commodious building: for the exhibition of farm products, with an upper story devoted to fine arts, archaeology, etc., was. erected and sheds for cattle, sheep, and hogs were built. Four wells were driven on the grounds to furnish water. -

The fair was a great success. Every department was patronized almost to its full capacity for exhibits, while several of them "crowded the limits." Thursday was the big day, it being estimated that twelve thousand people were on the grounds during that day. Rain on Friday prevented a large attendance and interfered with the races, which were postponed until Saturday, on which day rain still curtailed the sport. The total cash receipts reached about four thousand dollars, leaving a surplus, after paying the premiums and running expenses. The success of the fair was largely due to the indefatigable efforts of Fred Webster, secretary of the board, who was ably assisted by the president, G. W. Wilson, T. J. Houston, D. T. Genard and others.

The Madison County Agricultural Society has continued to give an annual fair at the fair-grounds since, with varying success. In 1900 the lease on the grounds expired. On May 19 the commissioners voted to direct the directors of the society to extend grounds and to make improvements, not to exceed eight thousand dollars in cost. On September 3, the board bought twenty-six and one-half acres, partly in survey No. &886 and partly in survey No. 5679, of Robert Boyd, for three thousand four hundred and seventy-eight dollars and twelve cents. In October of the same year the directors purchased of the W. H. Chandler heirs eleven and thirty-eight one-hundredths acres, in survey No. 5670, for one hundred and fifty dollars an acre. These purchases, with the eight acres already owned, gave the agricultural society a fair-ground of about fortyfive acres. A new track was laid out and built that year. This is the track used at present and is considered by horsemen generally one of the best half-mile tracks in the state. In 1901 many improvements were made; many of the buildings were repaired and remodeled and a new grandstand, two hundred by forty-six feet, with a capacity of twenty-eight hundred people, was erected.

Organization For 1915

The twenty-sixth annual Madison county fair was held on August 24, 25, 26 and 27, 1915, with the following official roll: Marion Sanford, president; John L. Houston, vice-president; George Langen, treasurer; Lamar P. Wilson, secretary, all of London; directors (1916), J. W. Johnson, Range; J. P. Foody, Stokes; J. L. Houston, Somerford ; George Langen, Union; Wm. Irwin, London village. (1917) Chas. Prugh, Canaan; Charles Wilson, Darby; Henry Hildinger, Deer Creek; E. O. Fitzgerald, Fairfield; M. EK. Hummel, Jefferson. (1918) Marion Sanford, Monroe; Robert C. Rea, Oak Run; HB. T. Jones, Paint; Sweyne Kennedy, Pike; G. W. Hornbeck, Pleasant. J. Scott Chenoweth, marshal. Prices of admission - Membership ticket, admitting man, wife and children under 12 years of age one dollar; single ticket, twenty five cents; children under fifteen. years of age, fifteen cents; single horse, ten cents; double team, twenty cents.

The Mt. Sterling Fair

The first fair of the Mt. Sterling Fair Association was held during the week of September 3, 1890. Details of information concerning this fair now are somewhat indefinite, but the meeting must have been a success, as the second annual fair was held on Sep- tember 2, 3 and 4, 1891. The grounds were located within the corporation limits of the village of Mt. Sterling and were easy of access. A good track was built and a grandstand with a seating capacity of about three thousand people was erected. This fair continued until about 1898 when it was temporarily discontinued. In the fall of 1914 the fair was revived and a successful meeting was held that year and also in the fall of 1915. THE GRANGE. By T. Hollon Orcutt, Secretary of Oak Run Grange.

Believing that everyone would be interested in perusing a history of the origin and purpose of the Patrons of Husbandry, and of the subordinate grange as well, I was constrained to prepare this short article for publication. It is given to but few men to set in motion great humanizing forces, agencies or influences, to be founders, builders, organizers, for humanity's sake. Such must have the prophet's vision coupled with the prophet's faith. They may dream dreams and see visions, but we bring things to pass. Such a man was Oliver H. Kelley, the originator and first among the founders of the order.

