Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 32: Sidelights on Madison County History, 1915

Chapter 32: Sidelights on Madison County History

During January and February, 1915, the people of Madison county solicited food and clothing for the impoverished population of war-stricken Belgium and finally collected a carload of supplies for those unfortunate people. The car was shipped from London on 'Tuesday, February 23, 1915, with approximately four hundred dollars' worth of food and clothing. When those in charge of the collecting checked up the ¢contributions they issued a public statement exhibiting the complete list of donors and the amounts given. This list is appended: P. G. Overturf, 50 pounds of flour and 5 pounds of beans, value, $2.20; Foster-Green Company, 11 knit shawls and 7 hoods, value $10; P. A. Lanigan, 6 cans corn, value, 50c.; Miss Behem, Knightstown,. Indiana, 2 suits underwear, value, $1; Mrs. George Le Boutillier, Richmond, Indiana, rice and beans, value, $1; J. H. Chrisman, flour and corn meal, value $2; Mrs. Xerxes Farrar, 12 cans Karo syrup, value, $2.50; B. F. Wildman, 6 caps, 3 shirts, 3 suspenders, 7 pairs baby shoes, 2 bags, etc., value, $3.50; Prof. W. H. Rice, case of canned corn, value, $1.50; London Lodge of Kagles, 2 1-2 bushels of beans, value $10; Mrs. George Shoaf, 2 suits of underwear, value $1.50; Mrs. Clark Sifrit, apron, value, 10c; Mrs. O'Brien, 2 child's dresses, value, 50c.; Mrs. John Ballenger, 3 aprons and 2 suits of underwear, value $2; Mrs. Charles: LeBeau, 1 gown and 1 pair of stockings, value 50c.; Mrs. John Harper, 4 petticoats, value $1; Mrs. Ed McCormack, underwear, value $1; Mrs. P. F. Suver, 2 panties, 2 skirts and 1 apron, value, 75c.; Miss F. Riggin, 1 pair of stockings, value, 10c. ; Mrs. Sam Creamer and Laura Wheeler, stockings, value, 50c.; Mrs. Fred Becker, 2 sacks of corn meal, value, 50c.; Mrs. Sarah K. Robison, 4 sacks of rice and 25 pounds of granulated sugar, value $2.45; Miss Mollie Donahue, corn meal, value, 25c.; Thomas Shea, corn meal, value, 25c.; Mrs. H. W. Gerrard, baby dress, value 50c.; Mrs. W. A. Strain, baby dress, value, 50c.; Mrs. Earl Caldwell, baby dress, value, 50c.; M. S. Murray, case canned corn, value, $2; Lou Coberley, case of canned corn, value, $2; Mrs. Scott Chenoweth, 1 pair of blankets and 1 waist, value, $2.50; Mrs. Reed Chrisman, 1 apron, value, 40c.; Harry Iliff, red hand box, value, $2; Ladies' Aid Society Methodist Episcopal chureh, 40 pairs of stockings and 20 pairs of bloomers, value, $11; Leroy Cornwell, 9 "pairs of stockings and 2 dresses, value, $2.35; Mrs. Leon Lenhart and Mrs. J. C. Hunt, 2 cans of fruit, value, 50c.; Mrs. John Mantle, 4 pairs of stockings and.2 pairs of socks, value, $1.25; The Impromptu Club, Mrs. Harry Barker, chairman, case of hominy, case of beans and case of milk, value, $5; Mrs. Berthier Lobr, 2 aprons, value, 60c.; Miss Grace Vance, stockings, value, $1; W. D. Chenoweth, 20 pounds cured meat, value, $3; Bess Hunter, 1 can corn; Mrs. Mary James and Mrs. Minnie Christy, 2 pairs of stockings, value, 50c.; Mrs. A. M. Workman, 2 pairs of pants, value, 50c.; Mrs. J: A. Long, Mrs. C. T. Jones, Mrs. Walter Bryan and Mrs. J. P. Skinner, 1 pair of blankets and 1 pair of stockings, value. $1.75; John Peard, 1 case of canned corn, value, $2; Mrs. H, M. Chaney and Mrs. C. E. Thomas, 12 baby dresses, value, $3; Mrs. John Mantle, 3 cans fruit, value, 45c.; Dr. E. B. Koontz, malted milk, value, $1.50; Ed. Gillespie. breakfast food, value, 25c.; Mrs. Amos Faught, 1 apron, value, 25c.; the Misses Dooris, 13 cans of hominy and 7 cans of milk, value, $1.65: Frank Jones, beans, 30c.; Ed. Armstrong, clothing, $3; Mrs. George Van Wagener and Miss Jeannette Van Wagener, 19 baby aprons and 6 baby kimonas, $6.25; Lewis, Lewis, Green & Davis, case dried peaches, $7.50; Mrs. dh, RL Warner aud Mrs. R. G. Hornbeck, 5 dresses and 4 skirts, $2.25; Mrs. C. M. Fellows, 1 apron, 35¢c.; Martin Moon, underwear, $1; Ladies' Aid Society Methodist Episcopal church, 20 aprons, $5; Meade Allen, beans, 25c.; Bide-a-Wee Club, 12 pairs of bloomers, $3; East High Street Club, Mrs. C. EB. Gain, president, 11 petticoats, 12 dresses and 7 sewing bags, $12.50; James A. Morrissey, 16 pounds of tobacco, $7.20; Mrs. Fillmore Jackson, 1 dress, 50c.; Rea Chenoweth, 10 bushels rye, $10; Mrs. H. S. Mitchell, chairman, North Ouk Street residents, 21 pairs of bloomers, $10; R. K. Shaw, tomatoes and corn, 30e.; Miss Margaret Farrar, chairman, 11 dresses, $7; R. V. D. Coons, case of corn, $2; Mrs. M. B. Armstrong, 13 pairs of panties, 2 suits of underwear, 5 waists, 2 shirts and 2 dresses, $5.85; Mrs. Fannie F. Clark, 3 aprons, $1; Mrs. R. F. Traphagan, 2 dresses, $1; Mrs. Mary 'Taylor, 2 dresses, $1; Married Ladies' Thimble Club, 40 pairs of stockings, $10; Mrs. Joseph W. Chance, child's gown, 50c.; M. M. Creath, case of tomatoes, $2.50; Twentieth Century Club, Mrs. Robert Moore, president, case of corn and beans, $2.70; Mrs. H. H. Snyder, baby dress, 50c.; G. T. Clark, Sr., cash, $1; Young Ladies' Benevolent Society Presbyterian church, 25 children's dresses, $7.50; E. R. Ebner & Sons, 25 pairs of shoes, $40; Mrs. E. W. Richmond, 50 pounds of meal, $1; G. T. Clark, Jr., 'cash, $1; J. Peetrey Clark, cash, $1; Sodality of St. Patrick's church, London, 4 pairs of drawers, 13 suits of underwear, 59 pair of hose, 2 sweaters and 1 night gown, $18.20; Mrs. William Chenoweth, 2 aprons, 75c.; Mrs. Charles Pringle and Miss Nettie Snyder, 3 aprons, $1; Mrs. J. J. Yerian and Mrs. F. M. Dunn, 2 aprons, 75c.; Miss Belle Coberly, chairman, Ladies' Aid Society, Newport, 50 pounds of rolled oats, $5; Joe A. Gardner, pretzel meal, $38.90; Mrs. Clinton Morse, oat meal and corn meal, $2; H. F. Fauver, 50 pounds of flour, $2.10; London Mill Company, 4 flour barrels, $1.80; Dr. H. J. Sharp, 50 pounds flour, $2.10.

