Preble County, Ohio - Chapter 15: Preble County Agricultural Society., 1881

Fairs or stock shows, in Preble county, date from a period - to the time. of which the memory of man runneth not back, we are told, and it comes to us in the shape of tradition, that buta few years after this settlement was christened with the name of Eaton, some of our public spirited men originated the idea of having a * show," by which to display their different possessions, in the shape of stock; and at irregular periods of time, gathered together. at some stabie, situated on-a back alley in Eaton, and there pointed out the different points of their respective stock. Some years they would hold two of these shows - one in the spring, and the other in the fall, but generally the time appointed was big muster day, and report says that occasionally the exhibitors would become so enthused with the idea that their displays were better than any one's else, that if they were not able to convince them by argument, they used moral suasion, in the shape of a hickory club. Of course, it was not long until the reputation of these shows spread over the county, and the result was the formation of the agricultural society. Of the various places of holding these displays we are not informed, but among the first was one held at the bam of William Bruce, near Eaton, which was said to be grand! Another was held in a stable near the present site of John Neal's stable, south of the Commercial block in Eaton; but the finest was held at a still later day in the old public church, located near the banks of the raging Seven Mile creek.

At this show there was one stallion named Top Gallant; a milk cow whom the owner had failed to milk for five days, in order to make her appear fat, and four * elm peeler" shoats. This was held in 1849, and such was the success of this year's display, both in attendance and quantity and quality of the display, that the succeeding year an agricultural society was determined to be formed. We thus see that what is now the pride of every citizen of our county, and is one of the largest and most pleasing organizations of our county, sprang from what would scarcely be called a respectable beginning.

'The Preble County Agricultural society was organized on the thirteenth day of April, 185o, under a charter issued by the State. The charter members were Levin T. McCabe, Enoch Taylor, Henry Monfort, Newton Larsh, Jesse Stubbs, Jacob Smith and Peter Shidler. "There are but two of them now living - Levin T. McCabe and Jesse Stubbs. The former took a very active part in the society in its incipiency, and aided its advancement not only by his time, but by his money. He still takes great interest in the fair, and is quite proud of the result of such a small beginning. Mr. Stubbs is still living on the same farm on which heresided when he was chosen one of the managers the first year; he still does all he can to promote the interest of the society, by each year displaying quite a large herd of as fine cattle as are No fair was held this year of any consequence, but at the December meeting of the next year, the following officers were chosen: Enoch Taylor, president; Newton Larsh, vice-president; Daniel Lesh, secretary; W. H. H. B. Miner, treasurer, and Jesse Stubbs, John F. Ireland, John Gray, Peter Shidler and J. B. Stephens, managers. It was decided to postpone the fixing of the time for the first annual exhibition 1 their next meeting in March, at which meeting they proposed adopting a constitution and by-laws. The constitution prepared, submitted and adopted by the society at their March meeting was short, but met all that was required in those early days. It was as follows:

ARTICLE r. This society shall be called the Preble County Agricultural society. ART. 2. The officers of the society shall consist of a president, vicepresident, secretary, treasurer, and five managers, who together shall constitute a board of directors for the general management of the affairs of the society. They shall be elected annually by the members of the society, and hold their offices until their successors are appointed.

ART. 5. A list of the articles for which premiums are to be awarded by the society must be published in a newspaper or on hand-bills, at least one month previous to the day of exhibition.

ART. 6. Allarticles offered for premiums must be owned by persons offering them, or by members of their families; and products of the soil, or manufactured articles must be produced or manufactured within the county or district.

ART.7. Awarding committees of three persons each shall be annually appointed by the board of directors of the society, for finding the different classes of articles offered in competition, and awarding premiums for the same.

ART. 9. Competitors for premiums on crops should be required to have the ground and its produce acurately measured by not less than two disinterested persons, whose statements shall be verified by affidavit.

ART. 10. Premiums on grain and grass crops shall not be awarded for less than one acre, and on root crop, not less than one-fourth of an acre. The whole quantity produced on the amount of land specified shall be measured or weighed - root crops to be estimated by weight (divested of tops) sixty pounds to be considered a bushel, and grain crops to be measured or weighed according to the usual standards; the rules in regard to other crops and productions to be agreed upon by the board of directors of the society.

ART. 11. The annual exhibitions of the society shall be held at Eaton on the third Thursday and Friday of October. The premiums of crops may be awarded at a later period if thought necessary.

This last article was amended in a year or two so that the fair could be held at any time between the first of September and the first day of November.

First. The election of officers of the Preble County Agricultural society, shall be held annually on the last Saturday in December, between the hours of ten o'clock A, M. and three o'clock P. M. of said day, in the town hall of the town of Eaton, after twenty days' previous notice being given by the secretary in the county papers.

Third. There shall be two judges and two clerks of said election, who shall be appointed by the president, and in his absence by the vice-president, and in absence of both, by the members of the society who may be present, by vzva voce; and the said judges and clerks before entering upon their duties, shall first be sworn to the faithful and impartial discharge of the same, as judges and clerks of said election.

Fourth. They shall, after duly counting all the votes cast at said election, certify the result of the same, giving the names of those elected, with the office, to the secretary of the society, whose duty it shall be immediately upon receipt of the same, to forthwith notify them so elected ; and it shall also be his duty to enter the result of all elections upon the minutes of. the board.