On October 20, 1865, Isaac Newton, then United States commissioner of agriculture, appointed Mr. Kelley as special agent of the department and to proceed immediately through the states lately in hostility against the government, to procure statistics and other information bearing upon the agricultural resources of the South and to report the same to the department for publication. Mr. Kelley left Washington for the South, January 13, 1866, and while on this trip conceived the idea of a secret organization of farmers, north and south, to renew and promote a more fraternal feeling. Mr. Kelley told the following incident: "I was directed to visit a Mr. B., a very bitter Southern man, for some of my information. I proceeded at once to his residence and as I came up to the door Mr. B., seeing me approaching and that I must be a man from the North, said to me, 'No d - d Yankee can cross my threshold! Get out of there!' But Mr. Kelley, being a Mason, gave a sign as he turned to go and Mr. B., who also was a Mason, recognized the same and immediately a different feeling existed between the two men and Mr. Kelley secured his information without further difficulty."

Six months prior to the date of Commissioner Newton's letter to Mr. Kelley, or on April 9, 1865, Lee had surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, on April 14th President Lincoln was shot. Public feeling was intense. The nation was stirred to its depths. Agriculture was a thing quite forgotten. The devastated farms of the South bore crops of cannon balls, instead of cotton balls. On April 21, 1866, Mr. Kelley returned to Washington from his Southern trip and proceeded to Boston, Massachusetts, to visit his niece, Miss Caroline A. Hall, at which time he explained to her his plans for the new organization, and it was she who suggested that women be given full and equal right of membership in the order. About this time Mr. Kelley had associated with him in his work two brother Masons, Ireland and Trimble, whose counsel he needed, particularly in preparing the ritualistic work. Also William Saunders, head of the government experimental grounds, and Ansen Bartlett, of North Madison, Ohio.

After much correspondence and discussion it was decided that the new order was to me known by the name of 'Patrons of Husbandry." The first meeting, which was not at all formal, was held at Washington, November 15, 1867, W. M. Ireland presiding and Mr. Kelley, acting as secretary. A short time afterward a motto was decided on, i. e., "Esto Perpetua," meaning "let it be perpetual,' and so it has become a mighty force for the agriculturist, extending from Maine to California; but, strange to Say, the Southern farmers never took up the new order that was intended for their benefit. However. of late years, a few granges have been established in the South. There are seven degrees, as follow: First, second, third and fourth, constituting the subordinate ; the fifth, of pomona; sixth, or state, and the seventh, or national.

It was the intention of the organization to add other degrees as the order progressed, similar to the Masons; for instance, the eighth degree was to be known as the "Degree of the Golden Sheaf." The membership of the Grange has grown very rapidly in the past ten years. At the present time we have a round million of Grangers in the United States, Ohio furnishing over sixty-five thousand and with about forty thousand voters and six hundred subordinate granges.

Madison county has seven well-organized granges, viz.: Darby, Canaan, Bradford. Oak Run, Madison Banner, Pleasant and Fairfield, with a membership of almost five hundred members in good standing. There have been organized in the United States one hundred and thirty-five new granges in three months, April 1 to June 30, 1915, Ghiobeing second, with eighteen, and Kansas leading, with: nineteen.

The principal corner stones on which the Grange is built are education, legislation (fraternity-sociability) and co-operation. Take the word "education" from our creed and the order can but die. The Grange stands for better education, better homes and better rural communities. Man is by nature a social being. Left to himself, he becomes narrow and selfish. Meeting together in a social way, as people do in the Grange, has a tendency to make them more intelligent ; "contact sharpens the mind." The Grange is non-partisan, yet partisan.. Almost all the laws pertaining to agriculture have been enacted through the efforts of the Grange. One of the greatest conveniences that the farmer enjoys today (rural maii delivery) has come by the persistent efforts of the Grange.

Fraternity! Fraternity! Walter Scott said, "The race of mankind would perish. did they cease to aid each other. From the time that mother binds the child's head till the moment that some kind assistant wipes the death-damp from. the brow of the dying, we cannot exist without mutual help. All, therefore, that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow mortals; no one who holds the power of granting can refuse it without guilt." ;

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are saved each year by Grange co- Sper atIoU. A great many examples might be given, but lack of space forbids it.