From Plumwood, Arthur Ronemus, chairman - 10 pounds beans, 2 bags salt, 4 boxes rice, 1 can rice, 1 can milk, 1 can tomatoes, 1 can corn, 2 cans salmon, 1 can prunes; Ray McCarty, beans; Guy Long, corn meal, value, $2.55; bacon and pickeled pork. 75¢c.; Frank Nelson, 8 smoked shoulders, $4.50; C. D. Looker, cash, $1; cash, no names, $3.

From West Jefferson - h. W. Johnson, Charles G. High, Farmers' Bank, D. H. Elliott and Sam Webb, $12.50; Myron Silver, Joseph Plimell, Dr. L. E. Evans, C. A. Silver, $15. By John Murray: P. RR. Taylor & Son, $5; L. A. Reason, 50c.; Commercial Bank, $5; J. H. Bidwell, $1; James McDonald, $1; Peter McDonald, $1 - totals, $13.50. John Houk, $1; John H. Brake, 50c.; Leonard Morgan, 50c.; George Hann, 50c.; William Roberts, $1; George W. Shade, 50c.; I. B. Biggert, $1; Joseph Stanton, 50c.; W. H. Smith and A. F. Rice, 75¢e.; Jin) Bradley and M. Hedrick. 50c.; Maybelle Keyser and Frank Wise. 75c.; W. A. Beedle, 50c.; Homer Evans, 50c.; F. L. Wright, O. A. Moulton, J. A. Baer, Alpheus Burrell, Michael Burke, W. W. Byerly, George Baber, E. J. Buckley, H. F. Jackson, 8S. G. Feder, G. G. Remer, John Goldenberger, Jr., J. D. Baber, Dr. A. F. Green, I). S. Busick, F. S. Busick, $9.75; F. A. Moorhead, Myron Johnson, Jesse Byerly, Alfred Pfill, Webster Olney, M. E. Hummell, C. E. Rhodes, William Engelsperger, A. F. Burrell, W. H. Headley, Henry Alder. Rufus E. Tanner, Scott Coe, Harry Hart, J. W. Ayle and yeorge S. Ayle, $6.10; Dallas Deardoff, J. &. Shepherd, Swain. Gregg, S. N. Gunneth, J. H. Johnston, H. W. Goodson, Dr. J. L. Olney. E. J. Fitzgerald, John Holland, James Quinn, M. T. Lacey, Isaiah Shipley, C. S. Smith, William Pennypacker, John T. Silver and J. W. Rector, $13.25; John Murray, 1 barrel flour, $8.40; James McCarty, one-fourth barrel flour, $2; H. W. Brown. one-fourth barrel of flour, $2; Baber Brothers, one-half bushel beans, $2; Mrs. W. E. Haislett, box of groceries, $3; total, $394.20.