Fifth. It shall be the duty of the president to preside at all meetings of the board of directors, and preserve order and promptly put all questions that may be offered by members of the same; and faithfully and impartially discharge all and singular the duties that are incumbent on a president or chairman. And in his absence the vice-president shall preside, and in the absence of both the board shall appoint a president pro tem.

Sixth. The treasurer shall keep a faithful account of all the receipts and expenditures of said society, and before entering upon his office shall give bond to the society with approved security, in the sum of not less than one thousand dollars, or more at the discretion of the board, and do and perform all the duties of a treasurer.

Seventh. The secretary shall make and keep a faithful record of all the proceedings of the society, and do and perform all the duties of a secretary.

Eighth. The-board of directors before entering upon their several duties, shall first be sworn to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of their said offices to the best of their skill and ability ; and any five of whom shall constitute a quorum to transact business. i

Ninth. There shall be four stated meetings of the board in each year. The first shall be on the second Saturday after the meeting of the State board; the second on the second Saturday in March; the third on the second Saturday in June, and the fourth on the second Saturday in November, at which last meeting there shall be an annual settlement of the society, by its officers giving a full statement of the financial condition of the same, which shall be-published as is now required by law. L a == x

Tenth. The treasurer shall pay out no money except upon the order of the president, countersigned by the secretary, and no order shall be given for any claim until said claim is first allowed by the board, except the premiums. awarded by the society, a list of which shall be made out by the secretary, and examined by the board, and placed in the hands of the the treasurer, who shall take a receipt of each person to whom he pays the premium awarded, which receipt upon settlement of his accounts shall be a sufficient voucher for the amount so paid.

Eleventh. The executive committee shall consist of three members of the board, whose duty it shall be to carry into effect all arrangements made by the board for annual exhibition or otherwise, and to fill vacancies that may occur in awarding committees, which committee shall or may be chosen annually.

Twelfth. The vice-president shall act as marshal upon days of annual exhibition, and in case he declines, the executive committee shall appoint.

Thirteenth. The executive committee may call meetings of the board in case it should be deemed necessary, and it shall be the duty of the secretary to notify the members of the board, by written notice, of all meetings at least ten days beforehand.

Fifteenth. Any officer who shall refuse or neglect to take the oath of office after being legally notified of his election, his office shall be declared vacant. :

Sixteenth. Any officer who shall neglect to attend two meetings of the board in succession, his said office shall be declared vacant, if the board see fit so to do.

Seventeenth. The treasurer shall furnish the judges and clerks, on the day of annual election of officers, a list of the members of said society or corporation, which shall be evidence of legal and qualified voters, which list must be alphabetically arranged.

The time for holding their exhibition, according to the constitution, was on the sixteenth and seventeenth of October. The court house was selected as the place for displaying the horticultural portion of the exhibition, and the commons south of town, near the present site of Morgan Huffman's residence, was chosen for the display of stock. The premium list was printed on the large hand-bills, and was considered very large and liberal, still the contents of the horticultural hall could all have been very easily carried in a two-horse wagon, but was thought to be, and in fact was, a very fine display for the first fair. On the commons where the stock was displayed long hitching racks were built, and the stock was tied to them, awaiting their turn to be examined by the judges. No stables or sheds were built for their accommodation, but the owners were expected to look after their own interests, and either take them home in the evening or stand guard over them during the night.

The board, met on the twenty-sixth of April, 1851, and adopted a premium list which amounted in the aggregate to three hundred and eleven dollars. The list embraced premiums on field crops of every description, including corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, tobacco, flaxseed, sweet and Irish potatoes, timothy hay, etc.; also premi. ums on horses from five years old down to a sucking colt. In the department of cattle, no particular class was specified, as it is very questionable if any pure bred cattle were raised in the county at this time. Premiums in the different departments of sheep, hogs, farming implements, mechanical arts, blacksmiths' ware, including a premium of two dollars for best pair of shovel and tongs, shoemakers' and tailors' manufactures, dairy, baking, fruits, embracing a premium of a diploma offered for the "best barrel of unfermented cider to be drunk by the society," also cooperage, poultry, and on various miscellaneous items, including premiums for the best cultivated farms of forty and twenty acres. .

At a meeting of the directors on the twenty-sixth of May, 1851, judges were appointed to award premiums in the different classes. And at a meeting held at the Eaton & Hamilton railroad office, it was ordered that a premium of three dollars be offered for the best bed quilt, the examination of it to be allotted to the committee on dairy products.

From this small beginning has sprung a department that embraces a greater number of entries at the present time than any other, and attracts as much notice, and adds so much to the beauty of the fair as perhaps any other class. At this meeting the following resolution was adopted :

Resolved, That Enoch Taylor, J. B. Stephens and W. H. H. B. Miner be, and they are hereby appointed a committee on behalf of the board, to make all necessary and proper arrangements for the approaching fair; to get up, publish and circulate hand-bills, prepare and have printed diplomas, and such other matter as they may think proper; to prepare cards of exhibitors and exhibited articles, to prepare grounds, buildings, etc., fill all vacancies that may occur in any of the various committees heretofore appointed, as the same may occur either before or after the meeting of the fair; appoint a suitable number of marshals, and make all such other preparations and arrangements for the accommodation of the several departments, including pro_ grammes, etc., as they may consider necessary and proper.