The initiation fee is one dollar for men and fifty cents for women. The dues are one dollar and twenty cents per year for the subordinate grange. The Pomona grange fifth degree consists of members of the subordinate grange. The initiation fee is twentyfive cents and twenty cents per year dues. The sixth degree is one dollar, without and dues, also the seventh. The Grange has a place in American history, because it has served agriculture and humanity. It will continue to hold its place as long as it is of service to the farmer and his family; to the community; to the state and to the nation.

Oak Run Grange

The membership of the grange at Oak Run has grown very rapidly in the past ten years. At the present time there are a round million of grangers in the United States, Ohio furnishing over sixty-five thousand, with about forty thousand voters and six hundred subordinate granges.

The Ohio state grange is officered as follow: Master, T. C. Laylin, Norwalk; overseer, S. J. Pierce, Warren; treasurer, O. J. Demith, New Philadelphia; secretary, Eugene F. Cranz, Ira. -

Madison county has five subordinate granges, as follow: Darby at West Jefferson ; Oak Run at London; Canaan at Plain City; Bradford, Brandford School ; Pleasant at Mt. Sterling and a Pomona made up from the membership of the above granges.

Oak Run grange was organized at Oak Run school. house on April 16, 1874, and survived for a short time. It was again reorganized at London and a duplicate charter bearing date of October 28, 1905 was granted. It has a membership of one hundred and fifteen and the following. are the ee officers: Master, C. C. Hankinson; overseer, Mrs. Esta Gerrard; treasurer, A. J. Blue; secretary, T. Hollen Orcutt.

A well-known member of the grange advances three reasons why farmers: should belong to the grange. There is a social reason. Man is by nature a social being. Left to himself he becomes narrow and selfish. Meeting together in a social way as people do in the grange, has a tendency to make them more intelligent. "Contact sharpens the mind." One of the specific objects of the grange was and is to develop a higher manhood and womanhood. Another reason why farmers should belong to the grange is for ihe improvement of the nature that the development of the fraternal spirit, "feels for the wants and relieves the distress of our brothers and sisters." A third reason why farmers should affiliate with the grange is because of the opportunity it affords for co-operation. The grange has a place in American history because it has served agriculture and humanity. It will continue to hold its place as long as it is of service to the farmer and his family, to the community, to the state and nation.

Bradford Grange

Bradford Grange No. 877, was organized on May 11, 1874, at the McCliman school building, now known as Bradford. This first organization was effected. through the efforts of the county organizer, Deputy Alford Pringle. J. M. Johnson was the first master. This grange was disbanded in 1882, through lack of interest on the part of the members, but was reorganized in the fall of 1897 by State Organizer Hale, at the Pancake school house. 'There were fifty-six charter members and J. W. Johnston was: chosen first master. The meeting place was changed. to the Johnston school house, but recently the meetings have been held at the Bradford school house:

The present membership is fifty-two. The officers for the present year (1915) are J. S. Irion, master; A. E. Henry, overseer; Mrs. W. D. Snyder, lecturer; Fred McClimans, steward; Allan Shepherd, assistant steward; J. W. Johnston, chaplain; L. M. Johnston, treasurer; Mrs. J. D. Truitt, secretary; O. T. Dunkle, gate keeper; Mrs Marion Warren, Ceres; Mrs. A. E. Henry, Pomona; Mrs. K. L. Foster, Flora; Mrs. O. T. Dunkle, lady assistant steward.

Pleasant Grange No. 1853 was organized on April 13, 1912, with fifty-six charter members. The first officers of the grange were as follow: A. S. Thomas, master; L. R. Kions, overseer; W. S. Robison, lecturer; James H. Blain, steward; B. R. Harrison, assistant steward; J. W. Kellough, chaplain; J. W. Anderson, treasurer; J. S. Core, secretary; T. H. Carpenter, gate keeper; Fidelia Robison, Ceres; Nettie Henry, Pomona; Mrs. William McKinley, Flora; Mrs. T. H. Carpenter, ladies' assistant steward.