Bought with cash donated: Five and one-third bushels of beans, 100 pounds of hominy, two and two-thirds bushels of peas and 6 dozen eans of milk. from Creath's, $32.17 ; 3 sacks corn meal, Creath's, 75c.; 50 pounds flour, J. A. Long, $2.10; sugar barrel to pack salt, 10c.; 59 pairs of shoes and boots, $20; 350 pounds of table salt, H. Barker & Sons, $2.50; 4 dozen cans Karo syrup, 4 dozen cans tomatoes and 6 dozen cans of milk, BE. L. Brennan, $13; 1 sack beans, 153 pounds, J. A. Morrissey, $10; George Killen, drayage to car, $1.

Wild Animals And Reptiles

Throughout the pioneer days of Madison county, the whole region of country embraced in the Scioto valley, was one vast hunting ground. Here nature's herds lived and flourished, but soon after the coming of the white man, they began to avoid his deadly aim and seek a retreat in the deeper fastnesses of the forest. Year after year passed away, until finally the larger animals became extinct in this portion of Ohio, and nothing was left for the huntsman but the smaller and more insignificant game and even that is now a scarce article. Through the assistance of Dr. Jeremiah Converse, the historian has been enabled to gather a brief description of the larger wild animals and reptiles that inhabited Madison county ere the progress of civilization destroyed or drove them from its soil.

The elk had become extinct prior to the occupancy of this country by the whites; but that the prairies of Madison county had shortly before been their grazing ground is evident from the large number of antlers that were found almost everywhere on top of the ground; partly and wholly buried beneath the soil and turned up in broken fragments by the plow. The elk horn in a perfect state of preservation, especially the larger sizes, is a curiosity to persons who have never seen one. The diameter of the . horn to the first prong was usually two or more inches, but where it was attached to the head it often measured from three to four inches. If the pair was perfect with the head of the animal attached, and set upon their points, they would measure from three to four feet in height. Each antler had from five to seven prongs, which were so arranged that when the head and neck were in line with the body, as in the act of running, the largest elk could readily pass through the thickest underbrush with the' greatest ease and without any impediment therefrom. :

Bears were not very numerous but enough were left to remind the settler that ' when bruin made a raid upon the pig sty, his assured rights were to be respected. Their favorite abode was in the timber along the streams. They were not considered a dangerous animal, except when suffering from hunger, their anger aroused, or their cubs in danger; in which case it required great courage and good generalship to effect a safe retreat and thereby avoid a deadly battle. In the fall and winter, the bears were hunted for their meat and skins. Their flesh was rich and savory, while their skins were tanned and used for robes and bed coverings.

he wolves were the pioneers' dreaded enemies and were of two kinds, black and gray. The former was seldom seen, but the latter infested the country in immense packs. The wolf is long legged, with heavy foreshoulders, light hindquarters, very lean and gaunt through the loins, keen eyed, with pointed nose, ears erect and a long bushy tail, usually curled between his hind legs, giving him the appearance of a thievish, sneaking cur.

The first settlers suffered more from the depredations of these animals than from the depredations of all others combined. The wolves made onslaughts upon the sheep, pigs, calves and colts; and often great numbers would congregate under cover of night and attack individuals who happened to be belated, or even whole families whose cabins were isolated from the more thickly settled country. The wolf had a peculiar und distinctive howl, which would be quickly taken up by others and in an incredible short space of time the cries of the pack would be heard in every direction, rapidly concentrating toward one point. The wolf's manner of fighting was quite different from that of the common dog. Instead of grappling with its antagonist, its fighting was done by springing forward, shappipg or cutting with the front teeth, which were very sharp, and then retreating for another opportunity. This method of advance and retreat was rapidly repeated so long as its adversary was within reach; but when their numbers were overpowering, they exhibited a greater boldness and dash, thereby demonstrating their cowardly natures. As the settlements increased, these pests grew beautifully less in number, their destruction having been encouraged through a premium for wolf scalps, offered by the county commissioners during the first seven years of the county's history. In 1838 an immense wolf hunt was organized in the eastern portion of the county, which proved but a slight success, and was the cause of the Rev. Isaac Jones receiving an accidental shot through one of his wrists, which crippled him for life. He had purposed ascending a tree so as to obtain a better view of the animals that were to be gradually hemmed in toward that point and shot by him as they came in sigkt. As a Mr. Pitcher was handing him his rifle ere he got too far up the tree, the weapon was discharged, with the foregoing result. Soon after this event, the wolf disappeared from this region, although old ones occasionally were later seen and dispatched. THE USEFUL DEER.