Clerks and marshals were appointed from each township at this meeting, and the following speakers were selected to deliver addresses in tHe afternoon and evening of each day of the fair: James Denniston, David 'Barnet, Samuel Kessler, Jacob Smith, Jesse Paramore, Newton Larsh, Henry Kisling, and J. B. Stephens. Persons were also selected in all the towns in the county 'for the purpose of selling tickets and soliciting membership for the society.

Competition at this first fair was not very strong, and the list of awards not very lengthy, but the writer is informed that Newton Larsh received the first premium on a bull, which history calls the **Penneroyal bull," over whom the poet describes the tall grenadier - since a celebrated lawyer of the Eaton bar - standing guard during the long hours of the night of the first day. Wash. Bruce took a premium on a stallion that was considered then one of the finest in this section of the State. Hardin Bruce received four dollars on a four year old mare, and Peter Shidler was awarded two dollars for the best boar. The fair was a very successful one in every particular, giving general satisfaction. The receipts were sufficient to pay all the premiums offered, and left a small balance in the treasury. The departments all had one or more articles competing for a premium, but the records fail to inform us whether the barrel of cider was furnished for the use of the members of the board.

'Thus closed the first exhibition of the Preble County Agricultural society, and at the regular meeting for the election of officers for the ensuing year, held on the last Saturday of December, 1851, the following officers were chosen: James Denniston, president; J. B. Stephens, vice-president; Pliny M. Crume, secretary; W. H. H. B. Miner, treasurer; and Newton Larsb, Peter Shidler, Jesse Stubbs, Archibald Campbell, and William Ireland, managers.

It was determined to add one more day to the fair this year, making it three instead of two as the year before. The time decided upon was the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth of October. The premiums offered this year were the same as the year before, with some few changes.

_ At a meeting held in April, 1851, the requisitions of competitors on farm crops were decided to be as follows, for the purpose of showing accurately the profits derived or expected to be derived, from the mode of tillage or production, and the expenses and value of the same: First, a statement of the previous crop, and how manured; second, the kind and condition of the soil, and location of the farm; third, the quantity of manure on the crop, the manner of its application, and the quantity and kind of seed used; fourth, the time and manner of preparing the ground: for, and sowing or planting the crop; fifth, a detailed account of the manner and expense of cultivation ; sixth, the actual yield by weight, grain to be weighed by the usual standard - root crops, sixty pounds to be considered a bushel; seventh, the ground and its products to be accurately measured by not less than two disinterested parties, whose statements shall be verified by affidavits.

The applicants for premiums on fat cattle were compelled to furnish particular statements of the manner of feeding, the kind, the quantity, and cost of food, etc. Persons desiring to compete for premiums on milch cows had to first furnish a statement of the food used during the trial, which had to be made for ten successive days, in the months of May, June, or August; also, the age and breed of the cow, and the time of calving, the quantity of milk and butter made during each period of ten days. We thus see that the managers were almost as particular and careful to prevent fraud, and as desirous of general and useful information as they are at the present time, and if each fair would endeavor to improve on its predecessor, as the second did on the first, we would soon arrive at a point bordering on perfection.

.that as the time approached for holding the second annual exhibition, there were one or two persons connected with the association who were possessed with the idea that the knowledge of the manner in which a fair should be conducted, had been transmitted to them and to no one else; consequently, when some measure for the pro- motion of the interests of the society was proposed, it was discovered that there were eight stubborn men and one allwise one, and as a result of this we find the following novel premium offered under the department of "Jacks and Mules":

Resolved, That a premium of three dollars be awarded to the man who really has no interest in promoting the objects of this society; to be decided by the members and others present, and paid by the treasurer, upon the deposit with him of a daguerrotype likeness of the applicant, for the future reference and use of the society.

The archives of the society do not furnish posterity with the valuable information as to who was the fortunate "live man" who received the three dollars; neither can we find, after a dilligent search, any deposit of the *daguerrotype likeness" of the applicants, for the future use anc reference of the society, but we are informed that the resolution had the desired effect, and that the society flourished like the green bay tree for several years subsequently; and allow the writer to suggest right here, that if a premium of a similar kind was offered every few years, experience has taught him that it would obviate a great deal of the contention, bickering and strife for petty prominence in a society intended to promote the interest of bulls and boars.

At a subsequent meeting we find that the clerks, judges, and marshals were appointed, the former 'to be under the control of the secretary, and the latter to obey the president; that the decisions of the awarding committee were decided to be made out in writing, sealed up and handed to the secretary. Also, at the same time they selected the speakers for the ensuing fair, and we notice that they exhibited the same desire for progress in this matter as in every other branch. The large poster for this year states that tne board have secured the following named gentlemen to address the people at the fair: Governor Joseph A. Wright, of Indiana; Hon. Cassius M. Clay, of Kentucky; Colonel Samuel Medary and Professor W. W. Mather, of Columbus, Ohio; and Dr. J. H. Warder, of Cincinnati.