The membership at present numbers ninety-five and the meetings are held in TI. O. O. F. hall at Mt. Sterling on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Following are the officers for 1915: J. W. Call; master; C. P Corkwell, overseer; Nettie Henry. lecturer; Lloyd Thornton, steward; B. R. Harrison, assistant steward; D. B. Saint, chaplain; A. S. Thomas, treasurer; J. S. Core, secretary; Ray Dennison, gate keeper; Mrs. Thomas Hartley, Ceres; Mrs. A. S. Alkire, Pomona; Mrs. A. S. Thomas, Flora; Mrs. J. W. Call, ladies' assistant steward.

Madison Banner Grange

Madison Banner Grange No. 1952 was organized on November 25, 1914, with thirty charter members. The officers who first served this grange, and are still in office, are Robert R. Ritnour, master; Daniel Struble, overseer; Mary Self, secretary; B. B. Spolm, lecturer; and Cora Morris, treasurer.

The membership at present numbers ferty. The regular meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays, in the Knights of Pythias lodge hall. The programs consist of discussions of the different subjects of interest to the farmer. Co-operative buy- ' ing is another great work of the grange. The aim of the officers of this grange is to

Fairfield Grange

Fairfield Grange No. 1991 was organized on March 10, 1915, by Deputy Master Blue and is composed of all new members of the order. Several calls were made before an organization was effected, but since the order has. been installed there has been much interest manifested. There were thirty-five charter members and this has been increased to fifty.

The officers for the organization are J. F. McGuire, master; Mrs. Belle Fitzgerald, overseer; Jay Fitzgerald, lecturer; E. E. Young, steward; T. A. Groves, assistant steward; Elta Lukens, chaplain; Fred Karn, treasurer; E. E. Lever, secretary; F. E. Simons, G. K.; Marjorie L. DeLong, Ceres; Anne Young, Pomona; Mary Karn, Flora; Cecile M. Simons, ladies' assistant steward; W. R. Bales, business agent.

The most active work which the Fairfield grange has accomplished so far has been in increasing the membership. Since the order is composed of new members they have not taken up the various things that go to make grange work valuable in a community. The chief aim at present is to acquire a strong membership and the larger work will follow later. This is the last grange organized in the op

At the close of the Agricultural Extension School, held in London in January, 1911, C. C. Hankinson drafted resolutions proposing that the members of the school organize themselves into a farmers' club and that a committee be appointed by the chairman, Mr. Orcutt, to. draft a constitution and by-laws. The resolutions were adopted and the committee appointed. Soon after this the committee met and framed a constitution and by-laws and submitted them at the February meeting, the result being the adoption of them and the election of officers. 'The following officers were elected for the first year: Charles C. Hankinson, president; William B. Cryder, vice-president; L. R. Bostwick, secretary; J. B. Van Wagener, treasurer. ,

Mr. Hankinson alone is responsible for the life and extensive growth of this club, which at the time of its birth numbered a scant two dozen. members, and at present has increased in numbers to such an extent that it has been advised to take under consideration an amendment to limit its territory and in this way limit its membership. He realized that anything which unites farmers mentally and socially, that. offers relaxation from daily farm labor, that breaks the monotonous routine of farm life, is to be commended. The object of this society is. to promote. agricultural knowledge and the intellectual and social advancement of its members.

The attendance at the first meetings was small, sometimes not enough to hold a meeting, so Professor Tetlow, of the Agricultural School, was invited to appear and address the members. This created a marked interest and also increased the attendance. It was then suggested that the meetings last all day and be held at the homes of the members. Before this time, from January until the September meeting, they were held in the court house and only in the afternoon. Sherman Simpson was the first to respond with an invitation to meet at his home and the first all-day club meeting was therefore held at Mr. Simpson's beautiful country home "Tekenink," in September, 1911. Professor Graham, of Columbus, was given an invitation to attend and give a talk on the social side of farm life, which he did, and it was so thoroughly enjoyed that invitations were then extended by John Houston for the November meeting, and by C. F. Sanford for December, which completed the first. year's existence. Each subsequent meeting has been held at the home of some member. The largest attendance in 1912 was at the home of T. H. Orcutt and in.1913 at Houstonia farm. During this time the club. has been addressed by some thirty prominent agricultural instructors on topics relative to agriculturai interests.