The beautiful animal known as the red deer was a Godsend to the pioneers. From these harmless inhabitants of the forest, accessible at all times, the early settlers procured most of their meat. Deer were very numerous and more than fifty in one herd have been seen grazing upon the prairie or "stamping flies' beneath the shady groves; but they were usually found in pairs, or half a dozen at most, except when chased by the wolf or dog, at which times large numbers would be aroused from their slumbers and join in the stampede. Not only was the deer valuable as an article of food but its skin, when tanned, served many useful. purposes. The stalwart backwoodsman generally wore a vest and a pair of "buckskin breeches" made from the prepared hides of these animals. In an untanned condition, or rawhide state, it was cut into strips, twisted, then dried in the sun, after which it served the purpose of tugs or chains for the settlers' harness; also lines, bridles, mittens, moccasins and other articles used in pioneer life.

Wild hogs were frequently met with, and were more dreaded, perhaps, than any other of the wild beasts. The genuine wild boar, exasperated by the hunters, was the most terrible gaine of the forest, and the bunt was exciting and dangerous. His attack was too sudden and headlong to be easily turned aside or avoided, and the snap of his tusks, as he sharpened them in his fury, was not pleasant music to the timid or amateur hunter. His tusks are known to have measured over a foot in length, and many desperate fights and. hairbreadth escapes are recounted in connection with this animal. 'The wild hog was not valued for its flesh, but was regarded simply as ii dangerous pest, and hunted mainly to rid the country of his presence.

There were other animals that once inhabited these parts, such as the panther lynx, native wildcat, porcupine, and the like, but these, like the elk, the bear, the wolf and the more valuable deer, have long since become extinct. Even the fox, raccoon, woodchuck. opossum and squirrel, together with many other small animals are growing scarcer year by year under the'ruthiess hunter's vengeance; and the day is not far distant when Madison county will be entirely devoid of the animal as well as the feathery tribes that once infested its forests and prairies. This is not as it should be. The few speciniens that are left ought to be spared, and stringent laws should be passed to protect those innocent dwellers of the forest and prevent their utter extinction.

Passing Of The Snake

Among the venomous reptiles that once endangered life and limb were the racers, copperheads and prairie rattlesnakes. The latter were very numerous, as well as formidable and dangerous. The antidote for their bite, however, grew upon the prairie Jands, and was a kind of herb called by the Indians "rattlesnake weed." The person bitten, by immediately chewing a considerable quantity of the stalk, swallowing the juice and binding the pulpy chewings upon the bitten part, prevented all ill effects that would otherwise result from the bite. It is well that these reptiles no longer exist in this land, and that all such yenomous things disappear before the onward mareh of civilization.

The Blalock Tragedy

Intense excitement was caused in Madison county by a deed of blood which occurred in what is now Canaan township, on the 29th of September, 1822. There lived in the township at thet time a school teacher named Levi Phelps, a man of iSO much influence that, upon its erection in 1819, it was, in honor of him, called Phelps township. Near where Mathias Slyh's farm later was located resided George Blalock and family, and with them lived a Miss Sallie Whitney and Levi Francis. It became the current report that Blalock and this woman were living together as man and wife, although not married. At that time, the settlements were quite scattered, and the settlers became quickly excited at any offense against the morals of the community, deeming inmmediate justice the best and cheapest punishment under the circumstances. So it appears that this case so shocked the early residents of that portion of the county that many thought it expedient to put a stop to such licentious conduct. A meeting was held and it was determined to notify Blalock that if he continued any longer such an immoral example to the settlement, he would be treated to a coat of tar and feathers and driven from the community. Blalock was either innocent or defiant, as he paid no attention to the threat.

Early one morning, John Kilgore went to Jonathan Alder and invited him to join a crowd then assembled, whose object was the expulsion of those sinners against the fair name of the neighborhood. Mr. Alder declined taking any part in the affair, and warned Mr. Kilgore that such a proceeding was illegal and dangerous; that, although Blalock was considered a coward, Mr. Francis was not, but, on the contrary, was a man who would most surely resist any demonstration of the kind. So strongly did Mr. Alder represent the danger and illegality of the movement that Mr. Kilgore concluded to have nothing to do with it. and urged Mr. Alder to go with him to the meeting and persuade the others to abandon the project. To this Mr. Alder consented, and on the way there an owl flew down from a tree aud lit upon the road in front of them. Mr. Alder, true to his Indian education, immediately exclaimed, "That is a bad omen, and means trouble!' He, however, went to the meeting, and probably would have succeeded in breaking up the raid had it not been for the influence of Tevi Phelps, who was determined that Mr. Alder's advice should not be followed. Denouncing the latter bitterly, he wound up his harangue by intimating his willingness to assist in putting Mr. Alder's head under the fence and leave him there twenty-four hours, as a punishment for what he considered his officiousness in trying to prevent the execution of the proposed scheme.