The price of admission was fixed at fifteen cents per day for one person, and families were allowed the privilege of purchasing tickets that would admit the whole flock during one day, for forty cents. Efforts were made to secure the court house, the same as the year before, but on account of court being in session, resort was had to the building situate on Barron street, immediately south of the Eagle hotel, then owned by the vice-president of the society. Rough shelves and benches were erected along the sides of the room, upon which were placed the display of pumpkins, squashes, and big ears of corn; here and there could be seen a bed-quilt and piece of homespun jeans, with a waistcoat, pair of pantaloons, and a pair of woollen socks dangling from nails driven in between the bricks. Conspicuous on the bench devoted to "garden truck," as it was called, was a cucumber fourteen inches in length, which an indiscreet lad, now a prominent dry goods merchant of Eaton, had purloined fron, his mother's garden, and which she had been anxiously saving for seed. We are told that he received ten cents from the society for his public-spiritedness, and a sound flogging from his mother for his indiscretion. The eight acre commons owned by Captain L. T. McCabe, situate on Barron street in Eaton, immediately north of the old white school-house, answered the purpose for the display of stock this year.

No record of awards are come-at-able, and with the exception of an isolated case, we are unable to state who carried: off the red and blue among the stock.

John P. Acton was then as now in the milling business, and had then as now some very fine draught horses, which the society were anxious for him to display, but owing to a press of business, he was unable to enter them in proper time, and happening to drive his mill team past the "commons" on the second day, the judges on horses hailed him, and he hitched his team, unharnessed one of his horses, took him into the fair and received the red ribbon, whereupon he put the harness on him again and went to the country after logs. The fair closed with an address by Colonel Samuel Medary, and the people dispersed to their homes, all delighted with the success of what the year before was considered a very doubtful venture, but which by the success of this year's exhibition was a permanent institution.

Of the the fair of 1853 we have no record, and can not obtain any authentic information. We are told that the officers rented four acres of Cornelius Vanausdal, situate on the east side of the Franklin road leading out of Eaton, and immediately east of the present new school house situate in Eaton. The grounds were fenced in with a high paling fence, which was considered quite an improvement over the old commons. The grounds bore at the time, and retained for a number of years afterward the euphonious name of '' Vanausdal's park." A few temporary buildings were erected for the accommodation of the articles in the horticultural and mechanical departments, several sheds were built for the stock, and a track forty feet in diameter, was laid off, on which to show the horses. It was a great advancement over the year before, and was largely attended during the three days it was held. But one incident can be called to mind concerning this fair, and that was of Rufus Mc- Whinney showing a horse in harness, hitched to an old fashioned gig. It was the first time that a horse had been displayed with any harness on him other than a halter, and attracted considerable attention. So proud was Mr. McWhinney of introducing this new feature at the fair, that, attempting to drive faster than was prudent, in turning one of the very sharp corners of the track, the horse upset his vehicle, threw the driver against the paling fence, and entirely demolished the gig.

The receipts. were ample to meet all the demands of the society, and, we suppose, must have left a handsome balance in the treasury, for in the next year we find the society had taken the advice since given by the lamented Horace Greely, and gone west. At the annual meeting of the members of the society, held in December, 1853, Enoch Taylor was chosen president, G. W. Gaus, secretary, J. P. Brookins, treasurer, Oliver Barbour, O. W. Peck, Archibald Campbell, Henry Harter, Silas Peters, and Ross Conger, managers. It was determined at this meeting to hold the next exhibition at New Paris, Ohio, and it was called a farmers' festival; the time chosen was the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth of October, 1854. A park of four acres, most elegantly fitted up for the occasion, containing four halls for the different classification of articles, and two rings for exhibiting live stock, was donated by the citizens of New Paris, for the use of the society. Addresses were delivered from the public stand on the last day of the fair bv Hon. Abner Haines and General George D. Hendricks. The price of admission to this fair was fixed at one dollar for family tickets, good during the three days, and twenty cents for single admission.

The arrangements which had been made were ample and appropriate, and highly creditable to the enterprising citizens of that pleasant town. There was a large attendance on Thursday, and but for the rain which continued falling during the greater part of the afternoon, the entertainment would have been unusually interesting. Thex display of superior blooded cattle was the finest ever made in this section of country, there being twenty or thirty large bulls, mostly Durham, and about twice as many cows and calves. There were quite a number of horses exhibited, and some remarkably fine ones. But few sheep were on display, but these were of good quality. The swine were only about an average. The poultry display attracted fully as much attention as any other department, there being some fifteen or twenty different varieties. The other departments were all well represented with the exception of the grain and vegetable products, which, owing to the dryness of the season, amounted to comparatively nothing. There was a new feature introduced into this fair which created considerable bad feeling, and of which a great many disapproved. We allude to the negro performances, and "monkey shows." A great many thought that if the society could not stand upon its own merits, without the aid of such extraneous contributions, its existence had better cease; but be the justice of their arguments what they may, we know that thé persons who objected so seriously at that time, now enjoy a good hearty laugh at such performances, as well as the most "hardened sinner" - so much for educating a community. We notice among the premiums that Miss Anna DeGroot received the first "premium - - a set of silver spoons - for the finest equestrian performance, and Miss Sophronia Holderman, the second - a breast pin. The Eaton Register received two dollars for the best specimen of job printing, and Abraham Norris a diploma for the best cut shingles.