It is interesting to note that at the first meeting of the club at the homes there were present some thirty-five members whose means of transportation was the faithful old horse and carriage - there was, in fact, but one automobile among the members and that was sent to the station to meet the speaker of the day. Three years from that time there was held another meeting at the Simpson home, when the attendance was about two hundred and sixty persons, who attended in some fifty automobiles and a scant half dozen carriages.

One of the most tremendous advantages of the organization is the bringing together of the men and women of a community for. the exchange of ideas. The club meets on the third Thursday of every month, and each member, in turn, is supposed to act as host or hostess. The club assembles as near noon as possible. A social hour is enjoyed until one o'clock, when dinner is served. The picnic dinner, which is only one of the principal features of the occasion, is spread on the long tables under the large tent owned by the club. The club has its own dishes and silver, which, with the tables and tent, are taken care of by a member, who is centrally located in London.

Any special holiday,-as Washington's birthday, St. Patrick's day, Flag day, etc., are carefully observed in the decorations. One can infer from the facts just given that the club is up-to-date in every respect. It numbers among its members not only the active, but also the retired farmer, not only the landowner, but the tenant as well. It was indeed organized for the betterment of mankind.

-A program is prepared by a well-chosen committee several weeks in advance. Music comes first, either vocal or instrumental, for most farm houses have a piano, organ or phonograph. This is followed by the secretary's report of the previous meeting. At each meeting some member gives a paper on current events, and this has been one of the most interesting program numbers, covering the main issues of the day.

Frequently an extension worker has been obtained to address the club at the state's expense. At other times noted political speakers have filled a place on the program. No club meeting is complete unless a lady member reads a paper or gives a talk on home economics, choosing any topic that suits her fancy. The reading of papers is usually foliowed by an informal discussion of the subject under consideration, after which there _is more music and general conversation while the atmosphere is full of uplift and one cannot fail to catch the inspiration that will lighten labor for many a day. It was a revelation recently to the male faction, when the president asked the ladies of the club to take charge of the March meeting. " year this was an occasion of much unusual interest that they merit this concession to convention. Without doubt it will became an established custom to set aside one meeting of the year when the ladies of the club will have entire charge, not only of the culinary but the literary part of the program. It is also desired that one month be dedicated to the celebration of club daughters' day. The farm women and daughters can do much along the line of the betterment of rural conditions. Some members of the Farmers' Club are far-sighted enough to believe that the woman's point of view is not only Worth while. but that it is essential in many lines of public welfare.

While the main object of the society is the promotion of agricultural knowledge and the intellectual and social advancement of its members, the greatest thing that results from the club meetings is the closer relationship among the farmers. Also to boost home. enterprise and everything that is for the betterment of the farmer and his interests.

'abe last great work of this culb is tie August meeting, which is made an open meeting for every one in the county, whether a member of the club or not. It is a general booster for the county, and everyone is cordially invited to attend and assist in the success of this undertaking. The first meeting of this kind was held on August 17, 1915, at the Houston athletic grounds. The speakers of the day were Governor Willis, Senator Harding, Congressman S. D. Foss and several other noteworthies. This meeting was such a decided success that its future is assured.

The officers for 1915 are: President, Charles C. Hankinson; vice-president, Berthier Lohr; secretary, Arnett Harbage; treasurer, J. B. Van Wagener; executive committee, Frank Jones, W. H. Laird, Lewis Hunter, Charles A. Wilson, W. H. Sidner.

Canaan Grange No. 857 was first organized on May 5, 1874. No records, only the charter, can be found on which to base a history of this grange from the time of its organization until it was reorganized, on March 2, 1898. The officers after reorganization were as follow: Master, Frank Latham; overseer, John Robinson; lecturer, George Ruhlen; steward, I. H. Warner; assistant. steward, J. B. Cutler; chaplain, S. H. Ruhlen; treasurer, John Scott; secretary, S. M. Smith; gate keeper, William Michael; ceres, Mrs. S. H. Ruhlen; pomona, Mrs. I. H. Warner; flora, Mrs. S. M. Smith; lady assistant steward, Mrs. John Robinson. There were sixteen charter members and the number of present members is seventy-three. 'The present officers are as follow: Master, George A. Currier; overseer, Marion Fry; lecturer, Dale Powell; steward, Harry A. Marsh; assistant steward, Glenn Powell; chaplain, Mrs. Minta McDowell; treasurer, John Kilbury; secretary, Mrs. Mae Marsh; gate keeper, Mrs. Allie Fry; ceres, Mrs. Ida Kilbury; pomana, Mrs. Susie Ruhlen; flora. Mrs. Nettie Wile; lady assistant steward, Mrs. Evolena Boyer.