Patterson, Isaac Jobnson, Stephen Cary, Caleb Strawbridge, Arnold Fuller, David Garton and others, whose names are not a matter of the older record, marched to the house where Blalock lived. As the fates would have it, neither of the men were at home, and the party retired. A week later another visit was made, which resulted in a bloody tragedy that filled the community with horror. Attempting to force the door, they were warned by the inmates that any farther trespass would be dangerous; but, persisting in their efforts to gain an entrancé, a gun was thrust through the halfopen door and discharged, instantly killing Isaac Johnson. A few moments later, another shot was fired from the house, mortally wounding Stephen Cary, whereupon the attacking party fled. Mr. Cary was attended by Doctor Wetmore, of Worthington, but died on the following day. Blalock and Francis were arrested and lodged in the Madison county jail, at London. On the 25th of November, 1822, they were . indicted by the grand jury for willful and malicious murder, and arraigned before Hon. John A. McDowell, who was then the presiding judge, while Hon. Caleb Atwater was prosecuting attorney. They pleaded not guilty, and elected to be tried by the supreme court. At the July session of the latter tribunal, in 1823, they were tried and acquitted. Thus ended one of the saddest scenes in the history of Madison county, a tragedy that cast its gloom over a whole community, that, prior to its enactment, was peaceful and happy. All of the actors in this tragic affair long ago have gone to their final account and the story, which, for years was familiar to everyone then residing in the county, is today remembered only as a fading dream; but it is known that the name of Phelps became so odious to the residents of the township that the title of the township was changed to Canaan, a word suggestive of joy, happiness and plenty.

Mound Builders

Beginning in the southern portion of Madison ccunty, there is a chain of mounds extending to its northern limits, although with no apparent connection in location or size. It is, however, evident that all excepting one belong to the sepulchral order of mounds, as their construction is exactly alike. The largest of the burial mounds is located in Oak Run township, on an elevation overlooking the beautiful valley of Deer creek. It is about two hundred and forty feet around the base, and twelve feet in height, circular in form and gradually tapering toward the summit. In January, 1881, it was opened to a depth of six or eight feet by Mathew Rea and Thomas Roby, who found the remains of two skeletons, the skulls being the only portions in a fair state of preservation. Nothing else was discovered there, the different layers of burnt clay, charcoal and ashes, being the same as in all sepulchral mounds. 'This mound, doubtless, originally was several feet higher than it is today, and the view to be obtained from its summit is such an excellent one, that it is probable it was also used as a mound of observation.

There are two small mounds in Union township, northwest of the mound above referred to, but the plow has so nearly obliterated all evidences of these once sacred spots that little remains to attract the attention of the casual observer. Neither of these mounds have ever been large, not more than from three to five feet in height and thirty-five feet in diameter. With the exception of the common evidences poi to burial mounds, nothing has heen discovered in either. The cause of this was perhaps, the absence of care in opening them, or that atmospheric influences had oe pletely destroyed whatever remains may have been buried therein, their diminutive size affording little or no protection against the ravages of time.

Southeast of the mound in Oak Run township, in Pleasant township, is the remains of what was once a burial mound. It evidently was once of good size, but for many years the leveling process has gone on until its once beautiful symmetrical proportions have disappeared. Located in a cultivated field on the east bank of Deer creek it now appears as a large hillock sloping gradually in every direction. There is also a smali mound near the western line of Pleasant township.

One of the handsomest mounds in Madison county is on the east side of Little Darby, about one mile southwest of Jefferson. It stands a few hundred yards from the banks of the stream, is about two hundred feet around the base, and ten feet high. Still following the meanderings of Little Darby, northwest of Jefferson, there are four small mounds. When the first was opened a whole skeleton was taken out and the remains of others were discovered. Some distance northwest of this one, but on the opposite bank of Little Darby, are three similar mounds all being about five feet in height, and thirty-five feet in diameter. These are all in Jefferson township. They have been dug into by different parties and in one was found a copper needle -and three slate ornaments nicely polished, with holes drilled through them by which they were suspended, fastened or made convenient for whatever use their owners put them to. It is said that quite a large mound existed at an early day in the southern portion of Deer Creek township, but that a Mr. Ewing scraped it down and erected his residence upon its side. Another burial mound is located on the north bank of Big Darby, about one mile northwest of Plain City, and as this territory originally belonged to Madison county it will be proper to mention it briefly here. It was originally about the same size of the larger mound in Jefferson township, but is much smaller today. In 1848, a society called '"'the Rectifiers,' was organized in Plain City, the object of which was the improvement of morals, the advancement of education, benevolence and institutions of charity, and the development of archaeological history. In 1850, the society opened this mound from which they took the remains of some skeletons. The thigh bones were very massive, while the jaw bones were sufficiently large to slip over the face of the ordinary man, demonstrating that the beings to whom they belonged must have been of extraordinary size and proportions. The teeth were found in an almost perfect state of preservation, and belonged to persons of full growth and well-developed maturity. It is not understood that there was anything else of interest found here but this, like all the other burial mounds, bore the same evidence of the prehisturie age.