In 1855 the officers elected for the ensuing year were, General Felix Marsh, president; L. T. McCabe, vicepresident; G. W. Gaus, secretary; J. P. Brookins, treasurer; John Neal, Jacob May, Joseph Fisher, Silas Peters, and J. H. Stubbs, managers. They determined to purchase grounds, and no longer be under the necessity of renting, and looked at quite a number of tracts that were offered for sale before deciding, but finally purchased, of John Neal, ten acres, situated immediately north of where the present fair ground is. They paid six hundred and eighty-five dollars for it, which was considered rather a large price for a society in its infancy to pay. The ten acres of sward land were enclosed by a tight, substantial board fence. Commodious buildings were erected for exhibition. Stalls and cattle-pens were built, and a well, affording an abundant supply of water, was dug in the center of the grounds. A training track about a quarter of a mile in length was laid off, in the middle of which a lofty flag staff was raised.

On the Saturday after the preparations had been completed a celebration was held on the grounds, at which speeches were made. The Eaton brass band supplied the music, and the Washington guards, under the command of Lieutenant J. J. Hunt, furnished the ornamental portion of the affair. When our rural friends and some good old disciples of Israel discovered a race track as one of the features of the new grounds quite an ado was raised, and they avowed that Satan had certainly gotten a hold on the managers. And one of our county papers, in endeavoring to sooth the pious indignation that thrilled the hearts of some of its contributors, says: "Tt is nothing more than a piece of ground cleared of the. rubbish, and leveled smooth enough to ride over without difficulty." The premium list this year was greatly enlarged, and was much more extensive than formerly, and the board of managers spared no pains to make it agreeable to all. One thousand dollars was advertised as the amount of premiums to be awarded, and the name of Hon. Thomas Corwin was printed in large letters on the bills, stating that he would positively address the people. Opinions differ in reference to the success of this year, some stating that it had never been excelled, while others say it was a miserable failure, compared to what it should have been, considering the unparalleled opportunities offered. Of this, however, we are credibly informed, that in the horse department competition was strong, the display of cattle large, and the superior specimens found in the different halls indicated that the Preble county fair compared favorably with any of the surrounding counties. Hardin Bruce exhibited two fat cattle that were described as truly enormous, and were called the elephants of the show. The ladies' de_ partment was well represented, rich rare and racy. Among the different articles was a chromatic painting - "An Ancient Castle in Ruins" - executed by Miss Julia A. Morgan, which was said to he very fine. There was a very large display of agricultural implements, which attracted a great deal of interest. The ladies' riding match engrossed the attention of every one. ladies entered the list as competitors for the prize. George Medill was one of the judges in this contest, and after a spirited contest Miss Jose Bruce was the happy recipient prize. The Washington guards served as police, and had the entire control of the ground. The Eaton cornet band played sweet strains of music during the entire fair, which added.great enjoyment to the occasion, and the race track was decided not such a terrible immoral

At a meeting held on the twenty-ninth of December, 1855, the following officers were elected: James Denniston, president; R. S. Cunningham, vice-president; Joel

W. Harris, secretary ; James Albert, treasurer; G. D. Clapsaddle, R. Marshall, J. M. Dougherty, S. Brinley, and J. P. Acton, managers. The fair this year was held on the eighth, ninth and tenth of October, and was a grand success. The attendance was acknowledged to have been larger than the year before, the entries far greater, and the receipts consequently greatly increased. The display of flowers this year was very fine, being the first time that any particular attention was paid to this beautiful department. We notice among the premiums that Eli Conger took first premium on the best boar, Dave Suffrans on a fur hat, and John Neal on his "Jolly Ranter" stallion. The writer has not at hand any statement showing the condition of the exchequer, but from the fact that the society continued to pay its premiums in full, we suppose it must have been good.

The annual election for the year 1857 resulted in the re-election of H. W. Dooley, president; Eli Conger, vicepresident: Joel W. Harris, secretary; James Albert, treasurer; Silas Peters, Enoch Taylor, Robert Marshall, Thomas T. Stephens, and J. M. Dougherty, managers. The time for holding the eighth annual fair was set for the fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth of October, and the same premium list as the year before was adopted. The fair this year was not as great a success as the year before, owing to the unfavorable condition of the weather, it raining all day during the first and third days of the fair. The entries were in excess of the previous year, but the attendance not as great. The show of horses was fine, but in the classes of hogs, sheep and cattle, the display was greatly inferior to former exhibitions. H. B. Vanausdal, still retaining his public-spiritidness as displayed in former years, exhibited a pair of Guinea pigs, with a numerous progeny of younglings neatly housed in a tenement of his own manufacture. Mr. E. Wasson received a premium on a monster pumpkin weighing two hundred and two pounds. A jar of sugar, produced from sugar cane, was shown by Mr. Neaff. The receipts this year were about fifteen hundred dollars. The indebtedness of the society, carried over from former years, was four hundred and sixty dollars, and the improvements this year amounted to three hundred dollars, leaving the society in a flourishing condition. Want of space will not permit the writer to go into the details of the fair as we did in the first few that were held, and hereafter we will endeavor to confine ourselves to as brief an outline of each fair as we possibly can.

On December 26th the election of officers was held for the year 1858, and the following were chosen: H. W. Dooley, president; J. M. Dougherty, vice-president; Joel W. Harris, secretary; James Albert, treasurer; and T. F. Stephens, Daniel Payne, David Swartzel, John Mills, and Jacob McKinstry, managers.