A literary program is held each meeting, but when degree work is given the program is omitted. A team for doing degree work was. organized in December, 1918.: Following is the program for 1915: January 5, "A Trip to Washington," Glenn Powell; January 19, installation of officers; February 4, a report of the anti-saloon league convention: Henry Bowman; February 16, degree work; March 2, degree work; March 16, degree work; April 6, '""The Farm Garden," Charles Converse; "Flora's Relation to the Home," Mrs. Nettie Kile; April 20, "Seed Corn," KE. M. Kilbury; "Reading," Mrs. Florence Latham; May 4, 'What Is a Successful Farmer,' J. A. Snider; a paper, by Mrs. E. M. Kilbury; May 21, degree work; June 4, degree work; June 18, "The Best Hay Crop" Isaac Warner; "What Makes the Eternal Distinction Between Household Work and Drudgery?' Mrs. Evolena Boyer; July 2, "The Farmer's Tool Chest," Henry Bowman; "Home Dietetics," Mrs. Mae Marsh; July 16, ''Principles.of Stock Judging," Glenn Powell; "The Kitchen," Mrs. Henry Bowman; August 6, "Farm Waste,' Marion Fry; "Home Entertainment," Mrs. J. A. Snider; August 20, degree work; September 3, degree work; September 17 "The Agricultural College," William J. Davis; "The School Lunch-Basket," Mrs. J: L.' Converse; October 1, "Our Friends and Foes," Harry A. Marsh; "Important Problems Before Housekeepers," Mrs. Allie Fry; October 15, "The Grange Ginger Jar," committee of three; November 2, "Farm Marketing," J. L. Converse; "Bread Making," Mrs. Charles Converse; November 16, election of officers; December 7, degree work; December 21, "Farm Account Book," George A. Currier ; "Home Baking," Mrs. Isaac H. Warner.

Canaan Grange No. 857 meets in the I. O. O. F. Hall at Plain City. The time of meeting is the first and third Tuesday afternoons of each month during the spring, autumn and winter, and the first and third Friday nights of each month during the summer.

Darby Grange No. 779

No. 779 was organized on the 10th day of April, 1874, at. the Hambleton school house on the Georgesville road. This organization was due, largely, to the efforts of George Durflinger, of West Jefferson, Ohio, who, at that time' was engaged in farming. The pioneer members of this organization are as follow: A. J. Dickerson and wife,. George Durflinger and .wife, Maurice Bradfield and wife, I. H. Hambleton and wife, Michael Billman and wife, S. H, Summers and wife, Thomas Goodson, Joshua Truitt, J. W. Durflinger, Jacob Beers, E. W.. Stoner, Charles Slagle, B. F. Roberts, T. J. Roberts. and George Kellar. After meeting for a few years at the Hambleton school, house, the place of meeting was changed to the old township hall at West Jefferson. Being, unable to retain that room, Grange meetings were held at' the homes of the various members throughout the community.

From 1882 to 1897 the Grange was dormant. During the latter year it was reorganized by O. W. Hale, of Huron county. The membership, at this time, was made up of eleven old and twelve new members, the new members being as follow: Leona Hambleton, D. R. Edwards, C. W. Deem, Mary Deem, H. C. Wilson, Kate Wilson, J. H. Johnson, Mary Johnson, F. B. Biggert, Martha High, S. E. Baker.

On January 10, 1899, Ponoma Grange was organized at West Jefferson by Mr. Shields, of Union county. In August, 1909, this Grange made an. agricultural exhibit at the county fair, and received the blue ribbon as a token of its efforts.

Considering the things for which it stands, and the work it aoes, Darby Grange is regarded as one of the most worthy and beneficial organizations in the community.