The largest mound in Madison county, and one of the largest in Ohio, is classed under the head of "temple mound," is oval in shape, six hundred feet around the base and about twenty-five feet in height. Located upon an elevated ridge in the southeast corner of Monroe township, it overlooks the valley formed by the junction of Spring Fork and Little Darby, the view from its summit being a charming one. Like all temple mounds, it has an unfinished appearance, and presents evidences of steps or inclined planes leading to the top. It is the supposition among archaeologists that this class of mounds, which are not numerous, were surmounted by wooden structures, all traces of which had disappeared long prior to the coming of the white race. During the pioneer days of Ohio the vicinity of this mound was a favorite camping ground by the Indians and it is said that they used the mound for burial purposes. In after years, when the whites had possessed and settled upon these lands the Indians often returned to this spot made sacred as the resting place of their loved ones. Here it was that Tobias Bright shot in cold blood an Indian named Nicholas Monhem, in 1810, which deed created great excitement among the Indians, almost leading to a collision with the whites. Thus it will be seen that this mound which was constructed by one race, way "back in the bygone time, lost 'mid the rubbish of forgotten things," became one of the favorite spots of their successors.

From the foregoing the reader can glean the knowledge that Madison county, with its silent: monuments everywhere spread before wondering eyes, like the everlasting rocks that point the geologist to the past history of the globe, can truly lay claim to being called historic ground. Can it be that these people, becoming very numerous, living in affluence upon the golden riches of the soil, vain in their superiority of knowledge, bigoted in their religious superstitions, effeminate aud weakened in long security, have met the same fate as the Roman Empire, when barbarians of athletic proportions and warlike prowess swept down from the north, laying vandal hands upon accumulations of art gathered in past centuries? 'The people were annihilated or driven farther toward the south; their works, all that could be destroyed, were destroyed, and the country allowed to grow up again in its primitive wildness, furnishing hunting grounds for the American Indians. They in turn were driven out by the more powerful white race wbich now dwells therein, giving to the present generation the Madison county of today, with her well-tilled farms, her schools and churches, her towns and villages, and her railroad and telegrahpic communications with every portion of the civilized world.

London Penitentiary Farm

When the "powers-that-be' in the state of Ohio decided to further experiment with the honor system in regard to prisoners at the state penitentiary, they gave evidence of the awakening of public consciousness to the duty that the state owes even to the inmates of her penal institutions. And when those "powers" purchased one thousand five hundred acres of Madison county farm land to use in this experiment they evidenced even greater foresight.

Two years ago there were many idle prisoners in the state penitentiary. There was no work for them to do. Those who were life-term men were kept in close' confinement, others were put at work when work was to be had. But the state wanted them all to be producers - it would be beneficial to them and to the state. Hence the commission appointed by the governor began the search for a suitable sité for a new prison farm. with the possibility of locating on it the entire penitentiary plant when the opportunity presented itself.

'This commission, after carefully investigating every prospect, decided to buy the cne thousand five hundred acres, belonging to John Hllsworth, of London, which was located on the Springfield pike. This land was practically virgin soil and an ideal spot on which to build a model farm and prison plant. It was a great expanse of land, only three hundred acres of which had ever been cultivated. Such a field of operations gave a wonderful opportunity to the state to show what could be done by the use of so-called ''unskilled" prison labor.

Faced Enormous Task

P. C. Herron was the man selected to superintend the work. His experience on the state experimental farm had fitted him for the place and with C. P. Noggle as foreman, the work was started. These two men faced an enormous task - that of cultivating the three hundred acres .of tilled land and of clearing timber from the uncultivated portions so that it could be made productive. To do this meant that men would be needed and men meant adequate accommodations.

Hence the first need was that of buildings. The state sent to the farm about twenty-five men. who were housed in tents during the summer. These men went to the work of farming the land which could be farmed and also looked after the cattle, which were at once put on pasture to provide an immediate income on the investment.

As soon as possible a dormitory was planned and after the usual red tape which surrounds political projects had been unwound, the building was completed. It is one hundred and ninety-two by forty-one feet, one story in height, with a basement, and is divided into five sections. At the rear is the enormous kitchen, where a great wood range, presided over by a competent chef, yields "three square meals" a day for the hungry workmen. These men, fifty-one at present (1915) on the farm, eat in a large, uiry dining room next to the kitchen. The tables are kept neat and clean and the table ware, while not expensive, is neat and serviceable.

In front of the dining room is the reading room and barber shop. Here the men gather in the evening and enjoy newspapers and magazives und a "good night" pipe. Just forward of this room is the sleeping room. Here are four rows of neat iron beds, one hundred in all, each provided with clean bedclothes made in the shops of other state institutions and as good as could be purchased anywhere. Hooks and racks for clothing are plentiful and benches and chairs are sufficiently in evidence to give the necessary comfort. The front of the building is used as an office and store room.