This year the time for holding the fair was earlier than ever before, commencing on the twenty-first of September, and continuing four days. The premium list was enlarged, and every inducement offered to make it a success; but owing to the unfavorableness of the season for the growth of fruits and vegetables, and the extreme dullness in all branches of business, it was not such a success as had been anticipated. Not less than three thousand people were in attendance during the last two days, and the whole number of entries aggregated nine hundred and thirty-seven. Of these, two hundred and thirty-six were on horses, sixty-nine on cattle, thirteen on jacks and mules, and fifty-seven on sheep. The display of horses and cattle exceeded any previous years, but the departments of sheep and hogs were still far behind in proportion to other things. The class of buggies and carriages was well filled by the display of J. S. Ortt, and the department of relics and curiosities being for the first time opened, offered fine amusement for those who enjoy antiquated things. Among the various displays was the first copper tea-kettle ever used in Eaton, exhibited by Mrs. Polly McCabe, and was bought by William Bruce, sr, in 1796; an old table cover, said to be two hundred and two years old, was shown by Mrs. Gray. 'The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in H. W. Dooley being chosen president; Eli Conger, vicepresident; P. R. Minor, secretary; J. P. Brookins, treasurer, and E. Taylor, Jos. Walters, R. Marshall, J. H. Kaylor and Thomas F. Stephens, managers.

At a meeting held in August, 1859, judges for the different departments were chosen, and it was resolved that a test be made of the draught horses by pulling. The horticultural society of Eaton was given charge of the floral department and fruit and vegetable halls at the coming fair. It was decided to hold the fair four days, commencing on September 2oth. The weather was fine, and a good attendance was had. The horticultural and floral departments were especially fine, owing to the joint action of the two societies. A balloon ascension was had on the last day, and was 726 thing of the fair. Among the premiums we notice Duel Haries received seven dollars for the fastest trotting horse - time, three minutes and one second. G. D. Clapsaddle took the sweepstakes on bulls, and W. B. Silvers on a boar. J. H. McWhinney received five dollars for the best specimen of plowing three horses abreast, and Ben. Fleming on the best farm wagon. The premium list this year amounted to eight hundred and ninety-eight dollars and thirty cents, and the receipts, two thousand one hundred and seventeen dollars and seventy-two cents. The society paid two hundred dollars for the balloon ascension, and fifty dollars to the secretary. 'The balance left in the treasurer's hands was three hundred and sixtyeight dollars, and twenty-one cents. |

The society held its election this year on Dec. 31st, and chose H. W. Dooley, president; J. M. Daugherty, vicepresident; J. Eastman, secretary; J. P. Brookins, treasurer, and Enoch Taylor Frank McWhinney, J. A. Kaylor, David Patton and S. B. Duffield, managers. At this meeting the time decided for holding the next fair was the eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth and twentyfirst of September, and a committee consisting of David Patton, J. A. Kaylor and J. M. Daugherty, were appointed to look out the best site for a new fair ground, and ascertain what can be obtained for the one now in use. It seems by this, that what but a few years since had been considered a vezy large tract was now entirely too small, and they must advance with the times. The time for holding election for officers was also changed at this meeting to the third day of the fair. Preparations were made to make this fair the most successful one that had ever been held. The balloon ascension had proven such an attractive feature the year before, that the board this year resolved to have two ascensions - one on the third, and the other on the last day of the fair. The horticultural society offered separate premiums, distinct from the agricultural society, and consequently the display in this branch was greatly increased. The best laid plans of men will some time fail, and this year the old adage proved too true. The inclement weather contributed its share towards disappointing the anticipated success, but the principal feature that caused so much dissatisfaction was the failure of the zronant to put in an appearance with his magnificent balloon, till about five o'clock in the afternoon of the last day, when most of the people had left the grounds in not a very good humor. They voted that what was expected to be the most successful exhibition was the most successful "sell." We have not at hand the receipts of this year, but are told that they were in excess of the year before owing to the advertised attraction which did not materialize.

The election for the year 1861 resulted in H. W. Dooley being chosen president; Enoch Taylor, vicepresident; J. Eastman, secretary ; J. P. Brookins, treasurer, and M. Dasher, S. S. Richie, Daniel Payne, David Swartzel and J. P. Acton, managers. The board this year erected a dinning hall on the grounds.

The committee appointed to look for a site for the new grounds, had not yet reported, and nothing was done in the matter for several years. The fair was held on the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth of September, and was not so good as the preceding year, either in attendance or the exhihition of articles, owing, perhaps, partially to the dissatisfaction of the year before, but mostly on account of the excitement of the unpleasantness with our southern brethren - still it was much better than had been expected. The weather the first two days was rainy and gloomy, but on Thursday and Friday it was clear, and the attendance fair insize. The exhibition of stock was on an average, and the horti-

` cultural hall as. usual proved very attractive. The exhibition closed with a drill given by the boy soldiers of this place, after which Father Charles Swain delivered an address. We notice that H. W. Dooley received five dollars for the best essay on wheat, and James Denniston a diploma for the finest display of fruit trees.

The board for the next year consisted of H. W. Dooley, president; J. M. Daugherty, vice-president; John Eastman, secretary; N. B. Stephens, treasurer; M. Disher, Robert Marshall, William Berry and J. P. Acton, managers. The thirteenth annual fair was held on the sixteenth, seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth of September, 1862. The premium list this year was increased, and with the erection of new buildings on the ground, it was hoped to regain their former standing in the county; but as the time for holding the fair approached the outlook was not encouraging, and the prospect poor for having any fair at all, owing to so many of our farmers having enlisted in the army, and those at home at this time did not feel like exerting themselves in any manner except to save the country ; so it was decided to postpone the fair to the next year, continue the same officers and managers, and hold it on the twenty-ninth and thirtieth of September and first and second of October. The weather seemed to frown upon the undertakings of the board in the past, and this year it treated them no more leniently, as it rained a large portion of the time, cutting down the receipts to five hundred and two dollars and fifty cents, causing the board to only pay a per cent. of the premiums offered. Considerable dissatisfaction was caused by this, it being the first time they had not received their full amounts. In comparison with other fairs held in the adjoining counties this year, considering the condition of the county, our fair was in every way creditable.

The managers did not realize all they had hoped, still all the thinking and sensible people were in a great measure satisfied. The board, after paying the obligations of the society that had to be met in full, found they had sufficient left to pay sixty-five cents on the dollar of the premiums offered. It left a balance of twentythree dollars and eighty-two cents in the treasury, smaller than it had ever been, and was rather discouraging.

The same president and vice-president were continued in office, and Isaac S. Morris was chosen treasurer, ifs Albert, secretary, P. McGrew, M. Misher, Benjamin Deardorf, Robert Marshall and J. B. Gentle, managers. This year, for the first time, they rented the ground during the summer months for pasture, and realized enough to pay the interest on their indebtedness.

The fair was again postponed this year. Among the various reasons assigned, the principal were, that many of the patrons were away in the one hundred days' service, and would not return home in time to prepare anything for exhibition, and a great many would not even have time to attend in consequence of the pressure of their fall work; the draught was so severe this year that the exhibition, either cf stock or vegetables, would have been far below that of other years. The officers and managers of the preceding year were continued in office, and this year they resolved to hold the fair on the twenty-sixth, twenty-seventh, twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth of September, 1865. This yeara new fence and buildings were erected, and the grounds cleared of a great many trees. Contrary to the expectations of a great many, the fair was a decided success. The weather being favorable all the week the people were out in large numbers, and on the third day they might have been numbered by thousands.

The horse department surpassed any previous year, likewise the cattle, but the display of hogs and sheep still kept behind. . The ladies department was well filled and the specimens of grain were fine. This year the speed ring was well filled, and attracted a great deal of attention.

ty-five cents, the total receipts aggregating one thousand seven hundred and forty-three dollars and one cent, which, after paying off the indebtedness of the society, left a balance of two hundred and fifty-seven dollars and twenty cents in the treasurer's hands. The election for the year 1866 made some changes in the board, still, however, continuing their worthy president, H. W. Dooley, but electing J. T. Deem vice-president, J. Albert, secretary, Joseph Fisher, treasurer, and Benjamin Deardorf, J. B. Gentle, J. L. Chambers, Thomas F. Stephens, and Eli Conger, managers. This board determined, if possible, to ascertain what their indebtedness was, and instructed the treasurer to find it out, - which was reported to be only one hundred dollars, which they immediately paid off. The old question of selecting new grounds was agitated, and a new committee appointed with that end in view. They reported at the next meeting that they had examined several places, viz: The old "Garrison" Aukerman's farm, east of Eaton, and a tract belonging to James Bruce, but were unable to décide.

After discussing the matter for some time, they enlarged the committee and determined to hold the next fair on the second, third, fourth and fifth of October. At a meeting held in May, 1866, the committee on purchasing ground reported several new tracts, among them that of Mr. James Golliday, southeast of town, which consisted of twenty-three and one-half acres, and could be purchased for three thousand dollars.

'The board, after consulting with the county commissioners, agreed to purchase this tract and have the title placed in the commissioners! hands, and the board should put up the buildings. "They also agreed to purchase twenty acres of Hardin Bruce for three thousand six hundred and ninety-one dollars. They sold the old fair ground, consisting of ten acres, to Mr. Jacob Nation for one hundred and eleven dollars per acre, also four and four-tenths acres of the Bruce tract to Mr. Eli Fisher for six hundred and sixty-one dollars and twentyone cents. They realized one hundred and sixty-eight dollars and twenty-five cents from the sale of the fence around the old grounds and the crops that were sown therein.

New buildings were erected, stables and cattle pens were built, a tract laid off, and the new grounds placed in a very fair condition. The premiums offered in the speed ring were greatly enlarged, although creating some dissatisfaction, and everything was done to make the dedication of the new grounds an entire' success.

About a month before the time for holding the fair it commenced raining, and continued almost incessantly up to the time appointed by the board when the new grounds should be opened. In consequence, a postponement was had until the twenty-third of October, and the result proved that the board were not very good weather prophets. "Tuesday and Wednesday were cool, the latter especially, as a little snow sifted quietly down in the morning and there was a very heavy frost, and on Thursday, and all Thursday night, it rained; still little things like these did not deter the people from turning out in great numbers. Over one thousand three hundred entries were made, and the success of Preble county fairs was an established fact. Over one hundred and fifty entries were made in the horse department; among the cattle quite a number of fine blooded ones were to be seen. 'The raisers of hogs and sheep redeemed themselves and made a fine show. All the other departments were full, and everything passed off to the satisfaction of not only the board but the exhibitors.