This building, while regarded as temporary, is complete in every way. Toilets and baths are being installed in the basements, running water will be provided, electric lights are in place in every room and the whole dormitory is heated by a steam furnace. Such accommodations are in every way superior to the cell blocks in the typical penitentiary and who can believe that the men do not appreciate the opportunity granted them to live in such surroundings?

Plans For Extension

The plans for furtherance of the farm project are indeed extensive. Some may be inclined to believe that, with fifty-one men at work every day, supervised by competent and experienced farmers, the entire one thousand five hundred acres should be at the bearing stuge of cultivation. Do not be misled by mere numbers. A trip to the farm wil! scon convince the most skeptical that wonders have already been accomplished and all doubt as to the practicability of the scheme will vanish.

Although there are fifty-one working men on the farm, it must not be supposed that all are engaged in farming. In order to care for these fifty-one men and for the products of the three hundred acres under cultivation more buildings were needed. Hence wells were dug, a pumping station installed and a twenty thousand gallon. water tank erected. Next work began on a tool and grain shed, one hundred and sixty by twenty-four feet, to house all farm implements and all grain not shipped from the farm. The horse and cow barn, one hundred and seventy by thirty-six feet, is now being rushed to completion.

The farm has now on hand about thirty cows which are furnishing milk. Part of this milk is used by the laborers and the remainder fed to the young calves which are being raised to enlarge the herd. In a short time the dairy herd will be increased to about fifty cows and consequently it is planned to erect a large and modern milk house. This will be equipped with a cream separator and enough butter sent to the creamery to provide butter for the farm. Any extra butter will be shipped to other state institutions needing it. There also are large hog houses and a complete poultry plant. These things are necessary if the efficiency of the farm is to be up to standard. Then, too, it is necessary to clear several hundred acres of timber land and for this purpose a large saw-mill has been erected and will begin operations in a short time. Just now with all the building that is going on, the farm is short of men and another

Profit From Cattle

There are several hundred acres of fertile pasture on the farm and at present the state has about one hundred cattle fattening on grass. More are being purchased from time to time and the Holstein herd used for dairying is being increased as fast as is necessary. In 1914 the state had two hundred and fifty-eight eattle on the farm which yielded a profit of six thousand dollars and it is expected that a great deal more will be obtained.

The products of the farm in excess of the amount needed for food and running expenses will be shipped to the various state institutions in return for articles produced there. This system of co-operstion between the many state institutions is proving a great factor in efficiency. For instance, the state reformatory, at Mansfield, supplies the London prison farm with all the clothing needed and in return receives whatever farm products it requires. Bulletins are issued at intervals showing what is available in each institution for distribution and any institution has but to send a requisition for the articles and they will be sent immediately. In this way the labor of the men in various places goes to provide necessities and comforts for those in other places and the state is saved the expense of buying from outside corporations at advanced prices.

Fears Of Trouble Groundless

There have been many doubts expressed as to the advisability of placing on their honor, men who have been committed to state prisons. It is argued that men are sent to prison to be punished and that placing them on a farm, under no restraint whatever, removes the sting of punishment. Also, it is claimed, that men will not remain on the farm without constant watching.

The record of the state farm at London refutes these arguments. Since prisoners have been on the farm only one has broken his parole and walked away. The men are not guarded - they are sent to the farm to work and are placed on their honor to remain. Their sentences are "indeterminate" under the new law, and if they make good in a year or two on the farm they are in line for an early discharge.

The fact that they are not under guard and that they are in the great out-of-doors 'where each has an equal chance to make good, to make his record show, appeals to the man and he works. He works not listlessly. not as a shirker under compulsion, but as a man who is proud of his ability and eager to prove his worth. The very removal of necessity for routine work gives added pleasure to the out-door labor and the men all show their appreciation.

The prison farm is yet in its infancy. The plans are made which will cover years ef concentrated endeavor, but the start has been made and it is to be hoped that the project will be carried to completion. It is hinted that within a few years the entire penitentiary, shops, factories and all, will be moved to the new farm site. The probable location, in such an event, would be on the Ohio Electric railroad, between London and Summerford.

At present the farm is here and it will be profitable for anyone to go out and see it. Do not expect too much. Go prepared to grasp the entirety of the proposition; go prepared to realize the enormity of the field and the limited basis given the superintendent and his foreman to work on - then you will be ready to praise the efficiency of Mr. Herron and Mr. Noggle and the state carpenter, Mr. Whittaker, for the splendid plant they have begun.

Early Burials

The following incident was related by Mrs. Alice Bastman, whose father, Mr. Finch, had the personal knowledge of the incident. In the early days. there were not nearly so many undertakers as there are at the present time and coffins were quite often not to be had. Very frequently when a person passed away, rough boards were planed off, cut the proper size and nailed together for a casket. Sometimes the lid was fastened on with hinges and nearly always screwed fast when the casket was finally closed. Quite frequently they were covered with white muslin for a child and black paper muslin for an adult, but more often they were without covering. The fine shavings from the planing were used as filling in the bottom to lay the body on and for the pillow.

When Jonathan Alder died they took a tree trunk of sufficient Jength, sawed it lengthwise and scooped or hollowed out the inside with a sort of bent drawing knife to make a hollow large enough for the body to lay in. Then auger holes were bored in the corners and after the body was placed in this rustic casket the top was laid on and fastened down with wooden pins driven into these holes and the body was laid to rest.

Ohio State Fish Hatchery

The Ohio state fishery, three and one-half miles northwest of London, is a place of great interest. Its present superintendent is 'George Morcher, who is a native of Seneca county, but has been in his present position nine years, giving most eminent satisfaction, and showing to the state of Ohio that he is fitted by nature and study for the business of fish culture. Mr. Morcher is in love with his work. He is and has always been both a student and a close observer. Book lore alone, has not made him the successful man that he is, but observation, patience, infinite care, have all contributed. After nine years of thought and labor he has developed the fishery into a place of beauty as well as wonder. Nineteen ponds have been constructed and in them are cropies, black and gray bass and cat fish. From these are hatched yearly as high as five hundred thousand fish, all used by the wardens in stocking the rivers, lakes and ponds of the state. Mr. Morcher is engaged in a great work and enjoys the confidence of the officials and people of Ohio.

Incidents From The Life Of A Pioneer

James Porter, one of the pioneer settlers of Madison county, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, in 1789. In the year 1794 his father removed to Ross county, Ohio. Here the boy grew to manhood during an exciting pioneer period, subject to Indian marauding and raids. He took an active part in the defense of the settlers and soon became a noted scout and woodsman. During the War of 1812 he acted in the capacity of a soldier, scout and dispatch bearer. Owing to his great size - he being six feet six inches tall and weighing from two hundred and seventy-five to three hundred pounds - he was known as "Big Jimmie Porter."

In 1817 Mr. Porter married Elizabeth Kilbourn, of Ross county. They moved to Madison county in 1820 and settled in Union township, in what is now known as the West End. Here he commenced to improve a tract of land consisting of one thousand one hundred acres, which lies mostly south of the present Springfield road. The log eabin in which he went to housekeeping was located on that part of his land which was owned until lately by the heirs of his son, James G. Porter.

In October, 1829, Mr. Porter's wife died, leaving six children in his care. As he could not make satisfactory provision for the care and schooling of his children here, he took them to Ross county and placed them among relatives and friends. After returning to Madison county, he continued to make improvements on his land. He was known as an energetic worker, but he was never too busy but that he could make several trips a year to Ross county to see his children. The distance was fifty miles, but he always took it afoot and covered the distance in one day. He was thought to have known more trails and short cuts through the forests of central Ohio than any man in Madison county.

In 1834, James Porter married Mary . Bradley Tingley, a widow with one child. They went to housekeeping in a house, consisting of two log cabins with an entry he built a two-story log cabin close by. When the cabin was completed, he went to Ross county after his six children. The trip was made with the usual conveyance of the day - a wagon and a team of horses. After the family was reunited and installed in their new home, work went on with renewed energy.

In 1841 Mr. Porter began to collect material for a new house. The framing and dimension lumber was sawed from logs taken from his own land and hauled four miles to the nearest saw-mill; the weather-boarding, finishing lumber and doors were hauled from Dayton, Ohio; the lath and lime for plastering were brought from Springfield, but the brick was burned on the ground close by. The house was completed and ready for occupancy in December, 1842. The event was celebrated at Christmas time by a housewarming and dinner, to which all his. neighbors and friends were invited. This affair lasted for two days. After the house was occupied by his family, he built a barn which, when completed, was one of the largest in Madison county at that time.

James Porter was always interested in public affairs, and especially education. He donated the land for the Garrard school house. This house has long disappeared and has been replaced by a brick building in a different location, being now known as the Oak Run school. In 1844, at his invitation, there was a reunion at his home of the soldiers of the War of 1812. A few of those who attended were, Colonel Brush, Doctor Toland, Jacob Thompson, George Cornwell! and others from Madison and adjoining counties.

In 1850 James Porter was accidentally killed at a house raising. At his death the estate was divided up among his children. By his energy and enterprise he had brought under cultivation between four hundred and five hundred acres of land. The home place came into the ownership of his daughter, Harriet Porter-Coover. This farm was willed by his granddaughter, Bertha Coover, to Madison county as an experiment farm for the advancement of agriculture.

James Porter is given as a typical pioneer, whose energy and enterprise; in connection with his compatriots, Samuel Prugh, Valentine Wilson, Matthew Bonner, Jacob Thompson, James Rankin, Thomas Jones, Coleman Asbury and others, through themselves and their descendants. have built up Madison county from a wilderness and have made it one of the leading counties of Ohio.