The receipts amounted to two thousand two hundred and eighty-four dollars and twenty-five cents, far exceeding any previous year. The-same officers were continued this year by election, and the managers consisted of W. W. Danford, J. B. Gentle, E. Taylor, Joel Simpson, and P. McGrew. The board this year offered premiums for sheep shearing and plowing matches. They raised the admission this year for single admission to fifty cents, which proved so unpopular that they were compelled the next year to change it.

This year they held a fair in the spring, commencing on the thirtieth of May, and continuing two days. Very fair premiums were offered in the different departments of horses, and the venture proved somewhat of a success, leaving a little balance in the treasury.

this year. Two or three new wells were dug on the grounds this year, as the supply of water the year before had been very limited. Quite a number of stalls and sheds were erected, which were also very much needed. The weather was very fine, the attendance good, and everything tended to make this the grandest success so far, in the society's history. About eighteen hundred entries were made, and the total receipts were three thousand two hundred and eighty-six dollars and forty-one cents - quite an increase over tbe year before; still, the board had been so liberal in its offer of premiums, that but a small balance was left after paying. off the claims.

By election the same board were continued in office, and the fair decided to be held in September, commencing on the twenty-second, and continuing four days. The usual rain and cold weather proved no exception this year.. On Tuesday a cold, steady rain set in, and continued until Thursday evening; consequently a "damper" was thrown over everything, and the attendance ve ry small - only six hundred member tickets were sold, and a correspondingly small number of single admission tickets. The number of entries was very small, and taken altogether, the seventeenth year was not much of a success. The total receipts from every source this year only amounted to fifteen hundred and eighty-six dollars, - the total expenditures twelve hundred and sixty-two dollars and ninety-one cents, leaving only three hundred and twenty-three dollars and nine cents with which to pay the premiums awarded, and as a conse- : quence, the board were compelled to "scale" the awards, and settled by paying the enormous sum of seventy dollars in premiums, er; W. A. Swihart, secretary; William Campbell, Daniel Peters, Levi Young, H. B. Vanausdal, W. H. Campbell, J. B. Gentle, Thomas F. Stephens, and J. L. Chambers, managers. This year there was so much dissatisfaction over the amount of premiums paid at the last fair, that the treasurer was ordered to publish a list of all moneys received and paid out by him. It was determined to hold the fair this year on the twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth of September, and October first, and it was a decided success in every particular, not only in entries, which numbered two thousand one hundred and forty, but in attendance, which on Thursday was estimated at seven thousand. The total receipts were three thousand four hundred and ninety-one dollars and fifty-one cents, being larger than ever, and the premium list this year was paid out in full.

We have thus far given a detailed account of nineteen fairs in succession, and scarcity of time and want of space will prevent us going into detail up to the present time. With what we have written, a general idea can be formed of the fairs of this county. Of course, the nearer we approach the present time, the more successful are the undertakings of the board. The subject is necessarily dull and uninteresting, owing to a similarity of the subject matter running through the whole period over which this article extends. Apologies are very seldom allowable, but in the present instance we think it no more than justice to say that the writer has labored under great embarrassments in preparing this chapter, owing to the fact that all of the records of the society, prior to 1859, were burned the preceding year, and he was unable to obtain any data except from a few old fair bills, and what information he could obtain from old settlers and members of the board. Matters of this kind naturally slip from the memory of the most careful person, and in detailing the above incidents, and in giving some of the dates, we possibly may have been in error, but if we have we hope our apology above will cover all such.

In conclusion, we will add but few things concerning the present condition of the society. It has continued to hold, without intermission, a fair every year since 1869. At that time it was considerably in debt, owing to its recent purchase of grounds, and the necessary im- i provement of the same. They erected a large amphitheatre and floral hall a few years since, and in the spring of 1879, when the following board took charge of its affairs, they were about fifteen hundred dollars in debt, and a great many improvements needed: J. N. Lake, president; J. A. Kaylor, vice-president; Frank G. Thompson, secretary; W.C. M. Brookins, treasurer; Phillip Miller, Benjamin Deardorf, H. Maton, Abram Vantrump, M. Disher, D. Bixler, M. Swisher, Henry Miller, Robert Bell, A. Yost, managers. Mr. P. Miller : was given charge of the grounds, and owing to his careful management and untiring industry, they were placed in a condition far superior to what they had ever been before. ;

The fair of this year was a grand success - so decided by every one who attended it; the receipts were good, the entries large, the attendance immense, and the display the finest ever witnessed at any fair. This year, by the good financiering of the board, they were able to place themselves free of debt, and once more commenced on a firm basis. To the energy displayed by Mr. Miller, a great deal of the success of this year's exhibition is due.

The society was fortunate in selecting the present location; the grounds were beautifully situated, and have become valuable. "There may be larger county fair grounds in the State, but none better adapted for holding a county exhibition, and when the water from the flowing wells near Eaton is carried to the grounds, which at the present time is very strongly agitated, we can say, without fear of contradiction, that we will have the nicest grounds in southern Ohio. And now the debt being removed, improved and more appropriate buildings can shortly be erected, and the organization will be in such a position that every member will not only appreciate, but be proud of it, and in the next decade it will become more efficient and consequently more useful and beneficial to the agriculturists, horticulturists, mechanics and stock raisers of Preble county.